Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,045, William Boswell, Penn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
Penn.
Boswell, William
NUMBER
R. 1,045

CONTENTS
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31900
Wm. Boswell
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State of Virginia
Preston County ss}

On this 2nd day of ^ August in the year 1834 personally appeared before me, William Conner, one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said county of Preston and state aforesaid, William Boswell, a resident of the said county of Preston and state aforesaid, aged seventy-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to procure the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832;

that he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1777 and that the number of the regiment is not recollected & in the Continental army under the following named officers--To wit Genl. Stephens, Col. Muchlenburg, [Muhlenberg] Major not recollected, Captain Neil, Lieutenant Thompson in Lancaster county in the state of Pennsylvania;

That he enlisted for during the war & we marched from said county of Lancaster over into the state of New Jersey where we remained some time watching the maneuvering of the enemy and from thence we marched back into the state of Pennsylvania to Brandywine where we had a general engagement or battle with our enemy in which battle the British claimed the victory;

& from thence we marched to Germantown.  Some time during the fall where we had another engagement with the enemy, we was again defeated & from thence we marched to the Valley Forge where, as I believe, Genl. Washington took up his winter quarters and where we spent the winter.  And in the spring following we marched again into the state of New Jersey under Genl. Washington and General Lee to Monmouth where we had a battle with the
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State of Virginia, Preston County to wit 
I. Charles Byrne Clerk of the County Court of Preston in the State of Virginia do hereby verify that William Connor Esq is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and that he is duly commissioned and qualified as such and that the within is his genuine signature--

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court 
this 21st day of August in the year 1834 
and 59th year of the commonwealth.

Charles Byrne [signature]
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30.829.
William Boswell
Virginia

Return J.

Hon E. C. Wilson
House of Rep
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[typed printed  form letter:]

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
6th. May 1834

Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done, Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them: and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation on your claim.
_______________________________________

A Statement, showing the Service of William Boswell
______________________________________
[Columns:]
Period when the service was rendered
 | Duration of the claimant's service.  Years. | Months.   Days.  | Rank of the claimant.  | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
__________________________________________
[Handwritten:]
March 1777. | 4 | [blank ] | [blank] | [priv] | Cap Neil Gen. Muhlenburg |78 years Lancaster County Penn"~ [blank]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [sp] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of}
County of} ss.

On this day of
personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and
served in the (e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a
revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
&c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the
said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted;
and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex [sp]
expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will
follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the
following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For
year months, and
days, I served as a
For months and
days, I served as a
and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period
for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent
authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the
witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i[ are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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William Boswell appl
Preston cty

Entitled
CK
Page 10

[handwritten:]

William Boswell applicant.

I the undersigned William Boswell at the requisition of the secretary of war, give the following narative [narrative] of my age and revolutionary Services to Wit -- I was born in the year 1756. in the city of Bristol. in the Kingdom of Great Brittain -- and came to the United States in the year 1775 and landed in Boston in the Summer of that year Shortly after the Battle of Bunker Hill.  I came as a British soldier and remained in that service until after the Declaration of the American Independance _ in that year 1776. I deserted the British [Line?] in New York. -- in December in the Same year I Enlisted in the American Army at Lancaster Pennsylvania _ I was Enlisted by Capt James Neale. & marched from there destined for Trenton, and behind Genl. Washington's army between Trenton. & Princeton on a march. I was attached to Genl. Frederick Augustin Mulenburgs. Regt. the number of which I do not recollect. and proceeded with the army to Princeton. where an engagement took place Between the Entering armies in which the Americans prevailed _ took Princeton & remained there Some time-- Since then or from companies (mine included ) were ordered to Philadelphia. a Major Kilpatrick commanded the division-- or rather the companies thus ordered. we remined [remained] there a short time and was then ordered to the head of Elk. on gitting [sic] there the British had left that place and had gone over into Maryland. we  remained there until Genl. Washingtons army came out of New Jersey & found it again near Elk town. the main army was from there ordered to Brandy Wine when an engagement took place and continued Nearly all day.-- the American army after Sustaining great loss retreated to Chester [Chestnut] Hill. the Battle was fought in September. as well as I can remember, from Chester [Chestnut] Hill the army went to Germantown at that place we had another Battle. in which the Americans were again
Page 11

unsuccessful, it retreated up the Chester road &
went into Winter quarters at Valley Forge. In the next [Encaning? Ensuing?] Spring, the army returned to New Jersey and had an engagement with the British army at Monmouth. In this action, we were successful. We returned in the same year to Philadelphia, which had been recently abandoned by the British. We remained in Philadelphia all winter. In the last year, there was no general engagement with that part of the army to which I belonged. It remained in Pennsylvania and did nothing of any consequence. In the year 1777. Stoney Point was taken by Gen. Wayne, but I was not in
that engagement. After this, I was taken sick and sent to the Hospital at Carlisle & remained there for about six months after getting well myself with others. Went to Germantown
and from there to Elk and joined Genl Erwins's Division, at which place we lay until after Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in Virginia. But very soon after this latter occurred, I
got my discharge and certificate which have been lost.
This statement was given is in substance the same I gave to Mr. Cresap who with my declaration - I agreed to give him $50 if he should get me a Pension of $200. or
250$ August 4. 1834- In all my service I was under the same Captain -
William Boswell
Note - This man seems to be honest & I believe his statement to be true
W. G. Singleton
Aug. 28. 1834
Page 12

[left-hand side of page]
Wm Boswell
Va.
Susd let. Jno P. Byrne
May 8. 1837
1045
Act June 7 1832

[right-hand side of page]
William Boswell
Va. Act 7 June 1832
----------------------------
See letter to G. Cresap
Sept. 26. 1834--

William Boswell
Virginia
Suspended-
Let 31 Mar 1835
W.G. Singleton ~
let Jn Byrne Apl 21.35
11 May 1835 G. Cresap
Page 13

Ex'r. INVALID.
REJECTED
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. [lined out]
1045.

William Boswell
[left side obscured]
ce:
ed:                     ,18
arged:                ,18
cation filed:        ,18
ges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Page 14

William Boswell, applicant in this case, the declaration was returned for insufficiency. The amended declaration will be handed to me. This is Mr Cresap Case.
I, the undersigned William Boswell, having been called on by W.G. Singleton, agent for the war department, do give the following
declaration of my revolutionary services, to wit-- I was born in the year 1756 in the City of Bristol in the Kingdom of Great Britain & came
to the United States in the year 1775 & landed in Boston in the summer of that year. Shortly after the Battle of Bunker Hill, I came on
as a soldier & remained in the British service until after the declaration of the American Independence. In that year, I deserted the British service at New York. In the latter end of
the same year (1776 Dec.) I enlisted at Lancaster in Pennsylvania, in the American army for and during the war. I was enlisted by
Capt James Neill, who enlisted a part of a Company there. I was marched from there, our destination being for Trenton, and joined
Genl Washington's army between Trenton & Princeton. On a march within joining the army, I was attached to Genl Frederick Augustine Mulenberg's regiment. I don't recollect the number, and then proceeded
with the army to Princeton, where an engagement ensued between the two armies. The American army prevailed, took Princeton & remained a short time there. Some three or four companies (mine included) were ordered from Princeton to Philadelphia. A Morgan Kilpatrick was along with our division & commanded, and remained there not very long, and was then ordered to the head of Elk, where the British had been. In getting there, the British had left & gone into Maryland, and 
remained there until General Washington's army came out of New Jersey. I joined it again hear Elktown. After I remained there a while, the main army were marched to Brandywine, where an engagement ensued between the two armies which lasted nearly all day. (This I think was in the month of September.)  The British Army prevailed
Page 15

The Americans retreated after sustaining great loss to Chester Hill, remained there about a month & were then marched to Germantown where another engagement ensued, and
the American army was again unsuccessful.  It retreated again on the Chester Road. The army then went into Winter quarters at Valley Forge into the next succeeding spring. The army returned again to New Jersey, and had an engagement with the British at Monmouth. In this action, the Americans prevailed. In the same year, we returned to Philadelphia as it
had then recently been abandoned by the British. Remained in Philadelphia all winter. In the next year, there was no general action with that part of the army to which I belonged. It remained in Pennsylvania & done nothing of any consequence - some scrounging & foraging parties going. In this year 1779, Stony Point was taken by Wayne. but I was not in that engagement. After this, I took sick & was sent
to the Hospital at Carlisle & remained there for 6 months. The men that had recovered (including myself) were ordered to Phila but
went to Germantown (The order having, I presume, been changed & from there to Elk, remained there until after Cornwallis surrendered at Little York in Virginia.
Genl Irwin Commanded at Elk. Not long after the capture of Cornwallis, I got my discharge and a certificate, which has been lost. I was four years & some months in active service.
The statement I now give is in substance the same I gave to M. Cresap, who wrote my declaration.  I agreed to give him fifty dollars, if he should gain me a pension of 200 or 250. August 4. 1834
William Boswell [signature]
I was under the same Captain all the time
A. Copy.
Page 16

Hugh Pickett E Jno Gill do Morgan
Jno Wilson Dept [illegible]
James Mc Connell J. Francis D Gong do- Welch do Levany do
Capt Guffey
Newman St. John Zammel resident at Germantown
Page 17

I, William Boswell of the County of Preston & State of Virginia, do make the following declaration & statements under oath for the purpose of removing the difficulties that have occurred in my application for a pension-- & also for the purpose of me being placed on the
pension roll-- First to remove the difficulties as
have been stated in the letter from the Honl J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions dated the 21st of April in the year 1835, that the declaration first made & which was defective &
returned to me by the war department has been destroyed or mislaid & it is stated in said letter that I alledged [sic] in said declaration now on file in the war department that I served in the revolution in the Virginia continental line-- & if so stated in said declaration, my services were misstated, as I enlisted in the state of Pennsylvania & I belonged to the Pennsylvania Troops. The following named persons served at the same & I think in the same company in which I served - to wit, Robert Carr, James
Daugherty, Patrick Robbs, James McConnel & thinks there was a major Kilpatrick & one Owen Newman-- The War department
thinks my delaying my application for a pension is prejudicial to my Just interest-- the reason of which was because I had a
considerable estate and I thought that I would not call on the government for a pension as long as I could support myself from the proceeds of my property-- but when I saw persons receiving pensions for services in the revolution when they had not served one fourth of the term I did, I thought it was right
that I should recover a pension also, and I accordingly made my application.
Given under my hand this 26th of April 1837

William Boswell [signature]

Virginia Preston County to wit
This day the above named William Boswell personally appeared before me, the  undersigned Justice of the peace in
and for said County, and subscribed to and made oath in due form to the foregoing declaration or affidavit
Page 18

and I further certify that he is a credible
person and is reputed and believed to be a
soldier of the revolution.
 Given under my hand this 26th day of April in the year 1837--
Reuben Morris J. P.


Virginia
I, Charles Byrne, Clerk of the County Court of Preston County, do hereby certify that Reuben Morris Esqr, one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified as such and that the above is his genuine signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said court
this 29th day of April in the year 1837
Charles Byrne [signature] [seal]


Affidavit
Page 19

To the Honl J L Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions
We, the undersigned citizens of the County of Preston, take pleasure in stating that we have been acquainted with William Boswell, a
resident of said County and who is an applicant for a pension for a number of years, and during that time it has been reputed in
his neighborhood that he was a soldier of the Revolution and believed, and we concur in that opinion that his character in society has always been considered good, and he is considered & believed to be a man of truth and his statements are entitled to credit, that he was formerly a man of considerable property but has been considerably reduced in the last few years-
We therefore most respectfully ask that your
Honor would place the name of the said William Boswell on the pension roll of the United States in persuance [sic] to his application &c

Henry Martin
James C. McGrew
G R Calvert
John P Byrne
E. M. Hagans
G. Cresap
Hiram B. Hanshaw
Cornelius Price
John Felton
Ruben Morris
G W Fairfax
Henry B. Stevens
James L Burbridge
George Radaboh
H Fortney
Thos Piles
Wm Hardesty
David Miller
Hunter Piles
Henry Martin
Wm Whip
John H McHenry
Vincent Vandivert
Francis B F Fairfax
Samuel Jeffers
James Chiles
Wiley Poster
Edmon Mesenger
Elijah Hardester
Jonas Buckner
Jefferson Gilpin
Andrew Bucklew
Jas Amos
George Conley
Thos Gregg
Page 20

J L Riley
Andrew Redenour
Jno Conly
Wm Cobert
James McGee
Samuel A Wroe
John S. Murdock
Saml Messenger
George Tipett
Elias Conly
And C Stone
Salathael Goff
Chas B Fawcett
Alexander Turner
John Martin
W Rodeheaver
Elijah Shaffer
Nathan Bull
Charles Zinn
Roswell Messenger
Wm W Scott
John Felton
Wm Mason
Martin Ridenour
Nathaniel Holmes
John R Stone
S R Trowbridge
Barton Mobley
William Morgan

John McGee
Caleb Fuller
Nicholas Sayer
William Sigler
Jos Tuttle
Solomon P. Herndon
Thos Squire
Wm Watson
Drake Swindler
Christian Feathers
Lewis Turner
John Hooton
Amos Carrolle
John Conley Sr.
William Carroll
Jacob McGinnis
Godfrey Carroll
James Carroll
William Elliott
Chas Hooton
Samuel Evans
John Scott
May Brown
Israel Baldwin
Joseph Brown
Page 21

Wm Boswell
Va

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
D.C. 

Va.
Act 1832
May
Kingwood Va
May 30th

Free
Page 22

Kingwood 29th 1837
Dear Sir
I have enclosed to you a petition in favour of William Boswell, who is an applicant for a pension, of a statement made by him under oath on your letter dated the 21 April 1835.
I find upon examining your letter that you were under the impression that he belonged to the Virginia troops, but he says in his statement that he has made that he belonged to the Pennsylvania Troops. I was not the agent that wrote his declaration,  but I  have frequently conversed with him on the subject of his services during the war of the Revolution, and it is my opinion that he was a soldier of the
revolution. If he was able to go to Washington City, and you could have an opportunity of a personal examination, I have no doubt he would be placed on the pension roll.  Mr. Singleton informed me that his report was favorable to the old man's claim and it
seems to me that when his report is favorable to the applicant it ought to be conclusive. Because if he reports against the applicant, it is conclusive as I have been informed ┃
I am very Respectfully your obedient servant
John P. Byrne
Hon J L Edwards
Page 23

May 8.

Free

Hon J L Edwards
Commisr of Pensions
Washington City

Kingwood Va
May 3
Page 24

Kingwood May 2nd 1835
Dear Sir, 
I beg leave to inform you that the original
declaration of William Boswell is destroyed. It was one that I prepared for the old man myself, the first and the only one, & not being acquainted with the preparing of them; I was informed by the Honorable E. C. Wilson, member of Congress, that it was deficient in point of form, and therefore I proceeded to take a new one, which was sent to the department, and if my memory serves me right ,is nearly similar to the original, and since the taking of the old man's declaration, he has been removed by his friend to this place and my next-door neighbor- so that immediately upon a discovery from your communication that his services were rendered in [Pennsylvania - crossed out] Virginia, 
and I proceeded to make the enquiry of him and he states you are mistaken or otherwise his services are misstated in his declaration that he served in the Pennsylvania troops & that he enlisted for four years or more during the war and that he served four years & four months, and the reason he assigns for not having applied for a pension sooner was because he lived in a remote part of the County and was not aprised of any Law authorizing him to draw a pension until Just previous to his making application.
Yours most respectfully, 
G. Cresap

J.L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 25

Department of War,
Pension Office
April 14. 1835

Sir
I have examined the declaration of William Boswell,who alleges to have served during the war of the revolution in the Virginia continental line, and placed it upon the
files of this office.

It appears that Mr Boswell made and presented
to the office a declaration previous to the one now under consideration, and that it was returned in May last; he will be required to forward it to this office again, if not
destroyed. The pay rolls of the continental line of Va do not bear the name of William Boswell, nor either those of Robt Carr or Jas Dougerty who he says served in the same company.

It is a little remarkable, that if
W. Boswell served as he has stated, that he never
applied under the former pension Act, or even earlier under the present, and that having still resided in Va. did not call for his depreciation pay after the war. Proof of service will be required.
I am very Respectfully
Yr Ob Svt
J L Edwards
 John Byrne Esq
 Kingwood
 Preston Co Va.
Page 26

Kingwood}
Sept 20th}

free
To the acting secretary of War
Washington
District of Collumbia [sp]
Page 27

Kingwood Sept 18th 1834
Dear sir
I beg leave to represent to your honour the
requests of William Boswell & Robert 
Mc Millen. Robert Mc Millen is an original Pensioner & has drawn from the passage of the ^ Act up to March last & is now lying very low of disease & is reputedly poor & William Boswell has recently made application sent on his papers & they were returned; he then made out a
new declaration, & was personally examined by Mr Singleton agent for the United States. Boswell is verry [very] old & infirm & rappidly [rapidly] on the decline & very low in his pecuniary circumstances & is desirous if Mr
Singleton has made his [illegible] to the department ^ to know if he will be likely to get any thing or not. You confer a favour by giving as early an answer as sircumstances [circumstances]
will admit.

your most obedient &
humble servant
Gustavus Cresap