Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5986, for George Saunders, Virginia
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Saunders, George
W. 5986
Elizabeth
CONTENTS
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5843
Virginia, Richmond
Elizabeth Saunders
widow of Va George Saunders
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Jany [January] 1852 and sent to 
Hon A. R. Holladay
H of R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 184 Vol. 3
Page 3

Paid at The Treasury under
the Act of 6 April 1838 from
4th March to 4 Sept 1837. Agent
notified 15 June 1838
---
Paid at the Treasury under
the act of 6th April
1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to [illegible 4th ]
March 1838. Agt notified
31. Jany [January] 1839.

Virginia 12.110
George Saunders
of Caroline in the State of Va
who was a [illegible prt]:_____ in the ______commanded
by Captain _______ of the Regh commanded
by Col. Campbell in the Va
[illegible line] for 18 months-

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 60_ Dollars ___ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of March
Page 4

George Saunders
Va.

Admit for 18 mo
from 1780- as a private $60
Ed Campbell
Va-
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of George Sanders
County of Caroline in the State of Va
(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. How old is he? 70 years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 

Period. Fall In 1780
Duration of Service. 1 Years, 6 Months,  Days.
Rank. As a Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. Capt Sansin Col Campbell
5. In what battles was he engaged? Guilford. Camden
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Caroline C. Va
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 

[I] Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[illegible Richer Richard Cleriatts Pitts]
Examining Clerk.
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13953
Elizabeth Saundry
wo f George
Va No 760
June 1844
Act of July 1838
2d Feby 1848
Married 1792
Has deed 14 Apl 1847
Adm 18 mos pri $60
per annum, cam’g
14 April 1847.
Acts
17 June 1844
Also
2 Feb 1848
Richd [Richard]
Hon A. R. Holladay
N of R
Page 7

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, Granting half pay and Pensions the Certain Widows.
State of Virginia, County of Caroline, to wit
On this 14th day of November 1848, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County and State, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, personally appeared Elizabeth Sammons a resident of the aforesaid County of Caroline, aged about Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled “an act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows: That she is the Widow of George Saunders who was a private in the Army of the Revolution; That she does not know of her own knowledge anything of his Military Service during that period. She declares however, that her husband, the said George Saunders, was the identical person who drew a pension under the act of 7th July 1832, and to whom a pension certificate was issued on this 25th day of March One thousand eight hundred, and thirty three at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum, and would therefore respectfully ask a reference to the evidence upon which his claim was allowed. 
She further states that she has no family record of her marriage, but that she was married to the said George Saunders sometime in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two, the particular
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month not now remembered in Corroberation of which statement she respectfully begs a reference to the ages of her children which were regularly registered by her husband the said George Saunders on a page in an old Book and which will accompany this declaration: She further declares that her husband the aforesaid George Saunders died on the 14th day of April 1847, and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794, [illegible viz]: at the time first before stated.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Elizabeth Samunders X her mark
 --- Peter R Thomtory J.P. 

And I certify, that the declarant is personally known to me, that she is the widow of George Saunders, the identical person who [illegible drew] a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration, and that she is unable from bodily infirmity from attending Court for the purpose of making her declaration. I further certify that the original pension certificate granting a pension to the above named George Saunders had been [illegible aghileited] to me this day and bears date at the War office of the United States on the 25th  day of March 1833, and signed by Sewis Cass, Secretary of War.
Peter R Thomtory J.P.
Virginia
In Caroline County Court January 8th 1849.
The Declaration of Elizabeth Saunders made before
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Peter R. Thornton one of the Commonwealths Justices of the peace in and for the County of Caroline being submitted to this Court and the Court having examined the same doth approve the proceedings of the said Peter R. Thornton which is ordered to be certified. It is further ordered to be certified that it has been satisfactorily proved to this Court that George Saunders who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum, died in this County on the 14th day of April in the year 1847, leaving a widow whose name is Elizabeth. That the said George Saunders was a resident of the aforesaid County at the time of his death. 
In Testimony whereof I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court, of the County and State aforesaid have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my Office this 22nd day of February in the year 1849.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of 
Caroline County Court.
Virginia,
In Clerks Office of Caroline County Court.
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Peter R. Thornton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that he is legally authorized to act as such and that his signatures hereinbefore written, are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 22nd day of February 1849.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of
Caroline County Court
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832
Virginia
Caroline County to Wit
On this 15th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the Court of Caroline County at a Court of quarter sessions held at the Court House in and for the said County. George Saunders a resident of Caroline County aged Seventy 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 provision of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the fall of 1780 and served in the first Virginia State Regiment under the following named officers. That he entered into the service in the company commanded by Capt. Philip Sansom under an enlistment for the term of eighteen months. That he was marched to Chesterfield Court house and was placed under the command of Col. Campbell and marched to South Carolina and was attached to Genl [General] Green's command a few days before the battle at Gilford Court house. That he was in the said Battle. from thened [there] he was marched to Camden, where there was an engagement with the Brittish. he was then marched to ninety six and assisted in the seige - he was then march to the high hill of Santee and encamped for about one month. he was then ordered in pursuit of the Enemy and
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and came up with them at Eutaw Springs he was then detailed from the main army and was attached to the Govenors Gaurd [Governor’s Guard] where he remained until the expiration of the term of eighteen months for which he enlisted - he then joined the main army and at Salisbury rec’d [received] his discharge. That after leaving the army he settled up with the auditor of Virginia and gave in his discharge. That at the time of his enlistment he was a resident of Carolin [Caroline] County and has resided there principally ever since - he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an [illegible army] except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
George Saunders
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
J John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of Caroline, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Sumner for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 13th Aug. 1832
John L. Pendleton CC
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[This page has too much bleed through from its opposite side to accurately read this side]
R. Saunders
Carltons Store
King & Queen
Va 

R. Saunders
Carltons Store
King & Queen
Va
Page 13

This is to certify that the leaf containing the original record of the names & dates of births of all my Brothers and sisters and which record was kept by my Father, George Saunders, was out from the book in which the Registry was made for the purpose of being sent to the Pension department as evidence of the Marriage of my Mother and Father before the year 1794; and was placed in my hands with a certificate on its back for me to subscribe and sworn to before a magistrate as being a memorandum which had been kept by my Father during his life: But by some means or other, I cannot say how the said leaf has been lost or mislaid so that it cannot be found. Given under my hand this 14th day of January 1854
Eliza Saunders
State of Virginia
Caroline County to wit
Be it Known that on this 14th day of January [illegible 1854], before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Eliza Saunders above named and made oath in due form of law to the statement contained in the foregoing certificate: And I Certify that the said Eliza Saunders is a respectable and credible witness. Given under my hand the day and date last above mentioned
Peter R Thornton J.P.
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This is to certify that I was present & saw the original leaf upon which was registered the names and dates of births of the Children of George and Elizabeth Saunders cut out of the old book and placed in the hands of Miss Eliza Saunders, one of the Daughters of the said George & Elizabeth Saunders. I further certify that there was a certificate written on the back of it for the said Eliza Saunders to Subscribe & swear to. Given under my hand this 14th day of January [illegible 1858].
William B Carter
State of Virginia
County of Caroline to wit
Be it known that on this 14th day of January – [illegible 1858] before this subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared William B Carter and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing certificate to which his name is subscribed. And I certify that the said Carter is a respectable person & entitled to full credit. Given under my hand the day and year last above mentioned
Peter R Thorton J.P.
Page 15

I further certify that the affiants Eliza Sanders and William B Carter Subscribed and made oath to the foregoing certificates before me on the 14th day of January 1851 - and that the alterations in the foregoing certificates from 1850 to 1851 were made by me. Given under my hand this [illegible 28th ] day of February 1851-
Peter R Thornton J.P.

State of Virginia
In Clerk’s Office of Caroline County Court,
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid; hereby Certify that Peter R Thornton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is a magistrate in and for said County, duly qualified as such and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my Office, this 14 day of March 1851.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of
Caroline County Court
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[illegible Mellen 2nd] [illegible scribble possible VA]
[illegible Aug 29th 1845]  
Mr William Saunders
Port Royal
Caroline CC
Page 17

Thornton Sanders was born on 10th of March 1793
Robinson Sanders was born 25 August 1795
Henry Sanders was born 27th March 1797
Eliza Sanders was born 30th August 1803
Lucy Sanders was born 11th July 1805
William Sanders was born 13th Nov. 1808

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a memorandum of the names + births of all my Fathers & Mothers (George & Elizabeth Saunders), children as kept by my Father in his life time in an old book, which book has since been [illegible wit] of the possession of my mother since his death. I further certify that there is no documentary record of the marriage of my Father & Mother either in possession of my mother, or any member of her family. Given under my hand this 21st day of December 1849.
Eliza Saunders
[illegible Sajlxx Line]
State of Va, Caroline County to wit
Be it known that on this 21st day of [illegible Decr] 1849 personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Eliza Saunders and made oath in due form of law, to the truth
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Of the foregoing certificates. And I certify also that the book from which the foregoing memorandum of the recorded births of children [illegible seventeen?] has been [illegible exaserbated] to same and that the said memorandum is a true & complete copy from the same. In testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.

Peter R Thornton J.P. 

[it appears Page 16 was overlayed on this page]
[illegible Mellen 2nd] [illegible scribble possible VA]
[illegible Aug 29th 1845]  
Mr William Saunders
Port Royal
Caroline CC
Page 19

This is to certify, that I am the sister of Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George Saunders deceased of this County who was a United States Pensioner at the time of his death and I know that the said George Saunders was married to his said widow before the year seventeen hundred and ninety four. They are married some time in the year seventeen hundred and ninety two, and their eldest child whose name was Thornton, was born in the early part of the year seventeen hundred and ninety three. Given under my hand this 25th day of February 1850 – 
Lucy Ridds X her mark
[illegible Jisf]
Wm A Saunders Jr
State of Virginia
Carline County to wit”
Be it Known that on this 25th day of February 1850 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the said County, personally appeared Lucy Ridds a respectable and credible person and made oath in due form of law that the facts stated in the above certificate are true to the best of her knowledge and belief. Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Henry B Goldman [illegible JP seal]
Page 20

State of Virginia to wit
I John L. Pendleton, Clerk of the County Court of Caroline in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Henry B Gereldman [Goldman?], is and was at the time of signing the foregoing certificate, an acting [illegible Justice] that in and for the aforesaid County of Caroline duly commissioned and qualified to act as such; And that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Office this [illegible 6th ] day of April 1850.
John L. Pendleton [illegible Cl]

[written sideways twice on page]
Affidavit
Lucy Ridd
Page 21

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5986
Elizth Saunders
Widow
George Saunders
Pvt. Rev: War
 --- 
Act: Feby, 2nd/48
Index: -- Vol. [illegible eH or M or A or eic], Page 187 
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 22

No 13953
Elizabeth Saunders
Va
ter R. Saunders [illegible Jim] 11th Oct 1849
“     “       “                 “                15th Feb 1850
“     “   to same 17 July 1850
[illegible ~~] 22[illegible July] 1851
3rd and Aug [illegible 17/87]

Act 7 July 1838
Page 23

704
Virginia, Richmond
Elizabeth Saunders
widow of George
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
Of 60 Dollars 0 0 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
14 of April 1847
Certificate of Pension issued the
17th day of Jany 1852 and
sent to
Hon A. R. Holladay
H of R
& June 17, 1844.
Recorded in Book a 
Vol. 2 Page 147
Page 24

Virginia,
In Clerks Office of Caroline County Court.
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that I have diligently searched [searched] the records & papers of my Office and find nothing in relation to the solemnization of the marriage of George Saunders and Elizabeth his wife. I further certify that about the year 1800, the Clerks Office of this County took fire and a number of the Books and papers were thrown out and lost or destroyed
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 25th day of January 1850, in the 74th year of the Commonwealth.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of
Caroline County Court
Page 25

Virginia
Clerks office of Caroline County Court
January 9th 1850. I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Peter R. Thornton whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified according to Law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 9th day of January 1850
John L. Pendleton CC
Page 26

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of George Saunders Caroline C Va which require further proof or explanation.
I.	Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II.	Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III.	If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV.	Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V.	Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI.	Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII.	Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII.	Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX.	Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X.	Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 27

2
XI.	Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? [illegible xxx rgyman]
XII.	If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII.	If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV.	†If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV.	Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI.	‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII.	Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____  months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 28

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 

†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
 In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 29

Carltons Store Va     S-
Jan 31st /50
Col. James L [illegible Edwans]
Court of Pensions
Washington City
D.C
Page 30

Near Carlton Stone, King & Queen, Jany 30th , 1850
Dr Sir
You will [illegible neiina review] enclosed or memor and [illegible acu] of the [illegible  seceran] & births of the children of Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George Saunders, claiming a Pension under the act of 7th July, 1838. You will also [illegible review] the certificate of the Clerk of Caroline County, (in which County the parties were married, stating that the office of his County, took five about the year 1800, and that a number of the books & papers were lost, which will account for there marriage based not being found.
I hope however the certificates of Eliza Saunders & that of Mr Thornton which will be found annexed to the Memorandum of the names and births, will be [illegible evidence ave ever] sufficient to satisfy you that the parties were married within the time prescribed. You will [illegible perceive] that the birth of their first child took place in 1793.
Respectfully. R. Saunders
Page 31

Carltons Store Va
April 11th 
James L [illegible Edwans] Esq.
Court of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Resfg Claim
Elizabeth Saunders
Widow of 
George
Page 32

Near Cartions Ston, King & Queen County, Va
9th April, 1830.
Col J. L. Edwans
Com of Pensions
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you the Certificate of Mrs Lucy Ridd, the sister of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George Saunders, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of 7th June, 1832. In your communication of the 11th Oct last, You require a certified Copy of the marriage Bond or [illegible come] other record or documentary proof that she was married to her husband prior to 1794. In compliance with that requisition I obtained a certified copy of the names + births of all their children, as recorded in an old Book in possession of the widow, which was kept by her husband. This Copy was made out & qualified to by one of the Daughters, who made oath that the record had been kept by her Father The Magistrate who qualified him, stated that it was a true copy of the original. This I thought fully answer your requisition, but in a subsequent communication you require that the widow shall forward the old Book containing the memorandum of names births, & if it
Page 33

should bear the impress of being an old record, then the evidence of marriage would be considered as complete, the claim allowed. Now said altho I [illegible consdeivsd] the copy of the record, Certified to by the Daughter, and then sworn to before a magistrate, and the additional testimony of the Magistrate himself, that it was a true Copy of the original record as fully answering your requisitions of 11th October, 1849. Yet I would have complied with your last requisition, & sent you the old Book. But in this good old Lady - a little curious in her notions perhaps is unwilling to part from it & I therefore now send You herewith the evidence of her sister which shows conclusively that the parties were married in 1792. with the hope that this additional evidence may prove satisfactory to yourself I am
Very Respectfully
[illegible Jouthime]
[illegible R Saunders]
Page 34

Stevensville Va
July 5th 1850
W Ames
Immediate attention
Aval J. L. Edwans
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
DC

[illegible Disul as]
Hereto form
Carltons Store
Page 35

Near Carlton Store, King & Queen, July 4th 50
Sir
I had the honor to enclose [illegible Yur] some additional evidence in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, Widow of George Saunders, on the 9th of April last and have not had the pleasure of hearing from [illegible Yur] department upon the subject of that claim since. Allow me to ask, if the additional evidence has been received and examined.
Respectfully
[illegible Jouthime]
[illegible R Saunders]
Page 36

Pension Office
Augt. 13. 1851
Sir:
Mr R. Saunders of King & Queen Co. Va appeals from the decision of this Office, to the Sec.t of the Interior, in the case of Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George. The papers have been referred to me for a report to the Sec.t and on examination I have arrived at the conclusion that the claim should be allowed. The [illegible ius] G and was a pensioner, and the only question is as to the date of the marriage. I enclose you all the papers for your examination, believing you will allow the claim, and if so it will be unnecessary to trouble the Sec.t with the papers.
Very Respectfully
[illegible rfr Obt. Servt]
F. F. Kirby

Hon J. E. Heath
Comm. of Pensions.
Page 37

Virginia.
In Clerks Office of Caroline County Court Augt. [illegible 21st 1857]
I hereby certify, that at the time, the Clerk’s Office of this County took fire, there were no books in which marriage bonds were executed _ The bonds were taken on separate printed bonds, which were filed in bundles each year, as other ended papers were. A vast number of those bundles were thrown out of the office which bursted and never recovered, the wind carrying them for a distance. I have [smudge you] to believe the marriage bond of George Saunders and Elizabeth his wife, must have been thus lost, having made similast [similar] diligent searches in such cases-
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of my office this [illegible 21st ] Augt 1857
John L. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County Court
Page 38

Pension Office.
Augt 11. 1857
George Saunders, Caroline Co. Va.
Act 7 June 1832. $60 per ann:
To what time paid?
F. F. Kirby
Died 14th April 1847.
Pd to his death.
B.S.B.
Page 39

[A postal seal appears to upper left]
[illegible scribbles to right appear to be 00]

Reuben Saunders Esq
Carltons Store
[illegible Ky &Vn]
Page 40

Row Sum
March 22? 1831
Dr. Sir
I forward the enclosed, by the direction of Mrs. E Saunders. She wishes open, for the future to address me, in relation to her claim, & I will give any and you may need of.
Mr John Anderson requests me to ask [illegible 4s.-aid] [maybe for your aid] in [illegible sceening] a small bond due him’ by Wm. Chenault - he has heard that you are prosecuting his military claim &. I have the bond in my possession. It is for $19.65 with [illegible] from 4 Sept. 1830. What’s the chances?
I send a state of are Yes! & a check for $5.55 the balance due you.
[illegible Ups Yours] very resp’y
Robt. [illegible Budgin]
Ren Saunders Esq.
I mislaid his pension paper till to-day.
You are expected to be here on the 30 [illegible inc]. as a witness in Samuel vs. Murray! will you come?
Apl. 22d.
Page 41

44
New Shackelfords Va.
Oct 29 /51
[smeared seal]
R. Saunders.

Calls attention to his appear made July 26./51. from the Com of Pensions in the case of Elizabeth Saunders.-

Refd to Com- Pensions for attention & report in connexion with letter of Mr S. Referred to him for report Aug 8. last. which has not yet been recd.
[illegible Lceft] Into }
Nov. 4/01 }

Shackelfords Va }
Oct. 30th 
Honl. A.[illegible lent]. H.H. Stewart
Secretary of the Interior
Washington City
DC
Page 42

Near Shacklefords, King & Queen County Virginia
October 29th 1857
Honl. Alex~. H. H. Stewart
Secretary of the Interior
Washington City
Va
On the 26th of July last, I had the honour to address you and to ask an appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George Saunders, Claiming a Pension under the act of 7th July 1838. Not having heard from you on the subject I fear the case has been over [illegible]. if so please to give it your earliest convenient attention, & oblige
Very Respectfully
[illegible To] Mr [illegible ObsSent]
R. Saunders
Page 43

Washington City. May 6th, 1857 

Dr Sir 
I have the honor to enclose you additional evidence in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George, claiming a Pension under the act of 7th, July, 1838, - This additional evidence relates to the Marriage of the parties, and was made on the 14th of January last, as will be perceived by reference to the same; and which you will perceive from a letter from Mr Ro Hudgin addressed to me, was misplaced for a considerable time. You will perceive by reference to the papers already on file, that this claim was rejected by Col Edwans, solely upon the ground, that the evidence of marriage was not as full & complete as he thought necessary – (but which I thought ought to have proved satisfactory -) and required of Mrs Saunders that she should furnish the original record of the names & ages of her children. Not withstanding he had a certified copy of it. This requisition I made an effect to comply with, by cutting the leaf in which the names + births of the children were registered from the old book, and prepared a certificate on the back of the same for her Daughter to qualify to, but it was so long before the services of a magistrate could be obtained, she unfortunately, misplaced, or lost the
Page 44

record, so that it is impossible now to comply with Col. Edwan’s requisition, and the only alternative suggested to me, was to take the enclosed evidence to show that the original record was lost. The memorandum of the names + births of their children now on file, was made from the origin & certified to by Mr Peter R Thornton of Caroline whom you, I presume know personally, he having for several years acted as Sheriff of that County. By reference to Col. Edwans’s letter to me of 17th July, 1850, it appears that his opinion was at that time, that Mrs Saunders (according to some recent decision of the Secretary, not entitled to the benefits of the act of 7th July, 1838, her husband having died in 1847 - but I beg leave to make a point here, and suggest that in as much as her application, was filed (and the evidence perfected according to my opinion, while it was the practice of the department to grant the Pensions from 4th of March 1836, notwithstanding the husband received a pension to a subsequent period, that therefore the Pension in this case ought to commence from the last mentioned date. The can is however submitted to you with this additional evidence to be disposed of as your own judgement may dictate, & if the circumstances & facts, donot admit of its being allowed under the act of 7th July, 1833
Page 45

she is perfectly willing to take it from the period of her husbands death.
As this is a suspended case, I should be very much obliged to you, if consistent with due deference to the rules & regulations of your department, if you would have the can taken up while I am here, and acted upon. I shall leave her on Friday or Saturday, & if not acted on before then, my address will be Shackeleford, King & Queen County Va.
Very Respectfully
[illegible To Obt Sert]
[illegible R fasssneno]

James E Heath Esq.
Com, of Pensions
[illegible Present]
Page 46

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George, Caroline County and State of Virginia act 17 June 1844 Ve

Claim, (“original,” or for increase.)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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


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

Husband was a pensioner – Traditionary
& record proof of dates of children's ages

Name and residence of Agent
Hon A. R. Holladay
[illegible 11 of R]
S. Cole
Examining Clerk.
Page 47

Mr Kirley, Will please make the Report in this case & said to Com? to sign
Page 48

54.
Washington
Jany 10. 1852
Hon [illegible Alis]. R. Holliday

Enquires if the appeal of Elizabeth Saunders from the decision of the Comm. of Pensions has been decided.

Ref to the Comr of Pensions for attention & answer.
Dept [illegible Z2th]
Jany 16/52
Page 49

Washington Jany 10th 1852
Hon- A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior

Sir
One of my constituents has written to me to inquire, whether the appeal taken from the decision of the commissioner of pensions to the Secretary of the Interior, in the case of the pension application of Elizabeth Saunders widow of George Saunders, under the law of July 1838, has been decided & if so what the decision is. Will you have the goodness to cause the information to be [illegible penisjue] to me
With high [illegible respect regardsxx]
Aht R.. Holliday
Page 50

Shecklefords Va }
Augst 3d 1837   }

Honl A. H. H. Stuart-
Secretary of the Inte
Washington City

28.
Shecklefords Va
July 28/87
R. Saunders
Appeals from the decision of the Comm of Pensions in the case of Elizabeth Saunders. L@

[illegible acle] & Ref to Com of Pensions for a report 
Dept [illegible Z2th]
Aug 8, 1851
Free
Page 51

Near Shackleford, King & Queen County, Virginia July 28th, 1857
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Dear Sir
It is with extreme reluctance I [illegible assene] you that I appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, or rather his Chief Clerk Mr Evans made on the 22nd [illegible inst] in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George Saunders, who claims a pension under the act of 7th July, 1838.
I feel [illegible assented] Sir, that Mr Evans has not given this case his usual close attention as he certainly must have seen that the case was fairly made out. Hence Sir, I am [illegible ciratrued] to ask that you will examine the papers in the case yourself.
What are the facts in the case, & the circumstances [illegible attending] it? they are I believe as follows. In 1849 the applicants declaration was filed, in which she states with all the solemnities of an oath, that she was married to her husband sometime in the year 1792, and refers to the names and ages of her children as proof of that fact. As she was assuming that the old book in which the names and births of the children were registered should be sent to Washington, where she thought it would be forever retained, [illegible an catrail] of their names and dates of their births was made from the original, and was certified by a Magistrate, to be a true copy from the
Page 52

original, which extract was forwarded to the pension department- when the case came up for examination on the 15th of February 1800. that evidence was deemed insufficient to prove the date of Marriage, and the Commissioner, Col. Edward, required that the original record should be such to the office- this the old Lady was [illegible stice] unwilling to do. I then obtained the certificate of her sister, Mrs Lucy Ridd which will [illegible coforward] among the papers, in which the witness states a in positive terms that her sister Mrs Saunders, was married in during the year 1792, and that the eldest child, Thornton was born in 1793 -- But this did not satisfy Col Edwans, and in his letter dated 17th July, 1850 he says, the testimony of witnesses cannot be received as evidence, so long as record proof is known to exist. I then determined to gratify the Commissioners whims- for such I thought, by sending the original if I could get it- I succeeded so far as to present on the old Lady. to permit me to cut out the leaf on which the names and ages of the children were written, and I prepared an affidavit on the back of itI for one of her Daughters to swear to, as being the record kept by her Father, sent ten miles for a magistrate & if one could have been had at that time, the original would have been forwarded - but unfortunatly no Magistrate could be gotten for several days may for some two or three weeks I think in the meantime the Daughter, with whom I left the paper or leaf lost or mislaid it one, so that it could not be found-- this being the case, I determined to obviate the difficulty if possible
Page 53

by proving the loss of the paper as I thought perhaps my simple statement of that fact might not be satisfactory to the Comt & I accordingly obtained the affidavits of the Daughter Eliza Saunders- and Mrs Carter who was present & saw me cut from the old book the original leaf on which the record was made - these affidavits will be found among the papers - I supposed that as the original record was lost that then the department would of course go back to the parole testimony, which in my opinion was already acceply sufficient, but even if that were not so there was an extract from the original record made out and certified to be such by the Magistrate, which surly together with the certificate of the sister ought to be sufficient to establish the fact that the parties were married in 1792 as stated by the declarant.
I do assure you sir that the Copy was fairly made from the original, and that the original was in the hand writing I believe, of the Father, as stated by the Daughter in her affidavit. The writing, the full from age or some other cause, was perfectly legible and in a plain hand and the figures made plain and distinct. In fact, the whole record showed that it had been made as the Children were born. These facts Sir, I am willing to qualify to if necessary, but I do not presume that you will [illegible here] a moment after seeing the papers, to allow the claim.
I therefore respectfully ask that he will yourself examine the case.
Very Respectfully & with high regard. [illegible Yoobtdart N.vs.]
R. Saunders
Page 54

Shacklefords Va }
Augst 3rd 1837   }
Honl A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Washington City


I would here [illegible add], that the applicant would not attest [illegible cansent] that I should [illegible cut out this in] record from the books until I [illegible perceive] , & did [illegible reinter] all the names and dates of birth on another blank paper.
R.S.

28.
Shacklefords Va
July 28/87
R. Saunders
Appeals from the decision of the Com of Pensions in the case of Elizabeth Saunders. [illegible L@]

Ack & Ref of Com of Pensions for a reports
[illegible Deft 2nd]
Aug 8. 1881
Page 55

Shacklefords Va   free
July 13th 1857
James E. Heacto Esq.
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

July 19.57
Rel: to claim of Elizth Saunders
Wid of Geo
On an appeal
Out of R. Saunders Title
Shacklefords
King & Queen Co.
Page 56

Neui Shacklefords, King & Queen County Virginia, July 10th 1857

Dear Sir
When in Washington last, which as about the 16th of May, I think, I had the honor to address you a few lines upon the subject of the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, widow of George, claiming a Pension, on account of her husbands services in the Revolution and to enclose at the same time some additional testimony relating to the marriage of the parties-
Not having heard any thing from your department in relation to the claim since that time, I have thought it probable that as my letter was dated in Washington City-- perhaps the claim had been acted on, & your communication, if any, had been addressed to me there-- You will oblige me by saying whether this claim has been reached & if so what disposition has been made of it.
Very Respectfully
Momoobsseat
R. Saunders
Page 57

[illegible Millen JaVa]
June 29th 1821
James S Edwans
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

13953
[illegible Dlcl]
July 2/49
Elizabeth Saunders
Wid of George
husband died 14 April 1847
Page 58

June 1865
Near Cartons Store King & Queen, Va 27th 
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Elizabeth Saunders claiming a Pension under the act of Congress of 1848, which you will please cause to be filed – Evidence of marriage will be forwarded as soon as it can be [illegible livd].
Respectfully
Youbl serve.
R. Saunders
Page 59

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 26th 1839.
Sir,
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,” George Saunders, --- a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va, Agency, at the rate of Sixty -- Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837. to the 4th March, 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
Glezon K. Parris
Comptroller,
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 60

Treasury Department, 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 11- 1838.
Sir.
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,” George Saunders a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of Sixty Dollars and "-"- Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837 to the 4th of September 1837
Respectfully, yours,
Glezon K. Parris
Comptroller

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 61

10.343 Saunders, Geo.

See Rilly-on will
Rituim
Page 62

I certify that George Saunders enlisted in the army of the United States for the term of eighteen months- that he was in the Battles of Gilford Ct House and Eutaw Springs --- - and that he continued therein until the expire of the said term of enlistment. Given under my hand this 10th day of Septemb 1832
Christopher X Loving his mark
Virginia Caroline County
This day before me Madison H Jones a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Christopher Loving and made oath that the above certified contains the truth. Given under my hand this 10th day of September 1832
Mat. Jines JPeace
Virginia
Caroline County to Wit
I John L Pendleton Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid County do hereby certify that W. H. Jones whose name is annexed to the foregoing certificates is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County duly qualified and that his said signatures are genuine, this 21st day of September 1832.
John L Pendleton Ct
Clerks Office Caroline County Virginia.
I hereby certify that I attached this paper to the aforegoing declaration this 21st Sept 1832
John L. Pendleton Co
Page 63

I certify that George Saunders enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1780 that he was marched into service and joined the southe- army under the command of Genl. Greene. That he was in the battles of Gilford Ct House, Camden and Eutaw Springs. that he enlisted for the term of eighteen months and to my knowledge served out the same. Given under my hand this 10th day of Septemb 1832
David Stern
Virginia }
Caroline County }
This day personally appeared before me David Stern above named and made Oath that the above certificate is true. Given under my hand this 10th day of Septemb 1832
MAT Jines J Peace