Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8859, for John Lowe, Maryland
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
Md.

Lowe, John

NUMBER
S. 8859

CONTENTS
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[sides of document are torn]

Virginia . 32.051
John Lowe of P. William Co in the State of Virginia was a private in the compy
tain Thomas of the comma
Regt:  in the Maryland
for two years
Inscribed in the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 80 dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of June, 1843 and sent to H. H. Lester, Present
Arrears to the 4th of March1843  $900.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  $ 40.0
 $1.000.
 Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 183
ecorded by H.U. Stewart  - Cler.
Book  E- Vol. 672 Page 22
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State of Virginia
Prince William County to wit
On this 5th day of February 1839 personally appeared in open Court now sitting the subscriber John Lowe a resident in the County of Prince William and State of Virginia, aged seventy eight years eleven months and some days, who being first duly sworn according to law doeth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress June 7 1832.  I enlisted with Captain Thomas in the Army of the United States in the 4th Regiment of the Maryland line, on the 15th day of February 1776 in St. Marys County Maryland, where I was born on the 25th day of February 1760 and where I lived at that time  I marched in Captain Thomases company from Leonard Town in said County to the North through many vilages the names of which I never knew, to a place called German Town where we joined the main army under General Thomas woody [illegible] we were there put under Strange Captain whose name I do not recollect, I never saw Captain Thomas afterwards  I understood he died with the smallpox,  we marched from there to Breids Hill the day after the battle was fought at that place, we were then march from place to place watching the movements of the British Fleet, we took our winter quarters in Philadelphia one winter, and we encamped two winters on the Delaware, I recollect of being at Boston and Charlestown during my term of service but at what time I do not recollect, as I
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was young and knew but little of the Country through which I marched, I recollect of seeing General Washington on horseback at our camp talking with General Smallwood on the Delaware, as soon as he rode off were ordered to strike our tents and march, we marched to German Town, at which place I received my discharge from my Captain on or about the 20th of February 1779 which I kept in my pocket until it was worn out - I went to my fathers in the St Marys after I was discharged when I lived about two years after which time my father moved to Prince William County Virginia near Dumfries, where I have lived ever since, I was tailor for General Smallwood, until his death and was frequently at his house and he asked me many questions about the war, I know of no person now living by whom I can prove my service.  I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to  pension or annuity except the present, I declare that my name is not on any pension roll of agency in the United States    John Lowe
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VIrginia Prince William to wit
Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid, John Lowe, of said county, who being duly sworn, makes the following statements, in addition to and in explanation of his former declarations on file in the pension office of the United States being now more particularly interrogatives than heretofore. as to the officers of the 3rd Maryland Regt in which he the said John Lowe claims to have served in the war of the Revolution from sometime in the year 1777 to the year 1780.  he stated that he has the most distinct recollection that he did serve in that Regt and during the period stated above his memory owing to the great lapse of time will not enable him to name all the officers of that Regt according however to his personal recollection he states that a man by the name of Ramsay, was Col of said Regt, that a man by the name of Anderson was in the Major or Col and that he recollects that there wer several Captains many of their names he never heard, if he did he does not now recollect them but recollects the names of Babson, Price, Waters, and Williams, the christian names of the forgoing officers except Lilburn Williams the said Lowe cannot now recollect  the reason why he recollects the name of Williams, as he and said Lowe resided some years after the war in the same county but not near neighbors
John Lowe
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3rd day of April 1843
S. Lyon  j.p.
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State of Virginia
Prince William County to Wit
On this 11th day of February 1843 personally appeared before me a Justice of Peace in and for said county John Lowe of the county aforesaid int he State of Virginia aged eight three years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration by way of amendment to is former declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress  passed the 7th of June 1832 He the said John Lowe now states that when he made his former declaration he was not questioned as to the position which he occupied in the army and that he was ignorant of the necessity of stating more than he did state at that time.  That he enlisted in the 3rd Regiment some time in May 1777 in the Maryland line and served three years in the capacity of Corporal and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant but do not recollect to have served in that capacity as he was discharged a short time thereafter and his discharge which he lost a few years after he left the service by getting it wet  he stated that he moved from Virginia from St Marys County Maryland where he was born, in the year 1785 where he had lived as said
Signed and s
John Lowe
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11 Feb 1843
Thos Nelson JP
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Additional declaration of John Lowe
Hon. J. Taliaferro
HR
Mar 2, 1843 
In addition to a statement heretofore addressed by the undersigned to the Commissioner of Pensions (Colo: Edwards) as to the knowledge of the undersigned of John Lowe an applicant for a Pension - The undersigned repeats that he has known said Lowe about thirty years, that he is an honest, witness and ignorant man and has always claimed to be and has been so considered, a soldier of the Revolutionary Army, in the Maryland Line of the Army - Given under my hand the 2nd day of March 1843-
John Taliaferro 
of Virginia
To 
Colo: J. L. Edwards
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Walnut Branch
Apl 12th 1843
Va.
John Lowe

James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
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Fauquire Co. Va. April 4th 1843
Dear Sir
You will [illegible] enclosed an amended Declaration on a letter of explanation to John Lowe's  former papers.  Mr. Taliaferro informed him that it was required of him to state some of his officers which he did not know would be required in his case
you will file these papers in his case and you will please reconsider the case as early as convenient [illegible] and write me.  [Illegible]  me Washington D. C.
I am with high regard 
your obt. Svt
Wileman [illegible] Thomas

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
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Dec 31 1842
Va.
John Lowe

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 11

Washington Decbr 30th 1842

Dear Sir
I called to see you some days since relative t the claim of old Mr. John Lowe, for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832  you then said that if Mr. Lowes name could be found on the Maryland Rolls you would allow the claim this reminder that I have rec'd  a letter from Mr. Brown on the subject four times since and mot supposing it of any account, I left it amongst papers, but have produced [illegible] it and now beg leave to lay it before you.  It is not sworn to by Mr Brown but no doubt may be relied upon as it it were, please examine this case, and let one know as soon as practicable.
I am anxious to leave Washington
I am very respectably
Your obt Svt
 Wileman, Thomas

J. L. Edwards Esquire
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We the undersigned citizens of Prince William County Virginia do certify that we have known John Lowe for many years and that he has always borne a good character for truth and honesty and have frequently heard him speak of serving as a soldier in Revolutionary war and any statement he would make on oath is entitled to full faith and credit.  Given under our hands this 28th day of April 1843
Geo. M. Merchant
James [illegible]
Thos Chapman
Washington H Norvell
Daniel Ratcliffe
J. W. Mccrae
Thomas Farmer
Thos [illegible]
Geo H Cockvier [illegible]
Thomas Davis
J. Williams
M. D. Dorrice [illegible]
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May 16 1843
Va.
 [postage mark  WASHINGON D.C. MAY 15]
John Lowe

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm' of Pensions

H.H. Sylvester
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May 15 1843
Sir
I  will thank you to give Mr. John Lowe's
 claim of [illegible] a further examination.  Since your last report, an affidavit has been filed by Mr. W. Thomas of Dumfries, in relation to his identity.  The claim is under the Act of June 7, 1842,
I have the honor [illegible]
Your
H. H. Sylvester

Hon JS Edwards
Comm' of Pensions
Page 15

May 5, 1843
Va. 
John Lowe
Dumfries Va
3 May
Free

James L. Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 16

Dear Sir
You will receive enclosed  a certificate of some of the most respectable citizens of P. W. County Va in regard to Mr. John Lowes character [illegible] among whom are the High Sheriff the clerk of the Court two Exc members of the VIrg Legislature which I wish filed in Mr. Lowes cases
Resident Tyler is well acquainted with some of the Subscribers to this certificate
I am with high regard
YOur obs sevt
Wileman, Thomas

Dumfries May 3 1843
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Page 17

6 Jany 1843
[illegible] John Lowe
[illegible]

Col. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
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To Col. J L Edwards
Sir I herewith enclose the certificates of Major Colquhouse and Mr. Williams who are citizens of your City and I presume known to you as persons of veracity to be used if necessary in the application of John Lowe for a pension being the only person who takes an interest in the situation of this old man and having to leave the city, I again beg leave to call your attention to the case.
May I ask that you will have his certificate opened by the evening tomorrow, and 
I am with great respect
your obt svt
Wileman Thomas
Washington Jany
1843
Page 19

7 January 1843
DC
John Lowe

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.
Page 20


Dear Sir
I have just received from the City post office your favour [illegible] in relation to John Lowe and see from its contents that the certificate of Mr. Brewer, which I enclosed to you on Tuesday has failed to reach you.
My letter enclosing Mr. Brewers was sent to the City P.O. by a servant, will you be so kind as to look over your papers to see if it may not be amongst them
The certificate of Mr. Brewer which I then forwarded to you stated the day and year of John Lowes enlistment which was 1st May 1777 and also his discharge in 1780.  It was on this proof that I requested his certificate  Mr Williams and Major Colquhouse statement I forwarded to show the standing and situation of Mr. Lowe
With high regard
your obt Svt
Wileman Thomas

Col J.L. Edwards
Washington Jan 7th 1843
Page 21

I William S. Colquhouse formerly a Citizen of Dumfries Prince William County Virginia do hereby certify that I have known John Lowe of Prince William County Va aforesaid more than Forty years- that I have heard him many years since speak of his service in the War of the Revolution- that he joined Genl Smallwoods Brigade from Saint Marys County Maryland and served sometime as a regularly enlisted soldier who was well known to his General whose clothes he frequently mended being himself a Taylor by trade- He would have applied for a pension under the act of 1818 but owing to his ownership of a tract of poor land near Dumfries which would never have sold for more than 100$ he was disbarred from benefits thereof by reason of said property- that he is now so old, poor and decrepit that he needs the aid and assistance of his country for support-  I will further state that he has always sustained a reputation for truth and honesty
W. S. Colquhouse
Washington Jany 5 1843
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I certify that I have known John Lowe fo Prince William County Va between thirty five and forty years.  he has always been looked upon as an old Revolutionary soldier.  he has always stood high among his neighbors as a man of truth and veracity, he is now very poor and an object of charity, but was able to care of himself until about the year 1830 since which time he has become very poor a cripple and is now living in poverty and misery
Witness my hand this 5th day of Jan 1843
Geo. W.Williams
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Jan 31. 1843
John Lowe
[above 2 lines written vertically]

Colo: J: L: Edwards
Pension Officer

Hon J Taliaferro
HR
[above 2 lines written vertically]
Page 24

Washington 31st of January 1843-
Dear Sir, 
In regard to the claim of John Lowe, for a Pension, + [and] now before you, I feel it due to the old man to say, that I have known him for the Last thirty years, + [and] he has been esteemed an orderly, honest, +[and] truthful man-  It has been, +[and] is, his misfortune to be very poor, +[and] ignorant- I have always understood, from those who knew the fact, that he was a native of Maryland, and that about the close of the war of the revolution he settled in the County of Prince William, near Dumfries in Virginia- He could not avail of the Pension Act of 1818, because he owned 100 acres of very poor land, out of which he made a scanty subsistence- And removed as he was from all his revolutionary, associates, he knew of no means of ascertaining such service as would admit him to a Pension under the Act of 1832, till aided by a more intelligent friend the Army records of Maryland were resorted to, +[and] they show his service- And tho' there is some discrepancy between his statement of his
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service, +[and] that stated by Mr Brewer, I have no doubt that the applicant is the identical person he claims to be- That he should, an aged, and ignorant man, after such a lapse of Time, mistake as to the number of the Regiment he served in, +[and] the precise years in which he did serve, is quite nature- The record shows, that but one of that name (John Lowe) was in the service of that State- The age of the applicant, his being a citizen of Maryland, +[and] his character for truth, ought, I respectfully think, to be satisfactory to show that he is entitled to the Pension he claims- I am Sir, very respectfully
John Taliaferro

Colo: J: L: Edwards-
Page 26

June 25 1901
Miss Carolina M. Anthony
Phila Pa

Revlnary [written vertically]
8859
INVALID.

Arm [illegible, written vertically]

File No. 8859
John Lowe
Priv. Rev. War

Act: June 7th  1832
Index:-Vol.1 st [illegible], Page 227

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 27

For Col Edwards
Wm. S. Powell

[faint postmark]  5 [faint]

Wm. F. Purcell Esq
alto. at law
City of Washington

Jno Lowe
Va roll, Act-
Page 28

27 Sept 47

Dear Col
I am counsel for some of the parties on the preceding page Lowe etc vs Thomas and at the last term of the Circuit Court in Va I think the Judges opinion was wrong in some points  we therefore are trying to get the cause into the Court of appeals and you will perceive that it is important to have a certified Copy of John Lowes pension papers he was a soldier from Va.  to wit a copy of his last declaration the line he for the Revolution belonged  the law under which his name was inscribed +[and] whether the claim was allowed before he died the time of his death +[and] the amount received by Wileman Thomas his [illegible]
I dislike to trouble you, but it is very important to have the above information as early as convenient enclosed the the post office
I am
yrs very respectfully
Wm F Purcell

Col J as L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 29

 ANNAPOLIS MD JUNE 2 [post  mark]

June 5 1843
[illegible]
John Lowe 
[above 3 lines vertical]

mail

FREE

J. L. Edwards, Esqr,
Commr. of Pensions,
Washington City
D.C.
Page 30

Land Office,
Annapolis, 2nd June, 1843

Sir, 
Your letter of the 24th ultimo, was received,- John Lowe now alleges in his statement, that he served under Col. Ramsay and Major Anderson, - It appears by the rolls of the Revolution in this office, that Nathaniel Ramsay, was Lieut Col, Comm of 3rd Maryland Regiment, and Archibald Anderson the Major of that Regiment, - It is therefore probable, that John Lowe, the applicant for a pension, is the same, whose name appears upon the Master rolls of the 3rd Regt but I cannot myself determine the question of his identity.- The papers are herewith returned.
Very respectfully, 
Yr. obt St
G. G. Brewer.

J. L. Edwards, Esqr
Page 31

The Commis. of Pensions
[illegible] extract  will please give of the papers filed in the case of John Lowe for Pension, in 1839- +[and] since, showing when the application was made.  When allowed the amt. allowed, [lined through: and to whom paid]
W. Thomas
[illegible] of John  Lowe, [illegible]
Washington
[illegible] 20th 55
enclose to Dumfries Va
Page 32

Refd June [faint]
Seth M Thomas Sep
W F Purcell, [illegible]
1847. Same Oct 2d. 1847
Seal 30 Oct 1854
W. Thomas Jany 26. 1854.
Return to File,- Jun 18/lev-1

[page is torn in several places]
Page 33

John Lowe.  Va
Act 1832
Susp [illegible]  see letter to
John Williams 22 Feby
1839  Claimant 28
Mar 1839 - See Letter to 
W. Thomas Jan. 6. 1843
do. to [illegible] Hon. J. Talliaferro. 8:
March 1843.
Page 34


[entire document is very faint]

Brentoville, Pr. Wm.. County Va.
Sept 21 1857, [illegible]

Dear Sir
There is a suit in Chancery pending in  [illegible] Court of this county between the heir of John Lowe dec [illegible] and Wilemon Thomas the admor [illegible] of said John Lowe, in which there has been a decision [illegible] of the Court directing [illegible] as to Commission to state the admin acct of said Thomas. It appears that Thomas in the lifetime of Lowe presented before the Department a pension claim of said Lowe and got it allowed.  It is necessary for months ascertain the amt of the  pension inclusive of [illegible] drawn by Thomas and when; and also when the application for the pension was filed and when Mr. Lowes name was placed upon the pension roll.  There is also an [illegible] between the parties as to the amount that Thomas should be allowed as compensation for his service in obtaining said pension.  If there is anything in papers that will assist me in fixing the correct amt I will obliged to you for it.  Lowe was a revolutionary Soldier and the pension obtained between 1840 and 45 [illegible]  By giving this your immediate attention and furnishing the information desired you will much oblige the undersigned
Very respectfully
A. Wood [illegible]

To the Comm of Pensions
Page 35

Copied

Va  34713
Act 1832
John Lowes declaration

[illegible]
 80  Cap Anderson [illegible] 
Col. Ramsay
Md.

H. H Sylvester
Present [illegible]
Page 36

We Jesse E. Weems [illegible] + [and] Washington H-
Norrell residing in the County of Prince William hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Lowe who has subscribed + [and] sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy eight years eleven months +[and] some days of age that he is +[and] believes in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution +[and] that we concur in that opinion
J. E. Weems
N. H. Norvell
Subscribed +[and] sworn to before me this 2 February 1809
W. S.  Colugohousen [illegible]
 Justice Peace
for Prince Wm County
Virginia
and the said Couns [illegible] do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories preocction [illegible] by the War . Department that the above names applicant was a revolutionary
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Soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Jesse E Weems who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Prince William and W.H. Norvill is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Geo. G. Tyler
Virginia Prince William County Court, February 5. 1839
The declaration of John Lowe, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. was presented to the Court +[and] ordered to be certified. And the said Court do declare their opinion after the investigation of this matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he stated And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jesse E. Weems, who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Prince William, and that Washington H. Norvill is a credible person; + [and] that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John Williams, clerk of the Court of Prince William County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original of  -ceedings [text covered] said court in the matter of the application of John Lowe [text covered] ension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 5th day of February 1839
J Williams
Page 38

Brentsville Va.   Free
August 1st

Col. James L. Edwards.
Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington

[below written vertically]
Aug 3 / 47
[illegible] J Lowe decd
Page 39

Brentsville August- 1st 1843

Dear Sir
You will receive enclosed the evidence of my authority as admo. of John Lowe decd.  You will please your a certificate for his pay now due to me, as his adms.
Upon reflection I think it unimportant to wait for the return of the certificate delivered to Mr. Sylvester as it would have to be changed.
Please write me to Dumfries. this week
I am with high regard 
Yr Obt. Svt
Wileman Thomas.

Col. James L. Edwards
Page 40

[written vertically:]
Jan 24 1844.
Com 
John Lowe. dcd
Va.  [illegible]

[written horizontally:]
Honble. James L. Edwards.
Comiss. of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 41

Dear Sir
having been informed that some attempt has been made by the persons or their aids who attempted to a[illegible] me last spring in Prince William Virginia, to interfere with the claim which was paid to me as Administrator of John Lowe and  I have to state that I received the money due John Lowe. as a pension and had clearly a right to do so. as his admot. whether there was children living or not, and I am alone answerable to the parties who claim Lowes Estate and not to the Government - I acted under an authority of the Court - when I took out -letters of adm.. and I am accountable to that Court - for any improper conduct- which I may have been guilty of, it any, but I eny that there ever was any fraud committed or even intended by myself - or any other person. for my benefit, or with my knowledge, in which event I had much to loose [lose], and nothing to gain, as I had the right to draw the money without knowing there was no children living.  Doctor Crump, informed me when I called to see about this claim that if the child who is said to be living should call for the money they officer of the Court + [and] would be compeld [compelled] to pay the money to the child and look to me for it.  I hereby protest against such payments being made by the Government for the reason that I have received it legally, and shall dispose of it legally, and not, otherwise. in support of my position
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I would beg leave to refer your Honor to a letter and an opinion of the Hobl. Albin K. Parris dated Febry.. 19th 1842. in regard to the case of Sam Jeffers dcd in which he stated that under the law of 7th July 1840 the administrator may arrive [illegible] the pension due to a dcd [illegible]  person although children were living. his opinion was given on the 28th . Sept. 1841 in reply to the Comis..of Pensions
I have examined the act of Congress alluded to above, and find that the opinion of Mr. Paris, is founded on the law.  however I am disposed to correct any error that me have been committed in this case. if any it was certainly unintentional.  I am with high regard
Your obt. Svt-
Wilemon, Thomas.

Honble James L Edwards.
Comiss. of Pensions
Washington Jany..22nd 1844
Page 43

J Thos M Farrow red. of J L Edwards a certified copy ofThos. Williams certificate in the case of Mr  [John] Lowe committing the estate of Mr. Lowe to the hands of Wileman Thomas
Thos M Lander [illegible] May 14th 1844
Page 44

Virginia
Prince William County, to wit:
I John Williams Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Prince William, in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that on this 3d day of July 1843. in the said county court of Prince William certificate was granted unto Wileman Thomas for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of John Lowe decd in due form, and that said Wileman Thomas qualified as administrator of John Lowe decd according to law
In testimony whereof . I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said court this 1st day of August, 1843.
J. WIlliams C.C.
Page 45

[postmark] ANNAPOLIS MD JUL 22

Wileman Thomas, Esqr.
Dumfries, 
Virginia,

mail,

[illegible numbers]
Page 46

Land Office, Annapolis, 22nd July, 1840,
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 15th [illegible], addressed to the Auditor, has been handed me,  The records of the revolution in this office, have been very carefully examined, and the only person of the name of John Lowe, I find upon the rolls, appears to have enlisted, on the 1st day of May, 1777, in the 3rd Regiment (Regular troops) and was discharged in 1780, -  You state, that he enlisted in the 4th Regt., but I do not find the name of John Lowe, upon the rolls of that Regiment, --I would also further state, that I have examined, and do not find upon any of the rolls, the names of any of the Soldiers, with whom he alleges to have served, - I am therefore inclined to think, that he may have served in some one of the Militia Corps,-  Cannot he state, the names of the officers under whom he served, - the Captain for instance, I should think, he would certainly recollect the name of his Captain, - If so, and will inform me his name, I think it probable, I can furnish him with some information in relation to his service, - he may be the same John Lowe, that served in the 3rd Regiment, as mentioned above, for aught I know, - but a certificate form that role, would not enable him to obtain a pension, without he produces evidence of his identity;
Very respectfully yrs,
J. J. Brewer

Wileman Thomas, Esqr.