Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6802, for James Mc Nees, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
McNees, James 
NUMBER
R6802
CONTENTS
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Jefferson, Jackson County Ga. July 7th 1834
J.L. Edwards Epps

Dear Sir

Again the Declaration of James Mc Nees deceased in presented to your examination.  The nature of the service these in stated was so irregular that the recollection  of those who at that time performed  a like service, cannot at this late day of their lives give an correct account of itself by regular record.  Notwithstanding the declaration & certificates are all strictly true in this case.  The matter may not be clear in accordance with the regulations of the war department:  But from the few lives with which you favored me, it appears that some of the service is sufficiently proven.  And now withdrawing all other considerations I would ask that your certificate for the time to which the applicant seams clearly intitled.

I am respectfully your O.b.t. Servant
J.B. McNees
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Georgia 
Jackson County

Personnel Come before me Marshel Christian & being sworn in with our oath that he was present at the house of James McNees & said this is where he departed this life. Which was in the month of May 1833. 

This Marshal X Christian Mark

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 7th July 1834

W G Bryant J.P.




Georgia 
Jackson County

We the undersigned members of the Superior Court of the County & State aforementioned do hereby certify that Rachel McNees is the widow of James McNees deceased who was an applicant for a pension under the late law of Congress of the United States for the relief of soldiers in the Revolution war whose Declaration is here unto assessed.

Sworn under hands the 7th day of July 1834

Edward Adams JPC
Robert Moore JPC
Smith C Jarrett JPC
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Georgia 
Jackson County

I Sylvanus Ripley Clerk of the Superior Court of the said county do hereby certify that William L. Bryant whose names appears to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in for the County and State aforementioned and that full faith & credit {illegible words} given to his attestation as such.

Given under my had and seal of office this tenth day of July Eighteen hundred and thirty four.

Sylvanus Ripley Clk
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State of Georgia
Jackson County

On the fifth day of October 1832 personally appears before us two of the Judges of the inferior Court of said County.

James McNees of the County of Jackson & State of Georgia Aged eighty two years who being duly Sworn according to law Doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of congress ratified the seventh of June 1832, that he entered the Service of the United States under the Following named officers and served as herein stated.  That he volunteered in Lawrence County South Carolina under Capt. John Rogers as a first Lieutenant under the Command of Col James Williams & Genl Andrew Pickens.  Again, the Tories and Indians year not recollected but continued in that service until the Treaty was conducted With the Indians.  He was at the battle of cherver Tommassy & the King fight and at the battle where Salvadore was killed.  After that treaty Joined Capt Jaseh Greens company.  Again, as a Lieut. Service under Col.  Hays and Genl. Pickens and the trumpeter was at the siege of ninety-six under Genl. Green.  Piloted Greens wagon to the fish dam ford in the Night was in the battle of Guilford Court House under Genl. Green as substitute and many other engagements owing to the infirm state of both body and mind it is impossible to get anything like a connected statement of circumstances, as they occurred he now he was two years in the service but, how much more he dose not recorded but thinks in all was five of six years.  He served as a mounted militiaman to furnish his own horse and arms was after engaged.
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He was engaged in carrying {illegible word} and other dangerous services.

To the following interrogatories propounded he answer the answers as follows to {illegible word} 

1st.  Whare {where} and in what year was you born?
Ans.  I was born in Charlott County Virginia in the year Seventeen Hundred and fifty.
2nd  have you any record of your age and if you do whare is it?
Ans. I had a record in my family bible which was Destroyed by the Tories.
3rd  Whare ware you living when you entered into Service whare have you lived since the revolutionary war and whare do you live now.
Ans.  I lived in Lawerence County South Caroline from Whence I moved to York County S.C. thence I moved to Georgia in 1806 in Jackson County whare I now live.
4th  How ware you called into Service?
Ans.  I first volunteered my services and continued to picked up some tours I substuted for my brother R. McNess of Lawerence C. S. Carolina
5th  State the names of some of the regular officers who ware with the troops whare you served such continually  and militia regiment as you recollect and General cercumstances of your services.
Ans.  Genl. Green & Sumpter & Williamson Col Mc Rary .  I have mentioned all the carcumstances of my services recollected in my General declaration.
6th  did you ever receive a discharge an if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
Ans.  I received one from Genl. Green after the battle of grafton and other not recollected all of which has been with my commission lost or destroyed
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7th.  State the names of person to whom you know in your Neighberhood and who will testify as to your character veracity and good behaviour as to service as a revolutionary soldier.
Ans.  Beverly Allen,  W.L. Bryant,  Jackson Trout, T. Doster. I served two years  and upward and has no documentary evidence to establish my claim nor do I know any persons whose testimony I can procure who can testify to my service. I have no claims what ever accept the present 1 army petion or annuity and my name is not upon the petion role of any state agency.

{signed} 
James McNess

Swourn to Subscribed before us the day and year afforsaid

{illegible first name} Brown L.L.C.
Robert {illegible last name} L.L.C.
Jorhans {illegible last name} L.L.C 

Mr. John Harrison a clergyman residing in the County aforementioned and Joseph Cunningham residing in same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jame McNees who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him who Eighty two years of age that he is reputed and do believe at the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we are {illegible word} in that opinion.

John Harrison
Joseph T. Cunningham

Sworn to & subscribed 
The day & year aforesaid

Robert {illegible last name} L.L.C
Avery J. Brown L.L.C.
Joseph Hamilton L.L.C.  L.S.
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And the said court do hereby declair their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that the abovementioned applit {illegible word} was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Harrison who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the same place & that Joseph Cunningham who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place & is a credible person & that their statement is {illegible word} to {illegible word}.

David Witte L.L.C.
Robert Smith{illegible} L.L.C.
Aug J Brown L.L.C.

I Sylvanus Ripley Clerk of the Inferior Court of Jackson County do hereby certify that this forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James McNees for a pension.

In the testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 6th day of November 1932.

Sylvanus Ripley
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L. W. B.
R. 6802.

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

April 22nd, 1899.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.

Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as they are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record  and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on the file in the archives of many of the original States.  


O.W. & N. DIV.
Revolutionary.	

Madam:

In response to your recent communication you are advised that one James McNeese made an application for pension on October 5th, 1832, at which time he was 82 years of age and residing in Jackson County, Georgia, and in his application he alleges that he was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, but was residing in Lawrence County, South Carolina , when he entered the service as a First Lieutenant in Capt. John Rogers Company, Col. Williams' Regiment, Revolutionary war. Length of service not stated. 

The above is the only James McNeese, McNees or Menees found upon the Revolutionary war pension or bounty land records on file in this Bureau. 

Very respectfully
Miss Liabeth Atchison, 
132 N. Spruce Street, Nashville, Tenn., 
Commissioner.
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Apr 22 99
Lizbeth Atchison
Nashville Tenn

Acts of July 14 1862, and March 3, 1873 {Lined through}
Rejected {Stamped}

1802

James McNess
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James McNees
South Carolina
Suspended

Letter 2 Jany. 1835
Hon A.S. Clayton

let. S.R. McNeese Apr. 27, ‘36
“ Same  May 31

{on side of document}
These letters read. No light thrown in case
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Sir:

The papers in support of the claim of the widow of James McNees for his revolutionary services are returned.  It is impossible to make a satisfactory computation from these papers in order that Mrs. McNees shall have the full benefit of all the services performed by her husband.  It will be advisable that records be has to the Archives of the State of South Carolina at Columbia where evidence of the payment made him for his actual services in the Militia will be undoubtedly be found, if he served as claimed.  The day of his disease must also be known as the allowance relates to that day.

I am Respectfully 
{illegible}
J.L. Edwards

J.B. McNees {Illegible}
Jefferson, Ga
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War Department 
Pension Office
January 23 1834

The declaration of James Mc Nees deceased is again returned.  No action can be had on this claim favorable for the widow until credible writings shall have been produced who are able to furnish such specification of the service of the deceased as required by the rules of the Department.

To support that the applicant served two years and that continuously would be in direct opposition to all historical facts; the different times of duty must therefore be specifically stated.  

The only time of service yet mentioned is that in the affidavit of Robert Long which was one of 4 months only – The fact of the applicant’s death was the time it happened together with the certificate of the coroner showing who is the widow must be furnished to the Department, when the other objections shall have been removed.

I am respectfully 
Your able Servant

J.L. Edisan
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{Illegible}
Page 15

Mrs. J.B. McNess
Athens, Ga.

Mail
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Comptroller General Office
Columbia, 21st March 1836

Mrs. J.B. Mc Ness

Sir,

Since receiving your favor of the 14 {illegible} I have made a thorough reexamination in this office and can with the confidence say that the original account of James Mc Ness is either lost or misplaced as it is not in this office.  Therefore, if the papers I furnished will not avail the annuitants it is certainly not my fault.  {illegible} to the three letters of the Hon. H.S. Clayton they could not
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Have come to the Post Office at this place and I should have receive them as I attend the office daily.  I cannot have been guilty of such marked disrespect towards that distinguished gentleman for thoughts a stranger there is no harm in Georgia.  I more highly regard for their political {illegible word} than the Hon. H.T. Clayton.  He has but one regret in that State – Is to the dead letter sent back, it must be attributed to the negligence on carelessness of the Post Master who sent it back.

I hope {illegible word} that I have answered your inquiries satisfactorily.

Respectfully,

John T. Seibels
For
{illegible name}
Page 18

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

I.	 Does the declarant show where the applicant resides? Yes
II.	Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III.	{illegible}
IV.	Has the declarant mentioned the period of periods of 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 as to enable the department to determine what amount of pension eh is entitled?  No “A very full account” of service is required by the regulations of those who rely from their own declarations.
VI.	Has he given names of officers under whom he served, in conformity with regulations?  The traditionary certificate to establish these claims, yes.  It is necessary that he should disclose the source where.
VII.	Has he made relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the act of June 7, 1832?  His communication enumerated what has become of.  States that he has no claim whatever except the present.  Is the exact period of actual service in the field of garrison under military authority.
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 of inscription by which is can be distinguished?  Yes
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XI.	 Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and other respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  Yes
XII.	If the applicant’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’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, he has produced a witness or witnesses as to this 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 the signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? – 
XV.	Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such 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
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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 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration 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 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 regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the man 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 written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the tificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being impa 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
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29.269

Ja McNees

So. Cao:
Page 22

{illegible}
H of R

Ja McNees

L.L. Edwards Esq
Cmt of Pensions
Washington
Page 23

House of Representatives
Dec 30th 1834

J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir,

I have been requested to hand over to you the enclosed papers with some additional proof or alluatory with a request as every thing has been done that can be done, that if any part of the services have been satisfactorily proven they be allowed to the {illegible} thus established.  Please report your decisions to me & very much oblige you respectfully
H. Claytow.
Page 24

James Mc Neice {Name misspelled}
Page 25

Issued the 26th August 1785
To James Mc Nees (say Mc Neice) for Eighty-Eight Pounds Five Shillings & nine Pence for duty {illegible words} from the Commissioner  Principal annual amt.

(Pound symbol) 182 –
                            93.14.3

(Pound symbol)   88.5.9

Confederation Generals Office
Columbia, S.C. May 24th 1836

I do hereby certify the above to be a true copy of the memorandum made in the {illegible word} of the incident Book in this office, and that it is the only evidence which can be furnished  from this office in the above case; The original account of James Mc Nees for his Revolutionary Services  is lost or misplaced. I am therefore unable to state in which capacity he served nor can I say why the amount of his demand as stated in the margin of the said Insident Book should be (pound symbol) 182 from which a deductions for (pound symbol) 93.14.3 is made an Incident is the balance (pound symbol) 88.5.9 issued to him. If a fine are permitted to conjecture on the subject it may have happened in two ways – 1st. that the (pound symbol) 3.24.3 may have been for property lost which under particular circumstances was not chargable to the State, or it may have been for services received and not sufficiently vouchered.

John T. Seibels
For
William Laval 
Confed. Gen
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South Carolina
Laurens District

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of said District.
Capt John Calhoun of the said District who being duely sworn deposeth & saueth that he was acquainted with James McNees in the War of the revolution that he served with him, that he was Lieutenant under Capt John Rodgers against the Tories &Indians an to the best of his Knowledge & Recollection he was in Actual Service no less than two years.

Sworn to & subscribed
Before me
This the 13 Nov, 1833

{Signed}
Wiley Yeargin J.P.
John Calhoun

South Carolina
Laurens District

Personally appeared before me & justice of the peace of the said Dest.  Robert McNees who being sworn diposeth and saith that James McNees and himself joins a volunteer company under the command of Capt John Rogers the said James Mc Nees served as a lieutenant in said company and that they ingaged in several battles adainst the Toriew Indians and brittish during the War and to the best of his knowledge & recollection James McNees served as a Lieutenant not lefs than two years
Swornto & subscribed before me.
This the 13th of Nov 1833

Wiley Yeargin J.P.
Page 27

 I the within named Wiley Yergin a
Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that the
within named John Calhoun and
Robert McNees are credible men and
are to be believed on oath. in witness
whereof I hereunto affix my hand and
Seal this 13th, Nov 1833.
[signed] Wiley Yergin J.P.  Seal[circled]


State of South Carolina
Laurens District} SS. 

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a
Justice of the peace of the district aforesaid, Robert Long
a resident of said district who being duly Sworn on his oath saith that
he was well aquainted [acquainted] with James McNees in the revolutionary war that
in the year 1775 in the month of december in what was called the snow, or Col.
Richardson's camp, against the Tories he saw him then acting as a Lieutenant
under Captain John Rodger who was his Brotherinlaw [brother-in-law], this deponent being then under age did not serve with him till early in April in the year 1778 this
deponant volunteered under Captain Josiah Greer ^of the Little River Regiment of Militia
commanded by Col. James Williams four companies of twenty five each were
to be detached from the regiment to assist the State of Georgia against East Floridea [Florida]
and to reduce St Augustine -J. Greer's company had twenty in it who volunteered
of whom this deponent was one, and to complete the company Col Williams
attached Lieutenant James McNees and five men who with their lieutenant
Joined Capt J. Greer’s company through the Expedition which lasted four months they crossed
the Saluda, Savanah [Savannah], Ageechee Alatamaha Satilla & St Mary Rivers - Lieutenant
Col Robert McCrery ^commanded the four companies of Williams' regiment Viz. Captains J Geer, Thomas Dugan, Benjamin Kilgore & Robert Richey the whole Brigade commanded
Brigadier General Andrew Williamson. This being the first of this deponants service he
recolects [recollects] it more particularly than any of his, or any other persons after service; But he has no manner of doubt but that James McNees must have served at least two years as a Lieutenant in the revolutionary war, from the early active & steady service he did-- He kept
a store in about four miles from where this deponent lived then & does yet; in the militia it
was called the Little River regiment of Militia, afterwards Laurens County, and latterly
Laurens District

[signed] Robt Long

Sworn to & Subscribed the 27th day of November
before me in the year 1833
[signed] Henry S. Neele J.P.
Page 28

South Carolina
Laurens Dist.} 
I John Garlingtan
Clerk of said Dist.
do hereby certify that
Wiley Yeargin and Henry L. Neel
before whom the annexed depositions
were taken are acting Justices of the
Peace for the same district
aforesaid and that all due
faith & credit aught to be given
to their official acts as such.

In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office at Laurent Court
House this 3d day of
December A. D. 1833

[signed] John Garlingtan

[left margin seal with ribbon attached to page]
Page 29

{stamped} MAR 2 1899 P. B.
{stamped} To Chf. O. {illegible faded} Div. Action Reply FEB 22 1899 COMMISSONER

Nashville Tenn
Feb. 21, 1899.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C
Dear Sir,
Being desirous of gaining information
concerning a land grant to
Revolutionary Soldier (as a
reward of {llegible}) I have been
referred to you. It was given
to one James McNees or James
Mences who enlisted in North Carolina
and this land is
Page 30

at Mill Creek near Nashville,
We want a copy of the record
because his descendants are
anxious to join the "Daughtors of the American Revolution,
and this copy would be proof
of his services.
If you will
kindly let me know if you
have such a record and
what the charges would be
for the copy you will greatly
oblige me
Miss Atchison
132 N. Spill
Nashville Tene
Very respectfully
Lizbeth Atchison