Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38,420, for Robert Taylor, Virginia
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(8-1776)
SERVICE
Va.  Taylor, Robert
NUMBER  S. 38,420
CONTENTS
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26.851 Kentucky Robert  Taylor of [illegible] in the State of Ky who was a Pr. in the Company commanded by Captain Comstock of the Rig commanded by Loyal in the Va 

 $30.00 1/2
 Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 30 Dollars no Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
 Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of June and July  Hon. R. Schuler PR.
Arrears to the 4th of  Mch '32 110.00 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept $128.33
Revolutionary Claim,  Act June 7, 1832. Recorded by J. P Sprague Clerk Book 0.2 Vol. Page 7 5 
1891
Oct 13 Harold Taylor history Prot
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Declaration of Robert Taylor

I know the applicants.  They are personal acquaintances  I know the case is genuine & true
Rt M. Johnson
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State of Kentucky Sct. Pendleton County 
 On this 7th day of October A.D. 1833. personally appeared in open court, before the parties of the Pendleton County County Court more sitting Robert Taylor a resident of Pendleton County and State of Kentucky aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
 That he was enroled as a minute man in the Militia of the State of Virginia about the month of October 1779 Boonsborough Station on the Kentucky River then in the district of Kentucky and State of Virginia (now in Madison County and State of Kentucky) and in the begining of the month of November 1779, he was detailed (regularly) with his own consent to go about fourteen miles from Boonsborough to a place which is now in the County of Clark and State of Kentucky to build a station which was and is now called Stoodes station and he did go as aforesaid and assisted in building the Station by working and guarding by turn and after the building was compleated he remained in the Station guarding (except when  ordered out in persuit of the Indians) until the begining of the month of January 1781 making a tum of fourteen months which he was stationed at Stoodes station are of which time he was engaged guarding
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at the station, ranging through the country looking out for Indians and for Indian Signs, marching in pursuit of the Indians, as well as marching to the relief of other Stations which had or was likely to be attacked by the Indians 

during all his service at the station he served as a private soldier and under the command of Captain John Constant- and when there was any necessity for men to go in pursuit of the enemy it was common to take such men as was willing to go as there was always some left at the station and those who did thus go was said to volunteer 

This declarant having served in all most all of the Indian wars in the west immediately subsequent to the year 1784 and Indians skermishing [skirmishing] being much of a sameness he can not give at this length of time and at his advanced age many of the particulars of the aforesaid fourteen months service but he will relate some of the most prominent of which he hath the most distinct recollection.

About the middle of March 1780, the Indians 
aided by and perhaps altogether instigated by British emisaries [emissaries] sent no doubt by the British authorities commenced a vigilant reconnitoring [reconnoitering] of both the new and old Stations in the district  
of Kentucky and frequently when they could find any person out of the station would kill them and steal and destroy all the property which they could 

at Such times as the above we were always on the alert and compelled to be
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until the latter part of July or the first part of August when the Indians accompanied by a few British emmisaries [emissaries] attacked and Martins [Butler, Kentucky]
and Riddles [Ruddells Station, Butler, Kentucky] Stations the one on Hingstons and the other on Stoney fork of Licking River 

immediately there was men called for to go in pursuit of the enemy and this declarant with many others volunteered and marched under the command of Captain John Holder with Lieutenant John Plick and Ensign Flanders Calloway with Benjamin Logan as Colonel 

we first marched to the mouth of Licking River near where Cincinnati Ohio now stands where we were met by General -Clark together with several other companies  when we marched to the Chilicothe on the Little Miami River then to Picaway [Pickaway, Ohio] on [illegible] River in what is now the State of Ohio when the enemy [illegible] their forces and gave battle which resulted in the defeat of the Indians we losing some where about twenty and the enemy as was believed considerably more in killed  the enemy had removed their women and children after this battle 

we returned home and a short time after we again marched to within a short distance of Bardstown [Kentucky] having been informed that the station at that place was in danger but learning that it was a false alarm we returned this time this declarant marched under the command of Captain
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John Constant no other incidents now recollected nor any other officers than those spoken of nor does he recollect nor perhaps he never did know to what Regiment he belonged nor what Colonel Commanded him unless it was Colonel Benjamin Logan  which is probable as he was usually along when there was many companies in company.

So he will close this part of his service by saying that he served not less than two months in the year 1779. and not less than twelve months in the year 1780,

This declarant returned to his Fathers in Frederick County Virginia from Strodes Station [Strode's Station, Kentucky]  in the month of January or February 1781 and soon after his arrival he was [illegible] as a minuteman in that county to be readiness  at a moment warning and soon there after the time not now recolected [recollected] and in the aforesaid year of 1781 and when General Washing [General George Washington] had called on his country to furnish new lines of troops to opperate [operate] in the State of Virginia this declarant was drafted for the term of three months and marched and served in the grade of orderly sergeant (first sergeant) in the company commanded by Captain George Bell and Lieutenant Henry Cattett,  Ensign not now recollected and a Regiment the name of which he does not recollect nor indeed does he believe that he ever did know of any other names than Virginia Militia but the Regiment was numbered and he has forgot the number [illegible]
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as the name if it had any the Regiment which he belonged was commanded by [illegible crossed out] and a Major whose names he cannot now recollect 

He marched through the country and occasionally fell in with other troops which was like the troops to which he belonged shaping their course to Little York Virginia [Yorktown, Virginia] to the investment of Lord Corn Wallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] they ultimately arrived and set down before the enemies works which continued to opperate [operate] as ordered until the Surrender of Lord Corn Wallace [Surrender of Cornwallis] 

While at Little York [Yorktown, Virginia]he cannot now say to which Brigade or Division he belonged nor what General officer had the immediate command of the troops to which he belonged 

he some times now thinks that he was attached to the command of General [Edward] Stephens but on the other hand he distinctly recollects that in his capacity of orderly sereant [sergeant] he read to his company General orders from General Stuban [Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben] he he therefore will not say [illegible] General had the immediate command of him except that Washington 
[General George Washington] was the supreme commander and that there were many Generals at the Seige [Battle at Siege of Yorktown] that he now recollects to wit,

Generals Washington [General George Washington], La Fayette [Marquis de Lafayette], Stuban [Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben], Nelson [General Thomas Nelson] , Knox [General Henry Knox], Lincoln [General Benjamin Lincoln], and Stephens [General Edward Stephens] and Colonel Alexander Hamilton who was attached to the staff of Washington [General George Washington]

He recollects much more of the Frence troops engaged.
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in the Seige [Siege] [Battle of Yorktown, Virginia]
than any other troops because from their equipment and dress they were calculated to attract more of the attention than those of his countrymen as he was more familiar with their appearance 

He continued Little York Virginia [Yorktown, Va] until after the surrender of Lord Corn Wallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] and after the necessary arrangement was made he with the company to  which he belonged was detailed to
guard the prisoners of war to Winchester 
Virginia and when they arrived there they were discharged by proclamation of the Captain and 
he returned home.

At another time in same year [1781] and after the three months turm [term] aforesaid this declarant volunteered under the command of Captain [Adam] Heiskill [also spelled Hiskill]  and Lieutenant Wm. [William] Jenkins and guarded the prisoners of war from Winchester Virginia to Lancaster Pennsylvania and performed that service which engaged him and the company one month no other company on said duty nor any other officers.

After which time and in same year [1781] he volunteered and served one month more under the command of Thomas Berry and went in pursuit of some tories on the South Branch of the Potomac River [Highland County, Virginia] by the order of General [Daniel] Morgan and there this time as the tories fled yet some of our men found means to kill one of them there was
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but the one company on this tour so that summing all of his service up this declarant served in the Revolutionary army as a soldier in the service of the United States he served not less than two months in the grade of a private in the year 1779, and in some grade not less than twelve months in the year 1780, and as first sergeant not less than three months and as a private soldier not less than two months in the year of 1781. So that he has served as a private soldier sixteen months and as a first Sergeant three months making in all nineteen months

This declarant never received any discharge in writing from any of his officers but was always discharged by word of mouth he has no doubt but he could havre received a discharge in writing from Captain [George] Bell had he had called on him for it after his return home, but he did not do so. He therefore has no record evidence of his services.

He was born on the 28 day of July 1758 in (as he understood from his father) Prince William County and State of Virginia and removed (when he was yet young and before he could recollect or notice the years) into Stafford county Virginia and when he was some where about fourteen years of age (the time not recollected) his father removed with him into the county of Frederick  State of 
Virginia
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And in the year 1779, (as before stated) he removed to Boonsborough [Boonesborough, Kentucky] on the Kentucky River and in November of the same year went to Strodes Station [Kentucky] and remained there until January 1781, he returned to his father in Frederick county Virginia, and in the year 1783 he removed with his father in what is now Madison county State of Kentucky and immediately went again to Strodes Station [Kentucky] in what is now Clark county Kentucky in the year 1785

he removed to what is now Mason county Kentucky (then Bourbon) [Bourbon County, Kentucky] and in the year 1796 he removed on Licking River in what is now Pendleton county Kentucky (then Campbell [County]) where he has been ever since resided and still resides and has served the county of Pendleton two years as high Sheriff and twenty four years as a Justice of the peace and a member of the county court and is at this time a Justice of the peace and a member of the county court in and for the county of Pendleton. 

He knows of no person now living whose residence he is a acquainted with who can testify as to his service and refers to the certificate of Charles Boner Esq. , Colonel Thomas W. Hart & Reuben McCarty who is well acquainted with him and resides in the county of Pendleton Kentucky and will state what the general belief in his neighborhood of his haveing been a Revolutionary soldier
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there being no clergyman in his neighborhood and in his county

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on  the pension role of the agency of any State or Teritory [Territory]. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Robt [Robert] Taylor

We Charles Boner, Thomas W. Hart & Reuben McCarty both residing in the county of Pendleton county and State of Kentucky hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Taylor Esq. who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be 75 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed that day and year aforesaid
Charles Boner
Thos [Thomas] W. Hart
Reuben McCarty

And the said court do hereby declare the 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 further appears to them that Charles Boner, Thomas W. Hart
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and Reuben McCarty all of whom has signed the proceeding certificate, is residents in the county of Pendleton and State of Kentucky is all credible persons and their Statement is entitled to credit. 

I Reuben McCarty Clerk of the county of Pendleton County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Robert Taylor for a pension

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 8th day of October 1833
Reuben McCarty, Clerk
of the Pendleton County Courts

[illegible seal attached]
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Robert Taylor
Pendleton Co.
Kentucky
from 1779 for
11 months 
$36.66/100

Hon R. M. Johnson 
Agt & [illegible]
Ken [Kentucky]

If you have no more
[illegible] the case by affidavit 
& send the papers to me
directed to Mr Coty of
Washington DC &
the Pension / or have 
the line at least
Rh M Johnson
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[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

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, andthe 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 shew 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 compiling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Robert Taylor. -
[tabular table,column headings follows]
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claiment's service. | Years. | Months. | Days. |
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

[data presented in a narrative form]
Entered service 1779, served 2 months as Private under Cap Constant, 75 years old, entered in Va., proof of service is Traditionary.

Entered service 1780, served 1 year as Private under Col Logan.

Entered service 1781, served 3 month as Sergt under Cap Bell.

Entered service 1781, served 1 month as Private under Col not recollected.

Entered service 1781, served 1 month as Private under Col not recollected.

The time occupied in building the fort cannot be allowed, nor can the whole time for when he alleges as being in service a said fort. It is then probable that he is entitled for the time that he went out under Col Logan, and for service only can he be allowed, unless he can show to the satisfaction of the Dept that he was regularly enrolled and was in actual service during the above time. He states that he was a Minuteman, and for the time that he was in actual service only can be allowed.

I am respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commisioner 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. [Et cetera] Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. [Et cetera] 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, musicians 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
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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 provion [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) [blank] , with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers: [blank]
(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. [Et cetera] )
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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the da 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, [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
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 subscr9be a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: [blank]
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 day 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. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c. [Et cetera]
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 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?
6. 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 he 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 person, 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 of 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.
[THE FOLLOWING (e) IS {BRACKETED} FOR MORE INFORMATION NECESSARY]
(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 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. [Et cetera] . 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 [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] . For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] ; 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. [Et cetera] 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.

[THE FOLLOWING (Mode of authenticating papers) IS {BRACKETED} FOR MORE INFORMATION NECESSARY]
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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Our
In reply to your request of ____, received___
for a statement of the military history of Robert Taylor, 
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his
application for pension on file in this Bureau.

S. File 38,420
At Boonesborough in Ky [Kentucky] river in Dist of Ky state of Va.

[Chart column headings]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Oct 79 to Jany [January] 81
RANK minute man
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM  SERVICE RENDERED
CAPTAIN: John Constant, John Holder
COLONEL: Benj [Benjaman] Logan
STATE Va [Virginia]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Jan or Feb. 81 
LENGTH OF SERVICE & RANK 
3 mos. [months]  Orderly Serg. [sergeant]
1 mos. Pri. [private]
1 mos. Pri. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE RENDERED
George Bell; [Adam] Heiskill [or Hiskill]; Thomas Berry

Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown [Virginia]

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Boonesborough Sta [Station] on Ky [Kentucky] river in Dist of Ky, Va.

Date of application for pension, Oct 7 1833- [illegible]

Residence at date of application, Pendleton Cot, Ky as a Justice of Peace

Age at date of application, born July 28, 1758 Pri Wm Co [Prince William County], Va [Virginia]

Remarks: To Aud [Auditor] for death etc
Page 19

State of Kentucky 
Pendleton County Sct.

I, Reuben McCarty Clerk of the Court of Pendleton County, do certify, that Wm. H. N. Drake, whose name is subscribed to the following certificate is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Pendleton, duly commissioned and qualified as the law directs and that the signature thereto appended, purporting to be his, is genuine, and full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name this [illegible] day of June A.D. 1834 & the 43d year of the Commonwealth.
Reuben McCarty Clk P. Cty. C.
[Pendleton County Court]

[illegible round seal attached]
Page 20

This affiant Robert Taylor for the purpose of amending a declaration which was made before the county court of Pendleton and State of Kentucky, on the 7th day of October 1833, and which has been sent to the War department and returned by the commissioner of Pensions to be amended- 

Will now State that He served in the year 1780, as a private soldier and in active service and as he believed regularly called out not less than two months and twenty one  days under the officers named in his said original declaration (to which he refers) and that he served in the year 1781, three months as first sergeant and two months as a private soldier making in all Seven months and twenty one days

But this affiant does believe that he in justice is entitled to credit for his months in the year 1780 for although he was not marching and contending with the enemy not more than two months and twenty one days yet he spent the whole summer in guarding at the station at night (in his turn) and hunting for the support of the station and answered all the purposes of a spye [spy]  To that if he be correct in his conclusion he ought to have credit for eight months as a private soldier and three months as first sergeant as before stated

And he will further say that he does verily believe that could he at that this distance of time distinctly recollect all of his services it would amount to much more and that he would have amended his declaration sooner but he was weighting [waiting] to see what congress would do for the Idian [Indian] fighters as he was engaged in all of the Indian
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wass [was] in Kentucky up to the year 1788 and could were that service taken in to the calculation make out a full turnd.

Given under my hand this 31st day of May 1834
Sworn to and subscribed this day and date above mentioned
Robt [Robert] Taylor

State of Kentucky
Pendleton county Sct.
I W. N. Drake a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that this day the above named Robert [Taylor] personally appeared before me and subscribed and swore in due form of Law to the above affidavit for the purpose of amending his original declaration as set forth in said above affidavit.
Given under my hand this 31st day of May 1834.
W.H.N. Drake JP
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38 420
INVALID
Revy

File No. 38, 420
Robert Taylor
Priv   Rev War

Act: 18th March 18[illegible]
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 500

[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 8, 1905 History to Miss Nellie Nichol, Independence , Kans

1909 Feby. 11. Hist. to Mrs. Amos G. Draper
Page 23

OLD WA[illegible]AVY 
JUN 13 1905
FILES

Commissioner of Pensions

Being an applicant for membership to D. A. R. am informed that it will be necessary to ascertain through your department whether the ancestor through whom decent is traced is enrolled on pension records.  Rob Taylor, serviced in Capt James Baytop s Company of the 5th Virginia regiment
Page 24

from Dec 1st 1777. to Feb 16th 1779 when he was honorably discharged.  I am informed that should such record exist, a copy will be sent me, through your courtesy upon request.

Hoping a favorable reply

I am very respectfully
Miss Nelle Nichol
301 Westminster Placed
Independence 
Kansas

June 7th 1905

U. S. PENSION OFFICE 
A JUN 12 1905
Page 25

Not S 32420 
Oct 79 - Capt John Constant 
Oct [Capt] Stolder [Col] Logan
Bell
Heiskill 
Berry
Page 26

MRS. AMOS G. DRAPER, REGISTRAR GENERAL
902 F STREET
WASHINGTON, D. C. Feb. 4, 1909.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear sir: - 
                                      38420
Can you tell us if Robert Taylor said to have been born in Prince William County, Va. July 28, 1758, and died Dec. 11, 1851, was a pensioner, and if so may we have a copy of his pension record. He is said to have been a Minute man at Boonesboro Station, Ky. in 1779, served in 1780 under Capt. Holden and Col. Logan.

In Feb. 1781, he was again enrolled as a Minute man in Frederick County, Va. He was Orderly Sergeant shortly afterwards under
Capt. Bell; participated in the siege of Yorktown, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. This information is asked in order if possible to verify the papers of Mrs. Catherine Taylor Stewart of Indianapolis, Ind.

Yours very sincerely,
[illegible first name] Draper
Mrs. Amos G. Draper
Registrar General, N.S.D.A.R.

U. S. PENSION OFFICE
A FEB 5 1909
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Robert Taylor
Mon  July 28,1758 in Prince William Co Va then his father removed whe [when] was quite young to Stafford Co Va.  then when 14 years old his father removed to Frederick Co Va & 1779 he went to Boonesborn Station [Boonesborough Station] or Ky [Kentucky] [illegible] in Nov 1779 he went to Strodes  Station [Kentucky] where he remained until Jany [January] 1781 then returned to Virginia

I removed with father about Jany [January] 1782 to what is now Madison County Ky & most immediately to Strodes Station [Kentucky] in what is now Clark Co [Kentucky] & 1783 to what is now Mason Co (then Bourbon), then 1796 to Licking river on what is now Pendleton Co [Kentucky] (then Campbell where  living up to applying for pension under act June 7 1832 aged 75 years

He was high sheriff of Pendleton Co 2 years & 24 years Justice of the Peace & a member of the County Court & is in 1833 a J [Justice ] of the Peace & member County Court

He was enrolled as a minute man in Oct 1779 at Boonesboro [Boonesborough] Station Ky
& detailed to go about 14 miles to a place now in Clark Co [Kentucky] to build a Station [fort] called Strodes Station & alternately guarding until completed he was one at Regiment & pursued hostal [hostile] Indian until Jany 1781 making 14 months while at Strodes station scouting & marching to relief of other Station which had been or was likely to be attacked & was under the command of Capt John Constant

In March 1780 the Indians instigated by British 
empire commenced  reconnecting all the 
various Stations & any person outside was killed, Steal & destroy all property found.

then late July 1780 attacked Martin's & Ruddles Stations [forts]- one on Hingston & the other on [illegible] forks of Licking river 
then there was a Call to go in pursuit & he [illegible] under Capt John Holder & Col. Lugan & marched to mouth Licking river (opposite Cincinnati [Ohio] when they met Genl Geo [George] Roger Clark

From then marched to C
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a battle in which the Indians were defeated
He returned home 

He turned out on the alarm of danger to Bardstown [Boonesborough, Kentucky] Station but was almost only a few days under Capt John Constant

He returned to his father in Frederick Va  from  Strodes Station [Kentucky] in Jany [January] or Feby [February] 1781 & was enrolled as minute man & was drafted for 3 months & served as Orderly Sergt [sergeant] under Capt George Bell & Col not recollected marched to Yorktown Va & participated in the Siege & Surrender of Lord Cornwallis [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] attached to command of Genl Stevens [General Edward Stevens] Recollect reading as orderly sarge[sergeant] from by Genl Steuben [General Baron von Steuben]

After the Revy [Revolutionary] war he was in all the Indian fight to 1786

Jas  E. Heath Esq
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Robert Taylor's papers
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I presume you can now send me the certificate.  I send back the letter of Mr Drake  Can you ans.r the latter part of his letter or not.  
Your friend
[illegible] Johnson