Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 31,874, for Thomas Murray, Virginia
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SERVICE Va. Murray, Thomas NUMBER S 31.874  CONTENTS
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16.354
Georgia
Thomas Murray decd
Columbia in the State of Georgia
who was a pri of Cavly in the [---] commanded by Captain
 [illegible] [---] of the Regt commanded in the [---] commanded
by Col. Lynch in the Virginia line for 17 months [illegible]
7 " pri of Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll of Savannah
at the rate of 454 Dollars 16 Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
& endg [ending] 11 June 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of
Septr 1851 and sent to D. D. Addison

Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-anl. allowance ending
[illegible] $255.82
Revolutionary Claim, ⎬
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by [illegible] Neightman Cler,
[illegible] Vol. 6 Page 98
E.  6 97

Secretary's decision filed
away among decisions
in Cl: Clerk room.
Disallowed by the Secty of the Interior
[illegible] Hons S. H Huntington 27 Feb 57
Sec. Int. Oct. 3d 1851.
[illegible] decision March 15
D. P. McPherson
June 18 [illegible]
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Certificate of David Murray
N
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I David Murray of the State of Georgia and County of Lincoln do hereby certify on oath.  That I am well acquainted with Thomas Murray of the county of Columbia in said state he is my brother.  he enlisted some time in the spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy six in Bedford County in the State of Virginia under Captain James Beauford and marched to Williamsburgh from thence to the [illegible] nation, after his term of enlistment he volunteered in the light horse service under Major John Calaway and marched to Petersburgh in Virginia after he had completed the voluntary service he then volunteered  under Col Linch and marched over the mountain to new river amongst the lead mines after the tories after his return he again volunteered under Col Linch and in the company of Bourne Price and marched to the Battle of Guilford and was in that battle, after the battle of Guilford he was stationed at New London as [illegible]of a depending post and acted as quarter master to issue provisions to the Continental troops stationed at that place, in the two voluntary services under Col Linch I was present and in company with my brother, and I believe him to be [illegible] seventy four years of age. 
David Murray
Sworn to before me this 24th August 1832
Rum Rumson  J J C
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Georgia
Lincoln County

I Francis F. Fleming deputy Clerk of the Superior and of the Inferior court for said county do hereby certify that [illegible] Rumson whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is one of the Judges of Said Superior Court for Said County and that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestations as such.
And I do further certify that Daniel Murry whose name as also subscribed to the Said foregoing certificate is a respectable citizen of Said State & County and that due faith and credit ought to be had and given to him and to his attestations as such. 
 
Given under my and [hand] and Seal of Office for Said Superior Court this 26th day of September 1832

Francis F. Fleming Deputy of [illegible] J. J. C.
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Thomas Murray decd.
Application of his heirs for an increase of pension –
Georgia [illegible] 
Act June 7 1832
2
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Georgia
Lincoln County
I David S. Murray of said County, son and sole surviving heir of Thomas Murray deceased, late of Columbia County do hereby constitute and appoint M Thompson of the City of Washington, to prosecute as my attorney, my claim on the government of the United States, for any amount or averages of pension money, due to my said father (under any acts of Congress heretofore passed), as a quarter master in the Virginia Continental line during the revolutionary war – and to receive from the proper officers of the United States a warrant in my favor for the amount that may be allowed.
Witness my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of October Eighteen Hundred and fifty. –
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of –
J.J. Miller
Neuman I Matthews, J.P. 

David S. Murray
Act of 7 June 1832

D. D. Addison Esq. will please attend to the above case
Very much oblige,
M. Thomspson
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Thomas Murray
Georgia
Thomas Murray
Georgia
13.4.87
Admit as
Quarter Master 226.66
17 mo.
Private [illegible] 7 mo. 29.16
$255 82
Apl. 13. 33-
P. 337.
[begin crossed out text] Gabl Jones
Clk: of the Supr [Superior] Court 
Of Columbia Co
Ga. [end of crossed out text]
Applicant Wrightsboro
Columbia Co
Ga.
applicant
Wrightsboro
Columbia Co
Ga.
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BRIEF in the case of Thomas Murray
Co. of Columbia in the state of 
(Act 7th June, 1832)
1.	 Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Open Court

2.	If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.	74

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

Period.  Duration of Service.  Rank.  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

In 1776.  6 Months.  As a Private.  Cap Beauford.  Col P. Henry

 -- .  3 Months.  As a “ [Private].  Col Lewis and Christie

1779.  6 Months.  Dragoon.  Major Calloway

Spring 1780.  7 Months.  Private.  Cap Cummings Col Lynch

“ [1780].  3 Months. “ [Private]. Col Lynch Cap Price

1781 Augt. [August] 1st to about the end of that war.  Q Master. States that he served 3 years and 6 months

5.	 In what battles was he engaged?  Gilford Ct [Court] House

6.	Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Bedford Co. Virginia

7.	Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Documentary and one living witness

8.	Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  Correct [illegible] length of service is not exactly stated

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

George Taylor
Examining Clerk.
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13.487
A
M. T.
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Declaration of 
Thomas Murray
to obtain the benefits 
of the act of Congress
of the 7th June 1832,
M. T.
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Georgia 
Columbia County

In the Superior Court September Term 1832.
Present his Honour William W. Stolt Judge.
Declaration of Thomas Murray in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832.

State of Georgia
Columbia County

On this 12th day of September 1832 personally appeared before the Honourable Superior Court of the County of Columbia, a resident of said state and County, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  That he volunteered his services in the year 1776 in Bedford County, State of Virginia under Captain James Beauford, William Renfrow and Jacob Early, being the two lieutenants, that the term of this volunteer service was six months, that he and the company to which he belonged marched to Williamsburgh State of Virginia, and was stationed there sometime, and as well as he now recollects Patrick Henry, was the commanding officer of that station.  From Williamsburgh he and the Company to which he belonged, was ordered out against the Cherokee Indians, but as his term of service of six months expired, on his march against said Indians, he then volunteered again in the said company and under the same officers.  Colonel Charles Lewis, commanded the Regiment that went against the Indians, and Colonel William Christie, commander in chief of the expedition against the said Indians, that the army burned a number of Indian villages; peace was then and there made by the Indians, with the commanding officers, and
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And the army returned to Virginia on the 24th December 1776; that the whole period of this volunteer service was nine months.

That in 1779, this applicant volunteered in said State and County in the Light horse company for six months, under Major John Calloway (Charles Calloway and Barney Price being the two Lieutenants) and marched to Petersburgh Va and was stationed there for some time; the Baron Steuben, being then the commanding officer at that station.  After having completed that service, he and the army returned to their respective homes.

That in the Spring of the year of 1780, this applicant volunteered in said State and County under colonel Charles Lynch; Alexander Cummings, being Captain of the Company.  This service was to defeat the tories who were rising and embodying themselves to join Lord Cornwallis, in or near the State of North Carolina.  This regiment under the command of Colonel Lynch, to which he belonged, marched over the mountains to the lead mines, and was all through that part of the country in pursuit of the tories.  They defeated and took many of the torries prisoners; That this applicant was in the service seven months.  After that service was ended, this applicant volunteered under Col. Lynch (Bourne Price Captain, Nicholas Welch, Lieutenant); In this service he stayed at least 3 months; and was during this time engaged in the battle of Guilford Court House.  During this hot battle, the regiment to which this applicant belonged, acted as infantry to Col. Washington’s Corps of horse and fought on the right wing of the army commanded by General Greene; after the battle of Guilford (15th March 1781) the British retreated across Deep River at Ram’s Saw Mills, to which place they were followed; the regiment to which this applicant belonged was ordered forward to give the British battle, but they had crossed the said Deep River before they could be overtaken and there the pursuit ended.  At that place this applicant
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and the Regiment to which he belonged were dismissed and returned home.  About the first of August 1781 this applicant was appointed Keeper of the defending post at New London State of Virginia and acted as Quarter Master and issued the provisions to the Continental troops stationed there, although this post was discontinued about the first of the year 1782.  Yet this applicant stayed there till about the end of that year in discharge of his duty in making out the public accounts, settling the same, taking care of the public stores there & afterward sending them to Petersburg.  the wages which this applicant received as Deputy Quarter Master was 12 Shillings Virginia money per day, equal to two dollars per day.  That the whole time of service of this applicant as soldier and Quarter Master in the Revolutionary War was as near as he can ascertain at this time was three years and six months.

He hereby relinquishes his every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.  
Thos. [Thomas] Murray

And the said Court does hereby declare its opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
I Gabriel Jones Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the County of Columbia aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains an exact copy of
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the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of Thomas Murray for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14th day of September, 1832.  

G Jones
Clerk Sup. Ct.

13.487
A
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Thomas Murray.
Va. S. 31874.
Estimate for money for debts of Q.M. Dept. at New London from Jan. 1 to Sept 30, 1781.
Receipt signed John Irvine, W. Const.
Dated New London Dec.3, 1781
Estimate for Q.M. Dept. at New London for Oct. Nov. & Dec.
X
These papers have been removed to be forwarded to the War Dept. AW
Oct. 20, 1910
X  Also 6 orders signed Wm. W. Crane DQM.
1 order signed Nathan Rud. Capt.
1 extract from a letter from Major Richard Claiborne.
These papers sent to War Dept. Jan.16, 1913.
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Georgia 16.354
Thomas Murray
Of Columbia in the State of Geo
who was a Pri	: Cav: & Qr. Mt. [Quarter Master] in the [---] commanded 
by Captain [---] of the Regt commanded 
by Col. Lynch in the Va.
Line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia
at the rate of 255 Dollars 82 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of Augt. 33
And such claimant
Wrightsboro, Columbia Co. Ga.
Arrears to the 4th of March 33    511.64
Semi-anl. Allowance ending Sept:    127.91
$639.55
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by A. Rice   Clerk,
Book E   Vol  6   Page 97
Letter to D.D. Addison Sept 30/57
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Georgia
Columbia County

In the Ordinary Court 

May Term 1833

Present

James Luke J.J.C.
John Cartledge JJC
Stephen Drane JJC

Declaration of Thomas Murray in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832

State of Georgia
Columbia County

On this 6th day of May 1833 personally appeared before the honorable Court of Ordinary of the County of Columbia and State of Georgia, Thomas Murray, a resident of said State and County, aged Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.

That,the Declaration herewith accompanying made before the Honorable Superior Court, September term, 1832 is true and he hopes will be considered as part of this Declaration.

In addition thereto he states that he cannot
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according to the suggestion of the Commissioner of Pensions identify the exact time of his services as Quarter Master as his papers in relation thereto have been mislaid and many of them lost.  But from such as are still in his possession and from facts within his recollection he is able to state that he was in service in that capacity as early as the middle of August 1781 and that he continues to act in the same capacity till some time in January of February 1783.  The accompanying document No. 1 is an order from the Commanding Officer at New London to Thomas Murray as Q.M. and shows that he was ative in that capacity.  Document No. 2 accompanying from Wm. McCraw D.Q.M. addressed to Thomas Murray shows that he had previously to the date of said letter [illegible] 15th August 1781 received an appointment as Keeper of depending post at New London.  Document No. 3 will show that he was still in office on the 29th of December 1782 which is the last Document in possession
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Of this applicant showing the times which he continued in office.  From these documents and a distinct recollection of circumstances he is able to testify that he remained in the discharge of the duties of his office at least seventeen and he believes eighteen months.

This applicant doth further declare that the tour of duty under Major Calloway in 1779 and the tour under Col Linchin 1780 referred to in his former declaration herewith accompanying was in the Light horse service and this applicant furnished his own horse and equipments and received pay at the rate of one dollar per day.

Sworn to & subscribed  in open court this the 6th of May 1833

Thos. [Thomas] Murray

Stephen Drane J.J.C.
Jn Cartledge J.J.C.
James Luke J.J.C.

Georgia
Columbia County
I James Burnside Clerk of the Court of Ordinary do hereby certify that the
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Above and within named Stephen Drane John Cartledge and james Luke are Justices of the Superior Court and that they also from the Court of Ordinary by the laws of this State and that full faith and credit should be given to their signature as such.  And the within and foregoing proceedings was transacted in open Court of Ordinary

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court of Ordinary done at office in Columbia County & State of Georgia this 7th May 1833 Ja Burnside Clerk of O.C.C.
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(R)
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State of Georgia
Lincoln County 

I Benjamin Burtly, one of the Judges of the Superior Court of said County, exercising the powers of a Court of Ordinary, do hereby certify that it has been satisfactorily made known to me that Thomas Murray, late a pensioner of the United States died some time in the year eighteen hundred thirty six, and that David S Murray was left his only surviving child and heir; who is now living in said Lincoln County, where said Thomas lived at the time of his death.  

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this 28th April 1851.

B Burtley J J C

Attest 
Alexander Johnston Clk. S.J.C.
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Brief in the case of the heirs of Thomas Murray for arrears of Pension: Act June 7, 1832.

M. T.
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Brief-Case of Heirs of Thos. [Thomas] Murray

Thomas Murray applied for pension under act June 7th, 1832, on 12th September 1832.  See paper marked A1and was pensioned under Said act on the 2d [2nd] day of August 1833, at the rate of $255.82/100 per annum.  See endorsement as envelope numbered 16.354. on the following evidence

1st declaration as above referred to marked A1 in which he sets forth that he “volunteered his Services in the year 1776 in Bedford county, State of Virginia and that the “whole period of this Service to the 24th December 1771 was nine months”.  That in the Spring of 1780, he again “volunteered and remained in the Service 7 months,” – after the expiration of that Service he again volunteered and served for 3 months during which time he was engaged in the battle at Guilford Court House – That in or about the 1st of August 1781 he was appointed Keeper of depending post at New London State of Virginia and acted a Quarter Master &c &c [et cetera] – and although this post was discontinued about the 1st of the year in 1782, he remained there until about the end of the year 1782, in discharge of his duty in making out the public accounts &c &c [et cetera].  That he received 12 shillings Virginia money per day as his wages as Deputy Qr. Master &c [et cetera].  That his Services as Soldier and Quarter Master in the Revolutionary War, was as near as he could ascertain Three years and Six Months”. --  

2nd note dates “Start on Aug 4th, 1781”.  Signed Wm [William] Crane D.Q.M. offering him the appointment of keeper of depending Post at New London.  --  See paper marked B.
Page 26

3rd “ [note]  Extract of a letter from Major Richard Claiborne dated 22nd Aug. 1781. To Mr. Wm. [William] McCrew ADQM, in relation to the appointment of an agent at New London.  Marked “C”.

4th “ [note]  Letter from Wm. [William] McCrew ADQM, dated Aug. 15, 1781 directing Thomas Murray to take charge of the depending Post at New London: -- See paper Mkd. [marked] D.

5th “ [note]  Letters from Wm. [William] McCrew A.D.Q.M. to Thomas Murray, respecting his appointment, oath of office & allegiance, and duties of his station, ^at New London, Marked  E.F. G. dated from Aug. 13 to Dec. 26th, 1781. –

6th “ [note]  Papers Marked  H & I. – being estimates for money to discharge debts due in Qr. Masters Dept. for depending post at New London from 1st day Jay to the last day of Septr. 1781 and for months of Octr. Novr. & Decr. 

7th “ [note]  Receipt of John Irvine W. Condt.[begin underline] (probably a Waggon Conductor) [end underline] for Military Stores – dated Decr. 3rd, 1781. – See paper Marked K. –

7th “ [note]  Letter from Wm. [William] McCrew A.D.Q.M. to Thomas Murray – dated15th Novr. [November] 1782. relative to Settlement of accounts &c [et cetera].  See paper Marked L.

8th “ [note]  Letter to Thomas Murray from Capt. Rudd, Aug 14th, 1781.  Directing him to apply for Brandy & Whiskey belonging to the Public stores to Mr. John Meade – See paper Marked M. –

9th “ [note]  Certificate of David Murray, under oath dated 24th August 1832.  Corroborating  the declaration of Thomas Murray as to his Services.  See paper – N –

10th “ [note]  letter from Wm. [William] McCrew ADQM, dated Dec. 29th, 1782. to Thomas Murray stating that he will send
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for him (Thos. [Thomas] Murray) about the last of next month in order to settle his accounts finally.  See paper Mkd. [marked] O –  &

11th “ [note]  Supplementary declaration of Thos. [Thomas] Murray – referring to proofs originally filed & setting forth the Services for which he claimed.  See paper Marked P. –

The above embraces all the evidence on file in the case – From the Pension Certificate, Marked Q it appears that Thomas Murray died June 11th 1836 – and that the claim is now asserted by his heirs for arrears of pension alleged to be due, from the 4th of March 1831 to the time of his death June 11th, 1836. – 

Being the difference between $255. 82/100 per annum the amount of his original pension and $454 16/100 per annum to which he would have been entitled under the act of June 7, 1832 had the evidence of Service for which he claimed been regarded as sufficient by the Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions at the time he was pensioned – 

The claim for arrears was asserted by the heirs about a year since and was rejected by the Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions – 

Upon an examination of the paper Marked 16.354 and Q, it will be found that Thos. [Thomas] Murray in his life time received $255. 82/100 per annum and not $320. per annum as the Commissioner of Pensions asserts in his report – See Page 9. –

The whole question as stated by the Com’s [Commissioners] Report rests upon the character of the Service, which is fully discussed by him on the one part, & ^by Mr Addison the attorney for the claimants on the other in his argument both of which are enclosed herein, respectfully submitted. 

N. Cleary
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Q

Payment to be made at Savannah by James S. Maril Esq.
Agent for paying pensioners
In the Agency of Georgia

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Volume 6 Page 98 by Clerk.
H.R. Weightman
Page 29

Department of the Interior.
Claim for Military Service.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 June 1832, the pension of Thomas Murray deceased, late of Georgia, who was a Private of Cavalry and a Quarter Master in the Revolution, has been increased from two hundred and fifty five. 82/100 dollars per annum to four hundred and fifty four 16/100 dollars per annum. from 4 March 1831 to 11 June 1836, when he died; payable to David S. Murray only surviving child, after deducting former payments at the rate of two hundred and fifty five. 82/100 dollars per annum.

Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty third day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty one [crossed out: forty -]

N.C. Hall
Acting Secretary of the Interior
Examined and Countersigned

Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 30

Case of Tho. [Thomas] Murray of Georgia
[illegible]
M. Thompson
Nov. 2d [2nd] 52
Page 31

Some six months or more since I filed a power of atty. [attorney] in the case of Thomas Murray, a pensioner on the Georgia Revy. [Revolutionary] Roll.

I now wish to see the papers in that case.  

The pr. [power] of atty [attorney] was executed by a son of the pensioner.

I endorsed upon the back of that power, on authority to D. D. Addison Esq. to examine the papers.

Resptfy [Respectfully]

M. Thompson
atty. For Murray

Oct. 20. 1852
Page 32

31874
Revy INVALID
File No. 31,874
Thomas Murray
Qr. Mr. [Quarter Master] Rev War
Act:  June 7 32
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 290
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 33

Copy the written papers
M. T.
Page 34

John Clark of So. Ca
Addl. [Additional] Evidence in above cases.
Maj. Kirby or Col Triplet
has papers
D D Addison
Present
Charged to Maj Kirby – June 3 / 51
Revolutionary
Hon. Jas E Heath
Commr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Page 35

Mr. J L Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Washington Citty [City]
Page 36

Wrightsboro 14th May 1833
Columbia County Georgia
Mr. J L Edwards
Sir.  I hear [here] send you my papers  also the second decklaratn [declaration] on which in or near the time of Servis [service] as I am able to come at and that time is founded on the papers I inclose [enclose] to you

Respectfully
Thos. [Thomas] Murray
Page 37

Offial [Official] Court of Claims
Washn. [Washington] June 6. 1857

Sir,

I have the honor to request to be furnished with a copy of the report of your office upon the claim of David Murray of Columbia Co. Georgia, and of his son David S. Murray of Lincoln Co. Ga. for an increase of pension granted to the former.   The application for increase was rejected by your office and has been brought by petition before the Court of Claims.  

Very Respectfully
Jno D McPherson

Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Page 38

Court of Claims
Feb. 28th 1857

Sir

Your letter of the 27th instead transmitting certified copies of the papers upon which Thomas Murray was allowed a pension, was this day received.

I am with great respect your obedient servant
Saml H Huntington 

Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

Senate chamber

17th July 1854

Dr. [Dear] Sir,
 
Please inform me whether or not any review has been allowed to [begin crossed out text] Thomas M [end of crossed out text] the children (for the father) of Thomas Murray of Lincoln County Ga.  If yea, to whom was it paid and when.  

Respectfully
[Illegible]
Com of Pension

P/S.  Please send list of all [illegible] land application found.  
R [illegible]
Form sent.
Page 40

Offical [Official] Co Claims
June 22 1857

Sir, 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the {illegible]8:  Instant enclosing an original report of the Commr [Commissioner] Pensions to the Secy [Secretary] Interior, dated Octr 3, 1851 in the claim of Thomas Murray’s heir, and a copy of the Secretary’s decision thereon dated March 11,1852.

Very Respecfully
Jno D McPherson
Deputy Sec.

Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Comm Pensions
Page 41

Argument of D. D. Addison in the case of Thomas Murray’s heirs

M. T.
Page 42

Washington Jany [January] 17. 1852

Sir, 

In the case of Thomas Murray, of North Carolina, now before you on appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, I have respectfully to call your attention to the fact that the only objection urged by him is that the service performed by Mr Murray was not military and consequently not of that character provided for by the act of June 7th 1832.  In support of this allegation he urges, first [underlined], that Mr Murray received Wages [underlined] instead of pay [underlined], and that his name is borne on the same roll with Clerks and other civil officers.  

Secondly [underlined], That he a Quarter Master was appointed to Office by an Assistant Quarter Master – an inferior approving a superior.   

Thirdly [underlined], That he had no power to issue final settlement certificates for his contracts.

Fourthly [underlined], That he received but $60 per month while the pay of an Assistant Quarter Master was $140 per month.  

To meet his objection I would respectfully beg leave, first [underlined] to call your attention to the enclosed letter from the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, shewing [showing] that the term “Wages” was used to designate the monthly pay
Page 43

pay [underlined] of all the Officers in the Quarter Masters General Department

Secondly [underlined], I would respectfully refer you to the Resolution of July 15th 1780 which directs that each Deputy Quarter Master ^Genl [General] shall appoint as many assistants as the service may necessarily require" &c [et cetera].  

Thomas Murray was, no doubt, appointed by Major Caiborne Deputy Quarter Master General, for the state of Virginia.  A simple Quarter Master was the lowest grade of Quarter Masters, and of course there could have been no such Officer as an Assistant or Deputy Quarter Master.  

There were Assistant Quarter Masters General [underlined] and Deputy Quarter Masters General [underlined], from one of whom Mr. Murray received his appointment and consequently did not receive his appointment from an inferior in Office as the Commissioner of Pensions alleges. 

Thirdly [underlined], I would respectfully refer you to the Resolution of August 23rd 1780 which directs that “the Quarter Master General and Commissary General shall themselves [underlined] sign all such Certificates as are issued in their respective Departments” after the 15th of September 1780.  Some time after this, the power to sign these certificates was conferred upon Deputy Quarter Masters General, but upon none of a lower grade was
Page 44

this authority conferred.

Fourthly [underlined], I would again refer you to the Resolution  of July 15th 1780 (Journals of Congress Page 494) which directs that “the pay of an Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General be settled by the Deputy Quarter Master General under whom they respectively serve, according to the Duties they have to perform and the expense they will be at in executing the same, so as the pay of no Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General exceed seventy-five [underlined] Dollars per month, and without provisions or forage, always having regard to the merit and services of the persons appointed” &c [et cetera].  

Now Mr. Murray received under this law $60 per month, which I presume was the amount the Deputy Quarter Master General supposed his services entitled him to.  Some received more but many less.  

The Commissioner of Pensions, or rather the Clerk who made the Report, seems not to be aware of the fact that the Question “What constitutes military service within the contemplation of the Act of June 7th 1832” has been long since decided by the Department to include all those who were subject to military Law and who were liable to be tried and punished by Court Martial.  This has been the rule of the Pension Office
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for many years past.  

The Commissioner adds “that if Clerks and other civil Employees of the Government come within the contemplation of the Pension system then is the present case entitled to a favorable decision.”

Does the Commissioner of Pensions not know that all Clerks of the Quarter Masters Department as well as all other Officers who were entrusted with the care of provisions  or military or hospital stores, or other property of the United States were liable to be punished by the military law and were consequently military Officers, and as such have invariably  been pensioned where no other objection existed.  

Even if Mr. Murray did not hold the grade for which he was pensioned there can be no question as to his being entitled to the pension claimed, for it is clearly shown that he had, for at least 17 months, charge of all the public stores &c [et cetera] at New London Virginia, and for any misapplication or embezzlement of which he was liable to suffer Death
Page 46

Death or any other punishment which a Court Martial might inflict.  See Resolution of the 22nd August 1780 [sentence underlined].  

The fact that the statement of Expenses of the Post of New London made by Mr Murray included his wages and that of the Clerk and Express rider and the incidental Expenses, is very natural and could not have been otherwise as he, as well as all others holding a similar appointment, were, by Law, required to make quarterly returns of all and every Expense of their respects Posts and this was done by all.  

In conclusion permit me, in justice to the Commissioner of Pensions, to say that I am fully persuaded had the claim been examined by himself, or if it had been submitted to him with a fair statement of the facts by the Clerk who examined it, the objection urged to the admission of this claim would never have been made. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully [illegible]
D.D. Addison

Honble [Honorable] A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Page 47

(S)
M.T.
Page 48

D.D.  Addison Esq.
Washington

Sir, 

In compliance with your request, I have to state, that, in the Returns of the Persons employed in the Quarter Master’s Department during the Revolutionary War, found among the Army Returns in this Department, the term “Pay” seems to have comprehended the amount of money received as “wages”, and the amount granted for “subsistence”.

The distinction will be rendered apparent by a glance at the following copy of the form used in fourteen returns of the Q.M. General’s
Page 49

Department: 

[column headings:  Names.  Where Stationed.  Pay in Dolls: [Illegible]: Month with subheadings:  Wages. Subsistence.]

M. Mynderts.  Albany.  150. 10.

This form that selected at random, is one which applies to all persons employed in the Q.M. Department: - Deputy Q.M. General: - Brigade Quarter Masters; - Waggon Masters: - Clerks: - Blacksmiths: - Carpenters: - Saddlers: - etca. [et cetera] etca. [et cetera]

I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient Servant
Danl Webster
Page 50

Washington May 22nd, 1851

Dear Sir,

Enclosed you will find a Certificate of Court showing the date of the death of Thomas Murray, late of Georgia, and the name of his only surviving child.

Also a certificate of Court showing the date of the death of John Clark, deceased, late of South Carolina and the names of his surviving children.

These papers are enclosed that certificates of pension at the increased rate to which they are entitled, may issue to the children.  

I am very respectfully
Y. Mo. Ob. St. [Your Most Obedient Servant]
D.D. Addison

J. E. Heath Esq.
Comm. Of Pensions
Page 51

39

Washington City
Oct. 2. 1851.

D.D. Addison.

Appeals from the decision of the Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions in the case of Thomas Murray of Georgia [illegible]

Referred to the Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions for a report.
Dept. Into 
Oct. 2. 1851
M.T.
Page 52

Washington Octr. [October] 2nd. 1851

Sir,

I have respectfully to appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in the case of Thomas Murray of Georgia, as contained in his letter to me of the 30th ult. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully Ymoobst
D.D. Addison
Page 53

Increase.

Thomas Murray decd. [deceased]
Georgia
Act 7 June 1832

17 Months Qr. Mr.   		$425.
 7 “ [months] Pri. Cavly. 	            29.16
[for total of]                             $454.16

Per an: from 4 March ‘31
To 11 Jund ’36 when he died.

Deduct former paymts at the rate of $255.82 C [cents] per an:

Payable to David S. Murray
Only child

Cert to
D.D. Addison
Present

M.T.
Page 54

Thomas Murray  Georgia
Act 7 June 1832 $255.82
To what time paid.
F.F. Kirby
Pens:  Off:
Sept. 
[illegible]
Page 55

Letter
Mr. Wm McCraw
4th August

B

N. London
Page 56

Mr. Thomas Murry [Murray]
N. London
Page 57

Stanton Augt. 4th 1781

Sir

I am under the necessity of appointing a proper Gentleman to keep a depending ^post at New London, for the purpose of offering Forage & Provision to the Continental troops &c. stationed there.  If you think proper to take the appointment, I wish you to come to Peytonsburg where you will meet with proper encouragement.

I am [illegible] 
Wm McCraw ADQM
Page 58

Brief in the case of Thomas Murray
County and State of Georgia
Act 7 June 1832.

Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”)

Proof exhibited, [crossed out text: (if original)]

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

I have allowed in this case only for the same length of service, but have increased the pay for Q. Master’s service to the rate of $ [illegible] per an:  as is usual.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent.
D.D. Addison
Present

F.F. Kirby 
Examining Clerk.