Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2779, Peter P Dawson, Del. Indian Wars 1792-1795
Page 1

SERVICE
Del.

Dawson, Peter P.

NUMBER
R.2779

CONTENTS
Indian Wars 1792 - 1795
Page 2

3 [smudge] 835
Peter P Dawson
[Pennsyl] ?
Page 3

State of Pennsylvania
  Juniata County [illegible]

On this second day of September 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Calvin Blythe, Esq. President this associates, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Juniata County now sitting, Peter P Dawson a resident of Greenwood township Juniata County and state of Pennsylvania, aged seventy one 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 June 1832.
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2d I have a record of my age transcribed by me into my family Bible, from the records of the Episcopal Church of Charlestown
Maryland, where my age was originally entered

3d I was living in Ben Cador hundred New Castle County & State of Delaware, when I entered the service- I resided several year
in Baltimore, Maryland & several years in Philadelphia, and was eight years under Genl Wayne in the Indian Wars from 1792 to 1800, after that he has been engaged in
Kentucky, Ohio, & New York in school keeping. He removed from New York in 1818 to the place now resides to wit: Greenwood township, Juniata County (then Mifflin)
State of Penna when he has resided ever since.
4th He volunteered his service as a Drummer
7th
2
5. He recollects the names of Captain Stedham, Major Duigentof
the regular troops - Genl Potter was also along with thetroops part of the time. the nature & general circumstances
of his services on detailed is his statement above written
He was discharged by Colonel Bedford but believing that
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He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity at the present & declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed
this 2d day of September
Peter Dawson
Anno Domini 1834 Coram
Wm Wickes
Peter Dawson
Mr Louis Evans & William Cox residing in Greenwood township Juniata County Pennsylvania hereby certify that 
we are well acquainted with Peter P Dawson, who has subscribed and sworn
 to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 70 years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed in open Court
Louis Evans
the day and year aforesaid
Wm Wick
Wmbo
to
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation afored matter & after putting the interrogatories present
here 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
 Genl Louis Evans
residents in township of
Greenwood, Juniata County, are credible persons and that there
statement is entitled to credit
Calvin Blythe
and Daniel Christy
Benjn Kepner
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State of Pennsylvania
Juniata County ⎬ Section J

Wm W. Kirk, prothonotary & Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas of Sumter County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of Peter P. Dawson for
a Pension
in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed
said Court at Mifflintown, Juniata County the third day of September Anno Domini 1834
Wm Kirk, prothonotary
Page 7


S Richfield
July 2nd1844
To the Honorable James L Edwards
War Department Pension office
the City of Washington in the
District of Columbia

PP Dawson
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Greenwood Township Juniata County (Pa) June 22nd A.D. 1839 
Most Honorable Sir,  I have been after a Pension this Long time I was under General Wayne & Clan Defate I was Eight years in the Service of the United States Honorable Col Richard Johnson Did have my Discharge was threw away With ___ and John Potter told him Ent Capt Jacob Hough Letter Saith He was confident I Was in the United States Service and I Was in the __-tion of Twenty th of August 1794 and he was confident that I should Enjoy my Morrits and my Journal at ___ Did not Col Johnson see one and Mr. ___ Miller and I wish to kow if that note write did not Mr. Allan & the Commetee say that Way & close War the Same I cannot Walk I am going to get the Doctor to see my Feet when I was Wounded I whant some help at this ___ ____ time it is hard I was ___ Land and got some now make up your minds General Harrer on was in the Service and I Was he was General Addicompt I am not ___ Will By no means the County Faith that Congress ought to maintain me and was so long in the  ___ that Service - If you Whant a Petition from Tow Justice of peace I will get With Two Witness only I should go to Court I will do it What [illegible] do you Whant did Duty as [blotch] When Called on I Belief there Was no Body ___ was us ___ Bad as I am kind for Please to Give me an answer to those Lines in the care of John Waller Post office Richfield Greenwood Township Juniata County Pa I am sorrow to Write to your Honor as I do Let Mr James [strikethrough ‘Ed’] Edward give me an answer if you please or Col Johnson twice prove I ought have a Pension By the Doctors and Twenty Eng no more But Remain yr ___ Don to Have Sending me an answer as soon as possible for James? Whant
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J. L. Edward Esqr-
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
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Mifflintown Juniata City Penna (sic Pennsylvania)

March 10. 1835

Sir

Herewith I return the application of Peter P.
Dawson for a Pension, under the law of 1832, with his explanatory affidavit thereto annexed. I had wished to have returned it before the
adjournment of Congress, to have enabled a personal reference to Hon. John Miller, who knows the applicant but owing to his ill health living 20 miles from this place, he was unable to come here make the affidavit annexed, ^at this time,  which I hope will sufficiently
obviate the objections to his application;

I only add that I trust his application will
receive the favorable consideration and action of the Department


Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert (sic obedient servant)
James Mathers

J.L. Edwards Esq
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Rejected
See letter to
James (cross out) Mathers

Mifflintown, Pa

20 March 1835
12 May 1835 Pensioner
ds 25 (illegible) 35 ds 26
Augt, 35 ds  21  Sep '35
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Service Number
Del. Dawson, Peter P. R.2779
Indian Wars 1792-1795
Contents
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Act of July 14 , 1862 an March 8,1873(line scratched out)

2779                                (initial) am
P.O.   Peter P Dawson

service:-------------------
Enlisted:-------------------,18
Discharged:---------------,18
Application filed----------,18
Alleges:--------------------
Re-enlisted:---------------
Attorney:------------------
P.O.------------------------
-------Recognized, ------Contract.
-----Cert. of Dis.     searched for ------,18

REJECTED (stamped in middle)
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Peter P. Dawson 1834 Pennsylvania
May 11
For the Honorable James L. Edwards
War Department the Pension Office
the City of Washington the District of
Columbia.
Those in Haste
pe         Richfield  April 7th
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Perry Township Union County Pa April 23. 1835

Honorable Sir
I  Received your Letter Dated March 20th 1835 it was Sorrowfull pines to me in my old days Now going in my Seventy three and my wife is blind and is able to 
Work but kind Sir I can prove that our Company did stay out till spring at Trenton and we could not get away if it was not for our Colonel Some of the Melitia stayed at Kington in the winter of 1777 our company got the smallpox the soldiers died out of  Hospital 15 &20 a day.  Kind Sir do you think that those gentlemen would forfeth their Honor for me and most of those Gentlemen (illegible) to have some Relief there hath been Soldiers got hath not been more than one month and do receive Twenty five Dollars per year there is one Received Seventy four Dollars a year and I have been in the Service nine years eight years under General Wayne 6 months under St. Clare and 6 months under General Washington and  hath not received a cent to show for me hard times what is the reason that I cant draw the  do inform me there is Land in Ohio State for General Wayne men if there is I wish to Draw as well as the rest
my Colonel is in Ohio State Thomas Butler Now Gentlemen take on consideration I am wore down being in the Services but if witness will do I will get those Soldiers affidate an send it down to you as soon able So please to give me an answer to those lines for I am in a verry poor way if no relief  I Dont no what  will become of me.  Look back and think of those old soldiers and remember they must be supported in these old days do you think Esq Mathers and General Evans and Esq Cox and our Judge of the Court would do any Thing that wer not Lawful an our Clerk of the Court Esq Kirk no they are gentlemen of Honor.  So dont delay in giving me answer and direct your Letter in the care of Esq Jno Walles Richfield Post office Greenwood Township Juniata Count

No more at present but remain yours

Peter P Dawson
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1834

For the Honorable James L Edwards Esq
in the War Department & Pension
Office the City of Washington
in the District of Columbia

Richfield
April 11th

Peter AP Dawson
PO
Wagner (?) Company
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Greenwood Township Juniata County Pa April 13 1836

Honorable Sir

I have wrote to your honor as I understand
that there was an Act pass for Greenville Treaty 1795 I have sent you my Journal I kept every day and would be glad you would peruse it for it is correct and if you think it is not correct please to write to General Wm H Harrison for he was out then as an  Adecamp for General Wayne and he knew  I have Sent you a letter to you that Captain Jacob Slough to me before he Dyed (sic died)  in Lancaster Dated October 1831 and Likewise I have sent a letter to you that I received of John A Pitts. that he allowed that my Discharge was thrown a way with useless papers of his uncle Josiah Pitts that he allowed that my discharge War thrown a way with useless papers of his uncle Josiah Pitts as he was Dead I am  very much obloge to the Gentleman that was on the Committee and the 
Honorable E. Allen it is Sixteen years Since Begun it. Mr Levington in the War Department then 182 (sploch) I have spent about Sixty Dollars on  it   I Was Down four times to the City of Washington  Honorable R. M.
Johnson so they Letter that I sent for my
Discharge and thought it was of no use but it would be a use to me  so consider my matter at Congress and after the treaty of Greenville I enlisted for five years again  so Please to give me an  answer to those  Lines and Please to send me my Certificate for my money to
Philadelphia  I think I have proof Enough to ┃
Your Honors  Please to Richfield Post office in Juanita County in the care of  Mr John Waller  I Choose him for my Agency 

this from your Friend and Well Whiser(sic wisher)
Peter P Dawson
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Richfield  July 18th   1834

For the most Honorable Martin Van Buren the President of the United States of America or the Honorable James L. Edwards War Department Pension office at the City of Washington the District of Columbia

July 23
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Greenwood Township Juniata County Pa
July 15. 1839-

Most Honorable Gentlemen & Kind friends of Columbia forever Independence & virtue & Liberty True Born sons of  America what Better Proof do you want then I give to your Honors
Already there in my Journal  For three years Capt Jacob Slough Letter that I was in united state service and he is confident and I was in the Action the 20 August 1794 and General W..H. Harrison Saith & I was the same Peter Dawson I am there of my Pension and I can Proof I am the same  I have been a soldier
at the age of thirteen years as a drum boy at the Battle of Brandywine  at  the Massacre off the Paolia Philadilphia Germantown  and the Chessnut hill under Col Bedford Delaware State
after the Torrys at  Dover Six Weeks & four months in which I  sent  my Petition in Sworn before Judge & by the and two notes certifyed
to prove my character I am not  use a  soldier at all more is my Land I was to get for my servitude united States service  I am use as Bad as a dog if  General Washington or Wayne Was living  I  would have my Pension as another soldier  But I am afraid that I nat never was out as soldier when the House Granted & Commitee Mr Allan allowed me show get our merrits for our service  Look to my care and consider me a poor cripple old man was nine years out in the service of the United States  Poor used, I am in  seventy sec years old and no help  the Congress aught to maintain me as any Soldier  Please to consider those Line to your Honor but this as Mr. Allan as with  When a old soldier comes for his right or ask for his right begon you old Rascal good used for old soldiers indeed it is remember then is a coming that we may be as well of as our Prosacutors  I am in real Want go to three Doctors and have a examed that I should be helped our not  I am in Destress at the present time may you all consider my care and help me out of my miserry.  This from your afection & friend

Peter P Dawson

No.  Send me an answer to the Post Office  John Walles Rockford Juniata County
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For the Honorable James
L Edwards War Department
Pension office at the City of
Richfield
March 1 (?)
Washington District of
Columbia
this with care
My (M?) 
Cmmr
P.P. Dawson
pa. South
(?) '32.
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Greenwood Township Juniata County Pa March 11 1839

Honorable Gentlemen of the Common Wealth of the United States of America
I do Petition to your Honors for my Pension Which is Due to as well as the Rest of the old Soldiers after the Indians under
General St Clare & Wayne in which Wayne gains his Victory hanging
to Treaty at Greenville 1793  Dont Cap Slough Letter Confirm that I was united service and in action on the 20 August 1794  Dont my journals till for three years   I am in hope that it is gained for one Old Age is hard on me with out any relief for me or Land    I wish you would consider my care for me   Where is charity for the old soldiers of General Waynes men at atoll ofereor  or seke   help me this time and for the remainder of any life   I did want  I would trouble you your honors but is due to me as well as any other old Soldier Eight years as Soldier in the United States so come to a consideration and give me relief in my old Days   I am Seventy (illegible) years old and I are a cripple on to walk with a staff but I am in hope that your Honor will grant my request to me of you would I allow will not live a long   I seem  Weak and werry of my life  Consider my case and comply with my request  I am in hope the Honorable Edwards will give me good news   the Honorable Mr. Clare said that he would get my pension  I am in hope his word would be true for my sake and may the Lord Bless you all   I am a old Demacrate of a opinion and I am in hope you are the same opinion I am  You are the true sons of Columbia  May his name be rested on every heart and mind.   Please to give me an answer to those lines in the care of John Walles Esq. Post Master at Richfield Greenwood Township Juniata County Pa.   May God Bless and I now I Leave in God name no more at Present  Best Remain

Peter P Dawson
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For the Honorable General William
HF
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Greenwood Township Juniata  County (Pa)
 June 5 1838

Honorable Gentleman of Both Houses Senate & Representatives in Congress and the General Government of United States of America of True Columbias   I Begin to make my Petition to your Honors to help me to my Pension as I am Badley of in Destress in waiting of Assisting to help me in my old days  You wrote to me that was no relief for me at this present time and the Act had not passed as yet.  Show  those lines to the  Honorable Charles McClure and the Most Honorable Johnson  Have I not enough of proof at Congress or not.   If you know my case know you would do something for me.  I thought I would come to the City of Washington to see you in my distress at this present time if you think it proper for me to come   Give me an answer to those Lines and I would oblidge  one General W H Harrison saith that he would send his affidavit if it be any benefit to me.  Was not General Wayne going to  Philadelphia to Congress to get all his Soldiers on these Pensions  Last dont my Cap Jacob Slough write to me that I had a right to enjoy the Merits as I was in United State service and in the action on the 20 August 1794 at Greenville Treaty with the Indians did not the Honorable M Clure say he would relieve of my destress but it is long coming to me  I am out of heart at this present time my wife dyed and took all my little property to bury her and being Long ask if any my good neighbors would be help to me  I would get there affidavit to help me  I would get Esq Wm Cox Hugh Willams John Wallis  Esq Hugh Mcalister and Wm Sellers to saith say that I am in Distress at this time and no relief yet   I have wrote to you my complaints to you  All is true   I wish an answer to those lines as soon as possible note I am 75 years old at the present time dont wait in allowing some help as I need of it in my old days.  

   May  God help you all to assist me and I will  remain your humble servant as a columbia son of this true Independence and Liberty forever.


Peter Dawson OS
Page 24

Richfield June 8th  (lined out year 18--)

For the Honorable James L Edwards War Department Pension Office at the City of Washington or Lewis case Secretary of the War Department at District of Columbia

(written over address)

June 13 
Peter P Dawson
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to
Pa
Greenwood Township Juniata County, Pa. June 1837

Honorable Sr; 
 I have wrote once more to you concerning
my Pension Was not I returned for my services in the Revolutionary War Referred to the Committee on the Revolutionary Pensions by the Honorable J Frye at the Last Session to the Secretary of the war to place my name  on the rolls no Answer as yet and I am to bad off
at this present or think on us old Soldier Did not the Bill pass for the Indian War Last Winter or not   I have the Act & Bill Sent by the Honorable Frye  What is the Reason that am  Kept Back my Circumstances is bad   I am in my 75 years of age and Honorable R. M. Johnson knows my Discharge was burnt up   Now I Leave all your Honors to think about a poor old soldier in your illegible) & I will do the same  I want an answer there hence and you will oblige   your
Humble Servt 

Peter P  Dawson OS
the Post office in Richfield Juniata County Pa
John Walles .Jr.
Page 26

31835
Peter P. Dawson
Pennsylvania

Rejected. Did not serve six months.
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State of Pennsylvania
Juniata County

On this Ninth day of March Anno Domini 1835, personally appearance before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for Said County of Juniata aforesaid, Peter P. Dawson, aged about seventy two years, who upon his solemn oath doth depose and make the following declarative testament explanatory of his application hereto annexed, viz. that at the time he marched with the Militia from New Castle County in August 1777, in the capacity of Drummer he went as a volunteer, (one?) company of Militia commanded by Capt. Isaac Lewis all residents of New Castle County, state of Delaware, were assembled at a time a draft had been made calling for part of said company for a two months tour; at this meeting it was proposed that the whole company should march, and it was agreed to unanimously, their services were accepted, & they marched accordingly in the latter part of August 1777. This (illegible) went along with them as their Drummer, and they remained in the service for six months, & whither they volunteered for two months, & then renewed their terms at the expiration of every two months he cannot now recollect, his term of service was regulated by (illegible) of his Officers of the Company in the period of the six months, he thinks he got out on discharge & that (illegible) set forth his entire service, but it might be that their service was under three distinct engagements,  & if so they were continuing uninterrupted--
He further states that he knows of no person now living who could prove his service, he is now old & very much (illegible)  and would be totally unable to bear the fatigues of a Journey to Delaware to ascertain whether any of his Old Companions are yet living, or any other person who knew him at that time, nor does he know where any of them has (illegible) for many years past. And being very poor & in (illegible) circumstances is in (illegible) to (illegible) any other person to make any search for him--
In addition he would respectfully refer to the Hon. (illegible) Miller, Member of Congress from this District, who has some (illegible) knowledge of this, and who would testify as to his Character
Page 28

for truth and veracity. He would also refer to William Sharon Esq., late member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, resides in Greenwood township Juniata County, Frederic Rhinehart Esq., member of the House of Rep. of Pennsylvania from Perry County, at present in Harrisburg - both of whom can testify as to my character for truth & veracity and their opinion of my services as a soldier in the Revolutionary War - He would also refer to Hugh Wilson Esq., Post Master, McAlisterville Juniata County, John Wallace
Esq., Post Master, Richfield, Juniata County, David McClure Esq., John McAlister Esq., Rev. Morris Howe, all of Greenwood township Juniata County, Penn(sylvani)a who can testify to my character for truth & veracity & their opinion of my services as a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
s/ Peter P. Dawson

Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year first above named.
s/ James Butler

Pennsylvania
Juniata County Sct.

I do certify that Peter P. Dawson, who appeared before me, and took & subscribed the foregoing deposition & statement, is about Seventy two years of age by his appearance, and that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 9th day of March A.D. 1835.
s/ James Butler (seal)
Page 29

State of Pennsylvania
Juniata County

Sir,

I, Wm. M. Kirk, Prothonotary & Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Juniata County, do hereby certify that James Butler who has signed the foregoing deposition & statement is & was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & sworn, and that the foregoing is his genuine signature, and that the deponent thereto is the same Peter P. Dawson who took & subscribed the original declaration hereto attached.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Mifflintown, in said County of Juniata, this ninth day of March Anno Domini One thousand Eight hundred and Thirty five (1835)
s/ Wm W. Kirk, Pro.
Page 30

Richfield July 18th
For Most Honorable Martin Van Buren
President of the United States of the America
and the Honorable James L. Edwards War
Department Pension office at the City of Washington District of Columbia
Page 31

Greenwood Township 
Juniata Co., Pa.
July 15, 1839

To the Honorable Senate & Representatives (sp.) in Congress, this is my journal for General Wayne Campaign in 1794 & the Treaty 1795 & (179)6. My servitude in the United States under Major General Anthony Wayne in the Western Territory (sp.) Ohio State for three years beginning on in year 1792 & ending 1795. I, Peter P. Dawson enlisted on the 14th of June 1792 under the command of Capt. Henry Cerberry, Lieut. Benjamin Price & Ensign Campbell Smith in Fredericktown (sp.) in the State of Maryland & all the residents was called to come (to) Pittsburgh headquarters commanded by Capt. James Stiveson and Lieut. Wm. McRae and our Ensign Campbell Smith and joined our company Lieut. Benjamin Price and then we all embarked to go down the Ohio (River) in boats about Twenty five for Winter quarters. Boat Master General name was Marcus Newling. There we stayed all winter 1772 quarters and builded huts to live in & we called it Legionville & we was called the Fourth Sub-legion under the command of Col. John Clark and Major Wm. McMahan and Ballott Smith & we stayed that spring 1793 in May under General Anthony Wayne, we all embarked (to) go down the Ohio River to Cincinnati (sp.) & then we stayed till fall, we called it Hobbs C. Choice & in September 1793 we took our lines march(ed) through the wilderness and we stopped (sp.) seventy miles from Cincinnati (sp.) six miles from Fort Jefferson & there we builded a fort and called it Greenville on the south west branch of the Miami (sp.) and I got new officers Capt. Maxwell Bynes, Lieutenant Wm. Diven and 2 Drills, John Dow and Ensign Robert Burdey and we was called the [crossed out: the] 4th Reg(iment) commanded by Col. Thos. Butler and Major Wm. McMahan & Smith & those called out. Those company out under Gen. Wayne &  Gen. St. Clare batten ground and there we gather(ed) together all the bones of the brave officers & non-commissioned officers & privates in baskets that was killed in action on that Nov. 1791 & the brave general give out orders for every soldier to [illegible] Whisky & to bury these bones with the honor of war & we builded a fort there and called (it) Fort Recovery & left detachment of soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Drake 2nd Reg(iment) & then rest(ed) (&) return(ed) to Greenville & we carried out provision to that fort. On that command we lost the brave Major McMahan 4th Reg(iment) and Capt.Hawthorn, Reg(iment) 8th Capt. Taylor's troop of horses was wounded and Lieut. Drake 2nd Reg(iment) also & several back men was killed, The back horse General was Richard Bennett & I was transferred in care of Jacob Plough companies 4th Reg(iment) and one of our major's Reseon Ball or Smith & we got two majors for the 4th Reg(iment) Major Wm. Peters & Major John Hazkell, the last of June 1794 we all took up everyone to march against [crossed out: our] the Indians about hundred thousand strong.
Page 32

And the Kentucky Malitia under Gen. Scott to Fort Recovery, then through to Wilderness and we had to stop to Build Fort
Adam to Set our Provission in & to make crossway for our waggons to get along an We Left a Detachment of soldiers under Major Cass Regt & after that we Marched through
Wilderness with the sound of the bugle(sp.) (illegible) and Bounded a small fort and
called Nonsence to but our baggageman and 
a Detachment of Soldier under Capt. Zebulon Pike
Right after that we marched through (illegible) Planes on the--
Aug. 1794 in the morning about 9 oclock we was attacked by the Indians in the (illegible) 
 give our Front Guard a (illegible)
We had to retreat to the Army the give way to the (illegible) left for us & the General(sp.)  Give order to form the line and it was the (illegible)
┃ David Strong Right bid the orders for the Front Line to give live fuses and (illegible) on them with the Bayonet (illegible) fighting General James Wilkison and (illegible)
the Brave Kentucky (illegible)
of it unto the (illegible) Gen. Good(?) commanded them & every(?) then even man had (illegible) Etherton Horses and we killed and drowned a good (illegible) and come back and (illegible) Wayne

Thine good conduct and he harbors in the (illegible) of (illegible)

For there was not much Whisky our but if they attack us again...
a Hatang(?) Party to bury the dead commanded by Ensign Frances Johnson of the 4th Regiment
(illegible) Henry Tools 4th Regiment and our quartermaster Sergeant William (illegible)  4th regiment 
28 noncommissioned officers (illegible) was killed and my captain Jacob Hough badly wounded in--
Wounded & 54 noncommissioned officers
and Private (illegible)
and I myself was wounded in the left leg with musket ball 
Our captain of the (illegible) his name was James Wells was (illegible)
Page 33

And after a detachment of Regulars & Militia (sp.) called out ten [illegible] brave, Wayne commanded to go over the River Miami (sp.) to reconnoiter (sp.) the British Fort called Fort George Commanded by Major Campbell that he did not burn out the Indians that he was in the Fort that he would seal the works & blow (sp.) them up to the devil and he did turn all the Indians out at his orders.

But after this Major Campbell of the British sent a flag to the Brave Wayne for what reason he had marched the Americans under the British cannon the Brave Wayne wrote back to Major Campbell how don't he to have [crossed out" British] British Commons on America ground and to clear out else he would harm them so he come under capitulation (sp.) & chased out, we builded a Fort at the Miami (sp.) after the Battle and called (it) Fort Defiance and left a detachment of soldiers under the command of Major Thos. Hunt's Reg(iment) and after that we marched to the Miami (sp.) River and we builded a fort there and called (it) Fort Wayne and left a detachment of soldiers under the command of Col. John F. Hamtramach and after that we took up our [illegible] to go back to Greenville for headquarters for winter. 

The same time we was from Greenville, Major Puell commanded the prisoner - the Mexican (we) took did say if we would set him at liberty he would bring in the Indians for a treaty so he got his liberty by Col. John F. Hamtramach to be his [illegible] and he brought them to Greenville and the treaty was  concluded [crossed out: on the] in July 1795 & lasted till the [illegible] September of the treaty Capt. Slough's company 4th Reg(iment) was transferred to Capt. John Cook's company 4th Reg(iment).

I was discharged out of the company by His Excellency [illegible] Sept. 1795 in & stayed 3 months over my time on account of the treaty.

Major Anthony Wayne, the [illegible] of the 4th Reg(iment), Lieut. Wm. Clark. I [illegible] my in Georgetown with Josiah Pitts and he did my discharge there with [illegible] papers. Col. R.M. Johnson for Maj. John Dow told him can there be better proof than this journal be confident I was in this section and was a soldier there as my land I was to get.

s/ Peter P. Dawson 
of Capt. J. Long LeMer
Page 34

Greenwood Township 
Juniata Co., Pa.
Aug. 16, 1836

Honorable Sir,

I Received your letter on the 15 Jun. last that you wrote on the 9 Jun. last that the act and because that was made by the Committee on Feb. 16, 1836 that Congress at the last Session hath not passed as by the Honorable C. Allan can you tell what reason he has to come under the same as the Revolution the same Law as 1832 and to have the pension of Greenwood Treaty he gained Thirteen States and the Revolution only the Thirteen old states to you know very well that General Wayne died at Fort One as he was going to Congress to put all his Soldiers on the Pension Role I can prove it to be so by General Wm. H. Harrison and likewise for the claims I have sent according to Laws of our country and no relief I have received, no answer to a letter I sent to the Honorable Geo. Wm. Crump. I wish an answer regarding to my letter. I want to know what was the reason it did not pass. Other Bills can pass, I am afraid it was Mr. M. Miller's fault I allowed an Indian Department, did as much for the United States as any other soldier did.

Did we had to do our duty and hard times in which there was three rebellion threw in for our relief, if you saw me how I am situated you would help me to some small gratitude in helping my case. If any soldier ought to have it then me. I ought to have been considered as a help given to me. I am poor & very poor else I would not throw myself on the mercy of my countrymen. We put in Congressmen to do good for his country but I am afraid they do harm. I must have some relief and concerning my land, if I to have any or not. 

I want no more than justice of my Country and if I don't get help it ain't (sp.) justice to take these on consideration for one, nine or ten years, for my Country whose one has been put two months. This Act & Bill must take hard times though (sp.) one old soldiers as I am said is gratitude no one hath been used as I am.
Page 35

If I was able, I would not trouble Congress but I must. I am not able to work and can't be put on the Township for relief as Congress ought to do it for me. I could not think that the Congressmen would use this old Soldier as I have neither land nor relief. How can I live, must I die in starvation. It seems so by your action. I fought for my Country. I have proved that I served the United States, you have proof enough if you please, but your heart is as hard as a stone. Please to give me an answer to those claims as I may die in peace to Richfield Post Office, John Walles. I was in St. Clare Battle. I was in ten battles and nothing for poor me. But I must get proof, did I not send you proof of enough.

Look and consider my case, ain't (sp.) all the States entered on for the pension, but if Gen. Washington was alive I would have my Pension long ago. I will try to come to Washington City to get some relief for me so don't fail in giving me an answer to those claims as I wish to have some relief then from your [illegible].

s/ Peter P Dawson [illegible]
4th Reg(iment) Bat(talion)
Col. Thos. Butler
Page 36

Thompsontown August 17th
For The Honorable James L. Edwards
War Department Pension Office at the City of
 Washington in the District of Columbia
Page 37

Richfield April 14th
For the Honorable James L. Edwards Esq in the
War Department Pension office at the city of 
Washington in the District of Columbia
Page 38

My Servitude in the United States of America under Major General Anthony Wayne in the Western Territory (sp.) Ohio State for three years beginning in the year 1792, ending at the time of Greenville Treaty in 1795. My enlistment 4th Reg(iment).

I, Peter Polson Dawson was enlisted (sp.) under the command of Captain Henry Carberry & Lieut. Benjamin Price & Ensign Campbell Smith in Fredericktown (sp.) in the State of Maryland on the 14 of June in the year 1792 and I was orderly Sergeant, our Capt. resign(ed) in Fredericktown (sp.) and all the recruits was called out to headquarters at Pittsburgh under the command of Capt. James Stiveson and Lieut. Wm. McRae & Ensign Campbell Smith & there we joined our Company at Pittsburgh under our Lieut. Benjamin Price & then we all embarked in boats to go down the River of Ohio about Twenty five miles The Boat Master General was Marcus Huling. There we stop(ed) for Winter Quarters & we builded huts to live in & we called it Legionville & we was called the Fourth Sub-legion under the command of Col. John Clark and Major Wm. McMahan and Ballott Smith & there we stayed till spring in May.

Was under his Excellency General Wayne. We all embarked then to go down the Ohio River to Cincinnati (sp.) and there stop(ed) till fall & we called it Hobbs Choice & in Sep. 1793 we all took our line to march out through the wilderness
and we stopped (sp.) about 75 Miles from Cincinnati (sp.) six miles from Fort Jefferson & there we builded a fort and called it Greenville on the south west branch of the Miami (sp.) & I got new officers Capt. Maxwell Bynes, First Lieut. Wm. Diven & the Second was Lieut. Campbell Smith & Ensign Rob Purdy & was called the 4th Reg(iment) Commanded by Colonel Thomas Butler & Mayor McMahan & Smith & there was three companies called out under his Excellency General Wayne to General St. Clare Battle Ground & there we gather(ed) together all the bones of the brave officers & non-commissioned officers & privates in baskets that was killed on the Nov. 1791 & the brave generals give out orders for every soldier to get half-pint of Whisky & to bury these bones with the honor of war & then we builded a fort there and called it Fort Recovery and left a detachment of soldiers under the command of Lieut. Drake 2nd Reg(iment) & the rest return to Greenville & we carried out provision out to that fort. On that command we lost the brave Major Wm. McMahan of the 4th Reg(iment) and Capt. Hawthorn, 1st Reg(iment) & Capt. Taylor's 1st troop of horses & Lieut. Drake's 2nd Reg(iment) was wounded.
Page 39

And Several soldiers & back horsemen was killed. The back horse General was Richard Bennett & in June 1794 there was rearrangement (sp.) in the 4th Reg(iment) & I was transferred in Capt. Jacob Plough's company 4th Reg(iment) and one of our major's, Ballot Smith, resigned and we got two Majors for the 4th Reg(iment) Major Wm. Peters was Capt. 1st Reg(iment) & John Hazkell (was) Capt. 2nd Reg(iment). The last of June 1794 we all took up our line to march out against the Indians about Three thousand Regulars and the Kentucky Militia (sp.) under Brave General Scott to Fort Recovery & then through the Wilderness & we had to slept, to build a Fort called Adams to put our provision in and to make crossways for our wagons (sp.) to get along & live. Left a detachment of Soldiers under Major Capt. 3rd Reg(iment) and after that we marched through the Wilderness with sound of the bugle (sp.) horn & we stopped & build a small Fort & Called Nonsense to put our Baggage in & a Detachment of Soldiers under the command of Capt. Zebulon Pike 2nd Reg(iment) & after that we marched through the Miami (sp.) Plains (sp.) on the 20th of August 1794 in the morning about 9 o'clock in the morning we was attached by the Indians.

The grass was as high as our heads & the Indians lay in the grass give our Front Guard a fire & we had to retreat to the Army the giveaway to the right & left for us & the Brave gen(eral) give out orders to form the line and it was so the rear line did not support the front line commanded by Colonel David Strong 2nd Reg(iment) but the order the Front line to give two fires & then to charge them with their (sp.) Bayonet(s) which this was the orders to the fighting General Wilkerson and Col. John F. Hamtramack 1st Reg(iment) & the Brave Kentucky Militia (sp.) men to the flanks & Gen. Scott commanded them & ever(y) thirteen men had to hold thirteen horses & we killed & drowned a good many of them the Brave Wayne order(ed) a halt (sp.) to blow & it was & we come back & stacked our arms & the Brave Wayne thanked his officers & non-commissioned officers & Privates for there (sp.) good behavior in the time of the action and give out orders for all the soldier(s) to have one half Gill (1/8 Pint) of Whiskey & to excuse him as there was not any quantity (sp.) out but if they attack us again (sp.) then was p(ut) another half Gill (1/8 Pint) on the point of the Bayonet.
Page 40

There was a Fatigue (sp.) Party called out to Bury the Dead commanded by Ensign Frances Johnson of 4th Reg(iment). We lost the Brave Capt. Major Campbell of the 3rd Troop of Horses & Lieut. Tool's 4th Reg(iment) was killed and a Quarter master Seargent William Edennson 4th Reg(iment) & 28 non-commissioned officers & Privates was killed & my Capt. Jacob Slough was wounded in the breast. 4th Reg(iment) Matthias Slough was wounded, Capt. of the 4th Troop of the Horses, & 84 non-commissioned officers & Privates and I, myself, was slightly wounded in the left leg with a musket ball. Our Capt. of the spys was James Wells - Wm. Day was taken prisoner by the Indians and by Col. Elliott Enders, he was shot by the Indians. In time of the engagement our Drummer and Fifer took a Prisoner in a brush heap. A Frenchman, a son-in-law (sp.) of (a) Blue Jacket, the Head Chief of the Shawnee's (sp.) & after we rested three light infantry companies, Kentucky Militia (sp.), called out to go with the Brave Gen. Wayne to Cross River Miami (sp.) to reconnoiter (sp.) around the third British Fort, called Fort [crossed out: Geo] George, commanded by Major Campbell, that if he did not turn out all the Indians then he would take the fort and blow (sp.) them up to the devil & he did turn them out every one of them at his orders but after this Major Campbell sent a flag to Brave Gen. Wayne for what reason he had to march the American soldiers under the British Commons. 

The Brave Wayne wrote back to him how he have British Cannon on the America Ground and if he did not close out he would know (sp.) the reason he would not be assaulted by any British officer so he come to a capitulation (sp.) & give up
the Fort to the Americans. We build a Fort at the Miami (sp.) after the battle & called (it) Fort Defiance and left a detachment of soldiers under the command of Major Thomas Hunt 1st Reg(iment). After that we march(ed) to St. Mary's River and we builded a Fort called Fort Wayne and we left a detachment of soldiers under Colonel John F. Hamtramack 1st Reg(iment). And after that took up our line for Winter Quarter to Greenville. Commanded while on campaign, Major Puell at Greenville, the prisoner request(ed) if they would set him at his liberty he would bring in the Indians to a treaty so he got his liberty, by Col. John F. Hamtramach was his security.
Page 41

Richfield
June 29th
The Honorable James L Edwards Esq
War Department Pension office or the 
Honorable Lewis Cafs Esq the Secretary of War
at the City of Washington in the District of
Columbia
Page 42


Greenwood Township Juniata Co Pa   
June 26 1837

Honorable Sir


 I Have Received your on Saturday 24th  
Instant  of the 14th instant that no Law Whatever Passed Last Session of Congress Neither a Pension or Gratuity under the Act of 7 June 1831 Was not a  and a Bill passed  Last session  on January 1837 for the Indian War at Greenville in 1795 I have the Act and 
Bill from the Honorable J Fry and in one of the
News paper the Globe Washington City 
Honorable Fry Presented my petition of Juniata County Pa Praying a Pension for services in the Revolutionary war and Indian War  Referred to the Committee on the Revolutionary Pension for Greenville treaty  Did not my Capt. {captain] Jacob Slough 4th regy [regiment] letter confirm that I was in the United States Service and in the action  on the 20 August 1794 at the names places and my Journal for three years  Was not it right  Cannot the Right Honorable R M Johnson know of my discharge threw a way with useless papers of Mr. Josiah Pitts  Kentucky  did not my Cap confirm that I should enjoy the merit of my services  Look back and consider my care in Bad I am going on my 75 years of age and I can prove I am  in a suffering condition  I thought that the Honorable Mr Clure would do something for me after the Honorable Fry went away then the rest of the Indian War get a Pension in the United States and the State of Pa  so I apply for the Last Act Made By Nathen Furmen of this Committee Shurly it passed else no one could get the Pension  Tell me what more do I want to get my Pension  I am in want I can Prove it in full if there was those gotten in that did help me I would Suffer for   What  I should I apply to the Judge of the Court or not  I want to know Please to give me an answer to those lines Shall I pay congress a visit down I cant wait any longer If you know my case you would pity me  I know it  seems that the rest of the old Soldiers can get a Pension and none for me  Hard very Hard indeed for me my wish is beond[illegible] and cant see

(continued 2nd page)
Page 43

(continued from page 1)

Make up your minds and Grant me some Relief 
 I did not think that Congress wanted any of the old Soldiers to go on Township   Washington Allowed all the old Soldiers a Pension What is the reason it is not so now    I have been in actual services for seven years & Ten Month
Tell me one Soldiers hath Served so long and no pension nor no sign for if I was a Waggoner or Boatmen I would get a Pension in March  I can prove I did my duty as a Soldier  I got
 wounded in the left leg   So I leave you
all Honorable Gentlemen to do for me I am in hopes that the Right Honorable Col. R. M. Johnson Will do something for me [bloch] 
And the President of of the United State [illegible]  Charity with our fellow mortal what can we  say of   God   But I do Flatter myself that your Honor will give m  a Pension or gratuity to support me in my old  day

 Now  I bid you Adieu and shall Remain
your old Solder till Death

Peter P Dawson   OS

the Honorable Jas Edward
or Lewis  cass
Page 44

4

Geo Town (illegibe)                 25
May 19

Mr Peter P Dawson
Millers Town
Perry County 
Pennsylvania

{note on Left side)

if you can do that and will
to Col Johnson he says he  (illegible)
what he can for you or
member of Congress will
co  state of (illegible)

(note to right)

Peter P Dawson
4 Thomas
Richfield ,.O. 
Juniata Co Pa

Post Master
John Wallar PM
Page 45

Georgetown
May 19th 1833

Dear Sir,

In examining the Post Office a few days since I found a letter directed to my uncle, Josiah Pitts, who has been dead for 12 or 13 years or more and also each of the other named men are dead.

As regards your request concerning the discharge, I do suppose there is no possibility of you proven getting it as all of my uncle's
useless papers have been destroyed (sp.)

I suppose I saw Col. R.M. Johnson, a few days since I spoke to him of your letter, he read it, he say the discharge can be of no use to you if you have been wounded in the
service, and can prove it, according to law that is all sufficient.
Page 46

If you can do that and will write
to Col. Johnson, he says he will do
what he can for you or your
Member of Congress will of
course give you some assistance

Yours [illegible]
s/ John A. Pitts
Son of younger Pitts
Page 47

Peter P Dawson
Greenwood
457678
Page 48

Lancaster, Oct. 1831

Dear Sir,

I have wrote to you so often on the subject of your services in the army of Gen. Wayne and have considered the thing so frequently in my mind that can come to no other conclusion that that I have already communicated. I distinctly recollect to have heard your name often called but at this distance of time I cannot say you belonged
to my company tho I am confident you belonged to the army and was in the action of the 20 Aug. 1794 - wishing you every happiness (sp.) and that you may obtain a future which I am confident you must.

s/ Jas. Slough

P.P. Dawson
Page 49

And I brought them into Greenville and the
treaty was concluded to begin July 1793 and ending after September and in the meantime of the treaty Captain Jacob though company was  transferred through Nov 4 right I was built in [captain cook] company and I was discharged out of [captain cook] company of the 4th night on Sep 1795 by his excellency Major [Gerarde] Anthony Wayne [    ]
4 right this journal I kept every day in the Army.
Peter Dawson [   ]
General Wayne [   ] Henry
Page 50

Greenwood Township -Juniata County State Pa.
April 13 1836
Kind sir please to do my busyness as soon as 
you can. I sent you a journal of Greenville treaty and Likewise Jacob Slough Letter and a Letter
about my Discharge this from your [illegible]
Peter P Dawson  Os