Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5406, for William Hunter, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.

Hunter, William

NUMBER
R. 5406

CONTENTS
Page 2

State of Georgia County of Lowndes
On this the 10th day of July A.D. 1855, Eighteen hundred and fifty five, Personally Appeared before me, Daniel W. McNeil a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, William Hunter a
resident of Lowndes County and State of Georgia aged one hundred five years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of the Congress of the United States passed the 7th day of June A.D. 1832 Eighteen hundred and thirty two, and also the several acts amendatory thereto. Saith that he enlisted or entered the service as a Soldier in the Army of the United States. The precise date as to the month, year or day, he does not
recollect, owing to his extreme old age, and bodily infirmity, that he does not recollect the number of the Regiment he was in or attached to but knows that he enlisted in the State of South Carolina, but does not recollect whether he was drafted or whether he volunteered, or was a substitute but to the best of his recollection, was drafted to serve, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. That he was in the Regiment commanded by Colonel or Major Thompson [William Thomson], and in the company commanded by Henry Erwin [Captain Henry Ervin] as one of the officers, to the best of his
recollection, of the Regiment or Battalion commanded by said Thompson. That he recollects the
name of one of the officers belonging to this
Page 3

same company to which he belonged, which name was Smith, who was a Magazine Officer. That a man by the name of Hyatt who belonged to said
Thompson's Regiment or Battalion as the case may be he recollects very well attempted to desert from the Army, and was shot & killed by said Smith, near a certain Poke Bush, which was near the Town of Charleston the nearest Town to which place said Thompson's Regiment or Battalion was stationed in the State of South Carolina. That he does not recollect the precise time or the
term, he enlisted for, or was drafted to serve, but that he well recollects and knows that he served the term of 12, twelve months at this particular time. That he received a written discharge from said service, and that the same was burnt together with all he possessed at the time his dwelling house was burnt in the State of South Carolina, and is now beyond his control, so that he cannot return
it with this his application. That he was not in any particular engagement during his said services. And that he enlisted or entered the service in Orangeburg district in said State of South Carolina and as a private Soldier in the Regiment and company as aforesaid, and that his travels
and marched through the Country on the Santee River below the junctions of the Santee and Congaree Rivers, and in the vicinity of the same, he further declares that he has no record of his age, only from memory
Page 4

And that he knows of no person, by whom he can prove his said service, of his own personal knowledge of the service. And that he hereby relinquishes all and every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and also declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state and that this is his first application he has ever made.
And that he hereby appoints and constitutes by these presents Henry H. Tooke of the City of Thomasville and County of Thomas in said State his true and lawful attorney for me & in my name to prosecute my said Claims for a pension, and to receive from the officer of the Department of the Interior of the United States of America my said Certificate of Pension when issued and also the amount of Pension now due & coming to me, for said services rendered as aforesaid.
And the said William Hunter declares further on his oath that owing to his extreme old age and bodily infirmity he is unable to attend in person in open Court before a Court of Record
and that he lived in South Carolina at the time he rendered his said Service, and afterwards moved to the State of Georgia & now lives in Lowndes County Georgia.
William Hunter, X his mark

And I certify that I believe the said William Hunter the applicant to be the identical person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in the result of this case 
Sworn and subscribed to  []
Interlining under the 15th and fifty ninth line from the top line before
signed & also under the 63d line. sworn and subscribed to before me 
s/ Daniel M McNeil JP
Page 5

At the same time personally appears
before me Daniel Heirns who being duly Sworn according to law saith on oath that he is well acquainted with said William Hunter and has been for many years, and have lived neighbors to him, said William Hunter for many years and believe him to be the Identical person he represents himself to be in his said application for a Pension, and that he was reputed and believed in the
neighborhood by all those that knew
him to be a Revolutionary Soldier as aforesaid, and in the neighborhood where he lived in the State of South Carolina and also in the neighborhood where he now lives, in Lowndes County and State of Georgia And at the same time also came Paul Johnson a Clergyman who also being sworn saith on oath that they believe the said William Hunter to be the Identical person he represents himself to be in his said application for a Pension and that he concurs in the above statements made by said Daniel Heirns and the said Danil Heirns and said Paul Johnson did
on upon their oaths that they believe the said William Hunter to be of this age of a hundred-years and that they are not interested in said cost And I certify that they said Paul Johnson is a Clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church South
s/ Daniel Hier
Paul Johnson Clergyman
Sworn and subscribed to before me
s/ Daniel W McNeil, J.P.
Page 6

[ State of Georgia County of Lowndes ] ss. On this the 18th day of September  A.D.  1858 , personally appeared   Daniel Hiers  under oath says that he about the year 1823  married Nancy  Hunter daughter of William Hunter  then of  South Carolina  & that   the said Nancy his wife is still living & that  William Hunter and his wife are both dead, that thy both died on the same day in the  year 1857  in the  County of Lowndes in Geo. & that William Hunter  & his wife  left eight heirs, to wit, wife of deponent, Henry Hunter, Jacob B Hunter, Wilson Hunter , Katharine Hunter wo  is  dead, Abigail Hunter  formerly now Abigail  Croft wife of Jacob Croft , Susan Hunter formerly now wife of Levi Chage & Sarah Ann now wife of George Croft and K.. ( illegible ) who married Phillip Hiers  & further  he being duly sworn according to law  made oath in  due form , depose and saith  that they are the lawful heirs of William Hunter now deceased  and who was the Identical William Hunter  who made and filed in the office of the Department of the Interior  of the United States  his claim for a Pension, sometime in the year  A.D. 1856 as to the best of his (deponent's ) recollection  , and which claim is yet pending  in said Department for  want of further proof and Identity of  same, that the said William Hunter departed this life at his residence in the County of Colquitt  and State of Georgia in the year aforesaid  A.D. 1857, without receiving any Pension  on said claim He further declares that no widow now survives the said William Hunter
Page 7

That as the lawful heirs at law of the said William Hunter, he, this deponent  together with  the heirs aforesaid  are legally entitled to the amount of Pension to which the said William Hunter  would have been entitled , were he now living , and therefore he,  makes and files this his declaration   & application in order to obtain  the same  in right of himself  and the other lawful heirs aforesaid, and hereby  refers the offices of said Department to the annexed evidence for proof in his and  their behalf to sustain this  their claim for Pension on account of the service and death of said William Hunter , and that he hereby constitutes and appoints Henry H T Tooke  of the city of Thomasville  in Thomas County  and State aforesaid , his lawful agent  & attorney to prosecute  in his name  said  claim for the use of himself  & the other heirs aforesaid  for a Pension as aforesaid  and to receive  from the Agents of said United States Army  and all  moneys  & certificates of Pension to which they may be entitled by the laws of the Congress of said United States  mad and  prescribed, and that they  refer said officers to the original claim previously filed in said Department  for evidence to sustain this claim for a pension ,as the children  & heirs as aforesaid . Daniel Hiers ( signed )  At the same time and place also personally appeared Frank Brice  person  whom I certify  to be of lawful age ,  residing in the County and State aforesaid , and a credible person and who also being duly  sworn on his oath depose and saith that  he was personally well acquainted
Page 8

with the aforesaid Wiliam Hunter in his lifetime , from being residents of the same  State with him the said Hunter  and that he was  reputed to be a Revolutionary soldier in the vicinity  where he resides for many years, and from  his , this deponents  belief from the best information  obtained that he was a soldier of the Revolution   and knows that he died at the time and place  mentioned as specified  in the foregoing affidavit  , that he knows well that the applicant named in said foregoing affidavit  and the children  and heirs at law of said William Hunter deceased, and that no  widow ow survives him, That if the said Hunter was entitled  to a Pension in his lifetime , they  .. ( illegible )  the foregoing  applicants are now lawfully  entitled to the same as his heirs at law. that he  this affiants has no interest in said claim whatever. Francis Brice ( signed )  The above and foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn and subscribed to before me on the day and year first above written  and I certify officially that   the affiant is a credible person of the age  & resides at the place aforesaid and that I have o interest  in said claim as attorney or otherwise - all interlinations made in forgoing affidavits were made before signing same an also all erasures then made , were made and   done before signing  same.
Page 9

Sworn to subscribed before me
this 18th September 1858
J J Pike  ( signed ) JJC

State of Georgia  County of Lowndes

I Daniel W. McRae
Clerk of the
Superior Court within and for the County of Louwdes and
State of Georgia, Do hereby certify officially that J J Pike
whose genuine official signature appears to the foregoing affidavit and Declaration of Daniel Hiers as a
subscribing official witness thereto was at the time
& date of the doing thereof a Justice of the Inferior Court
within & for said County and State, duly qualified and
Commissioned as such, and that all his official
acts and doings as such an entitled to full faith
and credit, and that said Court is a Court of
Record having general jurisdiction .

Given under my official
Signature at office in Troupsville this
27th day of September AD 1858 -
Daniel W. McRae( Clk
By Charles McKinnon Dept Clk
Page 10

[Script is so"light" it is unreadable and therefore impossible to transcribe]
Page 11

[script is so "light" can not be transcribed]
Page 12


Thomasville Ga             free
[illegible]

Hon J Minot
Comm Pensions
Washington
DC


William Hunter
Ga    Jan   1832
Page 13

Free
James L Seward
HR

Hon Geo C Whiting
Com Pension
Washington
D C

William Hunter
Page 14

official Business
J J Mc Millan
____________________
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D C

Postal Stamp 
NEW - Boston
NOV
1
FLA

Stamp
PENSION OFFICE
NOV 8 1860

[vertical]
[illegible]odes ex
_______________

_______________
William Hunter
_______________
Gaor Fla sus
______________
[illegible]
Page 15

Pension office.
Appeal Case

William Hunter,
Georgia -
Act June 7, 1832
[check mard]
80
Report
______
Pension Office,
May 10, 1858
_________________
Respectfully returned
to Commr of Pensions
Mr Seward having in
formed this Dept by
letter of Oct 7th 1858 of
the death of Hunter
and his wife

M. Rhett.
appeal clk.

Dept. Int.}
Oct 14 /58.}
___________________
Recd 11 May '58
M.  Rhett
Page 16


Pension Office
May 10. 1838.

Sir,

I have the honor to transmit herewith
the papers in the case of William Hunter and
applicant for pension under act of June 7, 1832. The
grounds of objection to the admission of the claim by
this Office are clearly set forth in the letter of my
immediate predecessor, addressed to the Hon. James L.
Seward under date of July 16 1856 a copy of which
will be found enclosed
As no additional evidence has since been filed
I have not deemed it necessary, if, indeed, within my
province to enforce, in a separate report the points of
difficulty presented by Judge Minot.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
With much respect,
Your Obedient Servant
Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner


Hon. Jacob Thompson}
Secretary, Interior         }
Page 17

5406

William Hunter

           REJECTED
Page 18

Let of H. V E. Took
Oct 3rd /55
Page 19

Hon J Minot
Washington
D.C
Page 20

Thomasville Georgia
October 3d 1855

Hon J. Minot

Dear Sir
Inclosed you
will receive additional evidence
Indent account and affidavit in
the case of William Hunter of
Georgia for a Pensions under the
act of Congress U.S. June 7th 1832
which I trust will be satisfactory,
and sufficient to authorise the all-
owance of the amount of Pensions to
which he may be entitled under the
law   You will [illegible] the certificate
of the Controller General has no seal
of Office attached to it the cause of
which is, as he states no seal of office

my Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
H H Tooke
-
Page 21

Wm Hunter
Ga
Act June  7. 1832

Letters, S C
Page 22

Wm Hunter
(Ga)
Act June 7, 1832
Decharation &
Evidence.
Page 23

[document torn on 3 sides and missing script]

39,004

William Hunter
Georgia
H. H. Took July 31 185?
Same Sep 10 1855- isame
Oct 20 1853- Hon J L
Seward, Dec 13 1835
J Mc Millan May 24 185?
Hon J.L. Seward July 7 185?
Same July 16 1856 - (by Comr)
Same Apl. 26, 1858.
Same Apt. 30th 1858
May 10/58. Sect Int:
June 1" /58.   "      "
Oct.   12/58    "      "
H.H. Tooke, Oct. 20/58
Secty Int: Apl. 1/59

June 7 1832

Sec J Mc Millan 's
Letter [illegible]
Page 24

Sumter [illegible]
Oct 31st 1860
Hon Comr, Pension
Washington -
DC
---
I learned a short time
since that Mr. Joseph
Hunter (brother to John of
Seward & Tooke [illegible]
who resides in Lafayette
County Florida is not
entitled to a Revolutionary
Pension nor any services
ever performed by him in
any war, Col Wm R Coulter
name of Leaning [illegible]
Page 25

has been employed by Hunter
as his Agvet  & [illegible] the
previous 

Whether Hunter ever got 
Warrant or Pension
or not I have not learned
as Col Coulter removed
his post office from
Reeve [illegible] to be
Pond [illegible]

I know at all events
that Col Coulter was
employed by [illegible]
to try to get it for [illegible]
if I mistake not he
claimed for Revolutionary
service
Page 26

I refer you to Mr  George
Johnson at New Gray
Lafayette County Florida
as my author for the
statements [illegible] made
- Mr Johnson says he
is well acquainted with
one or more persons
that knows the [illegible]
of Mr. Hunter they say
he is not entitled to
any claims for any
service in any wars
of the U S

You can make whatever
use you please of this
I  [illegible]
Page 27

If you think Pre per to
answer me my post office
is Mc Queen Lafayette
McLele Lafayette Co
Fla of which I am
[illegible]      J J McGee

stamp
PENSION OFFICE
NOV
3
1860.
Page 28

Pension office
Oct 12. 1858
[check mark]
86.
_______

Transmitting app y

the heirs of Wm Hunter for
unpaid pension

_________
___________________________
Respectfully referred
to Commr of Pensions
with the request that
he will inform claim-
ants as to their rights,
Dept. Int.
Oct. 14 /58.

Moses Kelly
Chf Clk.
_______________________
Rec'd 13 Oct. '58.
M. Rhett
Page 29


Pension Office
Oct 12th 1858

Sir

I have the honor to transmit herewith the appli
cation of the heirs of Wm Hunter deceased, for the amount of
the unadjusted pension alleged to be due him at his death

The claim to which this application has reference is
now before the Department upon the appeal of Hon. Jas L. Seward.

By a reference to the enclosed application, it will be
seen, that Wm Hunter, died in 1857, a fact, which did not appear
in the papers at the time the appeal was taken.

I have the honor to be
with great respect, your obt. Servt
Geo C Whiting
Commissioner

Hon. Jacob Thompson
Secy of the Interior
Page 30

Let of H v E Took
Sept 3rd/55
Page 31

Hon
I
Thomasville Georgia
Sept 3rd 1855,

Hon J Minot

Dear Sir

Inclosed
recive additional evidence in
the case of Wm Hunter of Georgia
for a Pensions, which I trust will 
be sufficient to authorize the Dep
-partment to grant his Pension

You will also receive a letter
from Hon James L Seward
a member of Congress in relation
to the same
Respectfully Yours
H H Tooke
Page 32

Copy
Pension Office
July 16. 1836
Sir, 
In compliance with your request I have personally examined the case of Wm Hunter of George for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832.
In his original declaration the claimants
statement of his revolutionary service is very general and indefinite. He does not recollect the time or the length of his enlistment, and all he can state is the names of some officers under whom he served and that he served 12 months when he was discharged. He further states that he knows of no one by whom
he can prove his services
The affidavits of several witnesses are offered
showing the good character of the claimant, his reputation of revolutionary service and their belief in the correctness of his statement.
They however have no personal knowledge of his services
There is also offered the affidavit of John
Hunter, a brother of the claimant, who testifies positively from his own personal knowledge that William did serve in the Revolutionary war about the year 1781. He cannot describe his services, nor state the length of them, but is sure it was as much as 12 months
Record evidence is offered showing that a
Wm Hunter entered Col. Thompsons Regiment Feby 1, 1778, "Prisoned Jany 9th 1779." Also, that in 1783 a Wm Hunter was paid for the foregoing service and also for a
---
Page 33

horse lost in the service.
The claim in this case is for a pension for the
service above stated shown by the records as having been rendered by this claimant
In a subsequent statement of the claimant states that his brother John served with him, and also, that he himself lost a horse in a skirmish. He says he mentioned this last fact at the time he made his original declaration, and if it was not stated in that it should have been.
The evidence in the case, apart from the records is too indefinite and uncertain, to authorize the assurance of the claim on that only. The only question then is whether there is sufficient evidence to connect the claimant with the service shown by the records so
to allow him for that service as rendered by him.
The advanced age of the claimant may explain
the want of a more particular statement of his services. But it does not seem sufficient to explain the discrepancy between the statement in his original declaration that he knew of no one by whom he could prove his service, with
the fact mentioned in his subsequent statement that his brother John served with him and whose affidavit is offered to prove his service. The near relation of the parties
renders it improbable that so important a fact should be forgotten.
The same remark applies to the statement about the lost horse. and the explanation given in the subsequent statement of this omission in the original declaration is not satisfactory.
I should be inclined to believe
Page 34

that the claimant is mistaken about the mention of the
fact rather than that those by whom the original
declaration was prepared should have omitted it.

And the same remark applies with still
greater force to the emission of any allusion by the
claimant in either of his statements and by his
brother in his testimony to the fact of the claimant
having been taken prisoner as the records show the Wm
Hunter they refer to was.  That fact was too important
to be forgotten by either as long as they retained any of the service
There are other difficulties in the case to which
it is not necessary to refer at length. As the case
now stands, I do not think it should it be allowed.
Very Respectfully, 12
J Minot
Commissioner

Hon Jas. L. Seward}
House of Reps.     }
Page 35

Let of
J.L. Seward
Aug 23rd/55
Page 36

Thomasville Georgia
August 23. 1855

Hon. J. Minot
Com of Pensions

Dear Sir, 
Mr William Hunter of Loundes has applied for a pension as a revolutionary Soldier. I learn from respectable sources from those who knew him in South Carolina when he resided at the time that he was reputed to be a revolutionary soldier by those who knew him there.
He is rather an ignorant man, and perhaps
may be able to state with the fullest accuracy
the occurrences which took place while he was in service. He is very old and I think it probably that his memory is not as retentive as in former years. In the neighborhood where he now lives his character for truth & Veracity is good, & I am satisfied in my own mind that he is entitled to credit and I do not question his identity. I
think his claim just, and that the Government should not delay the payment of a claim because long defined. Unless his claim is recognized & paid soon he will not be benefited & I hope that It will be adjusted at once.
Respectfully yrs
James L. Seward
Page 37

Additional Testimony

In case of Wm Hunter for a Pension under Act 7th June 1832 .

State of Georgia
County Loundes

On this the 24, twenty fourth, day of August AD 1855 eighteen hundred and fifty five, before me Moses Smith a Justice of the Inferior Court of said County in Said State personally appeared William Hunter aged one hundred and five years a resident of the County of Lowndes and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to Law declares on his oath
& make the following declaration according to law in order to obtain the benifit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, That he entered the service of The United States in South Carolina previous to the year 1783, Seventeen hundred and eighty three, and served as well as he can recollect, in Thompsons Regiment, but does not recollect
the given name of Thompson, but believes
that all was under the command of Gen
Gates, Thompson & all. He recollects that
a man named Hiate was killed for deserting the Cause of the U.S. Killed by a man named Smith near a poke bush, near by the place that Thompsons Regt or Battalion was stationed at
the time, when he said William Hunter
was in the service of the U. S. he did not
get into any engagement with the British.
He was on & about Santee River; mostly
below the junction of that and the
Congaree Rivers, he had a written
discharge, but it was burnt in his
house while he lived in South Carolina
with all that he had in said house
Page 38

he served in the of the United States one year , he cannot recollect all the incidents that he department may desire than he should state that he is very old and his memory  not good; besides he is feeble from old age and cannot go into an open Court ; he would  have applied for a pension before now but did not know  whereas now how to do it, moved from Carolina soon after the act of Congress of June 7th 1832, some persons had told him in Carolina  he ought to have  something for his  services rendered to United States, but never told him  how to apply to get it, to require of him to tell all the names of the officers he was with would only be to debar him the benefit  of the pension justly due him, he cannot recollect  the year, month, nor day  when he entered the service, he knows one of the officers was maned Henry  Crumb & Hiat & Smith and Thompson, but he does not recollect all the officers , he recollects that he with some others was left to guard the  magazine . Smith was left in command of the guard for the magazine. Smith was attacked and killed  that was in or about one mile from Santee River . Genl. Green went with  part of the men  and another General with the others but don't recollect the last General's name , the magazine  he guarded was fifty miles from Charleston. He cannot prove his identity by any person who saw him in the U.S. service , but  I seen H Clayton, Daniel Clayton , Paul Johnson , Daniel  & Philip Hires will give is character
Page 39

he now lives in Lowndes County  in the State of Georgia , he moved from  South Carolina  to this  State & County  some twenty years ago  . He herby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension  Roll of any  Agency in any State. He was drafted  when he went in the service and her hereby appoints and constitutes  Heny H. Rooke his true and lawful attorney to receive and receipt for the pension  that the U.S.  may be due me  and also to   receive any certificate  of said pension  when  issued. Sworn to and subscribed the day and  year before written . Interlined before signing. William Hunter ( his mark X ) Moses Smmith ( signed ) J.I.C.  [ Georgia Lowndes County ] I  James Newton  clerk of the Inferior Curt for said County do  hereby certify that the foregoing contains the  proceedings in the matter of the application of  William Hunter for a pension. Sworn to & subscribed before Moses Smith  a Justice of the Inferior Court duly commissioned   & sworn as a Justice of said Court in  & for said County and his official acts as such are entitled to full faith  & credit & that said Courtis a Court of  record having general jurisdiction. Given under my hand  & seal of office at Troupville  this Augt. 30th  1855. James Newton ( signed ) Clk I.C.
Page 40

Additional testimony in the case of William Hunter of Lowndes County  State of Georgia for a Pension under the act 1832. [ State of Georgia County of Thomas ] On this  the 13th day of August A.D.  1855 before me  Charles H. Remington a Justice Inferior Court   personally appeared Hamilton  W Sharpe  a resident of said County and State a clergyman  aged about 47  years who being duly sworn according to law declares upon his oath as follows to wit, that he is well acquainted with said William Hunter , that he resides in the County of Lowndes & State of Georgia , that he has known him for some twenty years or longer that he in his opinion  is the age of one hundred years or more. That he has frequently heard the same Wm Hunter say that he was a Revolutionary solider and that he had been informed by some one that he was  entitled to pay from the Government for services he rendered in the  Revolutionary war, but that he never knew  when to apply to get it - Wm Hunter is an ignorant man , and since I have known him  , he has lived in obscurity  and poverty . And  he further  says that he has frequently conversed with him , and heard him tell of the sufferings and hardships in the War. person . And the deponent further saith  that William Hunter removed from South Carolina  to Georgia in Lowndes County  where I first knew him, and that on his  arrival there he was recognized  by other Carolinians who had preceded him among whom was Paul Johnson and Daniel Hiers who hailed
Page 41

from the same State, And this deponent further
says that the applicant William Hunter is in
his opinion more entitled to a Pension than
any man in his Knowledge,

Sworn and Subscribed
to before me:
Hamilton W. Sharpe ( signed ) 
Chas H. Remington ( signed )  J.I.C.
Page 42

PO
Additional
Testimony in the 
case of
any in
William Hunter
of Georgia
for a
Pension under
Act 7th June 1832
____
No 2
____
Aug - 5  5

H H Tooke
Agreed and
away  in [illegible]
Thomasville
Georgia
Page 43

State of Georgia    }
County of Thomas} ss
I Jared Everett Clerk of the
Inferior Court in and for
the County and State above
mentioned, do hereby certify that Charles H Remington
whose genuine Signature appears
to this above & foregoing affidavit of [illegible] in [illegible]
at the time of signing the same a Justice and Judge of the 
Court 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 Court is a Court of Record
having general jurisdiction

SEAL

Given under my hand and seal of
Office at Thomasville Georgia
this September the third A.D 1855.
Jared Everett Clk J.C.
-
Page 44

Testimony of Isum H Clayton in the case William Hunter of Lowndes County State of Georgia, for a pension under the Act of Congress 7th June 1832.

State of Georgia Lowndes
On this the 17th day of August AD 1855 before me David R Newsom a Justice of the Inferior Court of of said County personally came Isum H Clayton a resident of said county of Lowndes and State aforesaid aged seventy two years who being duly sworn according to law declares upon his oath as follows to wit, that he is well acquainted with the said William Hunter that he now lives in the County of Lowndes & State of Georgia, that he knew him in the State of South Carolina, that he knew said William Hunter as long ago as he can recollect, hat he lived in a poor and thinly settled part of Carolina in that part of said State which is now called Barnwell District, but did not go by that name then, that he knew said William Hunter there, that he was ignonous and poor living in obscurity comparetively, but that said Hunter was then and ever after wards considered an honest upright man of strong Baptist faith, from which he has not known him to deport.
That he does know that said William Hunter was and has always been noted for his varacity, that his word was always taken for truth, by all that knew him.
Page 45

that when deponent was first put on the muster roll, he was stood side by side of said William Hunter, that he took a delight in mustering, so much so that he has known him to walk as far as sixty miles to to muster, and while in ranks has heard him say frequently when a wrong command was given that, that was wrong, not such as was given while he was in service and when deponent was wrong he would rectify him, show him how to hold his gun and all about it. That the deponent as well as others would all recognize him as the soldier of the revolution and be particular to follow his directions. That he deponant from all that he has seen and heard of William Hunter, has no doubt but that he was a revolutionary solder, and thinks he should be entitled to a pension. That he moved from South Carolina, soon after the act of Congress (7th June 1832) was passed, and live ing in obscurity as he has done since he has not known wheare or how to apply for his pension, and deponant further says that he thinks these causes should satisfy the government or court of the long delay; deponant further says that it was even accidental that said Hunter ever knew how to apply, under the act granting pensions
Page 46

That he deponant has no interest whatever in in the case, This deponant further says he has never heard the declarations of said William Hunter doubted, but on the other hand believes the belief is general and that he said William Hunter is the identical man he represents himself to be, and credit should be given to his declaration.
Ishum H. Clayton

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year before written 
Interlined before signing
David R. Newsom J. I. C.

Georgia Lowndes County 
I James Newton Clerk of the Inferior Court for said County do certify that David R Newsom whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is & was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn & that all his actions as such are entitled to full faith & credit & that said Court is a Court of record having general jurisdictions. Given under my hand & seal of office at Troupville this August 30th 1855
James Newton Clk I. C.
Page 47

Additional Evidence
in case
William Hunter
of Georgia
a Pension

Act 7th Jun 1832,
____
No 3
____
Sept 26 /55

R. H. Tooke
Agent

Thomasville
Georgia
Page 48

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia Sept 26th 1855,
No 509 Lib W - Issued the 23d August 1785 to William Hunter for twenty one pounds two shillings & ten pence for duty in 1781 per acct audited by Commissioner
Principal £21"2"10 ½
Annual Interest £1"9"7'

State of South Carolina 
To William Hunter Dr for Duty as pr Col Andersons return, Curr £148"0"0
for a mare lost   do, 55"0"0
£203"30"0
Stg £29"0"0

State of South Carolina Ninety Six District 
A bill of preasment concerning a mare lost in the service of this said State the said mare aparised by John Hunter and James Middleton of the district aforesaid the said John Hunter and Jas Middleton personally came before me James Montgomery one of the justices assigned to keep the peace for the said District, and made oath upon the holy evangelist of almighty God, that a bay mare the property of Matthew Hunter supposed to be lost in the publick service of this State, is by the said John Hunter and James Middleton appraised to fifty five pounds current money of the State, sworn and published before me this 8th day of January 1783,
Jno Hunter
Jas Middleton
James Montgomery J. P.
Page 49

Jas Montgomery J. P.  Jas Middleton

This day William Hunter personally came before me James Montgomery one of the Justices of the Peace, and made oath upon the holy evangelis of almity God that in September an do 1781 he the said deponent being under the command of Joseph Hays Col at Carrs Mill in Bush river of the said District was attacked by the enemy in the night and the above apprised beay mare was taken at the same time by the enemy. the said mear was branded )MD) on some one of her quarters But has forgotten which and had a great skear on one of her thighs behind and sayeth upon his oath he never received any satisfaction for the same.
William Hunter

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of January an do 1783,
James Montgomery J. P.  

South Carolina Ninety Six district 
Gentlemen be so kind as to deliver to Mr John Hunter my spetices and sperres Indent and his receipt shall be your Discharge for the same. Witness my hand this 3rd September 1785,
I do certify the above order was signed before me this 8th Septr 1785.
William Hunter

Jack Bullock, J. P.

Recd 23rd August 1785 full satisfaction for the within an Indent - No 509, Book W. by an order,
John Hunter

I do certify that the above Indent, account, affidavit, &c are true copies of the originals in this office,
Thos. P. Walker
Deputy Comp General
(No seal of Office)
Page 50

State of Florida
Hamilton County

On this the 24th day of May AD 1856, before me Levi Starling Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly and legally authorised to administer oaths for general purposes in and for said County and State, said Court of Probate being a Court of Record and having general jurisdictions, personally appeared John Hunter aged about ninety to ninety five years a person of truth viracity & credibility and a resident of of said county and State who being duly sworn according to laws of said State declares upon his oath that he is personally well acquainted with William Hunter the applicant for a pension, named in his the said William Hunters affidavit, hereto annexed and herewith transmitted, that he knows of his own personal knowledge that he rendered service as a soldier in the Army of the United States, about the year 1781, that he this deponant from old age and infirmity and the loss of memory cannot now at this late day recollect the precise time and dates of the service rendered by him the said William Hunter but does know that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and army of the United States, and that to the best of his recollection in the Regiment commanded by Col Andersons militias duty & service rendered under his command in the State of South Carolina in the War aforesaid. He further declares upon his oath as aforesaid that to the best of his recollection the said William Hunter since in addition to the above named service, in the War aforesaid
Page 51

under the command of Col William Thompson in the State of South Carolina and at Beauford Island some considerable length of time, the precise time he does not now recollect and as a soldier as aforesaid, and in the said army aforesaid as much as twelve months and longer in all that he this deponant is the lawful brother of the said William Hunter, and that he this deponant was a soldier in the army of the United States and War of the Revolution, that he served in said State of South Carolina at the same time his brother the said William Hunter served, that during said service resided as aforesaid, and afterwards he this deponant was authorised by his brother Wm Hunter and was in the habit of transacting business for him the said William Hunter, and that the facts contained in the annexed affidavit of said William Hunter herewith transmitted to the best of his this deponant recollections are true, and I the said Levi Starling Judge as aforesaid, do hereby certify that I have no interest in said claim for a pension and that I am not concerned in the prosecution of the same.
John Hunter

Sworn & subscribed to before me the day & date above given
Levi Starling seal(circled)
Judge of Probate, H. C.
Page 52

State of Florida Hamilton County 
I William Day Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Levi Starling whose genuine official signature appears to the above and foregoing affidavit of John Hunter as a subscribing official witness to the same was at the time of the doing thereof Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said county and State duly and legally qualified and commissioned as such, and that all his said official acts and doings as such are now, and was then entitled to full faith and credit and I further certify that as such Judge of Probate he is legally authorised to administer oaths for general purposes in and for said county and that said Circuit Court is a Court of Record having general Jurisdiction. Given under my hand and official signature and seal of said Court attached this the 24th day of May AD 1856.
William Day C. C. C H C
by Stephen S Smith Dpty
Page 53

No. 509
Lib. W. 
---------------------
Issued the 23d August 1785 to William Hunter for Twenty one pounds, Two Shillings & ten pence for Duty in 1781 per acct from rd Commis
Principal        £ 21.2.10¼
Annual Intrst. £  1.9.7
29:   7.17.1½
    £21.2.10½               No.47
--------------------------
W. 509             No. 47

23d Augt '85
Mr William Hunter's Accot of Militia Duty
as private, since the reduction of Charlestown, also for a Mare lost 1781, the
whole amotg to
Curry £ 203..0..0
Stg.    £  21.2.10¼
------------------------------
N.B. No Certificate for the Mare Charges £55.
Curry included in the above.
Twenty one pounds Ex
2/10¼ Stg.
P.W. McAly
Passed -J.D. 
State of South Carolina
To William Hunter Dr
Duty for Col Anderson's return Curry £148.0.0
A Mare lost pr Do
            55.0.0
        £ 203.0.0
 Stg. £  29.0.0
South Carolina
Ninety Six District
Gentlemen be so kind as
to deliver to Mr. John Hunter my
Page 54

and Special Indence and his Recpt shall be your discharge for the same. Witness my hand this 8th Sept 1785. I do certify the above was signed before me this 8th Sept. 1785
Zacha. Bullock J. P.   William Hunter

Received 23d August 1785 full satisfaction for the within in an Indent No509. Book W. By an Order
John Hunter

State of South Carolina Ninety Six District
A bill of appraisement concerning a Mare lost in the Service of this said State, the said Mare appraised by John Hunter and James Middleton of the District aforesaid, the said John Hunter and James Middleton personally came before James Montgomery one of the Justices assigned to keep the peace for the said District, and made oath upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, that a Bay Mare the property of Mathew Hunter, supposed to be lst in the Public Service of this State, is by the said John Hunter and James Middleton aprized to fifty five pounds corent money of this State.
Jo Hunter
Jas. Midleton

Sworn and subscribed before me, this 8th day of January 1783
James Montgomery J. P.
Page 55

Wm Hunter
Page 56

This day William Hunter personally came
before, James Montgomery one of the
State Justice and made oath upon the
Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, that
in September An Do 1781, he the said de=
ponent being under the command of Joseph
Hays Colo at Carrs Mill on Bush River
of the said District, was attacked by the
enemy in the night, and the above aprised Bay Mare, was taken at the same time by the enemy the said Mare was branded MD on some one of her quarters, but has
forgotton which, and had a great Scar, on
one of her thighs behind, and saith upon his
oath that he never received any satisfaction
for the same.
William Hunter

Sworn and Subscribed}
before me this 8th day }
of January An Do 1783}
James Montgomery      }
J. P.
Page 57

Comptroller Genrl's Office }
Columbia March 24th 1856}

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy from Indent Book "No 509  Lib W" and
also of the account upon which said Indent was issued; and
further, that the "Bay Mare"  mentioned as "the property of Mathew Hunter" and appraised by "Jno. Hunter & Jas. Midleton"
before Jas Montgomery S.S. is beyond doubt, an error on the
part of the one who wrote out said appraisement affidavit.
and that according to the affidavit of "William Hunter"
immediately following the above referred to (and upon the same
Sheet) the Bay Mare, lost must have been the property of Wm
Hunter, and not "Mathew Hunter."

Given under my hand
W. M. R. Huntt
Deputy Comtr Genl

No Seal of Office
Page 58

Additional Evidence
in the Case of William
Hunter of Georgia
for a Pensions
____
No 4
____
May 24 /56


H. H. Tooke
Agent
Thomasville
Georgia
Page 59

State of Florida   ⎬
Hamilton County ⎬
I Levi Starling Judge
 of the Court of Probate
and Exofficio Clerk of the Court of Probate
in and for the County and State aforesaid
do hereby Certify that Stephen S Smith
whose genuine official signatures appears
to the annexed Certificate as Deputy Clerk
of the Circuit Court in and for the County
and State aforesaid was at the time of the
doing thereof Deputy Clerk of said Court
& for said county and state, Duly and legally authorised to act as such, and that all his official acts & doings as such are and ought
to be entitled to full faith and credit
and that said Court is a Court of Records
having general Jurisdiction
Given under my hand
and official Signature
and seal of Office attached
this the 24 day of
May AD 1856

Levi Starling Judge of
Probate and Exofficio Clerk
of said Court of Probate
Page 60

State of Georgia County of Colquitt
On this the 27th day of February AD 1856 before me Charles H Remington a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for the County of Thomas and State aforesaid there being no Court of Record in said County of Colquitt the same being a new County made by the Legislature of said State now in session and composed of a part of originally Thomas and Lowndes counties in said State, personally appeared William Hunter aged 105 years or more a resident of said county of Colquitt now but formerly Lowndes County in said State, who being duly sworn according to the laws of said State, declares upon his oath that he is the identical William Hunter named & mentioned in the application heretofore made by him for a pension under the act of the Congress of the United States approved the 7th day of June 1832, and filed in the office of the Department of the Interior of the United States, that for the purpose of establishing his said application and claim for a pension he makes the following statement as additional evidence in said case. He further declares that John Hunter whose name appears upon the records in the State of South Carolina in connection with his the said William Hunters Indent &c for services rendered as a soldier in the service & in the army of the United States and war of the Revolution in the year AD 1781, is his the said William Hunters lawful brother and that while he lives and resides in the State of South Carolina he sometimes authorises him the said John Hunter to transact business for him, that the said John Hunter lives neighbor to him said William Hunter and that in giving him the order to receive his Indent for said service rendered, he may have written his name or made his mark, that he sometimes wrote his name and at other times made
Page 61

his mark, that he could then write his name but from old age and infirmity he cannot now write his name, which is the cause of his not writing his name to his original declaration and application heretofore filed as aforesaid. He further declares that he mentioned the circumstance of loosing his Bay Mare at the time his said original application was made out, and that if the same is not mentioned in his said application it is the fault and neglect of the Court and persons before whom the same was taken, that he lost his said Bay Mare, while in a skirmish after the Enemy not far from where Thompsons Regiment was stationed in the State of South Carolina, but that the same was not while he was in any heavy fought battles or engagement, that he served as a Private soldier as aforesaid first in said Thompsons Regiment, and afterwards under the command of Col Anderson on Beauforts Island to the best of his recollection and that the said John Hunter his brother served as a private soldier also under said Col. Anderson that he recollects very well of said Col. Anderson building a dungeon on said Island during his said term of service. He further declares that the he purchased said Bay Mare from one Harry Day and paid in land for said Mare, that she was branded to the best of his recollection on one of her quarters he does not now remember which but with the letters H. D. & perhaps MD he does not remember which. That it was customary in those days and in said State of South Carolina to brand the horses, and that his said Bay Mare was taken from him in the night while in said Thompsons Regiment as aforesaid & that he refers the officers of said Department to the papers herewith transmitted for evidence in his behalf in said case
William Hunter X his mark
Page 62

At the said time personally appeared Jacob Croft Sr aged 54 years and Leroy Croft aged 44 years both residents of said County of Colquitt and State of Georgia and who being duly sworn according to the laws of said State declare upon their oaths that they are personally well acquainted with William Hunter who signed his name to the foregoing affidavit as additional evidence to his claim for a pension and that they believe him to be the identical person he claims himself to be in said affidavit, that he is of the age mentioned in said affidavit, that he resides at the place specified in the same, they also declare that they are personally well acquainted with John Hunter the person also mentioned in said affidavit as from the best information obtained being his brother, that they believe him to be a brother of the said William Hunter, that they the said William and John Hunter both formerly residents in the State of South Carolina and from there they moved to the State of Georgia, and that they believe the statements made by the said William Hunter in his said affidavit to be true and that they have no interest in said claim for a pension.
Jacob Croft Sr
Leroy Croft

The above and foregoing affidavit of William Hunter, and also of Jacob Croft Senr. and Lery Croft were sworn and subscribed to before me and I certify that I have no interest in said claim for a pension, and am not concerned in the prosicusions of the same. That the above interlineations were made before signing the above affidavit
Chas. H Remington JP seal(circled)
Page 63

State of Georgia County of Thomas 
I Jared Everitt Clerk of the Inferior Court in & for the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Charles H Remington whose genuine official signature appears to the above and foregoing affidavits a s a subscribing official witness to the same, as at the time of the doing thereof, and the execution of the same a Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said County, duly qualified and commissioned as such and that all his said official acts and doings as such are and ought to be entitled to full faith and credit, and I further certify that said Court is a Court of Records having general jurisdiction and that I have no interest in the claim of William Hunter for a pension and and not concerned the prosecution of the same.
Given under my hand and official signature at office in Thomasville said County this the 28th day of May AD 1856.
Jared Everitt Clk I. C.
Page 64

Private 

Free
[illegible post mark]

Honl J. Minot
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D C
Page 65

Thomasville Ga
April 25th 1856

Honl. J. Minot
Comr of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir
I heard that an application had been made for a pension for one William Hunter for Revolutionary services.
I also heard that the said Wm Hunter had a brother by name John Hunter who was also entitled to pension for Revolutionary services.
I examined personally into the claims of John Hunter & find upon examination that said John Hunter was born about 1779 or 1780 which does not entitle him to said pension. My informant is intimately acquainted with John Hunter and has been for many years. And long before Congress passed the Acts giving bounty for military services as well as pensions my informant told me that the said John H never claimed to be a revolutionary soldier nor in fact any kind of a soldier But on the contrary never was in the Army except for a very short time. And that was caused from the fact that the said J H was in a house near Okefenokee swamp where a family was killed by Indians (but he did not fight but run off. And before he was found had liked to have starved He afterwards joined a volunteer company which dated from the day of that massacre (as I was informed) He has recd a warrant for
Page 66

that service Which was of itself a fraud But his case is not an isolated case.

The object that I have in writing to you is to state that according to the best of my knowledge and belief Both Wm Hunter & his brother Johns claims upon the government are frauds.
Wm Hunter professes to be 130 years old which my informant of Hamilton Co Florida informed me that he believed to be false. That John H- has often years since told him that William Hunter was but ten years older than himself. That there is a discreppancy as I understand in Wm H- evidence & a Recpt for a mare which he claims to have lost during the Revolutionary war and which he says that his brother John Hunter recd the money for and recpt for but that he Wm H. never did receive &c. W Wm states (as my Thomasville friend informed me) that his brother John had always been a very bad man that he was a negro theif horse theif and that he was entirely unworthy of the confidence of anybody. These statements coming from one brother does not speak anything in his behalf. Though my Hambleton Co Fla friend told me that John H. was one of the most famous liars that he had any knowledge of. You can get other information by making application to Mr Philomon
Page 67

Bryan with regard to John Hunters general character.  And through him you can obtain some information with regard to John Hunters statements as regards the Age of William Hunter.
     The Agts. for Mr. Hunter are Messrs. A H Tooke & Boston & Allen of Thomasville, Ga.
     You now know all that I have heard.
     You can therefore govern yourselves accordingly.
                         (signed) John J McMillan
Page 68

Free

Honl G C Whiting
Comr of Pension
Washington
D C

[illegiblepost mark]

William Hunter
Ga Decd 1832
Page 69

                                                 Monticello Fla
                                                 Dec 5th 1856

Honl. G. C. Whiting
Comm of Pensions
Washington D C

Dear Sir
     I saw Mr. H. H. Tooke of Thomasville Ga on the 2nd last had a long conversation with him in relation to the Wm Hunter claim for Pension.  
     Tooke was anxious that I should draw up interrogatories and take the depositions of all the different parties concurred.  I told him that I was not the Agent of the Government and would not be at any expense about it that I had informed Mr. J. Minot of the interest in fraud because I did not intend to suffer the governments defrauded if I could help it.  Tooke asked me if Edwardson did not admit that Wm Hunter was 100 years old.  I answer that he did so admit.
     I would more most respectfully suggest that if you have any doubts resting on your mind with regard to any of the statement made by me that you have a Commissioner appointed to take testimony in the premises & have the case tried at Tallahassee or at Savannah or at any other given point that you may designate.
     My informant Mr. Philomon Bryan is a man that is considerably advanced in years and I think if you shall decide the matter worthy of an investigation the sooner you do it the better in consequences of the advanced of any informant
Page 70

I refer to  two letters sent to your predecessor  & one to Mr. Stephen G. Dodge in  relation to the same subject. At the time I wrote to Mr. Dodge  I did not know who was the Commissioner & besides I was some little acquainted with Mr. Dodge. Respectfully etc. John Mc Millan ( signed ) P.S. Mr. Boston of Thomasville is concerned with H H Tooke in the same claim
Page 71

James L. Seward
Ho. of Rep.
May 4. 1858
       _____

[check mark]

asking the Secretary
to renew the decision of
the late Comr of Pensions in
the case of Wm Hunter
for a Pension
             ____
_____________________________
[check mark]

Respectfully referred to the
Commissioner of Pensions
for his Report.

Moses Kelly
Chief Clk.

Dept. Int.}
May 5/8  }

___________________________________-


Rec'd 4 May 58
Wm. Rhett
Page 72

House of Representatives
May 4th 1858
Sir
I enclose you the copy of the correspondence with the Commissioner of Pensions in regard to the claim of Wm Hunter to a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier presented while Judge Minot was Commissioner. His services are proved by his own declaration sworn to. The fact that such service was performed is proved by the records from So. Carolina. The additional testimony of his brother Jno Hunter who was in the service with him corrobating the statement of the applicant also of file in the Office of Pensions.
Several Affidavits are also filed sustaining the good character of the applicant. That he was reputed to be a revolutionary soldier and that his character in the neighborhood where he resides for truth & veracity entitles him to full credit. I am requested therefore to ask you to review the decision in this case, that justice may be done in the premises.
A decision of this
Page 73


case is asked at as early a day as convenient

Very Respectfully
James L Seward

To  Hon Jacob Thompson
Secretary of the Interior
Washington
D. C.
Page 74

Pension office
June 1. 1858
      _____
[check mark]81.

stating that no pension
has ever been applied
for by William Hunter
of Georgia
        ____
Recd 1 June '58
Mr. Rhett
Page 75

Pension Office
June 1, 1838
Sir
In reply to the note from the Department of yesterday's date I have the honor to state that, in conformity to the invariable practice of this office, the registers of claims under all the revolutionary pension laws were examined when the application of William Hunter for pension was at first presented. I have nevertheless caused a re-examination to be made, and it does not appear that any person of the name of William Hunter has ever applied for a pension from the State of Georgia, for service in the revolutionary war, other than the party whose claim is now before the Department, upon appeal from the adverse decision of this office
I have the honor to be, Sir, with much respect Your Obedient Servant
Geo C Whiting
Commissioner P.

Hon. Jacob Thompson
Secretary Interior
Page 76

House of Representatives
April. 28. 1858

Sir

Be kind enough to send me copies
of the letter of the Court of Pensions to me
rejecting the claim of Wm Hunter &
my reply thereto as the facts are substantually set forth in the correspondence
upon which I desire to carry the matter
before the secretary of the Interior

Very Respectfully Yrs

James L Seward

To Geo C. Whiting}
Washington           }
DC                          }
Page 77

Monticello Fla. Nov. 14th 1856 Mr. Stephen G Dodge ( or as Col. Blackburn called you Uncle Sam )  My dear Sir,, I herewith send you  a copy of a letter from Mr. John Edmondson of Tallaka Lowndes Co. Ga. written at my request  & done by request of  Judge H H Tooke of Thomasville , Thomas Co. Ga. in relation to a fraud intended to be perpetrated by Wm Hunter of Lowndes Co Ga. & his brother  John Hunter of Hambleton Co. Fla . claiming revolutionary pensions Tooke & Boston of  Thomasville Agts etc. Some time early last spring  I informed  Honl. J Minot  that I believed that a fraud was intended to be perpetrated against the gen. government that from the best information that I could get these Hunters were no more entitled to a Pension  & back pay  for Revolutionary services that I was because they were born after the war closed. I wrote  confidentially  believing  that I was performing a duty to the Government   Honl. J Minot  it seems took a different consideration of the matter and informed Col. James Seward of everything that I was
Page 78

written to him touching the Hunter's claim. Seward & Judge Tooke  are brothers - in-law  . Seward informed  Tooke of all the circumstances of it etc. Sometime  in Sept . I was in Thomasville  Judge Tooke  called upon me to  know whether  I had written to Honl. J. Minot  that he was engaged in a fraud etc. I stated that I had written to Honl J Minot  , that the claim  of the Hunters was a fraud  & that Tooke  was Agt .  for them. Tooke stated that he thought that I was honest in my  intentions but that he thought  I was mistaken. He stated that since Col. Seward had informed  him of what I had written to the Com. of Pensins  etc. that he had been to  Hambleton  Col Fla   and obtained  John Hunter's  affidavit with Mr. Philamon Bryans name attached to it as a witness etc. Judge Tooke  requested that I should remove the objection  which I promised to do whenever I became fully satisfied that I was really  in error . Judge Tooke gave me the names of four persons of Lowndes Co Ga. as references to write to to satisfy me that I  was misinformed  all neighbors to Wm. Hunter and well acquainted
Page 79

with him for years past- I stated to  Mssrs.  J. E Edmondson , Holloway Yates  & Hires that I had given notice  to  the Com. etc. and that I desired  them to write me all they knew that would be benefit  Mr. Hunter, that I desired their testimony  to sent to Washington to remove the objections that I had placed there against the Hunters  getting a Pension  etc.                                          Talloka Ga. Nov 5th 1856  Mr. Samuel McMillan  Dear Sir, Yours of the 18th ult,  is before me  & contents noted, you wish to be informed in regard to the age of Mr. Wm. Hunter  & John Hunter . We believe  that Wm. Hunter is at least one hundred years old , John Hunter in Florida is much  younger . I have been acquainted with   Wm. Hunter  about fifteen years. He has taken a great deal  of pains in giving me a history of his life, I have never heard him speak of bearing arms  in my life in the old war. I have called on three of his  sons - in - law  who live near me that married in South Carolina  & are now old men they have no knowledge of any  service  performed  by him. I can tell you the whole secret of it , there was another Wm Hunter  that did bear arms  and was in the  War, from the best accounts I can get from  sons -in -laws & others can
Page 80

know by writing  and apply back  you will find it. Government should not be defrauded . I am convinced that this  man Wm. Hunter is not the man , and I have had so much  conversations with him and I know him to be a man that keeps nothing back in conversation . I believe I have told you all I know. Respectfully  John Edmondson  ( signed )  Copy etc. the letter was mailed at Okapilco Ga. Nov 7th  and directed to Mr. John J. McMillan  So. Ca. So much for the answer of the referee of Judge Tooke. I do not recollect the date of the first letter to J. Minot  ( without the Honl .)  but the  second letter  was written to him on the 22nd  Sept. 1856  - I will thank you to show this letter to the present  Comm. of Pension s  ( as I understand that J Minot  has been discharged ) I write  you because  I had an introduction  to you  in this place & believe that you will cause this matter to be investigated fully by causing  Commissioners  to be sent out properly  instructed to take evidence in such cases etc. Respectfully , John McMillan )( signed )
Page 81

P.S. I will thank you to send me  a certified copy of John Hunter's affidavit  if any such affidavit really exists as  Judge Tooke informed me , etc. As I have got myself into a difficulty  where I intended to do right . I desire to be as well posted up as the nature of the case will admit of or else I should not of troubled you any further after writing the letter etc. I expect other letter from the neighborhood of Okapilco & have been expecting a letter for some time from  Blount's Ferry etc. If you should not sent me a certified  copy  of John Hunter's affidavit  it will be necessary  for me to go to that neighborhood to get an affidavit from Philomon  Bryan with regard to what he told me that caused me to write the first letter to J. Minot , etc. Respectfully   etc. J.J. McM
Page 82

Respectfully referred
to the Com of Pensions
Lew Cass

May 10th 1859
Page 83

McQueen Lafayette Co. Fla
April 27th 1857
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of State
Washington DC
Sir
I recd your letter containing the letter of Mr J Thompson Secretary of Dept of Interior, and Hon Geo C Whiting Commr of Pensions &c
It appears from the Comrs letter that
there are two claims in progress instead of one, as he states that Mr Hunter of Georgia made application for Pension in 1855 under act of 7th June 1832
That is not the claim I have reference to (unless the Comr has confounded the names)
I addressed Comr Minot with regard to the claim instituted by Mr John Hunter of the County of Hamilton State of Florida
I did not intend that you should understand me to say positively that the claim was allowed, that I had been so informed in Georgia last
November
Page 84

Positive proof can now be adduced if
need be to show the fraudulent character of that claim &c
If there are two claims the subject
will be worth looking into
Respectfully
your obt. Servt.
John J McMillan
Page 85

Wm Hunter
Contnl

Paid
Page 86

Comproller General's Office⎬
Columbia April 4th 1856      ⎬
I  hereby certify that it appears
from " A true copy of that portion of the Continental Service of South Carolina, contained in Book marked So Ca Rolls, and now
in this office, that William Hunter entered " the 3d South
Carolina Regt -  Comand by Col. Wm Thompson" as private "1st Feby
'78. Prisoned 9th Jany ' 79"

Given Under My hand
W.M.R. Huntt
Dep Comp Genl

No Seal of Office
Page 87

[ illegible ]

Triplett
Page 88

[Illegible]
Page 89

Triplett                                                 P.S.  according to the statements of Philamon Bryan at the time I wrote you Wm. Hunter  is but 10 years the senior of John. John Hunter was then about 76 years  old according to his statements before he had  any inducements to swear falsely  - and before  he got a land Warrant which he was not entitled to  - there was a false statement made in  the said John Hunter's  declaration   which he swore to that  enabled him   to get  a warrant - he swore to  service that he never rendered - and received  one warrant through false swearing - therefore  he is unworthy of belief it he has made the affidavit that Judge Tooke  speaks of in favor of his brother William Hunter  of Lowndes Co. Ga. - Now if you  doubt these statements  send Mr. Dodge to investigate the whole matter . J.J McM
Page 90

House of Representatives July 11, 1856 Sir, Your communication of the 16th Inst.  in regard to the claim of Wm. Hunter has been received . And I have forwarded  the same to H H Tooke  the agent of the party . I have carefully examined the objection  as presented , and respectfully ask  leave to answer them so as to und induce you to review your decision  satisfied, as I am that upon legal  principles , the decision mad cannot be sustained. First, you say the recollection of the claimant as  to the time or term of service is not accurate , that his testimony  shows that he served 12 months  when he was discharged, and that all he can state is the name of some of the officers & that he knew of no one by whom  he could prove the service. When his application was first made his claim was suspended because of the want of record evidence. This was supplied from the records of So. Carolina , and the evidence thus furnished shows the service of Wm. Hunter  & the names of the officers as stated by him
Page 91

thus far he is supported. The loss of a horse ( not in a skirmish )  is show also as he states, which is  confirmatory of what he swears. The  omission to state that his brother was in the service, by  whom he could prove he was a Revolutionary soldier is explained by him, and the affidavit  of his brother procured proving his service. Witnesses of the highest respectability  prove that William Hunter is entitled by general reputation   in the neighborhood  in which he lives  to full credit &should be believed, though they have no personal knowledge of the service. Then upon what principle of law is his evidence rejected, unattached by witnesses - no Judge upon the evidence, ever puts aside the  testimony of a witness until he is impeached. In this case, the witness is sustained by a number of witnesses  still the Commissioner rejects his evidence and utterly repudiates John Hunter's testimony though it has not been attached. That William Hunter of  So. Carolina was a Revolutionary soldier  in Thompson's Regiment & was paid for his  is undeniable from the records  & the appli-
Page 92

cant  for Pension identified as being that  Wm. Hunter  . He swears that he is the man - gives the names of some of the officers , states the loss of the horse  proves by repudiation  that he was considered a Revolutionary  soldier , that his character for truth  and veracity  is unquestioned - Presents the affidavit of his brother John Hunter who is shown  by the records in Sol Carolina to be a Revolutionary soldier himself  proving his service & the loss of the horse as shown by the records. His residence in  So. Carolina  his age, his memory of circumstance shown  by  record evidence, all show unmistakably his identity  . So many circumstances pointing to the same transaction  aside from positive facts submitted establishes clearly his identity . I do not remember that the record shows that Wm. Hunter  was imprisoned even if this were so  the omission to state one fact or  forgetfulness or  inadvertence is not stating in his first application , that there was a living  witness by whom he could prove  his service certainly  cannot overrule all the facts proved & especially when the credibility of the
Page 93

witnesses have been sustained - To say  that Wm. Hunter presents a claim of this kind and  commits perjury  to sustain  - when his good  character  & revolutionary reputation  is fully established - with the records of So. Carolina  showing service by a man of the same name who must have been of about  the same age & who  had lost a horse, all proved by  Jno. Hunter . would be to lay down a rule subversive  of all the rules of evidence and amount to a denial of justice - There is no apparent discrepancy in regard to the facts omitted in the original declaration  that is not explained if the credibility of the claimant  cam be relied on supported as he is by other witnesses as tohis reputation  & by his brother  John Hunter who was in the service  with him. It is better that the legal rule be adhered to , and the evidence being such  as would be recognized in a Court of law seems to me the claim  ought not to be rejected. The old  from defect of memory  or the temporary forgetfulness of facts, could never have justice done to them. The lapse of time which  blots from the memory  details of transactions is used as an argument  why  clearer  and more
Page 94

distinct proof should be given than is required 
him a recent transaction,  these views it seems
to me are correct, The facts are  uncontradicted
and upon this the Commissioner is to decide as a Judge
If the law provides pension, they must be allowed
upon legal proof. The Commissioner is not responible
for the law or facts. He is not to judge upon
supposed mistakes, and I think that upon
reflection the Commissioner, will see that the
claim is well supported
Very Respectfully Yrs
James L. Seward ( signed ) 

( vertical margin note ) Let of
Hon James L. Seward 
July 18/55
Page 95

Copy
House of Representatives 
July 18, 1856,

Sirs:
Your communication of the 16th instant in regard to the
claim of Wm Hunter, has been received and I have forwarded
the same to H H Tooke the agent of the party. I have care-
fully examined the objection as present and respectfully as have
to answer  them so as to induce you to review your decision satisfied
as I am that upon legal principles the decision made cannot be
sustained First you say the recollection of the claimant  as to the
time or term of service  is not accurate. That his testimony showed
that he served 12 months when he was discharged and that all he can
State in the name of some of this officers, & that he know of no one
by whom he could prove the service. - 

When his application was first made his claim was  suspended
because of the want of evidence. This was supplied for the
record of So. Carolina, and the evidence [illegible] furnished showed;
[illegible]service of Wm Hunter & the names of the officers as
stated by him. Thus for he is supported.  The the loss of a horse (not
in a skirmish) is shown also as he states, which is confirmatory
Page 96

of what he swears. The omission to state that his brother was in the service, by whom he could prove he was a Revolutionary soldier is as perceived by him , and no affidavit of his brother procured  proving his service. Witnesses of the highest respectability   prove that William Hunter is entitled by general reputation in the neighborhood in which he lives to full credit & should be believed  though  they  have no  general knowledge of the service. Then upon  what  principal of law is his  evidence rejected unattached by  witnesses   . to judge upon the evidence , and puts aside the testimony of a witness until he is impeached. In this case the witness is sustained by a number of witnesses, still he Commissioner objects and utterly repudiates  John Hunter's testimony  though it has not been attached. That William Hunter  of So. Carolina was a Revolutionary soldier   in  Thompson's Regiment & was paid for his services in  undeniable from the records. To me applicant for Pension identified as being that Wm. Hunter . He swears that he is the man  - gives the names of some of the officer, states the loss of the horse, proved his reputation    that he was considered a Revolutionary solider that his character for truth and veracity is unquestioned - Presents  the affidavit of his brother John Hunter , who is shown by the
Page 97

records in So. Carolina  to be a Revolutionary soldier  himself proving the service and the loss of  the horse as shown by records. His residence in So. Carolina , his age, his memory of  circumstances shown by record evidence all show unmistakably  his identity . So many circumstances  pointing to the same transactions  aside from  positive facts submitted, establish clearly  his identity. I do no  remember that the  record shows that  Wm Hunter  was in prison. Even if this were so, the  omission to state one fact or forgetfulness or  inadvertence in not stating in his first application that there was a living witness by whom he could prove his service certainly  cannot   over ride all the  facts, proved especially when the credibility of the witness having been sustained. To say that William Hunter presents a claim of this kind and commits perjury  to sustain it ,, when his good character and  Revolutionary reputation is fully established - with the records  of South Carolina, showing service  by a man of the same name who must have of about the same age and who had lost a horse all  proved by  John Hunter would be   to lay down a rule subversive of all the rules of evidence and amount to a denial of justice. There is no apparent
Page 98

memory or this temporary forgetfulness of facts, could
never have justice done them. The lapse of time which
blots from the memory details of transactions is used
as an argument why clear and more distinct proof should
be given than is required in a recent transaction. These
views it seems to me, are correct. The facts are uncontradicted and upon this the commissioner is to decide
as Judge.  If the law provides pensions they
must be allowed upon legal proof.  The Com-
missioner is not responsible for the law or facts
He is not to .. ( illegible )  upon supposed mistakes and
Page 99

[illegible] that upon reflection the Commissioner will see
that the claim is well supported

[illegible] respectfully
Yours
James L. Seward
Page 100

William Hunter
Decl.
made  July 10/55
(No 1)

H H Tooke
Agent
Thomasville 
Georgia
Page 101

State of Georgia.     ⎬
County of Lowndes ⎬
I James Newton Clerk of the Superior Court for said
County do hereby certify that Daniel W Mc Neil
whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing
Pension Claim & power of Attorney is and was at the
time of so doing a Justice of the peace in and for
said County duly commissioned & sworn -that all his
Official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit
and that the aforesaid Court is a Court of Record
having general jurisdiction
Given under my hand and the
Seal of the Superior Court
at Troupville this 13th day
of July 1855
James Newton Clk
Page 102

Let of
H. V E. Took
Sept 17/55
Page 103

Thomasville Georgia
Sept 17th 1855.

Hon. J Minot

Dear Sir,

Yours of 10th Sept
Instant requiring evidence from
the Records of the Office of the Controller
of the State of South Carolina in the
application of William Hunter of
Georgia for a Pensions under the act
7th June 1832, duly received I have
written to the Controller of the State of S.C.
for the evidence of his alleged service

I was of opinions the evidence heretofore
forwarded would be sufficient as the name 
of the applicant appeared on a South
Carolina Roll in the office of the Department
and that the particulars in his Declaration
[illegible] sponded in some respects with that
furnished by the Rolls. If you could
see the applicant Wm Hunter you would
be readily convinced that it was impos-
sible from his extreme old age & infirmity to
recollect all the particulars as [illegible] his service

Respectfully
Yours &c
H H Tooke