Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17411, for William Nunn, North Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE NUMBER
NC Nunn, William W. 17411
Elizabeth

CONTENTS
Page 2

3705.

North Carolina
Elizabath Nunn.
widow of William
who died on the [blank]
of [blank] in the State of N.C.
who was a [blank] in the [crossed out] [blank] commanded[crossed out]
by [crossed out] Captain & priv of the [crossed out] [blank] commanded [crossed out]
by [crossed out] Dragoons in the [blank]
line for 18 Mos
Increased from 187.50

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 462 Dollars 50 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4 day of
March, 1831.

Certificate of Pensions issued the 13 day of
Jany 1857 and sent to
R.W. Young
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
R. W. Young
Semi annual allowance ending Present
Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the [blank]

Recorded by H.E. Robinson Clerk,
Box D, Vol 2 Page 381
Page 3

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the
Act of Congress of the 4th July, 1836.
State of North Carolina
Orange County ss

On this the 24th day of November, in the year of 1838, personally 
appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Court of pleas and
quarter sessions for the aforesaid County, (the same being a "Court of Record,"
Elizabeth Nunn, a resident of the Village of Chapel Hill in the County of
Orange aforesaid, aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to
Law, state that from old age and bodily infirmity she cannot attend Court
to make this Declaration. Therefore makes this Declaration at her own residence
in the Village aforesaid, in order to obtain the benefit of the third
Section of the Act of Congress
of the 4th of July, 1836:

And the said Elizabeth Nunn, Stateth further upon her hand oath,
that she is the widow of the late Captain William Name of the aforesaid
County, and that she has reason to believe and does believe:
That her deceased husband the aforesaid William Nunn, did in the
early part of the year of 1776, as "private of Dragoons" in Captain in Tinnin's company serve a three months tour of duty in the United States 
Service. said tour was called the "Scotch Camp", that Brig. Genl Butler was
the Superior officer. that it was in this tour the Declarant is under the
impression she has heard that man sister Tories under McNeal were made prisoners and deprived of their arms; that in this tour this Declarant understands 
her husband was in a legally organized corps and called into service
by the proper authority.

This tour, this Declarant prove by the affiant Thomas Tate, whose
affidavit is hereto annexed and marked "A." which this declarant
believes to be genuine & true-

2. And the said Elizabeth Nunn widow as aforesaid further declares upon
her said oath, that she has reason to believe, and does believe that her
deceased husband, the aforesaid William Nunn, as Captain of a Company
of Dragoons, did serve a tour in the militia in the United States Service
(by draft she thinks). This tour, as well as this Declarant understands
commenced on or about the first of October, 1778, and ended the first of
March following, that the troops in this tour rendezvoused in Hills=
Page 4

"Hillsboro" in the aforesaid County Salisbury, was at Salisbury & "Black
Swamp" in South Carolina- That her dec'd husband did serve all of said Five months tour,
as Captain of Dragoons and returned and was discharged in the Town of
Hillsboro aforesaid on or about the 1st of March, 1779.

This tour this Declarant proves by William Browning, whose 
affidavit is marked "B" and is hereto annexed &amp; that; that of E Brown Marked "M."
Also, by the affidavit of John Dally, which is marked "C."
Also by chart of Mrs Ellen Bryant marked "D." (said affiant is
Sister to Col. Archibald Lytle) which are annexed hereto- and are
genuine & true as this Declarant believes.

3. And this Declarant further states that she has reason to believe and
does believe, that her deceased husband, William Nunn, aforesaid, as
Captain of "Dragoons", did in the Summer and fall of 1780, serve the
United States in the Militia four months or upwards, as Captain
of a Company of "Dragoons".

That from the lush[?] information this Declarant can get, this [word struck through]
tour, commenced some time in the month of July and
put under General Caswell, but in a few weeks before [Gates's?]
defeat, was placed under Command of that officer, and was [missing portion of document]
him at "Gates' defeat". -Thence retreated to Hillsboro in the aforesaid County of Orange and remained in service as Captain of "Dragoons" untill the 1st of December, when said Captain Hunn was discharged in the Town of Charlotte, and returned home Tour as Captain of Dragoons, 4 months or more.

that in this, as the former tour, my deceased husband was
in legally organised Corps and called into service by competent 
authority. This tour this Declarant proves by the Witness Brittain 
Bowers, whose affidavit is hereto annexed and marked "E"
which with the foregoing affidavits, [word struck through], marked "A ""B" "C", "D", "M"
this Declarant states she believes to genuine and true.

4. And the said Elizabeth, Declarant, as aforesaid further states [upon?]
her said oath, that she has reason to believe and does believe
that her deceased husband the aforesaid Captain William Nunn 
did in the winter and spring of 1781, serve as Captain of a
Company of "Dragoons" in the United States Service, under Major
McClary, in the militia. That said tour as well as this Declarant can [learn?], commenced in the early part of the month of
January 1781, and ended some time in April following-
Page 5

(3)

That in this engagement [crossed out] tour, moment tour, her deceased husband was in the engagement at Guilford Court House as Captain of a Company of
Dragoons, and as such served a tour in the United States Service of
[illegible] Three months, and that in said tour he served in a legally
organized Corps and was called into service by competent authority.
This tour this Declarant proves by the affiant Brittain Bowins whose affidavit is hereto annexed and marked "M". and which
she believes to be genuine & true.

5. This Declarant the aforesaid Elizabeth Nunn, widow as aforesaid,
further sets forth upon her said oath that she has reason to believe and does believe, that on or about the middle of September, 
following, when the Town of Hillsboro in the County aforesaid
was surprised and captured by the Tory forces under Colonel
Fanning, that her deceased husband the aforesaid William Nunn
did as Captain of a Company of Dragoons, (Volunteers) serve the
United States, three months and a half the object of
this service, as this declarant understood was to rescue the
Governor and others, that were made prisoners at that time by
Colonel Fanning.

that in this tour her husband was in a legally organized
Corps, and called into service by competent authority. that 
the Superior officers in this tour were, Colonel Moore,
Colonel Mehone General Butler &amp; others. That her husband
did not return from said tour till the last of December 
following, having served in that tour, in part, near Wilmington.
This tour this affiant proved by the affidavit of William Browning, marked "F" &amp; that of John Dally marked "G"
which affidavits this declarant states she believes to be genuine
and true. (the foregoing tours were before our marriage)
(After we were married)

6. And the said Widow, Elizabeth Nunn, Declarant as aforesaid,
further states upon her said oath, that she has reason to believe &
does believe, that her deceased husband William Nunn aforesaid,
did as Captain of a Company of Dragoons, serve a three months
tour in the militia in the United States Service. said Company
was called out by draft. That said tour commenced but
a short time after our marriage- say the 1 day of November
Page 6

November 1782. and ended on or about the 1st week in February following (this tour this Declarant very well remembers, as 
It was the first after our marriage. 
the company which my deceased husband commanded, met 
preparatory to their marching off at Hillsboro Colonel Oneal &
General Butler, were with the troops.
they were as Declarant has always understood and believes 
at Sandy Creek, Bells Mill on Deep river and Pee Dee.
these troops were called out to suppress the tories.

This tour this Declarant also proved by the Witness John 
Dolly whose affidavit is hereto annexed &amp; marked "H" 
and which affidavit is she believes genuine + true, and she 
further states that said Corps was called into the service by competent
authority. Also that of E. Brewer, marked “N.”

7. This Declarant the said Elizabeth, further states upon her 
said oath that she has reason to believe and does believe that 
her decd husband, the aforesaid William Nunn, did as a Captain 
of a Company of “State Troops,” (Dragoons) some in the militia in the United States service a tour of Six months 
this Company this Declarant thinks was at this time cal [called] 
into the service by Draft that said troops did rendezvous
in the Town of Hillsboro on or about the 1st day of April 
next after our marriage. That after staying a while
in the Town of Hillsboro, she remembers that they were 
marched to the South, and thinks that they were marched off
in company with some Continental troops from Hillsboro.
She remembers it was so hard and understood that said “State 
troops” were stationed a while at Cross Creek, and at 
the Peedee River. said company returned to Hillsboro 
and was there discharged on the last of September, (she thinks
it was) before peace was made.

Of this tour, the second after her marriage with the said William Nunn, 
and his last tour in the Revolutionary War 
she remembers very well. 

This tour this Declarant proves by the witness May 
Harris, whose affidavit is marked “K”. and that of John Dolley, marked "J”. hereto annexed, and which this declarant believes to be genuine & true-- also E Brewer’s marked "O."
Page 7

Marked O[?]

And the Declarant the aforesaid, Elizabeth Nunn, widow, of the
aforesaid Captain William Nunn Decd. does believe that her decd.
husband aforesaid did serve the United States, in the Militia in the
war of the Revolution, as above mentioned.

viz. (Before our marriage)
1st A tour as private of Cavalry militia-- 3 months
2 A tour as Captain of Ditto Ditto--5 months
3 A tour as Capt. " Ditto Ditto--4 do more
4 A tour as Capt. " Ditto Ditto-- 3 months
5 A tour of Capt. " Ditto Ditto-- 3 1/2 do

(After our Marriage)
6. (&1st after our Ms.)[marriage?] Ditto do Ditto 3 months
7. (&2nd do do) Ditto Ditto 6 Ditto
[total] 3" 24 1/2

Viz three months as private of Cavalry or Dragoons and, and Twenty
four months & a half as Captain of Dragoons, and for which
service this Declarant claims a pension

that when her husband served in the Revolutionary war, he lived 
in the neighbourhood of Hillsboro, in the aforesaid County.
That her deceased husband served but two tours, after she and
the said William Nunn were married.

That soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, the aforesaid
Captain Nunn (& family) moved to and settled in the Village of Chapel
Hill in the aforesaid County, where he resided till his death
which took place on 1st day of January 1807.

This Declarant now resides in the Village of Chapel Hill, and has
resided there, since the death of her husband, the aforesaid Captain
William Nunn.

That upon her husband's death, his papers all passed into the hands
of his Administrator David Nunn, who died about 20 years ago,
and knows nothing more of her husband's Revolutionary war papers. She does not remember of hearing or seeing any of his commissions or discharges-- and
does not know whatever become of them; her husband having and
31. years ago.

That this Declarant maiden name was Copeland.
That she was born and raised in the aforesaid County of Orange
Page 8

that she and the aforesaid William Nunn, were lawfully married 
at the residence of her father David Copeland, near Hillsboro'
by John Nichols Esquire, of the Town of Hillsboro' on the Seventeenth day of October, in the year, of seventeen hundred and
Eighty-two.

This Declarant remembers very well the date of the marriage
by the date of the 'license' viz. that her husband the aforesaid William
Nunn and her brother Jno. Copeland went to Hillsboro' on the
day before the marriage and procured from the Clerk of the County
Court, the license on the day next before, she and the aforesaid Captain William
Nunn were married; which circumstance she remembers very distinctly and which confirms her in her recollection, that the rites of
matrimony were solemnized between said William Nunn and herself was on the Seventeenth day of October, One Thousand
Seven hundred and Eighty Two.

This Declarant further set forth upon her said oath, that the
formerly had a "family Bible," that contained a record of all the
births of her children, but that said family Bible is now lost.

this Declarant, nevertheless remembers very well the dates
of the Births of some of her Children - her eldest son she remembers 
[cross-out] whose name was David Nunn, (the same that
was Administrator of her Deceased husband's estate) and was
said [administrator]

David Nunn was born 5th day of August in
"the year of Seventeen hundred and eighty-three."

This Declarant further states upon her said oath, that her Decd husband, 
the aforesaid Captain William Nunn, died on the 1 day
of January in the year of eighteen hundred & Seven.

And that she has remained a widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
/s/ E. Nunn
Sworn and subscribed on the day
and date first above written before me
/s/ J.W. McGee J Peace
Page 9

And I the said Justice do hereby declare my opinion after the
investigation of the matter and after examining the several proofs
hereto annexed that the said William Nunn did serve in the
War of the Revolution, against the common enemy. first three months
as private of Dragoons 2nd. Twenty-four months and a half as
Captain of Dragoons, (inclusive of "State troop") and as alleged by
the Declarant, Elizabeth Nunn, widow of the late Captain William Nunn.

I also further certify, that the aforesaid Declarant, from old
age, and bodily infirmity cannot attend Court to make this Declaration. 
I am persuaded that their marriage was as she sets forth -

I further declare that the aforesaid Elizabeth Nunn is a
woman of truth and veracity.

I[sic] testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this the 24th day of Novem=
-ber, in the year, 1838.
/s/ J.W. Mcgee J Peace (seal)

State of North Carolina
I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter
Sessions for Orange County, certify that there is no file or record of "Marriages" 
in my office- nor any file of "Marriage bonds" of an older date
than 1785, in said office-
I certify that [word crossed-out] Jesse Benton, was Clerk of the
Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Orange in the
year of 1782, and that the marriage license, hereto 
attached & dated 16 day of October 1782 &amp; Signed Jesse Benton, CC is in
the handwriting of the aforesaid Jesse Benton, Clerk, and that
the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine.
I also certify that John Well McGee, is a magistrate as
above &amp; that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine
I also certify that he is one of the Justices of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for the aforesaid County of Orange.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office &amp; Subscribed my name this
the 29 day of November, in the year 1838.
/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 10

V 4127

Elizth Nunn
wid of William
NC
Act July 4 1836

Nov '38
Haw River

A.

Jas. A. Craig
Haw River NC
Page 11

Additional and supplemental evidence in the
the application for pension of Elizabeth Nunn
of Chapel Hill, N.C.
State of North Carolina
Orange County S.S

On this the 17th day of February 1840, personally appeared
before the undersigned one of Justices of the Court of pleas &
quarter sessions for the aforesaid County Elizabeth Nunn, a
resident of the Village of Chapel Hill, in the aforesaid County of
Orange, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to
law deposeth and saith as follows, to wit:
Question by Magistrate. Are you the widow of the late Captain
William Nunn of the aforesaid County of Orange?
Answer. I am
Question. When were you and the aforesaid Captain William
Nunn married, and by whom?-
Answer. We were married at my Father's in the aforesaid
County, on the 17th day of October, in the year of 1782, and
were married by John Nichols, esquire.
Question. Have you any record evidence of your marriage
Answer. I had our marriage license, which was sent to
the Pension office with my Declaration. We had also record 
of our marriage in our "family Bible", but it is now
lost.
Question. Did your deceased husband, Captain William
Nunn serve the United States in the war of the Revolution,
and if so, in what capacity did he serve?
Answer. I have always understood and believe that my
deceased husband, did serve the United States in the war
of the Revolution, first as private of Dragoons and
subsequently as Captain of Dragoon in the Militia &
"State troops".
Question. Have you been able to recollect any
Page 12


(2)
any thing further of your Decd husband's Revolutionary service
either before or after your marriage, than what you
stated originally in your Declaration?
Answer. I have no recollection of any other facts than what
I have already stated.
Question. Have you been enabled to collect any further
testimony in support of your Ded husband's Revolutionary
service, since you made your Declaration?
Answer. I have provided the affidavits of George Halt & Henr
Ringstaff, hereto annexed

Question. Had your Decd husband no discharge nor commission
that you can find or can you account for their absence.
Answer. I have frequently heard my husband speak of his
having a commission as Captain of Dragoons, and my impression is, I have seen his commission in his life time, but
upon his death, his son David was appointed Executor, and
took possession of all my Decd husbands papers. Said Executor
died about 24 years ago, and I do not know what become of said
papers. none were ever returned to me.

Question. Seeing that your Decd husbands Revolutionary papers
were lost, have you taken any step to ascertain whether
your husband's name was to be found upon the muster
or payroll of the North Carolina Continental line at Raleigh?
Answer. I have caused search to be made and am informed
by the Secretary of State, under date of the 22d day of
August last past, that there is in his office no rolls of the
Dragoons who served in the war of the Revolution, nor
is there any rolls of any "State Troops", who served or
enlisted for a shorter time than Nine months

Question. Did your Decd husband ever state that he
served any one tour of a longer period than
Six months?
Page 13

(3)
Answer. Not that I remember of.

Question. From the statement of the Secretary of State, you
are to understand then that neither the Revolutionary
Services of husband, or of any others who served in the
North Carolina Militia or "State troops" for a shorter
period than Nine months, are not to be found on either
the pay or muster rolls ['of the' crossed out] at Raleigh?
Answer. That is my understanding from the Certificate of
the Secretary of State.

Question. Have you been able to procure testimony of
of [sic] any of his companions in arms?
Answer. I have.

Question. Have you been enabled since you made your
Declaration, to procure the evidence of any that served
under your Decd husband?
Answer. I have ['not' crossed out]

Question. When and where did your Decd husband
die?
Answer. He died on the 1st day of January, 1807, in the
Village of Chapel Hill, aforesaid.

Question. How old was Capt. Nunn when he died?
Answer. About Sixty-Three years old.

Question. Have you remained a widow ever since the
death of the aforesaid Captain Nunn?
Answer. I have
And further this Deponent saith not.
/s/ E. Nunn
Sworn and subscribed, the day and
year first above written before me,
/s/ J.B. McDade J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above
Deponent, Elizabeth Nunn, is a woman of truth and
veracity.
/s/ J.B. McDade J. Peace
Page 14

State of North Carolina
Orange County
Court of pleas & quarter Sessions
February Term A.D. 1839.

I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter
Sessions for the aforesaid County, hereby certify, that the foregoing 
Declaration of Elizabeth Nunn, and the proofs in
support thereof, were this day read in open Court, and
were satisfactory to the Court, whereupon it was ordered
by the Court that the Clerk certify the same to the War
Department.

I also certify that there is no record of
marriages kept in this office, but that there is a file of
"Marriage Bonds", and that upon a careful examination
of said file, I find it extends back only to the year of 1785.
and that previous to that date, I find no file or record
whatever of "Marriage Bonds."

I further certify that in this State, Justices of the
peace, are the Judges or Justices of the Court of pleas &
quarter Sessions, (the same being Courts of Records)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office, and Subscribed 
my name this the 27th day of February, 
in the year 1839.
/s/ J. Taylor, CC
Page 15


State of North Carolina Orange County

To any Minister of the Gospel of any denomination regularly called or to any Justice of
Peace of the County aforesaid Greeting
These are to authorize you or either of
you to Solemnize the rites of Matrimony
between William Nunn & Elizabeth Coupland[Copeland]
& to join them together as Man & Wife in
holy Wedlock.
Given at the Clerks Office
the 16th Day Oct 1789
/s/[illegible] CC
Page 16

27th Cong
2. Sept

Petition
of Elizabeth Nunn
for a pension.
1842 Feb. 7, Referred to the
Com. of Pensions

10

W [or M] Graham
Page 17

3703  Sept 24/46
[illegible]
Nunn
Elizabeth Wunn [crossed-out]
May '4/1

E

5
Page 18

Raleigh NC
Compt Office
I William Collins Comptroller of Public
Accounts in and for the State of North 
Carolina, do hereby certify that the name 
of William Nunn appears as Captain of
Light Horse to Wilmington and that
Col James Martin was credited as having
paid the said Capt. Nunn the sum of
Four Pounds Ten Shillings (£4.10) See Book
recently received from the Pension Office
at page 36. Given under my hand and
Seal this 16 day August 1846
/s/ Wm. Collins Compt
Page 19

Pension Office
May 12th.1846.

Sir
I have the honor to return herewith
Mr. Craig's two letters, and to inform you, that
by a rule which is never departed from in the
adjustment of claims in the Office, the rank
of a commissioned officer can be established
only by record or documentary evidence.

In the case of Elizabeth Nunn, Widow
of William Nunn, decd, no proof whatever of her
husband's service as a Captain has been produced
and consequently no increase for that grade of
Service can he granted. The payments made
to the name of William Nunn, as exhibited by the
Comptroller of North Carolina, were it to be 
admitted that they were for the service of claimant's
husband, and that he was the only person by
that name in service, in that State, would not 
cover a period of 6 months, as Captain; but
there is no evidence to identify her as the widow of
that in individual, named in that certificate, or to show in
what rank that service was rendered
Page 20

Mrs. Nunn is now receiving all that 
the proofs on file in her case, will
justify the Department in allowing,
and
she will be required to comply strictly
with the rules, and shew clearly that she
is entitled to an increase before it can be
granted,
I have the honor to be,
Sir, very Respectfully
Your obt. Servant.
/s/ J L. Edwards

Hon. D. M. Barringer,
House of Rep.
Page 21

Ho. of Reps.
May 5. 1846.

Dear Sir,
I have had a consultation with
Mr. Edwards, the Commissioner of Pensions, &
have concluded to send the application
of Mrs. Nunn for an increased pension
to his office for further consideration. It 
is addressed to be [the?] same,
to Congress - but
he will have that objection & hear her
case, or if directed to him specially, I
trust she will succeed - I will send
him all the papers- her certificate
for existing pension with the rest-
As soon as I hear from him you
shall be duly informed- I will
do what I can to further her
desires.

Yours truly
/s/ D.M Barringer

Dr. Jas. A. Craig,
Page 22

[envelope]
5

[postmark] CHAPEL HILL N.C. 16
Doctor James A. Craig

Hillsborough  N C
Page 23

Chapel Hill N.C

Dear Sir-
I understand you have recently
succeeded in getting at Raleigh, "Record proofs" of my
deceased husband William Nunn's being a "Captain of light
horse", in the army of the revolution. I am much gratified
to learn this, as it was this descriptive evidence that has been
required at the Pension office in order to procure me Captain's pay.
A few years ago there were several living that I know of, who
served in the army with my husband, but all are now dead with
the exception of one or two- Thomas Tate, George Halt
John Dolley & Mr. Bowers were acquainted with my husband in
the army, and made proof, as I understand of his service
I am also pleased to hear that the Comptroller of [Raleigh]
furnished you with evidence that there was a five months tour
of militia service in the early part of the war as I had alleged
in my declaration.
Do you know whether Mr. Barringer had my papers
laid before Congress or not? I consented to the persuasion
of some of my neighbours to lay the claim before Congress, your
Counsel, I remember was to let it remain there with the Commissioner
of Pensions, and trust to getting further proofs. As you seem
yet to be of the same opinion. I am perfectly willing that it be
again submitted to the decision of the Comms, and am willing
to abide his decision.
I am sir,
very Respectfully, 
Elizabeth Nunn herXmark

Witness
/s/ E. W. Craig
September 14, 1846
Page 24

State of North Carolina
County of Orange
to wit
On this 8 day of January
1857
personally appeared before me the subscribed
a Justice of the peace in and for said County
Elizabeth Nunn, who after having been duly
sworn, doth depose and say, that she is the
widow of William Nunn, who was a private
and Captain of dragoons in the Military service of the United States during the war of
the revolution, that he served during said
war for several years, and that she now receives
from the Government of the United States, a
pension on account of the services of her
husband as aforesaid, at the rate of one hundred
and eighty seven and half dollars per annum.
That she now makes this declaration, and
returns the annexed pension certificate, for the
purpose of obtaining such increase of pension
or arrearages, as may be found due, under
any act or acts of Congress applicable to
Case.

/s/ Elizabeth Nunn herXmark
Sworn to and subscribed
before me
/s/ J. W. Carr
Page 25

State of North Carolina
Orange County ss.

I Joseph Allison Clerk of the County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for
the County of Orange, as hereby certify
that John W. Carr, when name appears
to the foregoing affidavit, is an acting
Justice of Peace for the County aforesaid
and that full faith and credit is
due to all his official acts as such and
that her foregoing attestation is in due form.
In testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand and affix the seal of my
office at Hillsborough, this 9th day of
January 1852.
/s/ J. Allison C.C.C
Page 26

To the Honorable the Senate & House of
Representatives of the United States.

The Memorial of Elizabeth Nunn of the
Village of Chapel Hill in the State of
North Carolina, widow of the late Captain William Nunn
Respectfully represents to your Honorable body, that some three years since
your Memorialist made a declaration
for Pension under this act Act of 4th July 1836
alledging[sic] in her said Declaration, that
she had good reason to believe & verily
believed that her said husband served
in the War of the Revolution.
1st as a private of Dragoons, a three
months tour of duty in the Militia
in the Spring of 1776 in what was called
the "Scotch Camp"
2nd Subsequently 18 months as Captain of
Dragoons in the Militia service in
[three: crossed out] secondary[?] tours
[of six months each: crossed out]
3rd In the latter part of the War six months
as Capt. of Dragoons in the State troops.
which said several tours of duty are
more fully & at large set forth in the
Declaration aforesaid & which is now
Page 27

on file in the Pension Office.
Your memorialist is 
informed that her application was not 
successful in consequence of her inability to
produce the Original Commissions under which
her said husband rendered the services aforesaid
or because she did not exhibit "Record 
evidence" from the office of the secretary
of State of North Carolina; that the name of
William Nunn was upon the Revolutionary
Rolls of North Carolina, as Captain
of Dragoon in the Militia or State
Troops-

Being persuaded that if this
defect of proof can be satisfactorily accounted
for, the justice, not today, the
generosity of her Country, would gladly
refund[?] to her, (now an aged person)
the benefit of the said act of 4th July
1836, your memorialist will proceed
to assign what she deems ample
reasons for the inability aforesaid.
First she cannot produce the 
commission, because, upon the death of
her said husband which occurred
January 1807, his son David Nunn
as Executor of his Estate, took into his
Page 28

possession all the papers of her husband & upon
the settlement of the Estate in 1809, your memorialist
thinks she recollects having seen the 
commission, but whether they were retained by
the said Executor or were taken by him
son Hugh, she cannot now declare, nor
has she any means of ascertaining, as his
said son David has been dead now 
upwards of 20 years & his brother Hugh removed to the State of Kentucky about the
year 1811. & has also been dead many years.
Your memorialist has caused diligent search
& inquiry to be made for the recovery
of any papers of her deceased husband
but her efforts have been fruitless.

Secondly, she cannot produce any "Record
Evidence" of her husbands service from
the office of Secretary of State of Nath
Carolina, because the said Secretary
has furnished your memorialist with
a certificate which is hereto appended
that there is no registry in his office of
State Troops or Dragoons whose term of
service did not continue for Nine
months by Memorialist husband's
longest tour did not exceed six months
Page 29

these reasons she flatters herself will be altogether
sufficient to account for & supply the
defect of proof before stated-

Your memorialist would in conclusion state
that nary soon after her intermarriage with the said
Capt. Nunn, she settled in the Village of Chapel Hill
the seat of the University of the State, where
she
has resided ever since, that in proof of the 
character which she hath always borne, she has
a certificate signed by all the members
of the Faculty of the University, to 
which she begs leave to refer your Honorable
bodies- (Each of the affiants is
certified to be of lawful age & entitled
to all credit) - better be omitted perhaps)

Your Memorialist trusts that
the misfortune of being unable to bring 
herself within the strict rules prescribed
by the Commissioner of Pensions under 
the act aforesaid, so far from excluding
her from the bounty of her Country, will
elicit the sympathies of generous minds
& serve to recommend her claim to the
favourable consideration of Your Honorable
Bodies.
/s/ E Nunn
Page 30

[reverse side of a handwritten page]

24
Page 31

Chapel Hill January 13th. 1842
Hon. William A Graham.
Sir:
Some three years ago, I made a declaration
for pension under act 4th of July 1836. In my declaration I alleged
what I believed to have been the services performed by my
Decd husband, Captain William Nunn, to wit, in the war of
the Revolution in the early[?] part of the war, a tour of three
months as a private of Dragoons. Subsequently as Captain
of Cavalry adding tours amounting in all to Twenty four
months and a half

The several tours aforesaid have each been proven by 
affiants, who were in the service with my Decd husband
and whose characters have been proven to be good.
my claim was not admitted by the commissioner of Pensions
in consequence of my not being enabled to produce the
Commiss [commissions] under which my Decd husband served, and in the
absence of them, I was requested to show from the records
at Raleigh, that my Decd husband served in the capacity
of Captain as alleged in my Declaration.
I caused inquiry to be made of Mr Hill[?], the Secretary
of State to know of the name of William Nunn was to
be found on the Registry at Raleigh, among those
who served in the war of the Revolution, as Captain
of Cavalry or "State troops"

The Secretary of State in reply-- States, that there is
no roll in his office of those who served in the
Page 32

Cavalry in were of the Revolution, nor of any who
served as "State troops", except those who served as long
as nine months. my husband served in the "State troops", only six months, of which it appears there is

no registry of any that served a shorter periods than nine months.
As to my Decd husbands Revolutionary papers, he did
35 years ago, when all his papers passed into the hands
of David Nunn his son & Enr [Executor] who has been dead upwards
of 25 years; and I know nothing of said papers,
altho diligent search has been made for them.
I have thus acounted[sic] for the absence of the Revolutionary
papers of Capt. Nunn, and by the accompanying letter of
the Secretary of State, it is shown, that there is no rolls
of the Dragoons, and none of the "State troops", that
served but six months in the war of the Revolution

I thought that would have been satisfactory
with the commissioner of pensions, but it is still
required by him as a rule in such cases, that the
Commission or documentary
evidence be furnished.
I have had the evidence of some that served under my husband
H. Ringstaff I remember was one.

The evidence has been procured at different times, as
Supplemental and forward at different times; it may be
it has never all come to hand.
upon recpt of this letter, I must beg the favour of
you to call upon the Commissioner of pensions for
Page 33

my Declaration, examine it; and see if he will not
allow for a part of the Service; I will leave this
discretionary with you altogether as to the amount.

If Mr. Edwards Should, however, not feel willing to
make any allowance I wish you to get all the papers
pertaining to my claim, and lay them before Congress
Mr Waddle of Hillsboro, at my request has drawn
up a memorial for me, which will be forwarded
to you with this letter, together with the certificate
of the Secretary of State, and should you fail
&
to make a compromise with the Commissioner of
pensions please lay all my papers before Congress,
whom I humbly trust will make me some allowance
I remain very truly your friend,
/s/ E Nunn
To the Honor. William A Graham
Washington City
D.C.
Page 34

[pre-printed form with blanks to be filled in]
3.705
North Carolina
Elizabeth Nunn
widow of William
who died on the [blank]
of [blank] in the State of N.C.
who was a Captain in the Compy commanded
by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded
by Col N.C. in the Revolution
for two years

Inscribed on the roll of Fayetteville
at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4 day of
March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of
July 1857 and send to
R.W. Young, Esq.

[illegible] from $462.50

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4 [cut off]
Section the [cut off]

Records by /s/ H.R. Weightman
Book [illegible] Vol. 2.
Page 35

[bifold page]

[left side]

Reported to agent

Let to Hon J.R.J. Daniel
19 March 1844
Letter to J.A. Craig 14 May 1845.
Letter to E.F. Brown 11 Augt 1845

12

[right side]
[pre-printed form with blanks for information to be added]
No. 3705
North Carolina
Elizabeth Nunn
widow of William Nunn
who died on the 1st January 1807
of Orange Co. in the State of N. Carolina
who was a Pr. of Cavy. in the company commanded
by Captain Tinnin
of the regt. commanded
by Gen. Butler
in the [blank]
line for 3 months Pr. Cavalry 12.50
12 [months] Sergt. 60.00
$72.50 [total]

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 72 Dollars 50 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of April
1842 and sent to Hon. W.A. Graham
Senate U.S.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1842 833.75
Semi-annual allowance ending 6 Mar. '63 36.25
$870.00 [total]

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4th 1836,
Section the [cut off]

Recorded by D. Brown
Book C Vol.
Page 36

[bifold page]

[left side]

Refd


37

[right side]
[printed form with spaces for handwritten additions]

North Carolina . 3705.
Elizabeth Nunn
widow of William Nunn
who died on the 1st January 1807
of Orange Co in the State of N.C
who was a Dragoon in the Co. commanded
by Captain Tinnin of the Reg commanded
by Genl Butler in the N.C.
line for 3 mo Dragoon, 7 mo Capt
Dragoon.

Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville
at the rate of 187 Dollars 50 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831.
Increased from $72.50/100

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Octo.
1846 and sent to the
[illegible] Smith, Present

Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannual allowance ending

Increase

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3

Recorded by D.H. Wood Clerk
Book C. Vol 1. Page 18
Page 37

N.C. act 1836-4127
Elizabeth Nunn-Wm
Let to Hon W. A. Graham
January 1841. same
Feby 5. 1842,

35

Act 4 July 1831
Page 38

No. 3705.
Elizabeth Nunn

Let Hon. D. M. Barringer May 12th '46
to same August 12 '46

30

Act 1836.

No. 427   34

Elizabeth Nunn
widow of William
N.C.
Let to Hon W.A. Graham
April 13' 1842

Act. 4 July. 1836
Page 39

21

4127 N.C.
Elizth Nunn, widow
of William act 18
Let to Dr J. A. Craig 29 Jun
1839- Hon R Strange
12 Feby 1840 Same
19 June 1840-
paper sent to Hon
W.A. Graham July 12
1842- see letter [ditto]
Act July 4. 1836
Page 40

[computation: in pounds, shillings, pence]

Elizabeth Nunn
Compt  £7.10.4
9.16
6.12
1.4
3-
20.15
5.8
14.16.6
by Col Martin & 4.10 -
3-
[total] 76.11.10

[another computation on left side]
4.44
76
2664 [subtotal][plus]
3108
33744[total]

14

[another computation on right side]
76.11 [plus?]
7
83 [total]

[other computation of unclear nature]
83
2
60
21
87

Ret made to
Dr. James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills,
N.C.

[written sideways on left side]
150) 1128(8
1100
Page 41

Pension Office
March 19th 1844.

Sir.

I have the honor to return you Mr.
Craig's letter respecting the adjustment of the claim
of Elizabeth Nunn, and to inform you that 
the present state of our business will not admit
of a review of settled claims upon the mere 
Suggestion of an Agent, while so many others are
pending and undetermined, unless new evidence
is filed. But in this case the question is a
narrow one. It is an established rule that the
rank of a commissioned officer can be proved
only by record or documentary evidence &
no such evidence has been adduced in this
case, the service, which the witnesses asserted he
rendered as Captain, was computed by the pay of the highest non commissioned officer. If the records
of the Comptroller's Office at Raleigh shew any payments 
to her husband or any of his company his
Grade would be acknowledged.

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
/s/ J L Edwards

Hon R. J. Daniel
House of Representatives
Page 42

Admit

1. Year 6 months
as Capt. Cavalry
deduct former
payments.

R.W. Young
Present.

This allowance to be
submitted to the
Comm of Pensions
by him [illegible]
as [Dr.?] Young well
distinctly recalled
and
Page 43

as Dr. Young [illegible]
the allowance of
the additional 6
months that I
referred. The
allowance of 1
year & 6 months
as Capt Cavalry.
was allowed
upon consultation
with the Comm of
Pensions.
JLE [James L. Edwards]
Page 44

James L. Edward, Esq.
Pension office.

[left margin]
Apl 4. 1842

[right margin]
Hon. W. A. Graham
[Senator?] N.C.

23 [upside down]
Page 45

Sir
I am authorized by Mrs
Elizabeth Nunn to adjust her
claim to a pension on any
term which I may approve.
Although I am satisfied not
she is entitled to a captains
pay, rather than take the delays
and hazard of passage of a
Bill through Congress, I am
content. not a certificate
may issue to her for the Pension
of a private for two years
service.
Very Respectfully
Your Obed servt
Will. A. Graham
April 4th 1842

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 46

Elizabeth Nunn
N.C
Act 4 July 1836
Admi[?] 18 mos Capt Cav $450
[ditto] 3 Dragoon 12.50
[total] $462.50

per annum. dedg [deducting?]
former payts at
$187.50 per annum
Page 47

Priscilla Meriwether

1838 [faintly written or transferred from another page]
Page 48

Henry County September 26 [illegible]

Hon J L Edwards Comm of Pensions
Sir:
You will permit my Agent, R W Young
Washington DC. to examine the papers on
file in your office upon which a pension
was originally granted to
Yours [truly?]

Priscilla Meriwether
Page 49

[trifold page: Difficult to read]

[left side]
[illegible]
21[?]

[middle and right side]

[illegible]
public

Brigadier General Butler
of
Hillsborough District

[illegible]

[right side]
Page 50

Hillsborough 23 Nov. 1782

Sir
The Complaints against some
of the militia officers of Randolph
County accompanying this are [word crossed out]
[illegible] alarming
me what amen to civil
government [illegible] immediate
measures be taken to reclaim
the Guilty, we know not where
the evil will Extend to
you will therefore sir direct that
Captain York and others concerned
be arrested and tryed [tried] by a County 
[illegible] for the [illegible] which
[illegible] [illegible:disgrace?] officers
and will
[illegible][illegible] and have the proceedings
ready to be handed to me
by the sitting of the assembly
on the 1st of January next
that particular enquiry be made
here[?] Edmund York a draughted
18 [months?] men came to be
[illegible] from marching that if
he was not excused according
law he be taken up as a
deserter and sent to Genl Green
I am with much respect sir your
humble servant
/s/ Genl Butler

Alex Martin 
A. [illegible]
Page 51

4127

Hon. W. Montgomery
HR
Page 52

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States, in Congress assembled
-
The Petition of Elizabeth Nunn of the Village of Chapel Hill, in the
County of Orange and State of North Carolina, respectfully Sheweth:
That your Petitioner is the widow of the late William Nunn of the aforesaid
County who as your Petitioner has reason to believe and does believe, did serve
the United States in the Army of the Revolution, as she set forth in her original Declaration, now on file in the Pension office, Washington City.

Your Petitioner the said Elizabeth, will here briefly state your
Honorable bodies, the Revolutionary service of her Decd husband, the said
William Nunn, as she remember it, and as has been said and understood the
that he served.

First her Deceased husband, the aforesaid William Nunn,
as Private of Dragoons, served a tour in the United States army in the early
part of the Revolutionary war, in what was usually called the "Scotch Camp."
your Petitioner, remembers that her brother John Copeland served also
in this campaign with said William Nunn, under her neighbour Captain
Hugh Tinnin.

your Petitioner the said Elizabeth Nunn, further stateth to
your Honorable bodies, that in about two years after the expiration of
the aforesaid tour, there was a Draught for five months militia men
when the said William Nunn was duly appointed Captain of a Company 
of Militia, that were marched into the State of South Carolina, and
Joined General Rutherford's army; and served out their tour & returned
home, about the time of Ash's defeat
your Petitioner the said Elizabeth further states to your
Honorable bodies. that some time in the early part of the Summer of
the year of 1780, her Deceased husband the aforesaid William Nunn
had command of a Company of Dragoons was first under General Caswell,
and subsequently under General Gates and was in the defeat,
rendezvoused after the defeat, in Hillsboro', and were marched to
Page 53

the western part of the State, Salisbury or Charlotte, and after being under Genl
Caswell and Gates, 6 months. she thinks, returned home.
Your Petitioner the said Elizabeth further states to your Honorable
bodies, that in the winter and spring of the next year, her decd
husband the aforesaid William Nunn, as Captain of Dragoons, was
attached to Cavalry under Major McClary, and was under McClary in
the battle of Guilford Court House.

Your Petitioner the said Elizabeth Nunn widow as aforesaid,
further states that in the fall of the year after the Guilford battle
soon after Col Fanning surprised and captured the Town of Hillsboro
in the County of Orange aforesaid; her decd husband was again
in the United States Service, as Captain of Dragoons, under now Col.
Tinnin, General Butler & others, to rescue the Governor, and the Troops
that had been captured by Fanning: the pursuing troop followed Col.
Fanning to near Wilmington & there remained in service till the close
of the year.

Your Petitioner, the said Elizabeth, further sets forth your
Honorable bodies that some time in the month of November 1782, her
Decd husband the aforesaid William was again as Captain of Dragoons,
in the United States Service, and was marched to the Pee Dee Country
by General Butler & Col McClary were with said troops.

Your Petitioner the said Elizabeth Nunn, Widow
as aforesaid further stateth to your Honorable bodies, that on or about
the 1st of April, of the next year her husband had command of a 
Company in the "State troops" which with some Continental troops were marched
from the Town of Hillsboro in the aforesaid County, were marched to Cross
Creek, and the Pee Dee Country, were stationed at each of the above places
some time: returned home and were discharged a little before Peace
was concluded.

That your Petitioner's husband did die on the 1st day of January
1807 and that your Petitioner has not since intermarried but remains
the widow of the aforesaid William Nunn.
Page 54

Your Petitioner the aforesaid Elizabeth further states that she believes
that all or nearly all of the alleged tours of service rendered by her Decd
husband were proven by those who served in the army with him, or saw him
in the army. The good standing of the several witnesses, your Petitioner
understands were duly certified to and her declaration read before the Court
of Pleas & quarter sessions for the aforesaid County, and approved by the Court.

Your Petitioner as your Honorable bodies will see, alleges that her
deceased husband, the aforesaid William Nunn, did serve a tour of some
three months, as Private of Dragoons," and Twenty-four months and two
weeks" as "Captain of Dragoons".

In compliance with the regulations of
the war department, your Petitioner's character was Certified to by Charles
W. Johnson one of the Justices of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for
said County, and also by Mr. J. Hutchins. And the entire faculty
of the University, (which is at Chapel Hill) joined in recommending
your petitioner's claim to the favourable consideration of the Commissioner
of Pensions, who after investigating her claim, allowed her, an annuity
of only $72.50- as no "record evidence" was then found. But
since that period, "Pay Rolls" of the militia (at least in part) have
been found in the office of the Comptroller of Raleigh, and forwarded
to the Pension office, within a few weeks past, at the request of your
Petitioner, the Comptroller has made further search among his records, and
has found an additional payment of £14.16.6 made to said
William Nunn.

Your Petitioner further state to your Honorable bodies, that
she is in the 85th year of her age has become quite infirm, and has had the
misfortune, within a year or two post, to have lost her sight.

Her original declaration and accompanying proofs now on file in the
Pension office, she solicits may be laid before your Honorable bodies, and
that you will allow such increase of her annuity as in Justice & Equity you
may deem her entitled to in the premises: and your Petitioner as in duty bound
will ever pray &c
Elizabath Nunn herXmark
Witness J.B. McDade
Page 55

I do hereby certify that live neighbour to, and am well acquainted with
the Petitioner Elizabeth Nunn that she is an aged & respectable lady and within
for years past has had the misfortune to lose her sight-

I further certify that the foregoing memorial was carefully read
over to her before signing.
/s/ J B McDade J.P.

Chapel Hill, N.C.
7th April 1846.
State of North Carolina

I Joseph Allison Clerk of the
Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions for Orange County Certify
that James B. McDade whose name appears
to foregoing Memorial is & was at the time
of signing the same an acting Justice of
the peace in and for said County & that
full faith & credit are due to his official
acts as such
Witness Joseph Allison Clerk of
said Court at office in Hillsborough 
this 21 day of April AD 1846
under the seal of said Court
/s/ J. Allison C.C.C

[court sealed attached]

Apl 46 [written on left margin]
Page 56

Eliz. Nunn
Revo Brig[?]
Pension Claim
Page 57

Eliz. Nunn
Pension Claim

In November 1838, Elizabeth Nunn
Declares that she is the widow of Capt.
Wm Nunn, who, in the early part of
1776, served 3 months as Private of 
Dragoons in Capt Tinnin's Company, Brig. Gen.
Butler commanding & also served
a tour as Captain of a Militia Dragoon
Company, commencing about the 1st October
1778, and ending the first of March following. The troops rendezvoused in Hillsborough
Orange County, N.C. and were there discharged
about 1st March, 1779.- Ala in the summer and Fall of 1780, he served as Captain
of Dragoons in the Militia for 4 months or
more commencing in July & remaining in
service to the 1st of Decr. He was first under
Gen. Caswell, then under Gen. Gates, & was in the
define of the latter.-- In the Winter & Spring
of 1781, he served as Captain of Dragoons under Major McClary, of the militia, commencing
early in January, 1781, and ending in
April following, making 3 months. In
the middle of September following when
Hillsborough was captured by the Tories
under Genl Fanning, he served 3 1/2 
months as Captain of Dragoons his object
being to rescue the governor and others then
held captive by said Fanning. These
tours were before her marriage to him. Her said husband
served as Dragoon Captain a 3 months
tour commencing about the 1st November
1782 and ending the next February.
Page 58

Eliz. Nunn
Pension Claim

In November 1838, Elizabeth Nunn
Declares that she is the widow of Capt.
Wm Nunn, who, in the early part of
1776, served 3 months as Private of 
Dragoons in Capt Tinnin's Company, Brig. Gen.
Butler commanding & also served
a tour as Captain of a Militia Dragoon
Company, commencing about the 1st October
1778, and ending the first of March following. The troops rendezvoused in Hillsborough
Orange County, N.C. and were there discharged
about 1st March, 1779.- Ala in the summer and Fall of 1780, he served as Captain
of Dragoons in the Militia for 4 months or
more commencing in July & remaining in
service to the 1st of Decr. He was first under
Gen. Caswell, then under Gen. Gates, & was in the
define[?] of the latter.-- In the Winter & Spring
of 1781, he served as Captain of Dragoons under Major McClary, of the militia, commencing
early in January, 1781, and ending in
April following, making 3 months. In
the middle of September following when
Hillsborough was captured by the Tories
under Genl Fanning, he served 3 1/2 
months as Captain of Dragoons his object
being to rescue the governor and others then
held captive by said Fanning. These
tours were before her marriage to him. Her said husband
served as Dragoon Captain a 3 months
tour commencing about the 1st November
1782 and ending the next February.
Page 59

2

He also as captain of a Company of Dragoons
"State Troops" 6 months commencing about the
1st of April next after her marriage. They rendezvoused
at Hillsborough, marched South with some
Continental troops were in Cross Creek and
Pee Dee, and were discharged at Hillsborough
the September before peace was made. In
all he served 3 months as Private, and 24 ½
Months as Captain of Dragoons. During his
service he lived in the lived in the neighborhood
of Hillsborough, N.C. He died at
Chapel Hill, in the same County, 1st Jany
1807. On his death his papers went into
the hands of David Nunn, his Administrator,
who died about 20 years ago, and she
knows not what became of them. Of his commission,
discharges she knows nothing.
She was married to him on the 17th Oct. 1782.

Evidence
The marriage is admitted before law since.
1. Polly Haris, 87 years old, (in
1838,) during the Revolution resided in
Hillsborough, N.C. In the Summer of
1783 1783[sic].
she remembers seeing Capt. Wm Nunn
in command of a Company of Dragoons, called
"State Troops" in said town. She has understood
that the period of their service was
6 months (Ex K. in Ex A.) She also
remembers that said Capt. Nunn was married
to Claimant in 1782
2. William Bruning, 80 
years old, during the Revolution lived
neighbor to said Capt Wm. Nunn, often
saw him, and knows that he served served[sic]
tours as Captain of Dragoons in the Militia.
Page 60

3 

1778 & 1779 [left hand margin next to first para]

He remembers that in 1778 and 1779 (he understands 
was the date) he served a tour to the
South, and was in Georgia. Saw him when he
set out in his our and when he returned.
Thinks the time lasted 5 months, he is not
Certain.

1781 [left hand margin next to second para]

In 1781, when Hillsborough was taken by
the Tories under Col. McNeil and Fanning,
Nunn was again out as Captain of Dragoons,
and was with those who attempted to rescue the
prisoners there taken. Deponent was one of the
prisoners, and has always understood that
Nunn was then out.  ("B" & "F." Ex A.)

1780 [left hand margin next to third para]

3. Brittain Bowen a U.S. Pensioner, 
during the Revolution was in the service
in the Virginia Continental Line. The Spring
of his enlistment, (in 1780) he was marched
to the relief of Charleston S.C. Before
they arrived, they heard the town had
fallen. In August following he was put under
Gen. Gates, and while in the Cross Roads on[?]
Lynch's Creek, he first became acquainted with
Capt. Wm Nunn, who commanded a
Company of Dragoons. He recollects that it
one of these places Capt. Nunn was sent
to get intelligence towards [illegible]
He saw him on the retreat to Hillsborough
and at the rendezvous then, and remembers
he marched his company to Charlotte and
was there discharged. Thinks this tour
was 4 months or more.

1781 [left hand margin next to fourth para]

In the spring of the next year, a
few days before the battle of Guilford,
remembers seeing said Nunn in command of
Page 61

a company of Dragoons under Major McClary.
On the morning of the battle think they passed
the old field near the Continental line.   Remembers seeing said Nunn in command
Ramsay's Mill, and did not see him in
service afterwards, he [illegible] having been thence
marched to Virginia. Has understood that
Capt. Nunn was a great part of his time
in the service ("E" & "M", Ex A.) 

1778 & 1779  [left hand margin next to paragraph numbered 4]
4.  John Dolly, 84 years old, knows
that Capt. Wm Nunn, with whom he was well
acquainted, was much in service during the
Revolution, as a Captain of Dragoons. In 1778,
1779, there was a draft for 5 months men,
during all which the deponent served as a
private. At Salisbury and a Black Swamp
Capt Nunn commanded a Dragoon company,
and deponent saw him at Hillsborough when
they were all discharged in the spring
following, Capt. Nunn being discharged
with the rest. This tour lasted 5 months.

1781 [left hand margin next to second full paragraph]

In the Fall of 1781, deponent served a
tour, the object of which was to rescue the
Governor and then made prisoner, when
Hillsborough was taken by Col. Fanning. The
troops were at Paris, Raft Swamp Swan &
Little River. Were out from the middle
of September to the last of December 3 ½
month, during all which time said Nunn
Captain of a Dragoon Company.

1782 [left hand margin next to third full paragraph]

In the fall or Winter of 1782 said Num
as Captain of a Light Horse Company, served
a tour under Col.  Wm O'Neal & was on
Sandy Creek, Deep River and Pee Dee.
Deponent was in Hillsborough when the troops
Page 62

5

were discharged, which he thinks was in the latter
part of January, 1783. That tour lasted 3
months.

1781 [left hand margin next to first full paragraph]

In the Summer and fall before peace was
made, said Nunn served a 6 month's tour
in the State Troops, ending, he thinks, early
in the Fall. He saw Capt. Nunn commanding
a Dragoon Company among them in Hillsborough,
and remembers that they were part of their
time at Cross Creek, which, he thinks,
was the place they were marched to. It
was stated that said Nunn served several
other tours during the Revolution, but not
with the deponent. ("C" "H" & "J", Ex. A.)

5. Ellen Bryan during the
Revolution was well acquainted with Capt. Wm.
Nunn. It was reported he served as Captain
of Dragoons. Remembers distinctly hearing
her brother, Col. Archibald Lytle, say
that he was in the battle on
Briar Creek,
as Captain of Dragoons ("D", Ex. A)

1776 [left hand margin next to paragraph numbered 6]

6. Thomas Tate, U.S. Pensioner,
in the early part of the Revolution served
a tour, usually called the "Scotch Camp." In
this tour he saw William Nunn, who was a
Private in Capt. Hugh Tinnin's Dragoon
Company. Thinks it probably he served the
whole tour, which was 3 months, in the Spring
of 1776.
Has understood the said Nunn
was [illegible] a Capt. of Dragoons in this tour,
but not with deponent.  ("A." Ex. A.)

7. Ezekiel Brewer, remembers
that in the Revolution Wm Nunn served
several tours as Captain of Cavalry.

In the fall of 1778 he, as Captain
Page 63

1778 [left hand margin next to partial paragraph]
of Cavalry, served in the South under Col Lytle
In the spring following deponent saw
him in Hillsborough on his return from
that tour, which he thinks was for 5 months.

1782 [left hand margin next to first full paragraph]

He saw said Nunn in command of a
Dragoon Company under Col. Wm. O'Neal in
the Fall of 1782. The troops marched to
Randolph and Deep River, and returned
home in the Winter. Capt. McClary, deponent
remembers, also commanded a company in
this tour, which was for 3 months.

In the spring and Summer before peace
was made he saw said Nunn in command
of a Company of State troops in Hillsborough,
and has always understood they were
marched to Cross Creek and Pee Dee and
that they served 6 months. ("M." "N." & "O" Ex. A.)

8. The Secretary of State of North 
Carolina certifies that he has in his office
no roll of the Dragoons that served in the
Continental line of that State in the Revolutionary war, nor of the "State Troops" or any
"Militia" required to serve less than 9 months.
("L" Ex. A.)

In February, 1840, Elizabeth Nunn
made or Supplemental Declaration in which
the declared that she had frequently
heard her husband speak of having a commission
as Captain of Dragoons, and is under 
the impression she saw his Commission in
his life time, but in his death his papers
went in to the hands of his Executor, and
none were ever returned to her.
Evidence.

9. George Halt, 84 years old, (in 1840.)
Page 64

7

was well acquainted with Capt Wm Nunn, the
claimant's late husband. Recollects that when at
Salisbury the Fall after Gates's defeat (1780)
he saw said Nunn in active service at that
place as Captain of Dragoons, and he 
understands that he served several tours as such
during the Revolution. thinks it was at the
expiration of a 3 month's to that he saw
said Nunn at Salisbury. Understood and 
believes that the said Dragoons had been in Gates's
defeat. ("H" Ex B.)

1781 [left hand margin next to paragraph numbered 10]

10. Henry Ringstaff about the
15th Sept. 1781, volunteered as private of dragoons
in a Company commanded by Capt. Wm Nunn,
which rendezvoused in Hillsborough. the object
was to rescue the governor and thus captured
at said Hillsborough by Fanning and McNeil.
They pursued the Tories to the neighborhood
of Wilmington, were stationed a while at
Minor Bridge and at North East, returned
to Hillsborough and we there discharged by
Capt. Nunn about the last of December,
having been out 3 months and 2 weeks. Col.
O'Neal and Brig. Gen. Butler are in command.

1782 [left hand margin next to the following paragraph]

About the middle of November of
the next year, deponent again entered
the service by draft as private of Dragoons,
under said Capt Nunn, Col. O'Neal and
Gen. Butler. Were stationed awhile at
Bell's Mill on Deep River, thence to Grassy
Island on the Pee Dee, and were marched
home and discharged after serving 3 months.
In both tours, Nunn was Capton all the time.

He remembers that said Nunn was
again in service in what was called the
Page 65

8

State Troops. He saw him in Hillsborough [illegible]
as such, and has heard him, in his life time,
say that he served just 6 months in those troops.
Deponent has never applied for a pension as
he could find no one that was in the cavalry with
him. ("5" Ex B.)

11. W. Chambers and S. Riley testify to the
good character of Henry Ringstaff and his neighborhood reports as a Revolutionary soldier. ("8" Ex B.)

12. Letter from the Pension Office stating
that if the rank of an officer is not shown by
his commission, it must be established by those
serving under him. ("12" Ex B.)

13. Letter from Hon R. Strange
expressing confidence in the parties[?] of this Claim. ("14" Ex B.) 

14. Certificate of the Professors of the
University of North Carolina as to the good character
of the claimant. ("15" Ex B.)

15. The Secretary State of N.C
certifies that it is believed that many of the
"State Troops", served from their enlistment
to the close of the war. (Ex C.)

16. Copy of a letter from Alex Martin
to Gen Butler, dated Hillsborough, 23 Nov
1782, respecting the escape[?] of the Militia
officer of Randolph County (Ex D.)

17. The Comptroller of N.C.
certifies that the name of William Nunn
appears as Captain of light Horse to 
Wilmington, and that Col. James Martin is
credited as having paid the said Capt. Nunn the sum of £4.10. (Ex E.)

18. The same officer certifies that 
the Military books of his office do not show
Page 66

9

the grade of Wm, Nunn, nor do the payments on
certificate made him. He does not regard the
records of his office as complete, since no [illegible]
many evidences of military services have
been taken from it. An instance came to his
knowledge of books being in the Pension Office
at [written over "for"] Washington for which he wrote and it was
forwarded to him. Has since heard there were
others there. ("4" Ex F.)

19. Receipt to J. Blaine for $25000
to purchase provisions for the 5 months'
draughts
from the Salisbury and Hillsborough Districts'
dated Nov 29, 1778, certified by the Comptroller
of N.C. ("6" Ex F.)

20. The Comptroller of N.C. certifies
that for military services rendered by Wm.
Nunn the following specie certificates issued;
One for £9.16.; one for £1128.16, in currency,
(depreciation 150 for 1;) one for £6.12;
one for £1.4; one for £3; one for £20.5;
one for £5.8. (Ex G.)

21. The same officer certifies to
finding an additional payment to Wm.
Nunn for £14.16.6. All the certificates
previously certified to were for specie, except
that for £1128.16. (Ex H.)
Page 67

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17411

Elizabeth Nunn
Widow of
William Nunn
Capt. Rev War

Act: July 4th 1836
Index: -- Vol. M Page 91

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 68

Case of Elizabeth Nunn
The facts in this case are briefly these
Elizabeth Nunn (Widow of William
Nunn) some years since, under the act of
the 4th July 1834 claimed a full pension 
alledging that her husband was a Captain
of Dragoons in the War of the Revolution &
served more than 2 years.

In the year 1842 the Comr of Pensions admitted her claim, but only allowed
her a pension of £7 per Annum for a
service of 3 months as Private and 12
months as a Sergeant.

Mrs. Nunn confident her husband
was a Captain of Dragoons, and that she had
not been allowed the amt she was justly
entitled to again brought he case to the
notice of the Comr and in 1846 he increased her allowance from £7 to £187 per
annum, admitting Nunn's rank as Captain,
and giving him Credit for 7 months
service as such.

Mrs. Nunn is still living, and
again upon the following most
conclusive evidence on file in the Pension
Office claims a full Pension as the
Widow of a Captain of Dragoons.

1st The certificate of the Secretary of State
which shows that Nunn was a Captain
of Dragoons a fact admitted by the
Comr in 1846-

2nd. The affidavits of Browning, Dolly, Brewer
Page 69

and Ellen Bryant show, that Nunn was 
a Capt. Commanding a company of
Dragoons in Octr 1778, that they rendezvoused
at Hillsboro & proceeded to Salisbury and
Black Creek in So. Carolina, serving to the month
March 1779 - a tour of 5 months.

3rd The affidavit of Brittain Bowers
shows in 17808 he was again in command of
his company of Dragoons, and present at
"Gates Defeat" remaining in service to Decr
a tour of 4 months-

4th The affidavit of Bowers also shows, 
that he was again in command of his company
and in the battle of "Guilford", serving
to the 1st of April 1781 a tour of 3 months.

5th The affidavits of Browning & Dolly
show, that in Sept. 1787, when Hillsboro was
surprised by Fanning and the tories, and
the Govr and others were made prisoners,
Captain Nunn was again in service, in command of his company, and
pursued the Tories to Wilmington on that occasion serving a tour of 3 1/2 months.

6th The affidavits of Dolly & Brewer show
that Nunn from Nov 1782 to the 8th Feby 1783 was
again in command of his Company serving and
Genl Butler against the tories or Sandy Creek
and the Pee dee- a tour of 3 months.

7th The affidavits of Brewer, Dolly and
Harris show, that Cap Nunn in April
1783 was again called out against the
Page 70

tories and served a tour of 6 months.

Thus it is shown, that Captain
Nunn was a most active partizan officer
commanding a company of Dragoons
in several regular Campaigns, but was
most generally engaged against the tories,
who infested that Country, during the
whole period of the Revolution, and 
particularly in the years 1781-2 & 3, and that the time he was actually employed as a
Captain of Dragoons makes in the aggregate
a period of more than two years, which
under the law entitles his widow to a full
pension. This summed up as follow-

From Octo 1778. to March 1779- 5 months
[From] Augt to December 1780- 4 [months]
[From] 1st Jany to 1st April 1781- 3 [months]
{From] Sept to Decr [1781]- 3 1/2 [months]
[From] Nov 1782 to Feby 1783- 3 [months]
[From] Apr 1783 to Sept [1783]- 4 [months]
[total] 24 1/2 months

In concluding this statement I desire to
make but a single remark to the Character of
evidence upon which this claim is based.

This time there has been but little 
record evidence filed in the case, and the
Claim rests mainly on Oral testimony.

The want of record evidence without
doubt proceeds from the fact, (as intimated
by the Controller[sic]), that many papers pertaining
to the revolution have been mislaid or lost
or that the circumstances under which a large
portion of Capt. Nunn's service was performed,
did not admit of the formally of regular
Page 71

returns; therefore in the absence of this character
of evidence, the testimony of those who served
with him, must be as doubtless it will be
regarded as most ample and conclusive
to establish the claim of the Widow to a
full pension. It is the testimony of men
whose respectability and veracity are fully 
attested, who not only know Captain Nunn 
intimately, but were his companions in arms &
under his immediate command.
/s/ R. W. Young
Agent for
Elizabeth Nunn
Page 72

[postmark] Chapel Hill, N.C. Apr 15
[stamp] FREE

Hon. D. M. Barringer M. C.
Washington City, D.C.

Care of J.A. Craig, Esq.
Ruffin Mills, N.C.
Page 73

[envelope]
Jan 4, 1841.
[illegible]
N.C.

[addressed to]
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Hon M.A. Graham
Senate U.S.

[written upside down] 25
Page 74

Senate Chamber
Jany 4th 1841.

Sir
I send herewith certain documents
pertaining to the claim of Elizabeth Nunn
widow for a pension. If you require
an interview with me on the subject
please signify & when necessary.

I am very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servt
Will. A. Graham

Commr of Pensions
Page 75

Payment to be made
at Fayetteville N.C.
by James Huske, Esq.
Agent for paying pensioners, 
in the Agency of
North Carolina

Set date of last
certificate-

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book D. Volume
2, Page 381, by
H.E. Robinson Clerk
Page 76

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States,
of the 4 July 1830. Elizabeth Nunn,
widow of William Nunn, who was 
a private and Captain of Dragoons,
is entitled to receive at the rate of Four
Hundred and Sixty two dollars and fifty
cents per annum, to commence on the
4 March 1831, deducting former payments
at the rate of One Hundred and eighty
seven dollars and fifty cents per annum. 

Given at the Department of the Interior
this 13th day of January
one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
/s/ Alex H. H. Stuart

Examined and
Countersigned. 
/s/ Jas. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 77

Elizabeth Nunn

Payment to be made
at Fayetteville
by Jno. Huske
Agent for paying pensioners
in the Agency of
N. Carolina

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book C Volume
1 Page 184 by -
D. H. Wood Clerk
Page 78

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States
of the Act of 4th July 1836, Elizabeth
Nunn, of North Carolina, Widow
of William Nunn, who was a
Private and Sergeant, and pensioned
at the rate of $72 50/100 per
annum, is now increased as
Captain of Dragoons, at the
rate of one hundred, Eighty
Seven dollars and fifty cents per
annum commencing from 4th
March 1831. The amount is due
during her life if he do not
marry, after deducting all
former payments.

Given at the War Office of the United States
this Twelfth day of October
one thousand eight hundred and forty six
/s/ W.L. Marcy

Examined and
Countersigned. 
/s/ J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 79

13
Page 80

[illegible] conf[?]- Capt Tinnin
1st Service early part of 1776 private of dragoons 3 [mos]
Proved by Thos Tate.

2. Capt Dragoons from Oct 1778 March 79. 5 [mos]
Testimony Black Swamp
Proved by Wm Browning E. Brewer, John Dolly
Ellen Bryant.

3. Capt. Dragoons summer & fall 1780
was under Gen. Caswell Gates defeat
discharged & Charlotte.
Proved by Britian Bowers, Browning, Brewer, 
Bryant.

4 Dec 1881. Capt Dragoons, till April.
at battle of Guilford C. H.
Proved by Bowers.

5. Sept 1781. Capt Dragoons volunteer
when Gov. [illegible] was taken
Proved by William Browning & John Dolly.
after marriage.

6. Nov. 1782 & Feb 1983. Capt. Dragoons under Butler [illegible]
to suppress Tories at Sandy Creek, Peedee Bells Mills-
Proved by Dolly Brewer.

7. 1 April 1783. Capt of Co. "State troops"
met at Hillsboro, marched off with continental
troops. & Crop Creek. Pee Dee
Proved by Mary Harris John Dolly, E. Brewer.
George Halt saw in command at Salisbury
Fall 1780. believes he had been at Gates defeat.

Henry Ringstaff
served under Nunn two tours
[illegible] last tour 3 1/2 & 3 mos. saw
him in command of State Troops & thinks
he served 6 mos.
Page 81

Sep '40

Supplemental proof
in
Elizabeth Nunn's pen:
claim, Act 4 July 1836.
B

2
Return to be made to
Hon. Will: A Graham
of the Senate.
Page 82

State of North Carolina

I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter sessions for Orange County, hereby certify that,
J. B. McDade, whose name appears upon the third page of
the foregoing proceedings, & John S Turrentine, whose name
appears upon the fourth page of the said foregoing proceedings, 
and that William Clendenin whose name appears
upon the seventh page of the said foregoing proceedings
and that Samuel Strayhorn whose name appears upon
the eight page of said foregoing proceedings are acting
Justices of the peace in and said County and that the
foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office & Subscribed
my name this the 5 day of December 
in the year of 1840.
/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 83

Washington Octr 19th 1850

Sir
As the Agent of Elizabeth Nunn
I respectfully ask your consideration of her case for
an increase of pension.

The facts in the case are briefly these
Elizabeth Nunn (widow of William Nunn), some
years since, under the act of the 4th July 1836.
presented to the Comr of pensions a claim to a
full pension, alledging that her husband was a
Captain of Dragoons in the war of the revolution
and served more than two years.

In 1842 the Comr admitted her claim
but only pensioned he at $72 per annum for
service of 3 months as a private and 12 months
as a Sergeant. Mrs. Nunn confident, as she
at first alledged, that her husband was a Capt.
of Dragoons, and that she had not been allowed
the amt she was justly entitled to again brought
the case to the notice of the Comr and in 1846 he
increased her pension from $72 to $187 per annum
then admitting that he was a Captain of
Dragoons, and crediting him with 3 months service as a private, and 7 months as a Captain.

Mrs. Nunn is now living and again, upon
the following evidence of the most conclusive character regarding the circumstances of her case,
claims a full pension as the widow of
Captain of Dragoons.

1st The certificate of the Secretary of State shows
that Nunn was a Captain of Dragoons, which
fact the Comr  admitted when he increased the
Pension in 1846.
Page 84

2nd The affidavits of William Browning, Jno. Dolly,
Ellen Bryant and E Brewer show, that Wm
Nunn was a Captain of Dragoons and
served from Octr. 1778 to March 1779 - a tour of 5 Months.

3rd The affidavit of Brittain Bowers shows, that
Nunn in 1780 was again in command of his Company 
of Dragoons and present at Gates' defeat &
remain in service to the 1st Decr a tour of 4 months.

4th The affidavit of Brittan Bowers also shows,
that about the first of the next year he was again
in command of his Company and at the battle of
Guilford, serving a tour of 3 months to the 1st Apl 1781.

5th The affidavits of William Browning and John
Dolly show, that in Sept 1781. When Hillsboro was
surprised by Fanning and his tories, and the
Governor and others were made prisoners, Capt.
Nunn was again in service pursuing the
tories to Wilmington & then serving a tour of
3 1/2 months.

6th The affidavits of John Dolly & E Brewer
show, that Capt. Nunn was again in command
of his Company against the tories on Sandy Creek
and Peedee, a tour of 3 months.

7th The affidavits of Harris, Dolly & Brewer
show that in April 1783, Capt Nunn was again in
Command of his Company against the tories, and
served a tour of six months, and the records
of the Controllers[sic] Office in N.C. show
that the troops of that State were in service
Page 85

as late as the 6th September 1783, which
fully corroborates the testimony of the men
who prove Capt Nunn went into service on
a six months tour, in the spring of 1783-

[written lightly in the left margin]
[illegible] in the Nunn
case.
Page 86

(11) (3)

State of North Carolina
Orange County SS
"E"

On this the 29 day of August, 1838, personally
appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace, in and for
the County aforesaid, Brittain Bowers a resident of the aforesaid County and
an[sic] United States pensioner, who being first duly qualified according to law
maketh oath that during the war of the Revolution he was in the United States
Service as private in the Virginia Continental Line- that in
the Spring of his enlistment April 1780, he was marched on to the South
with other troops to the relief of Charleston in South Carolina - that
before they reached the place of their destination, they heard that
Charleston had fallen. That in the month of August following, this
Deponent was put under command of General Gates. That a
short time before the defeat of Gates, and while at a place called
the Cross Roads or at Lynch's Creek, this Deponent first
became acquainted with Captain William Nunn of the aforesaid
County, and recollects at one of those places said William Nunn
who commanded in that tour a Company of Dragoons was
sent out towards Camden to get intelligence of the enemy. This
Deponent remembers of this fact very well. he saw Captain Nunn
on the retreat to Hillsboro in North Carolina, and at the rendezvous
at that town. and as well as this Deponent now remembers, said
Nunn marched his Company of Dragoons to Charlotte and while at
that time he was discharged-- The length of this tour this Deponent does
not remember, but thinks it was 4 months or more. and that in
all of this tour said Capt. Nunn acted as Captain of a Company of
Dragoons.

2. That in the Spring of the next year, to wit, 1781, a few days
before the battle of Guilford Court House, this Deponent remembers 
of seeing said William Nunn in Command of a Company of Dragoons
That they were under Major McClary he thinks that on the
morning of the Battle, they passed thro' the old field, near the 
Continental line - At Ramsey's Mills, this Deponent remembers also
of seeing said Captain William Nunn in command of a Company of
Dragoons and this is the last that this Deponent remembers
of seeing said Captain Nunn in the Service.

This Deponent has understood, said Captain
Nunn was an active whig, and was a large portion of his time
during the war of the Revolution, in the United States Service.
Page 87

(4)
(12)

This Deponent further says that after leaving Ramsey's Mills he was
marched to Virginia and was no more in North Carolina during the
War of the Revolution.

Sworn and subscribed the day &
date first above written, before me
/s/ Brittain Bowers hisXmark
/s/ Richd Nichols J Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above Deponent Brittain Bowers is a man of truth & veracity.
/s/ Richd Nichols J. Peace

State of North Carolina
Orange County  SS  "C"
On this the 11th day of September 1838, personally
appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and
for the County aforesaid John Dolley[sic] a resident of the aforesaid County, and
an United States pensioner, aged 84 years who being first duly qualified
maketh oath that he was well acquainted with the late Captain William
Nunn of the aforesaid County, Decd and to this affiants knowledge said
William Nunn was an active wig[sic], and was much in the United States
service during the war of the Revolution, as a Captain Dragoons.

This Deponent remembers that in the year of 1778, '79, there was a draft
for five months men (this deponent was in and service all of
said Tour as a private, and remembers that at Salisbury and
Black Swamp, that said Captain Nunn was at these places in
command of a Company of Dragoons and remembers of seeing said
Capt Nunn in the Town of Hillsboro when we were all discharged
in the Spring following, and said Capt Nunn was at that time
and place duly discharged with other troops. The length of this tour
was five months.

This Deponent further states for his said oath that in the fall
of the year of 1781 he again as private of militia, served a
Tour, the object of which was to resume the Governor and other
prisoners made in the Town of Hillsboro, when that place was
surprised and captured by Col Fanning. Our Troops were at
"Raft Swamp," Paris, Swans & Little River. We returned to
Hillsboro and were there discharged on the last of December or
1st January following. having been out in said tour from
the middle of September to the last of December following in
all of which Tour, said Capt. William Nunn was with us and
had command of a Company of Dragoons in all of said Tour
Page 88

(1)

"K"

State of North Carolina
Orange County S.S.

On this the 28th day of August
1838, personally appeared before the undersigned an acting
Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Polly
Harris a resident of the Town of Hillsboro in the aforesaid
County aged 87 years, who being first duly qualified according
to law, maketh oath that during the war of the Revolution
she resided in the aforesaid Town of Hillsboro and in the
Summer of the year of 1783, the remembers of seeing Captain
William Nunn of the aforesaid County, now  Decd. in
Command of a Company of Dragoon in the Town of Hillsboro
aforesaid, that said company was in the United States Service
at that time, and were called "State troops", She understood,
and that the period of their service she has understood was Six
months.

/s/ Polly Harris herXmark

Sworn and Subscribed the day
and date first above written
before me
/s/ W.H. Pratt J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above Deponent is a
woman of truth & veracity
/s/ W.H. Pratt J. Peace

The said Polly Harris further states upon her said oath that she
remembers that the aforesaid William Nunn, and his present
Widow, Elizabeth Nunn (formerly Elizabeth Copeland) will married
in the fall of 1782. This Deponent remembers that in the
fall of 1782 said Mrs. Nunn aforesaid at a Sacrament at
Little River meeting House, and that she and said Capt. Nunn
had been then married only a few days.

/s/ Polly Harris herXmark

Sworn and subscribed this the day
and date first above written before me 
/s/ W.H. Pratt J. Peace

I certify that Polly Harris is a woman of truth & Veracity.
/s/ W.H. Pratt J. Peace
Page 89

(2)

State of North Carolina
Orange County

On this the 28th day of August, 1838, 
personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the
peace in and for the County aforesaid William Browning a
resident of said County, aged 80 years, who being first duly 
qualified according to law, maketh oath that, during the war of the
Revolution he lived neighbour to the late Captain William
Nunn, of the aforesaid County. This deponent lived about one 
mile and a half from said Nunn: frequently saw him- and
knows that said William Nunn as Captain of Dragoons, did
Some Several tours in the militia in the United States Service.

"B"

1st this deponent remembers that said William Nunn as
Captain of Dragoons did in the the[sic] year of 1779 & 79, (he understands 
was the date) serve a tour to the South and was in the
State of Georgia. This Deponent remembers of seeing Captain
Nunn both when he set out on his tour, and when he 
returned, the length of this tour, this deponent does not remember,
but thinks it was five months

"F"

2. This Deponent remembers that in the fall (of 1781) at the time
Hillsboro was taken by the Tories under Col. McNeil and
Fanning ["I understood" crossed-out] that Nunn was again out as a Captain of
militia[crossed out] Dragoons in the United States Service; was with
those who attempted to rescue the prisoners that were made
when Hillsboro' was taken - This deponent was made
prisoner at that time & has always understood that Nunn was then out in the service.

/s/ William Browning hisXmark

Sworn and subscribed the day & date
first above written before me,
/s/ J. W. McGee, J Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above
deponent, is a man of truth & veracity.
/s/ J.W. McGee J Peace

I concur that that William Browning is a man of
truth.
/s/ W. Montgomery
Page 90

Chapel Hill, N. Carolina
April 7th 1846
Hon D. M. Barringer:

Sir, I have drawn up a Memorial
to Congress soliciting that they would allow me an Increase
of my pension; the Memorial accompanies this letter.

My husband, the late William Nunn was
much in the service of his Country in the war of the Revolution, 
as private and Captain; say, about two years
as well as I now remember: all or nearly all of his allegations were proven by those who served in the Army
with him, or saw him in the service.

When I made my Declaration, we could find
no record in evidence of my husband's services and I was
allowed an annuity of $72.50. since which time
payments have been found on the records at Raleigh
showing that William Nunn was paid about $70
specie. the officer having charge of these records
certifies that the rolls in his office do not show the
grade of the officer only the amount paid.

I must sir beg the favor of you to call upon
the commissioner of Pensions with this letter, and the 
accompanying papers and by and compromise any Increase
of pension for me. The accompanying certificate of the
Comptroller shows an additional payment of 	£14.16.6.
when my case is fully made known to him. I trust he
will feel disposed to increase my annuity and cheerfully
entrust you to make with the commissioner for me
such increase of my annuity as you and himself may
deem right

If, however, this cannot be done, I must beg
the favor of you to hand my original Declaration and
all the accompanying papers said before Congress.
Page 91

and by and obtain for me such an increase
of my pension as the accompayning [accompanying] papers may
Justify.

I am sir
Very Respectfully,
your obt sevt,
/s/ Elizabeth Nunn herXmark

Testi
/s/ J. B. McDade J. Peace.

State of North Carolina

I Joseph Allison Clerk of the Court of
Pleas & quarter sessions for Orange County Certify that
James B McDade whose name appears to the foregoing letter
is and was at the time of signing the same an acting
Justice of the peace in & for said County of Orange
And that full faith & credit are due his official
acts as such 
Witness Joseph Allison Clerk
of said Court office in
Hillsboro this 21st April AD 1846
under the seal of said Court
/s/ J. Allison C.C.C
[court stamp affixed]
Page 92

(4)
State of North Carolina
Orange County SS

On this the 31st day of January
A.D. 1840 ["this day" crossed out] personally appeared before the undersigned
an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County
aforesaid, George Halt a resident of the County aforesaid,
aged 84 years, who being first duly qualified according to
law maketh oath that he was well acquainted with the
late Captain William Nunn of Orange aforesaid whose widow
Elizabeth Nunn is now applying for a pension for her 
husband's Revolutionary Services - This Deponent recollects
that when at Salisbury in the fall after Gates' defeat
(1780) he said said[sic] William Nunn at that place
in active service in behalf of the United States, as
Captain of a Company of Dragoons. and as such. This
Deponent understands and believes that said William
Nunn as Captain of Dragoons Served several tours
(in the militia), in the United States Service in
the war of the Revolution.

this deponent, to the best of his recollection and
belief thinks that it was at or nearly the expiration of three months
[several words crossed out] service when he
saw the Dragoons aforesaid in Salisbury: said
troops [crossed out] Dragoons as
this Deponent has understood and believes, were in
Gates' defeat.
and further this deponent saith not.
/s/ George Halt

Sworn and subscribed the
day and date first above
written before me
/s/ Jno J Turrentine J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the
above Deponent George Halt, is a man of truth & Veracity.
Jno J Turrentine J. Peace
Page 93

(17)

State of North Carolina
Orange County S.S.

On this the 23 day of November 1838 personally
appeared before the undersigned
an acting Justice of the peace
in and for said County, Ezekiel Brewer, a resident of said
County, aged [blank] years who being first duly sworn according
to law maketh oath that he was acquainted with
the late Captain William Nunn of the aforesaid County &
remembers that in the war of the Revolution, said William
Nunn, served several tours in the United States
Service as Captain of Cavalry:

"M"

this Deponent remember that in the fall of 1778
that said William Nunn as Captain of Cavalry did
serve a tour in the South, under Colonel Lytle and
remembers of seeing said Nunn in Hillsboro on his
return from that tour in the Spring following, which he
thinks was a five months tour.

"N"

This Deponent also remember of seeing said Captain
Nunn in Command of a Company of Cavalry under Col
William ONeal in the fall ["and winter" crossed out] of 1782. that
said troops were marched to Randolf & Deep River and
returned some time in the winter following. Captain
Mathew McCauly this Deponent remembers also was with
said troops. when they returned McCauly had command
also of a Company in said tour. which was a
three months tour.

"O"

This Deponent remembers of seeing said Captain William
Nunn in Command of a company of State troops
in the spring & Summer he inks before peace was made
saw said [cross out] Nunn in this command in the Town of
Hillsboro and has always understood that said "State
troops" were marched to Cross Creek & Pee Dee and served
as this Deponent has understood Six months.
/s/ Ezekiel Brewer
Sworn and subscribed this day &
date first above written before me
/s/ Tho W. Holden J peace
Page 94

(18)

I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above Deponent is a man of truth and veracity
Tho. W. Holden J Peace

State of North Carolina,

I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for Orange County, Certify that, Thomas
W. Holden is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing
Signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office, and subscribed my
Name, this the 23d November, 1838.

/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 95

(16)
Page 96

(7) (15)
"A" "A"

State of North Carolina
Orange County 
On this the 7 day of October, 1838, personally appeared before
the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County
aforesaid, Thomas Tate, a resident of said County and an United States
pensioner, who being first duly qualified according to law maketh
oath that in the early part of the war of the Revolution, he served
a tour of duty in the militia in the United States Service.
the tour is usually called the "Scotch Camp". In this tour this
Deponent remembers of seeing William Nunn of the aforesaid
County (Decd) who was in that tour a private in Captain
Hugh Tinnin's Company of Dragoons. The length that said
Nunn served this Deponent does not remember, but thinks
it probable he served all of said Tour which was three
months and ended in the Spring of 1776.

This Deponent has understood that said Nunn as captain
of Dragoons was out in other tours, but in none other but
the "Scotch Camp" with this affiant. That he now remembers
of.
/s/ Thomas Tate

Sworn & Subscribed, the
day & date first above within
before me.

/s/ Tho. Jones, J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above 
affiant Thomas Tate, is a man of truth & Veracity
/s/ Tho. Jones J. Peace

State of North Carolina.

I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas &
quarter sessions for Orange County, Certify that Thomas Jones is a
Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting
to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto of
fixed my seal of office, & subscribed my name,
this the 29 day of November, in the year,1838.

/s/ T. Taylor CC
Page 97

(25)

State of North Carolina
Orange County

We Charles W. Johnston, Esq. and John Hutchens
residents of the County aforesaid, hereby certify that
we are acquainted with Elizabeth Nunn of 
Chapel
Hill, widow of the late Captain William Nunn of the
aforesaid County, Decd.

That we have understood that her husband the
aforesaid Captain William Nunn, did serve in the
Army of the Revolution as Captain of Dragoons.

That said Elizabeth Nunn has never married
since the death of her husband, but still remains the
widow of the aforesaid Captain William Nunn.
/s/ CW Johnston
/s/ John Hutchins

Sworn to and subscribed this day[crossed out] the 22 of November 1838
& date [crossed out] [illegible] 
Before me
/s/ Tho Jones J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above
deponents are men of truth & Veracity
/s/ Thos Jones J Peace

State of North Carolina

I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for Orange County Certify that
Thomas Jones is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing 
Signature purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office & Subscribed my name,
this the 23 day of November, 1838
/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 98

(26)
State of North Carolina
Orange County  SS

On this the 22 day of November, 1838, personally appeared
before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for
the County aforesaid, County[crossed out] Mary Crabtree, a resident of
the said County, aged 79 years, who being first duly qualified
according to law maketh oath that, when a youth her
father settled in the aforesaid County, within a few miles of
the Town of Hillsboro in the neighbourhood of David
Copeland, and was intimately acquainted with his daughter
Elizabeth Copeland, who afterwards intermarried with the
late Captain William Nunn; and now an applicant for a pension.
This deponent was not present and saw the aforesaid
couple married, but remembers very will of the time and
it was said that John Nichols of the Town of Hillsboro
married them. This deponent recollects of seeing Mrs Elizabeth
Nunn in about two or three days after they were married;
and has always understood, and never heard it contradicted,
but what the said Captain William Nunn and the present 
widow, Elizabeth Nunn, were lawfully married. This
deponent remembers that said marriage took place in
the October of the next year, after Fanning took Hillsboro,
and that Hillsboro was taken in the month of September, 1781.
and further this Deponent saith not.
/s/ Mary Crabtree herXmark

Sworn and subscribed the day and
date first above written before me,
/s/ Richd Nichols J.P.

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that Mary Crabtree
is a woman of truth & veracity.
/s/ Richd Nichols J. Peace
Page 99

(27)

State of North Carolina
Orange County S.S.

On this the 23 day of November 1838 personally appeared
before the undersigned an acting Justice in and for
the County aforesaid Margaret Walls, widow of the late
Captain John Walls of the aforesaid County aged [blank] years
who being first duly qualified according to law maketh oath
that she lived neighbourhood to David Copeland Decd of the aforesaid County
and was intimately acquainted with his daughter Elizabeth
Copeland, (now the widow Elizabeth Nunn:) This Deponent remembers
That she was afflicted with the Small pox in 1782. and for
some time was confined to her house: That in the October of that
fall, she was first enabled to go out, and in company with her cousin
Jane Woods made a visit to David Copeland; and while there,
Mrs. Copeland, Mother of Elizabeth, shewed this Deponent and her
Cousin [cross out] Elizabeth, wedding dress, and Mrs Copeland stated
that her daughter Elizabeth, and Captain William Nunn were to be
married the next week: This Deponent remembers very well
that it was so said and always so understood, that said Captain
William Nunn, and Elizabeth Copeland were married in October
1782. and feels fully confident of this part, and has never 
heard it questioned or contradicted.
/s/ Margaret Walls herXmark

Sworn and subscribed the day & date
first above written before me,
/s/ B. Cheek J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above Deponent
is a woman of truth & veracity.
/s/ B. Cheek J. Peace

State of North Carolina:

I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions 
for Orange County, Certify That, Richardson Nichols and Burrows Cheek
are magistrates as above, and that the foregoing signatures
purporting to be theirs are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto affixed my seal of office, & subscribed my name, this the
30 November, A.D. 1838.
/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 100

Troy NY Troy N.Y.
Troy, NY Troy N.Y
Troy, NY Troy, NY
Troy, N.Y. [ditto]

[computation: difficult to read]
217
75
105
42
12.[?]
570780
46[?]
[illegible]
1500
[illegible]


7 [upside down]
Page 101

Troy N.Y.
Troy, N.Y.

[illegible]

[remainder of writing written upside down]

E. Brewer}
Polly Harris} 1783 6 mos
J. Dolly}

E. Brewer}
J. Dolly} '78 & '79 5 mos 3 1/2 mos
W. Browning}

J. Dolly} '81 3
H. Ringstaff}

B. Bowens '81 4 mo

J. Dolly}
E. Brewer} '82 3 mos
H. Ringstaff}

[calculation]
21 1/2 [illegible]
2 1/2 [illegible]
24 [total]
Page 102

(5)
(13)

and at the time and place aforesaid Said Capt. Nunn was 
regularly discharged with the other troops having served all of said
tour being as well as this deponent remembers three months
and a half.

"H"

This Deponent further States, that in the fall or winter of
1782, said William Nunn as Captain of a Company of Light
horse, served a tour under Col. William Oneal and was on Sandy
Creek and Deep River & Pee Dee. This Deponent was in all
Hillsboro' when said Troops had served out their tour (3 months)
and were discharged by Col. ONeal, and is under the impression
it was in the latter part of January 1783. Said tour ended & which
was of 3 months duration.

And the said affiant is for his said oath further states that
in the summer and fall before peace was made, said William
Nunn as Capt. of a Company of Dragoons did serve a
Six months tour in the United States service in the "State troops."
said tour this deponent thinks ended some time early in the
fall before peace was made. This Deponent stateth he saw
said Capt. Nunn in the "State troops" in Hillsboro and 
remembers that they were part of their time out at "Cross Creek"
this Deponent thinks was the place they were marched to.
so
This Deponent remembers of its being the said and it was so
understood that said William Nunn, as Captain of Calvary did
serve other tours in the war of the Revolution, in the United 
States Service, but not with this affiant.
/s/ John Dolly hisXmark

Sworn and subscribed the day and
date first above written before me
/s/ Richd Nichols J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that
deponent John Dolley is a man of truth and
Veracity.
/s/ Richd Nichols J. Peace

John Dolley is a man of Truth and [illegible]
/s/ W. Montgomery
Page 103

(6)
(14)
"D"

State of North Carolina 
Orange County S.S.

on this the 13th day of September 1838, 
personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace
in and for said County,, Ellen Bryant a resident of the aforesaid
County who being first duly qualified according to law maketh oath that
during the war of the Revolution she was well acquainted with the
late Capt. William Nunn, that it was reported that said Nunn did
serve the United States as Captain of Dragoons. This Deponent
remembers very distinctly of hearing her deceased brother Colonel
Archibald Lytle say that he was in the Brier Creek Battle and
that said William Nunn, was in that company [crossed out] tour in command of
of a Company of Dragoons -
/s/ Ellen Bryant herXmark

Sworn and subscribed the day &
date first above written before me
/s/ Thos Jones J. Peace

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that Ellen Bryant
is a women of truth & veracity.
/s/ Thos Jones J. Peace

[following paragraph is crossed out but legible]
State of North Carolina
I John Taylor Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for Orange County in the State aforesaid,
certify that Richardson Nichols and Thomas Jones, whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits- I also certify that

State of North Carolina
I John Taylor, Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for Orange County certify that William N. Pratt
John W McGee. Richarson Nichols & Thomas Jones, whose names appear
to the foregoing affidavits, are magistrates as above, and that the 
foregoing Signatures purporting to be theirs, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed
my seal of office, & subscribed my name, this the
13 September, in the year 1838.
/s/ J. Taylor CC
Page 104

[computation]
106
26.50
1.28
13378 [total]

36

Comptrl of N. Carolina
to Dr. Craig 3 July '45.

Case of Capt. Wm. Nunn

When the case of
Elizabeth Nunn, widow
of Wm Nunn, is examined
please take up also
the case of Barbara Tuttle
& Mary Wolf,
to both of Whom this
letter refers

23. July 1845
/s/ E. F. Brown
Agent

[addressed to]
Dr. James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange County
NC
Page 105

Raleigh N.C
July 3rd 1845

Dr. Craig.

Dear Sir.

your letter enclosing Ten
Dollars to be placed to your credit has
been duly received, owing to my absence
from town it was not received an earlyer[sic]
[illegible] the contents of your letter of the 20 ult
which enclosed the Ten Dollars has been
observed and I hereby enclose you
certificates in the cases of Jno Tuttle and
Lewis Wolf, which embrace all the payments
I have been able to find, made therein[?]
The payment to Wolf is small and may
not assist you much, but it at least
shows he performed Military service
and his officer may have drawn his
pay when made in cash, as the records
often show they did; It is strange to me
after my explanation to Mr Edwards that
he should adapt the regulation you say
he has in regard to payments made
in regard to officers, as it very rarely
appears on any of these certificate
Books, that the rank [illegible] given tho it is
given in some of them. In the case
of William Nunn I have made a
Page 106

a thorough examination of all the Books
including those not alphabelled[sic] and have
enclosed you the certificate which I
think gives more pay than the one already
made out in the case I hope it will 
be satisfactory, if you have not forwarded
the certificate before made out
I would be glad you would return
it- your account stands as before
having forwarded you the two Certificates
you ordered in your last, which
is now Forty Dollars. I would be glad
you could make it convenient to
forward this balance as early as possible
as I am a little pressed at this time
by complying you will greatly oblige
Your obt Sert
/s/ Wm. F. Collins
Page 107

Ruffins Mills, Orange Co N.C.
17' September, 1866.

Sir,

Mrs Nunn a pensioner of the United States, residing in
this County, procured last spring some additional evidence of her husband's
revolutionary services & forwarded it to the pension office with the hope that
her annuity would be increased. The letter of the Commissioner of Pension
in answer thereto, is herewith enclosed, stating that by a rule of the
the[sic] office, "Record" or documentary evidence must be furnished to establish
the grade of the office.

The Comptroller has at length been enabled to furnish a certificate that it appears of record that William Nunn, did
serve as "Captain of Light horse" as the widow had set forth in her
original declaration.

The soldiers named in her letter have made affidavit
that they knew her decd husband, William Nunn, and knew that he served
in the Revolutionary army, as Private and Captain of Light horse, as the
widow had set forth in her declaration.

Mrs Nunn is willing that her claim be submitted to
the Commissioner of Pensions, and will willingly abide whatever decision he
may now deem Just & equitable in her case.
understanding from the Messrs [Major?] Smith, that Major Edwards'
Is absent from the City at this time, I have directed the claim to you.

I am, sir, Very Respectfully,
/s/ James A. Craig

(over)
Page 108

P.S.

Mrs Nunn procured the evidence of those that served in
army with her husband, that he served 1st a tour as private of Cavalry,
2d about Two years as "Captain of Cavalry."

Mr Nunn's Pension Certificate was sent on with the papers to the pension
office but, with the expectation that they would be needed, should her
annuity be increased.
/s/ J.A. Craig

Doctor Geo: Wm. Crump
Pension Office
Washington City

31

Doctor Crump.
Pension office
Washington City.
Page 109

19

Apl 16. 1842

3 mos priv cav $72.50
12m Capt [amount crossed out and illegible]

James L. Edwards Esq
Comr Pensions
War Department

Hon W. A. Graham
Senate U.S.

[remainder of page contains computations]

11.28.16 7.10
7.10
6.12
1.4
3
20.5
5.8 
45.5 [subtotal]
7.10
52.15 [total

52.15
14.66.6
4.10.12
72-1 [total]

150-1128 (7.10
1040
78
20 [times]
1580 [total] [should be 1560]
150 [minus?]
80 [total]
rd by
Col Martin
Page 110

Washington City
April 14th 1842.

Sir
In order to end to application
of Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn, I accede for her
to your proposition of yesterday towit[sic] a
Pension of $62.50. Commencing 4th March 1831.

I am very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
/s/ Will. A. Graham

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. Pens.
Page 111

18

James L Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington City
DC
Page 112

Ruffins Mills, NC
28 March, 1845.

Sir
I have had several letters from Mrs Elizabeth Nunn of Chapel Hill
on the subject of an increase of her pension. Her letters, I suppose it not 
necessary to enclose.

I wrote to Mr. Collins the Comptroller of North Carolina last
fall, to have search made for William Nunn, who, as the widow alleged in her
declaration Served two years. (I think)
as Captain of Dragoons: upon our
forwarding some supplemental proof in March, 1844, you stated in
your letter of March 19th, 1844, which is herewith enclosed that no increase
of the widow's pension would be made unless "the Records of the Comptrollers
office at Raleigh show any payments to her husband or any of his Company
his grade would be acknowledged."

The Certificate of Mr. Collins is herewith enclosed.

Any Communication in this claim, please address to me at this Post
office.

I remain, very respectfully,
your ob servt
/s James A. Craig

James L Edwards Esq.
Pension Office,
Washington City
DC
Page 113

16
Page 114

Ho. of Reprs.
May 5, 1846

Sir
I enclose you the application proof of
(including her present Certificate of
Pension) of Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn of
Chapel Hill N.C. for an increase of
pension. It is not addressed to your
Office, but to Congress. But on consultation
with you a few days since, you stated
that would make no difference. I
trust you will find sufficient proof
to induce her pension.

Your early attention is solicited
to this case.

Yours truly,
/s/ D.W. Barringer

Col: Edwards.
Page 115

(14)

Fayetteville Nov. 25th 1839.

Dear Sir

I have examined the papers sent relative to Mrs. Nunn's pension claim and concur
fully in the views held by you.

I will take pleasure while at Washington
City in doing every thing in my power to promote
the success of her application as I entertain
no doubt of its justice.

I return you the papers as requested and
am very respectfully
Your Ob. serv.
/s/ Ro. Strange
Page 116

[envelope]

Ellen King [written sideways on left]

Judge [illegible][milo?]
Please return this letter
to J.A.C.

[stamped]
Washington City
DC
Nov 16

[upper right]
Geo Wm Crump
Acting Com of Pensions

[addressed to]

Dr J. A. Craig
Haw River P.O.
N. Carolina
Page 117

(12)

War Department
Pension Office
Nov 16 1839

Sir
The claim of Mrs Ellen King widow of
Baxter King has been examined and her papers
are placed upon our files.

The proof in support of this claim is 
unsatisfactory. Either the original commission of
Captain Baxter King or some other documentary
evidence will be required to establish his grade.

The service, if not proven by documentary evidence
can only be sustained by the testimony of those
who served under him.

I am, respectfully
your obt servt.
/s/ Go Wm Crump

Dr. J.A. Craig
Haw River P.O.
N. Carolina
Page 118

[stamped]
Raleigh NC
August 23

Doct. James A. Craig
Haw River
Orange County
N.C.
Page 119

(9)

State of North Carolina
Secretary of States Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State 
of North Carolina, do hereby certify that there is not
in this office any rolls of the Dragoons who served
in the revolutionary war neither is there any rolls
of any State Troops who served or enlisted for a
shorter time than nine months.

Given under my hand this 22nd
day of August 1839
/s/ Wm. Hill
Page 120

(10)

Raleigh 22nd August 1839.

Dear Sir

I herewith send you the certificate
requested by your letter of the 18th instant, which was
received today. I also send Mr. Edward's letter to
Doctr. Montgomery. The fee for the certificate
in all 20 cents due.

Yours respectfully
Wm Hill

Doctr. Jas A. Craig
Page 121

Certif of Comptroller
of North Carolina

Wm. Nunn

See Comptr letter
accompanying this,
dated 3 July 1845,
to Dr. J.A. Craig

July '45

E. F. Brown
Agent
Wash D.C.
23 July 1845.

7

[computation]
63
126
31.50
.78
158.28
79.14 

53
106
26.50
1.28
123.78
61.89
Page 122

Raleigh N.C.
Compt Office

 I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts
in and for the State of North Carolina, do
hereby certify that the name of William Nunn
appears of Record in this office as having
had issued in his name the following Specia
Certificates for Military Service (Viz, One
for Nine Pounds sixteen shillings (£9.16) see
Book A No 11 page 32 Also one other certificate
for [crossed out] in same book page 54 for Eleven Hundred
and Seventy Eight pounds Sixteen Shillings (£1128.16)
in Currency (depreciation 150 for one) also
one other for six Pounds Twelve shillings (£6.12)
See Book No 23 page 118 one other for one Pound
four shillings (£1.4) see Book No 4 page 19 -
one other for three Pounds (£3.) see Book No 14
page 20 One other for Twenty Pounds five
shillings (£20.5) see Book F No 2 page 41 and
one other for Five Pounds Eight Shillings
See Book A.M. Vol 5 page 41. Given under
my hand and seal this 3 July AD 1845
/s/ Wm. F. Collins Compt
Page 123

(5)
State of North Carolina
Orange County 

On this the 17th day of January One thousand
eight hundred and forty personally appeared before the 
undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for the
County aforesaid Henry Ringstaff a resident of the aforesaid 
County, who being first duly qualified according 
to law maketh oath that in the war of the Revolution
he served the United States as herein after set forth
to wit:

1st this Deponent sets forth upon his said oath, that on or
about the 15th of September 1781 he volunteered as a
private in a company of Dragoons in the United States
service. William Nunn of the County aforesaid now Decd
was captain of said Company, rendezvoused in the Town of
Hillsboro in Orange aforesaid, the object of the troops now
raised was to rescue the Governor and others that had been
captured a few days before by Col. Fanning & McNeil.
pursued the Tory forces to the neighbourhood of Wilmington
-was stationed a while at Monroe's bridge & at North
East, and was returned to Hillsboro and there discharged
by Captain Nunn on or about the last of December, having 
been out in this tour three months and two weeks.
Col. ONeal & Brigadier General Butler were our
superior officers.
Page 124

(6) 

2d. This Deponent further states upon his said oath that on
or about the middle of November of the next year, this
Deponent again entered the United States Service by draft
as private of Dragoons, the aforesaid William Nunn
was Captain, William Oneal Col & Butler 
was our Superior officer. rendezvoused in the Town of
Hillsboro- was stationed a while at Bells Mills on
Deep River - thence to Grassy Island on the Pee Dee River,
and after the expiration of our three months tour were
marched home & discharged by Col. Oneal- In all of
said tour, as in the first, said William Nunn was
Captain and we were out in the service three months
which with the former tour will make six months and
a half.

This Deponent further states upon his said oath
that after he served the tour last above mentioned that
said Nunn, he remembers was again in the United States
service as Captain of Dragoons in what was
called the "State troops"- saw said Nunn, in the Town of
Hillsboro aforesaid while Captain in the State troops &
has heard said Nunn say in his life time, that he
served Just six months in the "State troops". This
Deponent did not serve any in the "State troops."

This Deponent has a never himself applied for
a pension, he has made enquiry, but cannot find day
one now living that was in the cavalry with him.

And the said Henry Ringstaff, further
set forth upon his said oath that he remembers
Page 125

(7)

that William Nunn, Captain, as aforesaid, was married to his
present widow (then Elizabeth Copeland) before this Deponent
served his 2nd tour under him.

And further the said Henry Ringstaff saith not.
/s/ Henry Ringstaff hisXmark

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and date first above
his
written before

/s/ Wm Clendenen J. Peace
And I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above
Deponent, Henry Ringstaff is a man of truth & veracity.
/s/ Wm. Clendenen J. Peace
Page 126

E

Doctor James A. Craig
Haw River
Orange County
N.C.

Dec '41
Elizabeth Nunn
Page 127

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of
North Carolina do hereby certify, that there is not
in this Office any regular rolls of the Militia,
or State troops, Dragoons, of Light Horse companies who
served in this State in the revolutionary war, and none
of the Drafts but such as were placed on the
continental line and entered there as inlisted[sic] Soldiers
for at least nine months, and it is believed that
many of the "State troops" served from the time of
their enlistment to the close of the said war.
Given under my hand this
21st day of December 1841
/s/ Wm. Hill
Page 128

Raleigh 21st Decr 1841

Dear Sir
Your favor of the 13th instant was received a
few days past. you will herewith have such a certificate as will, I suppose, answer the purpose, and by the 
same mail I send you the only printed list of the
Soldiers &c I have, & although much bloted [blotted?], I 
presume may be read. Take care of it & return it when
you have done with it. For searches &c you will
now owe me 20 cents, after giving you credit for
the $1 recd.

Yours respectfully
/s/ Wm. Hill

Doctr. Jas A. Craig

P.S. Jame much pressed with business at this time.

Wm. Hill
Page 129

Mch '45

[computation]
140
30.50
182-
91-
76.1.10

152
38
190
95

9.
Page 130

Raleigh North Carolina March 15th. 1855.

Comptroller's Office

I, William F. Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts, do
hereby certify, that it appears of record in my office, that
William Nunn, had the following certificates issued in
his favour for Military service; viz; one for nine pounds,
sixteen shillings, (£9.16.s) No 956, and found in Book A.
No 11. on page 32; another for one pound four shillings
(£1.4.s) dated 13th Febry 1782, and found in Book N. 4. page 19.
another for Twenty pounds, fifteen shillings, (£20.15.s) and
found in Book F. No. 2, page 41; another a Currency certificate,
for Eleven Hundred and Twenty Eight pounds (£1128.) and
found in Book A. No. 11, page 54, No of certificate 254:
and another for six pounds, twelve shillings (£6.12.s) found
in Book No 23 and on page 118, No of Certificate 52. All Specie
Certificates, and amounting to Forty five pounds seven shillings
(£45.7s) Besides the above, the following have been found
of the same description of the foregoing, viz; one for Three
pounds (£3.) found in Book No 14. p20: another for
Five pounds eight shillings (£5.8.s) found in Book
No 14. P 41; another for Fourteen pounds sixteen shillings
and sixpence (£14.16.s) found in Book G. No 16, page 57;
given under my hand and seal this
17 day March 1845
/s/ Wm F. Collins Compt
Page 131

Mch '46

8

H
Page 132

Raleigh NC
Comptrollers Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public
Accounts in and for the State of North 
Carolina do hereby certify that upon a
Reexamination of the Certificate Books
of payments for military service, I
find an additional payment (by Certificate)
to William Nunn for Fourteen Pounds
sixteen shillings and six pence (£14.16.6)
as will appear in Book G. No 16 page 51
I further certify that all the payments as
set forth in former certificate in Wm
Nunn's case were specie Certificate, except
one for Elen Hundred and Twenty Eight Pounds
sixteen shillings (£1128.16) that being a Currency
Certificate at a depreciation of One Hundred
and fifty for one, as will appear in Book
A. Vol 1 Page 54, given under my hand and
Seal this 23 day March A.D. 1846
/s/ Wm F. Collins Compt
Page 133

Increase

Elizabeth Nunn
wid of William
N.C.
Act 4 July 1836
Adm. [?] 2 yes Capt. $600,
per An: from 4 March
1831, deducting former
payment at the rate of
$462.50 per ann:
Payable to her

Cert to
R. W. Young
Present
Page 134

It will be seen by reference to the computation
of service when Mr. Evans allowed this
claim that he did not allow for the six months
service in 1783, not being satisfied that the
State of N.C. had any militia in service in
that year. but the letter from the Comptroller
to the Commis. of the 17 July 57 in the Cotton case
clearly shews that the militia were in service
until late in the year 1783, and as this six
months service in that year, for which Mr. Evans
did not allow is as well or better sustained by
parol testimony than the other I feel bound
to allow for it

/s/ F. F. Kirby
July 23, 1857
Page 135

4127

Elizth. Nunn
wid of William
NC
Act July 4, 1836
Mch '39

11
Page 136

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the
State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that there are
no rolls in this Office of Soldiers enlisted in
the army of the revolution for a shorter time
than nine months, and that there are
no rolls of the Dragoons who served in the
revolutionary war in this Office, neither
is there any rolls of the State Troops to be found
here except those who were put under 
continental Officers.

Given under my hand
this 8th March 1839.
/s/ Wm. Hill
Page 137

Memorandum.

20
Page 138

[computation]

of 
mos|$|mos
24|480|11 1/2 
5280 [subtotal?]
240 [plus]
5520[total]
[divided by] 24 [showing long division ]
[equals] $230 = [per] ann:
N.C. Currency £1.aa 2.50
£89 will give about 11mo.2weeks
Served as Captain.

Wm. Nunn authorizes you to arrange this matters Edwards if you
can satisfactorily.

If the Certificate of the Comptroller shew in
all £89. paid William Nunn then according to my estimate it
will make about $230. for a [?] ann allowance.

Two years service in the army is termed by the regulations of the
Pension office full pay. For a Captain of Infantry N.C. £192.
aa $480.

Where a less sum is paid the pension is sealed.
If William Dunn was paid £89 Specie. Will it not entitle the
widow to annuity of about $230?

Wm Collins seems clearly of opinion that the Records in
his office of Militia Service is incomplete, and that when a claim
his well supported by affidavit, the want of proof from his office,
should not be a bar to its admission-

Mrs. Nunn's standing is duly appreciated. The
President + indeed the entire faculty of the University joined in
recommending her claim to the favourable consideration of the Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 139

Ruffins Mills. N.C.
April 11th

[illegible]
James A. Craig P.M.[?]
J. Craig P.M.

H.H. Sylvester, Esqr
Washington City
D.C.

22
Page 140

Ruffins Mills, N. Carolina
11 April 1845.

Dear Sir,
Some three weeks since, I enclosed to you the declaration of
Mrs. Freeland, widow of Captain John Ray: proof of marriage & the identity
of the husband accompanied the declaration. Clerks Copy of the marriage
Bond, and "family Record" were forwarded, also the certificate of Mr.
Collins the Comptroller showing payments made to John Ray. that would
entitle the widow to full pay: I hope you will give this claim your early attention
as it is the best we have found.

I think the evidence in this case is full & satisfactory. I hope therefore
to have a favourable report of it, in long.

Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn is the next best claim.
when the widow made her Declaration some 2 years ago, I knew nothing of the
Militia Pay Rolls in the Comptroller's office, at Raleigh, but directed my enquiry
to the Secretary of State who certified that he had no rolls of the "Dragoons," Miitia 
or "State Troops", that served in the Revolutionary army. The testimony of
those that served in Revolution with Capt. William Nunn, and was known
to his service in the army proved that said Nunn as private & Captain
of Dragoons did serve two years.

Mr. Edwards allowed the widow the pay of a Sergeant the highest
grade of a non-commissioned officer, which was $72.50. That is to say for
so much time, as the evidence satisfied him that Captain Nunn served.

This the widow reluctantly received, with the understanding however, that
if Record evidence could hereafter be furnished her claim would be increased.

The Commissioner in his last letter on the increasing of this
Page 141

annuity proposed that if Record evidence could be obtained of Captain Nunn's
service, or payment to one of his company his grade would be admitted.
This letter, I enclosed in the Comptroller's certificate; from which it appears that
at Sundry[?]times payments were made to William Nunn, amounting 
according to the memorandum of £68.26.

At another time, Nunn was paid £1128. Currency.

The Comptroller does not appear satisfied that this is all the payment made
to William Nunn: very often in a new Search he finds payment for some
he had not observed in making search for them. In James Blackwell's
case, the Certificate Mr. Collins furnished me about the last of February stated
that Blackwell was paid £39. Since, in examining for other names,
has found other payments which added to the payments first found,
the amount to £60. Again, about 3 weeks ago, I forwarded with other
Certificates one for George Near[?]. the certificate stated, I think that the
books showed but for £10 had been paid to George Near- on yesterday,
the Comptroller wrote me that in searching in some other book he found an
additional payment of £34.8 made to said George Near in payment 
for guarding the Jail at Hillsboro.

These books in the office of the Comptroller are in great
confusion and requires no small degree of Industry & perseverance to make
full and lawful search, and until the books are alphabetted [alphabetized] it
will be next to an impossibility to examine them + report satisfactorily.

Mr. Collins told me when I last saw him that he had written to Mr.
Edwards and explained to him the condition of the Pay Rolls and gave him
his opinion why it was that small payments were at times made to the Soldiers.

I remain Dear sir,
very truly
/s/ James A. Craig
Page 142

P. S.
I wish no action had on the claims of Captain James Blackwell and
George Neak, [cross out] till I receive certificates from Mr Collins Certifying
the additional payments he has found made to Capt B. & Geo. Nease.
I have writtenfor them, and will get them in a few weeks.
/s/ J.A. Craig

H.H. Sylvester Esqr
Washington City
D.C.
Page 143

(8)

State of North Carolina
Orange County

On this the 28 day of November 1834
personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice in and
for the County aforesaid William Chambers and Sanders
Riley Esq. who being first duly qualified make oath that
they are well acquainted with Henry Ringstaff now an applicant 
for pension, that he believes him to be Eighty two years of
age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he
he[sic] resides to have been a soldier in the war of the Revolution
is a man of truth & veracity & that we concur in that opinion

Sworn to & subscribed the day & date
aforesaid Before me
/s/ W. Chambers
/s/ Sanders Riles

/s/ S. Strayhorn

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that Wm Chambers
& Sander Riley Esqr who have sworn to and subscribed
the foregoing affidavit are men of truth & veracity.

28 Nov. 1834
/s/ S. Strayhorn
Page 144

Payment to be made
at Fayetteville
by Jno. Huske
Agent for paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of
N. Carolina
---
28

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book C. Vol. 1
Page 184 by
D. H. Wood Clerk.
Page 145

[pre-printed form to be completed with claimant information]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of
the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836,
Elizabeth Nunn of North Carolina
widow of William Nunn--
who was a Pri & Sergt, and pension at $72.50
is increased to $187.52 as Capt Dragoons
["is entitled to receive" crossed-out]
dollars and
cents per annum, during the time she may remain
unmarried, commencing on the 4th March 1831 ---
and payable semi=annually on the 4th of
March and 4th of September, deducting former
payments-

Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 12th day of
October one thousand eight
hundred and forty=six.

[unsigned] Secretary of War.

Examined and
Countersigned.

Commissioner of Pensions.
Duplicate
Page 146

E. Nunn
29

Payment to be made
at Fayetteville
by John Huske, Esqr
Agent for paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of
N. Carolina

By consultation
with Comr.
admd[?]
for
increase
3 mo Dragoon
7 mo Capt Drager
$187.50
deduct

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book C. Vol. 1
Page 184 by
/s. D. Brown.

T. L. & A.G. Smith Brown
Present
Clerk.
Page 147

[pre-printed form to be completed with claimant information]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law
of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836,
Elizabeth Nunn, of North Carolina
widow of William Nunn
who was a Private of Cavalry and Sergeant in the
War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Seventy-two dollars and
fifty cents per annum, during the time she may
remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and
payable semi=annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.

Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this eighteenth day of
April one thousand eight
hundred and forty -two
 /s/ John C. Spencer
Secretary of War

[sticker seal]
Examined and
Countersigned.}

J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 148

William Nunn had issued in his name the following specie certificates.

To wit:
[pro forma chart]
[Certificate|amount|book|number|page]

1 For...£9.16 Book A. No.11 page 32
1[sic] Do...£1128.16 Currency in the same Book
Depreciation 150 for one, (£7.10s.4p)
3 1 Ditto £6.12 B. No.23 page 118
4 1 Ditto £1.14 B. No.4 p.19
5 1 Do £3. B. No. 20
6 1 Do £20.05 B F No.2 P. 41
7 1 Do £5.08 B. A.M. No.15 p.41

Depreciation ($7.10.4)
£3.10.4
9.10
9.10.63.64 [total]
Page 149

Doctor James A. Craig
Haw River
Orange County
N.C.
Page 150

"L"

State of North Carolina
Secretary of States office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State
aforesaid, do hereby certify that there is not in this 
office any roll or rolls of the Dragoons that served
in the Continental line of this State in the
Revolutionary war, neither is there in this
office any roll or rolls of any of the "State Troops"
or "Militia" that were drafted or required to
serve a shorter time than nine months.

Given under my hand this
3rd day of November 1838.
Wm Hill
Page 151

(21)
Raleigh 3rd Novr 1838

Dear Sir

Your favor by Mr Glass is recd & I
have made such certificates as you requested.
you will see that Henry Stephens was a 12 mos
man. My fees for this service is 30 Cents
yours respectfully
/s/ Wm Hill

Doctr Jas A Craig
Page 152

Raleigh NC
Comptr Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public
Accounts do hereby certify that the
Military Books of this office dose[sic] not
shew the grade of William Nunn
as an officer, the payment or Certificates
made Wm Nunn, for Military Service
dose[sic] not show his grade; I further
certify that I do not look upon the
records of this office as being complete
(or perfect) as no doubt many evidences
of military proof has been taken from
this office, one instance came to
my knowledge, and Books being in
the Pension Office at Washington, I
wrote for the same and it was
forwarded me, I have since
heard there were others there I have
written for them and they have
not been forwarded. I therefore
think, lack of evidence from this office
(When the law is sufficiently fortified
the other proof) should not
Page 153

be a barrier to its allowance given
under my hand and seal
this 14th April 1846
/s/ Wm F. Collins, Compt
Page 154

November 29th 1778

Received of Jacob Blount by the honor[?] of
Thomas Blount, the sum of Twenty five thousand
Dollars for the purpose of purchasing provisions
for the Five Months draughts from Salisbury
& Hillsborough district.
(Signed.)
/s/ Joseph Dickson
/s/ David Coldwell

Test
Wm Lytle

I William Collins Comptroler[sic] of Public Accounts
in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby
certify that the above is a true copy of a Receipts[?]
filed among the Military Records of this
office, ([illegible] Messrs Dixon & Caldwell Receipt
$25000 Dollars) given under my hand and
seal at the Comptr office at Raleigh N.C. 9th Aprl 1846
/s/ Wm. F. Collins Comptr
Page 155

p.39.

R.W. Young
Oct 21/50

Statement of the case
of Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn
claiming increase of Pension

Refd to Comm of Pensions
for Report[?]
Dept Interior
Oct 26 1850
Page 156

Washington Oct 1st 1854.

Sir
I herewith transmit a
statement of the case of Mrs Elizabeth
Nunn, who claims an increase of
pension under the act of the 4th July 1836.
as her agent I respectfully ask your
consideration of the same-
Very respectfully
Your obt svt

/s/ R.W. Young

To the Secty of
the Interior-
Page 157

Elizabeth Nunn

[faint writing: mostly illegible] 1836
Page 158

Chapel Hill, 2 Oct 1850

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension

Sir,

You will be pleased to allow
my agent R. W. Young Washington DC
to examine the[?] papers in your office upon
which a pension was originally granted.
to me.

Yours respectfully
Elizabeth Nunn herXmark

Test D.S. Swain
Page 159

[trifold page]

[left side]

1776 3 mos[?] Dragoons
1778 1 Oct - 5 March

1780 fall and summer 4 months

1781- 3 months-
[ditto?] 3 1/2 [ditto]

1782 3- [ditto]

[ditto] 6- [ditto]

[middle]

Washington Nov 12/50
R. W. Young

asks if the papers in the
Case of
Elizabeth Nunn
have been sent from the
Pension office on his
Appeal &c.

Refd to Comm of
Pensions
Dept Interior
Nov. 12th1850

[right side: written sideways]
The Secy of State of N Carolina certifies
no rolls in his office & the [illegible] [militia?]
[illegible] 9 months. The
case of Elizabth. Nunn N.C [illegible] 36 [illegible]
3700-
Page 160

Washington Nov. 12th1850.

Sir
Some days since I appealed
to your authority from the decision of the
Comr. of Pensions in the Case of Elizabeth
Nunn, which was referred to the pension
office for a report, I respectfully ask to be ┃
informed if the papers have been sent
down.

I am respectfully
Your obt srvt
/s/ R.W. Young

Hon. A H H Stuart
Secty of the Interior
Page 161

P.58

J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington D C
November 14. 1850,

relative to the case of
Elizabeth Nunn
Papers enclosed, 37
in number.

Adm 1 year 6
mo Cap Cavalry
deduct former payment
$450-

R.W. Young
Payment[?]
Page 162

Pension Office
Novr 14th 1850.

Sir,
I have the honor herewith to transmit
the papers, relating to the case of Elizabeth
Nunn, numbering 87 on which R. W. Young
appeals, and a brief of the evidence.

It will be seen that the services of her
husband have been admitted as private of
Dragoons 3 months and Captain of Dragoons
7 months, and that she was pensioned under the
act of 4. July 1836. But the fact is that this
allowance was itself a compromise made by
the examining Clerk from an anxious desire to
extend to a lady represented as at once 
meritorious and destitute, the most liberal compensation
that could be made, and should be no argument
for an increase now. The six months'
service alleged in 1783 is against probability
and against the history of the times. After June
of that year, the regular forces themselves were
to a great extent, in effect, disbanded, and in no
State, it is believed, were militia called out
Page 163

for any such term, if at all. The only allowance
which ought to have been made him as Captain
was for the expedition to Wilmington, a 3 months
tour. It is further to be remarked, that of
the witnesses but one man served under him,
except Ringstoff, who claims to have done so,
but has never applied for a pension on 
account of his services.

I have the honor to be,
very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
/s/ J.L. Edwards

Hon. A H H Stuart,
Secretary of
The Interior.
Page 164

Washington June 1st 1867.

Hon. J. E. Heath
Comm of Pensions

Sir
The case of Elizabeth
Nunn which was acted upon some
months since and adjudicated to a certain
Amt. was not admitted for a full pension
which at the time, as her attorney I insisted
was not her just due; and as new evidence 
has come to light, I respectfully
ask, that the case may be reexamined
and allowed for a full pension

Very respectfully
Your Obt sert
/s/ R. W. Young

send me the papers
F.F.K.
N. C case
Page 165

Washington Oct 16. 1850.

Sir

As the agent of Elizabeth Nunn
and Priscilla Merewether, I enclose herewith
two letters addressed to you desiring
that I may be allowed to examine the
papers on file in your office, upon which they
have been pensioned, the former under the
act of 1836 and the latter under the act
of 1838.

As these widows were pensioned
at a much less sum than the law allows
for a full period of service, I desire to
am in these papers, to enable me to properly
present their claims for arrears of pension.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
/s/ R. W. Young

James L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington
.
Page 166

Pension Office
Aug 16th1857

Sir
I have examined the case of Elizabeth Nunn
widow of William, claiming an increase of her
pension under the act of July 4th1836 and am
decidedly of opinion, not only that the last increase
is not justified by the testimony, but that the
preceding one should never have been allowed.

The first increase that was allowed in this case
was from $72 and some cents to $187 50/100 was sustained,
if at all, by the presumption that [crossed out] Nunn
had served 7 mos as a Capt of Cavalry and 3
mos as a Dragoon. This presumption has its origin
in the evidence of B. Bowers and John Dolly, the
only two witnesses who are themselves pensioners,
and therefore competent to testify in the premises.
Bowers testifies that he had seen William Nunn
acting on various occasions as a Captain of Dragoons
but cannot recollect the time for which he served
calling it "four months, or more" and speaks vaguely
of some service in 1781.

John Dolly testifies that he knew William Nunn
as a Captain of Dragoons in 1779, '81 & '83 in which
years respectively he thinks the tours of service were
5, 3 1/2 and 3 months respectively and 6 months
in the "State troops". He is sustained in this
Page 167

statement ["he is sustained" crossed-out as duplicative] by another witness
Ringstaff, who is not himself a pensioner, but who,
as he says, served as a private under Capt Munn in
the tour of 3 1/2 months and 3 months in '81 and '83.
Ringstaff also says that Capt Nunn served in the
6 mos tour in the "State troops" but he was not under his
command at the time.

The rules of the Department require that in the
absence of Record or Documentary proof, the rank
of an officer shall be established by the testimony
of [cross out] a person or persons who served under him
and who are pensioners themselves so that the fact, the only evidence of rank 
available in this case is that of Ringstaff who says
he served under William Nunn as Captain but
who is not a competent witness, not being a pensioner
himself, so that even that fails.

Upon the service thus proved, of 7 mos or rather
6 mos and 15 days, as a Captain of Dragoons, and
3 months, as a private of Dragoons, the first increase
was in all probability allowed, for I can see no
other testimony whatever to justify the increase.
If we take the Comptroller's certificated as our
guides, we find that the whole amount of certificates (specie) issued to William Nunn was a little upwards of
£70 which would scarcely be [cross out] equal to the pay of
a Captain of Cavalry for 6 months. If on the
other hand we allow for a private, while the time
Page 168

is increased the amount of pension is diminished

I am entirely at a loss to imagine how the
increase from $187 50/100 to $462 50/100 was ever allowed
and still more how the further increase was 
expected, unless all the regulations of the Department
be set at defiance

The only proof of rank entitled to weight, as 
Record evidence, is the certificate of the Comptroller
which states that the name of William Nunn appears upon the records of his office, as a Captain for 5 months.

In the case under consideration, the testimony
is not only parole but extremely vague in its
character and in a great measure hearsay.
Women and men who, so far as we know, never
served, testify as to the service and believe
in tours of various durations without a shadow
of evidence in regard to the actual extent
of the service performed.

Where the records of Militia are as defective as those of N. Carolina, the only source
to which we can look with confidence for 
information that can at all be relied on, is the list
of Certificates issued to revolutionary soldiers
This list contains, in the general, no evidence
of rank, and if we take the amount paid
as our guide, we find that the claimants
Page 169

husband could not have served more than six
months and a few days. If on the other hand we
look to the terms of service, we can find no time
to their duration which is essential in making
an estimate of the pension to be allowed

Very Respy
Your Obt Servt

/s/ F H Davidge

J. E. Heath Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 170

26
Page 171

Senate Chamber
Feb 8th 1842

Sir
I have presented a Petition of
Elizabeth Nunn for a Pension. Will you
do me a favor to send me her papers
on file in your office (or a copy) for the
use of the Committee on Pensions, to show
the Petition has been referred, and of whom
I am one. Your letter to me, I presume
contains the only grounds on which the
claim is not allowed at your office.

As a member of a committee. I have under
investigation is a case of the widow of Ephraim
Briggs formerly of Vermont, now of New York
claiming a Pension under the act of 1836. Please
state the ground on which that was rejected.

I am very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt
/s/ Will. A. Graham

J.L. Edwards Esq
Pensn. Office
Page 172

17
Apl 12.1842

Eliz. Nunn

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Pension office
War Department 

Hon W. A. Graham

[Computation: written update side]
8.100

12:50
175
187.50 [total]

25
24
100
50
Page 173

Senate Chamber
April 12th1842

Sir
I had the honor some days
since to address you a note. At the
instance of Elizabeth Nunn, proposing
to take a pension as a private soldier
and relinquishing all claim to the pension
of a Captain. Please inform me of
your decision of her applications is
not aspect, if it has been made.

I am Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
/s/ Will. H. Graham

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 174

Feb 4. 1842

James L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Pension Office

Hon W.A. Graham
HR
Page 175

Senate Chamber
Feb 3rd 1842.

Sir

Will you do me the favor to
inform me, whether an application
has been made for a Pension by
Elizabeth Nunn a widow of Chapel
Hill N.C. and if it has been rejected
what were the ground of the objection.

I am very Respectfully
Your obedt servt
/s/ Will. A. Graham

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. Pen.
Page 176

Dr. James A. Craig
Haw River P. office
N.C.
Page 177

(15)

University of N. Carolina
Nov. 1839

We the undersigned, having learned that Mrs
Elizabeth Nunn of Chapel Hill is an applicant
for
a pension, on account of the Revolutionary services of
her deceased husband Captain William Nunn
do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
Mrs Nunn. - that we have known her respectively
from four to twenty four years.- that she has been a
widow ever since our first acquaintance with her,-
and that we believe her to be seventy eight years of age.

We further certify that to the best of
our knowledge & belief, she is a woman of truth &
veracity.

/s/ D.S. Swain, Pres.
/s/ E. Mitchell, Prof. of Chemistry
/s/ James Phillips, Prof Math & Nat. Phil
/s/ J.D.B. Hooper Prof. Latin
/s/ W.M. Green Prof of Rhetoric &c
[illegible]
Page 178

(16)

Chapel Hill Nov 28th1839

Dr. James A. Craig
Dear Sir

Your favour of the 28th
ult would have been acknowledged ere this if it had
not found me more than usually engaged.

The certificate in behalf of Mrs. Nunn which you
purposed for the signatures of the members of the Faculty
was read (together with your letter) in full meeting, and more
pressing business had not crowded it out.

Owing to many engagements incident her[?]
preparation for having home for several
weeks [obscured text]
President Swain to leave the Hill without presenting[?] 
signature to the enclosed. He more than once expressed
his willingness to do so. If you deem his name of
much importance to the success of Mrs Nunn's application
and will return the [cross out] certificate to me at the
commencement of the next session, I will procure it for you.

Hoping that your exertions in behalf of Mrs Nunn
may prove successful. I remain with respect
Yours sincerely
/s/ W.M. Green
Page 179

Claim of Elizabeth Nunn, for Increase of Pension.

The Pension Office has again referred to the case
and examined the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, which
appears includes a payment of £9.16 to Wm. Nunn, which was not
not[sic] before the Office when her claim was adjusted.
Page 180

15

Elizabeth Nunn wid.
of Capt. Wm Nunn

Henry Ringstaff
Sep 81. 3mo 81. 3m Captain
Nov 82 6mo.
knew Capt Nunn in
summer after '82