Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4352, James Fulford, N.C.
Page 1

(3 - 1776) 
SERVICE  NUMBER 
N.C Fulford, James W4352
Rebecca
CONTENTS
Page 2

12,419
North Carolina
James Fulfords
of Garland in the State of N Car
who was a pri in the ....... commanded 
by Captain ....... of the ....... commanded
by ....... in the N Car:
line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 80 Dollars - cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Aprl 33 
and sent to  Isaac
Hellen P.M Beaufort N.C.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 160
Semi-anl Allowance ending 4 Sept  40
200


{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book E  Vol 6  Page 40
Page 3

[left side of page]
Letter to Pen Agt 18th March 1845
[illegible]


[right side of page]
4267
North Carolina
Rebecca Fulford
widow of James Fulford
who was a private NC
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars and - 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1943.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th Day of Jany 1844
and sent to 
Richard Randolph
Present

[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1 Page 201
Page 4

No. 8620
Rebecca Fulford
NC
Act 7 July 38
admd
[illegible] pri
80$
Richard Randolph 
Present
[crossed out] Hon W H Washington 
HR
Page 5

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" 

State of North Carolina}
Carteret county}
On this 5th day of Novr 1842, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas & quarter sessions for Carteret County Rebecca Fulford a resident of said County aged 73 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of James Fulford who was a pensioner as a soldier of the Revolutionary War and who resided in the County of Carteret. She further declares she was married to the said James Fulford in the month of April 1785 That her husband the aforesaid James Fulford died on the 13th August 1839. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the
Page 6

service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1st January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz at the time above stated. She further declares she has no family record of her marriage
Rebecca Fulford X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
Jechonias Pigott J P

This is to certify that I have been acquainted with Mrs Rebecca Fulford for many years & that she is a woman of truth & verasity
Jechonias Pigott J P
Page 7

Richard Randolph
Apl 3 1843
Page 8

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County

On this 27th day of March 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, William Fulford, resident of the said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration supplementary to and in support of the declaration of Mrs. Rebecca Fulford widdow of James Fulford, now on file in the Pension Office. This affiant testifies that according to the family record kept by his Grandfather, he the said William Fulford is the oldest child of the said Rebecca Fulford and James Fulford and according to said record he the said William Fulford was born on the second day of April 1786 and he further testifies that he took the date of his age from the family record kept by his Grand Father & that the said family record was afterwards burned up in the house of his aunt
Wm Fulford

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me 
Jechonias Pigott J P

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Fulford, as above, that he is one of the most respectable citizens of Carteret County, and that he is the oldest child of Rebecca & James Fulford as above stated & that he is a man of truth & verasity
Given under my hand & seal this 27th day of March 1843
Jechonias Pigott J P
Page 9

State of North Carolina |
Carteret County }

I David Rumley, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Carteret. do hereby certify that Jechonias Pigott whose own proper signature is affixed to the annexed certificates, is now & was at the time of signing the aforesaid certificates, acting Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County and that he is duly qualified & commissioned as such & that full faith & credit are due & to be given to his acts as such
Given under my hand and seal of office in Beauford in said County this 27th day of March AD 1843
Dd Rumley C. C.
Page 10

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County } S.S.

On this 18th day of September 1st personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions now sitting James Fulford a resident of [illegible faded] in the county & state aforesaid aged 77 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 7 1832

That he was born in the county of Carteret & State of North Carolina in the year 1735 - but has no record.

At Beaufort in said County about three months before the intelligence of the Declaration of Independence, He enlisted under Capt Enoch Ward in the Independent Company, which was around to be raised by the General & committee. He served about three years in the county of Carteret aforesaid & was imployed in guarding the coast & keeping down the Tories. During this period under the command of Lieutenant Benthal & Ensign Gibble. Eighteen of the company including the said James Fulford, left their quarters and proceeded at night about 12 miles in threer clinker field boats of 20 ft Rec'd to the bay of Cape Lookout and captured a Providence Privateer of 10 six pounders & 36 men & which had belonged to General Greene. At this time an American Privateer called the Minerva Capt Chamberlain lay in the brig but the Captain had been deceived by the Englishman; exhibiting the old papers of which the Independents  were advised by a deserter. When Lt Benthal boarded he ordered every boat to be turned adrift & every man to do his duty. The vessel was taken but a few minutes, when Capt. Chamberlain was about to open a broad side upon her, but Lt Benthals bailing prevented him & he came on board & partook of the rejoicing

This prize & cargo was sold for 25000 dollars of which no one of the Independents received a cent  

After being discharged from the Independent
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company He enlisted under Capt John Tillman & served at Fort Hancock on Cape Look Out Bay twelve months. The company was raised he thinks by an order from Congress by the influence of Captain Colens the commander of a French Frigate that lay in the Cape Bay - this Frigate brought 37000 bushels of saalt & carried away 1800 H has Tobacco which was brought through the sound from South Key in Virginia. While stationed at Fort Hancock assisted in retaking a prize taken from the Spaniards by the British - this prize was sold & paid to Capt Tillman, but the rest of the company got nothing.

During the whole service he performed the duties of a private. He was regularly discharged but has no discharge now in his possession, nor does he know where it is, nor has any recollection of it.

He has resided in Carteret County aforesaid during his life, except occasionally on voyages.

Capt Edward Ward was the only U. S. officer he came among them & he was then on enlisting service or recruiting.

He has no documentary evidence but his service is a part thereof is known to Zephaniah Houland, & James Gabriel.

He is known to General Thomas Marshall of Carterel aforesaid who can testify to his character for veracity and good behaviour.

He hereby relinquishes claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the previous and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
James Fulford

(left lower corner written vertically) 
James Fulford 
24140
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(NC) Bridges & Iredell residing in the county of district aforesaid Henry M. Cooke residing in the same place to hereby certify, that they are well acquainted with James Fulford who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he's reputed and believes in the righteous Lord, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in the opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid,
B. Arundell
H.M. Cooke
----------------------------
And the said Court to hereby acclaim the opinion after the obligation of the to this matter, and after putting the interrogation processed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was in the Revolutionary Service and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Judges Arundell who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman. and a resident in the county of Carteret aforesaid, and that Henry M. Cooke Clk of the Court who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and is a credible juror, and that their statement is intitled to credit.

I Gilbert Rumley, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Carteret do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of James Fulford for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand & seal of office this 18th
day of September in the year of our Lord
1832 and the Independence of the States.
LVII
G. Rumley  CC
Page 13

State of North Carolina }
Carlow County }

On this 18th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the County Pleas & Quarter Sessions now sitting James Garrett & Zephaniah Howland both residents in the county & state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law so on their oath respectively depose & say as follows. The said James Gabriel saith that he knows James Fulford son and that he served the Independent Company under the command Capt Enoch Ward State stationed at Beaufort & he served eighteen months, & further this declarant saith not.  Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written

James Gabriel

The said Zephaniah Howland saith that acquainted with James Fulford & that he served in the Independent company under the command of Enoch Ward stationed at Beaufort that he served some time but does not know long further this deponent saith not. Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written
Witness J Heller 
Zeph his X mark Howland

And the said Court of pleas & quarter sessions certify that the depositions of James Gabriel & Zephaniah Howland were as above written are entitled to credit.

I Gilbert Rumley Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing depositions of James Gabriel & Zephaniah Howland in the matter of the application of James Fulford senr for a pension were taken in due form of law as stated.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 18th day of June 1832

G Rumley CC
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James Fulford
N.C.
No. 24140

Admit as a private
for 2 years $80=

Isaac Hellen PM
Beaufort
N.C.
Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT,

         Pension Office,

                                    183


  The evidence of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, 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 show what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, [in brackets 'thus: lines].  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them;  and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
_______________________________

A Statement, showing the service of James Fulford

[Columns showing ;]
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service, Years, Months, Days, Rank of the claimant. 
1776 enlistment about 3 years, Pri

[Column with 'Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.' which is blank]

[Column with 'Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.']   77 years Carteret Co. N. C. 
Traditionary witness
                                      


           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, musicians 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 County of On this ____ day of ____ personally appeared (a) before ____ A. B. a resident (b) ____ 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. 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. [____ 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 ____ 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 ____ 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 service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer: Did you ever receive 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 of 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 represents, 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 of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by 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 case 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. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods 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. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____ year ____ months, and ____ days, I served as a ____ and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 a declaration in 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, [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. 
[k] The notes from [a] and [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 [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.
Page 18

April 14, 1910.

Hon. James P. Taliaferro,
United States Senate.

My dear Senator:

In reply to your letter dated the 5" and received the 12" instant, and the enclosed letter from Mr. W. H. Fulford of Fulford Florida, I have the honor to advise you that in the claim of James Fulford, Wid. File No. 4,352, Revolutionary War, it appears that soldier was born in Carteret County, North Carolina, in 1755, and while a resident of said County, enlisted at Beaufort, North Carolina and served as a Private in Captain Enoch Ward's Independent company, three years. He helped capture the privateer General Greene. After his discharge from this company, he enlisted under Captain John Tillman and served at Fort Hancock on Cape Look Out Bay, twelve months. While stationed at said fort he assisted in re-taking a prize taken from the Spaniards by the British.
He was allowed pension on an application executed September, 1832, while a resident of Carteret County, North Carolina.
He married in said County, in North Carolina, April, 1785, Rebecca Harker and died there August 13, 1839.
There were seven children, no names are stated, other than William
Page 19

Wid. File No. 4,352.--2

the eldest who was born April 2, 1786.
The widow was allowed pension on an application executed November
5, 1842 while a resident of Carteret County, North Carolina, and aged seventy-three years.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 20

v 8620
Rebecca Fulford
N.C.

let to Hon WH Washington Feby 22 '43
Same March 7 1843
let to R. Randolph May 6 1843
act 7 July 1838
Page 21

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4352
Rebecca Fulford
Wid.
John Fulford
Pvt. Rev War
Act: Mch 3rd 43
Index:--Vol.  W   Page 262
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

7604
North Carolina
Rebecca Fulford
widow of James Fulford-
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 13th August, 1839
of Carteret Co in the State of N. Ca
who was a private - in the
commanded by Captain ........ of the
........ commanded by ........ in
the North Carolina line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina
at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of 
September, 1843 and sent to R. Randolph
Present

Whole amount due $400.00

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by WM Stewart Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 187
Page 23

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }

On this 18th day of March 1843 personally appeared below the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Mrs. Rebecca
Fulford resident of the said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath, make the following Declaration Supplementary to and in support of her Declaration, now on file in the Pension office. That as she before declared, she was legally married on the day of April 1785, by James Harker Esquire, a Justice of the Peace and that her marriage took place in the County of Carteret, North Carolina where she resided-- that her maiden name was Rebecca Harker. That if any record of her marriage was ever made, it was burnt up in the house of her sister which was burnt down in the year and with the family Bible which was in the possession of her sister, that she has no record or register of the ages of her children-- But the ages of them are too well known, to be questioned, and as before declared, her oldest child was about 56 years old, that she has four children living and three dead-- she further declares she deemed it unnecessary to make a statement about the services of her husband James Fulford, relying
upon the fact of his having been a Pensioner, might thereby entitle her to a Pension. She can state though, that the services alleged to have been performed by her husband were tendered by him, as she firmly believes not only from the declarations to that effect repeatedly made by himself to her many years ago, but also from the statement of others, who served with him and who were well acquainted with his services, and who if now alive, could testify to them as well as to the truth and respectability of the character of her deceased husband
Page 24

She further declares that her oldest child was born about one year after her marriage with her husband James Fulford
Rebecca  her X mark Fulford
 
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year
above written before me

Jechonias Pigott JP


State of North Carolina } 
Carteret County }
I hereby certify I am well acquainted with Mrs. Rebecca Fulford, as above, that she is one of the oldest & most respectable citizens of Carteret County that her late husband James Fulford was allways held & considered to be a man of strict truth and verasity and bore the reputation of a reputable man.  Given under my hand & seal this 18th day of March 1843
                              
Jechonias Pigott
Page 25

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }
On this sixth day of June 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County. Capt. Anson Harker
resident of said County, who being first- duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration, Supplementary to and in support of a petition now on file in the Pension office in the behalf of Mrs. Rebecca Fulford widdow of James Fulford.  This affiant testifies & says that he was well acquainted with James Fulford, deceased, late of Carteret County, who was a pentioner as a soldier of the Revolutionary War, that he is well acquainted with his widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford who is now applying for a Pension, he has Known them from the time they were married and well recollects, they were married in the month of April 1785 in Carteret County, by James Harker
Esqr A Justice of the Peace and that he has never heard their marriage doubted or questioned and that they had several children, the oldest of which
is William Fulford he was born in the month of April 1786. This affiant further testifies that he himself is now in his sixty third year of age
Anson Harker
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written before Me
Belcher Fuller J.P.
Page 26

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }
On this the 5h day of December 1842 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in Carteret County, Jechonias Pigott & Gilbert Rumley, residents of said County who being first-duly
sworn according to Law doth upon their oath make the following affidavit to identify and prove the marriage of James Fulford deceased and his widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford who is now applying for a Pension Those affiants testifies and says that they were well acquainted with James Fulford, deceased, late of Carteret County, who was a Pentioner as a soldier of the
Revolutionary War & that they are well acquainted with his widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford wiho is now applying for a Pention & that they have known them as man and wife and reported as such for Fifty years or more and that the oldest child of the said James & Rebecca Fulford is fully fifty five or 56 years of age, and that the said James Fulford deceased the husband of said Rebecca who is now applying for a Pention died on the 13th day of August 1839 and that the said Mrs. Rebecca Fulford has remained a Widdow ever since and that the statements are true to the best of their knowledge & belief
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above
written before me } Jechonias Pigott
A. Canaday  J.P. } G Rumley

This is to certify that I have been acquainted with the
witnesses above Jechonias Pigott & Gilbert Rumley for
many years & can testify that they are of correct depor
tmenet & men of truth & verasity.
                                                     A. Canaday  J.P.
Page 27

Hor Repr 4th Feby 1843

Sir, Enclosed Herewith I have the honour to transmit the pension papers of Mr. Fulford of Carteret County North Carolina; and beg leave to ask for there your early and favourable attention. 
I will Mercly add that I am personally aquainted with the several applicants who have testified in the case and believe them to be persons of undoubtable truth and veracity
                       With Great Respect Yours
                       Wm Washington
J. L. Edwards Esq
       Commissioner of pensions
Page 28

NC
addl. proof

Richard Randolph
July 7 1843
Page 29

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }

on this 29th day of June 1843  personally appeared before the Subscriber. one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, Zibed Simpson, resident of Carteret County, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration. supplementary to and in support of a petition now on file in the Pention office in behalf of Mrs. Rebecca Fulford, widdow of James Fulford. This affiant testifies and says that he was well acquainted with James Fulford, dec'd, late of Carteret county was a Pentioner, as a Soldier of the Revolutionary war, that he is well acquainted with his widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford, who is now applying for a Pention, he has Known them living together as man and wife for more than fifty eight years and has never heard their marriage doubted or questioned.  This affiant further testifies that, he, himself is in his seventy ninth year of age.

Zibed Simpson

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
Belcher Fuller JP
Page 30

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }
I hereby certify I am well acquainted with the affiant Zibed Simpson, that he is one of the oldest & most respectable citizens of Carteret County & is held and considered to be a man of strict truth & verasity & is a reputable man
Given under my hand & seal this
29th day of June 1843
Belcher Fuller JP
Page 31

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County {

Clerk's Office of the Court Of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid, I David Rumley, clerk of said Court, do hereby Certify that Belcher Fuller, whose own proper signature is affixed to the annexed deposition is now and was at the time of signing the aforesaid deposition, acting Justice of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County, & that he is duly qualified & commissioned as such & that full faith & credit are due & to be given to his acts as such.-- I further certify I am unable to account for the absence of the marriage bond of James Fulford, except the marriage was celebrated by the Justice of the Peace, upon the Certificate of publication by the minister of-- the nearest church in which case no bond was required to be deposited in the office of the court-- and I further Certify to entitle the parties to the legal possession of property under the Laws of North Carolina ample and sufficient evidence to establish the legality of their marriage at the time
alleged by the widow, has been exhibited.

Given under my hand & Seal of office at Beaufort in said
County this 20th day of June A.D. 1843.

D'd. Rumley  C.C.
Page 32

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }

On this 2nd day of January 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in Carteret County, Martin Chadwick, resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth upon his oath make the following affadavit to identify and prove the marriage of James Fulford, deceased and his Widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford, who is now applying for a pension. The said affiant testifies & says that he was well acquainted with James Fulford, deceased, late of Carteret County who was a Pentioner as a Soldier of the Revolutionary War. that he is well acquainted with his widdow Mrs. Rebecca Fulford, who is now applying for a Pension, he has Known them from the time they were married & well recollects they were married in the month of April 1785 in Carteret County by James Harker, Esqr, a Justice of the Peace and that the oldest child of the said James & Rebecca Fulford. this affiant is well convinced is fully 55 or 56 years of age that James Fulford, the husband of said Rebecca who is applying for a Pension, died on the 13th day of August 1839 and that the said Rebecca Fulford has remained a widdow ever Since.
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before
A Canaday J.P. Martin Chadwick

This is to certify that I have been acquainted Martin Chadwick for may years & that he is a man of truth a& verasity.
A. Canaday J.P.
Page 33

State of North Carolina} 
and Carteret County } Clerks Office of the Court of Pleas Quarter Session of the County and State aforesaid David Rumley Clerk of said Court do hereby Certify that Jechonias Pigott and Asa Canaday whose signatures appears to the annexed depositions is and was the at the time of Signing and Sealing acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that faith and Credit is due to all their lawful acts and deeds done as such. 
D Rumley whereof have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of said office at Beaufort in said County this 4th day of January 1843
Dd Rumley CC

State of North Carolina }  
Carteret County } Clerks Office of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid David Rumley Clerk of said Court do herby Certify that I have Searched the records of said office for the marriage bond of James Fulford and it could not be found 
In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and
affixed the seal of said office at Beaufort in said County this
4th day of January 1843
Dd Rumley C C
Page 34

State of North Carolina }
Carteret County }
Clerks Office of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid I David Rumley Said Court do hereby Certify that Jechonias Pigott, and Asa Canaday, whose Signatures appears to the Annexed Depositions is and was the time of Signing and Sealing Acting Justices of the Peace in and for Said County, and that faith and Credit is due to all those lawful acts and deeds done as such. 
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Office at Beaufort in Said County this 23rd day of January AD 1843.
Dd Rumley C C.
Page 35

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State Office

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that I have seen a return of an Officer of the Revolutionary War of the Continental line of this State, on which were names not to be found on the musterrolls in this office.

Given under my hand this
28th February 1843
Wm Hill
Page 36

Ho. Ref 3th March 1843

Sir

I have the honor to inclose herewith some additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Fulford which I hope may remove the objections suggested in your last -

With great Respect
W.H. Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 37

March 10, 1843
N.C.

Rebecca Fulford

Richard Randolph
Pres


To James L. Edwards, Esq

File this with her papers
Page 38

Washington 9th March 1843

 Dear Sir,

In your letter of the 22d inst. to the Hon'ble Mr Washington, on the claim of Mrs Rebecca Fulford, you say that her husband was in a company of “Independants” which was clearly the patriots!!

In the 2d Vol. Spark's writings of Washington page 4, you will find, “The troops called Independent Companies were raised in the Colonies, under the direction of the governors." At page 506, you will see more of these “Independent Companies”. The Independants of North Carolina, like those of Virginia, were volunteer militia, raised expressly for the protection of the seaboard. Patrick Henry commanded a company of Independents; in 1775 and you will see that the first company of “Independants for Albemarle” offered their services to Genl. Washington

I hope that further investigation will convince you that “Independents" were bona fide soldiers.

I salute you respectfully 

Richard Randolph
Page 39

4172 

R 

N.C.
Mar 3d 1843
Reb. Fulford $80 per an


Richard Randolph
Oct 26 43
Page 40

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3d of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7th 1838--

State of North Carolina}
Carteret County } S.S.

On this 23rd day of September 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid Mrs Rebecca Fulford a resident of said County aged
Seventy five years and who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the 3rd of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War- That she is the widow of James Fulford who was a private in the War of the Revolution, and who died on the 13th of August 1839, that she as the widow of the aforesaid James Fulford has received a pension of Eighty dollars
Page 41


Per annum, up to the 4th of March 1841, which pension has been allowed her under the act of 7th July 1838. 

And the further declares that she is still a widow

Rebecca Fulford 
her X mark 

Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me.

Jechonias Pigott J.P. 

State of North Carolina Carteret County 

I hereby certify that Mrs Rebecca Fulford is as above is personally known to me, and that she is the widow still of James Fulford dec'd late a pensioner and who died in the County of Carteret, state aforesaid. I further certify that Mrs Fulford is a person of truth and credibility. 
Given under my hand this 23rd day of September 1843

Jechonias Pigott J.P.
Page 42

State of North Carolina 
Carteret County 

I David Rumley, Clerk of the Court & Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Carteret, do hereby certify that Jachonias Pigott, whose own proper signature is affixed the annexed Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the aforesaid Certificate, acting Justice of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County & that he is duly qualified & commissioned as Such & that full faith and Credit are due & to be given to his acts as such Given under my hand & seal at Beaufort
in said County this 25th day of Sept A.D. 1843
Dd Rumley C.C.
Page 43

Monday April 29th 1776 

The Congress met according to Adjournment. 

Resolved that five "Independent Companies be immediately raised in this province, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, two Drummers, one Fifer and sixty eight rank and file, and that the said Companies be stationed at the following places to wit, one Company Between Currituck and Roanoke Inlet, one Com pany Between Occacock [Ocracoke] and White Oak Inlet one Company between Bogue Inlet and New River Inlet and one Company between New River Inlet and Deep Inlet inclusive. And that the Officers and Soldiers of said Companies, and shall be allowed the same pay as Officers and Soldiers on the Continental Establishment, and subject only to the Controul [control] of this or any future Congress or to any executive power acting in the recess of the same to remove or disband them 

State of North Carolina 
Secretary of State's Office 
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the above is a true and perfect extract from the  journals  of a Congress begun and held at Halifax in this State on the 4th day of April 1776, and continued by adjournments from day to day until 14th day of May 1776. 

Given under my hand this 28th 
day of February 1843 
Wm Hill
Page 44

Fulford Florida
Apr 3/10
Senator James P Taliaferro
Washing DC
Dear Senator
What I would like to find out from the Pension Office is why my Grand Mother
Rebecka (Harker) Fulford drew a Pension My Grand Father was in the Service of Revolution Either as private or Officer if as an officer then I or and my
Son are Eligible to The Society of the Concernatti in Virginia if he was not an officer we are not where this is Satisfactorily cleared up I hav other Business
Page 45

in Washington I would like to correspond with you about
Very Sincerely Yours
W H Fulford
Fulford Florida
Dade Co
Page 46

3 - 871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by AO.T.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant Rebecca
Soldier James Fulford
Service
Additional Service Rev War
No ____ claim, State records ____, 190 
No claim, combination records ____ , 190 

REMARKS:
[illegible] wid File 4352
No other Rebecca Fulford

0-8
Chief Division
Page 47

[copy of back of page of a typed letter]
[stamped] Record Division
Apr
12
1910
Page 48

United States Senate,
Committee On Corporations
Organized in the District of Columbia

Washington, D. C., April 5, 1910.

Hon. J. L. Davenport,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Commissioner:
I am sending in this a letter from Mr. W. H. Fulford, of Fulford, Florida, inquiring as to the service of his grandfather.  If you can give me any information on the subject I shall appreciate it.
With kind regards,
Very truly yours,
Jas. P. Taliaferro