Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10560, for William Thompson, Georgia
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(3-1776)

SERVICE  Ga   N.C.   S.C.
Thompson, William
NUMBER  R.10560

_____________________

CONTENTS
[blank]
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

State of Georgia
Habersham County

On this sixth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Ordinary of said County now sitting William Thompson resident of said county and state aged sixty nine 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 the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War as a volunteer under Capt. Black in the Regiment commanded by Colonel McCall in  Abbeville District South Carolina that he served for about three months and was dismissed afterwards he returned to the service under General [illegible] and continued in service for about three years when he was dismissed at the end of the war he received [illegible] discharge he was also during the war for a short tour of duty under Genl  Elijah Clark of Georgia he was in a battle at a place called Reedy Branch [illegible] [illegible] he was also in a small skirmish with the Indians at Long Swamp he has no record of his age in his possession he was born in Augusta County Georgia in the year 1764 he has lived in South Carolina where he lived at the time of entering the service and in Georgia [illegible] Revolutionary War. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except this pension and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

Johnathan D. 
Wm. Thompson

In open court personally appeared Thomas Townsend who after being duly sworn
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Georgia   Habersham County } 
An Amendment to the within declaration of William Thompson filed in the clerks office of the Court of ordinary on the Sixth day of November 1832 for the purpose the benefit of an act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 for revolutionary service, makes this additional declaration before the Inferior Court of the Said county it being a court of record to obtain the benifit [sic] of said act. That he entered the service first in Aberville Dist South Carrolina [sic] as a malitia [sic] man under Capt Dun, Dun Left the Service in about 2 weeks he ^was ^then under the command of Frances Carlyle, Col, McCall marched to 96 and got defeated at Reedy Branch. the battle was fought and Genl Few, was then marched and McCall to N Carrolina [sic], and remained there Some time with the Small pose [posse], three months or perhaps more. 

The second tour he entered the service in McLenburg N Carrolina [sic] under Capt John Harris a malitiaman [sic] was marched back to South Carrolina, and was again marched back to to No Carrolina: he there went on to Philadelphia ^& returned He there entered the Service under Capt Robert Anderson, after wards Genl. Anderson & Col John Cunningham, he there came on to South Carrolina, and went out to the Cherokee nation under Genl. Pickins & Genl. Elijah Clark of Georgia, Genl. Clark commanded the Georgians, and Genl Pickens the South Carolinians, we had a Skirmish at the high Shoals of the Oconee, was then marched back to South Carrolina, he was there at the close of the war dismissed by Genl Pickens he was three years in this service & was called out by competent authority sworn & subscribed in open court

S/Wm Thompson

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter. and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states

S/D. Williams I.I.C
S/Absalom Holcomb I.I.C
S/John H. Jones J.J.C

I Andrew M Norris clerk of the Inferior court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of said court in the matter of the amendment of the Declaration of Wm Thompson for a pension for revolutionary services 
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9 July 1833
S/Andrew. M. Norris. C.J.C.
[more signatures to the right are illegible]


[note running up the left hand margin as follows: "Wm Thompson 17843"]
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Wm. Thompson
Georgia
No. 17843



David Irish Esq
Caperlli

["Thomas I. Rusk Clarksville Habersham Co." crossed out]
Ga.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 16 1833

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1732, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

______________________________________
A Statement, shewing the Service William Thompson
=========================
[table with the following headers:
"Period When the service was rendered."
"Duration of the claimant's service.
Years., Months., Days."
"Rank of the claimant."
"Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served."
"Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service."
"Proof by which the declaration is supported."]
____________________________
bol.. about 3. Private. Capt. Black Col. McCall. [blank]. [blank]. 69 years Abbeville District So. Ca. [blank]

[blank]. about years. " . Genl. Pickens Genl. E. Clarke. Reedy Branch. [blank]. witnesses

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of } ss. [this brace links this line and the following]
County of

On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c)
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 made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [here is an image of a hand pointing to the right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

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 A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition. if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever received a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions to the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represent, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
_______________

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[This entire paragraph from here down to to above (f) is noted with { and } brackets]
{ (c) The age of the Claimant must invariably be mentioned.
{ (d) The declarant must mention the period of the war when he served. }
{ (e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. [underlined] Every claimant must state, 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 as to what amount of pension he is entitled. [end underline] 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 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."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant service, 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 [italics] about three or four months [end italics], is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. [underlined] Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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 declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown 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. [end underline] [end { and } bracketed area]

(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

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 papers 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.

Proof of Service.
(j) 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 claimant's 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.
[stamp with a finger pointing right] The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
{ (k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
{ (l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
{ (m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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September 8, 1936
XXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MCS
William Thompson,R.10560
[handwritten "OM"]

Mrs. L. C. Bittick
Forsyth
Georgia

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Thompson who died in 1823 in Columbia County, Georgia.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 10560, based upon the service William Thompson, the only soldier of that name who applied for pension while living in Georgia that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

William Thompson was born March 14, 1764, in Augusta County, Virginia.

He applied for pension November 6, 1832, while living in Habersham County, Georgia.

It was alleged that while living in Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1778 or 1779 and served at various times until the close of the Revolution, amounting in all to about three years, as private with the South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia troops under Captains Dunn, Robert Black, Francis Carlyle, Robert Anderson, John Harris and William Baskin, and Colonels James McCall, Elijah Clarke and John Cunningham. It was alleged that he was in the battles of Reedy Branch and Long Swamp.

His claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of the alleged service in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
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After the Revolution William Thompson moved to Pendleton District, South Carolina, where he lived until 1811 when he moved to Franklin County, Georgia. He then lived in Habersham County, Georgia. In 1834 he moved to Cass County, Georiga.

The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.

Very truly yous
[signature area blank]
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1925- May 14- Hist. to E [illegible] Corbett
____________
1933. July 6. hist. to Hon. John H. Overton for Mrs. H. G. Patterson.
____________
1936. Sept. 8. hist. to Mrs. L. C. Bittick
MCS



10,560.
P.O. _______
Wm. Thompson
Service: _______

Enlisted: _________ ,18__
Discharged: ___________ ,18__
[stamp reading "REJECTED" over the above section]

The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension "Claims 3 years continuous service in S.C. Proof from the books of the comptroller General of S.C. is required"

Alleges: _________________
Re-enlisted: __________________

Attorney: ______________
P.O. _________________

____________ Recognized.  __________Contract.
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William Thompson
Georgia
___________

Suspended

___________

David Irwin
20 Decr.  1834 {     [all dates crossed out]
16 Oct  1834   {
15 Jany. 1835.  {
25 March 1835 Hon Thos. F. Foster.--

10560
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Georgia Cass County    September 29th 1834

Enclosed you have the claim of William Thompson of Cass County Ga a Revolutionary Soldier where the [illegible] been passed apon by the proper office we would be [illegible] to have the result in immediately address to David Irwin Caprille Ga.

Yours Respectfully &c.
S/David Irwin
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Hon: Tho. F. Foster
2-March 1835
OC
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Depart of War
Pension Office
March 2d 1835

Sir
In reply to your enquiry relative to the case of William Thompson, [illegible] that he claims to have served three years continuous service in S.C.

The enclose copy of a letter to Mrs [illegible]
what is necessary for the further action on this claim
S/[illegible]


Hon
Tho. F. Foster
Ho Rep
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War Department
Pension Office
July 29 1835
Sir
I have rec'd the affidavit of Thomas Lesly in support of the claim of William Thompson, which is a duplicate of one made by him in Sept 1834, both are now filed with Mr
Thompsons papers, but they do not remove any of the difficulties which present themselves in this case, and that have already been pointed out to you, namely, the want of a specification of his actual services. 
Mr Thompson was a minute man, always in readiness to leave out when called for, and was always within to the field or garrison, unless at home by the indulgence of his commander. In this manner he spent 3 years and abt 6 mos. as a driver of a public waggon, and then mostly in an expedition against the Cherokee - this last tour is the only part of his alleged service that is properly specified - the six months even being inadmissible. In my letter to you of the 15th Jany I referred you to the Comptroller Genl of SC for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of actual service for which the State paid Mr Thompson; upon this point, rather, has been [received]. Since that time Mr David Verner
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a witness in this case has had his claim allowed by producing evidence from that source.
The papers remain on file.
[James]
David Irwin
July 19 1831
oc
David Irwin Esq
Cassville
Ga
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David Irwin
20 Decr 1834
oc
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Department of War
Pen Office
Decd 20th 1834
Sir
I have examined the papers of William
Thompson, and have placed them on file.
If the applicant served as he has alleged
some evidence of it can undoubtedly be found
in the Office of the Comptroller Genl at  Columbia SC
From his [several] declarations however, and 
particularly from the last, it would seem that he had been placed in the character of a minute man, and not to have served continually as he had before stated.
He will be required to comply with the rules; prove his service if not in the militia, and
if in the militia specify his several tours of
actual service
David Irwin Esq
Cassville Ga
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David Irwin
16 Oct 1834
O.C.
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Department of War,
Penns Office
Oct 16 1834
Sir
The supplemental declaration of William Thompson has been examined and placed
upon the files of this Office.
Before any action can be had on the case, the original declaration that was returned to Mr Rusk in Apl 1833, must be forwarded to this Office.
I will here observe that the additional service of
six months claimed in the amended declaration must be supported by direct testimony and that a specification of his alleged three years service will be required; as the fact is well
established that the Militia tour was always short, seldom exceeding three months. If it be true however, that he did serve for the space alleged, in continuous service, it must have been either in the State or Continental lines, in which case proof of service may be found among the Archives of the State.
The time employed in driving a wagon cannot
be considered as military service
[James]
David Irwin Esq
Cassville
Ga
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David Irwin
15 Jany 1835
OC
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Depart of War
Pension Office
Jany 15 1835
Sir
The papers of William Thompson, are placed on the files of the Office; in the mean time it will be required of him, that he obtain from the Comptroller General at Columbia a certificate 
shewing what amt. of pay he rec'd for his military service or what length of time he served - and forward the same to this office. 
[James]
David Irwin Esq
Cassville
Geo.
.
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State of Georgia }
Cass County       } SS. 
On this nineteenth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared in open Court William Thompson of the County and State aforesaid, residing in said State and
County aged Seventy years on the fourteenth day of March last, 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 made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he
entered the service of the United States as a private in a horse Company in the 1778 or 1779 in Abbeville District in the State of South Carolina as a Volunteer under Captain Dunn from Georgia, from old age and affliction and consequent loss of memory he is unable to state positively as to the precise time he entered the service, that shortly after he entered the service that the detachment in
which he served was defeated at a place called
Long Cane in South Carolina where the American forces were commanded by General Benjamin Few of Georgia, between the time of entering the service and the battle at Long Cane, he was transferred from Capt Dunn's
Company to the company of Capt Black under Colonel McCall. Captain Black and first Lieutenant Raney Lockhart were both killed in said battle, from Long Cane he marched under the command of Colonel
Page 24

McCall to the County of McLenburg in the State of North Carolina where he was taken with the smallpox and confined for some time - in this tour he served six months was discharged verbally and received no written discharge. In the month of January, as nearly as he can now recollect, previous to the surrender of Cornwallis he went on from Mecklenburg County in North Carolina to Philadelphia as the driver of a public Wagon, and returned in the April following with supplies for the Southern army under General Green. He then returned to South Carolina under the command of General Pickens, and continued to serve as a
Volunteer private under different officers in the mounted militia for three years in all, during which period he was occasionally permitted to return home for short periods of a few days. He was always in readiness and strictly obeyed all calls into service and during the period of three years was not in engaged in any other business or employment other than that of a soldier, and engaged in the field or garrison duty, unless when by the indulgence of his commander he was permitted to return home
for a few days at a time. At the close of the
War he served a three months tour of duty as a
private mounted Militia Volunteer under Captain William Baskins, who was under the command of General Pickens, and made an excursion into the Cherokee Nation where they had a skirmish with the Indians at a place in the nation
Page 25

called Long Swamp. That after the close of the war he removed to Pendleton District South Carolina, where he resided until the year 1811, that in that year he removed to Franklin County in the State of Georgia and has continued to reside in Franklin and Habersham Counties in Georgia ever since until the present year when he removed to the County
of Cass in the State of Georgia where he now resides. This applicant further on his oath doth declare that he never received any discharge in writing in any instance. That he oes not know of any living witness by whom he can prove
his services, unless it be a man by the name of Thomas Lesley who this applicant has recently understood resides in the State of Tennessee and who served with him for more than two years for whose testimony this applicant  intends to send and if he be still in life, to procure and forward with this application, and David Verner whose affidavit is herewith sent, and which has been heretofore sent with a former application of this applicant as also the affidavit of Andrew Liddell who this applicant
has understood and believes to be dead - that
he has no record of his age and that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State - that he is well acquainted with General Andrew Miller and John C Miller both of Cass County, and who are men of high standing and credit in said County and States that from the newly settled State of the Country in which he now resides that he cannot procure
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the Certificate of a clergyman at this time.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court
the day and year aforesaid
in open Court
John W Hooper J.I.C.C.C   Wm Thompson
We Andrew Miller and John C Miller residing in
the County of Cass and State of Georgia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Thompson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy 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 & subscribed the day   A. Miller
and year aforesaid                   John C Miller
John W Hooper J.I.C.C.C
And the said Court hereby declares its 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 said Court further certifies, that Andrew Miller and John C. Miller who have signed the same are are residents in the County of Cass, and are creditable
persons and that their statement is entitled
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to credit
John W Hooper J.I.C.C.C
And the said applicant doth answer to the Interrogatories propounded to him as follows.
To the 1st He says that he was born in Virginia on the 14th day of March 1754.
To the second. That he has no record of his age
To the third. That he was living in the State of
South Carolina Abbeville District, that after the
War he removed to Pendleton District South Carolina in 1811 he removed to Franklin County Georgia that since that time he has resided in the Counties of Franklin and Habersham in Georgia until the present year, and then removed to the County of Cass where he now lives.
To the fourth. He answers that he always
Volunteered.
To the fifth. He gives the names of Col Benjamin Few and Col McCall, Genl Pickens and Generals Green & Clark, Captains Dunn and Black and refers to his declaration for the circumstances of his services.
To the sixth. He says he never received any
written discharge.
To the seventh. He gives the names of General
Andrew Miller and John C. Miller.
Wm Thompson
Sworn to and subscribed the day  
and year aforesaid before me in
open Court 
John W Hooper J.I.C.C.C
Page 28

I Chester Hawks and Clerk of the Superior
Court of Cass County do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceeds of the
said Court in the matter of the application of
William Thompson for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, there being no seal
of Office, this 19th day of September 1834.
Chester Hawks Clk
Superior Court Cass County
Georgia
Georgia        }
Cass County }
I John W Hooper Judge of the Superior Court in and for the Cherokee circuit of said State do hereby certify that Chester Hawks whose name appears to the foregoing certificate as clerk of the Superior Court of said County of Cass, is the clerk of said Court & that full faith and credit ought to be had and given to his
attestation as such given under my hand &
Seal this 19th day of September 1834
John W Hooper {Seal}
Page 29

State of Georgia     }
Habersham County }
the Petition of Wm Thomson sheweth that he is now a resident of the State of Georgia, Habersham County that he is sixty nine years of age; that he acted as a Soldier in the           revolutionary struggle commanded by Col McCaul was in a battle at the flagreed or long Cane retreat after this battle went to Mecklingburg County N.C. from thence took charge of a public waggon & drove it to Philidelphia & after his return joined the service under Genl Pickens and went in an expedition against the Cherokees and
according to a provision made in Congress
at the Last Session providing for all revolutionary Services; your petitioner considers himself entitled in general with other Soldiers
Wm Thompson
Sworn to & Subscribed
third day Nov 1832
Before E.S. Norris J.P.
State of South Carolina }
Anderson Dist.               }
David Verner personally came Before me and made oath in due form of Law & saith on his oath that he was intimately acquainted with Wm Thomson in the Revolution and that he was true to his Country and that the above statement is a correct one 
David Verner
Sworn to third day Nov 1832
Before E. S. Norris J.P. 
I do Certify that I have been acquinted with the about named David Verner for a long time and think him to be entitled to credit.
Given under my hand & seal this 3rd
day of Novr 1832.
A. J. Liddell QM {Seal}
Page 30

The Sate of So Carolina }
Anderson District           }
Came personally Andrew Liddell Serv'd as revolutionary Solder who after being sworn on his oath sayeth that he was acquinted with the 
Petitioner Wm Thompson during the Revolutionary Struggel was with the petitioner the most part of the time this deponant sayeth
they were in the battle of what is called long Cane defeat under the command of Col McCall and that he was a true whig to the close of the war and that he has known him ever since the
above stated times and that he has always since that time supported a free Character as far as ever has come to this Deponents knowledge.
And. W Liddell
Sworn this 3rd day of
November -- 1832
A.J. Liddell         }
Justice Quorum }
I do Certify the above named Andrew Liddell is entitled to all faith & credit.
Given under my hand & seal this 3rd day of November 1832
A. J. Liddell QM {Seal}
Page 31

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress June 7th 1832
State of Georgia      }
Habersham County } SS
On this fourteenth day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty four personally
appeared in the Inferior Court of said County
being a Court of Record now sitting William
Thompson a resident of said County and
State aged Seventy years the fourteenth of
March [next] 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
the United States under the following named
officers and served as herein stated that he entered the service of the United States in Abbeville District in South Carolina as a volunteer under Capt Dunn from Georgia from old age and affliction and consequent loss of memory he is unable state positively as to the time he entered he recollects shortly after entering that our men were defeated at Long  Cane our forces were commanded by Genl Benjamin Few of Georgia between the time of his entering the service and the said battle he was transferred from Capt Dunns Company to the company of Captain Black under Colonel McCall Capt Black Black and our first  Lieutenant Raney Lockhart were both killed in the said Battle from Long Cane he marched under the command of Colonel McCall to the County of McLenburg in the State of North Carolina where he was taken with the Smallpox he was in service under this engagement 
for the time of six month from the month of
January to the last of April he was the driver
of a publick waggon he went on to Philadelphia and returned to McLenburg County he then returned to
Page 32

South Carolina under the command of General Pickens he was in the service as nearly as he can recollect from old age and consequent loss of memory the years under different engagements some time being for a few days permitted to go home and again called out he was always in readiness and was called out at short intervals for the last mentioned tour during which he was under the command of General Pickens he was during this period 
engaged in no civil pursuit but principally
engaged in the field or Garrison unless as when he has stated he was by the indulgence of his commander permitted to return home
at the close of the war he served a three
months tour under Captain William Baskins
as a horse man they were under the command
of General Pickens and during this last tour
made an excursion to the Cherokee nation
where they had a skirmish with the Indians
at place in the Cherokee nation called long
Swamp He hereby relinquishes every claim
to a pension except the present and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll of any
agency of any state 
Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year first above written
in open Court
Andrew M Norris Clk     Wm Thompson
And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion after an examination that the said
William Thompson was a Revolutionary solder and served as he states and they certify such to be the general opinion in relation thereto
Page 33

I Andrew M Norris Clerk of the Infenor Court
of Habersham County do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original procedings of the
said Court in the matter of the application of
William Thompson for a Pension In Testimony
where of I have hereunto affixed my hand & seal
of Office this Fourteenth day of January 1834
A M Norris C.I.C
[Seal affixed]
Page 34

State of Tennessee } Thomas Lesley a citizen
McMinn County     } of McMinn County
Came Personally before me Hizekiah Witt one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the said County and made Oath in Due form of Law that he well acquainted with William Thompson that he has personally known him in the time of and since the Revolutionary war that when he first knew said Thompson in the United States Service he was then under Genl Few in South Carolina in the Horse Service and was also under Conl Elijah Clark of Georgia & Conl James McCaul of South Carolina and was commanded by Capt Robert Black at the Battle of Reedy Branch in South Carrolina between white Hall & Long Cane Creek in what was then called ninety six since Abbeville District the Battle was with a Company of British and Tories then stationed in Ninety six, Headed
as well as Deponent Recollects by a British Conl named Crewger, In which Battle the Americans was defeated and Capt. Black
Page 35

and Lieut Lockard was killed and about
Eight or Nine others in the same Company
killed wounded, and taken prisoners
Deponent does not recollect the year in which this battle was fought the next day after the Battle deponent parted with said Thompson and Saw him no more for perhaps six month when he again saw him in North Carolina where he had fled as a refugee after which deponent Recollects to have seen William Thompson again at the Bigshoals of Oconey in
Georgia at a Battle fought there by Conl Clark of Georgia and Conl Anderson of South Carrolina against a company of Plundering Indians and Some Tories and defeated them killed some two or three and Lost one man killed and one wounded after that Battle
deponent did not personally know William Thompson in the service But was informed and does believe he remained in the service when required untill the close of the war deponent
does not recollect whether Thompson got
a regular discharge but he distictly Recollects that it was not common for the Militia to git Discharges they were called
Page 36

minute men and called when wanted and when done with ware sent home to be in readiness at a moments Notice deponent believes that it was about two years from the time he first kew Thompson in the united States Service untill he Last Saw him In the army Sworn to and Subscribed
Before me this 13 day of Apl 1835
Hezekiah Witt         }    Thomas Lesley
Justice of the peace}
State of Tennessee }  I Archibald R Turk Clerk of
McMinn County     }  the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Hezekiah Witt Esqr whose name appears to the foregoing declaration is now and was at the time of Signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid and that his signature appears in his own proper hand write
Given under my hand and
seal of office at office in Athens
this 13th day of April 1835
A R Turk Clerk
By his Deputy Saml Workman
[Seal affixed]
Page 37

State of Tennessee }
McMinn County     }
Personally appeared Thomas Lasley before me Hezekiah Witt One of the acting Justices of the peace for said County and after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with William Thompson a Revolutionary Soldier that he became acquainted with him in Abeville District South Carolina & intimately acquainted with sd Thompson some three or four years before the battle of the Ready Branch that previous to this Battle he had been bound an Apprentice to a James Steel to learn the wheel right trade but from the commotion of the country & the warme attachment he had for the liberties of his country he got the consent of said Steel and his mother then a widow, to join the whigs of his country that I knew him to be ingaged in the cause of liberty a year or two previous to the Battle of the Ready branch that he sd Thompson joined with me as a voenteer under Colonel McCall of South Carolina and Colonel Clark of Georgia & fought by my side at the Battle of the Ready Branch under sd McCall & Clark in South Carolina Abeville District between Whight hall and
Page 38

Long cain against the Brittish and tories in which Battle we got defeated and lost in killed ten men supposed to be And from that time I knew him to be ingaged in the cause of Liberty as volunteer from sd Battle of Ready Branch to the close of the Revolutionary War in several scouting parties but time and places not knew recollected and that I believe to the best of my kowledge and belief that he Sd Thompson was ingaged in the cause of Liberty Betwixt two and
three years - And since the revolutionary war he has lived in Abeville District South Carolina thence he removed to Pendleton District in sd State from thence he removed to Georgia Franklin County from thence to Habersham County Georgia from thence to Cass County Georgia at which last mentioned place he is living at this time and I farther believe sd Thompson to be seventy-two or three years of age and believe him to be fully entitled to a
Page 39

pention under the act of Congress of the United States passed at the first Session of the Twenty -second Congress - such pay to commence from the fourth day of March One thousand eight hundred and thirty-one This 24th Sept. 1834
Thomas Lesly
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 24th day
of Sept 1834
Test Hezekiah Witt {Seal}
Justice of the Peace
for McMinn County
Tennessee-
State of Tennessee }
McMinn County     }
I Jackson Smith an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do certify that Thomas Lesley whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing
affidavit is a creditable person and that his
Statements can be depended on for truth
Given under my hand and seal
this 25th day of September 1834
Jackson Smith {Seal}
Justice of the peace for
McMinn County Tenn.
Page 40

State of Tennessee} 
McMinn County    }
I Archibald R Turk Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and quarter sessions for the county and
State aforesaid do certify that Hezekiah Witt and Jackson Smith whose names appears to the within affidavit and certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same acting Justices of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid and that their names appears to be in their own proper hand writing
Given under my hand and
Seal of office at office in
Athens this 24th day of Sept 1834
A R Turk Clerk
By his Deputy Saml Workman
duplicate
Page 41

Commissioner of Pensions
Rev War Sec Department of
Interior. Washington DC
Dear Sir
Give me copy of service record and family data
contained in deduction for pension, service in
Rev War of
Sherrod Thompson (sent) of Jackson
Co Ga - born abt 1758 died after
1880.
William Thompson (sent) of Cass Co
Ga - Died after 1846.
Lensintian (or Lensontian) Thompson
Page 42

of Washington Co Ga
dates of birth and
death unknown.
I will appreciate your favor very much -
Mrs Emma McD Corbett
908 Oak Street
Chattanooga
Tenn
March 17 /25
Page 43

[Stamped RECEIVED 3:00 AUG 10 1936 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER # 39]
Forsyth Ga.
Aug. 6, 1936
Dear Sirs; 
I am very anxious to get some information on my Revolutionary ancestor William Thompson.
He died in Columbia County in 1823. (Georgia.)
The Adjutant General's office tells me that they have record of a William Thompson Corporal in the 3rd Ga. Continental Battalion commanded by Lieut. Col. John McIntosh. Name on list of officers drawing pay Jan. 1. 1779 last appears on period from May 1 to July 1, 1779. This is all the information they have.
In the D.A.R. Historical Collection of Ga. I find this record found in the old certificates and Bounties of Franklin County Ga.
"Third Regiment Continental Troops.
Captain Fred Tennille and Raleigh Dourman.
Dec. 17 - 1784, William Thompson Jr.,
Page 44

"good and faithful soldier, entitled to every emolument "etc. Transferred the above to William Thompson Sr. Marked Virginia at the top. Witnessed by Hartwell Hobbs, Samuel
Wainwright."
He evidently started his service in Virginia and moved to Ga. about 1778 or 79 as there are
records of deeds and other papers in Franklin
County as early as this and Columbia County later. However Columbia was not created until 1790 so he may not have changed his residence at all in Ga. but evidently transacted business in Franklin and Richmond Counties as
those being the nearest court houses.
Please see if you can find a record of this soldier as of Virginia and moving to Georgia
or enlarge on his Ga. record. Also if 3rd Reg. Continental Captains Fred Tennille and Raleigh Dourman were under Lt. Col. John McIntosh?
Thanking you Sincerely
Ruth T. Bittick
Mrs L. C. Bittick
Forsyth Ga
Page 45

Stamped RECEIVED 3:00 AUG 10 1936 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER #39
Page 46


(COPY)
WAR DEPARTMENT
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON
ETC
 A.C. 201
Thompson, John
(6-24-33)ORD
June 28, 1933.
Honorable John H. Overton,
United States Senate.
My dear Senator Overton:
I have your letter of June 24, 1933, and inclosure from Mrs. H. C. Patterson, 1339 Arabella Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, in further reference to records of a number of Revolutionary War soldiers.
As Mrs. Patterson desires any additional information which may be on file in the Pension Bureau, I am transmitting the case to the Director of Pensions, Veterans  Administration, this city, for consideration and reply.
Very respectfully,
E. T. Conley
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General.
Her letter which was
returned to Senator Overton
have no requests for:
1 John Thompson
2 Joshua      "
3 Benj          "
4 Wm.          "
5 Jno Wall
6 Wm. Wall
7 C. H. Thorn
8 David Thorn
9 William Thorn
10 Sarah, Widow of ---
11 Thompson
All [above 1-11] Rev War soldiers from Georgia
12 Joshua Thompson
13 Benj. Thompson
14 Jno.           "
15 Jno. Wall
16 Wm. Wall
and 17 Wm. Thompson
All [above 12-17] War 1812 from Georgia
Stamped RECEIVED [2:45] JUN [29] 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER # 3
Page 47

A.G. 201
Thompson, John
(6-24-33)ORD
1st Ind.
CL
War Department, A.G.O., June 28, 1933.-To the Director of Pensions.
1. Inviting attention to the basic communication and inclosure, also copy of acknowledgment to Senator Overton.
Es. T. Conley
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General,
By [Illegible Initials]
2 inclosures.
(Letter dated 6/20/33
Copy of A.G. letter)
Stamped RECEIVED [2:45] JUN 29 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER # 3
Page 48

July 6, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wm. Thompson, R. 10560
Joshua Thomson, S.C. 4767
BA-J/MCS
Honorable John H. Overton
United States Senate
Washington
D.C.
My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter of June 24th, relative to information desired by Mrs. H. C. Patterson of 1339 Arabella Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to any John and Joshua Thompson and William Wall who served from Georgia, or to any soldiers named C. H. Thorn and David and William Thorn.
On April 29, 1929, Mrs. H. C. Patterson was sent the history of Benjamin Thompson, S. 32016, and on November 3, 1925, she was sent the history of John Wall, S. 38455. These are the
only soldiers named Benjamin Thompson and John Wall who served from Georgia that are found in the Revolutionary War records of
this office.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 10560, based upon the service of William Thompson, the only soldier of that name who served with Georgia troops that is found in the  Revolutionary War records of this office.
William Thompson was born March 10, 1764, in Augusta County, Virginia.
He applied for pension November 6, 1832, while living in Habersham County, Georgia.
Page 49

2
It was alleged that while living in Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1778 or 1779 and served at various times until the close of the Revolution, amounting in all to about three years, as private with the South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia troops under Captains Dunn, Robert Black, Francis Carlyle, Robert Anderson, John Harris and William Baskin, and Colonels James McCall, Elijah Clarke and John Cunningham (also Hartman - written in left margin). It was alleged that he was in the battles of Reedy Branch and Long Swamp. (Long Swamp & "big shoals of Oconee" are probably same or meant as [Illegible] "big shoals of Oconee" - written in right margin) 
His claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of the alleged service, in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
After the Revolution William Thompson moved to Pendleton District, South Carolina, where he lived until 1811, when he moved to Franklin County, Georgia. He then lived in Habersham
County, Georgia. In 1834 he moved to Cass County, Georgia.
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.
**************************************************
The War of 1812 records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to pension having been claimed on account of the services in that war of any Benjamin and John
Thompson and John and William Hall who served from Georgia.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.O. 34767, based upon the war of 1812 service of Joshua Thomson, the only soldier of that name who
served with Georgia troops and on account of this service a claim for pension was made to the United States.
Joshua Thompson applied for pension June 30, 1882, while living in Bluff springs, Clay County, Alabama, aged eighty-three years.
He alleged that he enlisted at "Millerville, Alabama", October 20, 1813, served as private in Captain John McKenzie's or McKinsey's Company in Colonel Little's Regiment of Georgia Militia and was discharged October 20, 1814; that he enlisted
Page 50

3
at Nashville, Tennessee, in November, 1814, served in Captain James' Company in Colonel Evans' Regiment of Tennessee Militia, was in the battle of New Orleans and was discharged in February, 1815.
His claim for pension was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished.
After his service Joshua Thompson lived in Nashville, Tennessee, Pulaski County, Kentucky, Marion County, Illinois, and Clay County, Alabama.
In order to make a search of the Revolutionary War records of this office for a soldier surnamed Thompson who had a widow named Sarah Thompson, it is essential that Mrs.
Patterson furnish, in addition to the name of the widow, the full name of the soldier and as such as possible of the following data pertaining to him: approximate date of birth and death, place of residence at enlistment and after service.
In order to identify the War of 1812 record of the particular William Thompson of Georgia service, in whom Mrs. Patterson is interested, it is essential that she furnish as much as possible of the same data that is requested in the case of the Revolutionary War soldier surnamed Thompson.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 51

awf
Rev. and 1812
War Section.
May 14, 1925.
Emma McD. Corbett
908 Oak St
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10560, it
appears that William Thompson was born March 14, 1764 in Augusta County, Virginia.
While residing in Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1777 [or 8] or 1778 [or 9] and served at various times, amounting in all to three years, under Captains Dun, Robert Black, Frances Carlyle, Robert Anderson, John Harris and William Baskins, Colonels James McCall and John Cunningham, in the South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia Troops
and was in the battles of Reedy Branch and Long Swamp.
He applied for pension November 6, 1832, while
Page 52

a resident of Habersham County, Georgia, but the claim was not allowed, as he failed to furnish
specific proof of the service, as required by the
pension laws.
In 1834, he was living in Cass County, Georgia.
There is no data on file as to his family,
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF
Commissioner.
Miss Wilson initialed this letter.