Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 87, Joseph Alexander, N. C.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
N.C. Alexander, Joseph R.87
Martha
CONTENTS
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Declaration 
of 
Martha Alexander
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitles "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." 

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} S. S. 
On this the 22nd day of January, 1845, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Court of please and Quarter Sessions for said County Martha Alexander, a resident of Guilford County aforesaid aged 87 years, who being first duly qualified according to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows. 
That she is the widow of Joseph Alexander, who, during the war of the Revolution, was in the service of the United States as follows, to wit: 

1. The declarant the said Martha stated that she has reason to believe, and does believe, that in the early part of the war of the Revolution, her decd [deceased] husband the aforesaid Joseph Alexander, as a private of Infantry did serve the United States a Five Months Tour of duty and was under General Rutherford in South Carolina. at the time of Ashes’ defeat. Levis was his Colonel and Butler Brigadier General. That her husband received, a discharge for this tour but she does not now know any of it. 
That in the above tour, the declarant has reason to believe that her decd [deceased] husband was in a legally organized corps, and called into service by the proper authorities.

2. The declarant has reason to believe and does believe that in the fall of the year after [strike through] before the Guilford battle, to the best of her information there was a draught again for Militia men to serve a three months tour of duty, when her decd [deceased] husband the aforesaid Joseph Alexander was drafted for said period- That Johnson was Captain of the Company that Company [strikethrough] to which he was attached and Colier Col. 
That in the tour her husband was a duly organized corps and called into service by the property authorities and did serve
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all of said tour, was duly discharged and returned home. 
3. The declarant further setteth [set] forth upon her said oath that sometime in the fall or winter next after the Guilford battle, there was a draft for another tour of militia Service, when her decd [deceased] husband was again in the service, Johnson she thinks was Captain and her decd [deceased] husband served as Ensign – Butler was Brigadier General. In this tour the troops were marched to the South and after serving out their time were discharged and returned home. 
This declarant has reason to believe and does believe, that her deceased husband the aforesaid Joseph Alexander did in the war of the Revolution, serve the United States, in other tours, but whether her husband served as Ensign in any more than one Tour, the declarant is unable to state. 
That in each of the tours the said Joseph Alexander, this declarant has reason to believe and does believe was in regularly organized Corps and called into service by Competent Authority
That in consequence of her being married to said Joseph Alexander after his service in the Army and his having been dead about 45 years, is the reason why the Declarant cannot give a more detailed account of her husband's Revolutionary services. 
That her decd [deceased] husband had discharges from the Army, but is unable at this late day to say what has become of them.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Alexander, at her father's residence (Joseph McLean's) in the aforesaid County of Guilford in the year of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five (1785). That she has a "family Record" in her family Bible which is hereto annexed and is, as it purports to be, a true and faithful Record of said Joseph Alexander family.
That her husband the said Joseph Alexander, died in the month of April A.D. 1799, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January seventeen hundred and ninety-four (1794) viz.: at the time above stated. 
The said Martha Alexander further declares that from old age & bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court to make this declaration. 
Martha [her X mark] Alexander
Sworn to and subscribed the day and date first above written before me. 
Wm. Gilbreath J. Peace
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I the said Justice after investigating the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department hereby declare my opinion, that the aforesaid Joseph Alexander during the war of the Revolution, did serve the Unites States against the Common enemy Several Tours of duty. as Private and [and] ensign. I further certify that satisfactory evidence was furnished me that the said Joseph Alexander and the Declarant were lawfully married in the County of Guilford, aforesaid in the year of One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Five and that they did live together as man wife, till the death of said Joseph Alexander, who did die in the year of 1799, leaving the aforesaid Martha his widow, who has not since married but remains the widow of the aforesaid Joseph Alexander. 
I further certify that the Declarant is known to me as a person of good standing and entitled to full and ample credit. 
I further certify that from old age and bodily infirmity the said Martha Alexander is unable to attend court to make her Declaration. 
In testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal on this the 22nd day of January, in the year of 1845 
Wm Gilbreath J Pearce {Seal}

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions Febry February] Term 1843 
I John M Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Guilford County, Certify, that the foregoing Declaration was this day read in open court examined and approved by said County. Whereupon it was ordered by the Court that the Clerk Certify the same to the War Department. 
I further certify that William Gilbreath before whom the foregoing Declaration was made is one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office at Greensboro on this the 20th day of Febry [February] A.D. 1845 
John M Logan C.C.C.
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[family record]:
Joseph Alexander was Born August the 18th 1749
Martha Mcclean was [born] December filt [fifth] day 1767 [could be 1761]
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[family record]

Gene Alexander was Born the Twenty day of July in the [year] 1786
Nance Alexander was Born the twenty-fif [fifth] day of September 1787
Martha Alexander was Born the fif [fifth] day of September 1789
Paley Alexander was Born the Twenty siken [sixth?] day of October 1791
Marget Alexander was Born the December the Ninten [nineteenth] day 1793
[illegibly faint] Alexander was Born the forteen [fourteenth] day of April 1796
George Alexander was Born the fifteen day of May 1798
[there may be an entry beneath the last one, but if so, it is too faint to discern]
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1786
1810
B696
DJ62
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William McLean’s
Affidavit
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State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} SS 
On this the 22d day of January 1845, personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justice of the peace in and for said County William McLean a resident of Guilford County aged 75 years who being first duly qualified according to law maketh [makes] oath that he is well acquainted with Martha Alexander, widow of Joseph Alexander of said County, that this affiant is brother to said Martha. That he was present at and witnessed the marriage Rites between the said Joseph Alexander and his sister Martha. That they were married at his fathers by the Revd [Reverend] Doctor David Caldwell, in the year of one thousand Seven hundred & Eighty five. 
That this Declarant has heard said Joseph Alexander Speak of his serving in the army of the Revolution. That said Joseph Alexander did serve the United States in war of the Revolution, is believed in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where said Joseph Alexander lived & that he never heard it contradicted or even questioned. 
Said Joseph Alexander died about 45 years ago, leaving his Sister, the aforesaid Martha his widow, who did not afterwards marry but late remains the widow of the said Joseph Alexander.
This affiant further states that during the war of the Revolution, the said Joseph Alexander, lived in the adjoining County of Randolph and resided in that County till after the close of the war, when he remained to this County and remained there till his death. 
[signed] William McLean
And further saith not: 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year} 
first above written before me,} 
Wm Gilbreath J. Peace}
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I certify to that the affiant William McLean is known to me as a man of truth and respectability.
Wm Gilbreath J. Peace

State of North Carolina 
I John M Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that William Gilbreath whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County, that his signature is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such. 
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Court, at office in Greensboro the 20th day of Febry [February] 1845 
John H. Logan C.C.C.
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State of North Carolina}
County of Guilford} S S 
On this 15th day of April 1848 William McLean a resident of the said County of Guilford appeared before the subscriber an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County and who being first duly qualified according to law deposeth [deposes] as follows to wit 
I am the brother of Martha Alexander and am now aged about seventy eight years we are both children of Joseph & Nancy McLean of the said County of Guilford. I was present at the manage of my sister with Joseph Alexander which took place at my fathers house in said County and said marriage was solemnized by the Revd [Reverend] David Caldwell, who was the Presbyterian minister of the Congregation to which my father & family belonged - said marriage took place when I was about fourteen years of age my reason for believing so is this - in about two years after I was put upon the muster roll and had to perform military duty - and at that time all persons of the age of sixteen were obliged to do military duly my impression and belief is that said marriage was solemnized about the year 1784. 
Joseph Alexander & his wife Martha had seven children. Six daughter & one son - the first was born in about twelve months after the marriage. The oldest daughter has been married many years & has raised a large family of Children, Joseph Alexander died
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according to the best of my recollection and belief about forty nine or fifty years ago it was generally believed that Joseph Alexander was a revolutionary soldier and in that belief affiant concurs. He recollects of hearing been frequently talk about the service and he after dubbed the company in which affiant mustered, and stated that he had bornid [served?] in the service
And further this affiant saith not. 
[signed] william Mclain [ William McLean]
Sworn & Subscribed the day & date first above written before me.
James Sloan JP

On this 15th day of April 1848 also appeared before me George Alexander, a citizen of said County aged fifty years in may [May] next, who was first duly qualified according to law deposeth [deposes] and saith as follows 
I am the son of Martha Alexander and acted for her in collecting & forwarding evidence in support of her claim to a pension. In the year 1845 I cut out a leaf from my fathers family Bible containing the family register of the brother of his children which was forwarded to Doct [Doctor] J A Craig of Orange for the purpose of being sent to Washington City My Mother was at hand to the said leaf being cut from said Bible unless a Copy was taken, and in order to satisfy her and keep a memorial of the ages of the family I drew up a copy of the said family record before sending it away as aforesaid. The said Copy in the following words (Viz) 
Joseph Alexander was born Augt [August] 18th 1759
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Martha Alexander was born Decr [December] 5 1767 
Jean Alexander was born July 20th 1786 
Nancy Alexander was born Sept 25 1787
Martha Alexander was born Sept 5th 1789 
Polly Alexander was born October 22d 1791 
Margaret Alexander was born Dec 19th 1793 
Sarah Alexander was born April 14th 1796 
George Alexander was born May 15th 1798 
That the above is a true copy of the family record aforesaid in all things except of birth to the birth of Martha Alexander. The year of her birth was a little blotted and affiant could not make out satisfactory whether it was 1764 or 1767, but believed it to be the latter and so copied it, but at the same time his mother said it should be seventy four as he knew by her age at her marriage.
Affiant states that he sent the aforesaid family record together with other evidence in the matter aforesaid to Doctor Craig at Orange under a sealed cover and that he has not seen said papers since and does not know what has become of the Same 
And further this affiant saith not 
[signed] George Alexander
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & date first above written 
James Sloun J. P 

I James Sloun certify that William McLean & George Alexander are respectable citizens of said County and that their statement are entitled to ample credit 
James Sloun J. P.
April 15th 1848
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State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County,} 
I, John H. Logan Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that James Sloun whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County, that his Signature is genuine, and that full faith and credit is due to his official acts as such, 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at office in Greensboro the 15 day of April 1848. 
John M. Logan C. C. C. 

North Carolina 
Guilford County 
I John A Urbane Chairman and presiding magistrate of the Court of pleas & quarter Sessions for the County & State aforesaid hereby certify that John M Logan whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is the Clerk of the said Court duly elected & qualified according to law, that the signature purporting to be his is genuine that the seal allotted is the seal of his office and that said Certificate is in due form of Law. 
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal this 15th day of April 1848. 
J A Urbane C.G.C. {Seal}
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State of North Carolina}
Guilford County} SS 
On this 23d day of November 1854, personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, William McLean aged 85 years, a resident of Guilford County in said State, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following statement, that he the said William McLean has always lived in Guilford County ever since & before the Revolutionary war, that he well remembers the time of the said war, that he heard the guns at the great Guilford Battle, that he was well acquainted with Joseph Alexander, for the said Joseph Alexander married this affiants sister, who was some ten or twelve years older than this affiant, and that there was no other Joseph Alexander but this one who married his sister Martha, to his knowledge or belief, and that he has never heard of any other Joseph Alexander except one young one, of many years since; and that this affiant well remembers that the said Joseph Alexander were talking of their service, with some of his brothers in the Revolutionary war, and that this is the same identical Joseph Alexander, who served in said war, for he remember; that it was talked of in the family & by the neighbours [neighbors], and by Joseph himself, that he had received several payments, for his & other soldiers services - but he does not recollect that he said, where the payments were made, and there is no doubt but what this is the identical Joseph Alexander that rendered the service in the Revolutionary war. 
William [his x mark] McLean
Witness 
Wm P. Mendenhall
David Low
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The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me, this 23d day of November A.D. 1854. - And I further certify that the said William McLean, the foregoing affiant, is well known to me, and that he is a man of truth, and high standing in society. 
John McLean J. P. 

And the said William McLean further swares [swears] that the said Martha Alexander died about the last of [crossed out – November] May 1849. and that she left three children her surviving to wit: George Alexander, Jane Russum & Nancy Alexander, all three of whom are living yet.
William [his x mark] McLean
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 23d day of November 1854 
John McLean J. P.

State of North Carolina, 
Guilford County, 
I, Lyndon Swain, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that John McLean, whose signature appears in the foregoing, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such, and that his said signature is genuine. 
I further certify, that the following is a true & correct copy of a record made at May Term, 1853, of said Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, to wit: 
“William Gilbreath being called and duly sworn, deposeth and saith that Martha Alexander, widow of Joseph Alexander died in the month of May 1849. leaving at
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her death only three surviving children, viz: G. Alexander, Jane Russum widow of James Russum & Nancy Alexander widow of James Alexander, which she the said Martha Alexander left at her death but very little property & that no letters of administration were taken out upon it.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court, this the 24th day of November, 1854 
Lyndon Swain, Clerk
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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

No 87

[crossed out - Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.]

[Stamped] - REJECTED

Martha Alexander
P. O. 

Service: _________

Enlisted: ____ ,18
Discharged: _____ ,18

Application filed: _____ ,18

Alleges: ______

Re-enlisted: ______
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11764 
Martha Alexander 
wid: [Widow] of Joseph NC 

Let to H. H. Sylvester 28 May
" " Hon. A. H. Shephard 27 July
" " J. A. Craig 7 July
" " J.G. Berrett Nov 20 
" " S. Godwin Mar 24
 same June 25/ 
7 July 1838 

[Illegible faint writing] 


87 11764 N. C. 
Let. to H. H. Sylvester 28 May 1845
Let to Hon A. H. Sheppard July 27th 48 
(Let 5 1849)
J A Craig July 7, 49, 
Let J. G. Benedi, Nov. 20 /’50
W. P. Mendenhall Sept 8/53
W. P. Mendenhall 29 Nov. 1854
Let [Illegible] Nov. 25/56
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State of North Carolina}
Guilford County} SS 

On this the 18 day of February 1845 personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Guilford aforesaid William Doak, Thomas McCullach & John Coe
who being first duly qualified according to law make on oath the following statement, to wit: that they are well acquainted with Martha Alexander of said County, who is now applying for a pension for the Revolutionary services of her decd [deceased] husband Joseph Alexander that during the war of the Revolution said Joseph Alexander lived in the adjoining County of Randolph. That it is understood and believed that the aforesaid Joseph Alexander during the war of the Revolution was in the United States Service, and aided in the establishing our Independence.
[signed] Wm Doak
Tom Cullack
John Coe
Sworn to and subscribed the day}
& year first above written before me}
Wm. Gilbreath J Peace} 
I the said Justice do hereby certify that the above deponents one of Lawful age, and known to me to be persons of truth & respectability. 
Wm Gilbreath J. Peace
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State of North Carolina.
I John M. Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby Certify that William Gilbreath whose name appears to the foregoing is an acting Magistrate for said County, that his signature is genuine, and that full faith & credit are due his official act as such
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of our said Court, at office in Greensboro the 20th day of Febry [February] AD 1845 
John M. Logan C.C.C.
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Know all men by these presents, that I, George Alexander, of the County of Guilford, and State of North Carolina, and the son of Joseph & Martha Alexander, both of whome [whom] are, dead, the said Joseph was a Revolutionary soldier, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint William P. Mendenhall & Levi M. Scott of Guilford County aforesaid, my true and lawful attornies [attorneys], for me, and in my name, to examine into and prosecute any claim for a Pension, &c. against the General Government, which may be due me by virtue of my deceased fathers service in the Revolutionary war , or in right of my mother as the widow of the said Joseph Alexander dec.d [deceased], and the several acts of Congress relative thereto, and to receive the certificate of Pension, &c, when issued by the Department. I hereby confirm whatsoever my said attornies [attorneys] may do, or either of them, or cause legally to be done, either in person or by substitution, in the prosecution of said claim, I revoking all and any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons in the premises whatsoever. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, 
This 23d of August 1854 
[signed] George Alexander {Seal}
Witness 
James Sloan 
Wm. Wilson
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State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} SS 
On this 23d day of August 1854, personally appeared before me, George Alexander, and acknowledged the within Power of Attorney to be his act and deed, and I certify that I well know the said George Alexander, and that he is the person now present, and who executed the above power of attorney, 
James Sloan J. P. 

State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
I Lyndon Swain Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and state above mentioned, do hereby certify, that James Sloan whose genuine name or signature appears to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. 
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Greensborough, 
This 23d of August 1854. 
Lyndon Swain, Clerk
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State of North Carolina} 
Guilford County} 
I Bronson G. Graham Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced before me in open Court, a record of which has been entered upon the minutes of the court, that Martha Alexander, widow of Joseph, died in the month of May 1849 leaving surviving her three children viz George Alexander, Jane Russum widow of James Russum, and Nancy Alexander widow of James Alexander, and that, George Alexander, Jane Russum and Nancy Alexander are the only surviving children of Martha Alexander aforesaid. That she, the aforesaid Martha Alexander, left but very little property, and that no administration was ever taken out for her estate. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 20 day of May A.D. 1853.
B. G. Graham Clerk

State of North Carolina 
I Peter Adams chairman and presiding Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of Guilford, and state aforesaid, do hereby certify the B. G. Graham is Clerk of our said Court; that the certificate is in due form of Law; that the signature is in his own proper hand; that the seal affixed is the seal of said court, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such. 
Given under my hand this 20 day of May 1853 
Peter Adams P. M.
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Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
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Ruffins Mills, N C 28 March 1845. 

Sir,
I received from the Comptroller of North Carolina, the following additional Certificate of Military Service, to wit: that of 

George Neon, David Justice, Joseph Alexander, (whose widow Martha forwarded a declaration to the Pension office last week.) 
Richard Bishop & George Pearson 
In the case of Arianna Pearson, widow of Geo Pearson, and also in the case of Richard Bishop's widow (Nancy Bishop) Record proof was required to shew that the militia draughts in North Carolina in 1779. ‘80 were of as long duration as three months: Mr. Hill, the Secretary of State was applied to, who stated that none of the draughts in N. C. were for a shorter duration than 3 months: This Certificate was forwarded to the Hon. R. M. Saunders, to be handed over to Mrs. Nancy Bishop the widow, has now in her possession the Cartridge box a Bayonet that her husband had in his tours of duty in the war of the Revolution. 
The enclosed evidence in the several cases above mentioned is respectfully submitted. 
I remain, Sir, 
Very Respectfully, 
James A. Craig 

P.S.
I enclose you the Comptroller's letter to me, explaining the small amounts that in some cases were paid to the soldiers -
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April 29th 1848
T. L. Smith
case of Martha Alexander
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Washington Apl 28th ‘48 

Sir

I have the honor to submit herewith additional testimony in the case of Martha Alexander of Nork Carolina.

With great respect 
Your Obt St [obedient servant]
T. L. Smith

J. L. Edwards Esq Commr [Commissioner]
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Ruffins Mills, N. C.}
22d March}

J G Berret Esq.
Pension Office,
Washington City, D. C.

[written sideways] March 28 44 Case of Martha Alexander
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Ruffins Mills, N. Caroline,
22 March, 1849.

Sir,
 I received a letter last week from Mr. George Alexander of Guilford County, son of Mortha Alexander, who made a declaration of pension some two years ago,- the 'original family record' was required - I recollect distinctly of  getting this and enclosing it to Hon: W. Dackery- since we have ascertained it has been lost or misplaced, affidavits setting for the fact have been obtained, and forwarded to the pension office.
I again, repeat, I recollect distinctly of sending on the 'original family record' and that it stated within that the marriage of [illegible] or birth of the "first child, took place in 1784 or '85
I would be [illegible] to hear early from this claim, and communicate to the declarant, Mrs. Alexander.
I am. Sir,
Very Respt
Yo: ob Sevt.
James A. Craig 

J. G. Berret Esq.
Acting Commr. pensions
Washington City, D.C.
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11764 
Declaration 
of
Martha Alexander 
Married before 1794 
Recd [Received] March 26, 1845 

NC Tour to S. C. in 80 was 3 mo. see Capt. Jos Jonsons pages

 
Act 7th July 1838 

Return to be made 
Col H H Sylvester

[written upside down] George Alexander Greensboro N. C.
Page 33

Guilford County N. C. 
Feb. 15th 1845 

Dear Sir, After conversing with Genl [General] Logan and reflecting in my own mind on the matter respecting which you are in search of proof, I became satisfied that I was in possession of no facts and could find no records or evidence of any kind which would enable me to a certificate that could possibly be of any service to you. In fact, Genl Logan said that anything in the form of a certificate would be entirely useless, if not worse than useless and therefore I have concluded to say whatever I can say on the subject in the form of a letter addressed to you personally, of which you may make any use that you think proper. 
My churches, I believe, can furnish me records or possibly proof of the marriage of your father and mother [too light] more doubt of the fact that they were regularly married than I would have if I found it on the records of the church or the files of the clerk's office; for their character & standing in society were such as to forbid any other supposition. & some old members of the Alamace church, who were long will [well] acquainted with your father, have told me that he was, for many years, and, if I mistake not, from the
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time he joined until his death, a respectable member of that church; and as Dr Caldwell was at that time pastor of the church, it was a matter of course that your father would have him to officiate on such an occassion [occasion]. I do not recollect of seeing the license or any record of the transaction among the few papers which Dr. Caldwell kept as his death and which I examined with a good deal of care & minuteness, when collecting materials for his life; but that is no evidence to the contrary, for it is well known that his papers were all the destroyed by the British in spring of 1781; and if he was careful to make records or preserve papers of this kind, in his better days, as he probably was, he could not do so in the latter part of his life; for the sore afflictions in his family, which occurred soon after the war, and with the growing infirmities of age, prevented him from either writing or preserving his papers of any description. In fact, it might be expected that papers of whatever kind or value, like many other things, would have been destroyed by those in his family who, by being deprived of their reason knew not the value of anything, and who, for the want of that knowlege, [knowledge] were, as all such persons are, reckless; and such
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appears to have been the fact, but on this I need not dwell, for the were intention of his circumstances is enough to satisfy any person that nothing of the kind was to be expected among his papers - If I am not mistaken, I have heard some of the old people, in the Alamance say that, when they were young they often heard your father speak of having been in the service of his country during the struggle for independence, & [too light] the incidents to which occurred during the tour, but of this I cannot say much or state particulars, as I did not think the time of war having use for it age[cut off] 
I hope you will succeed in making out the claim of your mother; and I can be of any service to you in every I will cheerfully do so. 
with respect,
[signature too light]

Author of “The Life of Caldwell” 

J. A. Craig
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Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D. C.
Page 37

Ruffins Mills, N. C. 
21 March, 1845. T

Sir,
The declaration of Martha Alexander of Guilford County NC has just been handed to me and I herewith enclose it to you - any communication on this claim please address to Col. Sylvester of Washington City. 
I remain Sir; 

Yr. humb. Sert [Your Humble Servant] 
James A Craig
Page 38

Martha Alexander
wid [Widow] of Joseph
Virginia
July 7 ‘38
Page 39

Comptroller's Office Raleigh N. C. 

I, William F. Collins, Comptroller of Public Accounts. do hereby certify, that it appears of record in my Office that Joseph Alexander received the sum of ninety four pounds, eleven shillings (£94, 11s) for military service, as may be seen in "Book of the Army Accounts of the North Carolina line, settled by the Commissioners at Halifax from the 1st Sept 1784 to the 1st Feb. 1785, and at Warrenton in the year 1786”, and receipted by Wm Sanders (See page 4). It also appears that he received the sum of six pounds (£6) see Book No 25, given under my hand and seal this 17 day March 1845

Wm F. Collins Compt [Comptroller]
Page 40

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
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To J. L. Edward Esq. 
Sir
I am acquainted with William McLean & George Alexander who have made affidavits dated on the 15 [Illegible] of the claim of Martha Alexander of Guilford N. C. for a pension & believe the affiants to be persons of veracity & I am well acquainted with James Sloun who has certified to the good character of the witnesses & take great pleasure in offering you that he is a gentleman of high character & undoubted veracity. 
Yrs. Rep 
A. H. Sheppard

Ho. Rep. 25 Apl. [April] 1848
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Jamestown Guilford County 
N. C. August 23d 1854. 

L. P. Waldo Commr [Commissioner] &c 

Enclosed I send you a power of attorney, showing that George Alexander has employed me & Mr. L. M. Scott to make application for a pension in his behalf. - The case has been on hand a long time, & he has made out & forwarded the proofs that we thought were necessary in the case, in order to obtain the pension – 
you will therefore please to inform me what further proof is necessary in the case, or what the cause is, that the certificate of pension does not issue. & be forwarded on to us. 

Very Respectfully yours &c. 
Wm P. Mendenhall
Page 43

Mar. 28, 1845 
Recd [Received]
Martha Alexander

[written sideways] J. L. Edwards Esq Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Page 44

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
Letterhead] Letters addressed to this Office must be post-paid.
[typed in a box - United States Agency and Notarial Office, EDMUND F. BROWN, ATTORNEY AND AGENT FOR CLAIMANTS, Notary Public, Illinois Commissioner, & c. Continues to settle all kinds of business with the several branches of Government, with his usual promptness, efficiency and fidelity, especially CLAIMS FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS, Post Office and other Contracts, &c., F STREET, NEAR 14th STREET, WASHINGTON CITY. Seventeen doors east of the Treasury Department. Established in 1843. E. F. BROWN’S]
UNITED STATES AGENCY AND NOTARIAL OFFICE, WASHINGTON CITY, 
26th Novr [November] 1845.
J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions, 

Sir,

Doctor Craig of North Carolina informs me that in April last he forwarded to your office the Pension claim of Mrs. Martha Alexander of Guilford Co. N. C., that it was entrusted to Col. Sylvester and he is apprehensive it has been overlooked, and desires me to attend to it. 
He states that he forwarded her Declaration, certificate of Identity, and Comptrollers Certificate. Also an Original Pay Roll of Col. Colliers Regiment. 
Please allow me to examine the papers to learn what is needed in the case. 

Very Respectfully, 
Yr. Obt St. [Your Obedient Servant]
Edm. [Edmund] W. Brown
Page 45

[written sideways] Dec. 11. 1845 Recd [Received] Martha Alexander

From Brown’s Agency} J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 46

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
Letterhead] Letters addressed to this Office must be post-paid.
[typed in a box - United States Agency and Notarial Office, EDMUND F. BROWN, ATTORNEY AND AGENT FOR CLAIMANTS, Notary Public, Illinois Commissioner, & c. Continues to settle all kinds of business with the several branches of Government, with his usual promptness, efficiency and fidelity, especially CLAIMS FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS, Post Office and other Contracts, &c., F STREET, NEAR 14th STREET, WASHINGTON CITY. Seventeen doors east of the Treasury Department. Established in 1843. E. F. BROWN’S]
UNITED STATES AGENCY AND NOTARIAL OFFICE, WASHINGTON CITY, 

10th December 1845. 

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions, 

Sir;

In relation to the claim of Mrs. Martha Alexander, which I mentioned to you two weeks ago, Doctor Craig has written me that it was his error in requesting my attention to it, as he finds by consulting his Memorandum Books, that it is in the care of Messr T. L. & A. T. Smith. 
Under such circumstances, of course I can have no claim to it. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your Obt St. [Obedient Servant]
Edm. F. Brown
Page 47

Case of Mrs. Martha Alexander

From Brown’s Agency} J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

[written sideways] Nov. 29, 1845 Recd [Received] Martha Alexander
Page 48

[typed form, with handwritten responses]
Letterhead] Letters addressed to this Office must be post-paid.
[typed in a box - United States Agency and Notarial Office, EDMUND F. BROWN, ATTORNEY AND AGENT FOR CLAIMANTS, Notary Public, Illinois Commissioner, & c. Continues to settle all kinds of business with the several branches of Government, with his usual promptness, efficiency and fidelity, especially CLAIMS FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS, Post Office and other Contracts, &c., F STREET, NEAR 14th STREET, WASHINGTON CITY. Seventeen doors east of the Treasury Department. Established in 1843. E. F. BROWN’S]
UNITED STATES AGENCY AND NOTARIAL OFFICE, WASHINGTON CITY, 
27th November 1845.

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions, 

Sir,

In the case of Mrs. Martha Alexander, about which I spoke to you and wrote you yesterday, the Messrs Smith inform me that they are in correspondence with Dr. Craig on the subject and when they hear from him they will attend to my letter which asked if they had any objection to transfer the case to me. 
I have also written Dr. Craig, and presume you will not consider the claim as being in the charge of Messrs Smith until they shew authority, especially as I exhibited Dr. Craig's letter desiring me to attend to it. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your Obt St [Obedient Servant]
Edm. F. Brown
Page 49

[circular stamp] RALEIGH N. C. MAR 26

Dr James A Craig 
Ruffins Mills 
Orange of County N. C.
Page 50

Raleigh March 24th 1845 

Dear Sir
I have this morning received your letter of the 21st June in which you desire me to send you the certificate of Joseph Alexander and Jno Ray, also for George Nease, I wrote to you a few days since, informing you, that I had made out certificates in many cases which you had forwarded to me, stating they would be sent when you forwarded the fees due for the same; and since writing the same I have made a Thorough search for all the names which remained on your list and in addition to the package such (or first made out), I have made out certificates in the following cases to Wit, Andrew McMasters, George Pearson, Jno Taw, Richd Bishop, Drewry Johnson and George Neace – all of which many, are for small amounts, but it is all the record evidence which this office will furnish. I believe this includes every name you have sent, except the name of Edward Couch, which name of this is not to be found on the Books of this Office - in most of the last
Page 51

cases mentioned the amt of payments are small, but as Record evidence, from this office of service is required by the Pension Department. It may be, if a short term of service is declared in the cases where the amounts are small, the certificates will be received as strong Collateral proof of service; and some, or all of them may be granted, you can but try I wrote to the Pension Agent (Mr. Edwards) the other day explaining the nature of evidence which these military Books of this office furnish, and called his particular attention to these cases where evidence of service done not shew sufficient amt of pay in my certificates to support the declaration made out, that it ought not to prejudice the claim of the applicant as it appears very often on the Books of this office where the officer in command received the pay for his whole company, when they were paid off in Cash. 
In such cases it is probable where the term of service was short, that Certificates were issued only a part pay for services actually rendered & I think my communication will throw some light upon the path way -
Page 52

I wrote to you the amt you would be due me, not including the certificates sent in the case refered [referred] to in this Note, but I shall not increase my charge in these cases, and have contrary to my settled practice forwarded you the certificates without the fees in advance knowing you from reputation I hope all will be satisfactory if not please let me here [hear] from you, with great respect your Obt Sert [Obedient Servant] 
Wm. Collins
Page 53

Jamestown Guilford Co. 
N. C. Nov. 25th 1854. 

L. P. Waldo Esq. 
Enclosed I send you the proofs, which you required in the Martha Alexander case, you wrote me, that we must identify Joseph Alexander, and furnish a certificate from Court showing the date of her death, and upon what evidence the court certifies.
All of which, we have herewith complied strictly. - Please let me hear from you soon as practicable, 

Respectfully yours &c 
Wm P. Mendenhall
Page 54

[circular stamp] GREENSBORO NOV 17
Martha Alexandner
Joseph 
N. C. 1856

[written sideways] Free
Hon. George E. Whiting
Commr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 55

Jamestown, Guilford County
N. C. Nov. 17th 1856 

Hon. George C. Whiting 
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions 

In the case of the application for a pension by George Alexander the Son of Joseph & Martha Alexander, (said Joseph being a Revolutionary soldier) I think that the proof already forwarded to the Department is sufficient upon a full & deliberate consideration to entitle him to the certificate of pension. 
If you should be of a different opinion, will you please to let me know what we are as required by the Department. 
You will please have a reconsideration of the case, & let me know the result thereof, for we thought that we had complied with the requisition of the Department in full. 
Please let me hear from you as soon as practicable. 

Very Respectfully yours &c 
Wm. Mendenhall