Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,831, William Armstrong, N.C.
Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[3-1776]

SERVICE
N. C.

Armstrong, William

NUMBER
S.30831

CONTENTS
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[typed form, with handwritten responses] 

[left side] let [letter] 6 Janry [January] 1840 Hon. S. Williams

[right side] 29512
Kentucky

William Armstrong
of Caldwell Co. in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the com [Company] commanded [by] Captain Armstrong of the regt [Regiment] commanded [by] Col. Dixon in the N. Carolina line for 1 year and 1 month

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Feby [February] 1834 and [sent to] Hon. C. Lyon H. R.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept.    108.33
Semi=anl. [annual] allowance ending 4 March  21.67
$130.00

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Danl Boyd , Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 1
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Wm. Armstrong
21040
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State of Kentucky, Caldwell County S.S: On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before William Lander, Morton A. Rucker, Coleman Ratliff, James C. Weller, Esquires, justices of the County Court of said County, now sitting, at the Courthouse in Princeton, William Armstrong, a resident of said County & State, aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: That in the year 1780 in the County of Lincoln, State of North Carolina (where he then lived) he was drafted in the militia of that State for a three months tour, against the British in South Carolina. That he was Commissioned the Captain of the Company from Lincoln, and commanded as such in the expedition – that the rendezvous of the troops was near Charlotte, and his company was placed in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Alexander [George Alexander] and General Griffith Rutherford commanded the Brigade, and Wm. [William] Rankin was Lieutenant of his company. From Charlotte we marched down the Yadkin River; and thence across Black River to Rugley's Mill (a Tory) and there encamped for the night, but about 12 at night, the line of march was again formed, and we proceeded towards Camden – that the same night the advanced army guards had some skirmishing with the enemy's guards. That we joined the Main Army during the night, and at the dawn of day the battle of Camden commenced [August 16, 1780]. That Rutherford's brigade, and perhaps others, were divided into platoons before the battle began, and the Captains had command of these platoons instead of their Companies; and that he this applicant commanded a platoon on that memorable day instead of his company. He states, that he fought during the whole of the battle, and knows that he done his duty. The battle lasted but a short time, yet long enough to defeat General Gates [Horatio Gates], who, according to the general opinion acted dastardly on that occasion. The Continental troops, or a portion of them was commanded by General De Kalb, who was killed in that engagement, and I well remember, he was much lamented, and his untimely fall produced a general sympathy. I remember my own feelings to this day, and the circumstances are fresh in my remembrance. I will mention, that on our way to Camden, about 40 prisoners (British & Tories) were committed to my charge as Captain of the Company, who were guarded by my Company until they were sent above here for safekeeping. That shortly after the battle I and my company were discharged by Col. Dixon [probably a reference to Henry "Hal" Dixon] (if I mistake not) after having served out our term of service. At this time the Tories were very numerous, and had almost overrun the Country. I was appointed Captain of my company in Lincoln, and shortly after the battle of Camden I called
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out my company to Volunteer in defense of the Country, but to my mortification I found that but twelve men good and true – the rest having joined the Tories. With these I again entered the service as a Captain, and immediately joined Colonel Dixon, and remained under him two years. During which time my company was sometimes large & then smaller, as I could get men to serve; and during all this time the service was most dangerous and laborious. The Tories had the ascendancy in point of numbers, and many times we were unable to oppose them and [we] frequently had to act defensively, owing to the want of men. The force under Colonel Dixon were incessantly employed against the Tories and scouting parties of the British – marching from point to point as occasion required, to relieve the Country, and had many skirmishes and engagements. Frequently I acted in the capacity of a spy, and had the command of a spy Company. At one time I had only eight man under me, and was sent out to Savis's Mill [Salisbury?] in Rowan County for the purpose of discovery, and on arriving there we found 42 footmen & 15 dragoons there before us. They had discovered our approach and lay in ambush & fired on us as we entered the Creek, but luckily killed none of us. We instantly turned to fire, but at the moment saw the dragoons advancing us from their ambush, on the opposite side of the Creek, and we were obliged to retreat through a Contiguous old field, and reserved our fire for more urgent necessity, as we expected to be pursued; but strange as it may seem, when we reached the other side of the field we halted, and looked back and discerned the enemy retreating in some haste. This movement of theirs was unaccountable, unless they supposed a larger force was near at hand. They threw out their forage & precipitously retreated, and we in turn pursued them five or six miles, and might have killed and taken them all, if Col. Dixon had sent reinforcements, as I had requested by a messenger, but the reinforcement did not arrive in time to affect the object. About this time our service was uncommonly severe – Cornwallis was marching through the Country from Charleston towards Virginia, and almost every day we encountered some scouting party, and notwithstanding all our exertions the Country suffered much, and it was impossible for our forces to afford complete protection to the inhabitants. I myself suffered materially by them, having while out in service, been robbed of everything I had, and having lost five horses at one time by the Tories. I continued under Col. Dixon, in this service till
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the close of the war late in 1782 (about December) which was upwards of two years – indeed near three years but the precise time I cannot fix. I forgot to name one circumstance: at the battle of Ramsour's [Ramsour's Mill, June 20, 1780], Gillefall commanded the wigs [Whigs], and was killed there, and the Regiment to which I belonged would have been in the action, but the express did not arrive [in] time – this action was fought the 20 June as well as I remember. I was a Captain, regularly commissioned as such, during all the time of my service in the revolution, which could not be much short of three years. I could name many persons who served with me in the revolution, but I suppose they are all dead – I know of none living. In the Camden expedition one Cathey & Rutlege served in my Company, and whether they are dead is a little uncertain but I suppose they are as I have not heard from them in a great while. I further state, that I know of no person now living who has a personal knowledge of my service – there is an old acquaintance (and an old soldier too) living in an adjoining County, Livingston, named Thomas Brashin, who knew me in South Carolina, particularly since the war, and by him (and others) I can prove my character and standing in that Country, and by him I suppose I can prove the existence once, of my said commission as a Captain in the revolution, which I kept many years; whose affidavit I can probably procure. I further declare, that I have no documentary evidence in my possession now, which would prove my Service, as I have lost my said commission a good many years ago, nor do I know of any such evidence, unless the Secretary's Office of North Carolina will afford it, but I have no means of examining it. 
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 whatever. And the said court propounded the several interrogatories as directed by the war department, and he answered as follows: 

Question 1. When and in what year were you born?
Answer. I was born at Fog's Marrow, State of Pennsylvania on the 14th of February 1753. 
Question 2. Have you any record of you age and if so, where is it? 
Answer. I have my father's record of my age, drawn off in a Bible of my own at my own house. 
Question 3. Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
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Answer. I was living in the County of Lincoln State of North Carolina (to which I had moved from Pennsylvania when quite young) when I first entered the service, and after the war, I moved from there to Greenville district South Carolina (and the reason of my moving was this: I could not live in a neighborhood where nearly all had been Tories – there was no good blood between Whig & Tory). I lived in Greenville District until about thirty years ago, when I moved to this County & here I have lived ever since. 

Question 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted; did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom? 
Answer. I was drafted in the expedition to Camden, but for the rest of my service I volunteered. 

Question 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. 
Answer. I served altogether in the militia, and with the militia, except in the Camden expedition, and there I knew Gates, DeKalb and several others, but I was only a short time in Gates's Army, and did not become acquainted either with the officers or regiments, except the head Commanders. (He here proceeded, and related the general circumstances of his service, substantially as set forth above.) 

Question 6. Did you ever receive a Commission, and if so by whom was it signed and what has become of it? 
Answer. I did receive a Commission as Captain, signed by Governor Caswell [Richard Caswell] as well as I now remember of North Carolina, under which I held the office of Captain during all my service. After my Camden expedition I was recommissioned by Governor Burke [Thomas Burke] as I think and under the last commission I performed the volunteer Service, which commissions are both worn out and lost. 

Question 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, who can testify as to your character for veracity, and of their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution. 
Answer. I have lived so long among them I reckon they all would vouch for me. I will name Hon. [Honorable] C. Lyon, Benjamin
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Rice, Jesse B. Pemberton, George Robertson and Rev. John Barnett and others if the Court require it. 
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
William [his X mark] Armstrong

We John Barnett, a clergyman residing in the County of Caldwell and State of Kentucky and George Robison and Kinsay Robison ---- residing in the same County do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Armstrong who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine 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 the that opinion; and we further certify that owing to the palsy in his hands and arms, he is rendered unable to write his own name, Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
John Barnett 
George Robison 
Kinsay Robison

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 (Wm. Armstrong), was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that John Barnett who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman, resident in the said County of Caldwell, and that George Robertson & Kinsay Robertson, who have also signed the same, are residents of the same County, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit. 
M A Ruckey 
James C Weller 
Colman Ratliff 
Will Lander
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I Nathan S. Dallam Clerk of the County Court for the County of Caldwell and State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Armstrong for a pension. In Testimony whereof thereunto set my hand and seal of the said Court, this 20th day of August 1832 & 41st year of the Commonwealth 
N. S. Dallam

State of Kentucky, Caldwell County to wit: 
I Burr Caldwell a justice of the County Court for the County aforesaid, and one of the Commonwealth’s justices of the peace for said County, do hereby certify that on this day Thomas J. Brasher came personally before me, and being duly sworn, declared on oath that just after the Revolutionary War, he became acquainted with William Armstrong (who now lives in said County, and is an applicant for a pension) in the County or district of Granville, State of South Carolina; that at that time, the said Armstrong was generally known and believed to have been a militia Captain in the Revolutionary War, and it was never doubted; that about this time a court martial was held in said district to try an officer who had insulted his Colonel when on parade, and the said Armstrong was a member of that Court (having been appointed Captain in that County, shortly after he removed there from North Carolina), and the officers of the court took rank according to their seniority – the youngest first giving their judgment on the trial; and to ascertain the rank of the officers of the court, the members produced their Commissions. That on this occasion, he the said Brasher was present, and saw a commission produced by the said Armstrong appointing him a Captain in the Revolutionary Service, signed by Governor Burke of North Carolina, as well as he recollects. This Commission was inspected by most of those present, and the said Brasher distinctly remembers to have read it over himself, and it was the only Revolutionary Commission then present. That he heard the said Armstrong inform the said court, that he had another older commission still, given by Governor Caswell, as well as he remembers, but the said Brasher does not now remember whether that Commission was ever produced. That the said Armstrong also produced his commission as Captain
[illegible paper seal and ribbon attached]
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in the South Carolina militia given after his removal to that State. He further states that he has been well acquainted with the said Armstrong from that time to the present, and during all that time, in South Carolina & Kentucky the said Armstrong has sustained an unimpeachable character for honesty, probity & high respectability. That he, the said Brasher was sixty seven years of age, the 4th day of last November and did himself perform some service for his country towards the end of the war, but he is advised, not long enough to obtain a pension. And I do further certify that the said Brasher is well known to me, and has been for several years, and that he is a man of good character and standing, and that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. 
And I do further certify that also on this day, Catharine Brasher, came also personally before me (as a Justice aforesaid) and being by me duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, state she is the sister of the said William Armstrong and has known him from her infancy; that she does know of his being in Service in the Revolutionary [War], commanding a company as a Captain – that she cannot tell the length of time he served, but she knows he was almost constantly engaged that a part of the time the said William was absent on duty, she the said Catharine remained with the said William's wife for company (for he was then married) and she further states, that her brother (the said William) often spoke of his commission – of his service in which he was engaged, and the said Catherine states that she distinctly remembers to have seen his Captain's commission, while he was in Service. That the said William then lived in Lincoln County, State of North Carolina. That the said Catherine is now about sixty two years of age from the best information she has, and at the time her brother was in the war, she was young, but was old enough to know and to remember distinctly, what she has here stated. And I do further certify, that the said Catherine is well known to me, to be a lady of excellent character, and very respectable standing & her statement is entitled to implicit credit. This the 10th day of December 1832. 
B. Caldwell, J. P.

State of Kentucky, Caldwell County Ss:
I Nathan S Dallam, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Burr Caldwell Esquire, whose names appears to the foregoing certificate (dated 10 December 1832) is now and was at
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at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and quallified [qualified] according to law; that the signature to the said Certificate is the genuine signature of said justice; and that due faith and credit ought to be given to all his official acts, both in and out of Court. 
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand the 11th day of December 1832 & 41st year of the Commonwealth . 
N. S. Dallam

[written sideways] Wm. Armstrong 21040
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21,040
William Armstrong
Kentucky

Hon. C. Lyon H. R.
[words crossed out]
Page 13

[upside down] 13 Rev. Pr.

$43.33 per an [annum]

Admd [Admitted]

Hon. C. Lyon H. R.
Page 14

[duplicate]

[upside down] 13 Rev. Pr.

$43.33 per an [annum]

Admd [Admitted]

Hon. C. Lyon H. R.
Page 15

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT
PENSION OFFICE
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 these points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (these:}). 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, showing the Service of William Armstrong

[column headings: Period when the service rendered: Duration of the claimant’s service. Year Month Day: Rank of the claimant: Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served.: Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service, Proof by which the declaration is supported.]

1780 3 [months] [as a] Cap. [Name of officers] Col. Alexander [Age] 79 N. C. Traditionary and credential evidence

“ [1780] 1 [year] “ [as a Captain] Col. Dixon

The applicants claim can only be allowed as a private unless he can produce more satisfactory proof of his service as a Captain. 
Oct 10

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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[duplicate]

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT
PENSION OFFICE
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 these points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (these:}). 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, showing the Service of William Armstrong

[column headings: Period when the service rendered: Duration of the claimant’s service. Year Month Day: Rank of the claimant: Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served.: Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service, Proof by which the declaration is supported.]

1780 3 [months] [as a] Cap. [Name of officers] Col. Alexander [Age] 79 N. C. Traditionary and credential evidence

“ [1780] 1 [year] “ [as a Captain] Col. Dixon

The applicants claim can only be allowed as a private unless he can produce more satisfactory proof of his service as a Captain. 
Oct 10

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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[Duplicate]

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT
PENSION OFFICE
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 these points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (these:}). 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, showing the Service of William Armstrong

[column headings: Period when the service rendered: Duration of the claimant’s service. Year Month Day: Rank of the claimant: Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served.: Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service, Proof by which the declaration is supported.]

1780 3 [months] [as a] Cap. [Name of officers] Col. Alexander [Age] 79 N. C. Traditionary and credential evidence

“ [1780] 1 [year] “ [as a Captain] Col. Dixon

The applicants claim can only be allowed as a private unless he can produce more satisfactory proof of his service as a Captain. 
Oct 10

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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[typed form]

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians OR privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration. which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of} ss.
County of}
On this     day of     personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of     in the county of     and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)    , with    and served in the      (e) regiment of the      line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State. or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
1               of the Court of              do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of       &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the             and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with              , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be               years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the            and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the            and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I,        Clerk of the Court of            do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of              for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this     day of     &c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in bis declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not. proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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[typed form]

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. {To a Soldier.} {To an Officer.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will trans nit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. ln a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words : "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-For    year    months, and     days, I served as a    . For     months and    days, I served as a     ; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served: the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers in not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found in the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signatures of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule to [illegible] note (j) applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

AWF Own

Rev. and 1812 War Section.

August 25, 1925

Lilly Charles McFadden
3429 Holmead Place
Washington, D. C. 

Madam: 

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 30831, it appears that William Armstrong was born February 14, 1753 at Frog’s Marrow, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Lincoln County, North Carolina, he was appointed in July 1780, Captain and served three months in Colonel Alexander's North Carolina Regiment and was in the battle of Camden. 

Soon after said battle, he was appointed Captain and served in Colonel Joseph Dixon's North Carolina Regiment, was in several skirmishes with Indians and Tories and served until in the fall of 1781. 

He was allowed pension on his application
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[typed form]

executed August 20, 1832, while a resident of Caldwell County, Kentucky. 

It is stated that soldier had a wife during the Revolution, her name is not given, nor are there any details on file as to their marriage. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT 
Commissioner.
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] 30831
Revy INVALID

File No. 30,831

William Armstrong
Pri Rev War
Captain: N. C.

Act: June 7th, 1832
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 11

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side] 
Feby [February] – 17 – 1900 Chas. E. Armstrong Vicksburg Miss
1925 – Aug 25 – Hist. to Lilly Charles McFadden - AWF
Page 23

[typed form]

Lilly Charles McFadden
3429 Holmead Place
Washington, D. C. 

Personal request August 21, 1925
Page 24

State of Kentucky,} 
Caldwell County} S. S. 
On this 20th day of May 1833, personally appeared in open court before Wm. Lander, John W. Marshall, M. Lyon, Stephen Grove & Jas. A. Cartwright, Esqrs. [Esquires], justices of the County Court in and for said County & state, William Armstrong, resident of said County, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn as the law directs, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1833 [sic, 1832]. (That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, to wit: 
During the Revolutionary War I lived in Lincoln County, State of North Carolina, and was a militia Captain of a company in said County when I first entered the service of the United States, which was in the month of July 1780, and the following are the circumstances. Just after the appointment of Gates to the command of the Southern Army, orders were received by the militia officers to hold a draft for men to serve in that Army for three months. Accordingly, the draft was made, and Six were drafted out of my own company, as well as I remember. I was commissioned the Captain of the Company from Lincoln, and commanded as such during the expedition. We rendezvoused near Charlotte and my company was placed in Colonel Alexander's Regiment and in the Brigade commanded by General Griffith Rutherford – one Wm. Rankin was Lieutenant in my company. From Charlotte we marched down to Yadkin River, and thence across Black River to Rugeley's Mills, and there encamped for the night, but about 12 at night we received orders to hasten our march, and join the Main Army as soon as possible. The line of march was immediately formed, and we proceeded towards Camden. During the night, our advance guards had some skirmishing with the enemy's guards, and sometime in the night we joined the Main Army. About the dawn of day the Battle of Camden commenced and soon ended in the defeat of our Army. Having joined the Main Army so short a time before the battle commenced, I am not able to describe the order in which Gates formed his men, but in regard to Rutherford's brigade, I distinctly remember it was divided into platoons, and on that day I had the command of a Platoon instead of my company. By whose fault this battle was lost I know not, but one thing I do know, it was not mine, for I know I done my duty. The blame was attributed to Gates
Page 25

and whether he was obnoxious to the charge I will not venture to say. At any rate, the loss was great, and the fall of DeKalb at the head of the Continentals was an irreparable loss. The bravery of this officer, and those under him, and the undaunted courage shown by them, when there was none to support them, created a Universal Sympathy for their sufferings, and no doubt served to increase the blame against Gates. As soon as our terms of service were out, we were discharged, which I think was in the month of October following, having fully served out the three months for which we were drafted. The success of the enemy at Camden gave the Tories great confidence, and they became more bold, more daring and more numerous. Assisted by detached parties of the British, they marched through the Country almost with impunity, committing every sort of crime. They established posts in various places, and for a while seemed to have subjugated the Country. Yet there was a few who kept the field, and if tis not boasting to say so, I was one. About this time I was re-commissioned by the Governor of N. Carolina, and appointed again a Captain in the militia of the state. Under this commission, I returned to Lincoln County to raise a volunteer company, and to join Col. Dixon who had the command of a Regiment of volunteer militia. But on my return to my old Company, I found but eight men who were good and true, the rest had joined the Tories. Such was the disaffection in that Country at that time. With these eight I took the field about the first of November 1780 and immediately joined Col. Dixon as a Captain of a volunteer Company of militia – after joining him my company was augmented and increased by adding to it such as were from Lincoln County, and who had volunteered and joined Colonel Dixon. This made my company more respectable. Col. Dixon was stationed in Lincoln at the time I joined him where we remained for some time for the purpose of restraining detached parties of the British and protecting the inhabitants from them, for at this time Cornwallis was marching his Army through Lincoln County, Northward. We were all mounted men, and for a while our duties were very severe. Cornwallis lay at Ramsour's, and then crossed the Catawba at Beatties Ford and at Cowan's, where General Davidson [William Lee Davidson] was killed in defending the pass [February 1, 1781]. Our Regiment kept on the flanks of the enemy as much as possible and obstructed their march. We pursued them in this manner as far as Salisbury. Near this place, I was detached, at the head of eight men to Savis's Mill (Rowan County) for the purpose of discovery &c. On arriving there, we came suddenly on 42 footmen and 15 dragoons of the enemy. They had reached there before us, and discovering our approach lay in ambush and fired on us as we entered the Creek, but luckily killed none.
Page 26

We turned to fire, but at the moment, discovered the dragoons advancing on us from their ambuscade, we retreated across a contiguous old field with considerable haste. On arriving at the opposite side, we halted, and strange as it may seem, we were not only not pursued, but the enemy were retreating themselves in haste having thrown out their forage (for they were a foraging party). I ordered a pursuit in turn, and dispatched a messenger to Col. Dixon for aid, but none came in time to do any good, and they escaped – we were too few in number to affect anything ourselves. On the next day we returned. This was some time about the 1st February 1781. Cornwallis was at this time in the pursuit of General Morgan & Greene. Morgan having defeated Tarleton at the Cowpens [January 17, 1781] in January previous and taken a good many prisoners was endeavoring to escape Northward with his prisoners, and Greene, being at the head of the other division of his Army, endeavored to form a Junction with Morgan, as Cornwallis was endeavoring to intercept Morgan. However, by good fortune, and great exertion, both escaped, and Greene proceeded on to Guilford where he made a stand and determined to fight [March 15, 1781]. Dixon's Regiment stopped at Salisbury, and returned again to Lincoln [County] to oppose the Tories who were embodied in considerable numbers while the British Army was marching through the Country. On our return into that section of the state, we found the Tories in such numbers, that we were obliged to cross over the Catawba into Mecklenburg County, for we were too weak to oppose them. However we again returned in a short time, and moved from place to place as most needed our protection. Thus matters continued until the fall of that year (1781). For after the capture of Cornwallis at York in October of said year, the Tories in that quarter seemed disheartened, and it was not longer necessary for us to keep constantly in the field. Consequently, Col. Dixon came to the determination to disband his forces – at any rate for the present, and until they were wanted, and accordingly discharged his troops sometime in the latter part of October 1781 (I do not now remember the precise day – it is impossible). During my service under Colonel Dixon, we were engaged in many enterprises, and many circumstances took place which I have not related; and indeed my memory does not enable me to describe particularly all the circumstances that happened. On my return from Camden, I found Col. Dixon engaged in raising a Regiment of volunteers for the defense of the Country, and I immediately joined him as before stated, and went into my old company to raise my quota of men – indeed get all I possibly could, and having been commissioned by the
Page 27

Governor of North Carolina, Captain of the Company for Lincoln in the expedition to Camden, and having previously been commissioned Captain of a Company in Lincoln, as such officer, I used every exertion to raise men for the defense of the Country. I entered into this last service under Colonel Dixon sometime in the month of November 1780 (about the first of that month, and continued in that service without a day's intermission, until about the last of October following. I remember distinctly we were not discharged until a short time after the battle of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis. I will mention, that during the year 1781 while I was out on service, the Tories came upon my plantation in Lincoln County, and destroyed nearly all my property, and amongst the rest, they took five horses from me.) 
I declare that I have no documentary evidence in my possession at this time which would prove my service. My commissions I kept many years, but they are now lost and worn out; nor do I know of any person living who served with me in the Camden expedition, except one Joseph Henry who may possibly be living in North Carolina at this day, but this is quite uncertain as I have not heard from him for near 30 years. But I have sent to that Country in search of him, and if he be found his evidence can be obtained. He served as a private in my company in the Camden expedition, and knows I was Captain in that expedition. I could mention others, but they are dead long sense as I suppose. Nor do I know of any person now living who served in my company while under Col. Dixon. Jeremiah Smith was one of them, but he died in the State of Tennessee, about six years ago. I know of no survivor of that Company but myself. I have a brother living in Giles County Tennessee, by whom I can prove that I did serve as a Captain; but at the time of my service, he also [was] in the service as one of the 9 months men, or new levies as they were called, and did not serve with me, yet he does know what I have stated above is true. His evidence I will endeavor to procure. I have written by my friend Th Haynes to North Carolina for an exemplification of my Commissions, but the Secretary has answered that no record of militia Commissions was ever kept. (I send on this letter to the department as a part of this declaration). The Commission mentioned in his certificate I presume is not mine, as I never belonged to Captain Hogg's company, and I suppose, that was amongst the state troops of N. Carolina. I once sent in the evidence of Tho.s [Thomas] J. Brasher and Katharine Brasher who prove the existence of my Commission. The Department has not said whether their evidence was sufficient or no – I again transmit it, together with the evidence of Sarah Brasher, an old lady living in
Page 28

Livingston County who knew me in the time of the War, and who can prove some circumstances which will go to establish my claim. There is another old lady, Ann Armstrong, the wife of my brother John (who is dead) by whom I can prove my Commission, and my service, & her evidence I will also endeavor to obtain and transmit. These are all the witnesses I know of in the world—if they are sufficient – I shall be glad. I am now very old, and afflicted with the palsy and cannot attempt again to prepare my case if this proves insufficient. I have fixed the time of my service as precise as my memory will serve me, and I served in but one grade, that of Captain of horse, except in the expedition to Camden, and then of Infantry, and for three months only – the balance being twelve months, and of horse. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any State will Territory whatever. 
And the said Court propounded the following interrogatories to the said applicant, to which he made the subjoined answers in open Court. 
to wit: 
1: When and in what year were you born? 
Answer. I was born at Frog's Marrow, State of Pennsylvania on the 14th day of February 1753. 
2. Have you any record of you age and if so, where is it? 
Answer. I have a record of my age in a Bible at home, drawn from my fathers family record. 
3. Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live? 
Answer. When I entered the service, and at all the time I did serve, I lived in Lincoln County, North Carolina, but directly after the War, I sold my land there (being a neighborhood of Tories, and therefore disagreeable) and moved down into South Carolina, Greenville District, and lived there until about 30 years ago, when, I moved to this County where I have lived ever since. 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted; did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom? 
Answer. I was never drafted at all, but volunteered in all my service. That is an error in my first declaration on this subject. In that, I only meant to say, the men were drafted. It came my turn to command the Company from Lincoln, and I did it
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. 
Answer. In the Camden expedition, I knew Gates, DeKalb and others whose names I do not remember. I remember a militia Regt. under Col. Armstrong from towards the Yadkin River, in Battle of Camden, and my own Regt. There were other Regts. [Regiments] in the Army, but I do not know the commanders.
Page 29

Afterwards, I served in a single Regiment of Volunteers and during that time did not become acquainted with other militia regiments, tho [though] the Whigs were under different officers all over the state: Col. Charles McDowell commanded a Regiment in Burke County, and Col. Alexander in Mecklenburg County and others I could mention. (Here he repeated the general circumstances of his service as related in his declaration.) 
6. Did you ever receive a commission; and if so by whom was it signed; and what has become of it? 
Answer. I did receive two commissions. The first was signed by Governor Caswell and the other was signed by Governor William Martin, if I am not mistaken in his first name. This is my recollection of the Governors who commissioned me. I knew Martin before he was Governor. He was a small man, and a lawyer. Both of these commissions are worn out and gone, though I preserved them for several years. 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as an officer of the Revolution. 
Answer: I am known by Hon. C. Lyon, George Robison, Benj. G. Rice, Jesse B. Pemberton, Rev. John Barnett, Rev. Robert A. Tapley, Alexander Maxwell and many others, all of whom can testify for me. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
William [his X mark] Armstrong

We John Barnett, a clergyman residing in the County of Caldwell & State of Kentucky and Chittenson Lyon & Alexander Maxwell residing in the same County and state, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Armstrong, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier and officer of the Revolution; and that we concur in that we concur in that opinion. (And we further certify that owing to the Palsy in his hands and arms, he is rendered unable to write his own name, 
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
John Barnett 
Chitt Lyon
Alexander Maxwell
Page 30

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 (William Armstrong) was a soldier and officer of the Revolution, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Barnett who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the said County of Caldwell; and that Chittenden Lyon & Alexander Maxwell who have also signed the same, are residents of the same county, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Will Lander 
Jno. W. Marshall 
M. Lyon 
Stephen Grove 
J. A. Cartwright

I Nathan S Dallam Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County of Caldwell, and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Armstrong for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of my office, this 20th day of May 1832 & 41st year of the Commonwealth. 
N. S. Dallam clk [Clerk]
Page 31

State of Kentucky} 
Caldwell County} - James A. Whyte of the County & State aforesaid, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that from the first of the year 1779 until sometime after the battle of Guilford he lived a short distance from the residence of William Armstrong in Lincoln County State of No. Ca. [North Carolina] and that said Armstrong is now living in the County & State first aforesaid, an aged Man. That he knows the said Armstrong was a Captain of a militia company in Lincoln County (where this deponent left it in 1781 under the command of Colonel Joseph Dixon [Joseph Dickson] and this deponent further saith that to the best of his recollection and belief that he the said Armstrong after Gates defeat and the surprise & defeat of General Sumter did as Captain command a company of militia in the revolutionary Army perhaps on a borders of No [North] Carolina and between that and Camden in South Carolina, but of the points & places of duty he has no personal knowledge and he well remembers that the friends of America the Whigs were obliged to be active. None but those unfit for service through youth or old age would remain at home. 
Sworn to the 28th day of January 1834 before me 
J. A. Whyte
Wm Lander, J. P.
Page 32

to me, has been ever since he emigrated to this Country from the State of South Carolina; that he is a man of high standing and character in the community and that his statements are entitled to implicit credit. 
Given under my hand the 28 January 1834 
Will Lander {J. P. C.C.} 

State of Kentucky} 
Caldwell County} SS. 
I Nathan S. Dallam Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify, that William Lander Esq. whose name is subscribed to the preceding certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in & for said County, and one of the Justices of said Court, duly commissioned and quallified [qualified] according to law, and that due faith and credit are due to and ought to be given to all his Official acts as such and that his said signatures are his genuine signatures, with his own proper hand. 
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, the 29 day of January 1834 
N. S. Dallam Clk.