Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6689, Robert Bolling, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE
Va.
Bolling, Robert
NUMBER
S.6689
Carded
Page 2

[left hand page with fold in the middle of page] 
740
Virginia
Robert Bolling
Petersburg in the State of Virginia
who was a Capt. [illegible] in the cavalry commanded
by Captain ___of the___commanded by Col. Bannister [John Banister] in the Virginia line for Private [illegible] Captain 8 mos. from Spring 1778

Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of 225 Dollars per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the [folded page] day of October 1832 and sent to George Bolling  Present

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $33.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending Mar 3 12.50
$50.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act of June 7. 1832.}
Recorded by J. H. McClair Clerk, Book ? Vol. 7 Page 92

[right hand page]
[crossed out: See letter to Hon. J.S. Barton Dec. 22, 1845]

E.H. Smith Dec 23 1881
The affiant refered [referred] to in the above letter & other papers given to R.M. Heath to file with papers in support of claim for half pay. R. June 12/52 [1852]

These notes pertaining most likely to Robert Bolling R.19363 [illegible]
Date of death not on A.B.
Page 3

Hon, J. S. Barbour
22 Dec. 1865
Page 4

372
Pension Office
December 22.d 1845
Sir,
I herewith return the letter of Mr. Freeman in the case of Mrs. Bolling, widow of the late Captain, Robert Bolling, of Virginia
Capt. Bolling received a pension on account of his service in the Militia during the revolution, of $225 per annum. Bu Mrs. Bolling is not entitled to a pension, as no widow of a revolutionary officer who was married after 1793 is embraced by the pension laws of the U. States.
There is nothing whatever due from the government to the widow or heirs of Capt. Bolling
Page 5

Robert Bolling
Declaration
Page 6

Town of Petersburg
State of Virginia

On this 20th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before Thos Wallace, Beverly Drinkard, Robt Williams, Francis Pace Justices of the Court of of the town of Petersburg now sitting, Robert Bolling a resident of said Town and State of Virginia aged 73 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 Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.

That he entered the service of he United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated: 

Early in the Spring of 1778 I enlisted as a private soldier to the best of recollection a Term of twelve months in a volunteer Corps of Cavalry under the command of General Thomas Nelson as Captain, George Nicholas as first Lieutenant and Hugh Nelson as Second Lieutenant all of the State of Virginia, the said Corps of Cavalry mounting to one hundred men called was embodied organized and trained at a small Town in the County of Caroline Va Port Royal. 

this corps was raised by Captain Thomas Nelson of York Town Va [Yorktown, Virginia] in pursuance of the recommendation of Congress of the 2nd March 1778 after remaining at Port Royal 
about 4 months we about the first of August 1778 marched to Philadelphia where we remained several days & where in the 8th of August we were discharged
After receiving the thanks of Congress which was then and there sitting. (See Charles Lewis Certificate of the 3rd Sept 1832.)

Early in the year 1780 I in the Capacity Captain enlisted a number of men and formed a volunteer Corps of Cavalry by the directions of Col. John Banister of Dinwiddie county who was then the commander of the Dinwiddie Militia. I marched said Troop of Cavalry on being organized to a small Town in County of Isle of Wight called Smithfield [Virginia] 
and there joined a Large body of Militia under the command of General Robert Lawson, and General Mulenburg [Peter Muhlenberg] the Regular Continental officers being there and then present in command and served during that year a detachment of British Troops,  I believe under the command of Genl. [Alexander] Leslie then having invaded Norfolk & Portsmouth [both Virginia towns] which places they possessed several months.

Early in the year 1781. I obtained several new recruits to said corps, and about the month of May 1781 a strong army of British Troops commanded by General James [William] Philips and Benedict Arnold invaded Virginia and advanced to Petersburg which Town they gained possession of after a warm resistance by the Virginia Militia in which Battle 
[Battle of Blandford or Blanford, also called Battle of Petersburg, Virginia 1781] I the Captain of the said volunteer Troop acted commanding said Troop. 

The American Troops or army then at Petersburg were commanded by the Regular Officer Genl. Baron Steuben [General Baron von Steuben] a few days after the capture of Petersburg [Va] General [British William] Philips died at my Mothers Residence [this soldier's mother Mary Rolling's residence "Bollingbrook"] in said Town being his [Philips] head Quarters. 

the army was then commanded by Genl [Benedict] Arnold until the arrival of Lord Cornwallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] from Carolina.  before the arrival at Petersburg [Va] I with a part of my troops under the command of Major Churchill [Jones] a regular continental officer was sent to detached towards Carolina to ascertain the line of Cornwallace's
[General Charles Lord Cornwallis]  
approach to Petersburg [Va], in which service two of my Troop were captured. 

I was as Captain aforesaid also in a skirmish with a party of British Troops at Broadway [Landing] on Appomattox River ten miles below Petersburg after the departure of the British army from Petersburg 
.
I remained with my troops in Prince George County [Va] near the James River as a guard and immediately after the surrender at York [Battle of Yorktown, Virginia 1781] 

We were discharged at Petersburg.
I have no documentary evidence of my services, I was born in the year of 1759 near the Town of Petersburg [Va]. I have my age recorded in my family Bible. When called into service I was living  in Petersburg [Va] and have since always lived in said Town. I volunteered when called into service. The Regular officers with the Troops where I served were  Col. [Alexander] Dick and Major Holmes in addition those above mentioned. I did not receive a regular commission but was acknowledged by the commanding officers with whom I served as a Captain of a volunteer Troop of Cavalry and also
Page 7

by Thomas Jefferson then Governor of Virginia as in letter herewith enclosed. My neighbors who can certify their belief of my services as a revolutionary soldier are Wm Clark Sam. D. Davies. Minton Thrift a clergyman, and Danl Butts-
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Robert Bolling

We Minton Thrift--- a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Petersburg and Daniel C. Butts-- residing in the same Town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Bolling who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be 73 years of age ; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
M. Thrift
Danl, C, Butts

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states; and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Minton Thrift who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the Town of Petersburg - and that Daniel C. Butts who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town of Petersburg - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

We, Samuel D Davies and Wm Clarke personally appearing in open Court, hereby certify that we have known Robert Bolling many years; that we believe he is 73 - years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Revolutionary Soldier, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Wm. Clarke
Sam D Davies
Page 8

And the said Court certify that Samuel D. Davies-- and Wm Clarke - who have signed the last preceding certificate, are men of respectability and good standing, and that their statement is worthy of credit.

I, John Grammer, Clerk of the Court of Hastings in the Town of Petersburg Virga. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Bolling of said Town for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 22nd - day of September - 1832.
J. Grammer C.H.P.
Page 9

February 26, 1938.
Mrs. Dora Harmon BA-J/ILL
3433 Haynie Robert Bolling
Dallas, Texas. S. 6689

Dear Madam:
The data given herein are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 6689, based upon service of Robert Bolling in the Revolutionary War.

Robert Bolling was born in the year 1759, (the day not shown) near Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Virginia.

While a resident of Petersburg, Virginia, Robert Bolling enlisted early in the spring of 1778, for twelve months as a private in Captain Thomas Nelson's company, in a volunteer corps of Virginia Cavalry, one hundred men, under command of General Thomas Nelson; they were organized and trained at Port Royal, Virginia, and some time in July or August 1778, marched to Philadelphia, where, on August 8, 1778, they were discharged, having served six months, and received the thanks of Congress, upon whose recommendation of March 2, 1778, they were organized. Early in 1780, Robert Bolling entered service as Captain of a troop of volunteer Virginia cavalry under Colonel John Banister, was on an expedition to Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Virginia; in 1781, he was in the battle of Petersburg, was in a skirmish at Broadway on the Appomattox River, was sent with part of his troops under Major Churchill Jones to ascertain the line of Cornwallis' march, and guarded near the James River until after the surrender of Yorktown. His service as Captain amounted to at least eight months, no definite date shown. He was pensioned for that length of service as an officer.

Robert Bolling was allowed pension on his application executed September 20, 1832, at which time he resided in Petersburg, Virginia.
Page 10

In 1832, when Captain Robert Bolling made application for pension, he was referred to in affidavits as Robert Bolling, Junior. The officer himself referred to his mother's home in Petersburg, where an officer died in 1781, but did not state the name of either of his parents.

Captain Robert Bolling was survived by a widow, who was living in 1845; her name is not shown. They were married subsequent to 1793, the date not shown.
Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

2.
Page 11

[Left page]
6689
INVALID
Rev War
----------
File No. 6689
Robert Bolling
Capt Rev War
------------
Act: June 7th ' 32
Index:--Vol. A, Page 38

[Arrangement of 1870]
[Right page--vertical alignment]

1923 June 4 Photostat copies mailed to Dora a Tilghman - awj.
1931-Feb. 3. Hist. to Lyon G. Tyler. - ILL
1935 - Oct. 4 - Hist. to Mr. Robert A Stewart - ILL
1938 - Feb. 26 - Hist. to Mrs. Dora Harmon - ILL.
Page 12

Robt. Bolling
Adm.
Private Cavalry 6 mo
Capt. Cavalry 8 mo

$225 per anum

Cert: to
Geo W. Bolling
Page 13

[This is a page 1 of a photocopied letter sent to Robert Bolling by Thomas Jefferson.]

In Council April 12, 1781
Sir
Reasons to believe that the enemy intend a movement across the country towards Carolina have induced Major General Baron [von] Steuben to desire anxiously to have made up of a sudden a body of 200 cavalry. It is probable they will not be wanting a fortnight, but in any event they shall be discharged at the end of one month from this rendezvousing at Petersburg [Virginia]. Supposing it would be in your power to raise a number suddenly I take the liberty of troubling you as I do several other gentlemen with the proposition.

It will be necessary for the troopers to mount & equip them selves. Some good Swords it will be in our power yo furnish and all of them with a shorter kind. So that the want of that article need not keep them from the field, their horses and accoutrements shall be ensued by the public against every thing but negligence, and the service shall be  counted in lieu of a tour of Militia duty.
 We wish them

Capt Robt [Robert] Bolling

[illegible black ink stamp side margin]
Page 14

[Page 2 of letter sent to Robert Bolling by Thomas Jefferson]

them to rendezvous as they are raised at Petersburg as the call, should it happen, will happen in a few days: the Command shall be arranged at the rendezvous. for so short a service it is hoped that no difficulties will arise on that head. 

I am with great respect Sir
Your mo. ob. Sert.
[Your most obedient servant]

Th Jefferson

S.File 6689
Robert Bolling Va

[black ink stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 15

[address on letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bolling Esqr]

Ana. Taylors
Certificate 

Robert Bolling Esqr
Petersburg
Page 16

I Ann Roy Taylor (Formerly Ann Roy Fox of Port Royall in Carolina County Virginia) aged Seventy years do hereby certify that I resided in Port Royall in the year 1778 and that early in the spring of that year I became acquainted with Robert Bolling Senior of Petersburg in Virginia. And I do hereby further certify that the said Robert Bolling was exercised and disciplined as a Volunteer Trooper in the Corps of Cavalry then commanded by General Thomas Nelson of York Town in Virginia and that the said Robert Bolling was with the said Corps marched from Port Royall about the month of July or August 1778, and as I was informed to join the American Army then commanded by General Washington in some of the northern states of the union. Given under my hand this 17th day of September 1832.
[signature] 
Ann Roy Taylor

Virginia
Gloucester County.
This day Mrs Ann Roy Taylor appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace as & for said county and made oath that the statements of the above certificate so far as they depend on the information of others believed them to be true. Witness my hand this 29th Septr. 1832.
Archd. Taylor J.P. [circular figure with "Seal" in center]
I Arthur L Davies Clerk of the County Court
of Gloucester in Virginia do hereby certify
that Archibald Taylor whose name is
subscribed to the above certificate, is a
Justice of the Peace of the said County of Gloucester Given under my hand & the seal of the County of Gloucester this 1st day of October 1832.
Arthur L. Davis C.S.C.
Page 17

Glo: Court House Oct 1, 1832.

Sir

Enclosed you have the papers which I hope will answer your purposes - the clerks fee amounting to [6?] has been paid by me.
Your Resp  S.
Arch'd Taylor.
Page 18

It is a fact, that I rendered Military services, beyond the periods expressed in my certificate, but as our Country, was invaded by a powerful enemy, and the whole of the Inhabitants, were thrown into  great consternation, and distress, I have limited the periods of my defined services, much within the extent of the pulic [public] duties I performed; you must also allow something, for the great lapse of time, and its operation upon the human mind, since those events occured [occurred];

I wish therefore to be very guarded in my statements, and had rather give up much to my Country, than to take one cent, improperly from her

To illustrate my meaning in few words: I consider that I served my Country, as a regular Soldier, or Trooper, in a Corps of Cavalry, during a period of Six months:  and afterwards, as a Captain of Cavalry in a Volunteer Troop of Horse, during a period of Eight months, in the Revolutionary War.
Page 19

I Robert Bolling of the Town of Petersburg and State of Virginia, aged seventy three years, do hereby certify and declare that in the capacity of Captain of a volunteer Troop of Cavalry raised in the State of Virginia, during the Revolutionary War, I served my Country, during a period of three months in the year 1780: And I also further certify and declare that I served in the same capacity as Captain during a period of five months in the year 1781. Given from under my hand this 15th day of October 1832.
[signature]
Robert Bolling

Virginia
Town of Petersburg to wit
This day Robert Bolling personally appeared before me an alderman of said Town, and made oath to the facts set forth in the above certificate given under my hand this 15th day of October 1832
[signature]
Jo'sph Bragg alder'mn
Page 20

Town of Petersburg Virg. @ Sct.

I John Grammer Clerk of the Hustings Court of the said town Do certify- that Joseph Bragg who name is within subscribed to the annexed affidavit & certificate of Robert Bolling is an Alderman, and acting Justice of the peace for the said town. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set 
[Circular stamp mark on 
left margin of letter]
my hand as Clerk aforesaid & also set and affix the Corporate Seal of said town of Petersburg aforesaid in the State of Virginia the 15th day October 1832.
[signature]
J. Grammer C.S.C
Page 21

I John Crawford now residing in Petersburg in the State of Virginia aged Eighty Eight years, and having served as a soldier in the American Revolutionary War: Do hereby certify that I have known Robert Bolling of the Town Petersburg upwards of Fifty years, and I do well recollection that I saw him in actual service in the state of Virginia, as a Captain of a Troop of Cavalry, and that I with other troops marched with him, on military duty to Smithfield in the County of Isle of Wight in Virginia in the year 1780 and that the troops to which I was attached on command, were at that time and place commanded by Col Robert Lawson, and I have good reason to believe that Capt Robert Bolling with his troop of Cavalry served as
volunteers, the whole or the greater part of the years 1780 & 1781; generally with the Virginia Militia. Witness my hand this 31st day August 1832
[signature] 
John (X-his mark) Crawford
Mark
-
State of Virginia,
Dinwiddie County, To Wit:
This day John Crawford above named personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace for said County, and made oath that allegations set forth in the foregoing certificate are correct and true.-
Given under my hand this 13th
day of September AD 1832.-
Ben'j Johnson J.P.

Virginia,
Dinwiddie County, Sct.
I John P. Crump Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Benjamin Johnson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is an acting Justice of the peace for the said County, and that the above is his genuine signature-
Given under my hand
Page 22

[Large seal of Office affixed on top left side of letter]

and seal of Office this 22nd day of September anno Deus one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth -
J.P. Crump C.D.C
Page 23

John Grammer
Certificate


[Vertically aligned text]

Robert Bolling Esq.
Present
Petersburg
Page 24

I John Grammer Clerk of the Hustings Court of the town of Petersburg Virginia whose name is subscribed as such, to the declaration made by Robert Bolling before the said Hustings Court, in order to obtain a Pension, now upwards pf seventy Eight years of age-78 yrs.

At the desire of Mr. [John] Bolling to state some facts within my knowledge and recollections. Do hereby declare and certify. 
That I have been a resident of the said town for upwards of Sixty years all which from his infancy to the present time, been acquainted with Mr. [John] Bolling.

That at the time, related by him in his declaration, in the year 1781 when Our State was invaded and a British  Army marched to Petersburg under Genl.s [Generals] Phillips [British General William Philips] & [Benedict] Arnold who here met with resistance, and a battle. I was present in that action.

I had a commission, at that time as first Lieut. [Lieutenant] of a Company Militia  of the County of Dinwiddie from Patrick Henry dated in March 1778, then Governor of Virginia (which I now here exhibit) my command being then on duty under other Officers. I equipped myself as a trooper and joined the Continental Cavalry (a part of the first Regiment of Cavalry Commanded by Colo. [William] Washington being then here 
under the Command of Major [Richard] Call of that Regt [regiment] who commanded the Cavalry on that occasion. I was a private volunteer under him-

That Mr. [Robert ]Bolling as Captain with a Company of Volunteer Cavalry was in the action with us. and continued with the Army on its march to the Coalpits in chesterfield County, and with a detachment of the Cavalry light troops sent down under command of Major [Richard] Call, to fall in with the Enemy on their march for Petersbg [Petersburg] to Manchester [Virginia]- and 
untill the Arrival at  Richmond [Va] of the Marques LaFayette [Marquis de Lafayette]
with some of the Continental Troop to the Aid of Virga [VA]. 

We received Order fm [from] Genl LaFayette [Marquis de Lafayette] on his arrival from Richmond to march immediate crossing James River at Tuckaho [Tuckahoe] to Richmond, which we did with all reasonable dispatch, I was present during all this so was Mr. [John] Bolling with his Volunteer Troops-

On the arrival of Genl. The Marques LaFayette [Marquis de Lafayette] he had the Command, I think in Virga [Va]. The Baron Steuben [Baron von Steuben] commanded before

That the British ships with the army, after its retreat from Manchester [VA], fell down the James river perhaps somewhere about Brandon [Blandford or Blanford, Virginia] where they remained for some days perhaps 8 or 10 - when landing their men, marched their army to Petersburg [VA] a second time in  the night & surprised the place -

A  day or two, I think, after this I was at Osbornes [VA]; Genl. LaFayette [Marquis de Lafayette]  then with the army a little above, on James River- The General
by
Page 25

[page 2]
by an order to Major Churchill Jones of the 3rd Regt. [Regiment] I think of Continental Cavalry originally [George] Baylor's Regiment [Third Continental Light Dragoons]- who was stationed here about that time.

Major [Churchill] Jones was directed to take Capt. [Robert] Bolling's Troop of Cavalry and proceed on to the south untill he could obtain he could obtain certain information of the movements of Lord Cornwallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] with the British army then in No. Carolina & suspected to be moving this way.

At the desire of Major [Churchill] Jones I accompanied him this trip with Capt. [Robert] Bollings Troop of Cavalry. We proceeded on to the south untill arriving at the Roanoke river, opposite the town of Halifax [North Carolina]. There we got certain information that Lord Cornwallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] with the British army were then in halifax [NC].  

That Colo [Loyalist John] Hamilton with a large Body of the British Cavalry had a little before, crossed the river & pased [passed] along where we then were, a lower rout [route] into North Carolina. 

Here after returning a few miles perhaps about 6 miles to Shorts at the xroad [crossroad]. Major [Churchill] Jones after writing, sent off one of Capt [Robert] Bollings Troopers, with dispatches for Genl. L. Fayette. [Marquis de Lafayette] 

We left Capt. [Robert] Bolling here with his troops. I accompanied Major [Churchill] Jones crossing the Roanoke [river] to Williamsborough N.C. [Hillsborough, NC] to have an interview with the Governors and Commanding officers of the Militia of the State whom we met with there, & for whom I think Major [Churchill] Jones had some dispatches, or communications - after making we returned.

Colo [John] Hamilton with the British Cavalry making a Circuit came up in our Rear at Hixes ford [NC] made Prisoner of one of Capt [Robert] Bolling's Troopers who had been left  there on our way out as a Vedette [scout] - then met with the one who had major [Churchill] Jones's dispatches, and made prisoner of him also - as I afterwards understood - Our army after that was generally on the North side of James River and I was not further with it, untill the Siege at York [Battle of Yorktown, Virginia 1781] and the capture of Lord Cornwallace [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] there -
J. Grammer

Town of Petersburg [Virginia] Sct.
The foregoing declaration & Certificate of John Grammer was this day Sworn to & subscribed by sd. [said] John Grammer to Contain the the truth to the best of his Recollection and belief before me as Recorder and magistrate of the said town of Petersburg - 4th October 1832
Thos Wallace Recorder
Page 26

I Charles A Lewis an inhabitant of the County of Caroline State of Virginia, aged seventy years, do hereby certify that I was frequently at a small town in s'd County called Port Royal, during the revolutionary war, dates forgotten, when I became acquainted with a number of young gentlemen who were enlisted or volunteered under the command of General Thomas Nelson of York Town in Virginia and that they were embodied & disciplined as ("as"-repeated) a corps of cavalry to join the continental army under the command of General Georg Washington then I believe in the state of New York or Pennsylvania, and I do hereby further certify that I saw Robert Bolling junior dressed in uniform of the s'd corps of Cavalry marched from Port Royal to join the s'd Continental army
[signature]
Charles A. Lewis

Culpeper County to Wit
This day personally came Charles A Lewis & swore before me John Thom a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid & made oath that the above certificate contains a true statement of facts to the best of his knowledge & belief--given under my hand this the 3rd day of September 1832
[signature]
John Thom (J.P.)

Virginia

I Francis T Lightfoot Clerk of the County Court of Culpeper in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that John Thom is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature
Page 27

signature professing to be his original-
[affixed seal]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 21 day of September 1833 in the 57 year of the Commonwealth
[signature]
F. T. Lightfoot


Charles & Lewis has
certificate
Page 28

[Copy of Letter sent to Robert Bolling Esq. by Thomas Jefferson. See copy of original letter also in this file] 

Copied
In Council April 12 1781

Sir,
Reasons to believe that the enemy intend a movement across the country towards 
Carolina have induced Majr [Major] General Baron [von] Steuben to desire anxiously to have made up a sudden a body of 200 cavalry. 

It is probable they will not be wanting a fortnight, but in any event they shall be discharged at the end of one month from their rendezvousing at Petersburg. Supposing it would be in your power to raise a number suddenly I take the  liberty of troubling you as I do several other Gentlemen with the proposition. It will be necessary for the troopers to mount & equip  themselves. 

Some good swords it will be in our power to furnish and all of them with a shorter kind. So that the want of that article need not keep them from the field, their horses and accoutrements shall be ensured by the public against every thing but negligence, and the service shall be counted in lieu of a tour of Militia duty. 

We wish them to rendezvous as they are raised at Petersburg as the call, should it happen, will happen in a few days; the Commands shall be arranged at the rendezvous, for so short a service it is hoped that no difficulties will arise on the head.

I am with great respect Sir
Your mo. ob. Serv. 
[Your most obedient servant]

Th. Jefferson [Thomas Jefferson]

Robert Bolling (Va.)
S 6689
Page 29

Reference
Thomas Spragins W1095

3433 Haynie
Dallas, Texas
February 10, 1938

Mr. A.D. Hiller.
Executive Assistant Veteran Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
I thank you for your painstaking and, kind service in the research you made recently for my son H.H. Spragins--locating for him the family lineage of Thomas Spraggen, Edgefield Co. South Carolina and also the American Revolutionary military service of Thomas Spragen (Spraggen) b Dec. 25, 1756 with is accompanying service record as a soldier whose services ended March 1778.
Dr J Ogle Warfield Episcopal Rector of the Managua & St David's Rectory Philadelphia Pa, a genealogist interest married a Miss Spragins whose Spragin's family line are descendants of a Mr. Thomas Spragins Lieutenant of Militia in Halifax Co. Va. 1758, d. 1792.
He had sons Melchigadea, Melchijah, Thomas, Elisha & Samuel. This Thomas you mention could be the son Lieut. Thomas Spraggen who was in the Colonial War.
My son and I are interested in Melchija Spragens. Could you locate him as being or taking an interes...
Page 30

part in the distressing times of the American Revolution.
My son has been invited to join the Sons of the American Revolution here in Dallas and he so much wants to find a link in his Spragins family line to connect him up with (with) the American Revolutionary patriots' but if this is not possible he could join through the Bolling line so we have been told. There is ia Captain Robert Bolling, who is of the genealogical line whose military record we should like to have and also we would like to know if Stith Bolling (Bowling) born May 11, 1753 m. 1776 Charlotte Edmunds (each Virginians) fought or had any part in the American Revolution?
Their daughter, Rebecca Bolling b. Feb 16, 1778 married Melchijah Spragins I,  Nov. 27, 1794. Any information of the Bolling & Melchija Spragins families Revolutionary Records that you may be able to locate for me will be immeasurably appreciated.
An early reply will be also...
Page 31

...deeply appreciated.
Yours truly
Mrs. Dora Harmon
3433 Haynie,
Dallas, Texas

Capt.
Robt. Bollings Revolutionary military record & Stith Bolling and 
Melchijah Spragins all Virginians

[Time/postal delivery stamp]
RECIEVED  (2pm based on outer "clock" band and arrow direction)
Feb 14 1938
MAIL SUB-DIV
VETS ADM.
READER  35
Page 32

Cash 30 cents from Miss Donna Tilghman
2 Lee Street
Cumberland, Maryland

wants photostat copies of 2 pages uncertified 
from
Rev War pension claim
Robert Bolling
S. 6689
Va. Troops

Proctor
Law
No receipt desired
not to be mailed until 1st week in June

[Rectangular stamp]
FINANCE DIVISION
MAY 11 1923
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[Circular postal stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAY
11
1923
Page 33

[Left side of page]
M 233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
MAY 11 1923
Chief of Revy War Section
Sir:
I have this day received
from Miss Donna Hilghman
Cash No.___________
for[crossed out] $30/100, requesting
Copy as per
letter herewith.

[Vertical aligned note]
Copies mailed &
Said Division notified
June 4, 1933
_________________
_________________
_________________
Respectfully,
O. J. RANDALL
J.J.C.
Chief Finance Div.

[Right side of page]
(MF 42)
Date May 18 - 23
Name  Robert Bolling No.  S.6689
Rev. War
Photographic copies wanted of 1
piece, consisting of 2 pages.
Remarks: -----------------
----------------------------
Exr. answd   Chief______ Div.
Serial
No. 9279  ansd
Page 34

TYLER'S QUARTERLY HISTORICAL AND
GENEALOGICAL MAGAZINE
LYON G. TYLER, M. A., LL. D., EDITOR
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $4.00
SINGLE NUMBERS - 1.25
BACK NUMBERS 2.00

"Lion's Den"
ON THE JAMES

HOLDCROFT P. O. CHARLES CITY CO., VA.
December 22, 1930

Dear Dir,
Have you any record of Capt Robert Bolling (Bowing), of Virginia an officer of the Am Revolution? I should be glad to know what his pension if open, if any, say of him?
I am very truly yours
Lyon G. Tyler

Pension Department
Page 35

[Bald Eagle Image]
ROBERT A. STEWART
Genealogist

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia
OFFICE OF THE GENEALOGIST
THE SHENANDOAH
RICHMOND VA., September 27 1935

[Circular Date & Time Received Stamp--1:30]
RECEIVED
SEP 27 1935
MAIL SUB-DIV.

Veterans Administration,
Department of Revolutionary Records,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I should like abstracts from the pension papers of Robert Bolling of Camps Hill, Petersburg, Va. (Dinwiddie County), born March 3, 1759; died Jan. 26, 1836). Robert Bolling was first a private in Major Nelson's cavalry and apparently  in 1780 Bolling became captain of  a cavalry company which he himself organized [XXX]. I am particularly anxious to determine the length of time of his service as an officer.
In the Report of the Secretary of War, 1835, Robert Bolling of Dinwiddie County is listed as a pensioner.
This Capt. Robert Bolling is not to be confused with his cousin Lt. Robert Bolling (of Virginia State Navy of the Revolution and later of the army), whose will was recorded in Dinwiddie County in 1791.
Yours respectfully, 
[signature]
Robt. A. Steward
The Shenandoah
Richmond
Va
Page 36

February 26, 1938

BA-J/EEL

Mrs. Dora Harmon
#3433 Haynie
Dallas, Texas

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of three soldiers of the Revolutionary War, all of Virginia. Captain Robert Bolling, Stith Bolling and Melchijah Spragins.
A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no record found of claims for pension or bounty land having been made to the United States based upon the military service in that war of a Stith Bolling (or Bowling) or of Melchijah Spragins or Spraggins. Such claims are the source of the date furnished by this office.
It is suggested that as a possible means of obtaining information in regard to the military service of those soldiers, you apply to the Adjutant General, War Department, this city, who is custodian of military records.
The record has been found of a Captain Robert Bolling which record is furnished you herewith. 
Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 37

October 4, 1935.

Mr. Robert A. Stewart
The Shenandoah
Richmond, Virginia.

BA-J/ILL
Robert Bolling
S. 6689

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of Robert Bolling of Petersburg, Virginia, born March 3, 1759 and died January 26, 1838, who was an officer in the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein regarding Robert Bolling are found in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 6689, based
upon his service in that war.
Robert Bolling was born in the year 1759, day not shown, near Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
While a resident of Petersburg, Virginia, Robert Bolling enlisted early on the spring of 1778 for twelve months as a private in Captain Thomas Nelson's company, in a volunteer corps of Virginia cavalry, one hundred men, under command of General Thomas Nelson; they were organized and trained at Port Royal, Virginia, and some time in July or August 1778, marched to Philadelphia, where, on August 8, 1778, they were discharged, having served six months, and received the thanks of Congress, upon whose recommendation of March 2, 1778, they were
organized. Early in 1780, he entered service as captain of a troop of volunteer Virginia cavalry under Colonel John Banister, was on an expedition to Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Virginia; in 1781, he was in the battle of Petersburg, was in a skirmish at Broadway on the Appomattox River, was sent, with a part of his troops under Major Churchill Jones to ascertain the line of Cornwallis' march, and guarded near the James River until after the surrender of Yorktown. His service as Captain amounted to at least eight months, no definite dates shown; he was pensioned for that length of service as an officer.
Page 38

Robert Bolling was allowed pension on his application executed September 20, 1832, at which time he resided in Petersburg, Virginia.
In 1832, when Captain Robert Bolling made application for pension, he was referred to in affidavit as Robert Bolling, Junior. The officer himself referred to his mother's born in Petersburg, where an officer died in 1781, but he did not state the name either of his parents.
Captain Robert Bolling was survived by a widow, who was living in 1845; her name not shown. They were married subsequent to 1793, the date of their marriage [and her maiden name not shown-crossed out].
Very truly yours,
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 39

February 5, 1931.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
ILL
Mr. Lyon C. Tyler
Holdcroft Post Office
Charles City, Virginia.

Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from  the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6689, that Robert Bolling was born in 1759 near Petersburg, Virginia. While a resident of Petersburg, Virginia, he enlisted in the spring, 1776, as a private in Captain Thomas Nelson's Company of Virginia Cavalry, marched to Philadelphia about August 1 and was discharged there August 8, length of service six months. He was Captain of a Volunteer Troop of Virginia Cavalry in 1780 and served three months under Colonel John Banister; in 1781 he was in the battle of Petersburg and in a skirmish at Broadway on the Appomattox River, and he, with a part of his troop, was sent under Major Churchill Jones to ascertain the line of Cornwallis' march to Petersburg and remained near the James River as a guard until after the surrender at Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 20, 1832, while a resident of Petersburg, Virginia.
Soldier referred to his mother's home in Petersburg in 1781, but did not give her name.
There are no family data other than the reference to his mother.
Very truly yours,
E.W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.

[Hand written note]
The letter of Dec. 22-1845
was cut from correspondence book
& added so this claim--
Oct. 4-1935-I. Lerch