Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,317, Peter Wells, Md.
Page 1

MD
Wells, Peter
Number R 11.317
Page 2

State of Indiana
Warren County

On this 3rd day of July, AD. 1804 personally appeared before me { } Judge { } and for said county, Peter { }, aged Seventy-five years on the 23rd day of October.
Page 3

This said declarant further declares, that his discharge
that he received from Captain Burgisson aforesaid for
as discharge for the nine months service that he performed
in the war of the revolution, was consumed by fire
together with houses, more than fifty years ago
The continental troops that this declarant served
with were General Morgans Riflemen The regular
officers that served with the troops that this declarant
belonged to were General Morgan who commanded the Riflemen
and Major Byardson Bayard, Colonel or Capt
Howard of the Maryland line, That he this
declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity, except the present and
declares that his his name is not on the pension roll
of any Agency of any State. Peter X ^his mark^ Wells
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
William Wilmeth Probate Judge

N.B. the name of the captain alluded to may be spelled
Parkinson or Parkison

We Daniel Harecourt
a Clergyman residing in Vermilion Co & Daniel Mossbargar
[illegible] for the same do hereby certify that: we are well acquainted with Peter
Wells, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be Seventy five years of
age on the 23rd of October 1834. That he is reputed &
believed to have been a Soldier of the revolution in the
neighbourhood where he resides and that We
concur in that opinion  Daniel Harcourt
Daniel X ^his mark^ Mossbargar
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Page 4

The following are the interogatories [interrogatories] 
prescribed by the War Department and the
answers correctly written as propounded. 
[illegible] I was born in Bucks County in the 
State of Pennsylvania, in the AD 1759. I have 
a record of my sons. 2nd. I was living when 
called into the Service of the United States in the war 
of the Revolution, in Fredericks County, Maryland. 
I have lived since the Revolutionary War, a part of 
the time in state of Maryland, a part in Ross County 
State of Ohio, and the three last past years in the 
State of Indiana. I now reside in Warren County 
Indiana. 4th. I was drafted. 5th Regular 
on continental officer were General Morgan 
& Major Byand or Bayard (Mullilea Colonel
Norman Bruce) Maryland line  Col or Capt
Howard) Millelea, the company that I belonged
to Captain Thomas Purgission Lieutenant Havim
Einsign Benjamin Lefferson
Peter X^his mark^ Wells
Sworn and Subscribed this 3rd day of July 1834
William Wilmeth J.P.

Personally appeared before me the undersigned
Probate Judge in and for the said county of Warren
the above named applicant for a pension for service
rendered during the war of the revolution, who deposeth
and saith upon his oath that he is unable
to attend any court where he has to go to conform to
to regulations of the war department, In consequence
of his infirmity: he being nearly Seventy five years of
age has loss one of his legs. He this declarant [illegible] has
broken was out against the Brittish [British] in the late
War in the company of Captain Morgan at
Chilacothe [Chillicothe] guarding the Prisoners that was taken
on Lake Erie by Comander [Commander] Perry as a Substitute
and by Standing guard caught cold in his leg
Page 5

that had been broken, and his leg martified [mortified] and had to be cut off
after he was discharged And in his other leg he is afflicted
with Reumatism [Rheumatism] so at times he is unable to for
use it. He resides sometimes in the upper end of Vermilion
County Indiana and unable to hire a horse or wagon
to haul him to the place of holding court in that
county it being about Seventeen miles distance
therefore this declarant is obliged to go the nearest
place where he could get his business transacted for
him Peter X ^his mark^ Wells
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 3d day of July 1834.
William Wilmith J.P.

I William Wilmeth Probate Judge in for said
County do hereby certify that Peter Wells who is
an applicant for a pension from the United States
for Services rendered during the War of the Revolution
is unable to attend, the court of which I am a Judge
from bodily infirmity which he has described in affidavit
above written and I do further declare my
oppinion [opinion] after puting [putting] the interagatories [interrogatories] prescribed
by the War Department, that the above named
applicant was a Soldier of the Revolution and
served as he states, and I further certify that it
appears to me, that Daniel Harecourt, who has
signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident
in Vermillion Co, Ia and that Daniel Mossbargar
who has Signed the same, is resident in said County
and is a credible person, and their statements is entitled
to credit, William Wilmeth, PJP.

State of Indiana} Sct
Warren County}
I James Cunningham Clerk of the
Circuit Court in and for said county, do hereby certify
that William Wilmeth, before whom the foregoing proceeding
appear to have been had, was at the time thereof a 
Judge of the probate court of Said county, and that the
Signatures annexed purporting to be his are genuine
IN testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the
seal of said court and subscribed my name this
5th day of August 1834
James Cunningham, Clerk
Page 6

Peter Wells
Letter form the Secy of War
transmitting a report of the
commissioner of Pensions, in the case
of Peter Wells

Apl 20 1836
Rep to Com on Rev Pensions
May 31 1836
Com "duch" to be

24th
Page 7

War Department
April 16: 1836

Sir,
I transmit herewith a report
of the Commissioner of Pensions, in answer to
a resolution of the House of Representatives,
calling for the papers in the case of Peter Wells.
Very respectfully
Your ob Serv
Lew Cass

Hon. James K Polk
Speaker of the
House of Reps.
Page 8

War Department
Pension office
April 15. 1836.

Sir,

In obedience to a resolution
of the House of Representatives of the
11th inst. I have the honor to transmit
herewith the papers in the case of Peter Wells.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully 
Your Obt Servt.
J L Edwards

Hon. Lewis Cass}
Secretary of War.}
Page 9

[crossed out: Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.]

11.317
P.O. _____
Peter Wells of Ind
Service: Prv Colo  Bruce M[illegible]

Enlisted: _____
Discharged: _____
[diagonally here: REJECTED]

Application filed: _____

Alleges: _____

Re-Enlisted: _____

Attorney: _____
P.O. _____

_____ Recognized. _____ Con[page cut off here]
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____ , 1[page cut off here]
Page 10

31.793
Peter Wells
Indiana

[vertically on the page, follows]

War Department, City of
Washington. Pension Office,
Revolutionary Claim,
Page 11

Baltimore Warren Co Indiana
August 5th 1834

D Sir
I herewith transmit to the Department
the papers of Mr Peter Wells, an applicant for
a pension for Services rendered during the War
of the Revolution When examined please to communicate
to John B. King, Baltimore Warren Co
Indiana
Yours Very Respectfully
John B. King -

J.L. Edwards
Page 12

State of Indiana
Warren County set}

Personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, Robert Beavers, who being duly sworn, according to law, Deponent and saith,  That he has been acquainted with Peter wells, whom he is informed is an applicant, for a pension, for services by him rendered in the war of the Revolution, for about thirty three years last past.  He first became acquainted with said Wells, in Hampshire county, Virginia, he being my nearest neighbor then.  I always heared him reputed an believed in the neighbourhood in Hampshire County, Virginia, to have been an honest respected man; and entirely a moral man, and there believed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary Army that he perfectly well recollects to have heared at a certain time-some thirty one years since, near the time of elections in Virginia-when politics run high between the Federal and Republican parties- to have heard this deponent’s father in the law, remark together with old W. Monroe, that there was Peter Wells, meaning this said applicant, and Peter McMahan and John Boyd who had fought hard in the Revolutionary War, who was not entitled to vote on account of the property qualification that is required by the laws of Virginia,  This said Deponent h Father in the law being a soldier of the revolutionary army. The said McMahan now resides at Cumberland Alaghany County, in the State of Maryland, and is a pensioner of the United States, and further Deponent saith not.
Robert Beavers

Sworn and subscribed to this 22nd day of July, 1835 before me.
John B. King, J.P.
Page 13

We certify that Robert Beavers is a credible person
whose statement is entitled to credit for truth and
varacity. [veracity]
JOhn B. King, J.P.
William Wilmeth, P.J.

State of Indiana,
Warren County, set.}

I, James Cunningham,
Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county,
do hereby certify that, John B. King, before whom
the within affidavit appears to have been made,
was at the time thereof to wit the  22d day of
July, 1835, an Acting justice of the Peace in and
for said county, duly commissioned, and qualified
as such; and that the signature purporting to be his, are genuine; also the signature to the within
certificate of credibility purporting to be William
Wilmeth, Probate Judge of said County, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed the seal
of said court at Williamsport, this 30th
day of July, 1835.
James Cunningham Clerk

[hand drawn cloud with the word Seal inscribed inside to left of above testimony]
Page 14

Peter Wells
Indiana
act 7 June 1832
11317
original papers in
this case sent to
the House of Reps.
under the resolution
of April 1836

8.19.45
8.10.9-27-
2.9-32-17
3-11-33
Page 15

State of Indiana
Warren county SS}
Personally appeared before
the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for
said county Joseph Coughron who after being
duly sworn deposeth and saith, that, he has
been acquainted with Peter Wells 20 years
past and has often heard. him say he was in
the War of the Revolution, that has heard Peter
Wells state that he had served in the War of the
Revolution, had he helped to guard the British
Prisoners that were taken at York town being the
prisoners of Cornwallis taken by the American
troops to Nolens ferry on the Potomac river
which said prisoners I verily believe I helped to
guard at Manchester Barracks, Virginia, from
the number he stated to me, being seven or eight
hundred and further this deponent saith not
Joseph Coughron

Sworn and subscribed this 
27th day of July A D 1834
before me. John B King
Justice of the Peace..

I certify that Joseph Caughron is a credible
person and that his statement is entitled to credit
John B King J P.

State of Indiana
Warren County SS}

I James Cunningham
clerk of the circuit court of said county, do hereby 
certify that John B. King before whom the above
affidavit appears to have been made, was on the
27th day of July A.D. 1834 an acting Justice
Page 16

Of the Peace in and aforesaid county duly commissioned and qualified as such such and I believe the signatures above purporting to be his is genuine.

  (SEAL)        In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this 24th of July 1834.
                      James Cunningham. Clerk
                      Mr James Todd. Deputy

(The seal was hand drawn half circles to form a circular seal with the initials L.L. In the middle.)
Page 17

Peter Wells
——————
The petition of Peter wells of Indiana a Revolutionary soldier asking to be placed upon the pension roll. Colonel illegible too light Md
———————————————————————-
April 11. 1836
Rep to Court Rev pensions
                       ===
                     


Hannejan. 153. Rev Pa
Page 18

To the Senate
and House of Representatives of the
United Stated in Congress assembled -
The petition of the undersigned Revolutionary
Soldier would represent that whereas your
petitioner has rendered services in the War of
the Revolution, in defence of the liberties, of his
country, against the urgent aggressions of the
crown, of Great Brittain, [Britain] and at this period
of his life, his reduced to a State of abject
poverty and dependence; He being one Old
infirm decreped [decrepit] man; who has spent his better
days in defence, of his much beloved country
in defending, the Frontier, and Atlantic the
later in the Revolutionary War, and the former in 
late War which will more fully appear by
reference to his papers which remain on the
files of the War office; which he would suggest
might be examined in the investigation his claim
to a pension for the services above alluded to,
and your petitioner being fully pensioned if
his claims were fairly presented to the representative
of a greatful [grateful] people, that they would be allowed
and a relief would be granted that would
Smooth the rugged path, of declining age and
in gratitude for those who has born armes [arms]
in defence of their country, and your petitioner 
will ever pray &c.  
Peter X ^his mark^ Wells
Page 19

[upside down on the page, follows]
Secretary of War
City of Washington D.C.
Revolutionary Claim

[right side up, follows]
Hannegan
Page 20

[upside down on the page, follows]
Hannegan

[right side up, follows]
Free }Secretary of War
City of Washington D.C.
Revolutionary Claim

Battimore IA
Sept 22nd 1834
Page 21

State of Indiana}
Warren County}SS

Be it known that on this 18th day of
September 1834, Personally appeared before me John
B. King, a Justice of the peace, in and for Said county,
Peter Wells, Whom after being duly Sworn, according to
law -Deposeth & Saith, that he never intended to
convey the language, or information that he was drafted
expressly for the purpose [illegible] the prisoners taken at
York Town during the war of the Revolution But [illegible, page torn]
he was drafted for nine months (or Served nine months)
do go against the enemies, of the United States dur[cut off here]
the Revolutionary War And that the guarding of
the prisoners alluded to in his declaration was only
a causual part of his Services during the nine
months, he served in the above named war,
Peter X ^his mark^ Wells

Sworn & Subscribed before me On day and Year above mentioned
John B. King J Peace

I do hereby certify that at time I drew the declaration
of the above named Peter Wells I did not
understand him, that he was drafted expressly to guard
the prisoners taken at York Town But that he was 
drafted in the Spring of 1781. To march against the
enemies of the United States And the guarding of the
prisoners alluded last was a casual part of his Services
the last part of the Said Services that he was marched
back from guarding the prisoners afrsd to the place where
he was drafted and there discharged by his officer
and I further [illegible] him to be a credible [illegible]
person whose statements are entitled to credit, If are
or has accused I do not believe it to be the [illegible] of Mr
Wells - Its an error of mine and not [illegible] by the Judge
Mr Wells at the time he was serving and en[illegible]
John B. Kings J.P.
Page 22

State of Indiana}
Warren County Ss}
I William Wilmeth Probate Judge
of the County and State aforesaid before whom the proof
of the declaration of Peter Wells and applicant for a pension
was taken do certify that on taking the proof or putting
the Interogatorries [Interrogatories] I did not understand the declarant that
he was drafted for that Express purpose of guarding the
prisoners but for the purpose of giveing [giving] a better history of
his Revolutionary services refered [referred] to the prisoners taken at
York Town being the prisoners whom he helped to guard
when on their march It being a casual part of his Services
during the nine months he was drafted for
This 19th day of Sept. A.D. 1834} William Wilmeth, Probate Judge

State of Indiana}
Warren County} Sct
I James Cunningham 
clerk of the circuit court, in & for said County do
hereby certify that John B. King, before whom the preceding
affidavits, of Peter Wells appears to have been
made was at the time thereof [illegible] the 18th day of
September A.D. 1834 an acting Justice of the peace
duly commissioned & qualified. And that the Signature
to the Said affidavits and certificate are the genuine
Signatures (as I believe of Said King.) And that the Signature
to the above certificate purporting to be the Signature
of William Wilmeth Probate Judge &c. is genuine-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my name and affixed the Seal of Said
court this 20th day of September 1834
James Cunningham Clerk
Page 23

Dear Sir

Any communication [illegible] Department may
return in answer to that please direct it to
Baltimore Warren CountyInd.
Yours Respectfully
John B. King
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Page 24

State of Indiana}
Warren County Sct.}

On this 22 day of July 1835 personally
appeared, before William Wilmeth probate Judge in
and for the County and State aforesaid Peter Wells, aged
Seventy Six years, an old infirm man, quite unable to
appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, resident
of Vermillion County Indiana, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on this oath make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the
service of the United States, under the following, named
officers, and served as herein stated - To wit, in the Company
commanded by Captain Thos Parkinson, Lieutenant
Havins, Ensign Jefferson in the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Norman Bruce. Declarant intered [entered] the said
service at a place called Tawney Town [Taneytown], in the State of Maryland, marched from thence about the first of March
1781, to Pipe Creek station. There stationed the length of
time not recollected, from thence to Anteetum, there stationed,
or encamped, form thence to Back Creek, there stationed
for the purpose of keeping down the Quakers that
were disaffected to the cause of the United States and to
guard the maneuvors [maneuvers] of the tories and British in the
vicinity. There joined Genl Morgans Riflemen, together
with Major Byard and Col. Howard of the Maryland
Line, were marched from thence to Fredericktown, there 
stationed untill [until] the British were taken at Yorktown - Declarant
was employed to guard said British prisoners, about
Seven or eight hundred of them being marched to Frederick
Town, and there guarded.- Marched from thence to guard
siad prisoners to Nolens Ferry on the Potomac River where
the Virginia troops took charge of them, on their way to Winchester
Barracks in Virginia, declarant were marched
back to Fredericktown from thence to Tawneytown, [Taneytown] and
Page 25

there discharged by his Captain, one or two days before
Christmas 1781. were drafted for nine months a private
and served not less than nine months in said tour. The
regular officers that declarant served with was General
Morgan, Major Byard, and Colonel Howard, the militia
Regt that served with and knew, was General
Bell, Colonel McGruder, Colonel Bruce, Capt Dickend; 
Captain Purkisson, [Parkison] Lt. Havine, Ensign Jefferson
and Lt Elisha Williams, that he has no documentary
evidence of his services, and he knows of no person living
whose testimony, he can procure who can testify
to his services, - He hereby relinquishes every claim
to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares,
that his name, is not on the pension Roll of the
agency of any State
Peter X ^his mark^ Wells

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Before me
William Wilmeth P. J.

Interogatories [Interrogatories] prescribed by the War Department -
Question first - Ans - I was born in Bucks County
in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1759; I 
have a record of my age at my home, (2nd) I was living
in Frederick County in the State of Maryland, I 
have lived since the Revolutionary war in the States
of Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio; I now reside in
Vermilion County Indiana. (3rd) I was drafted as
a minute man for the term of nine months, The Names
of the Regular troops that I served with were General
Morgans Riflemen, Colonel Howard, and Major Byard
of the Maryland line. Militia Regt General
Bell, Colonel Bruce, Colonel McGruder, Capt Dickens,
Capt Parkinson, Lieutenant Having, Ensign Jefferson, 
Lieutenant Elisha Williams. That he has
Page 26

no documentary evidence of his services, that he knows of no
person living by whom he can prove his services. He particularly
refers to his papers on file, for a more particular
history of his case
Peter X ^his mark^ Wells

Sworn and subscribed this 22nd day of July 1835 before me
William Wilmeth P. J.

I, William Wilmeth, Probate Judge of the County of Warren
do hereby Certify, that Peter Wells, resides in Vermilion
County Indiana in the north end of said County near the line
dividing said Vermilion and Warren Counties about Sixteen
miles from the County seat of said Vermilion County, and
about 18 or 19 miles from the Court house, or County seat of
Warren County, that he is an old infirm man, unable to appear
in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, having
but one leg, the other being amputated, and
having no means to hire a Waggon [Wagon], or other 
meas of conveyance, to enable him to appear
in open court; and do further declare my
opinion, after putting the interrogatories prescribed
by the War Department and fully
investigating the matter, that the above
named applicant was a soldier of the revolution
and served as he states.
William Wilmeth
Probate Judge
of Warren Co

State of Indiana, Warren County, Sct 
I, James Cunningham, Clerk of the Warren
Circuit Court, in and for said County,
do hereby certify, that William Wilmeth, before
whom the foregoing proceedings appear
to have been had, was at the time
thereof, an acting Probate Judge of the
County, aforesaid, duly commissioned
Page 27

And qualified, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine signatures
       In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 30 day of July 1835
James Cunningham, Clerk

He made a circle and wrote seal in the middle
Page 28

State of Indiana}
Warren County Sct}

Personally appeared before the
undersigned Justice of the peace
in and for said County Robert Beavers, who
being duly sworn according to law deposeth and
saith, That he had been acquainted with Peter Wells whom
he is informed is an applicant, for a pension, for services
by him rendered in the War of the Revolution, For about
thirty three years last past, He first became acquainted
with Said Wells, in Hampshire County Virginia
he being my nearest neighbor there, I always heard
him reputed and believed in the neighbourhood in
Hampshire Co Virginia, to have been an hones respectable
man, and entirely a moral man, and there believed
to have been a Soldier of the Revolutionary army
That he perfectly well recollects, to have heard at a certain
time some thirty one years since near
time of elections in Virginia, When politics run high
between the Federal and Republican parties, to have 
heard this deponant father in the law, remark together
with old Mr Monroe, That there was Peter
Wells meaning this said applicant, and Peter McMahan
and John Boyd who had fought hard in
the Revolutionary War, who was not entitled to vote on
account of the property qualification that is required
by the laws of Virginia. This said deponants Father
in the law being a soldier of the Revolutionary
army, The Said McMahan now resides at Cumberland
Alaghany County in the State of Maryland and
is a pensioner of the United States,
and further Deponant Saith not.
Robert Beavers
Sworn and subscribed to this 22 day of July 1835
before me John B King clk
I Certify that Robert Beavers is a credible person whose statements
is entitled to credit for truth and varacity. [veracity]
John B. King JP
Wm Wilmeth P.J.
Page 29

State of Indiana}
Warren County Sct.}
I James Cunningham
Clerk of the circuit court in and for Said county,
do hereby certify that, John B. King, before whom
the within affidavit appears to have been made
was at the time thereof To wit the 22nd day of
July 1835, an acting Justice of the peace
in an for said county duly commissioned and
qualified as such, and that the Signatures
purporting to be his, are genuine also the Signature
to the within certificate of credibility
purporting to be William Wilmeth probate Judge of Said
county is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed
the seal of said court at Williamsport
this 30th day of July 1835
James Cunningham Clerk
Page 30

State of Indiana }
Warren County Sct}
On this 22 day of July, 1835
personally appeared before William Wilmeth probate
Judge in and for the county and State aforesaid
Peter Wells, aged Seventy Six years, an old infirm
man quite unable to appear in court by
reason of bodily infirmity, resident of Vermillion County
Indiana, Who being first duly Sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th
1832 That he entered the Service of the United States under the
following named officers, and served as herein stated
To wit in the company commanded by Captain Thos
Parkesson, Lieutenant Hains, Ensign Jefferson, in
the Regiment commanded by Colonel Norman Bruce
Declarant entered the Service at a place called Tareney
Town in the State of Maryland, marched from thence
about the first of March, 1781, to Pipe Creek Station
There Stationed the length of time not recollected from
thence to Anteetuim, there Stationed, or encamped, from
thence to Back Creek, there Stationed for the purpose
of keeping down the quakers that were disaffected
to the cause of the United States, and to guard the
maneuvers of the tories and Brittish, in the vicinity
There joined Genl Morgans Riflemen together with
Anasser Byard, and Colonel Howard of the Maryland
[illegible-crossed out] marched from thence to Fredericktown, there stationed
until the Brittish were taken at Yorktown
declarant was employed to guard said Brittish 
prisoners, about seven or eight hundred of them
being marched to Fredericktown, and there guarded
Marched from thence to guard Said prisoners to Nolens 
Ferry on the Potomac river where the Virginia
Page 31

troops took charge of them, on their way to Winchester
Barracks in Virginia, declarant was marched
back to Fredericktown from thence Taneytown
and there discharged by his captain one or two days
before Christmas 1781 were drafted for nine
months a private and served not less than nine
months on said tour. The Regular officers that
declarant served with was General Morgan
Major Byard and Colonel Howard, the malitia [militia]
Regt that severed with and knew, was General Bell
Colonel McGruder, Colonel Bruce, Capt Dickens,
Captain Parkisson, L1 Hannes, Ensign Jefferson
& Lt Elisha Williams, that he has no documentary
evidence of his Services, and he knows of no person
living whose testimony he can procure who can 
testify to his Services, He hereby relinquishes every
claim to a pension, or annuity, except the present
and declares that his name, is not on the pension
Roll of the agency of any state.
Peter X ^his mark^ Wells
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me
William Wilmeth P. J.
Interogatories [Interrogatories] prescribed by the War Department
Question first) ans) I was born in bucks County in the state
of Pennsylvania, in the year 1759; I have a record of my age
at my home, (2nd) I was living in Frederick County in
the State of Maryland, I have lived Since the Revolutionary
war in the states of Maryland Virginia and
Ohio I now reside in Vermilion County Indiana (3rd.) I was Drafted as a minute man for the term
of nine months, The Names of the Regular troops that I Served
with were General Morgan, Rifflemen; Colonel Howard,
and Major Byard of the Maryland line, Militia Regts
General Bell, Colonel Bruce, Colonel McGrudr, Capt
Dickens Capt Parkisson, Lieutenatn Havens, Ensign
Page 32

Jefferson, Lieutenant Elisha Williams, That he has no
documentary evidence of his Services, that he knows of
no person living by whom he can prove his Services,
He particularly refers to his papers on file, for a more
particular history of his case
Peter + ^his mark^ Wells
Sworn and Subscribed this 22nd day of July 1835
before me
William Wilmeth P. J.

I William Wilmeth, Probate Judge of the County of Warren
do hereby certify, that Peter Wells resides in Vermilion
County Indiana in the north and of Said County near
the line, dividing Said Vermilion, and Warren Counties
about Sixteen miles from the county Seat of Said Vermilion
County, and about 18 or 19 miles from the court house
or County seat of Warren County, that he is an old
infirm man; unable to appear in court by reason
of bodily infirmity, Having but one leg the other
being amputated, and having no means to hire a waggon [wagon]
or other means of Conveyance, to enable him to appear
in open court and do further declare my
opinion after putting the interogatories [interrogatories] prescribed by
War Department and fully investigating the matter
that the above named applicant was a Soldier of the
Revolution and Served as he States
William Wilmeth } Probate Judge of Warren Co
Page 33

State of Indiana }
Warren County Sct}
I James Cunningham
Clerk of the Warren circuit court in and
for Said County do hereby certify that William
Wilmeth before whom the foregoing proceedings
appear to have been had was
at the time thereof, an acting Probate
Judge of the County aforesaid duly commissioned
and qualified, and that the Signatures
purporting to be his are his genuine Signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand, and affixed
the seal of Said Court this
30th day of July 1835
James Cunningham Clerk
Page 34

State of Indiana }
Warren County SS }
Personally appeared before
the Subscriber a Justice of the peace, in and for Said county,
Joseph Caughron who after being duly Sworn
deposeth and Saith, that, he has been acquainted with Peter Wells
20 years past & has often heard him say he was in the War of the Revolution that has heard Peter Wells
State that he had Served in the War of Revolution
that he helped to guard the British Prisoners that
was taken at Yorktown being the prisoners of
Cornwallis taken by the American troops to
Nolens fery [ferry]on the Potomack [Potomac] river which said
prisoners I verily believe I helped to guard at
Winchester Barracks Virginia from the number he
stated to me being Seven or eight hundred
and further that deponant Saith not
Joseph Caughron
Sworn and Subscribed this 27th day of July
AD 1834 before me John B King J Peace

I certify that Joseph Caughron
is credible person, and that 
his statement is entitled to credit
John B. King JP

State of Indiana }
Warren County Sct }
I James Cunningham clerk
of the circuit court of Said County, do hereby certify
that John B. King, before whom the above affidavits
appear to have been made, was on the 27th
day of July AD. 1834, an acting Justice of the
peace in and for Said County duly commissioned
and qualified as such and I believe the
Signatures above purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name, and affixed the Seal
of Said court this 29th of July 1834
James Cunningham Clerk
[illegible] James Ford, Dep.
Page 35

State of Indiana
Warren County

On this 3rd day of July AD 1834 personally appeared before me William Wilmeth probate Judge in and for said county Peter Wells aged seventy-five years on the 23 day of October next, who being by me duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7, 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, (to wit), Captain Thomas Purgisson commanded the company that this said declarant belonged to, Lieutenant Havins, Ensign Benjamin Jefferson, in the regiment or battalion commanded by Colonel Norman Bruce. This said declarant entered the service of the United States about the middle of March AD 1781 at a place called Tawney Town in Frederick County in the State of Maryland where he this declarant then resided. He was marched from thence down through the country to Frederick Town, there stationed to guard the British prisoners being the prisoners that was taken at Cornwallis's defeat about seven or eight hundred in number. This declarant marched from Frederick Town with the British Prisoners for the purpose of guarding them to Nolen's Ferry on the Potomac River where the Virginia troops received them, and they were marched into Virginia to some barracks of name of which I have forgotten, there to be kept. This declarant was marched back again to Frederick Town aforesaid from thence to Tawney town aforesaid where this declarant was discharged by Captain Purgisson.
Page 36

aforesaid a day or two days before Christmas 1781. This said declarant was drafted, served nine months a private in the company aforesaid on the abovementioned tour.

This said declarant further declares that his discharge that he received from Captain Purgisson aforesaid on discharge from the nine months service that he performed in the war of the revolution was consumed by fire together with house, more than fifty years ago. The continental troops that this declarant served with were Generals Stone and Rifleman. The regular officers that served with the troops that this declarant belonged to were General Morgan who commanded the Rifleman and Major Byard or Bayard, Colone or Capt. Howard of the Maryland line. That he this declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state.

Peter Wells
His X Mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

William Wilmeth
Probate Judge

N.B. The name of the captain alluded to may be spelled Parkinson or Purkison.

We Daniel Harcourt, a clergyman residing in Vermilion County & Daniel Mossbarger residing in the same do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Peter Wells who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy-five years of age on the 23rd of October 1834. That he is reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the revolution in the neighborhood where he resides and that we concur in that opinion.

Daniel Harcourt
Daniel Mossbarger
His X Mark
Page 37

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

The following are the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and the answers correctly written propounded.

To Wit 
1st - I was born in Bucks County in the state of Pennsylvania, in the AD 1759, I have a record of my at my sons.
2nd - I was living when called into the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution in Frederick County, Maryland, I have lived since the revolutionary war a part of the time in state of Maryland and a part in Ross County State of Ohio, was the three last past years in the state of Indiana. I now reside in Warren County Indiana.
4th - I was drafted.
5th - Regular or continental officers were General Morgan & Major Byard, or Mayard, Militia Colonel Norman Bruce, Maryland Line, Col or Captain Howard (Militia the company that I belonged to Captain Thomas Purgisson, Lieutenant Havins, Ensign Benjamin Jefferson 7th.

Peter Wells
His X Mark

Sworn & subscribed the 3rd day of July 1834.

William Wilmeth, P.J.

Personally appeared before me the undersigned Probate Judge in and for the said county of Warren, the above named applicant for a pension for service rendered during the war of the revolution, who deposeth and saith upon his oath that he is unable to attend any court where he has to go to confirm to the regulations of the war department in consequence of his infirmity he being nearly seventy-five years of age has lost one of his legs. He this declarant had his leg broken was out against the British in the late war in the company of Captain Morgan at Chillicothe guarding the prisoners that was taken on Lake Erie by Commadore Perry as a substitute & by standing guard caught cold in his leg that had
Page 38

been broken and his leg mortified and had to be cut off after he was discharged. And in his other leg he is afflicted with the rheumatism so at times he is unable for use it. He resides sometimes in the upper end of Vermillion County, Indiana and unable to hire a horse or wagon to haul him to the place of holding courts in that county it being about seventeen miles distance, therefore this declarant is obliged to go the nearest place where he could get his business transacted for him.

Peter Wells
His X Mark

Sworn & subscribed before me this 3rd ay of July 1834.  William Wilmeth - P.J.

I William Wilmeth, Probate Judge in and for said county do hereby certify that Peter Wells who is an applicant for a pension from the United States for service rendered during the war of the revolution is unable to attend the court of which I am a judge from bodily infirmity which he has described in affidavit above written. And I do further declare my opinion after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states and I further certify that it appears to me that Daniel Harcourt who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in Vermillion County Indiana and that Daniel Mossbarger who has signed the same is resident in said county and is a credible person & their statements is entitled to credit.

William Wilmeth - PJ

State of Indian, Warren County

I James Cunningham, clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county do hereby certify that William Wilmeth before whom the foregoing proceedings appears to have been had was at the time thereof a judge of the probate court of said county and that the signatures annexed purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said court & subscribed my name this 5th day of August 1834.

James Cunningham - Clerk
SEAL
Page 39

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES.        
DIVISION OF VETERANS’ ADMINISTRATION
ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME —-Wells, Peter—GRADE—Private-LIne——New Hampshire

WARRANT NUMBER—-3547—ACREAGE———-100——ISSUED Apr. 13, 1796————-
To John Smith, assignee 

——-
* The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.   Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.   Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.