Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,944, for Robert Pollard, Virginia
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SERVICE NUMBER
Va. Pollard, Robert S. 5,944
carded
CONTENTS
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See letter 22 Augt. 1832 to
Agent. See do. to Pension Aug.
28. 1832.

227
Virginia
Robert Pollard
of Richmond in the State of Virginia
who was a cap & adjr. in the - commanded by Captain - of the regt. commanded by Colonel Talliaferro in the Virg. State line, for the term of 11 months.
from Sept. 1775 to - 17
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 160 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March 1831
and
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 of August
1832 and sent to Robert
Pollard Richmond
- the Roll on - day of - 182 - and notification sent to - at - 
Pension commencing on the - of - 182
Amount due on 4th of $160 -
March 1832 $80 - 
4 Sep " $240. -
Revolutionary Claim,
Acts
7 June 1832
Rec: Book D.
Vol: 7. fol: 110.
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State of Virginia, City of Richmond

On this day personally appeared in open Court of the City City [sic] aforesaid now sitting, Robert Pollard resident of the City of Richmond County of Henrico & State of Virginia, aged Seventy six years, who being first
duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States in the Culpeper Minute Battalion as adjutant, which was commanded by Laurence Taliaferro Colonel
Edward Stevens Lieut Colo &Thomas Marshall Major, or about the beginning of the month of September 1775, they rendezvoused at Culpeper
Courthouse and soon after marched to Williams burg by the direction of the Committee of safety where they remained until the latter end of the month
of November or begining of December. -- Lord Dunmore who commanded the British party had withdrawn in his fleet to Norfolk. --The second Regiment of regular troops Commanded by Col Wm Woodford Lieut General Scott & Major Spotswood, the Culpeper Battalion of Minute Men and some other Companies of Minute Men that were at Wmbg ordered to the Great Bridge, --apart of the Culpeper Battalion not being properly armed was sent home, the Command then devolved on Lieut Col Starks, with whose permission I marched home for a short time leaving with his consent my relation and friend Benjamin Pollard my deputy, who having joined us at
Williams burg was without employment and anxious to be with the army. after making my arrangements at home, I returned to Williams burg on my way to join the army having received appointment from the President of the board of Public safety I proceeded to Norfolk by way of the Great bridge, and on my arrival at Norfolk I reported myself to Col Stevens, -- my friend Mr Benj Pollard remained with me and partook of my rations no other expense occurring to the State in consequence of his remaining after any services he has rendered, [illegible]
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at Norfolk a few days after the battle of first January 1776 when a considerable part of the Town was burnt by the British. - some short time after I got there the enemy Commenced a heavy Cannonade a little before day and landed troops, it was believed with a view to destroy the remainder of the Town, they met a warm reception from our troops and were Compelled to take shelter on board their vessels again which they effected some after day light. - we sustained some loss from their Cannon shot, - I have a faint recollection that they afterwards made an attempt to Land troops in the daytime under cover of their Cannon, but did not succeed.
Things having remained entirely quiet for some time, and continued I believe until the deportation of the enemy fleet, which happened a few weeks after, there was a general impression in the army that there would be no more fighting, & the officers & men became impatient to return home, - Colo Woodford the Commanding Officer of all the troops there left Camp for Wmsbg and several other officers obtained leave of absence neither of whom returned, - after remaining in that inactive state some time longer and there being no appearance or probability of a more Active scene occuring, on consulting with Colo Stevens he considered it unimportant for me to continue longer as my friend Mr. Benja Pollard could perform the few duties required in my department, and expressing belief that the Battalion would very soon be ordered home, arrangements were accordingly made and leave granted for my absence not long after my departure the Battalion were directed to return & arrived in Culpeper sometime early in March, as I verily believe; I received pay with the other officers & troops for the whole tour being about six months, I continued to hold to hold my appointment discharging duties required by the Commanding officer, such as attending the board of Officers to fill locations that occurred &c, until the minute troops were
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discharged by Law and returned to the ranks of Militia.
In the year 1777 a detatchment [sic] of Militia about 500 men were ordered from the County of Culpeper to join the army under General Washington, I volunteered my services and was appointed adjutant & Paymaster. the troops rendisvoused [sic] at the Courthouse about the first or early in the Month of September and marched immediately, -- after joining the main army it was understood that it was incompatible to hold the two offices conferred on me, I soon after resigned that of adjutant in consequence of that opinion, or perhaps on order of the Commanding General of our Brigade, who was Genl Smallwood. the other I held during the tour, -- the troops returned home on the last of November or beginning of December and I paid them at December Court, the Battalion was commanded by Colo James Barbour when they marched from Culpeper and until after they had advanced some distance in the state of Maryland, when an express was met with orders to march forward no troops not well armed, under this order about half of the men were discharged, the Command then devolved on Major William Roberts, -- these troops had no opportunity afforded of meeting the enemy, several attempts were made by Genl Washington to attack forraging [sic] parties of the enemy on points above and below Philadelphia, but before our troops could reach the places where they were foraging the enemy had decamped, in one instance the whole army was put in motion mostly after night, the main body moved down towards Philadelphia through Germantown and large parties were marched towards Frankfort & Chester, among the latter were the Culpeper Militia who forded the Schoolkill river in the night in the month of November, Neither of the detatched parties fell in with the enemy, it was believed that the British were early & well informed of our movements.
Nothing occurring to afford a prospect of active operations shortly and the Militia troops not being well clad for the winter season which
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was fast approaching, the Commander in Chief discharged all the Militia from Virginia, they had been called out from several Counties as far south as the Rappahannock.
Sometime probably in the next year, I was appointed a captain in the Militia which appointment I held until the end of the war, whether I actually received a Commission do not recollect, but am satisfied I had some evidence of it to exhibit in case of falling into the hands of the enemy.
Sometime in the month of March 1781 I believe about the middle of it, a detatchment [sic] of Militia of four to 500 men was ordered to march from the County of Culpeper to Southhampton County on the South side of James river, to assist in repelling an invasion or expected invasion under the command of General Philips. I was directed to take the command of a Company which I accordingly did, the troops were marched without delay under the Command of Colo James Slaughter, to the point designated, other Militia were collected there also and General Muhlenburg [sic] took the command, sometime elapsed before our troops commenced a retreat, after the British Vessels began moving up the river our troops retreated with a view to keep in advance of them, at times we had to make forced marches, at others would be inactive for a day or two, on the retreat Barron Steuben joined the troops and assumed the command. General Muhlenburg [sic] remaining with them, on the arrival of our troops at Petersburg, the Commanding officer decided to make a stand, and what resistance our force was capable of, composed of 1000 to 1100 altogether Militia, without any hope I presumed of doing much more than to shew that it was for want of power and not for want of [illegible] that we retreated before them, the enemy landed somewhere below Petersburg, perhaps at City point, an army of 2500 regular troops our
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Our imposition was made to meet them, the troops were drawn up o the North side of Appamatox [sic] river, and parties detatched [sic] below the  Town where the enemy was met, our men would fire & retreat, reinforcements were were [sic] sent on to their assistance - and altho the British Army outnumbered us so greatly, It was several hours before our men were forced over the bridge the planks being removed, a heavy fire was kept up for short time, the action I feel confident took place on the 25th April, -- a retreat on our part was thought necessary as the river above the Town was fordable and means might probably be obtained of crossing it below in a short Time. these being effected our troops would have been envelloped [sic] between two forces, overpowered by numbers, -- We arrived at Chesterfield Court House early the next morning where our wounded men had been sent, they were about thirty in number and some severely injured, -- the enemy soon after took the direct route for Manchester, but did not appear to hurry themselves, on their arrival there they burnt the Tobacco warehouses with their contents, this happened at Night, our army had retread to the Coalpits about 12 miles South of Manchester, information having been received of the arrival or hourly expected arrival of General Fayette at Richmond, we marched after night and crossed James river at Tuskahoe ferry 14 Miles above Richmond and joined La Fayette early the next morning. General Phillips did not attempt to cross the river to attack Fayettes troops as was expected, but retreated to Petersburg; -- General Fayette took some time to rest his troops before he went in pursuit of the enemy, his first movement as well as now remembered was to the neighbourhood of Petersburg, it was supposed by most of the officers To attack it, but whether from the near approach of Lord Cornwallis or some other cause, he removed his troops across James river; soon after Cornwallis did  arrive at Petersburg we retreated to Richmond, where we remained until it was ascertained that the British troops were in pursuit of us, a retreat was commenced by
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our Troops and continued until General Fayette had advanced 70 or 80 miles up the Country, during the retreat the detachment to which I belonged was relieved by another Battalion of Militia from Culpeper sometime late in the month of May or beginning of June, and ours was regularly discharged having served out the time for which they were ordered out, say sixty days.
The detachment in which I served commenced the Campaign of 78 in Virginia and regular supplies of militia were furnished from the county until after the siege of York. -- Some troops were ordered out from the County in Arnold's invasion in January, myself and Company among them but were directed to return before we reached Richmond.
I was born and raised in the County of Culpeper and resided there until the fall of the year 1784, when I settled in Richmond and have resided here ever since. -- I acquired a knowledge of my age from the register in my Father's family Bible written by himself; -- that I never had a pension I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & hereby declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any state.
In support of my declaration for services in the Culpeper Minute Battalion reference may be had to the Certificate of Chief Justice Marshall, for services in the detatchment that marched from Culpeper to Headquarters to join General Washington, I refer to the affividavit of Lieutenant Moore who I know to be a man of respectability & has served for many Years as a magistrate in the County, -- in regard to the tour in 1781 under the Command of Colo James Slaughter, I have to rely on my statement annexed, not having been able to obtain information of any person now residing in Culpeper that has any recollection of it.
On reviewing my declaration I find I was a some loss to account for the movement of the Army after the arrival of Genl Fayette, the time that elapsed
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elapsed before they marched to Petersburg appears to be longer than I had supposed they remained inactive, but not being able to recollect any movement prior to the March to Petersburg, I was led to consult Marshall's life of Washington
He states that the main body of our troops were marched to the North side of Chickahomany [sic] river. Upon reflecting most seriously on this subject I have a faint recollection that they did cross Bottoms bridge at the road leading to Williamsbg, distance about sixteen miles below Richmond and were encamped there a few days, -- one fact I feel confident in my mind of, that when the movement was made towards Petersbg, our troops marched from Richmond & crossed James river to Manchester,
Robert Pollard.
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Richmond July 27, 1832

This is to certify, that I have been intimately acquainted with Mr Robert Pollard of this City for the past eighteen years; & that I know of no man in the community, who stands higher in the estimation of his fellow Citizens, & who is more universally respected for veracity & integrity of Character. During the above mentioned time he has been & still continues to be a communicant & office holder in the Church under my care: & will I have no doubt always be so, until death removes him to a better world.  Mr Robert Pollard is about seventy six years of age.
Richard Channing Moore.
Rector of the Monumental Church.
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Capt Reuben Moore's
Deposition
1832
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The affidavit of Reuben Moore of the County of Culpeper & State of Virginia in the Seventy ninth year of his age taken & sworn to before us Philip Slaughter & French Strother two of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace for the said County
This affiant saith, that in the year 1777 & he thinks towards the last of the month of August- a quota of the Malitia [sic] for said County was call'd into service - that also the said affiant was a lieutenant in Captain Richard Waugh's Company, which Company, together with several other Companies, march'd from said County under the Command of Colo Jas Barbour untill [sic] they arrived in the State of Maryland. Whence a part of the detachment returned home for want of arms, and that a Major's Command, under Major Wm Roberts, was ordered to proceed to join the main army, then in Pennsylvania under the Command of General Washington, that they did join the main army under General Washington in the State of Pennsylvania, & that his affiant continued as lieutenant with the Culpeper Malitia during the whole Tour & was well & intimately acquainted with Capt Robert Pollard, who resided in said County & afterwards moved to the City of Richmond in Virginia, where he now lives -- this affiant knows of his own knowledge, that the said Robert Pollard acted first as adjutant, & Pay Master, & afterwards as Pay Master during the whole time as aforesaid, & that they were in service at that time fully three months & [illegible] was that time -- given under my hand this 15th day of June 1832
R. Moore
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Va Culpeper County to wit
This day the within named Reuben Moore personally appeared before us Philip Slaughter & French Strother two of the Justices of the peace for the said County & made oath that the within affidavit contains the truth to the best of his knowledge, given under our hands this 18th day of June 1832.
Phil Slaughter
French Strother
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The affidavit of Major William Duval aged about eighty four years respecting Robert Pollard Esqr. an old Inhabitant of the City of Richmond.
This affiant lived near the City of Richmond since the Revolutionary War as far back as 1784, about the time that Capt Robert Pollard moved to the City of Richmond  I lived at my seat near Richmond called Mount Comfort,  I became well acquainted with him in or about January 1791.  I moved to Richmond to be more convenient to my practice in the Superior Courts of this City and continued to live in this City until the year 1807 when I moved to Buckingham County.  and I believe since my removal I have every year since seen Capt Robert Pollard when I came annually to Richmond.  I know him to be a man of Truth and great respectability.  I have seen his statement of facts respecting his various tours of duty in the minute service, as well as in the Militia service of this State and from my knowledge of his integrity I verily believe his statement made in his declaration is true.  so many years have since elapsed that few of the old Veterans of the Revolution are alive in this state.  In the Company that I commanded in 1775 & 1776 both my subaltern officers are dead on inquiry cannot discover that a single soldier is alive that I commanded either in the Volunteer of Minute service.  I am well assured that Capt Robert Pollard is about seventy six years of age
William Duval
Sworn to by Wm Duval before me, in the City of Richmond, Commonwealth of Virginia. this 28th July 1832
Given under my hand the day and year last mentioned
Joseph Tate Mayor of the City of Richmond
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The affidavit of Thomas Rutherford a Citizen of Richmond, respecting Robert Pollard Esqr. an old inhabitant of the City of Richmond
This affiant came to Virginia in the month of Decr. 1784 & into the City of Richmond which has ever since been the place of his residence, and soon afterwards became acquainted with the above named Robert Pollard Esqr. who is now I suppose about seventy six years of age.  His character & conduct has ever appeared to me in the most honourable & respectable light, so much so that I can have no hesitation in deposing that in my opinion the most implicit reliance may be placed in whatever he declares.
Thomas Rutherford

In Richmond Hustings Court.  July 30. 1832.
The above was sworn to by Thomas Rutherford in open courtl.
Th. C. Howard Clk
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Virginia.
At a Court of Hustings held for the City of Richmond, the 30th day of July 1832.
Robert Pollard of this City, this day in open Court presented, and made oath to, a declaration containing a statement of facts in relation to his application for a pension, as an officer of the revolutionary army:  He also produced in court the certificate of the Revd. Richd. Channing Moore, rector of the Monumental Church in this City, the certificate of John Marshall chief justice of the United States, and the affidavits of Reuben Moore, William DuVal and Thomas Rutherford, (all of which papers are hereunto annexed.)  And the 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 (Robert Pollard) was a revolutionary officer, and served as he states;  and the court further certified, that it appears to them, that Revd. Richard Channing Moore John Marshall and Thomas Rutherford, above named, are residents of this City & William DuVal above named, is a resident of the court of Buckingham, and all of them are credible persons, and their statements entitled to credit;  and that the said Reuben Moore is unknown to the members of this Court.

Virginia-City of Richmond, to wit:
I, Thomas C. Howard, Clerk of the Court of Hustings for the said City, do hereby certify, that the foregoing
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foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Pollard for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31st day of July 1832.
Th: C. Howard

[SEAL]

Virginia-City of Richmond, to wit:
I, Joseph Tate, mayor of the said City and presiding justice of the Court of Hustings thereof do hereby certify , that the foregoing attestation of Thomas C. Howard, the clerk of the said court, is in due form.
Given under my hand this 31st day of July 1832.
Joseph Tate, Mayor of said City, and presiding Justice of Hustings Court thereof.
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Adj't 11 mo.
$146:66 per ann
act June 7. 1832

rec'd Aug. 10.1832
Richmond, Va.
Page 19

State of Virginia, City of Richmond to wit
On this day personally appeared before me Joseph Tate Mayor of the City aforesaid, Robert Pollard, a resident of the City of Richmond, County of Henrico & State of Virginia, aged seventy six years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the at of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered into the service of the United States in Culpeper Minute Battalion, as stated in the annexed declaration about the first of September 1775, they marched to Williamsburg, the Great Bridge & Norfolk & were discharged & reached home early in March 1776.  See Mr. Marshall's certificate - he was fully six months in service as adjutant.
The battalion of Militia that marched to headquarters and joined the army under General Washington in 1777 rendezvoused at the Courthouse about the begining of September, and returned home the last of November or begining of December.  Lieutenant Moore in his affidavit swears they were fully three months in service, which I verily believe was the case.  I was the adjutant & Paymaster to this detatchment as stated in my annexed declaration.  The tour in 1781 under the Command of Colo James Slaughter that marched to Southhampton County in which I had the command of a Company as Captain, the troops were ordered out for Sixty days or two months.  they left Culpeper Courthouse as near as I can recollect about the middle of March or perhaps a few days later, at the end of the sixty days they were relieved by another detatchment from that County & regularly discharged, while General LaFayette was retreating up
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the Country having served out the full term.
I state my services as follows, in the Culpeper Battalion of Minute Men six months, commencing the begining of Septr. 1775 & ending early in March 1776.  The expedition to Headquarters three months, commencing the begining of September 1777 & terminating the last of November 1777 or beging of December, and the tour to Southhampton commenced about the middle of March to the 20th 1781, & terminated at the end of two months - making altogether eleven months service.  to state with exact precission the days on which service commenced & ended is not in my power, but I am well satisfied that the time of service of each tour is not overrated.
Robert Pollard

Virginia, City of Richmond To wit.
Sworn to, and subscribed by Robert Pollard before me Joseph Tate, Mayor of said City, in said city, on this eighth day of August, Eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Given under my hand and the corporate seal of said city the day & year last mentioned.
Joseph Tate, Mayor of the City of Richmond
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/eel

May 3, 1929
OW

Rev. Ben R. Roller
3 Roller Avenue
Charleston, West Virginia

Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension claim, S.5944, it appears that Robert Pollard was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, date not stated.
While residing in Culpeper County, Virginia, he entered the service, September 1, 1775, as Adjutant in the Culpeper Minute Battalion under Colonels Lawrence Taliaferro and Stevens, and served six months.  From September, 1777, he served as Adjutant and Paymaster under General Smallwood for three months.
In 1778, he was appointed Captain of Virginia Militia and served from March, 1781 under Colonel James Slaughter for two months and was in the battle of Petersburg.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, at which time he was living in Richmond, Virginia, aged seventy-six years.
There are no data as to family.
Respectfully
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
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For
Gen. John Cox Underwood
1006 C St. N.E.
Washington, D.C.

Apl. 18, 1913
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In reply to your request of -, received - for a statement of the military history of Robert Pollard, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S File 5944

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
[1] Sept. 1.75
[2] Sept. 77
[3] Mch. 81
[4] In 1778 appt. Capt. of Militia which rank he held to the end of the War-
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1] 6 mos.
[2] 3 mos.
[3] 2 mos.
RANK.
[1] Adjt
[2] Adjt. & Paymtr.
[3] Capt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN.
[1] Culpeper Minute Battln
COLONEL.
[1] Lawrence Taliaferro; Lt. Col. Stevens
[2] Gen. Smallwood
[3] James Slaughter
STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, Pittsburgh
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Culpeper Co., Va. until 1784
Date of application for pension, July 30, 1832.
Residence at date of application, 76 years. born Culpeper Va
Remarks: No data as to family
No claims for Robert Pollard SC. or John Pollard S.C. or Va.
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Apl 21-1913 To Gen. John Cox Underwood

Robert Pollard, Sur. File No 5,944, Rev. War. was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, at which time he was seventy-six years of age and a resident of Richmond, Virginia.
He stated that he was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, where he resided when he entered the service September 1, 1775 as Adjutant in the Culpeper Minute Battalion under Colonels Lawrence Taliaferro and Stevens, and served for six months.
In 1778, he was appointed Captain of Militia, and from March 1781, he served in that capacity under Colonel James Slaughter for two months, during which he was in an engagement at Petersburgh.  He resided in Culpeper County, until 1784, and at Richmond, Virginia, thereafter.
There are no family data on file.
Page 25

Pollard to DuVal
p: of atto.
Page 26

Know all men by these presents that I Robert Pollard an old Inhabitant of the City of Richmond, in the State of Virginia, aged about seventy six years and a Revolutionary officer do constitute and appoint my aged Friend Major William Duval now a resident of the County of Buckingham, in the State aforesaid, as my true and lawful attorney in Fact, with full power and authority to settle and receive whatever the proper authorities may allow me at the Department or Departments of the United States at the City of Washington for my Revolutionary services as a surviving officer of the Revolution, agreable to an act of Congress which passed on the 7th day of June 1832 "Entitled an act supplementary to the act for the releif of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution."  I the said Robert Pollard declare I never received any pension for my former services and never intend to do so, except the pension which I am entitled to under the said act of June 7th 1832 and I do hereby authorise my said attorney to sign any release to prevent any other claim on my part for a pension, with the exception aforesaid, which the proper officer of any of these Departments may require of my said attorney.
Which pension when my said attorney shall obtain he wishes, and I consent thereto, for him to receive a check payable to myself or order on the Branch Bank of the United States in the City of Richmond and that hereafter whenever the Department may write to me on the subject of my pension I do request that such letter may be addressed to me as a Citizen of Richmond to the care of the postmaster at this place.
I do authorise and empower my said attorney to act as fully respecting the premises in everything touching my said pension in giving receipts for the same and in signing a release or releases which shall be as valid and binding on my as if done my myself in person.
I do hereby ratify and confirm whatsoever my said attorney in fact
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Fact may lawfully do respecting my said pension.
In witness whereof I the said Robert Pollard at the City of Richmond have this thirtieth day of July 1832 hereunto set my hand and seal
Robert Pollard
[SEAL]
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us

Virginia - 
At a Court of Hustings held for the City of Richmond the 30th day of July 1832.
This power of attorney was acknowledged by Robert Pollard a party to the same;  which was ordered to be certified.
In Testimony whereof I, Thomas C. Howard clerk of the said Court of Hastings, hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this 31st day of July 1832.
Th. C. Howard Clk
[SEAL]

Virginia-City of Richmond, to wit:
I, Joseph Tate, mayor of the said City, and presiding justice of the Court of Hustings thereof, do hereby certify, that the foregoing attestation of Thomas C. Howard clerk of the said court is in due form.  Given under my hand this 31st day of July 1832.
Joseph Tate, Mayor of said City, and Presiding Justice of the Hustings Court thereof.
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Oct. 10. 1928.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me all the information you have with regard to 
"Robert Pollard - (Adj. & Capt.)
(Henrico) S. of W. 1835, Pen. 2,153"

Said Robert Pollard was a soldier in the Revol. and died in Richmond, Va.  I would like to have his war record, name of wife and any other information on file.  The above was taken from the Secy. of War's report for 1835, which as published, does not give me what I want.
Yours very truly - 
(Rev.) Ben. R. Roller
3 Roller Ave,.
Charleston,
Kanawha Co.,
W. Va.

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
O
Oct 12 1928
Page 29

L. S. W.
Robert Pollard
John Pollard
Page 30

[STAMP]
ONW Div Files
July 17 1907

Laurens, S.C.
July 11, 1907.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly look up for me the Revolutionary war records of Robert and John Pollard of Ninety-Six District, South Carolina.  If you do not find them from this District, please look up the Pollards from Fredericksburg, Va.  There is no doubt of the fact that Robert Pollard was an officer in the Revolution, one of his descendants having been a member of the Cincinnati Society but this descendant is dead and the whole matter in obscurity.  I am anxious for the records of Robert and John Pollard, who I think were brothers.
I hate to trespass upon your kindness again, as the department very kingly made some researches for me recently, but I am very anxious to trace my family and I know no other way, until I can get more facts to put into the hands of a professional genealogist.
I enclose stamped envelope.
Yours truly,
(Mrs.) Mason L. Copeland

Mrs. Mason L. Copeland,
Laurens, S.C.

[STAMP]
U.S. Pension Office
B
Jul 16 1907

July 22 - no envelope - C
Page 31

5944
Rev War
Invalid.

File No. 5944
Robert Pollard
Adjt & Capt Rev War
Act:  June 7th "32"
Index:-Vol. M, Page 299
Arrangement of 1870

1907 July 23. History to Mrs. Mason L. Copeland. c
1913 Apl 21. To Gen. John Cox Underwood. c
1929-May 3-Hist to Rev. Ben R. Roller AWY
Page 32

37

[STAMP]
Richmond
Aug 20

JL Edwards esquire
War Department
City of Washington

allow Mr. Pollard
for 9 mo. as Adj
2 mo. as Capt.
$160 per ann
Page 33

Richmond August 20th 1832

J.L. Edwards Esquire

Sir
The enclosed warrant, which I lately received from the war department is returned by advice of my friend Thomas Green esquire, who informs me, that an error has been committed against me in the settlement of my claim for a pension, which you were desirous of correcting
I am very respectfully
your most obt servt
Robert Pollard
Page 34

Payments to be made
At Richmond Virginia
by the [illegible] U.S. Br: Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
Virginia

Cancel this &
issue a new 
Certificate.  See
within Alteration

Recorded by Benj. Lloyd Beall
Clerk, in Book D Vol7th
page 110
Page 35

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, Robert Pollard of Richmond, Virginia who was a captain and Adjutant during the revolutionary war is entitled to receive one hundred and sixty dollars, and sixty six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this eleventh day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
John Robb
Acting Secretary of War

[SEAL]

Examined and countersigned
J.L. Edwards
Page 36

John Marshall certificate

I became acquainted with Mr. Robert Pollard in September 1775.  The Culpeper minute Battalion to which I belonged, assembled at Culpeper court house on the first day of that month, and Mr. Pollard was in the staff;  I think, adjutant of the Battalion.  In the month of September we were ordered to Williamsburg, and Mr. Pollard marched with us.  We remained at Williamsburg until later in November when we marched to the Great Bridge.  Mr. Pollard remained with us in Williamsburg until some short time before we left that place, when as I understood he obtained permission to be absent leaving his relation Mr. Benjamin Pollard as his deputy.  I remember Mr. B Pollard acting as I understood as the deputy of Mr. R Pollard.  He was in the same mess with myself in Norfolk.  I think but am not certain that I saw Mr. B. Pollard in Norfolk.  The Battalion marched from Norfolk to Suffolk I believe late in February and was discharged as well as I recollect in March.  I do not recollect seeing Mr. Pollard after his obtaining leave of absence in Williamsburg unless it be for a short time in Norfolk, but I am satisfied he never resigned or left the service
J Marshall
June 20th 1832
Page 37

Although I do not positively recollect seeing Mr. Robert Pollard in Norfolk he has mentioned to me so many of the occurrences which actually took place as to convince me that he was there
J Marshall



Robert Pollard
S.F. 5944
Va.
81
Page 38

John Marshall's Certificate

[ink stamp:  THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES]
Page 39

Certificate I became acquainted with Mr. Robert Pollard in September 1775. The Culpeper minute Battalion to which I belonged, assembled at Culpeper court house on the first day of that Month, and Mr. Pollard was in the staff; I think, Adjutant of the Battalion. In the month of September we were ordered to Williamsburg, and Mr. Pollard marched with us. We remained at Williamsburg until late in November when we marched to the Great Bridge. Mr. Pollard remained with us in Williamsburg until some short time before we left that place, where as I understood he obtained permission to be absent, leaving his relation Mr. Benjamin Pollard as his deputy. I remember Mr. B Pollard acting as I understood as the deputy of Mr. R Pollard. He was in the same mess with myself in Norfolk. I think but am not certain that I saw Mr. B. Pollard in Norfolk. The Battalion marched from Norfolk to Suffolk I believe late in February and was discharged as well as I recollect in March. I do not recollect seeing Mr. Pollard after his obtaining leave of absence in Williamsburg unless it be for a short time in Norfolk, but I am satisfied he never resigned or left the service
J Marshall
June 20th. 1832
Page 40

Although I do not positively recollect seeing Mr. Robert Pollard in Norfolk, he has mentioned to me so many of the occurrences which actually took place as to convince me that he was there
J Marshall

Robert Pollard.
S.F. 5944-
Va-
81

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 41

The affidavit of John Brown of the County of Culpeper & State of Virginia in the Seventy six year of his age - being Sworn deposes & says that about the fourth of April 1781 He marched from the County of Culpeper in Capt. Richard Pollard Company of Malitia first to Fredericksburg then to Richmond & from thence to Petersburg where they had a small Engagement with the British army, that Colo James Slaughter commanded the Regiment and Edward Stevens commanded the Brigade that they returned from Petersburg to Chesterfield Courthouse - that he well knows that Capt. Robert Pollard did perform the aforesaid Tour of duty (as Captain) which to the best of his recollection was two months given under my hand this 28 day of July 1822
John Brown x his mark

Va Culpeper County to wit
The above named John Brown personally appeared before me Philip Slaughter a Justice of the peace for said County & made oath that the above affidavit contains the truth to the best of his knowledge & belief
given under my hand in the County aforesaid this 28 July 1832
Philip Slaughter

I Francis T Lightfoot clerk of the Court of the County of Culpeper in the Commonwealth of Virginia do hereby certify that Philip Slaughter before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the time a justice of the peace for the said County, and duly empowered to administer Oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 3rd day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
F T Lightfoot cc
Page 42

Free
Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
in this above Mr. Edwards Clk of the
pension Department
Washington

Pension Office
Answer 6 ABC
Page 43

V - Culpeper C'house Aug 3d 1832
Sir
Inclosed you'll receive 4 affidavits going to Establish the claim of Capt. Robert Pollard of Richmond to a pension -- which he requested me to forward to you - perhaps Mr. Duval Esq as the [illegible] of Pollard will call to present the business
Very respectfully
Yr M Ob St
Philip Slaughter

The Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington
Page 44

[Handwriting is nearly illegible]

I David Jameson of the County of Culpeper State of Va
in the 80th year of my age being [illegible] Depose & say
that in the year 1781 after my return from South Carolina
[illegible] with the malitia from Culpeper County
Va as a Lieutenant - the weather being Very warm & I
was much indisposed with the [maybe:] diptheria which Confined
me much home _ I did not mix much with Company
[illegible] home was not so much informed of passing [illegible] as I
[illegible] have been if in health & especially had not that
personal knowledge of transactions respecting the malitia
men (my acquantances) who said they were soldiesr under
under Capt Robert Pollard when engaged in an action at Petersburg
But I recollect to here frequently heard from several Mother
against a party of the British army & that they were compelled
to retreat & the British got possession of the town I often
heard them speaking in praise of their Captain as an officer
& friend I well remember to have heard a neighbor by the
name of Edward Atkinson Speak of being in said action as
a soldier the Captain Robert Polland - I have heard others
of the soldiers relate the same given under my hand this 5th
day of August 1832 D Jameson
about to let the above named
David James


Va Cuppeper County to wit
The above named David Jameson
personally appeared before me Philip Slaughter a Justice of the
peace for the said County & made oath that the above
contains the truth to the best of his knowledge & belief
given under my hand the 3d of August 1832
Philip Slaughter
Page 45

I Frances Lightfoot Clerk of the Court of the County of Culpeper
in the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby certify
that Philip Slaughter before whom the forgoing affidant
was sworn was at the time a Justice of the peace for said
County, and duly empowered to administer oaths
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said Court this
3rd day of August, One thousand
eight hundred and thirtytwo
F T Lightfoot
Page 46

[The document is very light, and hardly readable. The handwriting at the end was transcribed with difficulty due to the quality of the handwriting]

The affidavit of Jerimiah Turner of the County of Culpeper
State of Virginia in his Eighty third year of his age
being sworn deposed & say that he was called upon to
serve a tour of duty in the malitia from Culpeper County
in the early part of the year 1781. that he was in the
Seventh Division of Malitia of of said County & marched
as well [illegible] to collect about the month of March and
april in Captain John [Illegible] company & that the Culpeper
Malitia was commanded to James Slaughter from
aid county _ That they marched to Richmond and by the way
of the Bowling Green the to Petersburg where they had
an engagement with a part of the British troops near
or at the Bridge & the Americans having to retreat took
upon the Bridge to prevent the British army from
passing it _ that they retreated from there to [Illegible]
field Courthouse uner the commanded of General
[Illegible] that my remained in in service during that
tour which was two months at least That the said
Turner well remembers that Captain Robert Pollard
of Culpeper commanded a Company of Malitia in
the James Regiment during the whole of that Tour
given under my hand this of 4" of August 1832
Jeremiah X his mark Turner.
Witness
Pleasant Tinsley
Va Culpeper Co to wit The above named Jeremiah Turner this
day made Oath before the Philip Slaughter a Justice of the peace for said
County, that the foregoing affidavit contains the hath to the best
of his knowledge & belief given under my hand the [illegible] 1832
Philip Slaughter
Page 47

I, Francis T Lightfoot Clerk of the Court of the County of
Culpeper in the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby certify
that Philip Slaughter, before whom the foregoing affidavit was
sworn, was at the time a justice of the peace for the said County
and duly empowered to administer oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and
said Court this 3rd
affixed the seal of the
sid court this 3rd day of August, One
thousand eight hundred and thirty two
F T Lightfoot C
Page 48

I Philip Slaughter of the County of Culpeper of State of Virga
in the seventy fourth year of my age do hereby Certify that 
I hhave been acquainted with Robert Pollard formerly of the
County of Culpeper now of the City of Richmond in Virginia
for upwards of fifty years - that we were both raised in the
County of Culpeper & that or parents were relatated that he
was brought up by Edward Steven afterwards [illegible] as
an assistant in his store at Culpeper Courthouse & that I
lived in the Clerks office of said County _ That in the fall
of the year Seventeen hundred of Seventy ffive we both marched
with a Battalion of Minute Man, raised from Culpeper
orange & Fauquier Countys to Williamsburg in Virginia _ that
in the year 1776 _ I was appointed a Lieutenant in Captain
Gabriel Lays Company of Regular Continental troops _
& that we were annexed to the Eleventh Va Continental
Regiment commanded of Daniel Morgan Lieut Colo
Cristian Febiger, Major Wm Hath-- that in the fall
of 1777, a few days after the Battle of Germantown, a
Battalian of Militia joined the main army under Genl
Washington while we were in Pensylvania - that Robert
Pollard came out with that Malitia, under the command
(to best of my knowledge) of Major William Roberts of Culpeper
that after they had served their tour of duty they returned
to Culpeper Virginia _ that to the best of my recollection, Robert
Pollard was their adjutant [inserted: Q Master] & that I have understood, and
Verily believe, that the said Robert Pollard served a tour
of duty as Captain in the malaitia from Culpeper County
under the command of Col Jas Slaughter, in the spring of
1781. that believe & am well convinced that there
was no other Robert Pollard as Captain of Malitia in
Culpeper
Page 49

that Captain Pollard was always considered, as a great
friend to his Country a gentleman of high respectability,
& veracity _ & I firmly believe he did perform the aforesd
three tours of duty _ given under my hand this ____
of August 1882
Philip Slaughter

Virga Culpeper County to wit
The above named Philip
Slaughter personally appeared before me David Jameson
a Justice of the peace for said County & made Oath that
the foregoing Certificate contains the truth to the best of
his knowledge & belief given under my hand this 3rd
day of August 1832
Dd Jameson

I Francis J. Lightfoot Clerk of the Court of the County of
Culpeper in the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby certify
that D Jameson before whom the foregoing affidavit was
sworn was at the time a Justice of the peace for the said
County, and duly empowered to administer Oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
the said Court this 3rd day of August
One thousand eight hundred & thirty two
F. T. Lightfort