Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 10407, for Benjamin Taylor, North Carolina
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N.C.     Taylor, Benjamin     R 10407
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Benjamin Taylor
Ga

Mulford Marsh
Jacksonboro
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State of Georgia
Scriven County
On this 12th day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Inferior Court of the County and State aforesaid now sitting, Benjamin Taylor a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy years, who being 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 the 7th day of June 1832
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers, and Served as herein Stated.
That he was drafted and entered as a Private the Service at Salisbury, North Carolina in February 1780 for three months under Captain Thomas Hunter, before the end of the three months, to wit in April 1780 he enlisted under Captain John Bell for 12 months was at the Battle at Camden, DeKalb was killed.- was at the Guilford Battle-- was under Col. Williams then under Col. Hicks--was under Genl. Gates, Gen Greene was commander in chief-- in Col. Williams' Regiment. he knew Captains Bell, Devonport, Taylor and Sowell-- In Col. Hicks' Regiment he knew Captains O'neal, Harp, Bogan and Franklin-- He knew Genls Caswell and Stevens. and Genl Benjamin Washington of the Light Horse--  He was in the fight at Hillsboro, Genl Gates commanded-- was stationed at Guilford Court
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House North Carolina, Ramsey's Mills N.Ca. at Salisbury N.Ca. and at Camden South Carolina  He was discharged at Bacon's Bridge South Carolina- discharge was signed by Genl. Greene, and is lost long since-
In May 1782 he enlisted the 2nd time at Wackamaw [sic, Waccamaw] under Captain Fowler as a Private for 12 months- during this Tour was in no Battle, but was on guard of the Baggage at the Eutaw Battle Genl Greene commanded-- was under Col. Hunter in Col. Hunters Regiment he knew Captains Nash, Strickland, Thomas and Sowell, was stationed at Juniper Springs South Carolina, was discharged at Cheraw Hills on the Big Pee Dee River South Carolina, it was signed by Genl Greene and is lost--
At Cheraw Hills in May 1783 he enlisted for te 3rd time under Captain Strickland as a Private-- and under Col. Devanport and stationed 3 or 4 months at Cheraw-- at one time was near Augusta, went down to Green Oaks on the Savannah River in South Carolina, was in no Battle during this tour- Served the whole of each tour, in the whole three years- was last discharged near Charleston South Carolina- Signed by Gen. Greene and is lost-
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For some years after the Revolution he lived in North Carolina, but for the last 35 years he has resided in Scriven County Georgia-
He was born in Edgecomb County North Carolina in 1713-.  He has no record of  his age-  when he first entered the Service he was living in Edgecomb County North Carolina
Hezekiah Vickery who resides in Scriven County Georgia was acquainted with this applicant during the Revolutionary War and saw him in the Service at Camden, Guilford, & at Salisbury--
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State--
Benjamin Taylor
his B mark

Sworn to and Subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
Alexander Kemp JIC
John S. Rieves JIC
Jempsey B Hunter JIC
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We Solomon Bryan a clergyman residing in the County of Scriven and John Smith residing in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Taylor who hath subscribed and sworn to the aforegoing declaration; they we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Solomon Bryan LP
John Smith
Sworn to and Subscribed
the day & year aforesaid
Alexander Kemp JIC
John S. Rieves JIC
Jempsey B. Hunter JIC

Hezekia Vickery, a citizen residing in Scriven County Georgia, but formerly of Anson County N.C. being duly sworn says that he knew Benjamin Taylor who has signed the above declaration during the Revolutionary War, and saw him in the Service of the United States as a private soldier at Guilford and Salisbury North Carolina and at Camden South Carolina, and has known him ever since.
Hezekia Vickery
his X mark
Sworn to and Subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
Alexander Kemp JIC
John S. Rieves JIC
Jempsey B. Hunter JIC
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And the said Court do 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 Solomon Bryan who has signed the preceeding [sic] certificate, is a Clergyman resident in this county and that John Smith who has also signed the same as a in this county and is a credible person, and Hezekiah Vickery who has signed the foregoing affidavit is a resident of this county and a credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit--
Alexander Kemp JIC
John S. Rieves JIC
Jempsey B. Hunter JIC

I Seaborn Goodall Clerk of the Inferior Court of the County of Scriven Georgia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Taylor for a Pension--
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Jacksonboro this 12th day of August 1833
Seaborn Goodall Clk.
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Georgia Scriven County-
Hezekiah Vickery being duly sworn says that he was personally acquainted with Benjamin Taylor who has signed the written application and of his own knowledge knows that he served during the years 1780, 1781 and 1782 and part of 1783 as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution under Capts Bell and Williams and Col's Sowell, Williams and Hicks-  he was at the Battle of Guilford, at Camden, and at Gates defeat-- that during the whole time this deponent served with him in the same army
Hezekiah Vickery
his X mark
Sworn to and 
Subscribed before me
this 21st Fby 1835--
and I do certify that ["Benjamin Taylor" 
crossed through] Hezekiah
Vickery is a reputable man &
entitled to credit on his oath
Alex T. Dopson [initials illeg.]
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Georgia
Scriven County
By Seaborn Goodall Clerk of the Inferior 
Court in & for the County aforesaid--
I do hereby certify that Alexander T. Dopson whose signature appears to the within affidavit is duly qualified and acting as a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, and was at the time of signing the same, that the same is in due form of law, ant that full faith & credit is due & ought to be given to his official acts as such
Given under my hand and seal of office this 23 day of February 1835.
Seaborn Goodall Clerk.
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Benjamin Taylor
Act 1832--  Georgia.

A H Markland
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State of Georgia
County of Scriven
Be it known, that on this 22nd day of January A.D. 1853 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared, John Taylor, Willis Taylor and William Taylor, Residents of Sylvania in said County, and made oath according to law that Benjamin Taylor, their father who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of ___ that they are directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint SAMUEL M. KNIGHT, of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Benjamin Taylor for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence of arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint on or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present.  Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
John Taylor
his X mark
Willis Taylor
Wm Taylor
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said John Taylor, Willis Taylor & William Taylor to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Augustus J. Robert J P

State of Georgia
County of Scriven
I is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of said County (for the Superior Court) that John Taylor, Willis Taylor & William Taylor the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the Identical children of reputed soldier aforesaid.  I further certify, that Augustus J. Roberts Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office,
this 22nd day of January 1853
Greene D. Sharpe  Clerk S.c.I.c [?]
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No 26794
Benjamin Taylor
[illeg.]
C. W. Young, Sep. 28. '4[illeg.]
titles to same March 15. 1847
1847
to same Apl 12. '47
"  R. E. Troy 19th Oct. 1849
Hon D. J. Bailey Mar 1/55

(R. 10407)
Act 7 June 1832
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Declaration of Benjamin Taylor
Georgia              In order to obtain the benefit of
Scriven County   the Act of Congress of 7th June
                           1832
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace Benjamine [sic] Taylor, 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 time of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less that the periods mentioned below, and in the following periods of time.  For twelve months as an enlisted soldier in a company commanded by Captain Williams, Major Davenport, and Col. Sowell.  This declarent testifies that during the remaining two years and Six months, he served as a volunteer from the county of Nash, in North Carolina, in a company commanded by Col. Nash; he also served in another volunteer company commanded by Col Hunter and one of the volunteer companies was commanded by Capt. Solomon Carter who afterwards removed to Georgia and died.  This declarant further testifies that he, together with one hundred and two men were taken prisoners near Georgetown and carried Captive into that place.  He swears that he was at Gate's defeat, and recollects that Gates ordered his men not to fire, and that the British advanced within a few paces and had the first fire by which many of the Americans
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were killed.  He remembers that Gates' defeat was the first battle he was engaged in, and he saw Gen. Gates with one foot in his stirrup ready to mount when he gave the order for his men to advance, Gates then immediately mounted his horse and fled to Camden.  This declarant avers that he was in the battle of Guilford Court House, and recollects that the two armies fought with bayonets precisely three hours and three quarters, that afterwards he went up the country and was in a terrible battle near the Mountains ["was" crossed through] where the army was commanded by [letter "B" crossed through] General Benjamine [sic] Washington, a relative, as this deponent believes, of Gen. George Washington.  This deponent tended the baggage at the battle of Eutaw Springs, and had been in three miles of where Morgan defeated Tarleton.  He recollects that General Green was a little above the middle size, about five fee eight or nine inches high, with sandy hair and teeth that showed prominently when he talked, and was the politest man this deponent ever saw, as he would take off his hat to his soldiers.  He recollects the names of some of the other privates with whom he served.  Those he knew when he first went out, were H. Vicory [sic], Drury Musselwhite, John Nash, Federick Tayor, and John Armstrong.  In his volunteer campaigns, he recollects John Green, James Hagins, and Benjamine [sic] Tann and others he might
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after a time recall to memory.  This declarent fixes the battle of Guilford C.H. on the 15th March, he thinks on Thursday.  On the evening of the preceeding day of Wednesday, he recollects that Gen. Green rode from company to company making speakes [speeches] to his men and exhorting them to standby their country; and this deponent things that next to Guilford C.H., the battle at the mountains was the greatest.  There he thinks Gen. Benj Washington commanded.  He recollects marching with Gen Green from one place to another, and being changed over from one Col. Nash to Col. Hunter.  Other incidents he recalls to memory, such as the soldiers' breaking into orchards and corn fields, and drinking a great deal of cider.  This declarent says that he never was once wounded, but he is willing that his case should be decided in any way those in power shall think fit, and that he shall be judged by his works.  This declarent removed from Nash Co. N.C. to Screvin Co Georgia in which latter state he has been living for the last 48 years.  He was born in 1759, and was at school when he first entered the service.  At Guilford C.H., the Americans fired first, and killed about 500 of the British.  He thinks that Lord Cornwallis lived at Camden during these occurrences.  These are the princi
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[princi]pal circumstances which this deponent remembers.  His discharge he lost before he removed to Georgia.  Also, he served under Col. Wade from Nash Co. N.C.  This declarent lastly testifies that he is old and infirm and poor, and unable to undergo the fatigue, or incur the expense of a regular investigation of his case, but confidently believes that the commissioner of pensions will allow his claim.
Benjamine [sic] Taylor
his X mark
Sworn to and Subscribed
this 25th of August 1846.
before me
Lewis Lewis J..p.

State of Georgia
Scriven County
I, Lewis Lewis, a justice of the peace in and for Scriven County, hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Benjamine [sic] Taylor for forty five years, and have always understood it is the general belief, that the said Benj Taylor was a revolutionary soldier, and I believe fought as he states.
Given under my hand and seal) Lewis Lewis J.P.
this 25th August 1846              )
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Georgia
Scriven County      I, Alexander Kemp, Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for Scriven County hereby certify that Lewis Lewis whose genuine signature is subscribed to the fore going affidavit of Benjamin Taylor, is a lawful magistrate or justice of the peace in and for Scriven County.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal, and Subscribed my name.
Alexander Kemp   S.S.
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Halcyondale, Georgia
22 Mach 1837

Hon. James L. Edwards.

Dear Sir,
You will perceive, by referring to the copy of your letter of the 15th of this month, concerning Benjamin Taylor's pension,-- ["that" crossed out] and to the declaration which I forwarded in the case, that a mistake of my own commiting [sic] has caused you to form altogether an erroneous notion of this claim.  The fact is I neglected to send the certificate of the [words crossed out] Secretary of State of North Carolina before transmitting it to you, which I should have done to see if it corresponded with the declaration, and therefore Sent it through mistake, having merely sent the Comptroller's certificate and letter enclosing &.  Please to refer to Benjamin Taylor's declaration transmitted by me and of file in your office, and you will See that the Taylor for whom I apply states in his declaration that he first entered
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the army as an enlisted soldier, served for one year, not under Capts. Bell Fowler and Strickland, but under Sol. Sowell, Major Davenport--Capt Allen--and was transferred to some other regular company, and afterwards volunteered-- Claimant also fought under Col. Nash.
Now I beg to suggest that if this claimant served at all, the best proof of his service will be to refer to the roll of regular troops in your office,where you will doubtless find recorded the services of Benj. Taylor for whom I apply.  There were evidently two Benjamin Taylors; one who served wholly in the Continental line, the other, as a regular and in the militia.  On referring to the regular roll of Troops in your office, if the services of Benj. Taylor appears said services must be credited to this claimant
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Since he presents a tolerable fair claim for them, and Since they could not have been performed by the other Benjamin Taylor who according to the Secretary's certificate and the inference in your letter Served wholly in the continental line, is dead, and his children paid for a land warrant for  his services.  That Taylor entered the war  in the Continental line in which he served throught [sic, throughout] the war, this claimant enlisted as a regular Soldier, ["after" crossed out] and afterwards served as a volunteer as stated in his declaration, which though not as specific as it might have been if made by an educated old soldier which this claimant is not yet contains the truth as recorded in your office on the regular roll and which I feel assured, will obtain for this poor old man his just right after you review the whole matter
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Serv't
Cuyler W. Young
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P.S. Let me hope and trust that you will not be so stringent and strict in requiring all the extreme technicalities, which would defeat this claim-- ["The claimant"] crossed out  If this claimant exhibits nothing but truth, supported by the regular roll in your office, on which the claimant relies confidently, this it seems should entitle him to his pension.-  A mere technical blunder by which it appears that two Benjamin Taylors served, destroys not the evidence of the regular roll ["and comptroller's cert" crossed out] on which claimant relies and if there is any further doubt about the matter the claimant is ready to go in person to Washington to explain his services; but should his services not appear on the regular roll, why the claim must be abandoned for want of witnesses, since the other services in the militia, which the comptroller would certify are not sufficient.--
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P.S. Let me hope and trust that you will not be so stringent and strict in requiring all the extreme technicalities, which would defeat this claim-- ["The claimant"] crossed out  If this claimant exhibits nothing but truth, supported by the regular roll in your office, on which the claimant relies confidently, this it seems should entitle him to his pension.-  A mere technical blunder by which it appears that two Benjamin Taylors served, destroys not the evidence of the regular roll ["and comptroller's cert" crossed out] on which claimant relies and if there is any further doubt about the matter the claimant is ready to go in person to Washington to explain his services; but should his services not appear on the regular roll, why the claim must be abandoned for want of witnesses, since the other services in the militia, which the comptroller would certify are not sufficient.--
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Compt Office
Raleigh N.C.

I William F. Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby Certify that the name of Benjamin Taylor appears of Record in this office as having had the following Specia Certificate issued in his favor for Military Service, (Viz) One for Thirteen Pounds Thirteen Shillings (£13.13) In Book A No 11 page 71  Also another for Nine Pounds Two Shillings (£9.2) See Book No 3 page 20.  Given under my hand and Seal this 25 day Jany 1847
Wm F. Collins, Compt
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Halcyondale, (Georgia)
2d Mar. 1847-

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir,
Some time ago I transmitted to you the certificates of the comptroller and Sectry [sic] of State of N Carolina of the services of Benj Taylor a revolutionary soldier-- Please inform me as I am solicited to enquire [sic] by Mr. T whether you have received said certificates, and please also communicate your decision-- It is not possible to obtain any ["furth" crossed out] more testimony and I hope enough has been Sent on to induce a belief that Taylor served as stated.--  Do me the favor to inform me if it would be better for the claimant to apply at the pension office in person in order that he may be examined personally if agreeable to the rules of your office-
Yours Respectfully   Cuyler W Young
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Halcyondale, (Geo)
11th Sept. /46.

Hon J L Edwards.

Dear Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the certificate of the children of Jno Best, has been duly received with the proper correction made.
I beg to inquire if you have as yet received the following papers:
1st Te Declaration, together with the Comptroller's certificate & the affidavits of Benj. Taylor & [illeg.] Sheppard, in the matter of the application of Harry Sheppard for the Pension of his deceased father, Capt. or Lieutenant William Sheppard.  Please to forward the certificate in the above case as soon as practicable.
2.  The Declaration of Benj. Taylor, who served as a Regular, and also in the militia of N. Carolina.  The old man might have mistaken volunteering for enlisting, but you can determine this by examining the rolls of the regular troops.  As he is quite old and infirm, I beg to call attention to his case as early as convenient for you.
3d.  The Declaration of Mrs. Mary Williams for her husband's pension.
4.  The Declaration of Sarah Hodges for her
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husband's pension
5th. The Declaration of Joseph Olive
6th. The Declaration of Jonathan Griner
7. The Declaration of Sarah Everitt.

In the case of Sheppard full evidence has been forwarded, namely, the Comptroller's Certificate and two affidavits.
In the cases of Everitt, Hodges, Griner and Olive, I desire advice or directions if the papers Sent on are insufficient.
In the case of Mary Williams, her husband Saml Williams applied in company with Jno. Best, in his life time, under (you have informed me as to Best) the Act of 1832, though I thought it was prior to that Act.
Please to send on Sheppard's certificate, and furnish me, if necessary with detailed instructions as to the other cases.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Cuyler W. Young
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Lumberton N.C. July 30, 1849

Hon J. L. Edwards  

Sir
Will you please inform me what has been done with the application of Benjamin Taylor for a Revolutionary pension?
Your obt. servt.
RE Troy
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Halcyondale        Paid 20.   20 cents.
August 27th 1846
To/  Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
(D. C)

Declaration of
Benj. Taylor
no. 1

[written upside down, on bottom of envelope]
Aug. 21 1846
B[illeg.] Taylor
June 7, 1852
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Aug 31, 1846
Benj. Taylor,
June 7, 1832
[illeg.]
John Best, [illeg.]

[upside down writing: addressee on envelope included in transcription of next document #17]
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Halcyondale, Georgia, 26th Aug '46

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Dear Sir,
Allow me to invite your attention to the three following cases:
1st of John Best; 2ndly of Harvy Sheppard who applies for his father's William Sheppard's pension; and 3dly, to the enclosed Declaration of Benj. Taylor.
In John Best's case, the certificate issued by you and forwarded to me, was returned to the Secretary of War to correct an error by erasing the name of Henry, and writing William as one of the four living children of John Best.  I presume you have ere this corrected the error and reforwarded Mr. Best's certificate to me.
In the matter of the application of Harvy Sheppard, allow me to inquire whether you have received the Declaration,--  Mrs. M. Sheppard's affidavit,-- Benj. Taylor's affidavit, also in said case; and the certificate of the people as to the prevalent belief that William Sheppard served?  If you have received these papers and proofs, there is no more evidence in the case of Sheppard.  Of course you duly received the comptroller's certificate in Sheppard's case.  This is all the evidence
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in said case, and if lost or mislaid, it cannot be recovered or re-established.  Please advise me if you have failed to receive any of the above mentioned papers, as I shall pursue an investigation against the post office here.  I doubt not that you consider Sheppard's claim fully established.  Again I have to solicit your pardon for the necessity which obliges me to send on the papers by piece-meal.  It is unavoidable, and I trust you will not reject applications on this account.  The country here is thinly occupied-- distances are great-- and new evidence often springs up suddenly.
I have sent you by this mail an affidavit proving positively that Wm Sheppard served as a Captain.  The credit of the witness can be supported by the oath of every freeman of Scriven County, and the appearance and manners of Benjamin Taylor, could you see him, would be the best certificate in his behalf.  Although nearly 90 years old, his gait is erect, his voice loud, his eye keen, and the whole expression of his features denotes the soldier, and every man says he is entitled to a pension.
Enclosed is the Declaration of Benj Tayor.  His name is on record in the archives of North Carolina
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with amounts credited to him; but he is too poor to bear the expense of the Comptroller's certificate.  May I enquire [sic] whether you will allow his claim provided the Comptroller's certificate of amounts credited is sent on for he has no other testimony.  All the revolutionary characters in this region are close save Benj. Taylor and Joseph Daughtery, who I learn did not know each other.  The Comptroller of N Carolina informs me that there are no particulars of service on the record at Raleigh--only amounts credited   If you will grant Taylor's claim on this condition, I or some other friend will advance the money for the expense incurred.  If to dwell in wretched obscurity and want in a [illeg.] and cheerless home, with no pleasure but the memory of battles fought for one's country, is the fitting reward for a revolutionary soldier, then is Taylor already paid to the farthing.  But if there is any other reward, then he is entitled thereto; nor would I apply for him, if I believed otherwise.  Meanwhile, [please?] pardon the liberty of any unnecry [unnecessary] remark and I accept the assurance of the highest respect.
Your obt. Servt.
Cuyler W Young
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Halcyondale, (Georgia)
19 Sept 1846

Hon J. L. Edwards,

Sir,
Two witnesses to prove the particulars of Service cannot be found in Sheppard's case unless you can give me from the records the names of living revolutionary pensioners (now in receipt of pensions,) who served under Capt. or Lieutenant Sheppard.  I have inquired from about forty counties in this state, and can discover but one surviving revolutionary character who knew Capt. Sheppard in the war and he does not know that he was the same for whom I apply.  He says Capt. Ellis was killed, and Sheppard elected in his place.  This is all he knows.  You have received the Declaration of Benjamin Taylor; and his affidavit in favor of Sheppard.  The ignorance of the claimant of his fathers service arises from the fact that being long absent he never was much with his father, but to require to living witnesses unless you can direct me to them is an impossibility, and I am as certain as that I exist that Wm Shep-
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[Shep]pard Served as an officer of some grade
Please to inform me as soon as possible of the fate of the other applicants in respect to their rights to draw, and to evidence.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servt.
Cuyler W Young
attorney &.
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Halcyondale, (Georgia)
9 Mar 18[illeg.]

Hon Jas L Edwards

Dear Sir,
I forwarded to your office about a month ago the certificates of the Sec. of State and Comptroller of N. Carolina of the services of Benjamin Taylor, a revolutionary soldier; and, as I usually send my letters several miles by a servant to the post office, any delay makes me suppose that through carelessness the letter may never have been put in the post office.  I wrote a letter of inquiry and had it mailed at Savannah, but it now occurs to me that the omission to pay the postage on it may prevent it from reaching you.  This will I hope be deemed a sufficient apology for this obtrusion.-- and I beg to hear favorably from you on the claim of Taylor
Your Respectfully   Cuyler W Young

[written vertically in the left margin]
Please notice if the certificates referred to above have come to your hands. The old man is very poor & needy
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Waynesboro Geo. 24th July 1835

Sir:
I again send the Pension papers of Hezekiah Vickery and Benjamin Taylor, all the proof that can now be made is made,  They are very poor but honest men -- I have known them for years and have always considered them honest and creditable men,-- If they can obtain a pension it will afford them much relief, and it seems to be only obtain that to which they are justly entitled--
I am very
Respectfully
Your obt Serv't
Mulford Marsh

Hon Sec War
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(Direct to me Halcyondale, Ga.)
CWY 
The above office is
Discontinued

America Ga        Paid   20
Feby [illeg.]

To/  Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commiss'r of pensions
Washington City   
(D. C)

[written vertically on left side of envelope]
Feb. 12, 1847
[illeg.] case
Bnj Taylor
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Halcyondale, February 6th 1849.

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Commisr pensions.

Dear Sir,
Herewith I have the honor to forward you the Certificates of the Secretary of State and of the Comptroller of pubic accounts in and for the State of North Carolina, in testimony of the Service of Benjamin Taylor, a revolutionary Soldier.  This claim was filed in your office some months ago, and you required the above-named certificates before ["pressing on the claim" crossed through] making any decision.
To furnish you with the minutest particulars of this soldiers services; of the dates, ["last" crossed through] services &c, is utterly impracticable; for though he recollects vividly the more memorable events of his military life, yet he cannot ["fix" crossed through] make time, place and event to agree or harmonize in every particular service, and tell the same tale tomorrow, but his mind is in such a state from ate, that he cannot narrate
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the events in chronological order-- God knows that the old man served for some time, that he deserves and needs the pension he claims, but this closes the final proof, and the best effort in the case.  The claimant has no witness by whom to prove his services, and he submits to your department the decision of the question whether ["there have been" crossed through] the papers transmitted are sufficient to create a rational belief that the claimant served for the time for which the certificates testify.
Would you be authorized to grant the old man a certificate on a personal interview with him?--  If so, perhaps it would be better for him to have his friend to send him on to Washington City, where you could form a more correct judgment of the whole case than when made out in papers.
By your permission, I will take the liberty to suggest that these pension claims or cases are not of my own seeking.  Circulars from pension attor-
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[attor]nies in Washington City were distributed in this country, and these people applied to me to get their pensions.-- I make no charge for such services, and expect nothing but good will; consequent I trust that the fact of my having sent on several of these claims, [illegible word crossed through] has not nor will not engender any suspicion to the inquiry of such as are really entitled.  or if so, I beg the department will suggest some means by which the claimants may have as fair a chance as others, who have, according to the discretion of the p. office, been allowed their claims purely on the comptroller's certificate.  This is all that appertains to this case--in the other cases sent on your [terrible?]; as so rigid that the claimants have abandoned them-
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt
Cuyler W Young
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H of Rep Washington D C
Feby 23d /55

Commr of pensions
Sir   Will you inform me what disposition has been made of the claim for pension of Benj Taylor of Georgia
Let me hear at the earliest day-
Respectfully D J Bailey
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary war, that Benjamin Taylor Corporal in Capt. Carter's Company of the 10th Regiment, entered the service on the 3rd day of June 1781 for the term of the war, that on the 14th July 1821 a Warrant was issued to the Heirs of Benjamin Taylor, a Corpl. for 1000 acres of land No. 694.
Given under my hand this 10th day of Janry 1847,
Wm Hill Secretary of State
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Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1878 [this line crossed through]

10,407
P.O.
Benjamin Taylor
Service:
Enlisted: ___, 18  .
[stamp] REJECTED

[the remainder of this form is left blank]
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Benjamin Taylor.
Georgia
Suspended.
Let 1 April 1835
Mulford Marsh
(R.10407)