Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 8740, for Aquilla Smith, Maryland
Page 1

SERVICE- Md.        Service W 8740
Smith, Aquilla 
Catherine 
contents 
B. Mar. 30, 1759
enlisted at Fredericktown Md. (1835 in Lewis Co. Ky.
d. Apr. 28, 1839
Page 2

date of death not on 9b
Catharine Smith
widow of Aquilla Smith
who was a Private 
in the Maryland Line 
subscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 
cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of April 1844 and sent to W. S. Allyson 
Present 
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in book A 
Vol 1 Page 173
Page 3

30.277
Kentucky
Aquilla Smith 
of Lewis Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Beatty of the regt. commanded by Col Gunby in Maryland line from three years from 1778.
Inscribed in the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 dollars __Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.  
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of October 1835- and sent to I.D. HIckman, Lexington.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1835              $360
Semi annl allowance ending 4 March '36    40
                                                                 $400
Revolutionary claim act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Wm Allison Clerk, Book E, 2 Vol 7 Page 45
Page 4

I further certify that it was this day proved before
me, by the oath of Jesse Hamrick, that the said
Aquilla Smith, with whom he has been acquainted about 8 years, is in but moderate circumstances. That he owns about 100 acres of land, which he has offered for, and been unable to sell at $7 per acre, including the improvements thereon. That he owns no slaves, and his personal property is inconsiderable. It consists of a few cattle and hogs; three midling indifferent
houses; and his household furniture is about such as is usual with persons in his circumstances. That the said Smith is in a very bad state of health, and has been so for more than a twelve months. That he has been very industrious, but is now incapable of doing any
labor, without suffering great pain. He has
living with him four daughters, and a small son
and one other son about 19 or 20 years of age
but who talks of leaving him soon. That he knows he has supported himself with great difficulty for some years past. And the said proof being satisfactory as to the facts, the same is certified to the Secretary War, to whom the question referred whether the circumstances of Smith are such as to bring him within the act of Congress so given under my hand as circuit Judge of the 1st Judicial District this 1st June 1818
A Beatty
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Hon. Secretary of War
City of Washington 
State of Kentucky Marion Circuit Ct.
I Marshall Key, clerk of the Marion Circuit Court, Certify that Adam Beatty before whom the foregoing statement and affidavits were made is and was at the time of subscribing the same, Judge of the first Judicial District in the state aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to all official acts by him done.  In Testimony whereof I have here onto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 25th day of January 1819
Marshall Key 
I Adam Beatty, sole Judge of the Marion Circuit court certify that from the testimony hereto annexed and the additional evidence of Richard Bean and Lawson Bean, both men of credibility, I am satisfied the applicant Aquilla Smith is in such reduced circumstances, as to need the assistance of his country for support.  Given under my hand this 4th December 1819.
A. Beatty
Aquilla Smith 
private
Colonel Gaity Regt office 
line 1778 3 years 
The certificate of the judge is not as ?
Sent to Maryland for proof of service
If the judge is satisfied that applicant served as stated and that from his reduced circumstances he states an need of assistance from his country for support- his certificate to that effect should be ?
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Rec'd 28 Aug: 1823.
Page 7

I Henry Smith of Lewis County Kentucky Do state on oath that I am the brother of Aquilla Smith, of said County, who is making application for a pension in consequence of a wound he received through the right thigh while a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  That the said Aquilla Smith is now here present.  That he returned from the Army of the Revolution in 1781 to Baltimore County Maryland to his mothers who lives near what was called the Burnt House Woods and to my house, a short distance from Mothers in the same County.  His wound being not well and he labouring under the fever and ague, remained unemployed amongst his friends in that County until the following spring when he set into work with Philip Bean, a Carpenter or joiner, who lived near me and about Twelve miles from Baltimore Town and two miles from Hooks Town, where he worked about two years.  In 1784 he rented a place of William Goodin, just over the line and in the edge of Frederick County where he raised a summer crop, and that fall he married and the following year (1785) set in as an over seer for said Godin at a plantation in Baltimore County about four miles from the place he lived in 1784.  And at that place, and in that employ the said Aquilla Smith lived for about four years.  After which
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he moved to within a Mile of Frederick Town to be overseer for one John Graham, where he lived, and in said Graham's employ for between 4 and 5 years.  Then he went again to Baltimore County and in the employ if the same Will Goodin, Near Capt. Charles Ridgely's iron works, on the Gunpowder falls where he the said Aquilla Smith lived one year.  And at which time I and my brother Aquilla agreed to move to Kentucky, which we did in the Spring of the year 1796.  and landed in Ky. on the 2 May, and in that summer I and my brother each purchased a small tract of land on Cabbin Creek in the then County of Mason, but now county of Lewis laying adjoining; I had 60 acres and Aquilla 115 Acres for which we gave each the same price per acre, which I believe was one dollar and three quarters per acre on which we built cabbins, and moved to it in the spring of 1797.  and on which the said Aquilla Smith has ever since lived, he and his children farming in the small ways.  The made of life of the said Aquilla Smith, since he left the
Page 9

Army in 1781.  has been such as stated, with that of the sober industrious man, very weakly, and of  late years Very much affected from the wound in his thigh as before stated, up until the present day- For many years past I have considered the said Aquilla Smith unable to labour for a maintenance from the wound through his thigh when ever much exercises it swells to an enormous size, with apparent pain as I before stated.  
I know the said Aquilla Smith returned home in 1781.  About three years and nearly a half from the time he enlisted.  I believe I have seen his discharge signed by Col. Gunby and have not any doubt of his having served the full time for which he enlisted but wasn't with him but a short time as stated in the formal deposition. 
Henry Smith
State of Kentucky
I George W. Botts, commissioner, appointed by the Humble Robert Trimble, Judge of the United States Court for the Kentucky district, which commission is on file with other evidence supporting the claim of Aquilla Smith for a pension, as a wounded revolutionary soldier.  Do certify that the foregoing deposition was taken, subscribed and sworn to before me this sixth day of August 1823.  On which day the Testimony in this case was finally closed.
Geo. W. Botts
Page 10

6442
Catharine Smith
of Aquilla 
Kentucky
Act 7 July 38 
and
2 yrs pri
80$
6442

WT Allison Esq.
Agent
Page 11

State of Kentucky
Lewis County Sct.
On the 22nd day of November 1839 before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid- appeared Catharine Smith a resident of said County aged seventy three years, who from bodily infirmity is unable to appear in the Court who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit for the provision made by an Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows that she is the widow of Aquilla Smith who was a private in the Army of the United State during the Revolutionary War, and who received pensions from the United States of ninety six dollars as an invalid and Eighty dollars per annum under the act passed 7th June 1832. as a Revolutionary Soldier.
She further declares that she was married to the said Aquilla Smith on the 6th day of September 1785 as shown by the annexed certificate which is in the words and figures as follows:
This certified that on the 6th day of September 1785 rites of Marriage were Solemnized, according to law between Aquilla Smith and Catharine Conway by me.
M John Smith Wm West of St. Paul's Parrish Register of St. Paul's Baltimore
Page 12

This certifies that for the 6th day of September [illegible] the of marriage were solemnized, according to law, between Aquila Smith + Catharine Connolly, by me

Wm. West of St Pauls' Parish, Baltimore

Wm John Smith.
Register of St Pauls
Page 13

That her husband the aforesaid Aquilla Smith died on the 28th day of April 1839, what she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first January one thousand seven hundred and ninety four
viz., at the time above stated 
Sworn to and Subscribed
on the day and year first above written 
Catherine X Smith
(X her mark)
Joshua Power, JPLC
attest
Elijah Smith
The commonwealth of Kentucky Lewis County Sct. I Joseph Robb Clerk of the Lewis County Court do hereby certify that Joshua Power Esquire who has taken and Certified the foregoing declaration or affidavit of Catherine
Smith widow of the late Aquilla Smith deceased of the County of Lewis was at the time of taking and certifying the same and now is one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lewis duly commissioned and sworn as such and that his signature attached thereto is in the proper hand writing of the said Joshua Power Esq. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office for said County Court at Clarksburg the 28th day of November in the year 1839.  In the 48th year of the Commonwealth
Joseph Robb Clerk 
(seal)
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Aquillla Smith
Declaration for 
a Pension

[perpendicular at left]
admitted
$80.
Page 15

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.
State of Kentucky
Lewis County ⎬ St.
On this 2nd day of October 1835 personally appeared before the Circuit Court of Lewis County, in open Court, Aquilla Smith a resident in said County, and State aforesaid, aged Seventy five years, who being duly sworn, according to Law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That he enlisted in the army of the United States
on the 2d day of June 1778 and served first under Capt Montjoy Baily, and subsequently under Capt Wm Beatty, & Lieut Gazway Watkins (the name of the Ensign not now recollected) and in the 7th Regiment of the Maryland line, commanded by Colo. John Gunby - that he lived
at the time of his enlistment in the County of Baltimore and State of Maryland, and was engaged in the Battles at Monmouth, Guilford Court House, and in Genl Gates' defeat in So. Carolina, and was discharged on the 2d day
of June 1781 at "Ninety Six " in So Carolina (having served three years), his discharge he cannot now produce, having disposed of the pay due him and surrendered his discharge to the purchaser, shortly after he obtained it. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, except at the Agency
at Lexington Kentucky, as an Invalid Pensioner. 
Aquilla Smith
"having served three years" interlined before 
and "circuit" instead of County also.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Page 16

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
     I Joseph Robb Clerk of the Circuit County Court of Lewis County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Aquilla Smith for a Pension.
               On testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 2nd day of October 1835.
                 Joseph Robb. Clerk
(seal)
Page 17

                        April 23, 1835
                        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
                         BA-J/EEL

Mrs. R.D. Willis
1221 Grand Avenue
Dayton, Ohio

Dear Madam;
     Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Captain Alex. Lawson Smith, Aquilla Smith, Elijah Smith and Martin Smith, soldiers of the Revolutionary War and Jonathan Stutzman, a soldier of the War of 1812.
     Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data and he limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it has not been possible to make for one person or organization a series of investigations and reports pertaining to soldiers of these wars.
     You are furnished herewith the histories of Alexander Lawson Smith and Aquilla Smith.
                     Very truly yours,

                      A.D. HILLER
                      Executive Assistant to the 
                       Administrator.
Page 18

April 23, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
Aquilla Smith -W.8740

Mrs. R.C. Willis
1221 Grand Avenue
Dayton, Ohio

Dear Madam:
     The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.8740, based upon the military service of Aquilla Smith in that war.
     Aquilla Smith was born March 30, 1759.  The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
    While residing in Baltimore County, Maryland, Aquilla Smith enlisted June 2, 1778, served as a private in Captains Montjoy Bailey's and William Beatty's Companies, Colonel John Gunby's 7th Maryland Regiment, was in the battles of Month, Camden (Gates Defeat) and Guilford Court House in which latter engagement he was severely wounded by a musket ball which passed through his right thigh, and in several skirmishes and was discharged June 2, 1782, at Ninety-Six, South Carolina, by Lieutenant Gassway Watkins, then commanded the company, Captain Beatty having been killed at the second battle of Camden.
      After the Revolution, he returned tohis mother's home near what was called the "Burnt House Woods" in Baltimore County, Maryland, and resided at various places in that county and in Frederick County, Maryland, until the spring of 1796, when he and his brother, Henry Smith, removed to the state of Kentucky.  They reached there May 2 of that year and soldier settle in Mason (that part which was later Lewis) County, that state, where he resided on the waters of Cabin Creek.
     He was allowed pension on his application executed April 24, 1818, while residing in Lewis County, Kentucky. When he was dropped in 1820 he applied for & received invalid pension & in 1835, he applied under the act of 1802 & lost his inv. pension.
     He died April 28, 1839.  It was stated that he was a member of the Methodist Church.
Page 19

     Aquilla Smith married September 6, 1785,  Catharine Connoway or Conway.  Their marriage was recorded on the register of marriages of St. Paul's Church, of Baltimore, Maryland.  The date of her birth and names of her parents are not stated.
     Soldier's widow, Catharine, was allowed pension on her application executed November 22, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy three years and resided in Lewis County, Kentucky.
     In 1818, the soldier stated that he had six children residing with him, four daughters and a small son, and another son, then aged between nineteen and twenty years, but gave no names.
     In 1835, soldier's brother, Henry Smith, resided in Lewis County, Kentucky.

                        Very truly yours
                        A.D. HILLER
                        Executive Assistant to the 
                        Administrator
Page 20

Camp before 16 June 1781

I do hereby certify that Aquilla Smith has not received any pay from the Public since the month of March 80 to this day.  And I do further certify that the Public is entitled to have one full set of cloathes (sic) for service in the Continental Army.  A soldier three years.
                   Given under my hand, 
                   Gasaway Watkins Lieut.

Nov to $1702 Received payment of the State of Maryland for the aforesaid (illegible)
                Aquilla X Smith
                  (X his mark)

(seal)
Page 21

April 18 - 1802
Ethridge Maryland
I do hereby certify that Aquilla Smith a soldier in the last American Revolution called on me to certify that (faded) A certificate to before 96 in June 1781.  I do certify that he is Given under my hand this 18 of Oct. 1802.

                         G. Watkins
Page 22

Catharine Smith
Kentucky
Act 7 July 1838
Rejected

Catharine Smith
Affidavit
Page 23

State of Kentucky
Lewis County Set
On the 2nd day of March 1843 before the
undersigned a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid personally appeared Catherine Smith a resident of said County aged seventy six years, who from bodily infirmity is unable to appear in Court who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay
and pensions to certain widows" and she now states on Oath that she did on the 22 day of November 1839 make application for the benefit of the above act entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"" That she is the widow of Aquilla Smith who was a private in the Army of the United States, during the revolutionary War, and who received pensions from the United States of Ninety six dollars Invalid, and Eighty dollars per annum, under the act passed 7th June 1832 as a Revolutionary soldier
She further declares that she was Married to said Aquilla Smith, on the 6th day of Sept 1785 as shewn by the annexed certificate
which is in the words and figures as follows viz-
Page 24

This certifies that on the 6th day of Sept 1785 rites of Marriage were solemnized according to law between Aquilla Smith and Catherine Conway by one Wm West of St Pauls Parish
Baltimore
Al John Smith
Register of St Paul
that her husband the aforesaid Aquilla Smith died on the 28th day of April 1839 that she was not Married to him prior to his leaving the service - but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January One thousand seven hundred and
ninety four viz at the time above stated
Sworn to & subscribed on
the day and year first
above written before me
Catherine Smith  X her mark
Joshua Power S.P.L.C.
Benjamin Given
The Commonwealth of Kentucky. Lewis County. Set.
I Joseph Robb Clerk of the Lewis County Court Do hereby Certify That Joshua Power Esqr. who has taken and certified the foregoing Deposition or affidavit of Catherine Smith was at the time of taking and Certifying the same, and now is one of the Commonwealths acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lewis duly Commissioned and sworn. And that to all
Page 25

his official acts as such due faith and credit is due and ought to be given. as well in Courts of Justice as thereout -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the seal of office for said County Court, at Clarksburg the 4th day of March A.D. 1843 And in the 51st year of the Commonwealth
Joseph Robb, Clerk
Page 26

(left panel)
Kentucky 7260
Catharine Smith
widow of Aquilla Smith who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 Junne '32 and who died on the 28th April 1839 - of Lewis County: in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the company: commanded by Captain Beatty ____of the Regt:_____ commanded by Col: Gunby in the Maryland line for 2 years--
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky -- at the rate of 80 __ Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May 1843 and sent to W.S. Allison Present

Arrears to the 4th of Semi-Annual allowance ending
                 $400.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by (illegible) -- Clerk,
Book A Vol 2 Page 225
Page 27

Kentucky
Aquilla Smith
Private, Captain Wm. Beatty's company of the 7th Regt. of the Maryland line during the Revolution.

Ratio of disability,  three fourths
Time of giving the testimony 
6 August, 1823.

Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at 6 dollars per month, to commence on the 6th of August, 1823.

Certificate of pension issued the 3d of Sept. 1823 and sent to Geo. W. Botts Esq./Flemingsburg, Kentucky.

Arrears to 4th Sept. 1823 26/31 and $5.82
Act 10 April, 1806
& Feby 1822

(right panel)
letter 26 Dec 1829 to Hon. H. Daniel H.R.
Page 28

17.072 A
Kentucky
Aquilla Smith at Lewis County in the state of Kentucky who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Gunby of the Maryland line, for the term of three years.
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 24 of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of May 1820 and sent to Adam Beatty, Lewis County, Judge - Kentucky.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1820. 22 mos.
                   7/30 & 4/30                   178.89
Semi-anl. all'ce ending Sept 1820       45

                            $226.89

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.|
Page 29

Stricken from roll, by order, having too much property &c.  Inscribed on Invalid roll 3d Sept. 1823.
Page 30

1013
Kentucky
Aquilla Smith Private Revy War
Captain Beatty's company of the 7th Md.

Ratio of disability, 3/4
Date of discharge,
Time of closing the testimony, 6 August 1823
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky ay Six dollars per month to commence on the  6th August 1823.  Increased to $8 per month, 22 March 1830 to commence 19 Dec. 1829.

Certificate of pension issued on the 3d of Sept. 1823 and sent to Geo. M. Botts, Esq., Flemmingsburgh, Kentucky

Arrears to 4th Sept 1823    $5.82
Semi-an'l all'e ending 4 March 1824   (illegible)
                                  $?1.82

Acts of 10 April 1806 & 4 February 1822
Page 31

The word Cancelled is handwritten across this text twice.

War Department
INVALID PENSION.
I CERTIFY That, inconformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 10th of April, 1806 and 4th of February, 1822, Aquilla Smith late a private of Capt. Beatty's company of the 7th Reg. (illegible) Infantry is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Kentucky Agency at the rate of Six dollars per month, to commence on the Sixth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this third day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.

                            J.C. Calhoun

(seal)
Page 32

Certificates issued between the 4th March and the 4th September are not payable until the 4th September.  Those issued between the 4th September and 4th March are not payable before the 4th March.  The stipend due to the within named Pensioner will be paid at Lexington by the President of the Branch Bank U.S. Agent.

G. W. Botts, Esq.
Flemmingsburg,
Kentucky

Registered in Book B:
Vol. 10 page 19 by
W. Hickey Clerk
Ed & countersigned by 
J.L. Edwards
Page 33

The word Cancelled is handwritten across this text twice.

War Department
INVALID PENSION.
I CERTIFY That, inconformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 10th of April, 1806 and 4th of February, 1822, Aquilla Smith late a private of Capt. Beatty's company of the 7th Reg. (illegible) Infantry is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Kentucky Agency at the rate of Six dollars per month, to commence on the Sixth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this third day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.

                            J.C. Calhoun

(seal)
Page 34

1935-Apr 23-Hist to Mrs. R.C. Ellis
Letter in care of Alexander Lawson 
Smith, W4247.EEL

(illegible)
Maryland Line
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8740
Catharine Smith
Wid. of 
Aquilla Smith
Prt. Md. Line
Act Mch. 3d/43
Index:- Vol. M, Page 220

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 35

(Page is badly faded.)
Act. April 10, 1866
Index:- Vol 2, Page 350
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 36

Is Aquilla Smith in the opinion of the Surgeon Genl. entitled a full Pension?  See evidence marked E.
War Dept.
Pension Office
Dec. 24. 1829
J.L. Edwards

Aquilla Smith is believed to be entitled to a full pension as stated in certificate marked E.
                     Jos. Lov?
Dec. 26 1829
Page 37

Aquilla Smith
Inv
Recd 1829
Suspended (illegible) 

J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 38

Kentucky
Rejected
let: 29 Feb. 1840
J.S. Hickman
same March 28, 1848
husband died after passage of act of 7 July 1838
Let to Wm. G. Allison May 12 '43

Act of July 1838.
Page 39

Aquilla Smith Dec'd.

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secy of War
Washington City

Free

Edwards
Page 40

Aquilla Smith Ken. Act of June 1832
to what time paid?
Pen. Office
Feb. 28, 1840
died 1839
P of 4 March 1839
JH
Page 41

(stamp)
LEXINGTON KY.
FEB 28

Feb. 28, 1846
Ken.
Enquiry

Col. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 42

                      Lexington Feby 20, 1840

Col. J.L. Edwards
Comm. Pensions

Sir
     The widow of an officer of the revolution who died in the year 1828, has made a request of me, that I would endeavor to procure a pension for her;  upon looking into the case, I am of opinion that her case does not come under any act of Congress that I have seen and so informed her;  since which time some member of the family has corresponded with the Hon. S.M. Anderson of Ky, who informs them, that if the widow, was married to the dec officer prior to October 1794 she is entitled to a pension, - if such is the fact I presume she is entitled, having been married in August 1794 - Mr. Anderson ought to know what the law is on the subject, but if he is correct, I have never as yet seen the las.  But such is Mr. Andersons letter, having read it on last evening - by request I write you for the purpose of ascertaining, whether her case is embraced by any law in existence?  - Her husband served a part of the time as a private, and the balance perhaps in the various grades of Ensign, Lieut. & Capt. the whole Service our country to some 3 or 4 years he was named as stated in Augt. 1794 & Died in the year 1828.
     There will be but little difficulty, I understand, in proving the services &c.  I have been urged to procure in taking the necessary evidence (which the witness are living) but do not feel disposed to do so, unless first know that her case was embraced by law.
Page 43

will you be so kind as to give me the information desired.  I am sorry to be under the necessity of so often troubling you, but circumstances since have made it necessary.  I would also like to obtain some information from you of a person nature, but dislike to trouble you at this time, in fact, I am not in a situation to present the subject as I would wish, being just recovering from a spell of sickness.
                 With much respect I am your most 
                       obt. servt,
                       James S. Hickman

P.S. - On the 30th Nov. last, I forwarded to you the papers of Thos. Clark for a pension under the act of 1832 and a few days after, the application of Mrs. Smith (widow of Aquilla Smith decd) for a pension since which time I have heard nothing from them.  If they have been rec?  They no doubt will be attended to in due time - if they have not been recd. will you please to notify me.
                         Yours
                         James S. Hickman
Page 44

6442 Dec 11
Ken
July 7 1838
Mrs. Smith

Free
James L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 45

Lexington Dec. 4th 1839
Sir
     I received by this mornings mail, from Mrs. Catharine Smith (widow of my old friend Aquilla Smith) the enclosed application for a pension, with a request, that I would forward the same and procure a pension certificate for her - if satisfactory, please enclosed one of the certificates as soon as convenient.
                Respectfully in haste
                        Your friend & obt. Servt,
                        James S. Hickman

Col. James L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Page 46

Lexington Oct, 13, 1835

Dear Sir,

Enclosed please find the declaration of Aquilla Smith, on his application for a Pension under the act of the 7th June 1832.  As Mr. Smith was in the regular service, it was considered unnecessary that he should be put to the trouble and expense of obtaining proof of his service, which, he says could only be done by one witness residing in Ky & one other, who now lives in one of the states of Indiana or Illinois.  He has already made proof of his services, by those individuals, which can be seen by references to the papers in your office, on which his Invalid Pension war grants.  It is also presumed his name will be found on the Roll of the Maryland line. 

     Should a pension be granted to Mr. Smith, I will thank you to enclose me his certificate as early as convenient.

With sentiments of esteem, I am dear Sir Respectfully yr. mo. obt.
James S. Hickman

Col. James C. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Page 47

(stamp)
LEXINGTON KY
MAR 7

Mar 13 43
W.
Joel Hickman
Mr. Aquilla Smith
Hen. Bowman

Col. James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 48

Colo: James S Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions}
Lexington, March 7th 1843.
Sir, My Father, Joel Hickman, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under the act of June 7. 1832. has understood, that he was, under an act of Congress, entitled to Bounty land-he left my House this morning, with a request that I would enquire into his claim, and if entitled, to ascertain what steps would be necessary to obtain the land-  Your reply to the enquiry will much oblige
Yr. mo. obt. Servt
James Lewis Hickman

P.S.  If the act which passed the House of Rep. on the 20." Feby. for the benefit of the Widows of Revolutionary Officers &c. has become a law, I presume it will embrace the case of the Widow of Aquilla Smith, forwarded you in 1838 or-9 and which was rejected on the grounds that her husband died  (a few weeks) before the passage of the law of July 1838.--
I am requested by Mrs. Bowman (the widow of Colo: Ab. Bowman) to enquire what steps will be necessary (provided the said law is passed) to obtain a renewal of his Certificate:-- Respy &c.  James L Hickman
4.256 Sarah Bowman
ind:abm. write
38 Ken
Page 49

Benjamin Fitzgerald of the County of Mason in the state of Kentucky; States on Oath, that he was a Soldier, in the Seventh Maryland Regiment during the Revolutionary War, which
regiment was commanded by Colonel John Gunby, that he was in Capt. John Coats Jones’s Company, That while in the service of the United States as aforesaid he was personally well acquainted with Aquilla Smith, who was also at that time a Soldier in the same Regiment, but in another Company, That the said Aquilla Smith is now here personally present.
And he states on Oath that he knows him to be the same Aquilla Smith that he served with in the revolutionary War, And the same man that was wounded through the right thigh while
fighting as a soldier in the Battle of Gilford Courthouse, which battle from the recollection he has, he thinks was in March 1781. He states further on oath that he has seen the said A. Smith for several times during the few last years, during which he has examined the wound, and from the appearance he thinks he is much injured from it. He knows well that the said Smith was a perfectly sober and he believes a very brave soldier, and can say on oath he thinks him to be amongst the best soldiers of the Regiment
Page 50

 and from his knowledge of the man can say he  believes he was perfectly in the line of his duty as a soldier at the time he received the wound altho this deponent belonging to another company could not have been eye witness of the said
 Smith at the very instant he received the Ball. The depo. further states on oath that he fought as  a soldier in several battles with the said Aquilla Smith, and from the intimacy which existed between them while together in the service which was more than Two years they became much
attached, and that he always found him to be as before stated a Sober, brave & worthy man. That after the revolutionary war ended their acquaintance ceased, this depo. moving to Virginia. That within the last five or six years we have again become acquainted and together : And from my latter acquaintance I am able to state on Oath, that he is a perfectly sober upright and worthy man, living in Lewis County in the State of Kentucky on a small farm on Cabbin Creek, of rather indifferent and poor land, moderately improved, and which he believes is worked and carried on principally by the labour of his children
                    Benjamin Fitzgerald

Kentucky Sct.
Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber the commissioner named in the foregoing Commission, from the Honorable Robert Trimble.  This Twenty fourth day of June 1823.
                         George M. Botts
Page 51

"testimony" as directed under advice of "May 20 1823" from the war department.-
     Smiths place of residence has been the same since 1797 living on Cabin Creek, in Louis County Kentucky about 12 miles from Flemingsburg.  Given under my hands as commissioner the 26 June 1823.

                     Geo. W. Botts
Page 52

":mony."- as directed under advice of "May 20, 1823" from the War department.--
Smiths place of  residence has been the same since 1797. living in Cabin Creek; in Lewis County Kentucky, about 12 miles from Flemingsburg.--Given under my hand as Commissioner apd. the 24 June 1823.
G. W. Botts
Page 53

I [illegible] enclose you papers of A Smith a
militia soldier of revolution with additional testimony +c
Yrs respectfully
Geo. W. Botts
Page 54

I am desired by Aquilla Smith, to request a reference to an old certificate signed Gazaway Watkins, who was a lieutenant in the Company, which certificate is filed in papers sent on by him to obtain a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier.  And which certificate he thinks will remove any doubt as to his not having served out the time:  Or that it will establish the face that he did serve out the full period for which he enlisted.-  Perhaps Ormes's Testimony will establish that fact but if it should not clearly do it please see the certificate on file and notice its contents.
                  Yours:
                      Geo. W. Botts
                       Aug. 6 1823
Page 55

Hon. W. Daniel
19
E

Increase to $8 per mo. from 19 Dec. 1829
Page 56

We the subscribers, practicing Physicians of the Town of Flemingsburg Ky do hereby certify that after a careful examination in the case of Aquilla Smith who is now on the pension Roll of Kentucky are of opinion that his disability does still continue from a would received in his right thigh from a musket Call passing through the same which shattered the bone and injured the muscles &c &c and further the degree of disability under which he now Labors at present is almost entirely disabled by the wound and in our opinions is entitled to full pay being much weaker and more infirm than when he was originally placed on the pension Roll.
                           Jho. W. Buckner
                           J.A. Andrews

Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber this 5 day of September 1829.
          George Matthews J.P.
          for Fleming County Ky
I certify that I am acquainted with the Physicians who have signed the above certificate and they are respectable in their professions.
                         George Matthews JP
                         for Fleming County Ky
Page 57

I do certify that George Matthews is a magistrate of Fleming County and that it is his signature on the certificate within.  This 19th of December 1829.
             H. Daniel

Increase to $8 per mo. from 19 Dec. 1829
Page 58

Aquilla Smith
Lewis Cy Ky
Page 59

 DISTRICT OF Kentucky, SS.
  On this 18 day of May 1820 before me, the subscriber, Sole Judge of the Mason and Lewis circuit courts, in and for the said district, personally appeared Aquilla Smith aged 60 years, resident in Lewis county in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war:” That he, the said Aquilla Smith enlisted for the term of three years on the 2 day of June in the year 1778. in Frederick Town in the state of Maryland in the company commanded by Captain Montjoy Bayly of the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Gunby in the line of the State of Maryland, on the Continental Establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the 2 day of June 1781, when he was discharged from service at 96' in the state of South Carolina, that he was in the battles of Monmouth, Campden  Guilford Courthouse, and some skirmishes. That on the resignation of Monjoy, Capt. William Beatty commanded the company to which he was attached, who was killed at Hobkirks hill, at which time he was lying in the Hospital in consequence of a wound received at Guilford and that he is in reduced
circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
                 A Beatty

     I, A. Beatty, Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Aquilla Smith did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months at one time, on the continental establishment.  I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support.  The proof of his circumstances having been made before me by Richard Beau, and Lawson Beau, both men of credibility, and certified in a former declaration forwarded by me to the rear office and which it has been suggested has been lost, or mislaid.  All which is now again 

(illegible) the attached who was killed at Hobkirk's Hill at which time he was lying in the Hospital in consequence of a wound recd at Guilford.
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certified to the Department of War.  Given under my hand the date above.
                       A Beatty

State of Kentucky
Mason Circuit Sct.
I Marshall Key Clerk of the Mason Circuit Court certify that Adam Beatty whose name is subscribed to the above certificate is and was at the time of subscribing the same Judge of the said Court duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to all official acts by him done.
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 19th day of May 1820.
                    Marshall Key Clerk
                    Mason Circuit Court

(seal)
Page 61

United States
     Kentucky Disctrict Sct.
     I Robert Trimble Judge of the District Court of the United States of America for the Kentucky district by authority of an Act of Congress passed the 23rd day of April 1812 entitled An act to receive and continue in for An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war, and for other purposes" do hereby especially authorize and commission George W. Botts of the County of Fleming and District of Kentucky to take all evidence pursuant to the rules and regulations of the said act, for substantiating the claim of Aquilla Smith, of the said County of Fleming and District of Kentucky to be placed on the pension list of the United States by reason of known wounds received in said war, or since  as prescribed in the 4th Section of An act concerning invalid pensioner passed the 25th of April 1808 while in the actual service of the United States and in the line of his duty and when the same shall be completed to return the evidence, affidavits, certificates and proceedings had hereupon together with this commission to the Secretary for the department of War.
     Given under my hand and seal at Paris the third day of September 1822.
                          Robt. Trimble
                          District Justice

 I Aquilla Smith of the County of Lewis, in the State of Kentucky; do state on oath, That
 on the 2 day of June 1778. I enlisted as a private soldier in the Armey of the United States in the revolutionary War at Frederick Town in the State of Maryland, under Major Adams. For the term of Three years; And then by permission made choice of Mountjoy Bailey as my Captain, who soon after marched his company to the “Valley forge” where they joined the American Armey, — Bailey then resigned and I was placed under the command of Capt. William Beatty
Page 62

 under whom I served until nearly the end of the Three years for which I enlisted. And all the
 time in the 7 Maryland Reg’t. on continental establishment under the command of Col. John
 Gunby. That on the 15 March 1781. while engaged as a soldier, in the battle of Gilford
 Courthouse in the State of North Carolina, And while in the service of the United States and in
 the line of my duty as such, against the common enemy, I Received a Wound, in my right thigh
 by a musket ball passing through it, about the middle which cut the mussles in a manner so as
 to disable me very much. Smith further states on Oath, that he will be 64 years of age on the 30 March next. and that he is very much disabled in consequence of the Wound aforesaid. — And that he is always pained, and very frequently sevearly so. That ever since he received the wound, there has been a numbness or deadness in that leg and foot, and cant use them well in walking. That after exposure or fatigue that leg always swell very much, so as to prevent his walking and at those times give him great pain. That he is very much emaciated or reduced in flesh, and as he gets older feels the effects of the wound more sensibly and is more disabled. That to the best of his recollection, he was discharged from the service of the United States on the 2 June 1781. at Ninety Six in the State of South Carolina at which time and place he received an Honorable discharge from Col. Gunby, which was taken from him at Anapolis when he applied there to get the am’t of depreciation of money or his monthly pay as a soldier. — That on the same day (June 2. 1781) he received from
Page 63

Lieu. Watkins a certificate stating that he had served the three years for which he enlisted, and there was a suit of clothes due to him or in substance to that affect.  Which certificate is filed in the War office with papers sent on there by Judge Beatty to obtain a pension for him as a revolutionary soldier under the Act of Congress of the 18 March 1818.  And on which papers I did receive a pension certificate but since the law of the 1 May 1820 have not rendered any schedule being told by Judge Beatty that as I had a piece of land 115 acres tho poor & of but little value could not be continued on the pension roll.
     Smith states as the reason why he did not make application for a pension before, that not having made application for a pension when wounded or on leaving the service, did not know that he could afterwards get one until told so by Judge Beatty and Geo. M. Botts, since hearing of the Act of the first May 1820 both of whom promised to aid him in obtaining it.- he states that he is not on the pension list of any state.-That he fought in the battle of Monmouth and in the Battle in which Gates was defeated & in the battle of Guilford courthouse besides many scirmishes.-  He states that Cpt. Beatty was kild while he Smith lay in the Hospital, a little before he obtained his discharge.
                           Aquilla Smith

Kentucky Sct.
     Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber the commissioners named in the foregoing commission this twenty fifth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three (1823.)
                      George W. Botts
Page 64

Charles Ormes, of Lewis County Ky. States on Oath that he was a soldier in Col. Gunby Reg’t. in the revolutionary war: That he knew Aquilla Smith who was a Soldier at the same time in said Regiment that he has known him ever since, That while in the Armey they were as intimate as brothers. That he knew Smith to be wounded in the battle of Gilford Courthouse as he has stated that Smith is here now present and he knows him to be the same man; And verily believes him to be injoured by said wound and in the manner which Smith has stated in his deposition before written. That he (Ormes) was in said battle with Smith, that he well recollects he was shot through the thigh that day and was taken to the hospital, where he remained some time, that he knows he afterwards returned and joined the Army but was not recovered so as to do much duty and verily believes that Smith served out the 3 years for which he enlisted. He knows from his own knowledge or observation of Smith that he is much injoured from the wound. Ormes states that he joined the armey the day after the battle of Monmouth, and joined Smith then there a soldier, and fought with said Smith in the battle of Gates’s defeat and in the battle of Gilford Courthouse where Smith was wounded by a musket ball passing through his thigh near the middle thereof as aforesaid. 
                   Charles X Ormes
                     (X his mark)

State of Kentucky Sct
     Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber the commissioner named in the foregoing commission the 27th day of January 1823.
                     George W. Botts
Page 65

5/117   April 6 1844
Catharine Smith
Kentucky
Act 3 March 1843

$80 per anno

W. S. Atkins
Present
Page 66

State of Kentucky
County of Lewis
      On this 11th day of March 1844 - personally appeared before me Joshua Power a Justice of the Peace for said County Catharine Smith a resident of Lewis County aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of revolutionary soldiers & officers -- That she is the widow of Aquilla Smith who was a private in the Maryland line and that she received a pension of $80 per annum under Act 7 July 1838 -- She further declares that she is still a widow.
     Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
                Joshua Power JPLC
I further certify that the above mentioned widow is personally known to me.
                Joshua Power JPLC
Page 67

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Lewis County, Sct.

I Joseph Robb Clerk of the Lewis County Court do hereby Certify that Joshua Power Esq. who has taken and certified the foregoing Declaration of Catharine Smith was at the time of taking and certifying the same and now is one of the acting Justices of the Peace, in and for the County of Lewis duly commissioned, and sworn in office and that to all his official actions such as well as to his said certificate full faith and credit is due and ought to be given as well in Court of Justice thereout.
(seal)
     In testimony where I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office for said County Court at Clarksburg the 25th day of March 1844 and in the 52nd year of the Commonwealth.
                 Joseph Robb Clerk
Page 68

(seal)
     Auditor's Office, Annapolis, June 16th 1819
     I hereby certify that it appears from the muster-rolls remaining in the Auditor's Office, that Aquilla Smith enlisted as a Private in the Seventh Maryland Regiment on the second day of June 1778 and was discharged on the 2nd June 1781.
         Jno. Karney   Aud. S.M.
Page 69

Commonwealth of Kentucky
First Judicial District Sct.
Aquilla Smith, a resident citizen of Lewis county in the District and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged fifty eight years, this day made the following declaration before the undersign circuit Judge of the Judicial District and Commonwealth aforesaid to wit, that he the said Aquilla Smith enlisted as a soldier, in the service of the United States for the term of three years at Frederick Town, in the State of Maryland, on the second day of June 1778, in a company then commanded by Mounjoy Bayley of the seventh Maryland Regiment commanded by Colonel John Gunby, that he was marched from thence first to the Northern and then to the Southern Army.  The command of the company soon after devolved on Capt. William Beatty, upon the resignation of the former captain in whose company he fought at the battle of Camden and Guilford where
Page 70

he was badly wounded in the right thigh by which wound he was so much disabled as to be incapable of performing service, and was sent to the hospital.  That on the expiration of his time of service he received a regular discharge; and also the accompanying certificate dated "Camp before 96 June 1st 1781, from Gasaway Watkins Lieutenant, and then commanding the company, Captain Beatty having been killed at the second Battle of Campden.  He further declares that the service as aforesaid was in the continental line.  That he gave up his discharge at the time he received pay for his clothing as specified in the receipt of the paper above referred to.  He further declares that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, he needs the assistance of his county for support.
     The undersigned further certifies that the said Aquilla Smith did before me on the date of these presents in due and legal form, make oath to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing declaration.  Given under my hand and seal this 24th April 1818.
                 Adam Beatty
Page 71

Aquila Smith, (illegible) see lettter to George W. Botts, Esq. Flemingsburg, Kentucky May 20 1823
Page 72

 I Henry Smith of Lewis County Kentucky: Do state on Oath; that I am a brother to Aquilla Smith who is now here present and who is the one trying to get a pension for a wound he received, in the Revolutionary War. And I do further state on oath that I know the said Aquilla Smith enlisted as a private soldier in the 7 Maryland Reg’t. under Col. Gunby in the summer of 1778. I was not at that time a soldier myself, and my brother being younger than me, and as I thought too young for the service exerted myself with the officers to get him off but failed. I know well that he had not then the wound through the thigh that he now carries. I saw him again about eighteen months afterwards when he was still in the service, and marched with him a while and he wasnt then wounded. And I saw him again, after he had been discharged from the service of the U.
States on his return home in the summer of 1781. When I know he was wounded through the right thigh about the middle thereof and from the appearance of the wound it was by a musket ball  I have lived near my brother ever since and for the last 26 years within a few hundred yards and can safely say that he is very much injoured by the wound, and in the
Page 73

manner he has stated: — I have always heard my brother say he received said wound, while fighting as a soldier under Col. Gunby at the Battle of Gilford Court-house in North Carolina in 1781. And do believe that to be a fact as much so as if I had been by his side and seed him receive the wound; because I know he had not said wound when he entered the service in 1778 and I know that he had it when he
 left the service in 1781. — I further state that within the last 20 years my brother has been very much injoured from said wound, the limb frequently swelling and he losing measurably the use of it, the last 12 or 15 years he has not been able to walk so as to attend to his ordinary business; he is poor  the land he lives on being the principal part of his property, and that is poor and indifferent. I know he served out the 3 years for which he enlisted and got a discharge.
                     Henry Smith

State of Kentucky Sct.
     Sworn and subscribed to before me the Subscriber, Commissioner named in the foregoing commission the 27 day of January 1823.
             George W. Botts
Page 74

 We James E. McDowell and Anthony G. Houston practising physicians and Surgeons in the Town of Flemingsburg County of Fleming and State of Kentucky: Do hereby certify on Oath; That theforegoing named Aquilla Smith, a private in Capt. William Beatty’s Company Seventh Maryland Regiment on Continental establishment during the revolutionary War. Is rendered incapabl of performing the duty of a soldier by reason of a wound inflicted, while he was actually engaged in the service of the United States as a soldier in the line of his duty, Viz: By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination it appears that on the 15 March 1781 being engaged in the line of his duty as a Soldier at a place called Guilford Courthouse in the State of North Carolina, he received a wound in his right thigh by a musket ball passing through the same, that some what shattered the bone, and so destroyed & injoured the Muscles and Tendons that their regular functions have been principally distroyed for many years: And he is
 thereby not only incapacitated from military duty but in the opinion of the undersigned Three fourths disabled from obtaining his subsistance by manual labour.

 J. E. McDowell 
 A G Houston

State of Kentucky Sct.
     The above named James E. McDowell and Anthony G Houston, subscribed and made oath to the facts by them stated before me the subscriber, commissioner named in the commission aforesaid this 27 day of January 1823.  And I further certify that the said McDowell and Houston examining Physicians or surgeons, are reputation in their profession as such.
Given under my hand 28 Jany. 1823 
                   Geo. W. Botts
Page 75

I certify in my opinion the foregoing named Aquilla Smith, Henry Smith and Charles Ormes are credible entities the said Smith have been personally known to me for upwards of 20 years, and are men of integrity and respectability.  The two physicians McDowell & Houston examined the wound, are credible witnesses and are reputable in their profession as Physicians or Surgeons.
                   George W. Botts
                   Commissioner &c &c

I certify the Testimony taken in the foregoing case before me was done on the 27th day of January 1823.
                     George W. Botts
                     Commissioner &c &c
Page 76

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAN-S1
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Smith, Archibald GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7788 ACERAGE 100 ISSUED
October 7 1789 to Benjamin Tallmadge, assignee

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