Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8829, for Ludwell Lee, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE Va.

NUMBER S. 8829

Lee, Ludwell

CONTENTS

Carded
Page 2

5060
Virginia [number 12515 stricken through]
Ludwell Lee of London in the State of Virginia who was a pri. & aid de camp to Gen'l LaFayette Virginia line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 72. Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March. 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of May '33- and sent Maj. Hook Washington City D.C.

Arrears to the 4th of March 33 
145

Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " [meaning 33]
36.32

$181.25

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by William Miller Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 16.

March 23 - 1836 AB

Dead [Dead stricken through] Lee letters 27 Sept. 1836 tp P. Agt. & J. Brown jr.

Copies sent to C.H. Lee
Adg [illegible] office June 14th 1856
Page 3

[Declaration page 1]

Loudoun County State of Virginia,
On this 14th day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & thirty three, personally appeared in open Court , before the Court of Loudoun County aforesaid now sitting Ludwell Lee a resident of sd [said] County & State, aged seventy two years & three months, 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 oc Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States as a private in an independent Volunteer Corps of horse, under the command of Col. John  Francis Mercer in the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one, & remained in the service til the last of November of the sd [said] year.

That he was then a resident of the county of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia. That he soon joined
Page 4

[Declaration page 2.]

joined with his Corps, the army of Genl. Lafayette [Marquis de Lafayette] then commanding the army of the United States in Virginia in opposition to Lord Cornwallis [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] ihe British commander- that he marched with the army during Cornwallis's retreat thro Virginia & was at the battle of Green Spring [Battle of Greensprings, Virginia 1781] near James town [Jamestown, Virginia] on  the James river; 

that shortly after that event he was taken into the family of Genl. [Marquis de] Lafayette as a volunteer aid, & served in that capacity until after the seige of Yorktown [Battle of Yorktown, Virginia 1781] , when he had the pleasure of seeing the british march out of Town as prisoners of war.

All these parts he can establish by the by the Certificate of Genl. ]Marquis de] Lafayette , with whom he had the honor to serve.

He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or
Page 5

[Declaration page 3]

or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency  of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Ludwell Lee

We Wm.  Ellgry & R. H Henderson residing in the above named County &  State hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ludwell Lee who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration ; that we believe him to be of the age of seventy two years & three months, that he is reputed & believed where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion 

And the court hereby Declare their opinion after  the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he States, & that Wm Ellgry & R. H. Henderson are credible persons & their statement entitled to credit.
Page 6

[Declaration page 4]

I Charles Binus Clerk of the court of Loudoun [Virginia] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Ludwell Lee for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto  set my hand & seal of office this 14th day of January 1833
C. Binus clk

[illegible seal attached]
Page 7

February 14, 1936

BA-J/AWF

Mrs. R. T. Lee
Appomattox
Virginia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War, with surname Arrington, also, the name of the father of one Sarah E. Arrington [E. underlined] who received a pension until her death in 1887, also, whether or not pensions were ever granted Jennie, Eliza and Jane Lee; you state that the names Samuel and Ludwell Lee are your family names.

Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension whcih have been made to the United States based upon service in those wars.

In order to make a proper search of the pension records of those wars, the full names of the soldiers are essential.

There has been found in the Revolutionary War records a claim for pension based upon service of a Ludwell Lee of Virginia. You did not state from what place your ancestors served.

No Revolutionary War record can be identified of a Samuel Lee, without some of the following data & approximate dates of his birth and death and places of residence at enlistment and after service.

There are no claims for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Samuel Lee or Ludwell Lee, which were made by widows, Jennie,
Page 8

Eliza or Jane. If you can obtain the names of their husbands who served in the Revolutionary War, another search of the records will be made.

The War of 1812 record has been found of a Charles Arrington of Appomattox County, Virginia, whose widow, Sarah M. Arrington [M. underlined], drew a pension. This may be the pensioner to which you refer, but since you did not give the name of her husband, no record could be identified positively.

The Revolutionary War record of Ludwell Lee and the War of 1812 record of Charles Arrington are furnished herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 9

February 14, 1936

Ludwell Lee_S.8829
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. R. T. Lee
Appomattox
Virginia

Dear Madam:

The Revolutionary War record of Ludwell Lee which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8829, based upon his service in that war.

Ludwell Lee was the son of the "distinguished Richard Henry Lee". the name of his mother is not stated, nor is it shown where he was born.

While residing in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Ludwell Lee enlisted in the spring of 1781, served as a private in a company of cavalry in Colonel Francis Mercer's Virginia Regiment, and was in the battle of Green Springs; shortly after which he was Aid-de-Camp to General Lafayette and served in this capacity until after the Siege of Yorktown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 14, 1833, at which time he was living in Loudoun County, Virginia, aged seventy-two years and three months. He died March 23, 1836.

It is not stated that he was ever married.

One C. H. Lee was of the Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C. on June 12, 1856. His relationship to Ludwell Lee is not shown.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 10

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

October 17, 1927

Mrs. J. E. Law
216 Sycamore St
Clarksburg, West Va

Madam: 

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 8829, it appears that Ludwell Lee (son of Richard Henry Lee) was born about November 1760, place not stated.

While residing in Westmoreland County, Virginia, he enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served as a private in a company of cavalry in Colonel Francis Mercer's Regiment, Virginia Troops, and was in the battle of Green Springs. He was Aid-de-Camp tp General Lafayette and served in this capacity until after the seige of Yorktown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 14, 1833, while a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia. It is not stated that 

Died March 23-1836 B-
Page 11

soldier was married. He died March 23, 1836.

Owing to a lack of clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories are furnished each inquirer.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 12

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
December 15, 1923

Katharine H. Walters
1633 - 29th St.
Washington, D. C.

Madam: 

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 8829, it appears that Ludwell (son of Richard Henry Lee) was born about November 1760 and while residing in Westmoreland County, Virginia, he enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served as a private in a company of cavalry in Colonel John Francis Mercer's Regiment, Virginia Troops, and was in the battle of Green Springs. He was Aid-de-Camp tp General Lafayette and served in this capacity until after the seige of Yorktown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 14, 1833, while a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia. He died March 23, 1836.

It is not stated that he ever married.

Respectfully,

[blank]
Commissioner.
Page 13

To
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir: Can you identify the Ludwell Lee described below as a soldier in the Revolutionary War?

Ludwell Lee was born Oct. 13, 1760 at 'Chantilly', Westmoreland County, Virginia, the home of his father, Richard Henry Lee, who made the motion in congress which resulted in the Declaration of Independence. Ludwell Lee was sent to England to be educated when but twelve years of age. He remained in England four years and then went to France where he also remained four years. While a student in France, Ludwell became acquainted with Lafayette, who, it will be recalled, returned to France during the Revolution to secure aid for this country. When Ludwell returned to this country in the summer of 1780, Lafayette offered him a position on his staff and he was present at the surrender of Yorktown.

Ludwell Lee completed his education at William & Mary College and then entered public life as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, representing Prince William county from 1787-1790. He was elected to the senate, representing the same district, from 1792-1800 and was speaker of the senate from Nov. 1796 to Dec. 1799. He was appointed to the vestry of Christ Church Alexandria April 22, 1795 and elected to serve three years on March 29, 1796. Hiis Alexandria home was on the top of Shuter's Hill, near the spot where the Masonic memorial is now being erected. He removed to Leesburg in 1800. He died on the 23rd of March, 1836. His grave can easily be located as he lies beside his second wife in the little burying ground. It is possible [possible underlined] that his older brother, Thomas, who died at Balmont in 1803 is also buried there. He was a nephew of Francis Lightfoot Lee another signer of the Declaration of Independence who willed him Belmont.

My authorities for these statements may be found in:-

'Lee of Virginia', E.J. Lee, M.D. pp. 323-7

Register of the General Assembly of Virginia, (Swen & Williams) P. 319 & 397.

Letters of Richard Henry Lee (Ballagh) Vol. I. pp 69-76. Vol II P.253 & 270.

A list of soldiers of Loudoun County, Virginia who fought in the Revolutionary War gives the name of Ludwell Lee, Aide de Camp.

The Revolutionary War Records in Old Records Section T90 could not identify him but state their records are very incomplete and have advised me & seek for information in your office. We, the members of Fairfax County Chaple's Va D.A.R. wish to mark his grave. Any information you may be able to give us will be appreciated very much.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Katharine H Wallers
1633-29th St Washington DC.

Nov 3rd 1923
Page 14

Rev. War Section.
Aug. 27, 1923.

Mrs. R. H. Lee,
Hathaway Park,
Lebanon, Pa.

Madam;

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 8829, it appears that Ludwell (son of Richard Henry Lee) was born about November 1760 and while residing in Westmoreland County, Virginia, he enlisted in the spring of 1781 and served as a private in a company of cavalry in Colonel Francis Mercer's Regiment, Va. troops, and was in the battle of Green Springs. He was Aid-de-Camp tp General Lafayette and served in this capacity until after the seige of Yorktown.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 14, 1833, while a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia. He died March 23, 1836.

It is not stated that he ever married.

Respectfully,

[blank]
Commissioner.

* 
A. B. Book
Page 15

Appomattox  Jan 20, 1936

A. D. Hiller
Washington D. C.

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
To [illegible] Finch
For reply [ink stamp]

Dear Sir_

Please give me information concerning the Arringtons in the Revolutionary war. Does the record show who was the father of Sarah E. Arrington[Arrington underlined], who rec'd a pension till her death in 1887? and is there any record of any pension being granted Jennie, Eliza, or Jane Lee[Lee underlined]. The names Sam and Ludwell Lee appear in our family history. How may I trace the relationship, rather, where can I get the information?
Page 16

Thank you for any information.

Yours very truly
Mrs. R. T. Lee
Appomattox
Va.

RECEIVED JAN 23 1936
Chief Clerk [ink stamp]
Page 17

Hathaway Park.
Lebanon Pa. July 16-1923

Pension Office
Washington D.C.

Sir:
Will you kindly give me the official record of the services of Ludwell Lee. Loudoun Co Virginia, in the War of the Revolution. He was on General Lafayette's staff and present at the surrender of Gen. Cornwallis at Yorktown. I have a reference of his services as found in the Secretary of War's Report for 1835. Pension Roll 2. page 163. but do not know if it verified If there are any other records of his service, I will thank you if you will send me the same & where found _ &etc. Thanking you for as early a reply as possible. 
I am very truly yours
Catherine S. Lee
(Mrs. R. H.)

U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL
17
1923 [ink stamp]
Page 18

Rev War
8829
INVALID.

File No. 8829
Ludwell Lee
Priv Rev. War

Act: June 7th/32
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 220

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1923 - Aug. 27 - Hist to Mrs R. H. Lee AWJ

1923 - Dec. 15 - Hist. to Mrs. Katharine H. Walters MMHF

1927 - Oct. 17 - Hist to Mrs J. E. Law See letter of inquiry in James Randall - W26354 AWJ

1936 - Feb. 14 - hist to Mrs R. J. Lee AWJ
Page 19

Jas. Brown, Jun'r
27. Sep. 1835
G. C.

Record 36 page 232
Page 20

War Dep't
Pension office
Sept. 27. 1836

Dear Sir,

The vouchers in the case of Ludwell Lee, dec'd are herewith returned. I have intended the Agent to pay the amount due in this case.

In reply to your letter of the 23rd inst. I at first was somewhat as a loss to advise you as to the best course to pursue. It would unquestionably be a [illegible] of much time, expense and trouble, if you would undertake to draw the stipend for the Pensioners who reside at a distance from Richmond, and my opinion is that you might receive a compensation for your services in drawing up their papers. But whether the amount they received could be deducted from the pension by the Attorney, consistently with the oath required by the act of Congress, admits of a doubt. An attorney in receiving such compensation might subject himself to much censure; and I therefore should consider it prudent not to undertake the [illegible] on any terms.

I am your friend
L Kinishaw

James Brown, Jun'r Esq'r
Auditor of Va.
Richmond, Va.
Page 21

War Department
Pension office
March 1 1833

Dear Sir

Herewith returned is the letter of Ludwell Lee Esq, I regret very much that the act of Congress does not allow him any more for his Service. We are obliged to be governed by the law in his and all other cases.

His pension is given him for Six Months Service. That part of the time which he Served as a volunteer in the cavalry is computed at the rate of $4 08/100 per month for each monthly Service, and the period which he Served as a volunteer Aid-de-camp is computed at the rate of $13 33/100 per month.

very respectfully
your ob't Servant
J L Edwards

Major J H Hook
Present.
Page 22

S. Cole, Esq.
Pension Office.
Page 23

Adj. Gen's Office
Wash.  June 12 1836.

Dear Sir: 

You will [illegible] if, when the paper of which I spoke to you a few days ago relating to Ludwell Lee, are completed, you will send them to this office.

Yr. obt. sevt.
C. H. Lee [signature]

S. Cole Esq.
Pension office.
Page 24

Sept 26

RICHMOND
SEP
23 [ink stamp]

FREE [ink stamp]

Ludwell Lee
VA roll
5060

James L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City
Page 25

(This is a duplicate of image 24)
Page 26

Richmond 23d Septem'r 1836

James L. Edwards Esq'r
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington City

Dear Sir:

The agent here declined paying the arrears of pension due L. Lee deceased, upon the enclosed papers, and recommended an application to you on the subject. Your instructions are therefore requested.

I remain [illegible] yr friend [illegible]

J. Brown Jr. [signature]
Page 27

Admit for Cmo. as 
[illegible] Aid De Camp 
to Gen Lafayette
$72.50


Maj Hook
U.S.A.
Page 28

War Department
Pension Office
May 6_ 1833

Sir

The papers of Ludwell Lee, upon which his pension was granted have been reexamined, and in reply I have to state, that by a recent decision the pay of an Aid De Camp has been fixed at $480, being the rank of pay of a Captain.

It only remains therefore, for Mr. Lee to state the duration of his service, as Aid De Camp and also, that of private in the Cavalry, an omission which was overlooked in the first declaration.

The Certificate and Mr. Lee's letters are herewith enclosed

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient Servant
J. L. Edwards [signature]
Page 29

Payments to be made at Richmond Va: by the Pres'd: W. S. Br. Bk_ Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Virginia

(Cancelled)

Recorded by N. Rice
Clerk, in Book D Vol. 7 page 104 -
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Ludwell Lee of the State of Virginia who was an Aid-de-Camp to Gen'l Lafayette in the Army of the Revolution~
is entitled to receive Forty Eight dollars and Sixty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this -Second- day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty=three~

Lew Cass [signature]
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.}

JL Edwards

[embossed seal attached]
Page 31

J. L. Edwards Esq'r
Washington D. C.

Aus May 6_Sct L
Maj Hook_
Page 32

Leesburg 9 Ap. 1831

Sir/

My friend Major Hook has been so kind as to send me your Letter to him, on the subject of the amount of the Pension claimed by me under the Act of June 7th 1832.

Believe me Sir, that I should be the last to wish a deviation from the requisitions of the Law, on my account; nor would I have again troubled you, who I know to ^be so busily engaged, in this arduous business of Your Country, had not your Letter to Major Hook shown that the Pension sent me, did not amount to as much as your Letter states me to be entitled to. The difference is between 48$ & 52$ according to the calculation of
Page 33

your Letter. But I hope you will excuse me for offering to you my construction of the Law, of stating, not only my own, but the opinion of the best Lawyers I have consulted upon the subject.

By the Act of 1828, those who served during the Revolutionary War, 𝔷[viz symbol] who were entitled to half pay, under a Resolve of the old Congress, are given a Pension for their lives at full [word 'full' underlined], providing that none shall receive a higher pay than that of a Captain. The Act of 1832 was intended to extend this bount to such officers, Soldiers, volunteers [illegible symbol] who may have served in all two years, [illegible symbol] not less than six months, placing the first upon the footing of those who served during the War, 𝔷[viz symbol] containing the same condition that
Page 34

none should receive more than the pay of a Captain 𝔷[viz symbol] that those who served for six months, should receive in proportion to that time. According to this then, Sir, it appears that I should receive as aid of Gen'l Lafayette for three months, one eighth of a Captains pay, [viz symbol] the same that is 1/8 of the pay of a dragoon for the same space of time. These two sums will amount to 72$.

Did my wants not require it, I should never have made the application, 𝔷[viz symbol] I am sure Sir, from every information I have had of the disinterested virtue that governs your decisions, I shall have justice done me, 𝔷[viz symbol] in that I shall acquiesce. I served my Country when young, out of affection to the cause she was engaged ^in with't remuneration ^or the expectation of it. If she chooses to bestow her favors to me in old age, I shall thankfully receive them_ 

With great respect 
I am Sir, [illegible]

Ludwell Lee [signature]
Page 35

Major J. H. Hook
City of Washington

6 May
Page 36

Dear Sir:

I know not how to express my gratitude to you for the kind interest you  have taken in the success of my application for a pension. I know to a generous mind such as yours, an act of friendship [illegible] those we esteem, is its best 𝔷[viz symbol] most gratifying reward.

I have taken the Liberty of enclosing to your care a Letter to Mr. Edwards, with my Pension certificate, w'ch as you observe, is according to his own showing imperfect. If he will not depart from this, he will surely make the amendment. But I hope he will see the justice 𝔷[viz symbol] of my observations upon the Law 𝔷[viz symbol] regulate it accordingly. I have not conversed with a Lawyer who has seen the Law of 1828, 𝔷[viz symbol] compared it with that of 1832, but who holds
Page 37

the opinion I do upon the subject - that my pension ought to be at least one eighth of a Captains pay, for three months service as aid to Gen'l Lafayette w'ch would be 6.$ 𝔷[viz symbol] 12$ as the 1/8 of a Dragoon's for the same period, 𝔷[viz symbol] I hope upon reflection such will be the opinion of Mr. Edwards.

I should have answer'd your kind Letter sooner, but I have not been able till my coming up to our election here to get the Law, or to consult with those who have ^had business with the Pension office, 𝔷[viz symbol] who unanimously hold the same opinion as I do.

With the highest respect 𝔷[viz symbol] esteem
I remain Dear Sir, y'r obliged Hble Sev't

Ludwell Lee [signature]

Leesburg
9 Ap. 1833
Page 38

The Hon'ble
Lewis Cass
Secretary of war
Washington

Respectfully
presented - 
[illegible]
Rec'd Jan'y - 16th
Page 39

Leesburg 14 Jan'y 1833

Sir,

In consequence of the advice of some of my friends, I do myself the honor of enclosing to you, a certificate made before the County Court of Loudon(sic) Virginia; of which I am an inhabitant; the object of which is to procure for me, a pension under the Act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832. With this, I have also, the certificate of Gen'l LaFayette, in whose family I was for some time. My friend Col. Jones, will show you it. In my youth, I gave my services with pleasure to my Country, because her Liberty 𝔷[viz] Independence were objects dear to my heart, 𝔷[viz] now in old age, I feel myself obliged, to [illegible] with thankfulness to receive from her, that remuneration which her generosity confers for its relief [viz] comfort. You
Page 40

You will confer a great favor towards me, if you will be so good as to state to the proper officer; this Col. Jones; your opinion of what I sh'd be entitled to, that he may receive it for me.

I have the honor to be sir, with the greatest respect, Y'r very Obed's S't

Ludwell Lee [signature]
Page 41

Free

LEESBURG Va
JAN
15 [ink stamp]

Col. Roger Jones
Adjutant General
Washington
Page 42

Belmont 14 Jan'y 1833

My Dear Sir,

I return you many thanks for the trouble you have taken about the business I asked your attention to, 𝔷[viz] for your very kind offer to sustain the claim I am making for a pension.

In consequence, I now inclose(sic) to your care, a Letter to the Secretary of War; as you advise; 𝔷[viz] the certificate made before our Court according to the prescribed form. I also send you an atteseted copy of Gen'l Lafayettes certificate, for fear our friend the Gen'l has mislaid or lost the original. I should have been very glad, could you with the certificate, have had Gen'l Lafayettes Letter to have shown the Secretary.

The only difficulty I can see, will be the grade from w'ch the pension can be given. I
Page 43

[ I suppose the last office the party filled, must [illegible] it. The grade of an aid de Camp, was that of Major, 𝔷[viz] I served near three months in this last character in Gen'l Lafayettes family as his certificate shows. ]_

I am sorry, my dear Sir, to give you so much trouble, but I know your generous disposition, 𝔷 I can assure you that this aid is absolutely necessary to the common comfort of my declining years.

I suppose if my claim is substantiated, that you can draw the money by giving a receipt in my name 𝔷 remit it to me.

With most [illegible] regards to your Lady 𝔷 family I remain with true 𝔷 friendly regard

My dear Sir ever Y'rs

Ludwell Lee [signature]
Page 44

The Revolutionary, patriot, Ludwell Esq. of Virginia - son of the distinguished Rich'd Henry Lee_

Jan'y: 14th 1833

Re the subject of his claim for pension_

Rec'd:
Jan'y: 18th 

[unofficial]

R-Jones