Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7,303, for John Moody, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn.
CONTENTS

Moody, John

NUMBER
R. 7.303
Page 2

John Moody's declaration
copy
Page 3

Original Claim
Declaration in order to be placed on the Pension list under the Act of the 18th March 1810.
County of Henrico SS
On this second day of May 1826 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record for the County aforesaid, John Moody a resident in said County aged sixty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the pension made by the Act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820 that he the said John Moody enlisted for term of 6 months on or about the first day of July in the year 1776 in the State of Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Watson in the regiment commanded by Major John Hays in the line of the State of Pennsylvania on the before the raising of the continental establishment that he continued to serve in the said corps until the April following adding three months more to the time when he was discharged from the service in Morris Town in the State of West Jersey that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present that his name is not on the roll of any State except in that of Pennsylvania, and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension being until the last seven years in business in which I could make a support but the Gentleman in whose employ I was, died and left me dependent on the charity of my friends until I am compelled to ask all "where the soldier has ever found relief," application would long it.
And in pursuance to the act of the 1st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not serve that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled. "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Page 4

That since the 18th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property, one negro girl sold for necessary expenses, one old horse of 21 years old and old gigg not worth keeping.
Schedule of John Moody's property annexed hereto. One horse 21 years old, 1 gigg and harness, all old, much worn.
March                            John Moody
Virginia Henrico County to wit
I Loftin N. Ellett Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John Moody did serve in the Revolutionary was as stated in the proceeding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months, under one engagement before the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto arrived are truly copies from the records of the said Court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of this said Court that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is twenty dollars. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 2nd day of May 1826 in the 50th year of the commonwealth.
(seal affixed).   Loftin N Ellett Clerk of the Court of the County of Henrico.
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MKE/eel
May 10, 1929
Mrs. Overton Howard
708 N. Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia
Madam,
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.7303, it appears that John Moody applied for pension on May 2, 1826, at which time he was aged sixty-eight years and a resident of Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia.
 At the time he made application, he stated that he enlisted, July 1, 1776, in Pennsylvania, in Captain Watson's Company under Major Joh Hays in the Pennsylvania Troops, and that his service continued in various companies until the siege and surrender at Yorktown.
He was also referred to as "Captain John Moody", no explanation of that rank.
His claim for pension was not allowed as the service rendered was not in the Continental line as required by the pension law under which he applied.
It is not stated that he was ever married.
Page 6

The above noted John Moody is the only soldier by that name, of Virginia, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Sol. referred to his mother.
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Citizens of
Richmond
Certificate
No 3
Page 8

We the subscribed having been intimately acquainted for many years with Captain John Moody Late of this City, but now of the town of Cartinoca in County of Cumberland and State of Virginia, do with much measure certify that we have the most entire confidence in his integrity, honesty, [probisty] and good demeanor and we are firmly persuaded that he yet retains as he has deservedly acquired the confidence and esteem of his follow citizens generally city of Richmond.
signed: Samuel Mc Craw, Allexander Mc Rae
         William Robertson, William Brockingboro
          Christopher Vail, William H Roane
          John Adams, Thos M. Randolph
          Andrew Stevenson, John Pryor
           David Bullock
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Mr. Thos Jefferson
Certificate
No 2
Page 10

Time has obliterated so much of persons and things from my memory, that I cannot already command the resolution for which I am called on, this is the case with respect to your self, I know I have been long acquainted with you 
serving the Revolution, before too. I believe, and since, while acting for [illegible] every but the particulars of our intercourse has very much escaped my memory.  This much I can say with safety, that the general impression remaining on my mind, is that you were a person of worth, and respectability and that not a false to the contrary rests with me, but all particulars are gone accept therefore the assurance of my esteem and respect.    Thomas Jefferson
(a copy)
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Col. John Nicholas
Certificate
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Having been requested by Capt. John Moody I hereby certify that I have known him about thirty years I have always considered him through time as a dependable honest man and from circumstances he has restated to me concerning certain events on the Revolutionary War [traditionary] some [minute] particulars occurred at the Battle of germanton. I am inclined to conclude he must have been there.
John Nicholas Capt
[Lieut Col'o] Revolutionary War and Army
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Capt. Charles Woodson
Certificate in favor of J. Moody.
No. 1
Page 14

Rose Bank
July 18th 1825
Having bin requested by Capt. John Moody to State what I know as to his being an officer in the Revolutionary War: as my services in that war was mostly to the South: I can only say from my acquaintance with him and circumstances that occured in the Revolutionary War: which we both recolect confirms in my oppinion that he was an active officer: and certinly deserves asistance from our govenment he being now reduced to low circumstances.
Chs. Woodson Capt.
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The humble petition of John Moody of Richmond
Verginia Humbly Sheweth and prays you sir for
a Little Relief Bring reduced to straitened circumstances
by a [Turn] of unforseen causes over which I had no control.
And when I saw the Liberality of the government to others it gives me a hope that it will remember an old
soldier of the Revolution, and grant me the small
sum of Twenty thousand Dollars, and a Bounty
of Western Land of 4 or five Thousand acres.
These lands cost the government trifling and
your Petitioner will duly ever pray.
John Moody
Page 16

Recd 2 June 1826
20,002
John Moody
Henrico Co, Va

Claimant,
Richmond, Va 

Rej’d 2 ]June 1826

Rejected. See letter
2 June 1826

[circle stamp]
RICHD VA
MAY 31

[vertical text]

FREE
The Honorable James Barber
Secretary of War
City of Washington, District Columbia

Comm’r of Pensions
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Richmond May 31st 1826

The Honourable James Barber 
Secretary of War
Sir
I [inclose] you my Declaration to obtain
a Pension under the act of Congress [illegible] passed, 
with my schedule and the certificate of the
Clk of Henrico County Court. I have endeavored
to comply with the Instructions which I received
Received from the war department. If any thing
further is wanted please inform immediately.
I am now suffering for the necessaries of Life.
With great respect your Humble servant
John Moody
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No 20002
John Moody
Virga Revo.
Act 18 March 1818.
-
Recd from claimant,
Richmond, Va 2d June 1826
Rejected. See letters 2d
and 14th June 1826 to
claimant

7303
Page 19

Nov 6/97 Mrs. Geo. E. Bentley
McMinnville Tenn.
1910 Oct. 1. To above (Mrs Jno. E. Bentley)
No ref to John Thompson in this claim

1929 - May 10, Hist to Mrs.
Overton Howard, Her
letter in claim of John
Baghy W. 2997-M.E.E.

1930 - May 27 - History to
Mrs. James D. Hoskins, ILL.
1939 “   “   “  again adv
[none] other of Va. A.D.Y.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1878.
7303
P. O. 
John Moody
REJECTED
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Contract.
Cert. of Dis. 
Searched for
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[circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U S
OCT 9 1897

Pension Bureau
Washington D. C.

I desire that you
send me the record, if possible, of John
Moody, a Revolutionary soldier. We suppose he
applied for a pension about April 9 1825
while living in New Canton,  Buckingham Co, Va.
In 1776 he served six months in the Flying
Camp (?) in the Company, first of Capt Watson
and then of Capt. Steel or Stal. He afterward was at 
Brandywine, Germantown etc. up to the
battle of Little York in Va. in 1781. It
is the record of my grandfather, John Thompson, 
that I am seeking to prove by the
record of his fellow soldier, John Moody. I
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have an old letter written in 1825 by John
Moody to John Thompson in which be
asks him to certify that they served together
 in the same company, first Watson’s then
Steel’s or Stul’s 1776, in what seems to read 
“Flying Camp" John Thompson, 
after the Rev. War lived in Virginia, but
he is supposed to have enlisted in Pennsylvania.
Will be deeply obliged if you will
look into this matter.
Respec’y
Mrs Jno. E. Bentley
McMinnville, Tenn
Oct. 7, 1897.

[rectangle stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY FILES U S P B
OCT 12 1897
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John Moody enlisted in Rev. War from
Penn. applied for pension from Virginia
or Penn
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McMinnville, Tenn. Sept. 24, 1910
My Dear Miss Wilson
We are trying to get the 
record of our great grandfather
straightened out, and while we
have the proof of his Rev. service in 
a letter from Dr. Egle at one time
State Librarian of Penn. we now have
to have said soldier was our ancestor.
This ancestor was John Thomson who
enlisted from Penn. in 1776, in the
"Flying Camp" in Capt. Watsons Co. 1st [illegible]
Reg. The only proof he is our ancestor
[I were] documentary was a letter
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from one John Moody written in
1825 to John Thompson asking him-
John Thompson to certify they enlisted
together in 1776 from Penn in the
“Flying Camp” in Capt. Watson’s and late
Capt. Steele’s Company.
John Moody was evidently preparing to
apply for a pension. A cousin borrowed
the letter of John Moody and
failed to return it, and since his
death if cannot be found.
I shall be most deeply obliged
if you would be kind enough to
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have search made for John Moody’s
pension paper, and if John Thompson’s
statement is included, would be very
glad to have no. of paper. I do not
even know that the pension was
 applied for, but it is a forlorn hope.
They enlisted from Penn. and the application
 was made from Penn or Va.
Thanking you for any attention paid
this request.
Very Sincerely
Blanche Bentley
Mrs. J.E.

[date stamp]
SEP 25 1910
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1315 Fremont Place
Knoxville, Tennessee
Mch. 21, 1930

Dept. of the Interior, Rev. War Section
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Washington Gardner, Commissioner
Dear Sir
Will you please send me copies of the
Revolutionary War pension claims of the
following Revolutionary Soldiers:
John Moody Bedford Co. Virginia, but
in the 1790 census given as Fluvanna
Co. Virginia.
William Hoskins of North Carolina
If there is any family history given
in these pensions will you please
have that copied also.
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Very sincerely,
Mrs. James D. Hoskins

No Wm Hoskins as described. Sent
same date

[circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U S
MAR 25 1930
Page 27

MRS. JAMES D. HOSKINS
834 TEMPLE AVENUE
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Dec. 3, 1939.
Revolutionary Pension Records
Veterans Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs
I would like the Revolutionary
Record of John Moody of Bedford Co. Virginia.
Gwathmay’s "Virginians in the Revolution”,
lists, page 559. John Moody served in the
Continental Line Regiments 3 -7 -5.
If of Miss Eva Luke, friend of the late Miss
Lucy Lutnell is still in this office, perhaps
she will copy full details for me. If she is
not there, will some one else please send
me this service and details
Thanking you, I am,
Very truly
(Mrs. James D.) Lynn Deming Hoskins
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Rec’d June 14. 1826

[circle stamp]
RICHD VA
JUN 12

FREE
James Barbour
Secretary of War
City of Washington
District of Columbia
Pension Off
Page 29

Sir
Richmond July 10th 1826
I Received a Letter from year Department signed by
Lewis Edwards saying my claim for a Pension could
not be admitted in the ground the troops I was a
Member in not be in Continental Establishment.
My services in the army of the United States was
in 1776 and the Various Company to the Siege
and surrender of Little York in Virginia which
Event ended the war.  I left the [Service] and home
to support an aged mother whose estate
has been ruined by the ravages of war and the
Depreciation of paper currency by which I lost
more than now equal to Twenty Thousand
Dollors. I therefore hope and pray the government
will remember an old soldier of the Revolution.
The Enclosed certificates will prove the service.
Please accept the assurance of my respect
and Esteem. I am your
Humble Svt John Moody
Page 30

December 19, 1939.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mrs. James D. Hoskins
834 Temple Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee
BA-J/ady
John Moody
R. 7303
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to a John Moody, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, of Bedford County, Virginia.
The Revolutionary War records of this office show that on May 27, 1930, you were furnished the record of a John Moody who served in the Pennsylvania troops, and later lived in Virginia. No other record of a John Moody of Virginia, has been found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Miss Eva Luke to who you refer has retired from the Government service.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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May 27, 1930.
Mrs. James D. Hoskins
1315 Fremont Place
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, R. 7303, it appears that John Moody applied for
pension on May 2, 1826, at which time he was aged sixty-eight
years and a resident of Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia.
At the time he made application, he stated that he
enlisted July 1, 1776, in Pennsylvania, in Captain Watson's
Company under Major John Hays in the Pennsylvania Troops, and that
his service continued in various companies until the siege and
Surrender at Yorktown.
He was also referred to as Captain John Moody, no
explanation of that rank.
His claim for pension was not allowed as the service
rendered was not in the Continental Line as required by the pension
law under which he applied.
It is not stated that he was ever married.
The above noted John Moody is the only soldier by that
name, of Virginia, found on the Revolutionary War records of this
bureau.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.

[added in hand-writing]
Soldier referred to his mother
Page 32

ivision.
October 1, 1910.
Mrs. J. E. Bentley,
McMinnville, Tenn.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 24th and received the 26th ultimo, you are advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to show that a claim was ever filed for John Thompson who served in the Pennsylvania "Flying Camp" under Captains Watson and Steele  - nor is there any reference to said Thompson in the claim of John Moody, R. File No. 7,303, the history of which was furnished you under date of November 6, 1897.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.