Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32606, William Wilson, Sea Service Newcastle Co. Del. Residence And Henry Co. Ind.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Sea Service
Wilson, William
NUMBER
S. 32606
Newcastle Co. Del. residence and [illegible] Co. Ind
CONTENTS
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Order to pay 22 Dec 1822
1887 Nov 3 Geo M Wilson

Indiana
William (?) Wilson
of Henryk (?) in the state of Indiana
who was a seaman in the navy commanded
by captain Bell of the _ commanded
by War Sloop Lowan in the Delaware
line for 2 years
_ service.

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana
at the rate of 96 Dollars - cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of pension issued the 21 day of Oct
1833 and John
Elliott Newcastle
Arrears to the 4th of Sep
Semi-amt, allowance ending 4 Mar

240.00
48.00
$288.00
 Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Dan'l Boyd Clerk
Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 134
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State of Indiana
Henry County
On this twenty ninth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court Before the Honorable Charles H Test president Judge of the fith Judicial Circuit of the state of Indiana of  Byron Cadwalader and John Anderson Associate Judge there of now Sitting William Wilson a resident of the County of Henry and State of Indiana aged ninety three years who being just duly sworn according to laws doth his oath make the following declaration to obtain benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered service of the United States on board of the sloop of the Lousan the last of May on the first of June 1789 at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, and lived in the county of New Castle State of Delaware when he entered - he was born in Ireland in the year 1739 and was raised in New Castle County in the State of Delaware and served until Act 1786 under Capt Thomas Bell and Lt. William Bell.  Mr. Clarkston, 2nd Lieut and Mr. Lindale 3rd Lieut and McArthur Capt of the mouring and the others of the officers he does not recollect and during which time he entered as a volunteer and during all his service detect as boats wain for the vessel on the last of June or first of July 1780 captured the ship Betsy on our way to the West Indies and the same year we took and captured two British  and sent them to America and shortly after
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near one of the western islands we discovered a Large Squadron of vessels which deceived us with french colors untill we saw [?unite] in amongst them. They then histed the British Colors and fired upon us though we made our escape with the help of some men and an injury to our vessel and a few days afterwards we fell in with two british vessels which chased us [for hours - crossed out] all one day and one of them came up with us near sun down and proved to be a sloop of war with twenty guns and engaged with us immediately. And we were [?] to make a running fight for four hours the damage was great on both sides several kild and wounded we then continued our course for three or four months and were then captured and taken prisoners by the enterprize frigate from London all which happened in the year 1780 & 81. and were first taken to Ireland and were  [?Conturued] there near three months then we were sent to England and there imprisoned until 1783. Then we were pardoned for our rebellion and sent in a cartel to America. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agent of any State.

Where upon the Court in compliance with the directions of the war department put the following Interrogatories to the applicant - 
Ques [underlined] 1  Where & in what year were you born
Ans [underlined]  I was born in the year 1739, in Ireland in Armough County
Ques [underlined] 2 have you any record of your age
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Ans  I have no Record of my age but have been informed by my parents the year I was born
Ques [underlined] 3  Where were you living when called into Service and where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you live
And [underlined]  I was living when called into service in Newcastle County State of Delaware as stated in the declaration and remained there until 1785 and then moved to [?] in Pennsylvania in the County of Washington and there lived until 1789 and then moved to Kentucky in Montgomery County and there lived untill 1802 and then moved to Indiana Wayne County and lived there until 1822 & from thence to Henry County in said State of Indiana and have lived there ever since
Ques [underlined] 4 how were you called into service
Ans I was a volunteer as stated in the declaration
Ques [underlined] 5 State the names of some of the officers who were with the troops where you served. Such Continental and Militia Officers as you can recollect and the general circumstancers of your service
Ans There was Capt Thomas Bell William Bell first Lieut. Mr Clarkston Second Lieut. Mr Tindall Third Lieutenant & McArther Capt of the Marines and this applicant as boatswain of the vessel
Ques [underlined] 6 Did you ever receive a discharge from service
And I never did Because the officers when I served with never returned to my knowledge
Ques [underlined] 7 did you receive a commission and if so whom was it signed and what has become of it
Ans I did not recollect through I mite my memory is at this time very bad
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Ques [underlined] 8 State the names of persons in your neighborhood whom you are [acquainted with - crossed out] know [and can testify to your character - crossed out] and can testify to your character for truth and veracity and their belief of our services and a soldier of the revolution
Ans [underlined] there are Elisha Long & Elijah Martindale and in fact the whole neighborhood
William WIlson

State of Indiana}
Henry County}
Elijah Martindale a clergyman of Christian Church in said County and Elisha Long of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that we are acquainted with William Wilson the above applicant for a pension and fully believe that he served in the revolutionary war as he states in his application and that he is entitled to full credit. Ad the said Elisha Long further states that he has heard his father who was also a revolutionary soldier speak of the services of this applicant. Given under hour hands and seals this 29th of Sept 1832.

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 29th of Sept 1832
Elijah Martindale [signature]
Elisha Long [signature]

Witness John Elliott Clerk
I John Elliott Clerk of the Court of Henry County and State of Indiana do hereby certify that the [?for going][?] the original proceedings of the said [?] in the matter of the application of William Wilson given in testimony whereof I have hereunto left my hand and seal of office this 29th day of Sept 1833
John Elliott Clerk [signature]

[As a side note from the transcriber - I have noticed that over the length of this case, the handwriting of the court clerk, John Elliott, deteriorated from great penmanship to almost indecipherable.]
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Record Division.
May 31, 1910.
Mr. Charles W. Stewart,
Supt. Library and Naval War Records,
Navy Department,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 26" and received the 27" instant, you are advised that William Wilson (Sur. File No. 32,606) applied for pension September 29, 1832, while a resident of Henry County, Indiana. He stated that he was born in 1739 in County Armagh, Ireland, but was raised in Newcastle County, Delaware and was a resident of that County when he volunteered at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the last of May or first of June, 1780, as Boatswain under Captain Thomas Bell on board the aloop of war "Luzerne".
On the last of June or first of July, 1780, while en route to the West Indies, they captured the ship "Betsey", and in the same year took two British prizes and sent them to America; shortly afterwards near one of the Western islands, they were decoyed and fired upon by a large British Squadron which was flying the French colors; a few days later they were chased by two British vessels and engaged in a four hours, running fight with one of them a twenty-gun ship, after which they continued on their course until October, 1781, when they were captured by [continued]
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Sur. File No. 32,606--2
Frigate
the "Enterprise", from London.
They were first carried to Ireland for three months, then to England, and were confined in Mill Prison (from which they tried to escape) until 1783, when they were sent home in a cartel.
His pension was allowed.
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
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Invalid

------------

File No.   32606
William Wilson
Seaman
War Sloop Lousan
Rev War

Act   June 7, 1832
Index:  Vol 7,     Page 134

[Arrangement of 1870] 
[note the above bracket was on the document]

1920 May 12 - Hist to O.L. Woods -&
"         "      31    "    "   Chas W Stewart  an [init]
1921 Nov 28 - Hist to Hon. A.J. Hickey  aw [init]
1923 July 6 - Hist to Sue Reeves  aw (init]
1935 Aug 28 - Hist to Mrs. F.C. Wherly ILL (init)
1936 - Feb 28 - Hist to Miss Catherine Wilson ILL [init]
1938 - April 12 - Hist to Mrs V.G. Hesmer ILL [init]
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[Stamp]  FREE

[?] L Edwards, Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Washington Cty

Wilson, Wm.
Sea Ser. 332606
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State Bank of Indiana
Indianapolis - [?] Dec 4, 1837

J.L. Edwards, Esq
Comm.

Sir, 

[? Herein] please [? paper] of William Wilson which he has applied for a [damaged section] pay due him - [damaged area]
It appeared, please return [damage area]
Sam'l Merrill
Pen. [??]

P.S.
If we are improperly [? handling] you with these papers, please so to inform us, and [?] to whom the papers should be sent on an application for a years' pay.

It occurs to us that we may misapprehend from the fact that repeatedly we have had voucher refused to be passed at Washington in cases where you have, on reference, given us express direction, after yr coming the paper, today.  This is just new its case. with Edmond Weston's papers, which you directed in to pay.

S Merrill
[?G JMRg]
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State of Indiana
Henry County

On this thirteenth day of August , 1833 personally appeared in open court. Before the Honorable Jesse H Haily probate judge of the Henry Probate Court. William Wilson a resident of the said of Henry and state of Indiana aged ninety three years who after being first duly sworn according to Law and that the vessel in which he sailed as stated in his original declaration be as fitted out by the United States and not by the State of Pennsylvania or by a private individual. William Wilson sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of August 1833.   John Elliott, Clerk

I John Elliott Clerk of the Court of Henry County do hereby certify that the foregoing continued the original proceedings of the said court in the natter of application of William Wilson for pension.

In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of Aug 1833.

John Elliott, Clk, 11,6

Witness
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogation presented 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 Elija Mortindale who signed the proceeding certification resident of the County of Henry and State of Indiana is a clergyman and that [? Elisha] Long who has signed the same is a resident of the said County of Henry and State of Indiana is also a credibly person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

Charles H. [? Lisl] presiding Judge of 6th Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana

State of Indiana}
Henry County}
I John Elliott, C.H.C.C, do hereby certify that the above opinion of the Court was [?] to be certified but was by some means omitted to be attached to the other papers. 
In [?] whereof I hereunto my hand and affix the seal of our [? third] court at Newcastle this 25th of March 1833.

John Elliott, C.H.C.C.
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J Elliott [signature]
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Wilson which require further proof or explanation. 

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?      Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?      Yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any 
reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?     Yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?     Yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?     Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?     Yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?     No

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?     Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?     Yes
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 [page] 2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?     Yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
        If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
         Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?     Yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?      [With the ? of the ? of 6th the interrogations are satisfactorily  answered - crossed out]

EXPLANATORY NOTES
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; 
For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____, and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 17

[page] 3

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

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

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

Before me Benjamin J. Cady a Justice of the peace for said County. [? ]ally came Jacob Tharp a respectable person of Lawful age who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he had been acquainted with William Wilson, an applicant for a pension, for the term of ten years last [?] and that about the time they first became acquainted he heard the said William Wilson make about the following statements. That he (Wilson was on board of a United States Sloop of war and that he was an officer, the grade I disremember, that he was taken prisoner by a British vessel and carried to prison, I think he said mill prison where he lay 18 or 20 or more months. this exact time I disremember and that he had been in the service of the United States for 3 years or upwards.
And further that he believed that the said Wilson was in the service of the United States was taken prisoner and served in the service of the United States for the length of time he stated.

Subscribed & Sworn to
Before me this 19th day
of August 1833

B.J Cady, JP [LS surrounded by a scribbled circle indicating a seal of office]
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The State of Indiana}
Henry County}

I John Elliott of the Henry Circuit Court do hereby certify that Benjamin J. Cady. Before whom the within affidavit of Jacob Thorpe was made, and who has subscribed his name was at the time thereof an active Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Henry. Duly commissioned and sworn unto office and that all his official acts and such ought to be entitled to full forth and credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of said Court at Newcastle this 123th day of August 1833

John Elliott Clk
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Affidavit of 
D. Douglass
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The State of Indiana}  ss
Decatur County}

Before me Samuel [crossed out] Bryan a justice of the peace in and for said County this day personally came David Douglass of said County a creditable Man of about 52 years of age and Preacher in the Church of Christ: who being duly sworn an his oath [?depaseth] & saith that he has been acquainted with William Wilson about forty three years and I have frequently heard him state that he was taken prisoner from on board the Luserne Sloop of War I think conveying 18 [? gunns] Commanded by Capt. Thomas Bell by the British frigate Interprize out of London Commanded by Captain Eaton & I recollect by his telling me that they were first atempted to be tryed as pirates and that they then produced their commissions from the Government of the United States and that they were then Seperately Examined in the Plymouth before 3 Magistrates as Rebles against the King and he stated they were by Said Magistrates condemed for being taken in the United States Sloop of War Luserne commissioned from the Rebel Congress of the United States as traitors.  and I recollect his telling me that he was the Boatswain of the Luserne Sloop of War and he further told me that they were confined in Mill [?] Prison and made an attempt to escape by digging under ground which attempt was discovered by a carriage falling into the hole they had dug under ground and that afterwards he said that they Effected their escape and was pursued and taken by the use of Blood Hands my impression is that he was in the service 3 years: [And further saith not SC- crossed out] and that these statements were made to me from fifteen to thirty years ago
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and I have not seen him for Nearly Eight years and further this depanant Saith not [?86]
David Douglass

Sworn to & Scribed before me this 7th day of August 1833
Samuel Bryan jp     Seal [encircled with a "flower" type of circle to denote a seal of office]

The State of Indiana
Decatur County                 Set

I Henry H. Talbott clerk of the Decatur circuit court do certify that Samuel Bryan Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of David Douglass was made and who has subscribed his name above, was at the time thereof one of the active Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn into office and that to all his official acts as such full faith and credit are due and ought to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court at my office in Greensburgh this 7th day of August in the year of our Lord 1833 - 

Henry H Talbott, Ck
Page 23

 Wm Wilson
Indiana

[? ] Seaman in the navy of the Revolution, 2 yrs
$96
Jn [initials]

192
+48
______
240

John Elliott
Newcastle
Page 24

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:

The evidence in support 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 (thus: }). 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 William Wilson

[the following is handwritten across an otherwise unfilled table]

It must be shown whether the vessel in which the applicant sailed was fitted out by the United States, the State of Pennsylvania, or by private individuals, and if possible he should produce more direct proof of his service and of his having be detained a prisoner till 1783.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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[page] 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, b ut 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 [spelling as on document] 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
County of

[note: the underlines do not appear on the document, but were included here for easier reading.]
[also, the brackets and parentheses in the following text are as shown on the document]


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, doeth on his oath make the4 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 teh4 _____ 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 this 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 county 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.

[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 the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such prof 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 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. 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-
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[page] 3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 applicant will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of teh 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 live now?
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?
6. 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 hi is of the age he represent, and that his 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, but 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 the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or a 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, 1932; 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.
Page 27

[appears to be a business card]

O.L. WOODS

Credit Dep't
Schwabacher Bros & Co.

Seattle
Page 28

[appears to be the front of a postcard or envelope]

Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Old War Division
Washington, D.C.

[cancelled postage stamp]
One cent stamp
Face of Thomas Jefferson

[postal stamp]
Received Apr 5, 1938
Mail Svs Div
Vets Adm
[blurred text]

[postal stamp]
Received Mar 30, 1938
OId Records Division
A.G.O.

[postal stamp]
Louisville, Ky
March 28, 1938
11 pm
4

[date stamps]
4 Received A.G.O.
Mar 30, 1938
Page 29

Dear Sirs:

Is it possible to get record of one - William Wilson [underlined] who applied for a pension in 1832 while residing in Henry County, Indiana.  He was in Naval Service during the war of Revolution.

Mrs. V.C. Hesmer
2400 Woollbourne
Louisville, Ky
Page 30

[This is the top section of a letter-head sheet of paper that has been ripped off of the rest of the sheet]


[handwritten above letterhead] 
Mrs. Fred C. Wherly
800 Garfield Ave
Regent of

WILLIAM TUFFS CHAPTER
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
ELKHART, INDIANA

[DAR logo to left of above]

[postal stamp]
Elkhart, Ind
Aug 14, 1935
2:30 pm

[visible portion of addressee]
Commissioner of P
Page 31

[handwritten at upper left corner of page] 32606

[postal stamp]
Pensions Office
US
Oct 31, 1881

Ira Iowa
10-26-87

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir

I am desirous to learn something of the History of my Grandfather, William Wilson  He was in the Naval service of the United States during the Revolution. Was captured on the high seas, carried to England and help as a prisoner of war until peas was declared. He was afterward in the employ
Page 32

of the Commissary Dept, perhaps as a civilian at Lexington Ky during the war of 1812. He settled in Indiana and at the time of his death which occurred in 1843, he was drawing a pension which was paid at the South Bend Ind, Agency.

He lived to the advanced age of one hundred and seven years, lacking a few days.

I would be glad to know when and where he enlisted on what vessel he served and under whom and in what engagements he participated.

He was the father of a
Page 33

large family which has almost disappeared, and none of his descendants know when or where he was born or anything of his history save what I have detailed and the further fact that he came to America from Ireland at a very early age and not with his parents.

Respectfully
Geo M Wilson
Ira [town]
Jasper Co
Iowa
Page 34

May 17, 1923

Bureau of Pensions
Dept. of the Interior
Washington D.C.

Please may I have a copy of the services of William Wilson, a pensioner of the Revolutionary War, from Henry County, Ind.

This copy, I hope, may be of help to me in training for the D.A.R.

Very Sincerely
Sue Reeves
Knightstown, Ind.
Page 35

Bureau of Pensions,
Office First Deputy Commissioner,
May 12, 1910.

Col. Kniffin,

Chief Record Division:

Please furnish a report giving the naval service during the Revolutionary war of William Wilson, who enlisted on teh sloop "Luserne" in 1781, and served as boatswain, at Philadelphia, Pa. He was residing at that time in New Castle, Del., and afterward removed to Kentucky, and later to Henry Co., Indiana. He applied for pension in 1832, at which time he was 91 years of age.

An early report is requested as the person desiring the information wishes to leave this city on an early train for New Orleans.

L. Stillwell, [signature]
First Deputy Commissioner.
Page 36

[handwritten at top of page]
To Mr. O. L. Woods
Credit Dept 
Schwabacher [? Brs] & Co
Seattle, Wash.

3-082.
___________________

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions
____________________

Application No. _________ 
Certificate No. __________

NAME OF SOLDIER,
William Wilson
Co.   Rev       Reg't  Service

INFORMATION DESIRED.
Born 1734, in Ireland
Served from New Castle Del.  Served on Lucerne
Enlisted June 1 1780 in Phila[? ? ? -]  
1780 was in Montgomery Co Ky.
Finally settled in Henry Co Ind 1822.
Applied for pension in 1832. 
Was 93/ in 1932
Col Kniffen Chief Record Div
Please give full report of service of this [? ] today as party leaves for NO tonight. Address [? ?]

L. Stillwell


[Postal stamp]
First Deputy Commissioner
M.
May 12, 1910

[Date stamp]
May 12 1910
Page 37

S. File 32606
[symbol that could be & or the cents sign]  22,295
Oct 21. 33
Page 38

[ handwritten in header] [?Owdr.] File 32606

S-AHE.

Navy Department,
Library and Naval War Records,
Washington, D.C., May 26, 1910

Sir:-

I respectfully request that this office be furnished with a copy of the record of "William Wilson", who it is understood was a boatswain or seaman on the privateer "LUCERNE", or CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE, commanded by Captain Thomas Bell, during the War of the Revolution. He is said to have been a pensioner of the United States in 1832.

Very respectfully,
Charles Stewart [signature]
Superintendent Library and Naval War Records.

Hon. James  L. Davenport
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C. 


[Postal stamp] 
Pension Office
May 27, 1910
U. S.
F
 
[Date stamp] May 27, 1910
Page 39

February 8, 1936.

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions - Washington. 

Dear Sir,

I am trying to find material that will make me eligible for the D.A.R.  My great great grandfather was named William Wilson, and according to family history, his declaration for pension was dated Sept., 1832. At that time he was living in Henry County, Indiana - aged 93 years.

I should appreciate tremendously any material you could send me about him, and if possible a copy of his certificate of pension or some official statement about it.

In case this may help you, the history I have of him is this: - William Wilson was born in 1739 in Amagh County, Ireland. He was raised at New Castle County, Delaware. He was living there when he volunteered in the Revolution. He volunteered in
Page 40

[page] 2.

June 1780 a t Philadelphia, Tenn. as Boatswain on the sloop of war, Luserne, under Capt. Thomas Bell and Mac Arthur, Capt. of Marines. The Luserne captured the English Ship, Betsy, etc., and later was itself captured by the frigate, Enterprise, under Capt. Eaton from London. The men from the Luserne were taken to England and kept in prison until peace was declared. (Luserne is also spelled Lusene, Louserne, & Louson.) After being released, William Wilson came back to the United States & was living in Red Stone, Washington County, Penn, in 1785. In 1790 he moved to Montgomery County, Kentucky; in 1802 to Wayne County, Indiana; & settled in Henry County, Indiana in 1822.

If you cannot help me, could you possibly tell me where I might be able to get some information. I have looked in the Public Library here at Los Angeles, but it does not have
Page 41

{page] 3.

as much material to work on as I had hoped for.

Also might you have anything under the name of my other great great grandfather? He was James Ireland, the son of John and Martha Ireland. James was born Dec. 15, 1752 in North Carolina and was married on October 17, 1776 in North Carolina to Agnes Fleming who was born in Scotland on October 14, 1751, He fought in the Revolution but I can't find out when. He was living in Bourbon County, Kentucky in 1796, and died in Butler County, Ohio soon after.

I shall certainly appreciate your sending me any information.

Thanking you in advance and hoping for an early reply, I am

Sincerely
Miss Catherine Wilson
1142 - 4th Avenue
Los Angeles, California
Page 42

William Tuffs Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution

[Postal Stamp] 
Received
August 15, 1935
Mail Sub-Div.
Vets.  Adm.
Reader # 30

Commissioner of Pensions
August 13th 1935
Revolutionary Dept.

Honorable Sir;

Will you please give me the Revolutionary service and all other data ? of Pensioners of Elkhart County in 1840
1. William Tuffs 92
2. William Wilson [age blotted out]

Also have you any data on the following who were not pensioners
1. John Cathcart [? buried ]here
2. John Proctor of Virginia [? buried] here
3. Jacob Leer

Please give me all data possible on the above. Thanks for  I want them for a Roster

Sincerely yours
Mr Fred C. Wherly Regent
Page 43

Rev. War Section.
Record Division.

Nov. 28, 1921.

Hon. Andrew J. Hickey
House of Representatives.

In re: William Wilson, S 32606 and --- Maxon, War of Revolution.

You are advised that a careful search of the records fails to show a claim for pension on file for any soldier of the Revolution, named Maxon, under any spelling of that name [*], who lived in the state of Indiana.

From the papers in the claim, S. 32606, it appears that William Wilson was born in 1739, in County Armaugh, Ireland and was living in Newcastle County, Delaware, when he volunteered at Philadelphia in May or June 1780, as Boatswain, under Captain Thomas Bell on the Sloop of War, Luzerne. On October 1781, they were captured by the Frigate, Enterprise, of London, and were confined in Ireland and England until released in 1783.

[**] He was allowed pension on his application executed Sept. 29, 1832, while living in Henry Co., Indiana.

For the date and place of his death, application should be made to the Pension Section, Interior Department Division, General Accounting Office, Walker Johnson Building, Navy Annex, 18th [? Street] New York Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. citing all of the following data: William Wilson, Certificate 32395 [? 22395], issued on Oct. 21, 1833, rate $96 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832. Indiana Agency.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner
                                                                                      

[* - handwritten in right margin]
I went thro [?] claims
Indiana Agency Books and 1835 lists of Indiana

[** - handwritten in left margin]
There was one other 2nd person named Wm. Wilson. [? Pen] W9898 but I did not [? eval] his record as he died & his widow Sarah continued to live in Jefferson Co. Ind which is a great distance from Elkhart Co. Ind. the person asked for
Page 44

ANDREW J. HICKEY
13TH DIST. INDIANA

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

25 November 1921.

Hon. Washington Gardner,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Commissioner:

I will thank you to look into your records relative to two soldiers of the Revolutionary War who died and were buried in Elkhart County, Indiana. One of these men was William Wilson and the other Mr. Maxon. I do not have the Christian name of Mr. Maxon  and am unable to give you additional information about these soldiers and pensioners. The military records of these two men will be greatly appreciated.

With kindest regards, I am,

Sincerely your,
A.J. HICKEY
Page 45

February 28, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MCS
William Wilson, S. 32606
James Ireland, R. 5494

Miss Catherine Wilson
1142 4th Avenue
Los Angeles, California

Dear Madam,

Reference is made to your letter of February 8th, in which you request the records of Revolutionary War soldiers, William Wilson and James Ireland.

You are furnished herewith, the records of these soldiers as shown by papers on file in their claims for pension.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 46

February 28, 1936.

BA-J/ILL
WILLIAM WILSON
S. 32606

Miss Catherine Wilson
1142 4th Avenue
Los Angeles, California.

Dear Madam:

The data given herein regarding William Wilson are found in his claim for pension, S. 32606, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

William Wilson was born in the County of Armagh, Ireland, in the year 1739; the names of his parents are not shown. He was reared in Newcastle County, Delaware.

While a resident of Newcastle County, Delaware, he volunteered about June 1, 1780 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as boatswain on board the sloop of war, "Luserne", Captain Thomas Bell, and, while on a voyage to the West Indies about July 1, 1780, captured the ship "Betsey"; later, the same year, they took two British prizes and sent them to America; shortly after, near one of the western islands, they were fired upon by a British squadron, flying French colors, and were chased by two British vessels and engaged in a four hour running fight with one of them, after which they continued their course until October 1781, , when they were captured by the frigate, "Enterprise", from London.  They were carried to Ireland where they were confined several months, then taken to London where they are confined in the Mill Prison, during which imprisonment they attempted to escape, and remained until 1783, when they were released and sent home in a cartel.

William Wilson resided in Newcastle County, Delaware, until 1785, moved then to Redstone, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and remained until 1789, at which time he moved to Montgomery County, Kentucky, where he resided until 1802, then moved to Wayne County, Indiana, and remained until 1822, when he moved to Henry County, Indiana.
Page 47

William Wilson was allowed pension on his application executed September, 29, 1832, at which time he resided in Henry County, Indiana. The soldier made no reference to wife or children at the time he made application for pension.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of teh above noted Accounting Office, this city, and cite the following:

William Wilson
Certificate #22295
Issued October 21, 833
Rate $96 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
     Act of June 7, 1832.
     Indiana Agency.

Very truly yours,

A.D.  HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 48

August 27, 1935.

BA-J/ILL

Mrs. Fred C. Wherly
900 Garfield Avenue
Elkhart, Indiana.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of two Revolutionary War soldiers, shown on the Census of 1840 as residents of Elkhart County, Indiana, as William Tuffs, aged ninety-two years, and William Wilson, aged one hundred, three years, also information regarding John Proctor of Virginia, who was buried in Elkhart County, Indiana, John Cathcart, also buried there, and Jacob Leer, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.  ["S. 32026 M.C.S." is handwritten in column with "William Tuffs" underlined]

A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and there are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based upon service of John Cathcart and Jacob Leer, under any spelling of these surnames. The records of John Proctor and William Tuffs have been found, also, the record of William Wilson, a pensioner of Indiana in 1833, whose residence is not shown in 1840, but whose age indicates that is the pensioner cited by you. These records are furnished you herewith from said pension claims.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 49

August 27, 1935.

BA-J/ILL
William Wilson
S. 32606
John Proctor
R. 8496

Mrs. Fred. C. Wherly
800 Garfield Avenue
Elkhart, Indiana

Dear Madam:

The data given herein regarding William Wilson and John Proctor are found in the papers on file in their claims for pension, based upon service in the Revolutionary War.

WILLIAM WILSON-S. 32606

William Wilson was born in the County of Armagh, Ireland, in 1739, and was reared in Newcastle County, Delaware, he volunteered about June 1, 1780, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as boatswain on board the sloop of war, "Luzerne". Captain Thomas Bell, and, while on a voyage to the west Indies, about July 1, 1780, capture the ship "Betsey"; later, the same year, they took two British prizes and sent them to America; shortly after, near one of the western islands, they were fired upon by a British squadron, flying French colors, and were chased by two British vessels and engaged in a four hour running fight with one of them, after which they [? word] their course until October 1781, when they were captured by the frigate, "Enterprise" from London. They were carried to Ireland where they were confined several months, then taken to London, where they were confined in the Mill Prison, during which imprisonment they attempted to escape, and remained until 1783, when they were released and sent home in a cartel.

William Wilson resided in Newcastle County, Delaware, until 1785, moved then to Redstone, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and remained until 1789, at which time he moved to Montgomery County, Kentucky, when he resided until 1802, at which time he moved to Wayne County, Indiana, and resided until 1822, then moved to Henry County, in
Page 50

Indiana.

William Wilson was allowed pension on his application executed September 29, 1832, at which time he resided in Henry County, Indiana. The soldier made no reference to wife or children at the time made application for pension.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of said pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:

William Wilson
Certificate 22295
Issued October 21, 1833
Rate $96 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831.
Act of June 7, 1832
Indiana Agency

-------------

JOHN PROCTOR-R. 8496.

John Proctor was born February 10, 1753, in Stafford County, Virginia, the names of his parents are not shown. During the period of the Revolutionary War, he resided in Fauquier County, Virginia.

Sometime after the war, he moved to Kanawha County, Virginia, and resided about forth-two years, after that moved to Randolph County, Indiana, which was his residence in 1836, after that he resided in Illinois about six months, then moved to Arkansas where he resided about three years, thence to Texas in which state he resided until sometime in 1851, when he moved to Washington Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

He applied April 13, 1852, at which time he resided in said Washington Township, Elkhart County, Indiana, for pension which might have been done on account of his service in the Revolutionary War.  It


[page] 2.
Page 51

was stated then that John Proctor enlisted in 1777, at Fauquier Court House, Fauquier County, Virginia, served three years as sergeant in Captain Robin Ashby's company, Colonel Elias Edmund's Virginia regiment, that he was in the battle of Brandywine, was at the Storming of Stony Point under General Anthony Wayne, was in the battle of Cowpens and in other engagements.

His claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.

At the time he made his application for pension, John Proctor, Senior, was residing with his son, John Proctor, in Elkhart County, Indiana. He died there January 11, 1856.

Soldier's son, John Proctor, Jr., was born 1793 in Kanawha County, Virginia, and resided near his father until he married; the name of his mother is not shown, not the names of any of his own family designated. Reference was made to Nathan Proctor in 1858, a son of the soldier. In 1851, Sarah Proctor, a widow with a large family of children, was the daughter-in-law of the soldier, John Proctor; he lived with her before he moved to Elkhart County, Indiana,. The name of her husband is not shown, nor names of her children stated. She was referred to as of Bowie County, Texas, in 1857.

In 1853, soldier's grandson, Raymoth G. Proctor, of Miami County, Indiana, stated that he was born in 1811 at his grandfather's house in Kanawha County, Virginia, but he did not designate the names of his parents. One Hannah Proctor stated at that same time that she had been acquainted with the soldier since 1836. Reference was made by both of these parties to the baptism of the soldier, John Proctor, which took place in 1836 in Randolph County, Indiana.

In 1856, Sylvester Proctor and William Proctor were both of Elkhart County, Indiana; their relationship to the family of the soldier was not stated. 

One Edward Riley was referred to as the step-0father of John Proctor, the soldier. They were comrades in the war. [This sentence was typed on a different machine.] ["next time'' was hand written at the end of the paragraph.]

In 1856, Jenette Ball, a widow, and a resident of Elkhart County, Indiana, states that she was a family connection of John Proctor, the

[page] 3.
Page 52

soldier, that she had been acquainted with him for twenty-four years, that she4 was at his son's house when John Proctor, Sr. died, and attended his funeral.

In 1852, soldier's son-in-law, Joseph Hughes, was deceased; the name of his wife was not stated.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 53

April 12, 1938.

B A-J/ILL
William Wilson
S. 32606

Mrs. V.C. Hesmer
2400 Woodbourne
Louisville, Kentucky

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Wilson, who was a pensioner of Henry County, Indiana.

The data which follow are found in pension claim, S. 32606, based upon service of William Wilson in the Revolutionary War.

William Wilson was born in the year 1739, in the County Armagh, Ireland; the names of his parents are not shown. He was reared in Newcastle County, Delaware.

While a resident of Newcastle County, Delaware, he volunteered about June 1, 1780, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as boatswain on boar the sloop of war, "Luzerne", Captain Thomas Bell, and while on a voyage to the West Indies about July 1, 1780, captured the ship "Betsey": later the same year, they took two British prizes and sent them to America; shortly after, near one of the western islands, they were fired upon by a British squadron, flying French colors, and were chased by two British vessels and engaged in a four hour running fight with one of them, after which they continued their course until October 1781, when they were captured by the frigate, "Enterprise", from London. They were carried to Ireland where they were confined several months, then taken to London where they were confined in the Mill Prison, during which imprisonment they attempted to escape, ad remained until 1783, when they were released and sent home in a cartel.

William Wilson resided in Newcastle County, Delaware, until 1785, moved then to Redstone, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and remained until 1789, at which time he moved to Montgomery County, Kentucky,
Page 54

where he resided until 1802, then moved to Wayne County, Indiana, and remained until 1822, when he moved to Henry County, Indiana.

William Wilson was allowed pension on his application executed September 29, 1832, at which time he resided in Henry County, Indiana. He made no reference to wife or children.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of his pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, records Division, this city, and furnish the following:

William Wilson
Certificate #22295
Issued October 21, 1833
Rate $96 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Indiana Agency.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator.
Page 55

In reply to your request of __________ [blank], received _________[blank] for a statement of the military historty of William Wilson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's)[crossed out] application for pension on file in the Bureau.

S. File 32606 (hand written)

--------------------------------
[Table with the following headings]
- Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: 
          May or June 80
- Length of Service: [blank]
- Rank:  
          Boatswain
- Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered
     - Captain:
               Thomas Bell  sloop of war "Luzerne"
     - Colonel
- Staff

-----------------------
[The following text was written across all columns on the table.]

Phil. [Philadelphia]

Captured the ship "Betsy" and two other British prizes.
was in the engagements with the British and was captured in October 1781 by the "Enterprise" - carried to Ireland then to England and there imprisoned until 1783 when he was released.

- Battles engaged in,
          see above
- Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
          New Castle County, Del
Date of Application for pension, 
          Sept 27, 1832 [? word]
Age at date of application, 
          [? word] - 1739 in Armagh Co, Ireland
Remarks [blank]