Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4573, for Richard Roberts, Virginia
Page 1

SERVICE
Va.
Roberts, Richard
alice
NUMBER
W.4573
CONTENTS
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[left panel]
Virginia 3637
Alice Roberts
widow of Richard Roberts
who died on the Sept. 1831
of Bedford Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Moore of the regt. commanded
by [blank] in the Va. militia
[crossed out: line] for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 10 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12. day of Nov. 
1841 and sent to R.H.Gray
Lynchburg. V.a

Arrears to the 4th of 4. Sep. 1841 210.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4. Nov. 42.   10.00

$220.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3.}

Recorded by Le Brown Clerk.
Book C. Vo. 1. Page 172

[right panel]

agent notified
Letter to R. Whiting 83d audi [audit]
22d Nov 1843

Paid at the Treasury under the act of C. april 1838 from 4t [illegible] 1841 to 4. Sep 1842. agt notified 10. april 1844

Paid as above. from 4th Sept. 1843 to 4 mach. 1844. agent notified 10 Apl 1846
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[left side of page is very faded]

[illegible] Roberts the son 
of pichard [Richard] Roberts was born
In th [the] year of 17 Day of 
Jne [June] 1780

Thos. Roberts was born
in the year of 1782 on the. 
21 Day may. 1782

John Roberts the son of 
Richard Roberts was born
[illegible] 10 Day march 178
David Roberts was born in January 15 1788

Gorge Roberts was born
29 Day of October 1789

Richard Roberts was born
the 2[illegible] of may 1792
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Thomas Roberts

Roberts, Richard
Va. W 4573
Page 5

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 17 day of June 1841, befor me Lewis C Arthur a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, personally appeared Ms Alice Roberts Aged 78 years; a respectable resident of said County; who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836: That she is the widow of Richard Roberts decd of said County, who was a private in the Revolutionary war, and served three several, and and distinct tours of duty: Vig, the first tour that her husband the said Richard Roberts performed, was out against the Indians on the Frontier on the Holston River and was stationed the greater part of the time at the lead mines in Wythe County Va. The Second tour he served, was at the Battle of Guilford, under Capt Jacob Moore in march 1781 Capt Puller was in the same company with him the aforsaid Richard Roberts - capt. Moore was Killed, at said battle of Guilford. Her husband was also at the taking of Lord Cornwallis in Oct of the same year, that the battle of Guilford was and that her husband served nine months in the three tours - 3 months at each tour : and that at the taking of CornWallis her husband saw the British Genl hand the sword to Washington and when the British Soldiers laid down their Arms the Band of Music commanded playing. and Justice, that while her husband was gone to york, Mrs Betsy Adams now Mrs Betsy Hughes came and stayed with declarant occasionally: and that, on one of his tours, she the said Alice Roberts (whose maiden name was Hughes) went with her husband Rich.d Roberts, part of the way, with her child in her arms. And she further declares, that she was married
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to the said Richard Roberts in Hanover County Va by the Revd Dunlass, in the year 1779, and in the month of [blank], 3 mile from Hanover Town: that her husband the aforesaid Richard Roberts died on the 7th day of September 1831, and that she has remained a widow, ever since that period, as will more fully appear, by reference to the proof hereto annexed: That her husband could not write - but that the ages of their children was written down in the back of a surveying book. by Mr. Thos. Williams the schoolmaster of the neighbourhood - now taken out to be sent to the pension office - and further that her husband discharge at the Battle of Guilford has been lost or mislaid.
[crossed out: Alice Roberts]
Alice Roberts
[handwritten x]
her mark

witness
Thomas Roberts
R K Gray

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written by her mark Before me
Lewis C Arthur J.P.
Lewis C Arthur J.P.
[illegible],, Alice Roberts,, Signed twice

State of Virginia, Bedford County S. S.
I Lewis C Arthur a Justice of the peace in and for said county, do hereby Certify, that Ms Alice Roberts, who was this day sworn to, and subscribed by her mark the foregoing declaration; is the widow of Ricd Roberts decd of said County who died in 1831. and who was by reputation a soldier in Revo.y war That the said Alice Roberts whose maiden name was Hughes, has remained unmarried, ever since the death of her husband the aforesaid Richard Roberts as above to the [illegible] him, and is the identical person who is now claiming a pension as the widow of said Richd Roberts decd of said county That her declaration is [illegible] the truth, from which he has heard of said Roberts, Revo.s Service and that she is too infirm to attend court so great a distance. Given under my hand this 17 day of June 1841.
Lewis C Arthur JP.
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State of Virginia, Bedford County J.J.

On this 17 day of June 1841, before me Lewis C. Arthur a Justice of the peace, in and for said county personally appeared Mr Thos roberts, a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 59 years old and that he is the 2nd son of Rich.d Roberts, and Alice Roberts whose maiden name was Hughes ; that the above Family register containing the names and ages of the children of Richd and Alice Roberts ; to witt, Wm Roberts, born June 17th 1780, Thos. Roberts May 21st 1782, and also, mr David, George, and Richd Roberts; is the only Family registry, that ever was made of the ages of their children; and was recorded in the back of a Book, (Love on Surveying,) by Thos. Williams a school Master in the neighbourhood, when deponent was only 5 or 6 years old and from whence it was taken on the present occasion, to be sent to the pension department. And further, he has heard his father Richd Roberts, who married Alice Hughes of Hanover - say that he was at the lead mines in Wythe county Va three months against the Indians; that he served three months at the Battle of Guilford tour ; under Capt Jacob moor - who was Killed at said battle ; and that he served three months in the lower part of the State, and was at the Capture of Lord Cornwallis at yorktown: That his father saw the British Genl. hand his sword to Genl. Washington, and when the British soldiers laid down their Arms the Band of Music commenced playing: That his father died on the 7th day of Sept 1831, and that his mother Alice Roberts has remained a widow ever since: That he [illegible] has frequently read his father discharge at the Battle of Guilford which was for 3 months service under Capt Moor and signed by Bengamine [Benjamin] Rice the word "honorable" and "Battle of Guilford" was in the discharge, which has been lost or mislaid. 
Thomas Roberts
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written, Before me
Lewis C. Arthur JP.
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State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
2 Lewis C Arthur a Justice of the peace in and for said county, do hereby certify, that Mr Thos. Roberts who has this day sworn to and subscribed the within Affiant; is the son of of Richd Roberts decd. of said county who was by reputation a solider in the Revoy war. That the signature on the back of the family register above is genuine; and from what he Knows, and have heard of said Roberts services in the Revoy war that the Affidavit of Roberts contains substantially the truth, to the best of his Knowledge and belief. given under my hand this [black mark] day of June 1841.
Lewis C Arthur JP.

And I do further certify, that from his Knowledge of the said Thos. Roberts, that he is at least 59 years as stated in his Affidavit and Family Register attathed [attached], thereto with there [illegible] that the said Roberts is a man of truth, and that the above is no doubt a correct registry of of the names and Ages of the Children of Richd. Roberts decd. and Alice Roberts his present widow. Given under my hand this day and year above written.
Lewis C. Arthur J.P.
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State of Virginia, Bedford county S.S.
On this 17 day of June 1841, before me Lewis C. Arthur a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr Thomas Tucker a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say that he is 67 years old that he moved from Hanover to Bedford County in the year 1791, from within a mile of the place where Richd Roberts, was married to Alice Hughes, now Alice Roberts his present widow and that on his arrival in Bedford, Roberts and his present widow, had children at least 12 years old. Deponent has heard Richd Roberts talk a great deal about his revos services. That he told dep. he was out against the Indians on the frontier and was stationed at the lead mines in Wythe Co. - that he crossed the Holston River in persuit of the Indians, to the Copper Mountain - that they took a good many Indians prisoners, and Kept them prisoners at the point - that one of the men, shot one of the Indian prisoners, because his Brother had been Killed by them: That Roberts also told dep. that he was at the Battle of Guilford, and taking of Cornwallis that when the British surrendered at york, and laid down their Arms - the band of Music was played. And further dep. says, that Roberts had the Reputation among his neighbours - young and old, of having been in all the battles named above, lead mines, Guilford, and york - and dep. has no doubt of it himself, for Roberts was a [illegible] correct man in all respects, and would not wilfully tell a lie: that his widow Alice Roberts has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband - which was in 1831 - to the present time. and is the identi [faded ink: identical] person now claiming a pension.
Thomas Tucker
[handwritten x]
his mark
witness 
William Tucker
Sworn to and subscribed on the day mark and year above written - Before me Lewis C Arthur JP
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State of Virginia, Bedford county S.S.
On this 17 day of June 1841, before me Lewis C. Arthur a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Mr Joseph White a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 90 years old; that he was acquainted with Richard Roberts of said county, who married Alice Hughes of Hanover county Va in or about the year 1779 - ever since he dep. was a young man; and he recollects distinctly where he went down to Hanover, to marry his present widow Alice Roberts - (whose maiden name was Hughes) and when he brought him back: That after Roberts was married as aforesaid - dep. was called into service in the lower part of the state and was stationed at Pourtsmouth [Portsmouth] - and while there, he heard of the Battle of Guilford. Deponent White, was neither at Guilford, nor the taking of Cornwallis nor was he at home in Bedford, when the militia was called into service from said county to either place - hence he Knows nothing himself of said Roberts having been at those places; but have no doubt from what others say, that he was at both Guilford, and york - as on those occasions, all that was able to bear arms - with some exceptions was called out. But he dep. does Know, or recollect distinctly, that Richd Roberts did serve a tour of duty of three months, out against the Indians, at the lead mines, in Wythe Co, Va. On the frontier - and the deponents brother mr White was with said Roberts on said tour of service at the lead mines, under Capt. Shelby or Irvine And further that the said Richd was married 2 or 3 years before the battles of Guilford and york - but can not speak with any certainty as to their children: that the said Roberts died in the year 1831, and that his present widow
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Alice Roberts, has remained ever since to the present time the widow of said Richd Roberts decd of said County, and is the identical person who is now claiming a pension as such.
Joseph White
[handwritten x]
his mark

Sworn to and subscribed by his mark on the day and year above written before me
Lewis C. Arthur JP

In presence of 
Nancy Crouch
Penelope White
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State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 17 day of June 1841, before me Lewis C Arthur [difficult handwriting: Justice] of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Ms Betsy Hughes, a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath say - That she is 75 years old, that she was acquainted with Richard Roberts of said county, who married Alice Hughes of Hanover, from the time she could recollect at all - and she the dep. recollects when the said Roberts, was courting his present widow Alice Roberts whose maiden name was Hughes - that he went down to Hanover several times to see her, before they were married: and the she dep. recollects distinctly, when said Richd Roberts brought his present widow Alice Roberts, home from Hanover - which she thinks was in the years 1778 or 79 - for it was 2 or 3 years before the battle of Guilford and that he the said Roberts brought his wife Alice home from Hanover be. in a Cart - dep. being at her Grand Fathers when they passed the house. And further, dep. Knows when said Roberts lived close to dep and when he was called into service, with the rest of the malitia [militia] troops in Bedford, to go to Guilford and when he marched under Capt. Moor, who was Killed at Guilford. and that she thinks it was 3 months that Roberts served on said tour. and that on the Fall of the same year 1781, Roberts was again drafted, or volunteered to go to the taking of Cornwallis at the seige of york - and served 8 months on said occasion before he returned home -: dep. also says that she went frequently to stay with Ms Alice Roberts, while her husband Richd Roberts aforesaid was in service, on said occasion of taking Lord Cornwallis. and further she the dep. thinks that Roberts and wife hand one child when he went to Guilford, and two, when he went to york. That Alice Roberts aforesaid has remained unmarried ever since the death of husband. Richd
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Roberts - which was in 1831 - to the present time and is the same person who is now claiming a pension as the widow of the said Richd Roberts decd of said County and further that deponents maiden name was Adams.
Betsy Hughes
[handwritten x]
her mark
Witness 
[illegible] Hughes
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written - by her mark.
Before me Lewis C Arthur J.P.
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State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S
On this 18th day of June 1841, before me Reaves S. Scruggs a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Capt Thos Pulleu a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say 
That he is 78 old; that he was well acquainted with Richard Roberts of said county before he deponant was grown, and lived in the same neighbourhood with said Roberts up to the time of his death, which was in the year 1831. That the said Richd Roberts was several years older than deponant, and was more, and earlier in service. The only tour of duty [^deponant] served in The Roberts, was at the Battle of Guilford in March 1781; but that the said Richd Roberts also served a tour of duty out at the lead mines in Wythe County (on the then frontier) against the Indians - he was also at the Capture of Cornwallis in Oct 1781. That the said Richd Roberts, and deponant Pulleu belonged to Capt Jacob Moors company while in service on said tour of service to Guilford - and under the command of Col. Lynch. That after the action at Guilford, the British retreated, and the Americans pursued them across Deep River; but finding they could not overtake them, returned, and was discharged - some might have served less beponant [deponant], and said Richd Roberts served full Three months on said occasion - that they went together from Bedford, was together the whole time, and was discharged at the same time. And further, that when said Roberts went into service on said occasion to Guilford, he was a married man, and had he thinks two children. That the said Roberts was married to Alice Hughes of Hanover county Va during the war; And that his widow ALice [^Roberts] [crossed out: Hughes] has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband Richd Roberts as above, to the present time - and is the identical person who is now claiming a pension as the widow of said Richd Roberts decd [deceased] in caused
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[illegible] of said Roberts services in the Revos War. and that Roberts Col at lead mines was name Phelps. 
Thomas Ruller
The word deponant and Roberts
interlived before signed 
Reaves S. Scruggs J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Before me Reaves S. Scruggs J.P.

State of Virginia Bedford County S.S.
On this 18th day of June 1841, before me Reaves S. Scruggs a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr Abraham B Pulleu a respectable resident of said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is 48 years old - that he was acquainted with [^Richd Roberts] des [deceased] of said county [crossed out: county] who married Alice Hughes of Hanover - and who was by reputation a soldier in the Revos War - ever since he could well recollect. That he has frequently heard said Roberts tell of his Revos services - of which he was very fond of talking - that he Roberts told dep. that he served a tour out at the lead mines in Wythe Co; from which point the Americans made frequent excursions against the Indians, on the Frontier - on which occasion he seved [served] a full 3 months tour. And dep has also heard said Rich Roberts say that he was at both the battles of Guilford and Capture of Cornwallis - that Phelps was his Col. at the lead mines - Moor, was his Capt at Guilford, and that he saw the British Genl hand his sword to Genl Washington at yorktown - that he seved 3 ms each tour, at Guilford and york that in returning from lead mines - in pursuit of the Indians the americans had to steal their cause by the ninth [illegible] of the tress - which had moss on them. 
Abraham, B Pulleu
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Richd Roberts interlived before before me  Reaves S. Scruggs J.P.
signed Reaves S. Scruggs J.P.
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State of virginia, Bedford county S.S
On This 17 day of June 1841, before me Lewis C Arthur a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr Thos Austin, a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 75 years old and from the time he could recollect anything at all, he was acquainted with Richard Roberts of said county - and lived in the same neighbourhood with him untill his death which was in 1831: That he dep. has some recollection of said Roberts marching out against the Indians - during the Revos war - and was stationed at the lead mines in Wythe Co. Va - and as deponant understood served 3 months on said occasion under Capt [blank] That after said Roberts was married to his present widow Alice Roberts (whose maiden name was Hughes) he was called into service with the rest of the malitia Troop from Bedford Co. [illegible] go to the battle of Guilford in N.C. in March 1781 under Capt Jacob Moore who was Killed in said Battle; And that deponant recollects distinctly, when said Richd Roberts left home, and when he returned, and that he served a full tour of three. months service in said occasion. And further, that the said Roberts went again into service in the Fall of the same year 1781, in the lower part of the state; and was at the seige of york, and Capture of Lord Cornwallis; as he understood from Roberts and others - and that he was gone from two to three months from home on said tour of service; that the aforesaid Roberts was always called one of the Revos. soldier, and had the reputation of having seved [served] the above 3 tours at the lead mines, Guilford, and Capture of Cornwallis. That the aforesaid Richd Roberts, of whose services dep. Austin has been speaking - went down to Hanover county Va during the Revos war say in the year 1779; and was married to his present widow Alice Roberts; (whose maiden name was Hughes) he dep. recollects when he Roberts; went after, and when he returned with his wife - his present widow Alice Roberts; and
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he the dep. is very certain that said Roberts and wife, had 1 if not 2 children, at the time he went to the Battle of Guilford N.C. 1781 - That their oldest child was name William, who died when quite young; and that Thomas Roberts, the oldest son now living is about 60 years old. That Alice Roberts (whose maiden name was Hughes) the widow of the aforesaid Richd Roberts decd as above, has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid to the present time - and is the same person who is now claiming a pension, as the widow of said Richd Roberts decd. of said county. 
Thomas Austin
[handwritten x]
his mark

Witness
John [illegible]
Sworn to, and subscribed - by his mark - on the day and year above written
Before me
Lewis C. Arthur J.P.
Page 18

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
A [At] a regular court, holden in and for said county, At the court house, on Monday [blank] day of [blank] 1841. 
The declaration of Alice Roberts - Widow of Richd Roberts decd of said county - being read in open court, in order to obtain a pension from the Genl Govt; together with the Family register of said Richard Roberts, Joseph White Thos. Tucker, Betsy Hughes, Thomas Pulleu, and Abraham Pulleu - and the Certificate of Lewis C Arthur, and Reaves S Scruggs esq Magistrate in and for said county: and the court having satisfactorily examined the same - and being satisfied in their minds, that the parties, and evidence, as above are genuine, and not fraudulant - do ratify, and confirm the same.

And the court doth order it to be certified to the war department; that Alice Roberts aforesaid, is the widow of Richard Roberts decd of said county - who was by reputation a soldier in the Revolutionary war and who from the evidence in the care, served three several, and distinct tours - to witt, at the lead mines three months, at the Battle of Guilford three Months and at the Capture of Cornwallis, three Months making in all nine months. And further it does appear to the satisfaction of the Court; that the aforesaid Richd Roberts, in the year 1779, was married to Alice Hughes of Hanover county Va - now Alice Roberts his present widow - and that the said Roberts and wife had one if not two children, when the said Richd Roberts, was called into service at the Battle of Guilford and yorktown: That the said Richd Roberts died on the 7th day of September 1831 in said county -  and that his present widow Alice Roberts, has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid to the present time - and that she is too infirm
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to attend court so great a distance.
And the court doth further order it to be certified, that Thos. Austin, Thos. Roberts, Joseph White, Thos. Tucker, Betsy Hughes Thos. Pulleu, and Abraham B Pulleu, an respectable citizen of siad county, and that their oaths are entitled to credit - and that Lewis C Arthur, and Reaves S Scruggs Esqr. are acting Magistrates in and for said county - duly commissioned, and qualified as such - and that the signatures, purporting to theirs, attached to their several certificate affixed the Affidavits above - are genuine. 

I John R. Steped [illegible] for Robert C Micheal Clerk of the County Court of Medford in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said court in the matter of the application of Mrs Alive Roberts for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office This 30 day of June 1841.

Jno. R. [illegible] [illegible]

We claim for Ms Alice roberts $30 per Annum nine months service - from the 4th of March 1831 under the Act July 4 1836;
No . n Gray Ag
Lynch s
Page 20

No 5408
alice Roberts. Widow
of Richard Roberts

Letter to R. K. Gray July 01, 41 
"""" same sep 8, 41
"""" same 1. Nov. '41


act 4 July 1836
Page 21

Give this man
a proper answer 
to any [crossed out] statement
he may have made
founded on fact:
but take no notice 
of his impertinence
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
October 31st, 1845.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioner, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Alice Roberts a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and [blank] [crossed out: Cents] per annum, under the law of the 4" July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4" of 'Sept. 1843, to the 4" March 1844. 
Respectfully, yours,
[illegible] K. Perris
Comptroller.

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 23

GIDEON, PRINTER.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Nov. 27th 1843.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Alice Roberts,- a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of
Twenty - Dollars [Crossed out: and Cents] per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the
of Sept. 1841, to the 4th Sept. 1842,

Respectfully, yours
[illegible] K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 24

[faded stamps on page]

[written horizontally]
Jas L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

[written vertically]
10. nov. 1841
Page 25

Lynchs Nov.6. 1841
Sir,
yours Nov.1. is at hand your decision allowing only 6 mo. pension to Mr Alice Roberts, is I think unwarrantably rigid. [crossed out: I think that] you should have allowed not less than 8 mo. according to the evidence. The Guilford tour is clearly from [^to be] 3 mo - The lead mines tour, could not have been less than 3 mo. from the evidence, and the distance to and fro. The evidence, as to the tour at york is that Roberts, left home the last of August 1783 or [^1 sep] and returned in Nov.- but admitting that he might have gotten back home between the 1st and middle of Nov - 2 mo. is the least, that you could allow - making in all not less than 8 mo. But the case is of too small a magnitude to appeal to the court of pensions - [^illegible] there for appeal to [^sense of] your Justice and [illegible] to do the best you can For the widow in this case - consistently with your duty as an officer (arbitrator) between the parties - leaving in mind the great difficulty - after the expiration of 60 or 70 years to produce positive testimony as [^to] the services of the soldier
But I must say in candor that the evidence in this case will fully Justify you in allowing at least 8 mo pension, [^if no more] to the widow - under the law of July 1836 - you will therefore forward the certificate for the greatest amt. [amount] of services you can. And in conclusion I will remind you, that in the case of
Page 26

Martha Neal - oral evidence - not as strong as the evidence in the presence case - was permitted to out weigh the record evidence in that case - and instead of allowing [^ 2 years services] what the certificate of balance of pay called for, you only gave credit for about 18 or 19 mo services - as stated by some of the weakest evidence - and if such oral testimony as is filed in Ms Roberts case - on the grounds, I presume, that it is not to be trusted at this late day - there is no use to attempt to establish malitia tour at all - unless the rule of evidence are made more liberal - and that in any event - the balance of Ms Neal pension according to the proof contained in the Certificate of pay of Neals, services - should be paid her - to the Amt of $80 per Ann. instead of about $64 $66 per Ann for 5 years back [illegible] you will please review this last case, and see of there is not Justice in my been of the subject. Please from Ms Alice Roberts certificate for the largest amt possible - as soon as practicable.

yours respectfully. Ro. n Gray Agt
Page 27

Richard Robats. d 
alice. m. 1779.s.
3 Sld Lead mines
1781 3 Bat Guilford. mone.
On 1781. 3 unknown

mo [crossed out] Pulleu Col. [illegible] a Guilford
Page 28

alice Roberts
wd of Richard
Va
July 4 1779
died Sept 1831
allw [illegible] fr $20
mam. Va militia
Cap moore. Pennon
{to commence 4th mach [march] 1831.}

Ro.H. Gray Esq
Lynchburg Va
Page 29

[written horizontally] 
FREE
J. L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
City
[illegible]

[written vertically]
Va. aug 11 1841
[unknown stamp]
Page 30

Lynchs August 7th 1841
Sir,
I have just returned too me [^and] are much surprised on opening your letter, (concerning Ms Roberts) at his contents U did suppor, that every tour was proven beyond Cavil or doubt - A is not a fact, that Roberts tours at the lead mines [^and yorktown] are supported by hearsay evidence alone. Ms Betsey Hughes, and Thos. Austin, both use very positive language in regard to [^his] tour at york - they say that in the Fall of the same year, after Roberts had returned from the battle of Guilford - he again went into service, in the lower part of the state, and was at the capture of Cornwallis 82d and Ms Hughes says positively, that she went frequently to stay with Ms Alice Roberts - while Richard Roberts, was in service at the taking of Cornwallis 82d - Mr Thos. Austin, says distinctly, that he has some recollection, of said Richd Roberts marching out [illegible] the Indians and was stationed at the lead mines in Wythe County Va and seved 3 mothes [months] 82d
And Mr Joseph White (one of the most respectable men in the county - in no disparagement to the others) swears - that - he does know or recollect distinctly that Richd Roberts did serve a tour of duty of 3 mo. out [illegible] the Indians at the lead mines and that his bro. Jno White, served with him the said Roberts, on said occasion [illegible] all this is as positive as the rules can require. Thos Pulleu also speaks with confidence of his services at lead mines and york and says positively that he served 3 mo. at the battle of Guilford -  add this, to what he told numerous person in his life time, of his services - before he had any Idea, that any endorsement was to [illegible] to him or his widow - and again I say that I am at a
Page 31

stand to believe that you have attentively read the Affidavit in this case - or you could not have come to the conclusion, that is all hearsay evidence
I therefore request that you will again examine the evidence in this case attentively - and there with me the result - for I must say in candor that if such evidence is rejected - the pension laws are all a mockery - and they the [^the] pension office [^office] is less the better - for it is [illegible] [^and illegible] with claimants, to put them to so much trouble and expense to establish their claims all to no purpose -
In conclusion the, I will cite you to a case (the wid. of Mrs Clarke) whose you allowed a tour of service, to be sufficiently proved by [illegible] alone - who only knew the gact - (as in the case of Roberts) that Clarke went in to service and stayed some months - and that one of the deponants went frequently to visit Mrs clarke while clarke was gone into service [illegible] precisely analogous cases - and get one is positive and the other hearsay evidence. I can furnish more evidence in Roberts case, but can not promise, that it can be more positive than you have requested - And if I was a betting man, I would bet all that I am worth, that, a committee of Congress would allow the claim as it stands without further evidence, without the crack of a whip -
yours [illegible]
Ro. N Gray

N. oral account of service in life, or traditionary evidence is allowed by the rules - to prove services of soldier - and as such, by this kind of evidence above, Roberts services can be satisfactorely established - besides the positive
Page 32

[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
SEP 29 1903 
U.S.
Page 33

OFFICE OF A.H. ROBERTS.
DRUGGIST AND BOOKSELLER.......
[STAMP]
OLD WAR & NAVY
Oct 2 1903
U.S. P.B.

Audubon [illegible] Sept 26 1903
C.F. Ware
Com Pensioners
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Can you inform me whether the Widow or dependents of Richard Roberts 1st maryland Rgt or the Widow or dependents of Richard Roberts 8th Va Rgt, both of Rev War, ever drew a pension?
In both or either can give full name & address of the person drawing it if shown by your records.
Very truly yours
a.H. Roberts
Page 34

[left side of page]
Oct. 7 1903 Hist, to
a.H. Roberts
audubon town

[right side of page]
4573
Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 4573
Alice Roberts
Wid.
Richard Roberts
Prt Nov Mil
Act: July 4" of 36, Sec, 3d
Index:-Vol. m, Page 169
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 35

[written horizontally]
Hanover W Va
July 9th
12p
Robert h. Gray Esq
Lynchburg

[written vertically]
Ms Alice Roberts wd of Richd Rob
married in Hanover Co Va in 1779
Page 36

[written horizontally]
Hanover W Va
July 9th
12p
Robert h. Gray Esq
Lynchburg

[written vertically]
Ms Alice Roberts wd of Richd Rob
married in Hanover Co Va in 1779
Page 37

I Philp B. Winston Clerk of the county court of Hanover do hereby certify. That I have made  delight [illegible] in my office for the records of the marriage. and marriage [illegible] bond of Richard Roberts from June 1771 to December 1790 and that no such record or marriage [illegible] bond can be found.
Teste. 
Philip B. Winston M.C.
July 8th 1841.

Above you have certif. of the clk of Hanover Co that there is no record evidence of the Marriage of Richd Roberts no Ms Roberts was a man of property from [illegible] 1818 to the time of his death - and could not come under the care of 1818 -

U wrote also some 2 mo. ago to Rockingham Co in the case of Ms. City but have hed. no [illegible] as, it; should I receive any, I will send it over.
Ro. H Gray

[illegible] please [illegible] the pension [illegible] of Ms [^Alice] Roberts [^name] City a soon a practicable 
Ro. H Gray
July 12.
Page 38

[written horizontally]
FREE
Ja L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

[written vertically]
16 July 1841

[stamp]
[illegibl;e]
mrs Roberts
Page 39

Dear Sir
Go to Parke streets and the Revd [illegible] are the oldest persons now living in Hanover in the neighbourhood in which mrs Roberts says she was married. Their Post Office is "Old Church Hanover"
respectfully
Philip B. Winston
July 8th 1841
Page 40

alice Roberts

[written upside down]
FREE
Edwards Esq
of Pensions
Washington Ci
Page 41

[stamp]
[written horizontally]
James L Edwards Esq FREE
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

[written vertically]
Roberts Oct 13 1841
[crossed out: Hughes]
Va.
Page 42

Lynch.s Oct 8 1841

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the [illegible] Joseph White, Thos. Austin, Wm Adamas and Mrs Betsey Hughes - which I think (in addition to their former evidence) proves clearly and satisfactorily all three tours making 9 [black mark] which will entitle him to $30 from the 4th march 1831 you will be so good as to send [illegible] certificate, and the cert - of mrs Elizabeth [illegible] as soon as possible
Ro. H Gray
Page 43

Ro. H Gray
cho 5408
alice Roberts wd
of Richard
act 4 July 1836

Ja.s L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 44

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.

On this 21st day of July 1841, before me Samuel P. Mitchell a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Mr. Wm A. Adams, a respectable resident of said county, who being just duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 62 years old - That he was very intimate with Richd. Roberts decd. of said county who was a Revos. soldier - and married Alice Hughes of Hanover County V.a - and have frequently, for hours at a time - heard him tell of his Revos. services - that he heard Roberts say, that while he was at the lead mines in Wythe Co. Va. (he being there on a tour of duty) that there was a noise heard from the station like the yelping a Turky - one of the soldiers went out to shoot it - a gun was heard - and it was supposed he had killed the Turkey - but not returning as soon as expected - they went to see the cause - found him dead, instead of the Turkey - the noise being made by the Indians who killed him - to decoy him out [illegible]. He Also heard the said Roberts speak of his tour at seige of york - and told many anecdotes, that took place their - one was that one of the soldiers saw a cannon ball [^or bomb] coming, and struck with his spade, and it broke every bone in his arms [illegible] That he heard him say, also that he was at the battle of Guilford under Capt Moore, in the same Camp with Henry Adams, Thos. Pulleu [illegible] that he was married to Alice Hughes of Hanover from what he heard them say - during the Revos. war - and that his oldest son Wm if now living, would be about
Page 45

the age of deponant - that his present widow Alice Roberts, has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband the aforesaid Richd Roberts - which was in or about the year 1831 - [crossed out: and] to the present time - and is the Identical person who is now claiming [^a pension] as the widow of said Roberts - and dep. further says, that the said Roberts was a man of property from the year 1818, to 1831, the time of his death - and could not have recd. a pension, under the law of 1818.
William A Adams

The words, or bomb, a pension, in the [illegible] before signed -
Samuel P. Mitchell J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written 
Before me Saml. P. Mitchell J.P.
Page 46

Lynchs. July 22. 1841
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Afft of Wm. A Adams - in the the case of Ms. Alice Roberts - I could obtain at least a day. more to the same Amt- showing, that before Roberts had any Idea of compensation, to himself or nigh for his revos services be spoke purely to his acquaintances of his services at lead mines [illegible] - It was convenient to do so, and I took this Afft to strengthen the lead mine tour; the others being sufficiently clear. 
you write to know the Christiance name, of Ms Roberts alluded to in my letter - Ms Alice Roberts is the person - whose papers are before you - (sent with Ms. nancy citys) (nancy city) and who claims as the widow of Richard Roberts - and whose maiden name was - Hughes- and married in Hanover [illegible] in 1779 - and where I write to the clerk, for a Record proof of marriage, that could be claimed - and you have his Answer before you.
you say, that the claim of Ms. nancy city was allowed on the 11th June - and her cut. of Penn. sent to the Hon Wm L Goggin - you have spelled Mrs. Citys name wrong it is spelled - City) (a laye town) if Ms. Goggins has not sent it on to Bedford please get it - and after the name from City to City - be so good as to inform me who had it directed Ms Goggin, as it was exclusively under my superintendance.
The signature of Saml P. Mitchell the subscribing Justice to Wm. A Adams, [illegible] within - is in your dept among the papers of [^Mrs.] Margarith C Mitchell a n.s pensioner Mr Goggin is also acquainted with it - no doubt Direct Mrs. Alice Roberts cut to me - and also Ms. nancy City, when conected - yours &2c
Ro. H Gray
Page 47

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.

On this 21st day of July 1841, before me Samuel P. Mitchell a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Mr. Wm A. Adams, a respectable resident of said county, who being just duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 62 years old - That he was very intimate with Richd. Roberts decd. of said county who was a Revos. soldier - and married Alice Hughes of Hanover County V.a - and have frequently, for hours at a time - heard him tell of his Revos. services - that he heard Roberts say, that while he was at the lead mines in Wythe Co. Va. (he being there on a tour of duty) that there was a noise heard from the station like the yelping a Turky - one of the soldiers went out to shoot it - a gun was heard - and it was supposed he had killed the Turkey - but not returning as soon as expected - they went to see the cause - found him dead, instead of the Turkey - the noise being made by the Indians who killed him - to decoy him out [illegible]. He Also heard the said Roberts speak of his tour at seige of york - and told many anecdotes, that took place their - one was that one of the soldiers saw a cannon ball [^or bomb] coming, and struck with his spade, and it broke every bone in his arms [illegible] That he heard him say, also that he was at the battle of Guilford under Capt Moore, in the same Camp with Henry Adams, Thos. Pulleu [illegible] that he was married to Alice Hughes of Hanover from what he heard them say - during the Revos. war - and that his oldest son Wm if now living, would be about
Page 48

the age of deponant - that his present widow Alice Roberts, has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband the aforesaid Richd Roberts - which was in or about the year 1831 - [crossed out: and] to the present time - and is the Identical person who is now claiming [^a pension] as the widow of said Roberts - and dep. further says, that the said Roberts was a man of property from the year 1818, to 1831, the time of his death - and could not have recd. a pension, under the law of 1818.
William A Adams

The words, or bomb, a pension, in the [illegible] before signed -
Samuel P. Mitchell J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Before me Saml. P. Mitchell J.P.
Page 49

Lynchs. July 22. 1841
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Afft of Wm. A Adams - in the the case of Ms. Alice Roberts - I could obtain at least a day. more to the same Amt- showing, that before Roberts had any Idea of compensation, to himself or nigh for his revos services be spoke purely to his acquaintances of his services at lead mines [illegible] - It was convenient to do so, and I took this Afft to strengthen the lead mine tour; the others being sufficiently clear.
you write to know the Christiance name, of Ms Roberts alluded to in my letter - Ms Alice Roberts is the person - whose papers are before you - (sent with Ms. nancy citys) (nancy city) and who claims as the widow of Richard Roberts - and whose maiden name was - Hughes- and married in Hanover [illegible] in 1779 - and where I write to the clerk, for a Record proof of marriage, that could be claimed - and you have his Answer before you.
you say, that the claim of Ms. nancy city was allowed on the 11th June - and her cut. of Penn. sent to the Hon Wm L Goggin - you have spelled Mrs. Citys name wrong it is spelled - City) (a laye town) if Ms. Goggins has not sent it on to Bedford please get it - and after the name from City to City - be so good as to inform me who had it directed Ms Goggin, as it was exclusively under my superintendance.
The signature of Saml P. Mitchell the subscribing Justice to Wm. A Adams, [illegible] within - is in your dept among the papers of [^Mrs.] Margarith C Mitchell a n.s pensioner Mr Goggin is also acquainted with it - no doubt Direct Mrs. Alice Roberts cut to me - and also Ms. nancy City, when conected - yours &2c
Ro. H Gray
Page 50

[written horizontally]
the signature [^of saml. P Mitchell JP.] will also be on in a few days in the case of Ms Rebecca Adams wid of Henry Adams decd. of Bedford. If you are not satisfied without, wait till it comes.

[written vertically]
Ro. H Gray
No 5408
alice Roberts wd
of Richard
act 4 July 1836
Ja.s L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions 
Washington City

M. Since writing the within letter & sending it - I am convinced that - nancy Crit3, whose cut. you sent to Mr. Goggins - is quite a different person from Ms City - for whom I am Ag- Mrs Citys Christian name is Betsy - Betsy City wid. of Jacob City decd. who was a n.s Pen.s at $23 ~ ct pr An- therefore say nothing to Mr Goggin about the cut you sent him of Mrs City - [illegible] the cut of Ms Alice Roberts, and Betsy City, as soon as possible.
Page 51

[written vertically]
the signature [^of saml. P Mitchell JP.] will also be on in a few days in the case of Ms Rebecca Adams wid of Henry Adams decd. of Bedford. If you are not satisfied without, wait till it comes.

[written horizontally]
Ro. H Gray
No 5408
alice Roberts wd
of Richard
act 4 July 1836
Ja.s L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

M. Since writing the within letter & sending it - I am convinced that - nancy Crit3, whose cut. you sent to Mr. Goggins - is quite a different person from Ms City - for whom I am Ag- Mrs Citys Christian name is Betsy - Betsy City wid. of Jacob City decd. who was a n.s Pen.s at $23 ~ ct pr An- therefore say nothing to Mr Goggin about the cut you sent him of Mrs City - [illegible] the cut of Ms Alice Roberts, and Betsy City, as soon as possible.
Page 52

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 28 day of september 1841, before me Alexander Irwin - a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Ms. Betsy Hughes a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath say That she is 75 years old - that in addition to her former evidence in this case - she says that she lived (with her Father Saml Adams) about 2 or 300 yards from Richard Roberts - who married Alice Hughes of Hanover - at the time he went into service at the battle of Guilford, and yorktown - the first in march 1781 -and the last in Oct of the same year.
That she is satisfied in her mind, that it was the latter part of winter, or early part of spring, that the said Richd. Roberts left home to go to Guilford under Moore and that he stayed three months on said occasion and returned late in the spring, or early part of the summer; for it was warm weather when he returned. And that Mrs. Alice Roberts his wife, heard that he was dead - and it caused her great greif.
And further, she the deponant, also perfectly recollects - that the said Richard Roberts, went again into service, in the Fall of the same year that he came home from the Battle of Guilford: that the precise day, he left home, she cannot recollect, but that it was about the last of August, or first of September - just before pulling fodder time that he stated - as deponant recollects very distinctly, that while the said Richard Roberts was gone to the capture of Cornwallis - that his wife Alice (his present widow) went into the cornfield, and helped to pull the fodder with her own hands - which always takes place in Sept-: and that while she worked in the field - her child was asleep under the shade of the tree: and also she recollects it was cold weather when he returned from yorktown for they Kept up regular pines, at the time - and that there was heavy frost on the ground - she recollects when he returned also - and that
Page 53

the said Richd Roberts served three months on said occasion also - that what her deponant recollects Roberts going to Guilford, for one thing is that her brother Henry Adams (whos widow is now claiming a pension) was at the battle of Guilford, in the same company with said Roberts - that they left home together, and returned together as aforesaid.
Betsey Hughes 
[mark]
her mark
[illegible]
Beverlage Hughes
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written Before me
Alexander Irwin JP.

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 25 day of september 1841 before me Alexander Irwin a Justice of the peace, in and for said county personally appeared Mr. Wm Adams - a respectable resident of said county - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say - that he 33 years old - and that he has frequently heard his father Henry Adams say (whose widow Rebecca is claiming a pension)  that Richard Roberts (whose widow Alice is also claiming a pension)
was in the service at the battle of Guilford, with him both being in the same company under Capt. Moore, who was killed in the battle - and that his father told the circumstance frequently in deponants presence, that Richd. Roberts brought an AmL [animal?] home on his shoulder from Guilford - that they went, and returned together and that his deponants Father was allowed for three months service on said occasion - in obtaining his pension.,
William Adams
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Before me
Alexander Irwin JP.
Page 54

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 6th day of [crossed out: September] October 1841, before me William Mead a Justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mr Thos. Austin a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say - that he is 75 years old - that in addition to his former evidence in this case - says that Richd Roberts, Henry Adams, Thos Pulleu and Wm Caudler and Henry Brown - were all in the service at the battle of Guilford in march 1781 - under Capt Moore, who was Killed in the battle - and Henry Brown wounded in the thigh. That he recollects distinctly, when they left home, and when they returned - that they must have started for Guilford about the middle or towards the last of February 1781, and returned home about the last of May or 1st of June - he thinks it was working corn time - and that they served three months on said occasion. depont also recollects that in August, or September of the same year, the said Richd Roberts went again into service in the lower part of the state - and was at the capture of Cornwallis at yorktown in Oct 1781  - and returned with the Bedford troops late in the Fall thinks it was Nov 2 - for deponant was about 15 years old at the time - and going to school in New London - and that he recollects perfectly when the troops returned from the capture of Cornwallis: Roberts was a married man, when he went to Guilford and york deponant cannot so well recollect the month, that said Roberts left home to go out to the lead mines - but is perfectly satisfied in his mind of his going - and that he served fully three months or more - it appears to him that it was nearer six months that he served on said occasion - for he was gone a long time - this tour he thinks, was before Roberts was married
Thomas Austin
[handwritten cross]
his mark
[illegible]
James F marton

October interlived before signed William Mead JP.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written Before me
William Mead J.P.
Page 55

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 6 day of October 1841, before me Lewis C. Arthur a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, personally appeared Joseph White a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 90 years old - that in addition to his former evidence in this case - says that he recollects distinctly when Richard Roberts (who married Alice Hughes of Hanover) and his brother John White went into service during the Revolutionary war out on the frontier against teh Indians - and was stationed at the lead mines in the county of Wythe - deponant further says that Richd Roberts aforesaid, and his Brother John White left home in the spring of the year of 1777 or 1778 - about planting of corn time - and that they returned together during the summer - that said Richard Roberts and his brother John served three months on said occasion at the lead mines commencing in April or may - and ending in the summer - the tours of auts was all for three months in the early part of the war - but was afterwards extended to six months - Roberts and his brother went together and returned together this tour was performed before Roberts was married.
Joseph White
[handwritten x]
his mark
Witness
Ro. H Gray
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and above written.
Lewis C. Arthur J.P.

I John R. Steptoe deputy for Robert C. Mitchell clerk of the county court of Bedford in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that Alexander Irwin, William Mead and Lewis C. Arthur Esq and magistrates in & for the said county of Bedford as states in the foregoing deposition & certificate, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 6th day of October 1841
Jno. R. Steptoe D.C.P.C