Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7,276, for John B Mitchell, Pennsylvania
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(8-1776)  [Government form number]
Service Number
Penn. Mitchell, John B. R.  72.76
Born in England
Contents
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Know all men by these presents

That I, Sarah Riley of the District of Fayette and State of Kentucky, am hereby constituted and appointed as lawful attorney to prosecute any claims that are or may arise to me in the service of the United States, for services rendered by my father, John B. Mitchell, deceased, who served in the Army of the American Revolution, to whatever funds, pensions, or benefits I may be entitled to under existing laws.

I do hereby give and grant unto my said attorney full power and authority in the premises, to ask, demand, and receive on my behalf, all sums of money, evidence, or documents that may be in any department or office of the government or elsewhere, and to use and dispose of the same as fully as if I were present in person.

Witness my hand and seal this ____ day of __, 18.

(Signatures and Seals)

South Carolina
I do hereby certify:

This seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, before me, Thomas G. Bacon, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions for the said district and state aforesaid, personally came Sarah Riley, to me well known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.

And I hereby certify that the said Sarah Riley is the daughter and lawful heir of John B. Mitchell, who served as a private in the Revolutionary War and is entitled to pension funds or monies due for military service in the Revolution by the United States.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office as Clerk of the said district the day and year above written.

Thos. G. Bacon
Clerk C.P.
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[illegible] J. B. Mitchell
of [illegible]
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  [illegible][crossed out]
  [illegible] [crossed out]
18 Fb 33
sp: Ret: May 30 . 33 same [crossed out]
P250 [crossed out]
Suspended. see letter - 
28 October 18  [illegible]  
[illegible]
  [illegible] Newburg Oh
So Ca
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[A standard printed government form]

Briene in the case of private Mr. B. Mitchell of Edgefield in the State of South Carolina
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.   Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court [filled in by hand]

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
[no answer given]]

3. How old is he?   73

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

Period
March 1777

Duration of Service.
Enlisted for & during the war. [handwritten]

Rank.
As a Private [handwritten]

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
[handwritten] Capt. Stewart Gen [general] Washington Sullivan, Col Deborn.  Sgt Green Col Wotham

5.  In what battles was he engaged? 
[handwritten] Staten Island & Siege of Savannah.  

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?
[handwritten] Philadelphia Pennsylvania

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

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
[handwritten] Correct except his papers not attached

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

[illegible]
Examining Clerk.
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State of South Carolina
Edgefield District

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of South Carolina:

The petition of your humble petitioner respectfully shows that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. That he enlisted in Philadelphia in March 1777 under Captain Steward (?), in the Marine Army under Carolina, as Lieutenant Colonel St. George or James Holmes, and was in several small skirmishes until the August following under General William Irwin. In this engagement on Staten Island, he was wounded by a cannonball taking the flesh and muscle of his right leg below the knee, in which condition he was unable to walk or stand and was taken prisoner by the British. He was put on board a prison ship confined in a hold for 500 weeks, attacked with fits of flux and received harsh treatment. He was subsequently discharged for disability and received good treatment. He was then sent to John Howard's where he remained until April 1778.
British at the siege of Fort Sullivan. He was compelled to continue with the British in different locations until he reached Cambridge, S.C. All the time being with them, he was unable to do any service other than being compelled at times to take charge of their baggage trains, generally riding because he was unable to walk any in consequence of the wound received at Staten Island.

At Cambridge, he had the good fortune to be again taken prisoner by our Col. Smith of the American Army, who carried him to Gen. Green, who was at that time at Gov. Cambridge. General Green, when he learned of my situation, being unable to render further service in the Army, gave me an honorable discharge and an order upon every commissary store from Cambridge to Philadelphia for provisions on my journey
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furnished with a detachment of Green's army from Cambridge to Mecklenburg, North Carolina. I followed the route with them, thankful that I had at least been freed from the detestable foes who provided me with a horse to ride a great part of the way.

When I arrived at Mecklenburg, I was unable to track anything for a useful command and remained as invalid at which occasion General Green allowed me to serve as long as I was able, living since that time most of my time in South Carolina living about 2 years in North Carolina.

Your petitioner, worn and therefore prays your Honorable Body to take into consideration one whose blood freely ran in the defense of his country, who did all in his power toward the achievement of that liberty which it is your happiness to enjoy, who now is worn down to old age, in care, and failing relations and friends, and great liveliness and complications.

As you, in your wisdom, think best, that his last days may be spent in happiness, that he may feel the assurance that County has not forgotten nor appreciated the services of the fathers and defenders of the country and, as in duty bound, your petitioner will ever pray.

Edgefield District, South Carolina, November 24, 1821.
(Signed) John B. Mitchell

I certify that the signature on the right side of this paper was written by John B. Mitchell, who was formerly a good scribe but now his hand is so unsteady, and his eyesight so bad, that he can scarcely write at all.
(Signed) John Strobel
South Carolina, Edgefield District.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of South Carolina:

We, the undersigned citizens of Edgefield and neighboring districts, would show unto your Honorable Body that we have been acquainted with the signer of this petition (on the other side of this paper), John B. Mitchell, for many years; that he has been a resident
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of the two Districts the greater part of his life, that he is a man of strict veracity having been a minister of the Gospel for many years and continued in that calling so long as he was able to attend to the duty, and we place firm reliance in the statements he has made believing the same to be the truth. We the undersigned would therefore petition your Honorable Body to take his case into favorable consideration, and grant that a [illegible], infirm Revolutionary [illegible crossed out word] patriot that you in your wisdom should think would best comfort with the dignity of the state and justice of the petitioners claim. The state has many magnificent schemes of internal improvement on hand upon which she from year to year lavishes with a profuse hand the money from her Treasury & we would humbly petition that the old man who is now worn down from the frost of  Eighty two winters, who has become so feeble and so helpless as to be unable to get out of the House without good apitance [a pittance?] & care on his friends and relatives who are illy able to help him, deprived nearly of speech and sight, who spent the youthful part of his life in that struggle which tried mens souls who if they had faltered & succumbed to the British Lion we might now be slave in stead of freemen, from these considerations & the liberty which we enjoy as the fruit of their toil we hope that your Honorable Body will make his last days, days of pleasantry and him also realize something as a compensation for his sufferings in the cause of liberty. And as in duty bound your petitioner will ever pray 
24th November 1841. (Signed/ John Huiet, L.C. Ready, Allen S. Dozier, John Jennings Sr., James Maynard, Wm. A. Strother, D. Denny, Joseph Long, Geo D. Huiet, John Inlow, Dennis McCarty, Daniel Wheeler Sr., Giles Martin, A. L. Nicholson, Daniel Campbell, W Herbert, James Kilgore, P Schoppert,  Isaac Herbert, W Wilson.
Dec. 8th 1841 I have known the Rev. John B Mitchell
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from my infancy: he has been I think for forty years a preacher of the gospel of the Methodist denomination: he has for that time sustained an unimpeachable character. I have no doubt he was a Revolutionary soldier: for I drew some years ago a statement of his Revolutionary services for the purpose of enabling him to obtain a pension from the [illegible] Government. For some cause it was not granted. He is now a very aged man (I think over Eighty years of age; and is I know in very indignant circumstances and is very much dependent on his friends for support. 
(Signed/ John Bolton Oneall
The Committees on pension to whom was referred the petition of John B Mitchell praying to be placed on the pension Roll of the state Respectfully Report that they have considered the same & recommend that the payer of the petitioner be granted & that he be placed on the pension Roll of the state.
Dec. 7 1841.
The Committee on the military & pensions to which was referred the Report of the Committee of the House of Representatives on the petition of John B Mitchell praying to be placed on the pension Roll has had the same under consideration and beg leave to Report that the Committee do recommend that the Report of the House be concurred in.
(Signed/ Ino Buchanan Chairman
In the House of Representatives Dec 16th 1841. Resolved that the House do agree to the Report ordered that it be sent to the senate for concurrence. By order. (Signed) T.W. Glover C.H.R.
In the Senate December 17 1841 Resolved that the Senate do concur in the Report ordered that it be returned to the House of Representatives By order. (Signed/ W. E. Martin C.S"
Office of clerk of Huse of Representatives Columbia S.C. November 26th 1832. I do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy as taken from the original papers on file in the office.
For clerk of House Reps.
James A. Black.
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June 23, 1931

Mrs. G. A. Parker  
44 Geneva Street
Opelika, Alabama

Rev. &1812 Wars Section 
John B. Mitchell - R.7276
EEL

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the Revolutionary War records of the bureau that John B. Mitchell was born January 22, 1759, in Bristol, Britain, came into America April 1, 1772, arriving in the city of Philadelphia.
While residing in Edgefield District, South Carolina, he applied for pension under the Act of June 7, 1832. It was stated that he volunteered in March, 1776, in Philadelphia, served under Captain Stewart, was in several skirmishes and at the battle of Staten Island, where he was severely wounded in his right leg, was taken prisoner and held on a prison ship for five or six weeks; that he was then taken to St. Johns Florida, where he remained until April, 1778, was then carried to Savannah, was under the British at the siege, but on account of his wound was unable to render any service except at times when he took charge of baggage trains; that at Cambridge, South Carolina, he was captured by Colonel Smith of the American Army, was taken to General Greene who gave him unlimited furlough and an order on every commissary from Cambridge to Philadelphia, but on account of his wound he was unable to proceed further than Mecklenburg, North Carolina, where he remained and took up teaching school for a livelihood.
His claim was not allowed by the United States as he failed to furnish proof of six months actual military service in the American Army as was required by the pension laws. He was allowed pension by the State of South Carolina.
He continued to reside in North Carolina, until 1789, then moved to Newberry District, South Carolina, and then to Edgefield District, South Carolina. He taught school and was also minister of the Methodist Church.
[In the margin to the right, handwritten] As his ok was not on file if having [illegible]
He gave June 3, 1781, as date of discharge but [illegible] 7, said not to [illegible] it
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In 1841, he was still living in Edgefield District, South Carolina. The date of his death is not given but he was deceased in 1852.
The soldier married in 1782, but the name of his wife is not shown.
The only child referred to was a daughter, Sarah Riley, who was residing in Edgefield District, South Carolina in 1852, and was then said to be the soldier's only surviving heir.
Very truly yours
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
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North Carolina )
Edgefield District )

On this 24th day of June, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three, before me A. M. Perrin, a Notary Public for the district and state aforesaid, personally came Isaac Riley, a resident of the district and state aforesaid, aged sixty three, 63, years, who first being duly sworn according to law, declares upon oath that he was well and intimately acquainted with John Mitchell dec'd, who was a soldier in the Army of the United States in the War of the American Revolution; that this deponent first became acquainted with John Mitchell when he was about seven or eight years of age; that about that time, it being about the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, John Mitchell aforesaid was teaching a school in the district of Newbury in the state aforesaid; that this deponent then went to said school, which said Mitchell then and there taught, for about two years; that
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John Mitchell aforesaid was a minister of the gospel at that time, and continued such to the time of his death; that he at the time referred to above enjoyed the entire confidence of his friend s and neighbors, as a man of integrity and truth; that his reputation as such continued to the day of his death; that this deponent continued his acquaintance with said Mitchell from the time of his going to school as above stated to the time of his death; that so far as historical and traditional evidence can serve, this deponent has every reason to believe John Mitchell did serve in the Army of the United States in the Revolution; and that he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British; that this deponent makes this affidavit not from his own knowledge, but from the traditional knowledge he has of the facts connected with the history of John Mitchell; that
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this deponent has every reason to believe that John Mitchell dec'd, aforesaid, was the identical man who did serve in the Revolution in the American Army, and who was wounded and taken prisoner by the British, and whose legal representatives or representative viz. Sarah Riley, now claims the arrearages of the pension due her father John Mitchell aforesaid, at the time of his death; and deponent further states that he has no interest whatever, either directly or indirectly, in the claim of Sarah Riley aforesaid, for said pension.

Attest:                       Isaac Riley [illeg.]
John B. Riley

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year within written; and I hereby certify that Isaac Riley is a citizen of the district and state as above stated, of high moral character.

A. M. Perrin {Ls}
Not'y Pub. E. D. S. C.
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The Carolina
of the (possibly "The Superior") Court,

I, [Name], Clerk of the Court of [District Name] for the district and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that [Name], whose name appears to the within affidavit, was examined, and whose genuine official signature is thereunto subscribed.

Given at the office the [date], [Year], and witness for said district as a state clerk or commissioner as at [Location].

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office as Clerk for said district, this [Date], [Month] 20, 1853.
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State of South Carolina }
Edgefield District}

I, Theo G. Bacon, clerk of the court of C. P. [illeg.] for the district and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that A. M. Perrin, Esq., before whom the within affidavit was subscribed, and whose genuine official signature is thereunto subscribed, was at the date thereof a Notary Public for said district and state duly commissioned and sworn.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office as clerk for said district, this 25th day of July, AD 1853
Tho. G. Bacon
Clk C. P.
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May 26, 1936
Honorable Duncan U. Fletcher
United States Senate
Washington D. C. 

BA-J/MMHF/eel
[Handwritten] O.U.L.
John B. Mitchell
R.7276

My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your request of May 9, 1936, addressed to The Adjutant General, War Department, which has been referred to this office for further reply. With your letter was enclosed a letter from Doctor C.T. Young, of Plant City, Florida, in whose behalf you make your request, and who desires the Revolutionary War records of James and John Mitchell and of another whose widow was Tanner Mitchell. He states that these families descended from Scotch Irish emigrants to Pennsylvania and down through North Carolina to South Carolina.

The Revolutionary War pension and bounty land records have been searched, but with the meager data furnished by Doctor Young, it has been impossible to identify definitely any particular record in which he might be interested.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of a soldier with the surname Mitchell whose widow, Tanner Mitchell, made application for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War. Claims have been found based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a James Mitchell who served in South Carolina Troops and lived also in North Carolina and South Carolina. These records are furnished herewith as found in the papers in those claims. It is hoped that the data will aid Doctor Young in his research.

The letter of Doctor Young and copy of War Department report are enclosed herewith.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
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May 26, 1936

Honorable Duncan U. Fletcher
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.

BA-J/EEL
John B. Mitchell - R.7276
James Mitchell - B.L.Wt.#2105-300

My dear Senator:

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.7276, based upon the military service in that war of John B. Mitchell

John B. Mitchell was born January 22, 1759 in Bristol, England, and came to America April 1, 1772, arriving in the city of Philadelphia.

While residing in Edgefield District, South Carolina, he applied for pension under the Act of June 7, 1832. It was stated that he volunteered in March, 1776, in Philadelphia, served under Captain Stewart, was in several skirmishes and at the battle of Staten Island, where he was severely wounded in his right leg, was taken prisoner and held on a prison ship for five or six weeks; that he was taken to St. John's Florida, where he remained until April, 1778, was then carried to Savannah , was under the British at siege, but on account of his wound was unable to render any service except at times when he took charge of baggage trains: that at Cambridge, South Carolina, he was captured by Colonel Smith of  the American Army, was taken to General Greene who gave him unlimited furlough and an order on every commissary from Cambridge to Philadelphia, but on account of his wound, he was unable to proceed further than Mecklenburg, North Carolina, wherehe [where he] remained and took up teaching for a livelihood.

His claim was not allowed by the United States as he failed to furnish proof of six months actual service in the American Army as required by the pension laws. He was allowed pension by the state of South Carolina.

He continued to reside in North Carolina, until 1789, then moved to Newberry District, South Carolina, and then to Edgefield District, South Carolina. He taught school and was also minister of the Methodist Church.
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In 1841, John B. Mitchell was still living in Edgefield District, South Carolina. The date of his death is not given.

The soldier married in 1782. There is no data in regard to his wife.

The only name of a child is that given of a daughter, Sarah Riley, who, in 1852, was residing in Edgefield District, South Carolina, and was said to be the only surviving heir of the soldier, John B. Mitchell. Ther date of her birth and mane of her husband are not stated.


James Mitchell
B.L.Wt.# 2106-300

The data which follow are obtained from the papers in the claim for bounty land based upon the military service of James Mitchell in the Revolutionary War. 

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of James Mitchell are not shown.

James Mitchell served as captain tin the South Carolina Line. Names of officers and dates of service are not stated. He was in the battles of Hanging Rock and Blackstocks, was also at engagements at Congares Fort and Bigham's Church. He was severely wounded in the service. 

In 1814, he was a resident of York District, South Carolina. He died about 1819, place not shown.

The soldier's wife was named Rachel. There are no particulars in regard to her.

James and Rachel Mitchell had only one child, a daughter, Margaret, who married Robert Love. The date of her birth and marriage are not shown. The widow, Rachel, and Robert and Margaret Love were all deceased in 1834.

Robert and Margaret Love had twelve children, as follows:
-2-
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James Mitchell Love | in 1835, a resident of York District, South Carolina.

Robert Mitchell Lov
Rachel R. Lov
Anna L. Love
Mary Love
Nancey Love
Margaret Love
Elisabeth Love
Arthur F. R. Love
Andrew F. Love
Emma Love
Eilen Love

The dates of birth of the above named children are not given.

Bounty Land Warrent [Warrant] No. 2105 for three hundred acres of bounty land was issued April 11, 1835, for benefit of the surviving heirs of the soldier, Captain James Mitchell, on account of his service in the Revolutionary War.

In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, your constituent should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official with the number of the warrant, the acreage and the date of issuance.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
-3-
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A. G. 201
Mitchell, James (5/9/36) ORD 1st Ind. LLB/ORD

War Department, A. G. O., May 13, 1936- To the Veterans' Administration, Washington, D. C. Attention Miss Nevitt.

1. Attention is invited to the basic communication and it's inclosure [enclosure].

2. Honorable Duncan U. Fletcher, United States Senator, has been informed of this reference in a letter of this date, a copy of which is herewith inclosed [enclosed].

E. T. Conley
Major General,
The Adjutant General
By W. G. Buchanan

2 incls [encls].
(Copy of Lt.)
(Letter)
Page 21

M. Thompson
Oct. 10/53
Page 22

Pension Office
Oct. 10, 1853

Sir,

The claim of John B. Mitchell, decd., for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, was rejected in 1836; and it cannot now be admitted, for the reason, if for no other, that there is no proof whatever that he rendered the service alleged.

It seems that a portion, at least, of the papers in the case were sent to the Hon. W. M. Pickens, Nov. 2, 1846, and they probably have not been returned.

Mr. Thompson Esq.
Present.
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July, 26.
Page 24

Pension Office, Feb. 26, 1847

Sir,

In reference to the enclosed letter of Mrs. William Riley, I have the honor to state that the claim of John B. Mitchell for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, was fully examined by this office for the reasons stated in the enclosed copy of a letter dated March 1, 1838.

It is proper to add that the claim, not having been pressed during the lifetime of the soldier, could not now be established and secured by his children or other representatives. There has been no delay by the department, since the case has been acted upon.

With great respect,
[Signature]

Hon. W. M. Bonham,
House of Representatives
Page 25

[Standard government form]
[written in top upper-left]
1934 - June -23
Hist to Mrs. L. H. Parker 
1936 - May 26 - Hist to Hon Duncan M. Fletcher. T. Young

 REJECTED [stamped in upper right

7.276
John B. Mitchell
 
[Several lines left blank]

Application filed: [Typed]
[handwritten] printed list of 1852 -shows cause of rejection

Alleges: [Typed]
[handwritten] "Served as a waiter, after he was made a prisoner in the British Army'
Page 26

Opelika, Ala. May 6 – 1891

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Please search pension records for name of Pvt. John B. Mitchell, a Rev. war soldier. Enlisted in Va., captured by British, brought to South Carolina and held as prisoner. After release remained near Newberry, S.C., died in Edgefield Dist. four beyond I recall the Target primary school as a member of J.P. in S.C.

I am anxious to know if pension record mentions children.

Sincerely,
Mrs. J.A. Parker
44 Geneva St.
Opelika, Ala.
Page 27

United States Senate
Washington D.C., May 9,1936
Respectfully referred to 
The Adjutant General-

To. Recieved A.G.C. May 11, 1936
Respectfully,
Duncan U. Fletcher
U.S.S.
1 June 11:45

[Note on the side in the margin]
A.G. 20 1- Mitchell, James (5/9/36) M.H.
Page 28

Washington, Feby 22nd, 1858

George C. Whiting, Esq.
Comr. Pensions

Sir,

Please give me all the information you can furnish as to the matters mentioned in the enclosed letter, and return the letter with the information.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant

M. L. Bonham
Page 29

333 GI
Page 30

Springfield
September 4th, 1846

I have known the man John B. Mitchell for a great number of years. He is a Baptist minister of good standing in his church. He has been for the last forty or fifty years an intelligent English teacher.

He has, during my acquaintance with him (which has been from my childhood), always supported a true and excellent character.

I have no doubt that his statements regarding his Revolutionary Services are true. He is now a very aged man and ought to be rewarded by the country for which he risked his life in the early years of his life.

Jno. B. O’Neall, one of the Judges of the Court of Appeals of the State of S. Car.

I have heard the above certificate of Judge O’Neall and can cheerfully concur in its statement of Mr. Mitchell’s character. The said I have been acquainted with since about 1812 or 13. His statements are entitled to implicit credit.

Jas. S. Hunter, one of the Senators of S.C.
Sept. 13, 1843
Page 31

Washington, Sept. 17th, 1853

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr. of Pensions

Sir,

I herewith inclose the affidavit of Isaac Riley in support of the case of John Mitchell.

Respectfully, Your Obdt. Servt.,
M. Thompson
per E. Clement Plumb
Page 32

Hon. M. L. Bonham
Mb x 5
Page 33

Pension Office, March 5, 1855

Sir,

Agreeably to your request, I have the honor to send you herewith, the Family Bible of John B. Mitchell, his will, and his Key of Arithmetic, filed as evidence in his claim for pension under the act of June 7, 1832, which has been rejected by this office.

No papers in support of a claim for removal pension of William Riley have been filed in this office.

I herewith return the letter of Mr. Riley.

With great respect,
&C.

Hon. M. L. Bonham
House of Reps
Page 34

Jno. B. Mitchell was made a prisoner in 1777 by the British—was on board the Prison Ship in NY.

Sometime, was taken out and sent to the South as a waiting man to a British officer. In 1781, he (J. B. M.) escaped from the British, but from wounds was unfit at the time he was taken, nor performed any more service.
Page 35

Oct 31. For F.W. Piker
24
To The Court of Pension 
Mr. Syl Pension Office
Washington City
D C
Page 36

Edgewood near Pendleton
22 Oct. 1836

To the Comr. of Pensions

Sir,

The Rev. John B. Mitchell has just received some communication from your office referring to copies of papers which were filed in 1835 on his application for a pension.

The originals were procured from Newberry District of this state, and the memorial was attested by the Hon. J. B. O’Neall.

The application was rejected. The same is his declaration, for the purpose, I believe, of making an attempt to amend it and supply some proof.

Will you be so kind as to tender the same to him?
Page 37

M. Thompson
Nov 25/33
Page 38

Pension Office
Nov 25, 1853

Sir,

On the 2nd of Nov 1836, the original papers in the case of John B. Mitchell of S.C. were sent to the Hon. Wm. Pickens, and have not been returned to this office.

There is not a paper file in this office, the slightest ground for the admission of a claim for a pension in his right.

M. Thompson Esq.
Page 39

The claim of John Riley for the Revolutionary services of his father,
Mr. B. Mitchell, decd.

John B. Mitchell

A. Perrin
Atty
Edgefield C.H.
S.C.
Page 40

South Carolina
Edgefield District

I, Henry T. Wright, Judge of the Court of Ordinary of the district and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited in this court to prove that John B. Mitchell was a soldier in the army of the American Revolution and received a wound in the state of South Carolina, which disabled him from performing further service.

It also appears that Isaac Riley is the son-in-law of the said John B. Mitchell, and that the daughter of the said John B. Mitchell is now deceased.

The said John B. Mitchell died in said district on or about the 22nd day of June 1834.

The documents and records examined include affidavits and declarations regarding his service, stating that he served in the American Army in the years 1777 to 1781, being wounded in the war. He was later held as a prisoner by the British in 1781, from which he escaped but was unfit for further service due to his wounds.

Having reviewed the available records and testimony, I certify the above statements as correct and a matter of official record in this district and state.

John B. Mitchell had his leg broken, escaped, and went to South Carolina, where he resided until his death. The affiant further states that he has been well acquainted with the said John B. Mitchell, and has often heard him speak of his service in the Revolutionary War, and that he has no doubt of the truth of his statements.

The affiant also states that he has frequently seen and read the hand-written certificate of John B. Mitchell's pension claim, one of four thousand in circulation.

The said Isaac Riley is well known personally to me; he is a man of undoubted veracity and integrity, and that his statements on every occasion are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof,
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, as Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the said district, this 16th day of February 1855.

Henry T. Wright
Page 41

M. L. Bonham
Ho. of Reps.
March 1, 1855

Cole & Robb
1st          2nd

Has an application for pension been made for Mr. Riley? If so, desire that the Bible & the file of J. B. Mitchell’s case may be returned with a letter from Wm. Riley.

I respectfully refer
to the Commissioner of Pensions
Respectfully,
A. H. H.?

March 3rd

Recd 2 Mar '58
Wm. A. Hutt
Page 42

Washington City
March 18th 1858

Hon. J. Thompson,
Secy' of the Interior

Sir, 
Permit me to trouble the Department, for some further information, sought in the enclosed letter, to wit, Has any application in behalf of Wm. Riley, been made for a Pension as an Invalid soldier, in the War of 1812, by Mr. P. Reston in any other penson [pension]. Also please inform me if the Family Bible of Jn. B. Mitchell, his Will and his Key of Arithmetic stating his school places , were left
Page 43

In the Department of the Interior,
Can you give me any information concerning them, that the Department is in possession of?

If the Books & Bible are in possession of the Department and not required to be kept there nor of further use, please have them delivered to me & the enclosed letter returned.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
M. L. Bonham
Page 44

Edgefield CH S.C.
August 16th 1855

A. Perrin
Atty
Page 45

Edgefield C.H., S.C.
August 16th, 1855

Sir,

Be pleased to send me copies of all the papers on file in the Pension Office, in the following Revolutionary claims, to wit: The case of Lydia Carter, widow of John Bledsoe, and John B. Mitchell, and Sarah Bledsoe, widow of John Bledsoe.

This is in relation to a certificate of Lydia Carter, whose papers in the case is tendered in evidence of her husband's services, to be used before the Court of Claims.

I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
A. Perrin

To Hon. J. Minot
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 46

March 8/55
Page 47

Pension Office
March 5, 1855

Sir,

The additional evidence in the case of John B. Mitchell, decd., of South Carolina, has been received.

From my letter of 2nd November 1836, and from records on file in the case, it appears that the original application of John B. Mitchell is missing. It further appears that the claim was based on the statement that Mitchell, after his imprisonment and escape, was enlisted as a waiter in the British Army in an English Officer's service.

The original application declared his service as a sergeant, but no satisfactory evidence has been presented to prove his entitlement to a pension.

The records of this claim are as complete as they can be corroborated by any records in this bureau.

A. Perrin, Esq.
Edgefield C.H., S.C.
Page 48

Hon. F. W. Pickens
Nov 2 1836
AO

Rec Vol, 39
Page 185
Page 49

Edgefield C.H., S.C.
Pension Office
Nov. 29, 1852

Sir,

Enclosed, as per your request, is the affidavit of Isaac Riley regarding the pension claim for John B. Mitchell, decd., of South Carolina.

The papers have been reviewed and authenticated, as he desired to submit proof to establish himself as the legitimate claimant.

With great respect,
John H. Turner

To:
Hon. Wm. Pickens
Edgefield C.H., S.C.
Page 50

To A. Perrin [illegible] Edgefield
Newberry [crossed out]
So. Ca
Page 51

Springfield
Feb. 28th, 1855

To: A. Perrin, Esq.

Dear Sir,

You will find my statement relative to Mr. Mitchell's case on the other side.

I have written every word to the best of my recollection and understanding in relation to the inquiries made.

Very respectfully,
James Bolton O’Neall
Page 52

The statement of John Bolton O’Neall, made in the Court of Springfield, regarding the claim of John B. Mitchell for his Revolutionary War service.

I have personally known the said John B. Mitchell for many years. I have heard him, on numerous occasions, recount his experiences during the Revolutionary War.

He stated that he enlisted as a sergeant and served in Virginia until he was captured by the British. After being held as a prisoner of war, he was taken to South Carolina, where he eventually escaped.

Mr. Mitchell described how, during his time in captivity, he was forced to serve as a waiter for British officers. He escaped from this duty and returned to live in South Carolina until his death.

I have always regarded John B. Mitchell as a man of integrity and good character, whose statements regarding his service were consistent and credible.

John Bolton O’Neall
Springfield
Feb 28, 1855
Page 53

Jn. B. Oneal- 
28 Oct 1833
A.C.
Page 54

Department of War
October 8, 1853

Sir,

The claim of John B. Mitchell has again been examined, and as he has been unable to produce any proof of his service, and as his name does not appear on the rolls, the presumption is against the justice of the claim.

It is therefore suspended, and his papers placed upon the files of this office.

I am,

H. B. O’Neal, Esq.
Newberry Court House, S.C.
Page 55

Jn. K. Griffin
Dec 8, 31
OC

Rec. Vol. 5 pa. 365
Page 56

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
August 5, 1853

Sir,

I have carefully examined the papers of Mr. John B. Mitchell in relation to his claim for a pension. It appears from the best of the available information that the facts stated do not sufficiently provide the necessary proof for the pension.

The records show that he enlisted at an early period of the war and served for a time in the State of Virginia. He was later captured by the British and transported to South Carolina, where he escaped.

The records further indicate that Mr. Mitchell subsequently served as a waiter to a British officer and performed no other military service afterward.

Mr. Mitchell’s own statements confirm that he served in the early part of the war but was later attached to the British forces. While his character appears credible, the pension laws do not provide for such service.

It is therefore concluded that the claim cannot be approved based on the evidence presented.

Respectfully,
J. K. Griffin
Hon. J. K. Griffin, House of Reps
Page 57

Washington City
Feb. 11, 1832

To: Hon. J. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir,

I herewith enclose a transcript from the Legislative Records of South Carolina in support of the claim of John B. Mitchell of that state for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832.

I have the honor to be,
Most Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
M. Thompson
Atty. for Mitchell
Page 58

Dec 5.
Free
The Honorable
John K. Griffin 
House of Representatives, Congress Washington.

Hon. JK Griffin, 
HR.
Page 59

Springfield
Nov 16th 1835 [underlined]

Dear General
I hope you will receive some additional papers of John B. Mitchell relative to his revolutionary service: his original application and all his [illegible] papers you will [illegible] from Mr. Edward Harpers are on file in the Pension Office.  Mr. Mitchell will be obliged to you to write to him at Coleman's Croft's Roads Edgefield Dist.  I have requested our friends Roger and [illegible]
to aid you with any influence they may help in getting the old man's pension which ought to be an invalid pension for many years
Page 60

[continuation of the previous page]

back, allowed and 
Sect of War. 
[illegible]
[illegible]
John A. Griffin
Page 61

John B. Mitchell



Jo B Mitchell
Page 62

Jn [John] B Mitchell

Mitchell was taken prisoner by British.
Page 63

Pension Office
November 25, 1853

Sir,

On the 2nd of November 1836, the original papers in the case of John B. Mitchell of South Carolina were sent to the Hon. W. M. Pickens and have not been returned to this office.

There is no record on file in this office to support the admission of a claim for a pension in his right.

Very Respectfully,
A. Mason
Commissioner

M. Thompson, Esq.
Present
Page 64

Washington City
March 5th, 1855

To: A. Perrin, Esq.
Edgefield, S.C.

Dear Sir,

Upon perusing the accompanying pages, you will find the affidavit of Mr. J. K. Griffin in the case of John B. Mitchell. It references the return of the original papers to support the pension claim.

Please give this matter your attention, as the absence of these documents has caused delays in processing the claim.

Respectfully yours,
John Bolton O’Neall
Page 65

Additional Evidence

In the case of John B. Mitchell of South Carolina,
Act of June 7, 1832

Filed April 5, 1853

M. Thompson
Attorney
Washington, D.C.
Page 66

South Carolina
Edgefield District
On this 3rd day of September 1853, before me 
AM Perrin, a Notary Public for the district and state aforesaid, personally came William Riley, age at about seventy (70) years a respectable and reputable citizen of the district and state aforesaid, who first being duly sworn according to law, declares upon oath that he well knew John B Mitchell died, who was a soldier in the Continental service of the United States in the war of the Revolution. That he first become acquainted with said deceased about the year 1795, where he went to school to said deceased, in Newberry District of said state that this deponent knew said Mitchell from his infancy, to the day of his--Mitchell's death, that he lived very near him in his youth and was well acquainted with many of his private affairs; that this deponent is well satisfied that John B. Mitchell whose heirs now claim a pension for his Revolutionary service is or was the idential man who did serve, and who was taken a prisoner by the British, and whose heirs now claim a pension; that this deponent has seen the written discharge of said John B. Mitchell, and has seen and heard him read letters from those with whom he served, and with whom he was imprisoned, referring to and speaking of their companionship the service and imprisonment; and deponent
Page 67

further states that he is disinterested
                                          Wm Riley

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year within written; and I hereby certify that William Riley is a Resident of the district of Edgefield and state of South Carolina of high respectability, and, is in every way entitle to full faith and credit; and that he is about the age
[blocked] mentioned.
                                          Tho G Bacon
                                           Clk. C. P.

Additional Evidence in the case of 
John B. Mitchell of South Carolina
Act of June 7th, 1832
M. Thompson
Atty
Washington D.C.
Page 68

Washington Nov. 18th 1853
Hon. L. P Waldo
Com [commissioner] Of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir
I herewith enclosed additional evidence in the case of John B. Mitchell of S.C. act of 1832 and respectfully ask a reexamination of the Claim
Respectfully J.C.
M. Thompson
her C. Clement Venable
Page 69

J.B. Mitchel
SoCar [South Caroline underlines]
Suspended [underlines]
Jas. B. Oneal Esq
Newburg -
SoCar [South Carolina
Act 7 June 1832.
Page 70

Official Business
Hon Las. E Heath 
Commons of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 71

Mr. B. Mitchell    No 33.361
So. Car
7276
Rejected see let
1/2 H 01 JM  R
Griffin Law 8 1835
Paper sent Hon (unreadable)
We. Thompson 
A. Perrin not there
Same City LL 1833I
Hon M.L. Bonhane
Act 7 June 1872
7276
Page 72

Revolutionary Pension Claim of Tho. B. Mitchell of South Carolina Act of 7th (unreadable) 1832
Rev to Dr. Thompson 
Tues Feby 10 1833
Papers Cal of 
Recd from A. Perrin 
Edgewood (unreadable)
Page 73

Know All Men by these Presents
Jonas Riley of the district of Edgefield and State of South Carolina, do by these presents make constitute and appoint Thompson, my true and lawful agent and attorney, to prosecute any clim I may have against the Government of the United States, for money on account of Pension Increase of Pension arranges of Pension, arranges of Pay, Extra pay or Bounty Land, under any act or acts of Congress as the daughter of John Mitchell died who was in the company  commanded by Capt. Stewart and in my Regiment of Commanded by Col in the war of the American Revolution to examine all papers and documents on file at Washington City or elsewhere to file additional evidence and arguments, and to receive the certificate or certificates; and to do every other act that I might or could do were I personally present, and acting for myself Hereby ratifying and confirming all my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises   I witness my hand and seal, this seventh day of October A.D. 1852 Sarah Riley work
The presence of G S Penne
G. Moueneff
Page 74

State of South Carolina Edgefield District 
On this seventh day of October A.D. 1852, personally appeared before me A.M. Perrin a Noty Public and magistrate Ex Officio for district and State aforesaid, Sarah Riley, and acknowledged the within Power of attorney to be her act and deed. 
A M Perrin a Notary Public & Mag Esq of E.D.L.C.
State of South Carolina
Edgefield District of Thos G Bacon, Clerk of the Court of C.P.&S. for the district and state aforesaid hereby certify, that A.M. Perrin Esqr before whom the within Power of attorney was executed and whose genuine official signature is thereunto subscribed was at the date hereof a Notary Public for the district and State aforesaid duly [commissioned?] and sworn; and I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been shown to me, that Sarah Riley whose genuine signature or mark is annexed to the power of attorney within, in presence of this credible and disinterested witness is his daughter, and only heir at Law, and true legal Representative of John B Mitchell Deed, who was a [blank] in the company commanded by Captains [blank]and in a Regiment the
Page 75

of [blank] commanded by Col [blank] in the war of the American Revolution; and that satisfactory evidence has been shown to me that John B Mitchell aforesaid was a Revolutionary soldier, and that he drew a pension from the state of South Carolina at the rate of sixty dollars per year. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal as Clerk for said District this 30th December A.D. 1852 day of the Tho. G. Bacon Clk