Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3542, Stephen White, N. C.
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C.

White, Stephen

NUMBER
S.3542
Page 2

West Tennessee N. 13.846
Stephen White
of Rutherford Co, in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Harrison of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Taylor in the N. Carolina
line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee
at the rate of 58 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Dec.
1834 and Sent to S. R.
Rucker Murfreesborough, Ten.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1834                  204.16
Semi-an. allowance ending 6 March '35        29.16 
                                                 Total          $233.32
Died Mch. 9, 1846

Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book  E.  Vol. 7    Page99
Page 3

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
County Court August Sessions 1832

On this 23rd day of August 1832 personally
appeared before Henry Trott, Varuer D Cowen
& James C Michell Esq. worshipful justices
of the court of pleas & quarter sessions of the said
County of Rutherford now sitting, Stephen White
resident in said County of Rutherford State of
Tennessee aged sixty nine years & upwards, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth
on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the act of Congress passed June
7th 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the
United States, by being accepted in the place
of one Thomas [smudged, illegible] the year of 1781. in
the month of April, with Captain Armstrong
he thinks his name was William, in the North
Carolina line on the Continental establishment
under the following named officers,
Armstrong was the name of his Capt. he
does not recollect the names of the regiment
or of the Col. who commanded it.--The name
of one of his Lieutenants was Dixon as he believes
Granville county & entered the service at
Frowhawks mill in the neighbourhood of
Salsbury, Rowan County North Carolina
he there continued, to guard the magazine
at that place & to do the other duties of a
soldier, until late in the fall of that year
when he was transfered to Salsbury & put
under Edmund Gamble, a quarter Master
at that place--he there continued to do the
duties of a soldier, until the expiration
of twelve months from the time he entered
Page 4

the service, he was discharged from the service
by Edmund Gamble in the quarter masters
department, on the 5th day of April 1782 in
the town of Salsbury, & a certificate was given
him by said Gamble, certifying that he had
faithfully discharged his duties, had served
his time out & recommending him to any
field officer, belonging to the Continental
line to discharge him.  He never saw a field
officer afterwards & never applied for a 
regular discharge--His certificate he has lost
but has seen his name on what
was said to be a copy of the North Carolina
roll at Nashville in the Clerks office of
the Federal Court, some years ago--
Before, he entered the continental service
He served two tours of three months each
in the militia of North Carolina in the
Revolutionary war-- In the county of Granville
in the month of August he believes in
the year 1780--shortly after Gates defeat at
Camden, he volunteered as a militia man
for three months in the company commanded
by Capt. Charles Yancy he does not recollect
the Regiment, marched to Hillsborough
in Orange County, then we met the flying
remnants of Gates army, & his baggage
waggons, which our company guarded
into the State of Virginia  Mecklenburg
County at a place then called the magazine,
near the Roanoke, when we continued
to guard the public property until
our time had nearly expired, when we
were marched back to Granville court
house & then discharged, by Capt. Yancy.
He does not recollect the names of any 
Continental field officers or other in said service
he saw but few continentals.  the waggons
were guarded principally by the Militia
He believes in the month of December
1780, he again entered the militia service
as a substitute for one Joshua Bullock
Page 5

at Harrisburg near Granville court house
North Carolina, in the company commanded
by Capt. Richard Harrison--he does not recollect
the regiment Col. Joseph Taylor he believes
commanded it.--Then we continued guarding
the public stores until the month of Feby.
following--when we marched to a place
not far from Hillsborough N. Carolina
there we joined Genl. Butler of the North
Carolina militia, he heard of Cornwallis
& Tarleton approaching Hillsborough when
he marched with his small force towards
Warrenton when we got & reinforcement
of Militia from several counties below.
When we marched back to Hillsborough
Thence to the high rockford on Hawe
river when we joined the army commanded
by Genl. Green, At that place
our term of service expired a few days
before the battle of Guilford when this
declarant was discharged having served
a three months tour-- He does not recollect
the names of any of the Continental officers;
he had no connection with them &
was young when he entered the service.
This declarant from the information of
his family was born in the month of November
the 25th 1762. in Granville County
North Carolina where resided until 1784
when he removed to Madison County Kentucky
then continued till 1805 when
re removed to Rutherford County where
he has resided ever since-- He has no
record or register of his birth to refer to
that he knows of--He has long since lost
his discharges-- And he has no person that he
knows of whose testimony he can procure who
can testify to his service-- And he has no 
documentary evidence of his services, except the
roll of the Continental troops will shew
his Continental service--
Page 6

He is known to Robert Miller, Stephen Linch John
McClure & George Davis his neighbours. living in his
immediate vicinity who can testify as to his character
for veracity & that they believe he served as a soldier
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present & declares 
that his name is not on the pension roll of the
agency of any state--
(signature of Stephen White)
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first above written.
( signature of J R Laughlin) Clk.

We George Jones a Clergyman, Robert Miller
Stephen Lynch, residents in the County of 
Rutherford State of Tennessee & in the neighbourhood
of Stephen White, also John McClure--
who lives in the neighbourhood; but resides in
the County of Bedford adjoining  do hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
Stephen White, who has subscribed &
sworn to the above declaration [crossed out.......]
[crossed out] that we believe him to be seventy
years of age, that he is reputed & believed
in the neighbourhood where he resides
[much of line crossed out...]   to have been a
soldier of the revolution & that we concur
in the opinion.--
(signature of George Jones)
(signature of Robert Miller)
(signature of Stephen Finch)
(signature of John McClure)
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first above written.
(signature of J. R. Laughlin), Clk,

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter, after putting
the interragatories prescribed by the war Department
that this above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states And the court further
certifies that it appears to them that George Jones who
has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman
resident in the County of Rutherford And that
Robert Miller & Stephen Linch who have
also signed the preceding certificate are
residents in said county of Rutherford
& are credible persons [rest of line crossed out....]
entitled to credit.
Page 7

5701.

Stephen Whites
Declaration for Pension
under Act- 6 1832.
Page 8

H. Lott
V.D. Cowan
N, Mirchell

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
I John R Laughlin
Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions
of said County of Rutherford, do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said court in
the matter of the application of Stephen
White for a pension
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand
& seal of office this
23rd day of August 1832--
(signature of John R. Laughlin,) Clk.
Page 9

5701
Stephen White
Rutherford

from 1780 private
6 months
$20.00

Harrison
Taylor
N.C.
West
14

Dec 17
S. R. Rucker
Murfreesboro
Ten
Page 10

5701
BRIEF in the case of Stephen White
County of Rutherford in the State of Tennessee
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? ---

3. How old is he?  69

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
enlisted In 1781 April
previous to this Aug [illegible]  80 }
Subs & 1780 Decr. }

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
1 [year]   --         --
  --       6 [months]  --

Rank.
As a
private
    "

Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Capt. Wm Armstrong N. Car:
Line Cont: Establishment-
Capt R. Harrison Col. J.
Taylor Gen. Butler Gen.
Green

5. In what battles was he engaged?  none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Granville Cty. N. Car:

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  The declaration is not attached to the seal as required

X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
T. Waugh  Examining Clerk.
Page 11

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
MMHF

June 22, 1929.
Stephen White
S. 3542

Honorable James B. Aswell,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Aswell:
In response to your letter of June 17, 1929, with letter of Mr. R. W. Oglesby of Winnfield, Louisiana, and other correspondence attached, and which has been transmitted to this bureau by the General Land Office, for consideration, I have the honor to advise you that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier
of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of services.
The records fail to show such a claim on file on
account of the services of Stephen White, of Virginia.
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 3542, it appears that one Stephen White was born November 25, 1762 in Granville County, North Carolina, where he resided until 1784.
He enlisted in August 1780 and served three months as private in Captain Charles Yancey's North Carolina Company.
Page 12

He enlisted in December 1780 and served three months in Captain Richard Harrison's Company, Colonel Joseph Taylor's North Carolina Regiment.
He enlisted April 20, 1781, served as private in
Captains William Armstrong's and Langam's North Carolina Companies and in the Quartermaster Department under Captain Edmund Gamble and was discharged April 5, 1782.
He stated that in the last named service his stepfather, Zachariah Williams, served with him.
In 1784 he moved to Madison County, Kentucky and in 1805 to Rutherford County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 23, 1832 while a resident of Rutherford County, Tennessee.
There is no claim for bounty land on file on account of his services.
He died March 9, 1846, place not stated.
There are no data on file relative to his family,
other than the reference to his step-father.
For information relative to land that may have been granted by the State of North Carolina, it is suggested that Mr. Oglesby apply to the North Carolina Historical Society, Raleigh, North Carolina.
This is the history of the only soldier named Stephen
Page 13

White of any Southern state that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.

Cong. let. to L. Off.
Mr. Oglesby's let. - returned to [illegible]-
carbon [lined out]
Page 14

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State's Office
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid
do certify that it appears from a list of settlements of the
amounts of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental
line of this State in the revolutionary war, that Stephen
White was allowed for his services, in said line, the
sum of twenty five pounds sixteen shillings that
the same was drawn by Charles Porter and that the 
[illegible] on which the said claim was drawn is said to be
missing.
Given under my hand this 24th day of March 1834.--
(signature of W. Hill)
Page 15

[mostly unreadable]

[illegible] to $ 55 33/100
to S. R. Rucker
make new envelope
Page 16

[several lines unreadable/blurred]

UNITED STATES
CRR
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
WASHINGTON JUN [?30] 1929


The attached communication has been
received by the General Land Office and
is referred for answer to [? question as to pension matters, to the Bureau of Pensions. Attached is a copy of my reply.?]


John McPhaul
Acting Assistant [illegible]

[stamp]REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS
SECTION
JUN 22 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[stamp] OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
JUN 21 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 17

3542
INVALID
Rev War

File No. 3542
Stephen White
Pvt. N. C. line

Act: June 7, 32
Index--Vol. A,  Page 402
Page 18

13846
West Tennessee
Stephen White
of Rutherford in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Harrison of the regiment commanded
by Col. Taylor in the N Carolina
line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee
at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of June
1883 and [illegible] J.R.
Rueker  Murfreesbhoro

Arrears to the 4th of March               40.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept   10.
                                         Total          $50.

Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E   Vol. 7  Page 101
Page 19

Raleigh 20th Feby. 1834.

Sir
I have carefully searched the muster rolls in
my office for your name, but find only the name
of one Stephen White, who was a Sergent in Capt. Reeds
company of the first Regiment, enlisted for  three years
and died the 28th day of June 1778.
I have , if I am not mistaken, had your declaration
sent to me by the Commissioner of Pensions in
Washington, when I did every thing I could for you.
I do not find the name of Zachariah Wellborn
on the rolls.
Yours respectfully
W. Hill


Mr. Stephen White
Page 20

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Stephen White which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  -----

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  yes

V. *Has he mentioned 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 amout [amount] of pension he is entitled?  yes

VI. *Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  -----

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  yes
Page 21

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  -----

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes

XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
-----
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? not on Roll #

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? -----

XVI. +
       +Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  yes.

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. 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."
Page 22

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

+QUERE XIV. 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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be [he] belonged. The magistrate who may administer
the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

+
+QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

The only person by the name of Stephen
White on the North Carolina Roll died
in 1778.
Page 23

ADDRESS ONLY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE
2 Inc.
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
WASHINGTON
JUN 20 1929
CRR
EWW
REPLY PLEASE REFER TO
[hand with finger pointing symbol] 1343449 "K" EWW.

Information.

[stamp] REVOLUTIONARY WARS BUREAU OF PENSIONS SECTION JUN 22 1929

Hon. J. B. Aswell,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Aswell:
I have your letter of June 17, 1929, in behalf
of Mr. R. W. Oglesby of Winnfield, Louisiana, concerning the bounty land which he seems to think was granted to Stephen White, his grandmother's grandfather, for his
service in the Revolutionary War.
It is stated that:
Soon after the Revolutionary War he
left Virginia where he enlisted and served in
the Revolution and moved to Tennessee about
the time it was admitted to the Union in 1796.
It is said that he was granted several hundred
acres of land in Rutherford County for his
services in the Revolution. x x x. He died
about 1845 a very old man."
An examination of the various alphabetical indices of the names of Revolutionary bounty land warrantees on file in this office fails to disclose the name of
Page 24

[page folded] 343449 "K" EWW.

Stephen White, and I am informally advised by the Revolutionary War section of the Bureau of Pensions that the records there do not show a bounty land warrant issued in the name of Stephen White.
It is suggested that inquiry be made in the
matter of the issuance of the warrant by the State of Virginia to the Register of Land Office at Richmond, Virginia. Tennessee lands are outside the jurisdiction of this office, and within that of the State authorities, and inquiry as to lands in Rutherford County, Tennessee
should be addressed to the State Board of Control at Nashville, Tennessee.
In this connection there is herewith inclosed [enclosed] a copy of circular 1151, and especial attention is invited to paragraphs 32 to 35 thereof.
In view of the question raised as to pension
matters, your letter, together with the correspondence therewith submitted, has been referred to the Bureau of Pensions for further action as to such matters.
A carbon copy hereof is inclosed [enclosed].
Very respectfully,
signed) John McPhaul
Acting Assistant Commissioner.
6-19-FJ

-2-
Page 25

Raleigh 1st May 1834.

J.R. Rucker Esq.
Sir
Your letter on the subject of Stephen
White's claim for military services performed in the
revolutionary war, is received.  I find on the list of settlements
from which I made the certificate you hold in favour
of Stephen White, that there were two Stephen White's
allowed; one L 25.16---the other L. 53.10.1 But I have
nothing to show for what time these allowances
were made, or by which I can ascertain whether they
were made for a dead or a living man.  I am of
opinion the larger sum was allowed for the services
of the dead man, and the smaller for the living, but
I cannot say positively.
Your &c.
W. Hill

***Transcribers note.... the "L." is an abbreviation for the British
pound (form of money).  
The symbol "&c." is an abbreviation  for "et cetera" ******
Page 26

WAR DEPARTMENT.

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1883,  Stephen White 
of the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the Army of the
Revolution  [the word "cancelled" is written diagonally)

is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and 0 
cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on
the 4th of March, 1881, and payable semi-annually on the 4th
of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United
States, this 26th day of
June one thousand eight
hundred and thirty three.

John Robb
Acting Secretary of War.

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 27

Hon.ble  J. l. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 28

Murfreesboro
August 21st 1834

Dear sir.
The enclosed papers are sent for the purpose
of obtaining an increased pension in the case of 
Stephen White.  You rejected his claim for pension for
continental service of twelve months & allowed him a
small pension for his militia services.  He desires
a re-examination.  The enclosed papers from the [illegible]
of N. C which were sent in answer to letters addressed
to him--may sure to shew his services.  It appears
from the last of Mr. Hills letters, that from examination
of documents in his office, there were two
Stephen Whites in the revolution from that state--
one appears to have been allowed $25-16-it is probable
that was for his 12 months service, either as a 
continental soldier or militia man.  From the
statements made in the affidavit the old man was
perhaps mistaken about the character of his service.
as I intimated to him when he first applied to me--
would be glad to have an answer soon as the can
can be determined.
Respectfully &c
L. R. Rucker.

Honble. L. L. Edwards
Page 29

Stephen White
[illegible]
for increase

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 30

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
Circuit court October term 1834.

On this 6th day of October 1834 appeared
in open court in the circuit court of Rutherford County
before James C Mitchell Esq. presiding circuit judge
of said court (the same being a court of record)
Stephen White aged seventy one years & made oath
in due form of law to the following statement of
facts.  That to the best of his recollection, he entered the
service as a substitute for one Thomas Parham a
militia man in the revolutionary war on the 20th
April 1782 as stated in his former declaration
& affidavit now on file in the war department
In all he served in this service eleven months
& fifteen days for which he claims an increase
of pension
(signature of Stephen White)
Subscribed & Sworn in open court 5 Oct 1834
(signature of Richd. Ledbetter) Clerk

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
I Richard Ledbetter clerk of the circuit
court of said county do hereby certify that
on this 6th day of October 1834, personally
appeared in open court Stephen White & made
oath in due form of law that the facts stated in
the following affidavit are just & true to the best
of his recollection, In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand
& affixed the seal of office
of said court this 6th
day of October 1836.
(signature of Richd. Ledbetter) Clerk
Page 31

Murfreesboro
October 8th 1834

Dear sir.
In the case of Stephen White's application 
for an increase of pension, I herewith send you his
affidavits & return enclosed his certificate heretofore
issued, according to your directions--He says he expects
to draw his increase of pension form the 4th March 1831.
He says he was allowed in his certificate for six months
service too little, as he was only allowed twenty Dollars
per annum.  When he supposes it should have been
$24 that being the proportion at the rate of eight
Dollars for two years service.  If he is correct in this
view he should be allowed an increased pension
for the six months service.
Very respectfully &c.
L. R. Rucket.

Honble. J L Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Page 32

Murfreesboro
April 4th 1833.

Sir,
I herewith send you enclosed the papers of
Stephen White, he says it is out of his power to prove
his continental services by any one; but still maintains
stoutly that he performed the service & that
there is certainly a mistake on the rolls that the
Stephen White whose name appears on it in
the year 1778, or if so he state there must
be another of the same name on the roll
He begs that you would re-examine it.
Says he entered the service as a substitute for
Thomas Parham, who was returned into the regular
service for twelve months & one day for running
from the battle at Guilford---Says he served with
Zachariah Williams his step father.  Also Nathaniel
Hughs a regular during the war; George Fowler, Robert
Hill, John Hill, Benjamin Morris, and John Baines
of the State of Delaware.  He also states that he saw
his name on the roll at Nashville some years ago
& this Memorandum to wit, "Pay dawn by Charles
Partee without voucher"  His declaration shows
that he served six months as a militia man.
If it could be of material service to him to shew with
whom he served, he will make the necessary
affidavit if required.
Should be glad to hear of the claims of Timothy Parker
& George Booth sent on many months ago.  Also of George
[illegible] & Samuel Burks.  You have notified me
of the rejection of this claim of James Tucker
on the ground that he had deserted & after his return
to the service, had not served long enough to enable 
him to a pension.  I was not aware that such
would be the decision of the department.  I have examined the law of 1832 & its provisions are general
Page 33

without exception.  I can find no claim or expression
to exclude deserters from the benefit of the act
for the period which they actually served.  I have
not examined however the other acts of Congress
on the same subject for several years.  There
may be something in their provisions to exclude
deserters.  Congress no doubt would reject the 
application, But it appears to me that the head of
the department is bound by the plain expression
of the act of Congress & has no discretion nor
jurisdiction to make exceptions where the 
legislators have made none.  I have made this
suggestion at random, however, after inspecting'
the act of Congress.-- If such be the settled
decision of the Department, there can be no
hope of a reversal--Congress would not change it.
Respectfully
F. R. Rucket

Honble. J. L Edwards
Page 34

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
County Court August term 1834

On this 21st day of August 1834 came
into open court, before the worshipful justices John
Fletcher, [illegible] D. Jamison and William
Vinson, holding said court
Stephen White (who heretofore applied to the war
department for a pension which was allowed him for
his militia service; but his claim for twelve months
service as a continental soldier being rejected & who
after being duly sworn according to law, makes
the following statement.  He is dissatisfied with
the decision made by the department & knowing
that he performed the service stated in his original
declaration, wishes a re-examination  & to be allowed
an increase of pension in proportion to that service.
He says he may have been mistaken as the the kind
of service; but as to the main fact of having served
twelve months he cannot [illegible] says the way
he entered the service was this;  He was a substitute
for one Thomas Parham, a militia man who had
ran home to Granville County North Carolina
from the battle at Guilford & was afterwards returned
into the army by order of a court martial for twelve
months, for his misconduct at Ramsay's mill on
deep river in North Carolina.  He was then sent off
to Salsbury guarding some prisoners & before he reached
that place, this affiant went on & at Salsbury was
entered as his substitute & was recieved by Capt. Armstrong
at Frohawks mill in the neighbourhood.  Armstrong
he understood was a regular or continental officer
He was transfered in a short time to Capt Langain, who
he also understood was a continental officer.  At the mill
he had a company dressed in uniforms, he remained with
that company under Langam for several months, from
spring until the fall season, when he was informed
by the Captain, that his company had orders to march
to join Genl. Graves at what was called the round O
in South Carolina & that the quarter master
at Salsbury had sent to him to furnish a 
& persuaded him to go as it would be a good [illegible]
for him.  He went according by & was at Salsbury
Page 35

put under Capt Edmund Gambel, who he understood was
quarter master at that place & continued under him
performing all the duties of a soldier until the 5th
day of April 1782.  When said Gambell gave him
a certificate recommending him to any field officer
to discharge him.  He was fifteen or sixteen
years old at that time & small for his age &
believes that was the reason why Langram 
persuaded him to enter into the quarter masters
department.  He believes this was continental service
& was allways of that opinion; but still he may
have been mistaken & the service may have been
of a militia character.  the circumstances now
recuring to his recollection which would tend to shew
that the service might have been of the latter character
are there.  Were even two kinds of Soldiers in
that department regular & some militia men who had
deserted & were returned to the army, those of the
first class drew clothing, This affiant (being a 
substitute for one of the deserters as before stated) & then
of the latter class did not draw clothing, as he
now recollects.  He also recollects that clothing was
laid out for the latter class; but Gamble state they
could not draw.  He knows of no witnesses not living
who can prove this service.
(signature of Stephen White)

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
I John R Laughlin Clerk
of the court of pleas & quarter sessions of said County
do hereby certify that Stephen White this day came
into open court & made oath that the facts stated
in the foregoing affidavit are just & true to the
best of his knowledge & beliefs.  In testimony who
I have hereunto set my hand & affixed
the seal of office of said
court this 21st of August AD 1832
(signature of John R. Laughlin, clerk)