Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16,342, Richard Christmas, N.C.
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N.C. 

Christmas, Richard    

S. 16342

carded
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of
Georgia
& South Carolina
23.262
Richard Christmas
Edgeland in the State of
who was a pr:-- in the
command
by Captainof
the Reg comman
by Col. Caswell in the
line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of So Carolina
at the rate of 20. Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Dec 23
and sent Hon. Geo.
McDuffie H.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833
30 -
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34
---
A Co
⎨ Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
by N. Cice-
Cle
Vol. Page
See or
Name W
4. Mard
Letter 22
-
Letter 1
---
Letter 2d May
Letter to
2
Paid at the
act of the
4 March
let note
Paid as a
to 4 Mards
C. March
Paid as abo
to 4 Sep 1840
Oct 1841.
---
. May 14 1835
Georgia, from
1831 - Mar. 27.35
April 1837 - Pen Agt
July 1837. Pen Act
1839. to Pensioner
┃ Auditor 6 June 1839
Treasury under the
6 April 1838 from
1837 to 4 Sept 1838
┃ Fred 12 June 1839.
1
on from 4 Sep 1833
1839. Agt Notified
1840
be from 4 Sep 1839
Agt notified
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1840
to 4 March 1841. Agt Notified
30. Nov. 1841
Date
decre
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State of South Carolina 
Edgefield's District

On this 31 day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before me Richard Gantt one of the judges of said state now sitting in and for the district of aforesaid Richard Christmas a resident of the state and District aforesaid aged sixty eight 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 7th of June 1832. That he entered the service of the united states by being drafted from the 3rd division of North Carolina Militia for three months and entered on said tour of three months at Hallifax in the month of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty from which place he the said deponet marched to the and South under the command of Capt. John White of the 3rd Regiment of North Carolina Militia Commander by col. Richard Caswell and joined General Gates near Lynches creek in the state of South Carolina and was in the battle when he (Gates) was defeated by Lord Cornwallis was in the 8th platoon commanded by Cpt. Ranson after the defeat he said deponent went to Charlotte from thence from place to place until the expiration of the three months and
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was discharged by Major Agrippa Nichols, In the year
one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one he the
said deponent was drafted the second time for three
months and marched Granville Old Court House some time
in February of the same year under Capt William Christmas
who commanded a rifle company and Joined Generall
Greene near the high rock ford on Haw river was in
in the battle at Guilford Court House continued under
his (Genl Greene) command until his engagement with Lord
Rawdon near Camden but was not in the engagement
being out upon a scout Served out his said deponants
three months tour and was discharged by General Thomas
to the said deponant was called out some time after
wards to guard a publick store in Franklin County State of
North Carolina how long he said deponent cannot
now till but will say two months at least making in
the whole Eight months actual service. This deponant
further saith that he hath no written or documentary
evidence on which to rely for the verification of
the above declaration made and setforth
The deponent hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll
the agency of any State
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W. Tho. Harris a clergyman residing in the District of Edgefield and state aforesaid and William Roberson residing in said state and district hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Christmas who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty-eight years of age as he declares. That he is reputed and believed  living in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in the opinion.
Wyatt Harris JP
Thomas Harris
William Roberson
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogator y 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 the said Thomas Harris-who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the state and district aforesaid and that William Robertson who has also signed the preceding is a resident of the state and district aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit 
Richard Gannt Judge
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I Jefferson Richardson clerk of the court of common pleas & general  Sessions of Edgefield District do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application the said Richard Christmas for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office this first day of November in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Richardson Clk

Top Left
Richardson Christmas
Declaration
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Richard Christmas


Admit as a private
6 months $20


Hon. Gev.
McDuffie
HR
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State of South Carolina
Edgefield District

On this the 9th day of November personally
appeared before me J. Richardson
the presiding Judge of the Court at
Edgefield C. So in open Court Richard
Christmas, who being first duly sworn
doth on his oath make the following
amendment to his declaration, in order
to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832. 
In addition to whathe has stated in his declaration he paythat in his last tour when sent to guarda publick store in Franklin County No. Cohe was ordered out by Maj. H. Nichols
was under the command of Sergent
Christmas This tour lasted two months
At lest-
Answers to the interrogatories propound
to Richard Christmas by the Court
In Was born 4 of January 1764 in the County
of Bute, now here & Franklin No. 2
. He has a record of his age at home
was living in Warren Co. Nola, which
was a part of the original co of Brite
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and lived in Warren until 1792 when he moved to Edgefield So. Ca where he has lived since & where he now lives.
4th. was drafted every time he was called into service.
5th At the Battle of Guilford Capt Christmas just before the engagement (under whom I was drafted) was taken sick & Capt White took command of the company. My company belonged to Col. Eatons Regiment doing  the engagement. I do not recollect anything more in addition to what I have stated in the declaration.
6th stated in the declaration
. Mentioned in the declaration
sworn to before me Richard Chester in open court 9th Nov. 1833 the declaration
Richard Christmas

Bottom Left 
A. Boulware
Co
and the said Court do hereby declare
their opinion after the investigation of
the matter & after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War Department that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states
R
Richardson
ps Judge
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'---
South Carolina
Edgefield District
I Woulman Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas for the District and State aforedo hereby certify that the foregoingadditional statement of Richard Christmas
is the original Given under my hand &
Seal of the said Court
this 9th Nov 1833
H. Boulder
Copt
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The State of Georgia
Muscogee County }

Be it know that before me Edward Featherston Judge of the Mayan's Court of the town of Columbus in the county of Muskogee aforesaid, personally appeared Richard Christmas & made oath in the form of law that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.

War Department
Revolutionary claim
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Richard Christmas of the state of South Carolina, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, is entitled to receive twenty dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 & payable semi annually on the 4th of March & 4th of September in every year.
Given at the war office off the United States, this 14th day of December one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

[handwritten seal]
Examined & countersigned}
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

That he now resides in the county of Muscogee & state of Georgia aforesaid, & has resided there for the space of twelve months past; & that previous thereto he resided
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in the District of Edgefield & state of South Carolina.-

Richard Christmas
Sworn & subscribed this 4th day of Dec. 1834 before me.-
Edward Featherston Judge
M.C.T.C.

The State of Georgia}
Muscogee County}
4th Dec. 1834

I Edward Featherston Judge of the Mayans Court of the Town of Columbus in the county aforesaid do herby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, from the affidavits of Henry Mims & Daniel Huff who are both respectable men & worthy of credit on their oaths;  that Richard Christmas who has this day appeared  before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate which he has exhibited before me numbered 23.262 & having date at the War office the 14th day of December one thousand eight hundred & thirty three & signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War.

Given under my hand & seal at Columbus in the county of Muscogee aforesaid this 4th day of Dec. 1834
Edward Featherston Judge 
[handwritten seal]
M.C.T.C.
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I heard Burch Clerk of the Superior
Court of the County of Muscan &
State of Georgia, do hereby certify that
Edward Featherston is Judge of the Mayors
Court of the Town of Columbus in the
County of Muscoge aforesaid
& 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 4th day of Dec. A.D. 1834
Gerard Burch Clk. of the Superior Court
of Muscogee County
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February 20, 1936


Richard Christmas
S.16342- B-J/AWF

Mrs. Grover Barfield
2825 Beacon Avenue
Columbus, Georgia

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of Richard Christmas born in 1764 in Bute County, North Carolina, and died in 1847 in Muscogee County, Georgia.
The record of Richard Christmas which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.16322, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution. 
Richard Christmas was born January 4, 1764 in Bute (later Warren) County, North Carolina. The names of his parents were not given.
While residing in Bute County, Richard Christmas enlisted sometime in May, 1780, served as a private in Captain John White's company, Colonel Richard Caswell's North Carolina regiment, was in the battle of the Gates' Defeat, then in Captain Ransom's company, length of service three months. He enlisted sometime in February, 1781, served in Captain William Christmas' company, was in the battle of Guilford Court House, then under Colonel Eaton, length of this service three months. He later served about two months under Sergeant Christmas and Major A. Nichols, and guarded a public store in Franklin County, North Carolina.
He continued to live in Warren County, North Carolina until 1792, when he moved to Edgefield
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District, South Carolina.
The soldier, Richard Christmas, was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, then living in Edgefield District, South Carolina.
On December 4, 1834, he was living in Muscogee County, Georgia, where he lived about twelve months.
It is not stated that the soldier was married, nor is it shown that the Captain William Christmas and the Sergeant Christmas under whom he served in the Revolution, were related to him.
If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the pensioner, your should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and cite the following:
Richard Christmas
Certificate #23262
Issued December 14, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Richard Christmas - S. 16342
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. D. A. Striffler
1645-16th Avenue
Columbus, Georgia .

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Richard Christmas, soldier of the Revolutionary War, buried in Midland, Georgia.

The record of Richard Christmas which follows was totaled from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 16342, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.

Richard Christmas was born January 4, 1764 in Bute (later Warren) County, North Carolina.  The names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Bute County, North Carolina, Richard Christmas enlisted sometime in May, 1780, served as a private in Captain John White's company, Colonel Richard Caswell's North Carolina regiment, was in the battle of Gates' Defeat, then in Captain Ransom's company, length of service three months.  He enlisted sometime in February, 1781, served in Captain William Christmas' company, was in the battle of Guilford Court House, then under Colonel Eaton, length of this service three months.  He later served about two months under Sergeant Christmas and Major A. Nichols, and guarded a public store in Franklin county, North Carolina.

He continued to live in Warren County , North Carolina until 1792, when he moved to Edgefield District,
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South Carolina.

The soldier, Richard Christmas, was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, then living in Edgefield District, South Carolina.

On December 4, 1834, he was living Muscogee County, Georgia, where he had lived about twelve months.

It is not stated that the soldier was married, nor is it shown that the Captain William Christmas and the Sergeant Christmas under whom he served in the Revolution, were related to him.

If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and cite the following data:

Richard Christmas
Certificate #23262
Issued December 14, 1833
Rate $20.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Georgia Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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February 23, 1928

William F. Ogburn
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
The University of Chicago,
Chicago, Ill.

My dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S.16342, it appears that Richard Christmas was born January 4, 1764 in Bute County, North Carolina.
While residing in Warren County, North Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private with the North Carolina Troops, as follows-
From in May 1780, three months in Captains John White's and Ransom's Companies, Colonel Richard Caswell's Regiment, and was in the battle of Camden; from in February 1781, three months in Captain William Christmas' Company, and was in the battle of Guildford; he also served two months under Major A. Nichols, no dates given. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, while a resident of Edgefield, District,
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South Carolina.
He moved to Muscogee County, Georgia, about 1833 1834. 
There are no data as to family.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau are open to the public for research work under  The premotions [handwritten] of the Act of March 3, 1901, and you or anyone designated by you may examine and collect data from Revolutionary War pension claims, by calling at the Bureau.

Respectfully,

Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
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Rev. and 1812
War Section.

July 28, 1924.
Martha Lou Houston,
1441 Second Ave.
Columbus, Ga.

Madam;
  I  advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 16342, it appears that Richard Christmas was born January 4, 1764 in Butte County, North Carolina.
    While residing in Warren County, North Carolina, he enlisted in May 1780 and was a private in Captains John White's and Ransom's Companies, Colonel Richard Caswell's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battle of
Camden and served three months.
    He enlisted in February 1781 was a private in
Captain William Christmas' North Carolina company, was in the battle of Guilford and served three months.
    He also served two months under Major A. Nichols, dates not stated.
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  He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, while a resident of Edgefield District, South Carolina.
    He moved to Muscogee County, Georgia about 1833 or 1834.
    There are no data as to his family
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
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Record Division
Revolutionary War Records Section 3-525
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D. C., ______, 19__
[handwritten]S16342

In reply to your request of ____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of [handwritten] Richard Christmas
a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out; handwritten] (or his widow's)
application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of enlistment or appointment.
[handwritten] May 1780
Length of service.
[handwritten] 3 mos
Rank.
[handwritten] Prv
Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered.
Captain.
[handwritten] John White
[handwritten] Ransom
Colonel.
[handwritten] Richard Caswell
State.
[handwritten] N.C.
Dates of Enlistment or appointment.
[handwritten] Feb 1781
[handwritten] "
Length of service.
[handwritten] 3 "
[handwritten] 2 "
Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered.
Colonel.
[handwritten] Major A. Nichols

Battles engaged in, [handwritten] Camdew Guildford
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [handwritten] Warren Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, [handwritten] Oct. 31. 1832. His cl. was al
Residence at date of application, [handwritten] Edgefield Dist. S.C.
Age at date of application, [handwritten] b. Jan 4.1764 in Bute Co. N.C.
Remarks: [handwritten] He moved to Muscogee Co. S.C. about 1833 or 1834. There is no data on file as to his family.
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Columbus, Georgia Jan. 6/36

To
The Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Messers;-
Will you kindly send me a copy of the Pension Record of Richard Christmas from Bute N.C. in 1764, died in Muscogee Co., Ga. 1847. Resided in Warren Co. N.C. during the Revolution. Thanking you for this courtesy,

Yours  Very kindly,
Louise Calhoun Barfield
Mrs. Grover Barfield
2825 Beachen Dr,
AdeColunbus, Ga.

Stamp Bottom Right 
Recived Jan 9, 1936
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oct. 7- 1935
Pension Bureau.
Washington D.C.

Please send me birth death and marriage (if possible) dates of the children of Richard Christmas Revolutionary soldier who was buried in Midland Georgia. Thanking you for this- I beg to be, Respt. yours
Mrs. D.A. Striffler
1645 16th Ave
Columbus, Georgia

Care of attached envelope
returned of co at 29-35 with
XXXX XXXX
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The University of Chicago
Department of Sociology and Anthropology

The M.S. Bureau of Pensions,             Feb 19,1928.
Washington D.C.

Dear sir;
I am writing to inquire if the records of the the Bureau of Pensions are often for consultation, for instance, for genealogical data. For instance, I am told that Richard Christmas, of Georgia, was in receipt of pensions up to 1840 or there abouts for having fought in the Revolutionary War, and I would like to know what information the Pension Records would give for him, or for any such pensionnaire. I would appreciate very much a reply.
Yours truly
William F. Ogburn
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[typed]
Miss Martha Lou Houston
1441 Second Avenue
Columbus, GA.

[handwritten]
June 20, 1924
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly give me a copy of pension record of Richard Christmas of Muscogee County, Ga. 1841. I wish this information for D.A.R. membership.
Very truly yours,
Martha Lou Houston
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[typed]
J. Conrad Puder
Real Estate
Phone 3778
702 [crossed out/handwritten] Estill Ave. [handwritten] Victory Drive
Savannah Georgia

May 5- 1922
Bureau of Pensions:
Dear Sir-
Will you kindly send me any records of "Richard Christmas"- this is S 1.6342 who was put on pension roll Dec 14- 1833- who served in the Revolution. Please look in Library (Washington D.C.) for 1790 records.
Thanking you for the trouble
Very Kindly
Florence K. Puder
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PRODUCERS LUMBER CO.
WHOLESALE LUMBER
SAVANNAH, GA.,
April 6th 1922
Pension Office
Washington, D.C. 

Richard Christmas drew revolutionary pension in Muscogee in 1840. Will you kindly send me any information you may have regarding his
service in the Revolutionary War.  I am following this line endeavoring to join D. A. R. 

Thanking you and I am
Mrs. George M. Brinson #43 Je Renne Apt -
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16.342
INVALID.
Richard Christmas
Private Rev. War
---
Act: June 7th 32
Index: - Vol. A, Page 427
(Arrangement of 1870.}

(on side of facing page)
1922 May 18, heist to Mrs. Geo. M. Brinson
1922 June 14 heist to F. K. Puder
1924 July 28 heist to Martha Lou Houston
1928 Feb 23 heist Wm. F. Ogburn
1935 Oct 29 heist Mrs. S. A. Striffler
1936 heist Mrs. Grover Barfield
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TREASURY DEPARTMENTS
Second Comptroller's Office
June 7th 1839.

Sir:
    Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Richard Christmas, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and zero cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837.
to the 4th Sept., 1838.
Respectfully, yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pension,
Present
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TREASURY DEPARTMENTS
Second Comptroller's Office
February 6th 1840
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," Richard Christmas, 
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and zero Cents
per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the
to the 4th of Sept. 1838, to the 4th of March, 1839. 
Respectfully, yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office
September 28th 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Richard Christmas, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia Agency, at the rate of Twenty
Dollars and zero Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1839
to the 4th Sept. 1840
Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Nov 18th 1841

Sir:
  Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer
of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Richard Christmas- a Pensioner on the Roll of the Georgia Agency, at the rate of Twenty
Dollars and zero  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1845
to the 4th March 1841.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris,
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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BRIEF objection to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Richard Christmas which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
-
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned 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? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Not in the last tour
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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                                 2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? ---
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? --
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? --
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? ---
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1,2  7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of 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."
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers In every instance where the certificate of the  certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
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To the commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Department
Washington D. C. 
Date on side May 2
Stamp Columbia Ga
April 'illegible'
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Columbus Apl. 25, 1839
To the Com of Pension
Dear Sir
     I have been advised that the agent for paying
of Pensions in this State is prohibited by
Law from paying any pension where
12 months have elapsed, after any
pension became due, and the same
has not been demanded; my pension
as a private in the War of the revolution
of the State of S. Carolina after date
of Certificate dated 14th Dec. 1883
has not been received or demanded
since 4th March 1837, Will the department be so kind as to inform
me what course I shall adopt so as to receive the same.

Very Respectfully
Your obt servt
Richard Christmas
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Pension Agency Planters Bank
Savannah 17 March 1837.
J. L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I enclose pension voucher of Richard Christmas whose application is for two
years pension for your approval and authority to pay
Respectfully Your Obt servt

Marshall Cushur
& Pens Agt
Page 40

Page 40

43-Ga Dec 29
appt for transfer
Rich. Christmas
(To Georgia)
Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Pension Office
Washington City
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Page 42

Columbus Ga.  Dec 18th 1834

Hon. Lewis Cass 
    Richard Christmas a Revolutionary soldier obtained 
his certificate in Edgefield Dist., South Carolina, & since that
time has removed to this County.  The enclosed document it is
hoped will be sufficient proof of identity.-- He wishes the place
of payment to be changed from Charleston to Milledgeville as he
is advised that that is necessary before he can draw any part of
his pension.
Respectfully
your obt sevt
D Golightly
Page 42

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans Administration Archives

Name:  Christopher, Andrew (Andrias) Grade  - Private
Line New York
WARRANT NUMBER; 6909
ACREAGE: 100

ISSUED Sept. 15, 1790
to John S. Hobart et al - assigned

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.