Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8628, for Amos Read, Virginia
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Service Va. 
Read or Reade, Amos 
Number R. 8628 

Contents
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Amos P. Read
25408
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In Nansemond County Court 13th May 1833
Virginia, County of Nansemond etc.
On this 13th day of May 1833, personally appeared in open Court before Josiah Riddick, Hardy Cross, Edward R. Hunter, Edwin B. Sumner, the Court of Nansemond County now sitting, Amos P. Read a free man of colour by birth, a resident of Nansemond County and State of Virginia aged 75 years who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832. He says that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. 
That he entered as a militia-man (drafted) on his own account on the ___ day of ____ under Captain Michael King, Lieutenant _________ Hurdle, and Ensign Theophilus Pugh, and served he thinks about 12 months in the whole, under the said officers in the surrounding country, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Surry [sic] and Norfolk Counties etc; and that during this time he was in only one little skirmish, which happened at or near a place in Nansemond County called Piss-Pot Swamp; he then served under Captain ______ Godwin for 4 or 5 weeks; he then served under Captain ________ Hurdle for about 2 or 3 months, he served under Captain John Coles for a few days during the time of service, that Josiah Riddick, Robert M. Riddick (as he thinks) and Colonel John B. Wills were the Colonels; that he was at or near Little York, and when their discharge he came home; and when again wanted he volunteered his services to go to Portsmouth to dig down some embankments, William Riddick Captain, David Campbell Lieutenant, ________ Ensign; that he served there only about 6 months, he was discharged and came home; part of
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which times he was a substitute for Thomas Allmand, and his old master Moses Riddick; that he recollects of seeing General Washington at or near little York: that he has no recollection of any of the other regular officers; that he has no documentary evidence having lost his discharge; (that he thinks he can prove this by James Wright and Joseph Ross) that he was born in the County of Nansemond, Virginia; that he has no record of his age; that he has always lived in Nansemond County Virginia, that he has stated all he knows about the matter further he cannot recollect. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) 
Amos x his mark Read.
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.
In the same Court on the same day Joseph Ross aged 77 years, and James Wright aged 79 years, being Sworn, saith that they well recollect to have seen the aforesaid Amosof Read in the service during the revolution, but how long he served, they cannot now tell; that they saw him more than once; Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid (Signed)
Joseph x his mark Ross James Wright.
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Virginia, County of Nansemond Sc.
I, John T. Kilby, Clerk of the County Court of Nansemond, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy as taken from the records of my office. In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and cause the seal of my County to be affixed this 7th day of June A.D. 1833.
John T. Kilby Clk
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No. 25408
Amos of Read Nansemond County
Virginia
Return de s m.
(Rejected.)
See letter to R. D. Webb, May 10.
1834 do. Oct: 15, '36,
Richard D. Webb
Richmond, Va.
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office.
5th August 1833

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 show 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 Amos of Read Nansemond County
Virginia

Period when the service was rendered.
Draft 1 year
Served [crossed out: about 1 (year)]
Served [crossed out: 2 or 3 (months)]
Vol- about 6 [months]

Rank of the claimant. [Always a:] private
Virginia

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Capt King
Cap Goodwin
Cap Hurdle, Colonel
John B Willis
Cap Riddick

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
75 years Coutny of Nansemond Virginia

Proof by which the declaration is supported
Two Witnesses - paper correct

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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[See document 8]
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[See document 9]
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Amos of Read
Virginia

Rejected.

Richard D. Webb
26 November 1834
Let to Hon. [illegible] March 24 42

8628

1852
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REJECTED

Amos Read
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The Honb: J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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Suffolk, Va:  Apl: 18. 1834.

The Honb: J.L. Edwards:
Sir:-  In your letter directed to me at Richmond, dated December 9th 1833, you say, "In the case of Amos of Read, he will still be required to specify his services more clearly.  He claim to have performed 12 months continuous in 1778 in the militia.  This allegation must be altogether unfounded, as such services were not performed by the militia." - The old man has explained that part of his declaration, so far as his memory serves him, in a further amended declaration which is herewith enclosed, and which I hope will be satisfactory to the Department.
But it seems to me, with all defference however to your better judgment, that he does not "claim to have performed 12 months continuous service in 1778." - He says he served 12 months in all from "the spring of 1778," (the time he first entered the service under Capt: King.) to the "latter part of the year 1778" when he again entered the service under Capt. Godwin.
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It will be observed, that in this applicant's original declaration, (herewith enclosed,) made in open Court, James Wright and Joseph Ross, two revolutionary soldiers now on the pension roll, testify to his services.
I have the honor to be
Your obt: servt:
Richd. D. Webb.

N.B.  The County Seal was torn off of Amos of Read's amended declaration made of the 16th Octr: 1833, when it was returned to me from the Pension Office.
Richd. D. Webb
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Suffolk, Nansemond County, Va
Octr 23st 1834

Honb J.L. Edwards,

Sir: - Your letter of the 15th instant, enclosing a copy of one which you say was addressed to me at Richmond on the 10th of May last, relating to the case of Amos Read of this County, came to hand a few days ago.  This letter of the 10th of May addressed to me at Richmond never came to hand.  I live in Suffolk, Nansemond County, (which I think I took occasion to say to the Department,) and am only in Richmond during the session of the legislature, of which body I have the honor to be a member.
In compliance with the requisite mentioned in the copy of your letter of the 10th of May last, to wit:   that a copy of the act referred to by me, in Henning's Statutes at large, should be sent to the Department, certified by the Clerk of some Court under his seal of Office, before the case of Amos Read could be considered, I have the honor herewith
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to enclosed you a copy of that act under the seal of the Clerk of our County, which can been seen in Henning's Statutes at large, Vol: 11, page 308.
I have the honor to be
Sir, Your obt: Servant,
Richd D. Webb.
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Amended Declaration of Amos of Read.

State of Virginia
County of Nansemond
I, Amos of Read, of the aforesaid County and State, being duly sworn according to law, doth, on my oath, make the following amended declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That I entered the service of the United States in the year 1778, as a private in the Militia, and before the close of the Revolutionary War, served a period not less than one year and three months, and for which service I claim a pension - that I performed that service under the following named officers, and according to the best of my recollection, in the Counties and at the periods here stated - That I first entered the service of the United States, in the spring of 1778 under the command of Captain Michael King, (Lieutenant Hurdle and Ensign Pugh were his subaltern officers) and served a tour of twelve months;  that I served this tour in the Counties of Nansemond, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Surry, Virginia.  That in the latter part of the year 1779, I served a tour of one month under Captain Godwin on Nansemond River - That in the summer of 1781, I served a tour of two months under Captain Hurdle - a part of this tour I served in Nansemond County and a part
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on the north side of James River in the neighbourhood of Williamsburg.  And in the latter part of the year 1781, I served a tour of six months under Captain William Riddick at Portsmouth, Virginia about three months of this tour I was a substitute for Thomas Allmand and Moses Riddick.  But I have not calculated this last tour of six months in my estimate of one year and three months for which I claim a pension, because, during the greater part of this tour I was engaged in digging down embankments in the town of Portsmouth, Virginia. - That Colonel Josiah Riddick and Colonel John Book Wills were the field officers, now recollected, who commanded during the different terms of my engagement - and that I was not engaged in any civil pursuit during the terms of my service for which I claim a pension.  Sworn to and subscribed, this 16th day of October 1833.
Amos Reade  x his mark
Teste
John William

We, Henry Skinner & F.D. Charlton residing in the County of Nansemond and State of Virginia, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Amos of Read, who has, in our presence, subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration;  that we believe him to be Seventy-five years of age, as he represents in his original declaration;
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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.
Sworn to and subscribed, this 16 day of October 1833.
Henry Skinner
F.D. Charlton

State of Virginia,
County of Nansemond
Personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, Amos of Read, subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and made oath to the truth and correctness of the same - And I hereby declare it as my opinion, that the above named applicant Amos of Read, was a revolutionary soldier and he served as he states.  And I further certify, that Henry Skinner & F.D. Charlton who have, before me, subscribed and sworn to the preceding certificate, are residents of Nansemond County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  Given under my hand & seal, as a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, this 16th day of October 1833.
Wm: Sumner [handwritten seal]
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State of Virginia
County of Nansemond
I, John T. Kilby Clerk of the County Court of Nansemond, in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Wm. Sumner whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Nansemond, duly commissioned, qualified and authorised to act as such, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of my County to be affixed this 4th day of November 1833.
John T. Kilby Clk

[SEAL]
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State of Virginia,
County of Nansemond.
I, Amos of Read, of the aforesaid County and State, being duly sworn according to law, doth, on my oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory I cannot swear positively as to the precise length of my service during the Revolutionary War - but according to the best of my recollection I served during that War a period not less than one year and three months, and for which service I claim a pension.  That to the best of my recollection I did perform a service of twelve months between the "spring of 1778" and "the latter part of the year 1779" - in the counties of Nansemond, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Surry, Virginia - that the greater part of this service was
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performed under Capt: Michael King, a part under Capt: Abram Cole, a part under Capt. Wm. Riddick and a part under Capt: Foster - That he did not go home but twice between the spring of 1778 and the latter part of the year 1779 and then only remained at home about two or three weeks - that he prefered being in the service and only came home a short time occasionally to see his mother and other relations -   That the twelve months' service he performed from the spring of 1778 to the latter part of the year 1779 was not a continuous service because he came home twice during that period, but remained at home only a very short time because he really prefered being in service at that time of life - That he was not compelled to perform this service of twelve months during that period, but that he done it as a matter of choice.  And that the remainder of his revolutionary services were performed, to the best of his recollection, as
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set forth in his declaration (amended) sent herewith, made on the 16th day of October 1833.
Sworn to and subscribed this 17th day of April 1834.
Amos Read x his mark

State of Virginia
County of Nansemond Ss:
Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County  aforesaid, Amos of Read, subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and made oath to the truth and correctness of the same - And I hereby declare it as my opinion, and believe it to be the opinion of his neighbors generally, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  Given under my hand & seal this 17 day of April 1834.
Wm Sumner J.P. [handwritten seal]
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State of Virginia, County of Nansemond Sc.

I, John T. Kilby, Clerk of the County Court of Nansemond, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Wm Summer, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Nansemond,
duly commissioned, qualified and authorised to act as such,
and that due faith and credit are, and ought to be given to his 
official acts as a Justice aforesaid, and that the signature
purporting to be his, is in my opinion genuine. In Testimony 
and faith whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and cause the seal of my County to be affixed this 18th day of April A.D. 1834.
John T. Kilby Clk: 
By James P Griffin D.Clk:

[Vague Circular Seal]
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Extract. Chap: 3.
"An act directing the emancipation of certain slaves who have served as soldiers in this state." &c

Whereas it hath been represented to the present general assembly, that during the course of the war, many persons in this State had caused their slaves to enlist in certain regiments or corps raised within the same, having tendered such slaves to the officers appointed to recruit forces within the state, as substitutes for free persons, whose lot or duty it was to serve in such regiments or corps;  at the same time representing to such recruiting officers that the slaves so enlisted by their direction and concurrence were freemen;  and it appearing further to this assembly, that on the expiration of the term of enlistment of such slaves that the former owners have attempted again to force them to return to a state of servitude, contrary to the principles of justice, and to their own solemn promise.
And whereas it appears just and reasonable that all persons enlisted as aforesaid, who have faithfully served agreeable to the terms of their enlistment, and have thereby of course contributed towards the establishment of American liberty and independence, should enjoy the blessings of freedom as a reward for their toils and labours;  Be it therefore enacted, That each and every slave, who by the appointment and direction of his owner, hath enlisted in any regiment or corps raised within this state, either on continental or state establishment, and hath been received as a substitute for any free person whose duty or lot it was to serve in such regiment or corps, and hath served faithfully during the term of such enlistment, or hath been discharged from such service by some officer duly authorised
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to grant such discharge, shall from and after the passing of this act, be fully and compleatly emancipated, and shall be held and deemed free is as full and ample a manner as if each and every of them were specially named in the act;  and the attorney-general for the Commonwealth is hereby required to commence an action, in forma [illegible], in behalf of any of the persons above described who shall after the passing of this act be detained in servitude by any person whatsoever;  and if upon such prosecution it shall appear that the [illegible] is entitled to his freedom in consequence of this act, a jury shall be empannelled to assess the damages for his detention.

State of Virginia, County of Nansemond Scilicet.
I, John T. Kilby Clerk of the County Court of Nansemond in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is an extract from an act of assembly passed by the General Assembly of Virginia at the session which was begun and held at the Public Buildings in the City of Richmond, on Monday the twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty three and in the eighth year of the commonwealth;  and which may be found in Hening's Statutes at Large Volumue eleventh (thus Vol: 11.) page 308;  and which Act of assembly is still applicable to any slave or slaves coming within the purview of the same.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and cause the seal of my County to be affixed this 21st day of October A.D. 1834
John T. Kilby Clk.