Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1960, John Ward, Va.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE      Va

Ward, John
Nancy

NUMBER        W. 1960

CONTENTS
Page 2

2316
Virginia R
Nancy Ward
widow of John Ward
who served in the Revolutionary 
Va
war, as a pri

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6" day of October  1853 and sent to J G. Sutton Jr
Richmond  Va

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 131    Vol.  A
Page 3

Let to Pen. Agt. Nov 12. 1835.
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6. April 1838 from 4 Sep. to 26. Dec 1838. Agent Notified 3d Decr 1844 

13. 153  
Virginia 
John Ward
of Union Co. in the State of Virga who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Watson of the Regt commanded Col Mathias in the Virga. line for Eleven months 
$36.66/100 

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of May 1833 and sent to W.  Nelson Lory Creek. L.C.o Virga 

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1833,      73,,32 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 33 18,33  $91,,65 

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 

Recorded by Wm R. Palmer Clerk, 
Book   E    Vol.   six.    Page  31.
Page 4

Declaration of
Mrs. Nancy Ward
Revolutionary claim

death of pensr
alleged 26 Dec.  38



Presented by
James T. Sutton Jr
Richmond Va
Page 5

State of Virginia Louisa County SS. 

On this 9th day of March 1853 before me William Bagby a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Mrs Nancy Ward a resident of the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed February 3rd 1853 - that she is the widow of John Ward decd who was a Revolutionary soldier and was a Pensioner of the United States in the County of Louisa Virginia, that he recd a pension at the rate of $36.66 per annum, that she was married to the said John Ward in the County of Louisa and State of Virginia on the 8th day of January 1805, and that he died in the County of Louisa on the 26th day of December 1838 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed 
Teste
Thos Richardson        Nancy X Ward her mark 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I also certify that Mrs Nancy Ward is the widow of the above mentioned John Ward who was a United States pensioner and that the said John Ward died about fifteen years since. Given under my hand this 9th day of March 1853 
William Bagby J. Peace
Page 6

State of Virginia 
Louisa County, to wit: 
I David M Hunter Clerk of the County Court of Louisa County in the State of Virginia do Certify that William Bagby Esqr before whom the foregoing Declaration of Nancy Ward was made, is now and was at the time of taking and certifying the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia duly elected Commissioned and qualified according to law and as such is duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, that the signature thereto purporting to be his signature is genuine   And that the said Court is a Court of record having general jurisdiction. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of said Court at the Courthouse this 17th day of March 1853 In the 77th year of our foundation 
David M. Hunter, Clk 
Louisa County Court Virginia
Page 7

21978

John Ward
Page 8

State of Virginia, Louisa County (to wit) 

On the 14th day of January 1833, personally appeared in open court before the court of the county of Louisa now sitting, John Ward a resident of said County and State aged seventy three 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 born in the County of Louisa on the 9th day of January 1760 - He has a register of his age in a Bible now in his possession, that he was living in Louisa County when called into service, and has lived there all his life. That he never received a written discharge at the end of any tour of duty.  That he entered the service of the United States as a common soldier in the ranks and never served in any station higher than that.  In guarding Burgoyne's army made prisoners at Saratoga in the year 1777   He served his first tour of duty of two months in 1780 under Captain Richard Pollet or Paulet and Col. Taylor, at Albemarle Barracks, as a substitute for John Watson of Louisa. He served his second tour of two months commencing in January 1781. at Richmond, Cabin Point, Smithfield, Westover &ca. his officers were Captain Richard Phillips and Col Thomas Matthews, He was called into service to repel Arnold's invasion of Virginia.  He served his third tour of two months beginning April 1781 at Richmond when the Manchester ware houses were burnt by the British, his others were Capt James Watson and Col Thomas Matthews and Gen. Lafayette. He served a fourth tour of two months in 1781 under Captain William Harris of Louisa, Col Harrison of the Artillery and Gen. Thomas Nelson, at Malvern Hills, Four mile Creek and Richmond. He served a fifth tour of three months before and at the siege of York Town, his officers were Captain Henry Johnson, Colo Mercer and General Weedon. He never was in any engagement. That he can prove his services by Thos. Badget John Hersey and Nathaniel Snelson. That in reference to his character &ca he refers to Timothy T. Swift and William Nelson - his neighbours.   He hereby relinquishes all claim whatever to a pension except the present, or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name  is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
John   X   Ward
his mark
Page 9

We Timothy T. Swift a clergyman residing in the County of of Louisa and William Nelson residing in the same County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Ward, that we believe him to be seventy three years old: 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 to and subscribed this 14th day of January 1833. Timothy. T. Swift Wm Nelson

Louisa County to wit: 
John Kersey this day made oath before me William Nelson an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, that John Ward served his first second and fifth tours of duty in the Revolutionary War (as set forth in the said Ward's declaration hereto annexed) in the same companies and under the same officers with him the said John Kersey, and that he knows that portion of said Ward's declaration to be true. Thomas Badget made oath before me William Nelson a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, that he was in the army of the Revolution at the same time with John Ward and know that he performed the fourth and fifth tours of Military duty as set forth in the said Ward's declaration here to annexed   Nathaniel Snelson made oath before me William Nelson a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, that he knows that John Ward performed his third tour of military duty as set forth in the said Ward's declaration hereto annexed, and well recollects seeing the said Ward, sick in the Hospital near Richmond at the time the Manchester warehouses were burnt by the British in April 1781.  I further certify that the said John Kersey, Thomas Badget and Nathaniel Snelson, have been my neighbours for many years, that they are persons of credibility and that I entertain the full belief that John Ward was a soldier of the Revolution. Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of January 1833. 
W. Nelson
Page 10

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 Timothy T. Swift who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the said County of Louisa, and that William Nelson who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
James Michie Presiding Justice  

I John Hunter Clerk of the Court of Louisa County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Ward for a pension.  [crossed out 'In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and of Office this day of January 1833.'] And I do further certify that William Nelson before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Kersey Thomas Badget & Nathl Snelson were made, is a Justice of the peace of said County, and Judge of said Court, and that the signature underneath said affidavit, purporting to be his is his genuine signature, 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of Office this 18th day of January 1833. 
John Hunter

[remnants of round seal located in lower left corner of page]
Page 11

No 21978.
John Ward. Va,
13.153


Adm for 11. Months
from 1780. __


W. Nelson Long Creek
Louisa County
Va.
Page 12

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Pension Office. 183 
Sir :
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, shewing the Service of John Ward Louisa County Va

Period when the service was rendered.  1780 1781   1781apl   1781

Duration of the claimant's service. 2 Months.   
2 Months.      2 Months.      2 Months.      
3 Months.  

Rank of the claimant. Private 

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt Pollet    Capt Phillips    Capt Watson   Capt Harris      Capt Johnson    

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Taylor    Col Matthews     Col Matthews      Col Harrison 

Battles in which the applicant was engaged. None 

Country through which he marched.  Va 

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Aged 73 ┃ Louise County Va

Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary 
Living Witness 

I am, respectfully,
Your Obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 13

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," "milita," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this he 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 in stance, 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. On this DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. Sta, Territor County of day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District 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 made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers: Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. And then will follow the certificate of the Court. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the 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. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 1 Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser vices 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 14

3 
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 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? . Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?   {To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that 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. one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 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. 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. The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. The declarant must mention the person or persons of the war when he served. 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 clamant 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. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and days, I served as a -. For - months and --- days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension: it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the 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 too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and duration of each term of engagement; the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent 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. The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. The opinion of the Court is always required. The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 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 pubthe seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must 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. 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 the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witthe official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note applies to continental troops only. a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration Dyer Castor 
Exam Clerk
Page 15

Va
Act 3. feb. '53
Nancy Ward
Page 16

Brief in the case of Nancy Ward widw of John County and State of Virginia 
act  3.feb. 1853

Claim, (original, or for increase.") 

Proof exhibited, (if original.) 

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state substance. 
Husband pensioned Act 1832 at $36.66 per annum 
Marriage & identity established by credible witnesses & by the Magistrate who received her declaration 

(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim ?  If so, what ?

Name and residence Agent. 
J. T. Sutton Jr 
Richmond, Va.

R. Mc.Rae    Examining Clerk.
Page 17

Virginia

Nancy Ward
wid. of John
Private

Admd  $36,,66
pr.amn.
Comms 3 feb. 1853.

Richmond

J. T. Sutton Jr
Richmond 
Va.
Page 18

GIDEON, PRINTER. 

TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 
Jan'y 4th 1844. 

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," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of John Ward, decd a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of Thirty Six Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. to the 26th Dec. 1838. 
Respectfully, yours, 
Albion K Parris 
Comptroller.

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.
Page 19

Additional [underlined]
Testimony in the case of Nancy Ward, widow of John Ward.  Claim under act of 3 Feby  53

Revolutionary [underlined]


Jas. T. Sutton Jr
Richmd  Va.
Page 20

We Henry Kersey and Spotswood Lefaun do hereby certify that we are residents of Louisa County State of Virginia and that we were well acquainted with John Ward decd who was an old Revolutionary Soldier of this County and we believe a Pensioner of the United States and also with Mrs. Nancy Ward his widow who is now living in this County that we know they were legally married that we were present at the wedding and know that the said Nancy is the widow at this time of the said John Ward decd. Henry   X   Kersey his mark 
Spotswood    X   Lefaun his mark 

State of Va County of Louisa SS. 
On this 16th day of August 1853 personally appeared before me Henry Kersey and
Spotswood Lefaun credible and disinterested parties and made oath according to law to the facts set forth in the foregoing Certificate-Given under my hand this 16th. day of August 1853 Wm Bagby J.Peace
Page 21

State of Virginia
Louisa County, to wit :
I David M Hunter Clerk of the County of Louisa County in the State of Virginia do Certify that William Bagby Esqr whose genuine Signature is signed to the Certificate on the other side of this paper is now and was at the time of taking and Certifying the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly Elected Commissioner [crossed out 'and'] qualified according to law and as such is duly authorized to administer on this for general purposes and that the said Court is a Court of record having general jurisdiction.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of said Court at the Courthouse this 30th day of September 1853 In the 78th year of our foundation.
David M. Hunter Clk
Page 22

Nancy Ward
Additional testimony

Presented by Jas. T. Sutton
Richmond Va
Page 23

I William Bagby a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Louisa and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Mrs Nancy Ward widow of John Ward decd. made a declaration before me about the 9th day of March 1853 [crossed out 'and'] in order that she might obtain the benefits of the act of February 3, 1853, that from bodily infirmity and old age she is unable to attend in open Court and that from my own knowledge she is the widow of said John Ward as set forth in her Declaration made before me last March. Given under my hand this 6th day of August 1853 ___
William Bagby J. Peace 


State of Virginia 
Louisa County to wit: 
I David M Hunter Clerk of the County Court of Louisa County in the State of Virginia do Certify that William Bagby Esqr whose genuine signature is signed to the above Certificate is now and was at the time of making and signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly Elected Commissioned and qualified according to law 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of said Court at the Courthouse this 16th day of August 1853. David M Hunter Clk
Page 24

To J. L. Edwards Esquire 

Accompanying this note you will receive the Declarations of Austin Hancock, John Ward and Thomas Badget, three old and illiterate, and I will add indigent militiamen of the Revolution. I am aware of the numerous frauds, which have  been practised in procuring pensions under the act of 1818; and am not surprised at the strictness of the War Department in relation to the subject.  With all your vigilance, many false claims will be allowed, and many just ones rejected. I have been all my life extremely hostile to pension laws, and would this moment. most gladly annihilate the whole system. But as that is impossible. and a large majority of this nation have decided that the Soldiers of the Revolution shall be pensioned, I cannot refrain from saying something in behalf of the soldiers above named; whom
Page 25

I have known for many years; and of the truth of their Declarations, I do not intertain a shadow of doubt. I have heard them recount their military services at a time when it had never entered into their imaginations, that they would be pensioned or any otherwise compensated. Therefor. I live in a county remarkable for the health and longevity of its inhabitants, and being intimately acquainted with every man in the County, worth knowing, I have had unusual opportunities of learning the real history of almost every soldier's services.  My father was a busy actor in all the scenes of the Revolutionary War , in this State, and from information derived from him and others, I was enabled to detect many shameless militia men, in their attempts to pass themselves upon the Court of which I am a member, as soldiers of the Continental Line, and thereby avail themselves of the act of 1818. I have been
Page 26

been too long on the Bench to be ignorant of the fact, that witnesses can be found [crossed out 'anything'] to prove almost any thing. But when every old man in a neighborhood (for forty years) iterates and reiterates the declaration that A. B. & C. were soldiers of the Revolution, that they were at the Battle of Camden, at the Siege of Yorktown & I can no more doubt the truth of them statement, than I can the existence of those places. You require detailed state ments of their services; except at the Battle of Camden, at the Siege of Yorktown &ca [et cetera] I can no more doubt the truth of their statements, than I can the existence of those places.  You require detailed statements of their services; except at the Battle of Camden, & Siege of Yorktown; they did very little else that eat, sleep, stand guard, & march up and down James River as the British troops might menace Williamsburg, Petersburg or Richmond.  They were marched here, counter marched there, and detached elsewhere, just as the enemy might be conjectured to be aiming at this or that object: and altho' suffering every extreme of weather, and of
Page 27

hunger and thirst, they have no signal exploits to relate; and no bloody fields to boast of. Thomas Badget was at Camden and fled with the rest of the militia, he was in Carolina, nearly all the rest of the year, but fought no other battle, and recollects nothing interesting, that occurred.  But that he served a six months tour at that time, I as religiously believe, as I do any thing that my eyes have not witnessed,  Joel Walton and Nat. Snelson have sworn to the fact, and no man who knows them can doubt the fact. I have expressed to them my astonishment at their inability to give a circumstantial narrative of their services; [crossed out 'but to no purposes.'] But meager as their statements are, I do not believe the truth of their Declarations is doubted by a single individual who knows them.
I am, Sir, 
your obt. Servt.
W  Nelson

Long Creek, Louisa Va.  
Jany 19th 1833.
Page 28

Revy   WIDOW, &c.

File No.  1960
Nancy Ward
Widow
John Ward
Pri., Rev War

Act :  Feb. 3, 1853.

Index :--- Vol.  M.,  Page  304

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 29

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

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
 
NAME    Ward, John B.
GRADE    Private
LINE        Lee's Legion

WARRANT NUMBER 13930 
ACREAGE      100
ISSUED   FEBRUARY 12, 1794  to --- not shown 


*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.