Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,350, Patrick Downey, Md. And N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE | NUMBER

Md. and
N.C. | Downey, Patrick | S. 8350

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

North Carolina  23886

Patrick Downey 
of Rutherford in the State of N.C.
who was a pr: in the [blank] commanded 
by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. Crawford in the N. Ca.
line for 11 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of North Car.
at the rate of 44. Dollars 16 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Apl. 34 
and sent J. M. Roberts
Buffalo, N.Car

Arrears to the 4th of March 34  132.48
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 22.08
$154.56.
=======

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by Nath. Rice Clerk, 
Book E Vol. [illegible] Page 51
Page 3

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions  
Rutherford County } October Session 1832 

On this 22nd day of October 1832 personally  
appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the Court of 
Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Rutherford County now sitting 
Patrick Downey a resident of Rutherford County No. Ca.
aged 93 or 4 years who being first duly sworn accor
ding 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 and served 
as herein stated.  That he entered the service of the United States 
as a volunteer militiaman for the term of six months in Queen Anns [Anne] County Maryland
in the company commanded by Captain James Roberts on 
the [blank] day of 177[blank] and was marched against the Tories who 
were then building a fort on the [illegible] Creek, that after 
they succeeded in driving the tories from their position, he was per
mitted, at the expiration of two months from the commit
ment of his services to return home on account the sickness 
of his mother where he remained subject to the call of his 
officers until the expiration of the term of six months. 
That he removed to the State of North Carolina where 
he entered the service again as a [illegible] [word lined through: militiaman] horseman 
in the County of Rockingham on the [blank] day of 
17[blank] in the company commanded by Captain William
Page 4

Walls in the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Craw
ford and marched into South Carolina where he remained 
for some time and was taken prisoner by the British at 
Cheraw on Pee Dee [illegible] at which time he was under the 
command of General Arrington.  After remaining a prisoner 
for some time he was released and joined the army under 
General Green and when Green marched in to North 
Carolina he left him, with others, to guard the ferry called 
Leayets ferry at Cheraw in Pee Dee.  He remained there 
untill [until] he heard of the surrender of Corn Wallis [Cornwallis] and was
discharged having served in this tour including the time 
he was a prisoner nine months.

That he was born in Baltimore County in the State
of Maryland in the year of our Lord 1738 or 39.  That 
he has no record of his age.  That he lived in Queen 
Ann [Anne] County in the State of Maryland when he first 
entered the service.  That he lived 6 or 7 years after the revolution 
in Anson County in the State of No. Ca. & then removed to 
Rutherford County in the same State where he has resided 
ever since & does still reside.  That he first entered the 
service as a volunteer, that he afterwards served as a drafted 
soldier.  That he served under Genl. Green.  That he [repeated: he]
kept none of his discharges-that he has no documentary 
evidence of his service neither does he know of any person 
who prove them.
Page 5

He states that he is acquainted with George Cabiness 
& John Roberts who live in his neighbourhood [neighborhood] 
who can testify as to his veracity & give their believe 
as to his services as a solider in the revolution.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 
to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that 
his name [repeated: name] is not on the pension roll of the agency 
of any State.

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court the 
day & year aforesaid.
Witness Theo. F. Birchett Clk. | Patrick his X mark Downey

Mr. George Cabiness & John Roberts residing 
one in the County of Lincoln & the other in the County of 
Rutherford in the State aforesaid hereby certify that we 
are well acquainted with Patrick Downey who has 
subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe 
him to be 93 or 4 years of age.  That he is reputed & believed 
in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have been a sol
dier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to in open Court 23d October 1832.
Theo. F. Birchett Clk | Geo. Carbaness
John Roberts

[illegible]

Patrick Downey
17610
√
Page 6

The following interrogatories where [were] propounded by 
the Court.  1st.  When & in what year were you born
2d. Have you any record of your age & if so where is it
3rd. Where were you living when called into service.
Where have you lived since the revolutionary war & where 
do you now live.  4th. How were you called into service
were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a 
substitute & if a substitute for whom.

5th. State the names of some of the regular officers 
who were with the troops where you served, such continental 
& militia regiments as you can recollect & the general 
circumstances of your service.  6th. did you ever 
receive a discharge from service & if so by whom was
it given & what has become of it.

State the names of persons to whom you are known 
in your present neighbourhood [neighborhood] who can testify to your 
character for veracity & their belief of your service as 
a soldier of the revolution.

And the said Court do hereby declare [struck out: that] their opinion after 
the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed 
by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolu
tionary soldier, & served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that 
it appears to them that George Cabiness who has signed the same is a 
resident of the County of Rutherford & that John Roberts who has also signed 
the same is a resident in the County of Lincoln are credible persons 
& that their statement is entitled to credit.  

I T. F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the 
County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original 
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Patrick 
Downey for a pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal 
of office this 23rd day of October AD 1832. Theo F. Birchett Clk
Page 7

17610
Pat: Downey
North Ca

Ret

4.5.11.12.
P. 328

23 - [illegible]
J. Roberts
Lincolnton

[struck out:
Theo F Birchett Clk
Rutherford Co NC]
Page 8

BRIEF in the case of Pat: Downey
County of Rutherford in the State of North Ca.
(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? 93 or 94 years

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

_____________________________________________________________________________
Names of General and Field Officers 
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | under whom he served.
_____________________________________________________________________________
 | Years, Months, Days. | As a | Gen. Green
Vol in 17[blank] |  2 | private | Capt Roberts
word struck out 
|  9 | Horseman | Col Crawford
Capt Walls

5. In what battles was he engaged?  None

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Queen Ann [Anne], Md

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?  no clergyman

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
mentioned.

Chs W Torrest
Examining Clerk.
Page 9

Patrick Downey 
17,610 - N. Car

Admt as private
2 mo In [illegible] 6.66
9 " Car 37.50
$44.16

Suspended--See letter 11
Nov: 1833 - to
J. M. [struck out: Perequin] Roberts
Buffalo
N. Ca.
Page 10

Department of War
Pension Office 
September 23, 1833.

Sir:

The declarations of Wm Crane, Joseph Fobes and 
Patrick Downey, have been re-examined.  The claim of 
Mr. Fobes has been admitted - the papers in the case of Crane 
and Downey are returned.  The former, that the credibility of 
Chas. Thompson may be certified to, and the latter, that he 
may specify more particularly the nature of his last service, and by 
what authority he was called upon to guard the ferry &c.

I am respectfully
Yr. Ot. Servant.
J. L. Edwards

2 mo. [illegible]
g

Pereguin Roberts Esqr.
Lincolntown
No Ca
Page 11

Patrick Downey 
17,610

Please send me 
an answer - [illegible]
Lincoln County 
to Buffalo North Carolina
[illegible] ferry
P. Roberts
Page 12

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those 
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 
Patrick Downey 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?  No 
 
# 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 amount of pension 
he is entitled?  No 

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?  Yes

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 13

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 revolu
tionary service?  No clergyman, Two witnesses

XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain
ing it?  No

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? --

XIV.  †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness 
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, 
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the 
regulations direct?

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 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 recol } 
{ lection 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 14

3

{ 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 month is to in }
{ definite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions }
{ merely state 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 objection }
{ able.  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 em }
{ ployed in any civil pursuit. }

†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 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 magis
trate 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 authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the cer
tificate 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.
[👉]In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 15

[Envelope with notes]

[Written vertically left margin]

Pension Office
[illegible]
March 25th
additional Pension
papers 1834

[Written horizontally left margin]

Buffalo }
March 16 }

[Address]

Mr. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War 
Washington 
City
Page 16

Buffalo Lincoln City NC
March 16 1834

Dear Sir

You will please after examining 
the enclosed papers write me a 
Letter concerning the same which 
you will direct to this office

J.M. Roberts
Page 17

8350
[written vertically left margin]
RevWar

INVALID.
[illegible initials]

File No. 8350
Patrick Downey
Priv Rev. War

Act:  June 7th 1832

Index:--Vol. 1st, Page 99

[Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 18

State of North Carolina } March the 7th AD 1834
Rutherford County }

Personally appeared before me William Wethers 
a justice of the peace for said county Patrick Downy 
a citizen of Rutherford County North Carolina who 
being first duly sworn according to law makes 
the following statement amendatory to his  
former declaration made at Rutherford County 
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions at October Session 
1832 he states that through infirmity of old age 
and conciquinte [consequent] loss of memory he cannot state pre
cisely the date of his services his first tour was from 
Maryland Queen Ans [Anne] County as a volunteer under Capt
James Roberts for six months and marched to the [illegible]
Creek the waters of Chester river and after serving 
two months he was dismist [dismissed] by Capt Roberts he be
lives this tour was in 1779. his second tour was from 
North Carolina Rockingham County as a volunteer 
of cavalry under Capt William Walls in ridgement [regiment] 
of Col Thomas Crofford and marched to the lower edge 
of North Carolina near the sea [illegible] and in the edge of 
South Carolina and was dismist [dismissed[ by Capt Walls after 
serving not less than six months he believes this tour 
was in 1780. his third tour was from South Carolina 
on Pedee river near the Cheraw hills he dont mind the name 
of the county under Capt John Lodge as a volunteer in the ridgement [regiment] of 
Coln Hilk and was taken by the British and remained a prisoner 
for two months and was exchanged and joined
Page 19

General Greens army at the Cheraw hills and was 
one of the ferry guards and was dismist [dismissed] by General 
Harington or Capt Pegee after serving not less 
than five months he believes this tour was in the last 
of year 1780 and the first of the year 1781.  Sworn to and 
subscribed the day and year above written
Test 
William Weathers [encircled: JP] Patrrick his X mark Downey

State of North Carolina } March the 7th day AD 1834
Rutherford County }

Personally appeared before me William Withers a justice 
of the peace for said county Samuel Bailey & 
William Wellmon both citizens of Rutherford County North Carolina 
and living in the vicinity of Patrick Downny applicant 
for a pension under the act of Congress passed June the 
7th 1832 who being first duly sworn according to law 
make the following statement they say that they have 
been acquainted with the aforesaid Patrick Downey 
for a number of years that he has always supported an un
impeachable character for honesty and verasity [veracity] and they 
believe he would on no account state any thing on oath 
but what he believed to be strictly true
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforewriten [written]
Test | Samuel Bailey
William Weathers [encircled JP] Wm Wellmon
Page 20

State of North Carolina } March the 7th day AD 1834
Rutherford County }

I William Wethers a justice of the peace in and for said 
County here by certify that Samuel Bailey 
William Wellmon who have sworn to and 
subscribed the above affidavit are men of respect
ability and verasity [veracity] and that there [their] statement 
on oath is entitled to the utmost credit.
William Weathers [encircled JP]

State of North Carolina Ss

I Theo F. Berchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & 
Quarter Sessions in and for the County of Ruth
erford do certify that William Weathers is 
a Magistrate as above stated and that 
his certificate as such is entitled to credit 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed the seal of my office 
the 10th day of March AD 1834
T.F. Berchett Clk
Page 21

State of North Carolina } On this 4th day of June AD 1833
Rutherford County }

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice 
of the peace in & for the County and State aforesaid, Patrick Downey 
who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age 
and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot state positively as to 
the years in which he served in the revolution but believes his 
first service was some time in the year of 1777 
and that his second tour was commenced some time in the year 
of 1780 that he cannot be positive 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 in the following grades 
that the served as a volunteer under Capt Roberts as before stated 
in his declaration in the State of Maryland not less than two 
months in actual service and remained subject to the call of 
his officer for the balance of six months. that he served as a 
drafted soldier under Capt Walls in the regiment of Col 
Crawford including the time he was a prisoner of the enemy 
not less than nine months-making the whole not less than 
eleven months-in which he was in actual service-
and for which service he claims a pension-and that there is 
no clergyman in his vicinity and by reason of old age and 
infirmity he is unable to go to the Courthouse which is twenty odd 
miles from where he resides.  Sworn to & subscribed the day 
and year above written  Patrrick his X mark Downey
William Weathers [encircled JP]

I William Weathers a justice of the peace in and for the County of 
Rutherford hereby certify that I am well acquainted with George 
Cabiness and John Roberts who have signed the foregoing certificate 
and that they are men of veracity and respectability-and that 
Patrick Downey has always been believed to have been a soldier of 
the revolution and that there is no clergyman residing in his 
neighbourhood [neighborhood]. June the 4 day 1833.
William Weathers [encircled JP]
Page 22

[This part of the page appears upside down on the image]

State of North Carolina } Ss.
Rutherford County }

On this 11 day of October 1833 personally appeared before me
William Weathers-a justice of the peace in and for said County-  
Patrick Downey who being first duly sworn according to law, makes 
the following statement amendatory of his former statements as to his 
services in the revolutionary war-That he was left at the 
ferry on Pedee by command of General Greene
under Capt Pegue and that he remained there under 
the orders aforesaid under the command of Capt Pegue or
Harrington until discharged as stated in his former declaration 
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above stated.
Test | Patrick his X mark Downey
William Weathers [encircled JP]

I Theo F. Berchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quar
ter Sessions of Rutherford County certify that Wm
Weathers whose name is above written is a Magistrate 
of said County & that his attestations as such are 
entitled to credit.  In testimony of which I hereunto 
set my seal of office & subscribed my name this 
12th day of October 1833  T.F. Berchett Clk

State of North Carolina }
Rutherford County } SS.

I Theo. F. Berchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter 
Sessions of said County do certify that William Weathers 
Esq. before whom the within affidavit is certified to have 
been made by Patrick Downey is an acting Justice of 
the Peace of said County & that his certificates as such 
are entitled to credit.
Given under my hand & seal of office at office 
the 27th July 1833 T. F. Berchett Clk
Page 23

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES | BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* | Division of Veterans Administration Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

NAME Downey, Patrick | GRADE Private | LINE Pennsylvania

WARRANT
NUMBER 9297 | ACREAGE 100 | ISSUED August 6, 1792
to Alexander Power, assignee

_____
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are 
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse
quent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. 
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.