Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,547, for Benjamin Lawrence, South Carolina
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Lawrence, Benjamin                   W. 2d. 547
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Rachel Lawrence , widow of Benjamin S.C. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Liuets of   mounted Militia 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of  304 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1848. and aug 11 Augta 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the  28 day of Mch.  1849 and sent to Miles M. Norton , Pickeus, C S.C.


Recorded on Roll Pensioners under act February 2,1848, Page 318   Vol.2
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              Declaration. 
 In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress on the 7 July 1838. entitles "An act granting half pay and penisiory to certain Widows." 

State of South Carolina 
District of Pickens  SS.

On the Eighth day of January 1844, personally appeared before the Court of Ordinary the District, and State a foresaid, Wm..  Rachel Laurence (formerly Rachel Weemes a resident of the District and State aforesaid, aged over Eighty years, who-begin first duty swore, according to law, doth,on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress, passed July7th,1838, entitles "An  act granting half pay and pensions  to certain  widows ."  That she is the widow if Benjamin Laurence who was a Private, and Officer in the War of Revolution. that She was acquainted with her late husband Benjamin Laurence sometime previous to her marriage to him, that,  they, then lived neighbors in  Abberville District in this State, that she knew a good  deal of his service, as a Soldier of the Revolutionary War, or rather of his absence from home, leaving + returning with the army, and said to be in serve, that he was  in the Cavalry and infantry both,that,she is unable to  state at this late day ,under what officers he served  in the Cavalry, but  is satisfied he served under Col. Anderson in the  infantry ,and that, he was an Officer during some part of the time, that he wore a Uniform +Epaulettes and  was called Captain, that she can not of course say much of the country which he marched , understood that he has been thought North + South Caroline + Georgia ,that he was in the battle of Kittle Creek, seage  at Augusta, Midway and others  not, now recollected, She does not kno whether he was drafted or a volunteer, but the thinks the later












s
s.
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She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Laurence (as well as she can recollect, and from the best information she can obtain, as she has no record of the fact on the fifth day of March in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty-three; that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Laurence died on the twenty second day  of April one thousand and eight hundred and twenty  six ; that she was not  married to him prior to his leaving the service ( as was thought entirely, (tho) he was afterward out on excursions after Indians, if not Tories.) but the marriage took  place (previous, to the first of  January, seventeen  hundred  and twenty four, (viy: at the time above stated. Rachel (X her mark) Lawrence

Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court , on the day and year above written before.
James H.Durdy OPD.
Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Perkins District Common Seal having no seal of Office . I William L.Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickins District S. C. do certify that James H. Durdy is Judge of the Court of Ordinary for this District, and that the above Signature purporting to be his is genuine, and further that he has no seal of Office. Given under my hand and seal of Office this : ninth day of January 1844
W.L. Keith , Clark of the Court Peckens District  So. Ca.
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Declaration.

James Laurence
6428
Udur 304, per aui
Eudry 11 Augt. 1848 6428 Deed

payable to surveying  children (names within)

James Laurence
Elisha 
+ Margaret Deal
Miles M. Norton
Picken, C. A
S.C.
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Declaration.

In order to obtain the benefit the act of Congress  of 2nd. February 1848, entitles "An act making  further provisions  for  surviving   Widows and Soldiers, of the Revolution."
State of South Carolina
District of Pickens             S.S.
On the thirty first day of October 1848, personally appeared before Miles M. Norton a Notary Public + Ex. Officio Magistrate for the District aforesaid, James Laurence a resident the District and State aforesaid, one of the surviving children of Mrs. Rachel Laurence who was a resident of the same District and State, who being first duly sworn, dolt on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit, of the provision made by the act of  Congress,( paper) on the 2nd February 1884, granting pensions, to widow of person, who served during the Revolutionary War. That his Mother the aforesaid Rachel Laurence was, the widow of Benjamin Laurence, who was a Lieutenant in the Militia of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War; and that the said Rachel Lawrence did draw a pension under the act of 17th June 1844 of Three hundred and four dollars per annum, that she did live a widow until the Eleventh day of August 1848. when she died in the aforesaid District, and that her only surveying children are himself and a brother and Sister, the former of which, his brother Elisha, he has no tiding , from since about twelve months ago. the latter, his sister Margaret resides in Mississippi when last heard from.that this declaration is made to obtain the amount of pension due to his mother the said Rachel Lawrence from the 4th March last up to the day of her death, under the act above alluded to, or his portion there ,if  not proper for him to receive  the whole amount, in
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behalf of his brother and Sister. James Lawrence 
sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before   Miles H. Norton , Nor. Pub. Ex. Ju.P.D.

I certify that I am personally with the above declarant James Lawrence, that he is what   he repesent,himself in said declaration, the son of Mrs. Rachel Lawrence, and also that I was well acquainted with her, and know that she did draw a pension under the acct of 17th June 1844. of Three hundred and four dollars per annum, and that she lived a widow until about the eleventh of August last when she died.
Given under my hand and seal, this thirty first day of October 1848.
Miles M. Norton 
Not. Pub.+ Ex, Off. O.P.D
 I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens Dist. S.C. certify that Miles M. Norton is a Magistrate as above, and that the signature, there to, purporting to be his are genuine and also that the evidence advanced before the Court of Ordinary, of the   identity of James Lawrence and of the date of his mother, Rachel Lawrence's death, and that she left no other children but Jamese Lawrence, Elisha Lawrence and Margaret Deal  who named Alexander Deal, was satisfactory to the said  court.
In testimony where of I have hereunto subscribed my name, also affixed my seal of Office, this 20th day of Nov. 1848
Wi. L Keith
Clerk of this Court of 
Pickens District S.C.


















hehaf of his brother and Sister, James Kawrence

















off. C.P.
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South Carolina 
Pickens, District
 I, William D. Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it has been proved to the satisfaction of the said   Court this day in session, that Mrs. Rachel Lawrence who has been a pensioner of the United States, did die a widow on the 11th. August 1848 that she left but three children alive, her son James, who has made the foregoing declaration being the only one in this country, her son Elisha having been gone for some years, and unheard of for about twelve months, and her daughter Margaret who married Alexander Deal residing in Mississippi.
Given under my bond, and common seal, having no seal of Office, this 20th November 1848.----
William D. Steele
Judge of the Court of 
Ordinary Pickens District  S.S.
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South Carolina
Picken District

Before me personally appeared David Vesner  and (unreadable) and respectable citizen of Anderson District + who is reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution + who now receives a Pension, and sworn and oath is due form of Law that he was well acquainted with Benjamin Lawrence during the war of Revolution + served with him in the same militia company, under varsities  Officers at different times  time,(veg) Capt. Wil Williams Harris, Capt. Baskin, Capt. McCall + Capt. Robert Anderson who was afterward Colonel- was in the Battle of Kettle Creek with him- that Lawrence then lived in or near Rocky River-that he was one of the best Soldier this deponent ever knew + he believes served during worst of the war, and is fully satisfied he served at least two years least two years  from what he knew of his own personal knowledge + from well founded report,about the time of the war : that he never knew but the  one Benjamin Lawrence.and  that he married ( as he was informed by the report about  that time, a.he was not himself at the weddig) Rachel. Seems whom this dependent knew  very well ( aired) who  resort says in yet living in Pickens District  that this State.is the window of the said  Benjamin  Lawrence  who.died several years ago The marriage  said Benjamin Lawrence  and Rachel Seems took place,the  exponent is  satisfied (elliebe) to.the year 1794. but not until after the close  of the war. .-- think they were  married  in 1786.. Sworn to 21th .Sept. 1844  before  Miles M. Norton. Notary Public +Ec.off. C.P.D    }. David Grinds
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South Carolina
Pickens District )) 
                                    I, Miles M. Norton a Notary Public and   Exofficio Magistrate in and for the District aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Verner who has made the foregoing affidavit before me, in a[] sworn of,( illegible)  and  highly respectable  as a citizen  and also believed to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary  War- that he is now very  old and  informed,+  deaf + can only be,  conversed  with by writing, otherwise  I have  no doubt he could have  proven  much more then he has. done, of the service of Benjamin Lawrence + of his marriage.  Given under my hand   and seal at. Pickens C.H. this 23 Sept. 1844.
Miles M. Norton, Notary Public + Est. off. M.. P. D

South Carolina
Pickens Distract  

Before me personally appeared Mrs. Rachel Lawrence, widow of Benjamin Lawrence   sworn and made oath that leaf (paper) which the   family record of her late husband + herself (of their family Bible was kept, has been torn out, and is lost, she therefore has (no) family record 
to which .to refer as evidence of the date of her marriage to the said Benjamin Lawrence her late Husband-.the Family record referred to she think, did not contain the (Illegible) of their marriage but only the births of their children. Sworn to 25th September 1844 before 
Milles M. Norton         Rachel (X her mark)
                                               Lawrence
Not. Pub. + Ex. off
M.P.D.
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South Carolina ,Pickens District.                                   I, William L Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens District, do hereby certify Miles M. Norton is a Notary Public's +Ect. Officer  magistrate, and that the foregoing  signature purporting to his are genuine ;  and also  that  Mrs. Rachel Lawrence  has made  the foregoing  affidavit bears the character of a woman of veracity+ respectable.  Given under my hand an  seal of office this  25th. September 1844.      William L Keith Clerk of the Court  of  Pickens District
SoCa.
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November 4.1939                           BENJAMIN LAWRENCE W. 21547  BA-J/MLB.                           Bessie P. Lamb.     South  Carolina                         Dear  Madam:                                   Reference  is  made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War of  Benjamin Lawrence and  Rachel    Lawrence.        A careful search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and only one claim for pension   found  of a Benjamin Lawrence whose wife was Rachel.  His record follows as found in. the papers of pension W.21547. Based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.                                            The date and place of Benjamin Lawrence, his age, and names of his parents are not shown.      While living near Rocky River in  A be I'll e  District, South Carolina, Benjamin Lawrence entered he service sometime in 1779  and served at  various times until sometime 1783.amounting in  so more than two years, as private and lieutenant in   South Carolina troops, both cavalry and  infantry, under Captains   William Harris, Baskin, McCall, Robert Anderson who was later his colonel, and  was in the battles of Madway,Kettle Creek, Siege of Augusta and other engagements locations of which were not stated.    The Soldier died April 22, 1826. Pickens District, South Carolina.                       Benjamin Lawrence married, place not stated, Rachel Weems who, as well as the soldier, was then living in Abbeville District, South Carolina.        Rachel Lawrence was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Benjamin, on her application executed January 8.1844..at which time she was aged "over eighty years" and a resident of Picken District, South Carolina. She died there August11.1848. She died there August 11.1848.
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The following children of Benjamin Lawrence and his wife, Rachel, survived their mother:                  James Lawrence who, in 1848. was a resident of Pickens District, SC.  Elisha Lawrence from whom nothing had been since1836 Margaret Deal, wife of Alexander Deal, and living in Mississippi in 1848       
          Very truly yours 

               A.D. HILLER
                Executive Assistant
                 to the Administrator
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6428    South Carolina. , Rachel Lawrence widow of Benjamin Lawrence  who was a Lieut. of mounted Mila . Revol.  war Inscribed On Roll at. The rate of. 304 Dollars~00 Sets per annum, to commence of 4th day of March,1843.                 Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of. May   and set to. Miles M. Norton   Pickens C.H  S.C.    (Act of March   3, 1843. .    Recorded in Book. A    Vol.2. Page   167.    Page 164
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8893


   South Carolina
Rachel  Lawrence
widow.of.Benjamin  Lawrence
I who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 22d. April 1826 of Pickens in the States of  S.C.who  was a Lieut. of M. Mon .the Co.  commanded by Captain Baskin, of the .reg, commanded by Col. Anderson in the Revo. War. line for 22 Mos.24 Days. 
Inscribed on the. Roll of S.Ca. at the rate of 304 Dollars I'm Cent per.annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.  Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of November 1844 and sent   Miles M.  Norton. Pickens CH S.C

Total   amount,           $ 1520.00      ( Act  July  7,1838.). Recorded by   F.L. Swann   Clerk, Book 2    Vol. A.       Page   309
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Act 2d. rely  104

Mr. Cole  1Deccu 1848

C Hill    Hon.  J.  L.  Edwards
Count of  
Washington   City
Pickens 24 Mr.
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O. W. and  N.  Division......3-525

Ill
Mil. file  21547
Rev War.
                  DEPARTMENT   OF THE  INTERIOR 
              Bureau  of Pensions 
               Washington, D. C.,

In reply to your request for a statement  of   the military  history  Of Benjamin Lawrence, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY  War,  you will find below the desired information as contained in his (widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.    -----Length of service,,2 yrs. |, Rank, |  Pri. and Lieut.,| OFFICERS UNDER WHOM   SERIVICE  Was  RENDERED,| Capt.,  Wm.. Harris, McCall, Robt. Andersson| COLONEL| STATE  S.C,

Battles engaged in , Kettle Creek 14 17 Feb 79, Siege of August. 1777, 1780, 1781,  Medway,Nov. 78   not specified. Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Abbiville Dirst, S,C,.  Date of Widows application for pension,  Jauy. 8,1844: all . Her Residence at date , Pickens Dist.. S. C. 
Age at date of application, "over eighty years"
Remarks: Sol. mar. Rachel Weems Mch.5,1783+ d.22 apl. 1826-Widow died 11 Aug. 1884 in Pickens Dist. leaving only three children James Lawrence, Elisha Lawrence and Margaret wife of Alexander Deal of Mississippi.
Very respectfully, Commissioner.
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Regent.P. H.Mll, PH. D.                    Clemson College, SC     May 25 19
Commissioner of pensions:  Washington D.C.
I.  Would like to know if the names of the following   Revolutionary soldiers are on. your list. Thomas G. Patterson ; served in Virginia, moved to South Carolina and died in Pickens District in1824. Benjamin Lawrence: served in Virginia; moved to Pickens District S.C. and died there and his widow drew a pension. Thomas Caradine (2417) served under Co. William Grant in South Carolina : died in Pickens District in 1821.

Respe ctfully
Mrs. P.H. Mell 
Pegent Andress Pickens Cebaples- D,A.R
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(First Side) Rev. WIDOW,&c.
File No.----21,544
Rachel Lawrence, Wid. of
Benjamin Lawrence
Lieut. Rev. War 
Act: Feb 2d. 1848
Index:-Vol.  A, Page 421
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
     (Side 2)Mch. 21,1904 Hist. to 
Mrs. L.R. Van Diviere, Savannah Ga.
Letter of inq. in W.file 9.249
1906 June 5, Hist. to Mrs. P.H. Mell
July 6,1906  Tomb stone data  (W)
Q. M. General, U.S.A.  (Aos)
1939. Nov.4- Hist. to Bessie P. Laub.   MLB
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Pension Bureau
Rev. War Dept.
Washington , D.C.
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Please send me the Rev. pension application  of Benjamin Lawrence and Rachel Lawrence for D.A.R.  app.
Bessie P. Lamb
Registrar
Enoose, S.C.
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10. 394
 Rachel Lawrence
Widow of Benjamin
S. Carolina
Letter to Miles M. Norton
2. Aug. 1844  (all crossed out 
Ref in letter to case of Joseph Reid -wid. Isabella
Act of 7th July 1838
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Comptroller General Office
Columbia 17 Sept. 1844
 I do hereby certify, that the Indent Books in this office, clearly show that there but one person named Benj. Lawrence that ever received from the State of South Carolina an Indent for Military Services during the War of the Revolution.
 William Laval
Com. Gen.
pr 13  B. Hart
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Rachel Lawrence
Proof.
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South Carolina
Pickens District 

Before me personally appeared John Verner Esq. one of the oldest and most respectable citizen of this District, and made oath in due form of law, that he knew Benjamin Lawrence very well when he was a young man, that they then lived neighbors in Abbeville Distract in this State and that said Benjamin Lawrence was refuted to be a good Soldier as the Whig.side altho this deponent does not know anything personally  of his service in the  War of the Revolution  this  deponent further states that  he was also `well  acquainted with Rachel Weems ,who was afterwards married to the said Benjamin Lawrence, that this  deponent recollects well to  have been at the wedding  of said Benjamin Lawrence and Rachel Weems and that it was very  soon after the close  of the Revolutionary War, that he does not recollect  the date of the said  marriage, but  he positive  it took place piervior to his marriage was in the year One thousand  seven hundred and  eighty five.  These deponent further states, that he is now acquainted with the said widow Rachel Lawrence, who now resides in this District, and knows that she is the widow of the said Benjamin Lawrence who died some years since in this Distract.
Sworn to and Subscribed this 28th December 1840 before me.
                     John Verner

               Miles M. Morton
                Notary Public  + Esc. off. M.P.D.
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State of South Carolina
District of Pickens

Before me personally came Alexander Ramsey, Esquire of the District and State aforesaid, a man of highly respectable character and well know veracity, and made oath in due form of law, that he has been acquainted Mrs. Rachel Lawence (who on the 8th. Just. made a Declaration to obtain a Pension  for a number of years, that he knows her to be the widow of Benjamin Larence dec. who died in this District about 15 or 18 yeas since, and that she has never since been  married, but yet remains the widow of the  said  Benjamin Lawrence-that he was also well  acquainted with the said  Benjamin Lawence  before his death, and that he was reputed  and believed to have been  one of the bravest  and best Soldiers in the Revolutionary  war on  the whig side, and  that he and his said  widow both have always (borne) the character  of respectable + truthful  citizens. Sworn to and subscripted this 9 th of Januy. 1844 before




                                      Alexander Ramsey
Miles M. Norton .                 
Notary Public + En.off. M.P. D.
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State of South Carolina
Pickens District

I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court for the District aforesaid in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Miles M. Norton whose Signature appear to the foregoing Affidavit, is a Magistrate, and that the signature there to affirmed purporting to be his are genuine, and I do further certify that John Verner Esq. and Alexander Ramsey,  Esquire are men of high character and well know veracity.

Given under my hand and seal of Office this nineth day of January 1844.

Wi. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District
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Pickens C. H. S.C.
27d. September                      30/631  (21.1
                                                        31 

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
                             D.C.

293.33                       5   21.1
   10.00                               123
304.00                                       ---22.24
       
                   24,320.22
                              320---------440-----66 ---120.40     (293.33 ----48


224.

(written on the side)
Oct. 3dd. 1844
Add  evidence 
Sarah Lawrence 


                          
.
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Pickens C. H. S. C.
25th  Sept.. 1844

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Court of Pensions
                                Sir, Yours with reference to  the  papers of Mrs. Rachel Lawrence  + Mrs. Isabella Reid dated the 2n. Aug. was only rec'. I have prepared the additional evidence in  the case Mrs. Lawrence + here in enclose the certificate of the Comptroller  that there is but the one  Benjn. Lawrence mentioned  in the Indent Book of the  State,which is deemed  affidavit of old David Verner as to service , marrage + and also the affidavit of the  old  Lady herself as to the  los of the Family Records. These,together with the evidense already sent , is certanily sufficent  to establish her  claim and I hope you to receive her  certificate. Your early examination + answer  will be much oblige.

Your obt. Servt..

Miles M. Norton


P.S. The additional Testimony in the case of Mrs. Reid  will be prepared +forwarded  in a few days.
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Copy of Indent.  
Benjin. Lawrence
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Comptroller's office
Columbia Lo-6th Noobs. 29"/43
 Indent Book
T-No.-1950 Issued the 13" April 1785 to Mrs. Benjm. Lawrence for Two hundred and fifteen pounds fourteen Shillings and five pence sterling for a horse and provisions for Militia use, --also for militia Duty from 1779 to 1783 pr 2 Aut-Audited   No. 36- Principal L  215 :14 : 5
                               Amt. Int  L 15:02  0
Acc't. No. 36-
                       Benjn. Lawrence his aut. of duty in the Militia as Lieut. for Capt Baskins Pay Bill come'. in 1779 and and,g in 1783- also for a horse & c' for Militia use, Amt. to Vig. 
Duty on Horse 594 Days L 133h: 10
            on Foot 37 Dys.           h4:15

 Duty (beido) for Col. Anderson     -----24:
Returns-------
A Horse--------75
Provisions---------9:1b
                  Cuneny  L 1500:1
                       Stoot.  215:14;5
 I certify the above to be a true copy from the Records no this office
For Comptroller Genl
(Havye)
  (writing to faded to read)
Page 32

Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner  of Pensions


 Washington City, D.C.

(writting on side)10.394 January 18, 1844
 SC. R. Lawrence   7 July 1838
Page 33

Picking C.H.S.C.
9th January 1844

Hon. J.L. Edwards

Dear Sir,
I beg the favor of you to examine the enclosed Declaration and  affidavit, and if found sufficient to justify, have Mrs. Rachel Lawrence allowed  five years pay as per.law, under which  she claims.-.I do not know of any further evidence which is] trecefary][ , but should this not be sufficient, please  let.me.know,+ I will if possible, obtain more please write me the result when the papers are examined in Benjamin's Lawrence never   applied for a Pension.
With the greatest respect

Your obt. Servant     Miles  M. Norton
Page 34

J. L.  Edward eq.

Commissioner  of  Pension
Washington City      D.C.                                  FREE


May 20.1844
S.C.
7 July  1838  +June  1832
Rachel  Lawrence.
Page 35

Pickens C.H. S. C.
11 th. May 1844.

Hon. J.L. Edward
Comm. of Pensions

Dear Sir,

I send you herein the amendatory Declaration of Mrs. Rachel Lawrence, whose Declaration I forwarded to you some months since, you will see that she  claims,  in behalf of her husband under the act of 1832. Please examine the papers + let me hear as early as possible the results.  With the highest respect.
Yours. Mile M..Norton
Page 36

Pension Office
Aug. 2nd. 1844

Sir,
The papers in the case of Rachel Lawrence, widow of Benjamin Lawrence, dec. do have been examined and placed in our files.

Before the claim can be admitted it mite (sic) be necessary to them by Satisfactory evidence that the Benjamin Lawrence referenced to in the certificate or the Comptroller of South Carolina, is the same Benjamin Lawrence, whose widow now applies for a pension under. the Act of July 7th,1838. Others, and further testimony is required to establish the period of the marriage, an at least, it is desirable that the original family record should be produced if there is any in existence accompanied by the affidavit of the person in whose possession it has been left, who should testify to the genuineness of the record and the name of the person in whose hand writing the record was made.
In the case of Isabella Reid, widow of Joseph Reid, who claims a pension under the Act of July 4th, 1836, the papers have been placed
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in our files.  If the claim should be established as she will be entitled to a pro rata allowance, it is impossible to determine from the Certificate of the Secretary of State, how long he served as a private, and the period of his service as a Lieutenant.  The terms of service in each grade must therefore be specified.
The period of the marriage is not satisfactorily established.  It should be shown that the record contained in the family Bible is genuine, and the person in whose possession it has been left should make an affidavit testifying the same and also the person in whose hand writing the record was made.
Sam H.

Miles M. Morton Esq.
Pickens C. H. 
South Carolina
Page 38

Amendatory
Declaration
of 
Mrs. Rachel Lawrence
Page 39

10394
Declaration
of
Rachel Lawrence
S.C.
Act of July 38
aomo
29 mo, 24 ds Lt
$304
Act 3 March 43
$304
(unreadable)
Miles M Norton
Pickens C.H.
So.Ca.
Page 40

Amendatory Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838. entitles "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widow" and also the act of the 7th June 1832. entitled "and act supplementary to the act for the relief of certain surviving officer soldiers of the revolution.

State of South Carolina
Pickens District SS

On this tenth day of May One thousand eight hundred forty four, personally appeared before me Mrs. Rachel Lawrence a resident of the district state above named, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following amendatory declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress July 7th, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows and also the act of the 7th June 1832, entitled "An act supplementarily to the act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution"  That she has been informed that she is entitled to the benefits ensuing from the last mentioned act and entitled to receive whatever pension he  her said husband Benjamin Lawrence might  have been entitled to if he had lived to the present time and she desires the original declaration made by her and the proof therewith sent to be taken in evidence and together with this to be considered as an application under the said last named act, and as the first application has not been heard from, she does not know of any addition she can make, unless it be as to stating the time which her said husband Benjamin Lawrence served in the war of the Revolution, which on reflection she was able to state positively to have been at least two years being herself living in the same neighborhood of her said husband, during the war, although
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not married to him until the close of the war, as will be seen by reference to her former declaration.
Rachel (her mark) Lawrence

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me.  Miles M. Norton Notary Public & Esq Off M.P.D.

South Carolina
Pickens District
I William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of the District and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Miles M. Norton is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine and also that the foregoing affidavit is reputed to be the widow of Benjamin Lawrence dec who was said to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and that she is a woman of respectability and truthfulness.
Given under my hand and seal of office this tenth day of May 1844.
W. L. Keith
Clerk of the Court of
Pickens District
So. Ca.