Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5212, Lawrence Hopkins, Mass
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Mass

Hopkins, Lawrence
or 
Braddock 
Mary

R. 5212
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Proof of marriage
of Mary Hopkins
wife of
Lawrence or 
Braddock Hopkins
Act Feb. 3/33


D. A. Wood, Esq.
Present
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State of Virginia
Bath County Court Clerks Office -- The following is a copy from the record of Marriages filed in my Office to wit
"Lawrence Hopkins to Polly Jordan by Ottis Wade 18th May 1820"
A Copy 
Teste 
S. A. Porter Clk.
The following is a copy taken from the list of marriages returned and filed in the Clerks Office of Bath County Court--
"Lawrence Hopkins and Polly Jorden was Married May the 18th 1820 according to law by me
Ottis Wade"

State of Virginia
Bath County to Wit
I Stephen A. Porter Clerk of the County Court of Bath County in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the Records of my Office. In Testimony where of I have hereto prescribed my name and affixed the seal of the Court this 26th Aug. 1833-- 
S.A. Porter Clk
Bath County Courts

Fee for Copy Seal 
20
37
----
57
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[Left Page]

No. 30. [illegible]
Lawrence Hopkins
Lewis Co

Josias. M. Steed Esq
Parkersburg, Va.

[Right Page]
Report to R. A. Hawth
of Weston Lewis County

As A Hon J L Dexter--
Nov 20 1833
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State of Virginia       }
Lewis County towit  } ss
personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Lewis and State of Virginia on this 26 day of October 1833 Lawrence Hopkins a resident of the said County of Lewis and State of Virginia aged 83 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under  the following named officers and served as herein stated in the year 1777 in the State of Rhode Island in the Town of Exeter County not recollected in the month of June in the year 1777 affiant was drafted and placed under the command of Capt [illegible] Lieut. Kinny Ensign Springer Major Philips affiant was  recruited in the town of Exeter and about the fifteenth of June last aforesaid affiant was marched for Springfield to join the Continental Army which was there stationed. Affiant passed through Stony Town in the State of Connecticut and arrived at Springfield between the twentyeth and thirtyeth of June 1777 affiant was then incorporated into the Continental army which was commanded by Colonel Tupper which Regiment was the tenth number as well as  applicant recollects after applicant  joined the Continental Army he was placed under the command of Captain Parks Lieutenant Ohair Ensign Coary applicant remained at Springfield but a few days. The applicant was then marched to West Point  passing through the state of Massachusetts applicant was marched in haste from Springfield to West Point and consequently does not recollect much about the country through which he passed when
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applicant arrived at West Point he became acquainted with Colonel Martial Major Winslow an [ineligible] affiant remained at West Point engaged in guarding the port of West Point until his tower [tour] for which he was drafted had expired applicant was then discharged by his said Captain Parks having served nine months as a private soldier again in the month of April 1778 at West Point in the State of New York at the place where applicant was first stationed in his first tower [tour] here set forth applicant volunteered his service for nine months commencing on the twentyeth day of April 1778 and was placed under the command of the same officers as in his first tower [tour] above named applicant remained in the fort at West Point guarding said fort by regular tower [tours]until the time for which he volunteered had expired applicant was then discharged by his said Captain Parks having served nine months as a private soldier during this tower [tour] of 9-service nothing of any notoriety took place affiant continued in and about said fort engaged as last aforesaid in guarding said fort affiant was not discharged until the twenty eighth day of December 1778 applicant being a single man did not return home but remained in the state of New York in the neighborhood of west point for a short time and in the month of February 1779 in the state of New York the county not recollected applicant was drafted for a tower [tour] of nine and was again placed under the command of the officers aforesaid with Captain Parks Lieutenant Stair Ensign Coary and was stationed again at west point as in his second tower [tour] aforementioned at the time applicant was drafted this tower [tour] was residing in the immediate neighborhood
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of West Point and at the day appointed for the Troops to assemble applicant went on and joined them at West Point. Applicant remained at west point under the command of officers last aforesaid engaged in guarding said fort until sometime in the month of May 1779 at which time applicant was detached from the main army and placed under the command of Captain Bannister other officers names not recollected and was marched from West Point to Verplanks point about twenty miles distance from West Point and was stationed in a block house which was built for the defense of the troops which was then stationed. applicant remained here until the time for which he was drafted had expired applicant was then discharged by his said Captain Parks having served nine months as private soldier during the time applicant served were in Verblanks Point in the block house [illegible] and he was engaged in repairing the block house aforesaid and in guarding the same until the applicant was discharged as aforesaid by his Captain Parks. I hereby relinquish every claim what ever to a pention or accentry except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension race of the agency or State whatsoever
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
Lawrence T Hopkins
his x mark
to the several interrogations prescribed by the War apart much applicant answers as follows and says
1 I was born in the State of Rhodeisland in the town-of Exeter County not recollected in the year 1749
2 I have a record of my age which shows me to be the age of which I speak
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3 when called into service I was living in the State of Rhode island the town of exeter I have lived since the Revolutionary in the State of Virginia County of Bath Lewis Nichol the last of which I now live in -
4 my first and third towers [tours] I was drafted my second I volunteered
5 at Springfield I saw and became acquainted with Colonel Tupper. at West Point. I saw and became acquainted with Colonels Martial I also saw and became acquainted with Majors Winslow and Class at Westpoint. 
Capain Parks was my Captain all the time I served except the time I was detached from the main army then I was placed under Captain Bannister whith whom [covered] acquainted--
Col Tupper commanded the tenth regiment to which I was attached 
6 I was regularly discharged by the officer under whom I served to wit Captain Parks who signed all my discharged but they are all lost or mislayed
7 I have no documentary evidence of my service neither do I know of any person by whose testimony I can provide by whom I could prove my services
7 I am known to ___ and ___who can testify to my character and to their belief of my having bin a soldier of the Revolution as to my age
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid .
Lawrence Hopkins , his mark
we James J Arnold and Samuel Stalnaker residing in the County of Lewis and State of Virginia hereby certify therein and well acquainted with Lawrence
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Hopkins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 83 years of age that he is reputed and believed in The neighborhood [illegible] to have bin [been] a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in the opin 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
James J Arnold
Samuel T Stalnaker
his X mark

and I the said Justice of the peace do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the investigations prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he States and I the said Justice further certify that it appears to me that ____and____
who has signed the preceding certificates are credible persons and that there statement is entitled to credit and I the said Justice further certify that there is no clergiman residing in the neighborhood of the above named applicant and that he from bodily infirmity is unable travel to the Court House of the said county of Lewis from which he lives ___miles and I the said Justice further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of myself in the matter of the application of Lawrence Hopkins for a pention.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 26 day of October 1833
David W Steeth {Seal}
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State of Virginia
Lewis County

S.S.

I, John Talbott, Clerk of the County Court of Lewis County aforesaid do certify that David W Steeth is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of Office at Weston this 29th day of October 1833

J. Talbott clerk
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Mary Hopkins
Declaration, Sch
Feb 3. 1833

D. H. Wood Esq
Present
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State of Virginia
Jackson County } S8

On the 8th day of AugustA.D. 1883 personally appeared before the county court of Jackson County in the state of Virginia Mary Hopkins, a resident of the county of Jackson and state aforesaid, aged 60 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order, to attain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed on the 3rd day of February 1853 granting provisions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Lawrence Braddock Hopkins who to the best of her knowledge and belief was a private in the company commanded by Captains Joseph Holly and Phillips and Captain Parker as well in Rhode Island in Massachusetts regiment, and served as follows, 9 months, in Rhode Island, State troops under Captain Holly, Colonel [illegible] regiment then under Captain Parks in A.D. 1883 Colonel Tephane Regiment or Tuppers and left the service in 1779. She further declares that she was married to the said Lawrence Braddock Hopkins on the 18th day of may eighteen hundred and twenty. That her said husband died on the 27th day of September eighteen hundred and thirty nine. That she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow.
Mary Hopkins her x mark

Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year above written before the county court of Jackson County
F.A. Holt P.S.Justice Peace
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I James Greer Clerk of the County Court of Jackson County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the forgoing declaration was sworn to and subscribed by Mary Hopkins whose signature is thereunto annexed in the presence of and before the county court of Jackson County there F. A. Holt is the presiding Justice of said court and the foregoing signature of the said F.A. Holt is his true and genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereby set my hand and seal of office this 8 day of August 1853
James Greer clk by 
H.C. Flesher deputy clerk
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5212

Mary Hopkins

REJECTED [stamped]
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REJECTED [stamped]

5210
P.O.
B.
Lawrence Hopkins
Service:
Consolidated Aug 4 1882 with widow Mary 
rejected files 5212

J.N. Bicor
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Lawrence Hopkins
Virginia

Suspended

Feb 16- March 1835
Josiah M. Steed
William G Singleton and 
Ga Mr J Dexter April 1835
Ci Claimant 12 May 1836
D G Ripley 9 May 1836
J. Johnson 16 Sept 1837
Rejected
V-210
June 7 1832
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No 3227

Mary Hopkins, widow
of Lawrence Hopkins
Va.

5212

Rejected Letter to D. H. Wood 
passed Oct 1853
Letter to Jan 23/54

Act. Feb 1853
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To the Commission of
Pensions

Washing D.C.
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Glenville Gilmer County
Virginia January 14/54

Dear Sir

Mrs. Mary Hopkins having sometime since through her agent in Washington, failed her application for a pention [sic] as the widow of Lawrence B. Hopkins and not having heard any thing in relation to the matter desires me to enquire, of you, whether, she has brought herself within the requirements of the Pention [sic] laws upon her said applications, and if not what proof is yet required

Yours most respectfully
R. Linn
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Washington City
September 19, 1853.
To L. P. Waldo, Esq.

Sir:
Enclosed is the declaration, proof of marriage, and death of her husband, of Mary Hopkins, widow of Lawrence or Braddock Hopkins, under the Act of Feb. 3, 1853. 
His case is suspended under the Act of 1832, from Virginia.

Very Respectfully
D. H. Wood
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D.H. Wood
Present
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Jackson County
Virginia Dec 31st 1852

Dear Sir

You will confer a great favour on me by examining my husbands papers in the City of Washington to see whether there is any thing due under the pension laws of the United States. He was a soldier in the Revolution and I am informed that they were all entitled to a pension- if so I desire to secure the back pay. 

[illegible]
Test GW Rader

her Mary X Hopkins widow of mark Lawrence Hopkins
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Laurence Hopkins - suspended
I the undersigned Laurence Hopkins in  pursuance of the requisition of the Secretary of War give the following naration [sic] of my age and services as a soldier in the war of the Revolution to wit._ I shall be eight six years old the 10th day of March next_ I was raised in exeter Rhode Island. and lived there until within the last 30 years when I moved to and settled in western Virginia _ directly after the Battle of Bunker Hill (I can't tell the year) I  enlisted at exeter for nine months under Captain Joseph Holly, marched to Boston and was attached to Colonel Joseph Vamans Regiment. (I can't let the number of the Regt.) and General Nathaniel Green's brigade, General Washington commanded in Person at Boston.  the army was encamped on Prospect Hill. Served out my term of nine months got my discharge and returned home _ my discharge has been lost for many years _
about two years after the forgoing tour of duty had been done I enlisted again for nine months at Tivertown under Captain Samuel Philip's was attached to Colonel Hawkins Regiment. I don't recollect the number. the army under General Govnall marched from Tivertown to New Port was then joined by General Sullivans command Newport was then in the possession of the British.  upon the American army getting to Newport the British abandoned the place, and in campted [sic] nine miles distant on quaker Hill the American army pursued the British even  at night. the Pocket guard by General Sullivan's order was placed near the British quarters. they were attacked by the British and driven in- a battle ensued- the American army
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retreated to Tivertown and the British army resumed their former positions at Newport.On our retreat to Tivertown my Enlistment for nine months expired - I got my discharge and returned home, my discharge has been lost or destroyed for many years - 
About two years after Burgoyne's headquarters was captured (I wont be certain as to time- ) I enlisted again at Greenwich for nine months under Captain Park's marched to West Point and joined the main army under General Washington. was attached to the 10th Regiment commanded by Colonel Tupper, remained at West Point for the nine months. after the expiration of which I enlisted under the last mentioned Captain (Parks) and received $40 bounty - during the war I obtained a furlough for forty days. Went home, returned and joined the army (after my furlough expired) at West Point was attached to the 10th Regiment and Captain Park's company, Colonel Tupper was Colonel. of the Regiment as before stated - Colonel Spear was Lieutenant Colonel- remained at West Point until Spring - When Captain Bannister was detached with 70 men including myself to guard a block house on Verblank Point, immediately opposite Stoney Point I remained at this station for six months and then returned to West Point and joined my old company Regiment after remaining there for some considerable the army marched under General Lafayette through Morristown to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. took [illegible] at Elk and went around to Anapolis [sic], from there to Baltimore and thence to Richmond - the American army was marching and countermarching through the country
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for some time - Sometimes pursued. at others pursuing the British army, until finally the British army was hemmed in at York town Virginia during the March Genera Lafayette was reenforced by General Wayne and General Washington at York town general engagement took place between the two armies General. Lafayette troops were on the right wing - the French [illegible] on the left -  I was in Colonel Dumonts Regiment who had the back of his heel shot of - Colonel Govern and Major Willis were also attached to the Regiment - after the British surrender of Cornwallis my Regiment with others were marched back to Elk thence to West Point and was then discharged after the close of the war, my discharge for the latter service has been lost or destroyed for many years -  I know of no one living by whom I can prove my services - RH. Louther who wrote my Declaration - Sent for me, I went to Weston the county seat of Lewis - Louther took me from Weston to David W. Sleuths home nine or ten miles. before when I swore to my Declaration it was not read to me. Sleuth said the reading of it was unnecessary. I know no letters. I live six miles from the county seat of Jackson where I go frequently. I gave Louther the entire statement in substance seen given. In witness of all which I here to subscribe my name December 28 1834

Lawrence (his X mark) Hopkins
Witness J. M. Steed
A Copy  W. Singleton

Note _ this case presents the only single brute [sic] spot yet found in the dark Horizon. this man told his tale with so much simplicity and artlessness that I could not
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resist the conviction - that although in minor details he may be inaccurate - yet the substance of his statement is strictly true - he is wholly illiterate and exceedingly ignorant - it would seem to me impossible - that he could concoct such a narration [sic] as he has here given - I think it probable that this will not agree with his original statement - but that fact should have no consideration in my opinion against him - because he has been manifestly [illegible] upon by a designing scoundrel - if the commissioners of pension should be of opinion that he is entitled to his certificate - he asks please enclose it to Josias M. Steed of Parkersburg who will take care that no further importunities are practiced upon him.

W.G. Singleton
January 7 1835

Lawrence Hopkins
applicant
Jackson County
[illegible] from Lewis

Entitled 6 months pension
Send certificate to
Josias M Steed
Parkersburg
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Braddock Hopkins, enlisted to Captain West 
[illegible] March 24 1778
discharged 14 Sept  1778 Colonel Hopkins
Regiment Rhode Island
Troops for 12 months.
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Winchester  December 6 1835

Sir
The accompanying Declaration of Lawrence Hopkins of Jackson county has been enclosed to me with a request to forward it to you with such recommendatory statement as I might feel free to make - this is one of the suspended applications examined by me last Winter. I not only reported favorably, but subsequently to my report expressed to you (in a conversation) my [illegible] of the truth of this old gentlemans naration [sic] of service in all and entire particulars - on comparing the Declaration hereunto with my notes of his examination I find they agree in substance. It is probable that his name may be found in the Rolls but be that as it may I repeat that I am perfectly satisfied that he served as alleged- his advanced age and extreme poverty precludes the possibility of his hunting up witnesses to prove his claims. I think therefore his case right to form and exception to your general rule- may I ask your particular attention to it. please let me hear from you on the subject.
Very Respectfully your obedient servant. W. G Singleton
James L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pension Washington City.
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Ripley  January 2nd 1836

Dear Sir, 
Through Mr. Wm. G Singleton I received your information of my application for a pension
he informs me that, the name of Lawrence Hopkins cannot be found on the Rolls of Colonel Tuppers Regiment. I do not remember that any other Hopkins was in said Regiment except myself. On reflection it occurs to me that my name on the Roll was called Braddock Hopkins. I was Christened by the name of Braddock Hopkins, But an uncle of mine, a brother of my fathers, died and my relations insisted on calling my name Lawrence, for my deceased uncle. I was sometimes called Braddock and sometimes Lawrence. Since I left the Service I have been called Lawrence. When my Declaration was made out I did not think to mention that circumstance.  But now I am confidant that the Sergeant of Colonel Tuppers Regiment called me when calling the Roll, Braddock Hopkins
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Capt Parks company 
Wardwell was orderly Sergeant . Shirtleff  Palfrey Downing and Josiah Hammond were the other Sergeants. I performed the services which I recounted in my Declaration - If any thing else is wanting, please inform me soon, for I soon shall be off the stage and my family and myself shall loose [sic] the benefit of what Congress has awarded me for my and arduous services rendered my Country in the season of youth. 

Yours respectfully
Lawrence Hopkins

If my pension is allowed direct your Setler to the care of D G Morrill  Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Jackson County - Ripley, Virginia

L. Hopkins

1 W. Parks Lieutenant November 1776  promoted Captain  18 March 1780
2 F Oh [illegible]
3 F Quarter master
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Lawrence Hopkins
[Left entry]
1st declaration. 
1777 
June  drafted in Rhode Island  9 months Captain West marched to Springfield Massachusetts and to West point then joined Colonel Tupper Regiment. under command of Captain Parks

April 1778  
Still remained under same officers at West Point 9 months more
Remained in New York and then February 1779 was drafted for 9 months and placed under same officers and in May 1779 placed under command Captain Bannister
then marched to Verplanks point until his term expired was discharged by Capain Parks [illegible] 27 months

York and was in the Battle and surrender of Cornwallis was taken back to Eck & to West Point & [illegible] his Regt from what he had been enlisted and continued then under command of Capt Park late close of war
[Right entry]
2d declaration
1775 June enlisted Captain G. Holly State Troops of Rhode Island Colonel Varnums Regiment for 9 months.Marched to Prospect Hill Massachusetts and joined General Washingtons army which was encamped there. Arrived  at Prospect Hill at that time after the Battle of Bunker Hill met the wounded returned here, remained there 9 months and was discharged and went home Two years after this
March 1778 enlisted the State troops of Rhode Island 9 months Captain Phillips Colonel Hawkins Regiment remained in Rhode Island until his time expired 12 days 18 months [illegible]
1780 or 1781. again enlisted in State troops Rhode Island and marched to West point under Colonel Tupper Captain Parks at the expiration of the term re-enlisted for 9 months same officers was put under Captain Bannister and went to Verplanks point and after rejoined Captain Parks Company and [illegible] [illegible] selected by LaFayette to march. Went to Morristown NJ & to Elkton [illegible] to Annapolis and then to Baltimore. Ladies gave all a shirt apiece. Then to Richmond went into the hospital at Charlottesville Virginia joined the troops at [illegible
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[Left side of entry]
Report of Mr. Singleton
Enld [enlisted] with Captain Joseph Holly 9 months R.I.
Anlly [?] after Battle B[unker]  Hill and Massachusetts
L. Boston-. Prospect Hill [illegible]
Two years after 
1777 enlisted 9 months Captain Phillips Rhode Island
Colonel Hawkins remained in Rhode Island two year after
1779 Enlisted 9 months Captain Parks
Colonel Tupper. Marched West Point
Again enlisted for 9 months. Same Officers Received $40 bounty. Received furlough for 40 days. went home and then returned West Point - Detached and placed under Bannister for [illegible] point. [illegible] then 6 months at West point. The army marched under LaFayette to Maryland Richmond. pursued the British until they were hemd [hemmed] in at Little Fork.

[right side]
Claimants name is not found Colonel Tuppers Regiment. but the name of Joseph Hopkins it appears enlisted for 9 months and served under Colonel Tupper
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On this 23rd day of November 1835 personally appeared before the County Court of Jackson, Virginia, Lawrence Hopkins a resident of the said County of Jackson and State of Virginia aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of hte provision made by act of Congress passed June 7th 1832  That he enlisted in Captain Joseph Holly's Company of the State troops of Rhode Island, he does not remember in what year, but it was in the same year of the battle of Bunker Hill. That he was attached to Colonel Varnums Regiment and General Green's Brigade. said enlistment was for the period of nine months  That he was marched by said Captain Joseph Holly from Exeter in the State of Rhode Island the place where he enlisted to prospect Hill near Charleston in Massachusetts, at which place he joined General Washingtons army which was encamped at said Prospect Hill near Bunker's Hill at which time the British were at Boston and Bunker Hill.  He arrived at Prospect Hill a short time after the battle of Bunkers Hill, for he remembers that when he was marching to prospect hill he met the wounded returning home from the battle of Bunker's Hill.  While he was stationed at Prospect Hill he was no engaged in any battle with the enemy, but the enemy threw bomb shells amongst them and cannonaded them. at which place he served out the nine months for which he enlisted and was dismissed and discharged legally and returned home to Exeter Rhode Island with his said Captain Joseph Holly That about two years after his return to Exeter he again enlisted in the State troops of Rode Island at Tiverton in said State for the term of nine months under Captain Samuel Philips and was stationed at Tiverton and attached to Colonel Hawkins Regiment and under General Cornwell and remained at Tiverton six months for the defence of the shores of Rhode Island, after which there was a call for the Militia and continental troops to proceed to the Island he was taken to the Island under the command of General
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Sullivan after his arrival on the Island the British retreated from their old work's nine miles towards the town of Newport and fortified at a place called Quaker Hill. Genera Sullivan encamped a few days at the works which the enemy had left and then pursued after them and encamped near them and tried to draw them out to battle, but could not. General Sullivan in the night set out a Piquet [picket] guard and retreated back to the old works of the British and so soon in the morning as the British discovered it, they sallied out upon the Piquet [picket] guard, who retreated, pursued by the British, to the main army at the said works nine miles, he was one of the Piquot [pickets]. The same day a battle ensued between Sullivans army and the British. The Britons came on the right wing and the Hessians upon the left wing and the battle continued for the balance of the day and when night came on, we retreated off the Island back to Tiverton, at which place he continued till his nine months had expired, when he was again discharged some time afterwards, perhaps a year or eighteen months, as near as he now recollects he again enlisted in the State troops of Rhode Island, for the like period of nine months under Captain Parks and was taken to West Point and joined Colonel Tuppers Regiment of the Continental troops at which place he served out his term of nine months and then he enlisted in the Continental army during the war and still continued in Captain Parks Company and under Colonel Tupper and continued at West Point till the ensuing Spring. He was then taken on command and put under the command of Captain Banister to guard a block house at Purblank's Point against Stoney Point and served at said blockhouse six months and then was recalled to join Captain Park's company and Colonel Tupper's Regiment and continued subject and obedient to orders until he was selected, with others by the Marquis de LaFayette and put under his command and he at that time drew nine hard dollars and a suit of clothes and was held in readiness to march not knowing whither. He was
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soon ordered to march through Morristown to a place called Elk on the Eastern shore of Maryland and the detachment to which he belonged waited a while for a vessel. as soon as an opportunity offered he was take across the bay to Annapolis  and thence to Baltimore at which place the ladies made each of the Marquis's troops a present of a shirt and from Baltimore he marched to Richmond Rope walk. The British were then on the other side of the river  The Marquis' troops of which he was one watched the motion of the British day and night  The British were then commanded by Cornwallis  some of our troops were taken sick and they retreated to Albemarle County, Virginia to a place called Charlottesville and a hospital was there kept far from near Childs tavern, and they continued in said hospitle [sic] until they were able to march and then they were taken by their sergeants to join their respective corps, which then lay at Little York.  When they joined the troops at Little York the French shipping had blockaded the harbour and hemed in Cornwallis with his army, in Little York. We then commenced throwing up breast works to keep him from escaping  The Marquis and General Washington with their main army were on the Little York side of the River and the Virginia troops were on the Glocester side. We then cannonaded the British and threw bomb shells in upon them for several days while they were thus blocked in said Little York. We then stormed their works  The Marquis was on the right wing and the French were on the left wing, by order of General Washington Commander in chief.  General Cornwallis surrendered and General Washington ordered the Marquis de La Fayette to receive General Cornwallis sword, but Cornwallis refused to  surrender his sword to him because he was a Frenchman and said he never would give his sword to a Frenchman Then General Washington stepped forward and received the sword from General Cornwallis  He was next taken back to Elk on the Eastern shore of Maryland and then taken by the under officers to West Point
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to rejoin his Regiment from which he was selected when
he was first put under the command the Marquis de
La Fayette and continued at West Point under the command
of Captain Parks till the close of the war when he was honourably and legally discharged at West Point and received
a written discharge from Captain Parks which written
discharge has long since been lost, misplaced or destroyed
I do not now recollect what became of it, but am positive
that I received such discharge. The declarant further
states on oath that he served as a regular
soldier in the revolutionary war more than two years. That he was born in the town of Exeter Rhode Island about twenty
miles from Providence, that he lived there until he
first enlisted in the State troops of Rhode Island as aforesaid
Since his discharge from the Continental army
has resided in various places. He lived some time
in Rockingham County Virginia - and for many years
in the County of Bath, Virginia and he has been living some years in the County of Jackson where he now
resides. He has kept no record of his age but
from the account which he has kept from year to year
he is confident that he eighty six the 10th day of March
last. He knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his service or discharge, that his memory is frail and he cannot
recollect the precise years of his several enlistments and discharges
never having kept any record thereof, but as to the terms of
service he is correct, but has stated them according to the best of his recollection without consulting records or history. He is known to James Rader Esquire Michael Rader Jacob Hines George Casto
and many others of his neighbourhood and Peter Click who
lives near this place has known him for many years while he
lived in the County of Bath. While in the service as above
was not engaged in any other occupation
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity
except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the
Pension Roll of any agency in any State, 
Lawrence Hopkins his mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open
Court
Page 37

We Michael Rader a clergyman, residing in the County of Jackson and James Rader Esquire residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Lawrence Hopkins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood  where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution. and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court  the day and  year aforesaid 

Michael L Rader James Rader

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, of the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier  and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Michael Rader who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergy man, resident in the County of Jackson and James Rader Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Jackson and is a credible person , and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

George Stone Presiding
Justice of the peace
said County or Court

I Benjamin Wright Clerk of the Court of Jackson County do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said County in the matter of the application of Lawrence Hopkins for a pension. 

In testimony whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 24th day of November 1835.

Benjamin Wright Clerk
Page 38

Further proof of marriage of 
Mary Hopkins 
& death of husband. 
27th Sept. 1839

D.H. Wood, Esq. Present.
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Virginia
Jackson County  Mary Hopkins who is an applicant for a pension under the 2nd section of the Act of Congress passed in the 2nd of February 1853 allowing pensions to the widows of persons served during the revolutionary war This day personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Jackson County, and made oath in due form of Law, that she does not know of any public as private record of her marriage; with Lawrence, Braddock, Hopkins her late husband in existence. 

Sworn to and subscribed in open court on the 8th day of August 1853


Virginia 
Jackson County  viz
Nehemiah Smith John Rader James R Wolf Benjamin Smith
personally appeared before the Justices now sitting and comprising the county court of Jackson County and made oath that they were well acquainted with Lawrence Braddock Hopkins in his deposition and that the also were acquainted with the Mary Hopkins, and have been before and since, the death of Lawrence Braddock Hopkins that they knew the said Mary as  the wife of the said Lawrence, Braddock Hopkins as to reputation  in the county by their neighbors who [illegible] were during his lifetime that they were known that the said Lawrence Braddock Hopkins service in on account the 27 th day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine and that the said Mary Hopkins
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It is here by certified by the Justices of the County Court of Jackson County in the state of Virginia now sitting that Benjamin Wright, John Rader, James R Wolf, Nehemiah Smith who appeared this day in open court and made with that they knew the said Mary Hopkins to be the wife of Lawrence, Braddock Hopkins and that they knew her the said Mary Hopkins to be a widow at this time and has known since the death of her said  husband and also that the said Braddock Hopkins died on the 27th day of September A.D. 1839
to his men whose testimony can be upon for witness  

Signature F. A Holt  P. Justice of Peace

I James Greer clerk of the County court of Jackson County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing certificates, were sworn to & subscribed in open court on the 8th day of August 1883. That the said F.A. Holt whose name is thereunto subscribed is the presiding Justice of
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of the county court of Jackson County in the state of Virginina

In testimony whereof I have hereon to set my hand and seal of office this 9th day of August A.D. 18

Signature of James Greer  Clerk
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Va Jan 18
Jackson C HVa
10th Jan

Free
James L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions 
Washington City D C
Page 43

Dear Sir
I send you enclosed, a supplemental Declaration of Lawrence Hopkins explaining a circumstance in relation to the change of his Christian name which you will be pleased to consider in connection with his main Declaration recently sent to the war Department and within the report of William. G. Singleton and if you think the evidence of his claim is sufficient you will be pleased to enclose his certificate to him, endorsed to my care.  It is the opinion of all who are acquainted with him that he is beyond a doubt, entitled to a pension  If any difficulty still exists, be pleased to inform us  Braddock Hopkins name can be found on the Rolls of Colonel Tuppers Regiment the applicant is unquestionably the person  His services in the Militia of Rhode Island you will perceive entitle him to  a pension, in connection with his services in the Regular Army  So also would his services in the Regular Army unconnected with  his Militia service  He cannot furnish a living witness  Has he not furnished traditionary evidence agreeable to the Regulations of the War Department?  He is old and frail yet he can give a very minute detail of his services which no person in his situation, it is believed, could possibly give, if he had not actually served as he states

Yours respectfully
D G. Morrill

Joseph L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
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On this 7th day of January 1836 personally appeared before me Nehemiah Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Jackson and State of Virginia Lawrence Hopkins  (Alias Braddock Hopkins) a resident of the County of Jackson and State of Virginia who being first duly sworn according to law, on his oath doth make the following supplemental Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832 which supplemental Declaration is intended [illegible] answer to interrogatories subscribed by the war Department through Wm G Singleton.  "Whether he Hopkins was known by any other than Lawrence and if so by what Christian name? and why it is that he is now known by the name of Lawrence ? In answer to the said Interrogatories the Declarant says that it distinctly, at this time, occurs to his recollection, that from the information derived from his parents he was Christened by the name of Braddock Hopkins and was so called during his infancy, but some time during his childhood, a brother of his father whose name was Lawrence died, and pursuant to the wishes of his relatives, his name in the family was changed from Braddock to Lawrence and thereafter called Lawrence by the family.  That when he listed he told the officers of the change but they entered the name by which he was Christened, and he also now recollects that when the roll was called, his name was called Braddock Hopkins  After he left the service  he was again called Lawrence and has borne, that name ever since and at the time of giving in the Declaration sworn to by him before the County court of Jackson to which this is Supplemental it did not
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occur to him that it was necessary to mention the change of his name as aforesaid. If the rolls of Colonel Tuppers Regiment are found he thinks that his name will there be found Braddock Hopkins.  He further states that his Sergeants were [illegible] Shirtleff.  Pulfrey Downing and Josiah Hammond as near as his recollection he could state many other occurances of his services if necessary enough to cover several sheets, Since he wrote to the war Department he thinks he recollects another Hopkins and thinks his name was William and the likeness he was of the Masschusetts line, that he actually served as he has stated and if it should be necessary he is willing to answer any interrogation, touching his service aforesaid that is within the compass of his recollection

Lawrence (hi X mark) Hopkins, Alias
Braddock Hopkins

Sworn to and subscribed before me Nehemiah Smith a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Jackson the day and year above named. 
Nehemiah Smith


I Benjamin Wright Clerk of the County Court of Jackson Virginia do certify that Nehemiah Smith is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Jackson aforesaid, and that the above is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set me hand and seal of office this 7th day of January 1836. 
Benjamin Wright Clerk
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Ripley  Jackson County  February 6th 1836

Dear Sir
I received your letter of the 12 Ultimo informing me that neither the name of Lawrence nor Braddock Hopkins can be found upon the Massachusetts rolls. You inform me that the names of William and Joseph Hopkins, are there I remember William Hopkins and know of no other Hopkins except myself in Tuppers Regiment - You will perceive by my Declaration that I was not the whole time that I was in the service in Coloneo Tuppers Regiment, but that I was sent to guard a Block house and after I returned to Colonel Tuppers Regiment I was selected one to go with The Marquis de Lafayette and was with him at the taking of Cornwallis and Colonel Tupper remained at West Point  At the taking of Cornwallis I was under Colonel DuMott and Major Willis after the taking of Conwallis I returned to West Point  Colonel Tuppers  Regiment was divided (which perhaps I did not mention in my declaration and was put under Colonel Furnel. My messmates names were Samuel Jones, Zechariah Lumber, Francis De Gross, Thomas Tillum and Richard Heath. I remember Corporals Curtiss and Dawson was killed at the taking of Cornwallis I am surprised that my name cannot be found upon the rolls   I have tried to recollect Joseph Hopkins but cannot. But can distinctly recollect William Hopkins he was sometimes called Bill  He was no relation of mine that I recollect. When I was guarding the Blockhouse I was under command of Captain Bannister. I was under Captain Chapman for a short time  I think he was of the Connecticut troops, I was while in Captain Chapmans Company on the lower lines to catch refugees Please to search the Rolls of Colonel Furnel. Captain Bannister
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and Capt Chapman if they can be found if any of the persons that I have mentioned are pensioners and receiving pensions  I know not where they live - I do not know that I can furnish any direct proof of my services, Have I not furnished irresistalbe circumstantial evidence  I could give a more detailed account of my services If it should be necessary.  There must be some mistake or omission in relation to my name upon the rolls owing to my being changed. How the mistake or omission has arisen I cannot tell  I am old and can neither read nor write. All the circumstances that I have related are from my own recollection.  Some incidents are very fresh in my recollection and others are no so distinctly remembered. I have not conversed with any soldiers of the Revolution to my my recollection in relation to the circumstances which I have related, I do not recollect that I have heard any body read the history of the Revolution. How then could I give the account that I have given  If I had not served - I am sensible that the war Department requires only convincing proof of the Justice of a  Pensioners claim- and for them to furnish the best proof that the nature of their claim will admit. This your Declarant think he has done  Be assured that your declarant is entitled to a pension under the law or he would not thus trouble the War Department. Please to excuse my repeated applications. I am old and infirm and unable to work myself. I need a pension if I can get it. I feel anxious to give you all the satisfaction that I can 

Yours respectfully 

Lawrence Hopkins X his mark

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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Lawrence Hopkins
claim

Jackson C Hval
1st May

Free

May 9 Va

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City 
(D.C.)
Page 49

Ripley  Jackson County  April 30th 1830

Hon. J L Edwards

Dear Sir
Some time ago Mr. Lawrence Hopkins an old Revolutionary soldier under the provisions of the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832 forwarded a Declaration but when the difficulty arose respecting fraudulent claims, the Singleton District Attorney for the Western District of Virginia was appointed to investigate claims, He examined Mr. Hopkins personally and was perfectly satisfied that the said Hopkins was entitled to a pension and reported favourably to the war department. but was informed, that it would be necessary to forward a new declaration  Mr. Singleton and Mr Hopkins both requested me to aid the said Hopkins in procuring his pension.  He said Hopkins gave a long circumstantial Declaration  The War Department replied that his name could not be found on the Books of Col. Tuppers Regiment. He sent on a supplemental Declaration stating that he was also called Braddock Hopkins, and that there was a William Hopkins in the army also. He stated the names of additional officers which he did not name in his first declaration. He reminded the Department of his having been changed from place to place and from a company to company which rendered it difficult for him  to decide positively under whose command he was when he was discharge. Mr. Hopkins is aged and infirm having married a young wife he has young children. He is a man of respectability temperance and honestly and of good repute amongst his
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his neighbours. He is illiterate but inteligent.  He can give as accurate and detailed an account of his services relying wholly upon his memory as any man perhaps in the United States and all his neighbours who have heard him converse about his services believe him to be as much entitled to a pension under the law as any man in the Union. He could not furnish direct proof of his service, but he proved his character and furnished traditionary proof why his name is not on the Rolls is a mistery  It can only be accounted for in consequence of his having been changed so frequently. If he had not served as he states, everybody that knows him will say, that it would be utterly impossible for him to give so minute an account as he gives. If necessary, he can furnish the testimony of as respectable persons as live in this section of the County in favour of his veracity and that they believe that he served as he states in his Declaration   It is the positive conviction of the Justice of his claim that induces me to take the trouble that I have taken for him  I do not speculate on the claims of the poor, indigent revolutionary soldiers.  He this day called at my office and pressed his claim with tears which I could not resist when I have no doubt of the Justice of his claim  If the testimony of many respectable witnesses is to his honesty and their belief that he is entitled to a pension, will favour his case please to inform me can such testimony will be furnished  He is willing to undergo the strictest scrutiny.  You say you find the names of Sergeants  Shirtleff and Hammond. He says that Hammond died at Elk on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
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was buried by a gentleman by the name of Randolph.  The War Department will no doubt cheerfully grant his pension if they are convinced that he served.  He is very old and the condition of him and his family, makes it expedient that the subject should be acted upon speedily and that the aged soldier should be rewarded. I will please to review all his papers!
Yours respectfully 
D.G. Morrill

Hon J L Edwards