Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,135, for Nathaniel Snelson, Virginia
Page 1

(3—1776)

SERVICE
Va.   
Snelson, Nathaniel
Sarah

NUMBER
W. 6135

CONTENTS
Page 2

At a Court of Quarterly Session held for the County of Louisa at the Courthouse thereof, on Monday June the 14th 1847. 
On the motion of Edmund Wash, who made oath according to law, and together with Josephus Wash his security, who justified on oath as to his sufficiency, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifty dollars, conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration, on the estate of Sarah Snelson deceased, in due form.

At a Court of Quarterly Session held for the County of Louisa at the Courthouse thereof, on Monday the 13th day of November 1848.
On motion, it is ordered to be certified that it appears to the Court, by satisfactory evidence adduced in open court, that Sarah Snelson (who was a United States pensioner of Louisa County Virginia, and the widow of Nathaniel Snelson, who was a revolutionary pensioner of said County) died on the 21st day of April, in the year, One thousand eight hundred and forty seven, leaving the following named children, viz: Nancy Wash, Elizabeth Hooper Mary Baughn, Martha Snelson, Sarah Sharp and John Snelson, and that the said Nancy Wash, Elizabeth Hooper, Mary Baughn, Martha Snelson, Sarah Sharp and John Snelson are now all and the only surviving children of the said Sarah Snelson deceased, and that the said Sarah Snelson never married after the death of her husband, Nathaniel Snelson aforesaid; but remained the widow of the aforesaid Nathaniel Snelson from that period to the time of her death aforesaid.

State of Virginia:
Louisa Count, Sc:
I John Hunter clerk of the County Court of said County, in said state, do hereby certify that the above are truly
Page 3

Copied from the minutes of the proceedings of said Court:
In testimony whereof I have hereunto put my hand, and hereto affixed the Public seal of said Court this 28th day of January 1850. in the 74th year of the Commonwealth.
John Hunter
clerk of the County court
of Louisa County.
Page 4

8151.
Nat: Snelsons
Declaration
Page 5

State of Virginia Louisa Sc :
 
       On this 10th of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the justice of the County Court of Louisa now sitting Nathaniel Snelson a resident of said County of Louisa  and State of Virginia aged Sixty nine or seventy years who being first duly sworn   according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated a tour of Militia duty of two months at Albermarle Barracks in Virginia in the fall of the year 1779 as a substitute for John Smith B H under Captain James Watson and Colo Taylor   a second tour in the Carolinas for six months under Capt John Byars and Colos George Stubblefield  & Spencer and was at the battle of Camden. From the first of Janurary til after the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army on 19th of October 1781 amounting to ten months he was constantly in service and part of that time he was a substitute for John Spencer of Hanover County. He was at Cabin point Hickory neck church Bottoms bridge  Malvern hills Richmond Siege of Yorktown and other places. His Captains in 1781 were John White John Byars Samuel A . Petters —— Stubbs and George Lunsden and Colos Thomas Matthews  James Innis and —— Mercer  That he knew none of the officers of the regular Army That he was born in the  County of Hanover  and removed to Louisa when a small boy where has resided ever since except 3 years in Spotsylvania & now resides in the County of Louisa.   That received no written discharge but was dismissed as relief came.  He was dismissed at York on the Gloucester side of York river Nov 1781 or about that time as near as he can recollect.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
Page 6

or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.  That he can prove his services by the depositions Thomas Badget James Hale & John Smith.  Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Nathaniel Snelson  x his mark

Mr. Tymothy T. Smith — a clergiman residing in the County of Louisa and William Nelson —residing in the same County; hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathl. Snelson, that we believe him to be about sixty nine or seventy years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed this day & year aforesaid —

Timothy T. Swift
W. Nelson

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Timothy T. Swift who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said County of Louisa, and that William Nelson who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

James Michie Presiding Justice
Page 7

I John Hunter Clerk of the Court of Louisa County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Snelson for a pension. In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12th day of September 1832.

John Hunter Clk
Page 8

I do hereby certify that the following marriages were celebrated in Louisa County Viz:
Jan'y.  Nathaniel Snelson & Sally Spicer
John Waller  M. "

I John Hunter clerk of the county court of Louisa in the state of Virginia, do certify that the above return of marriage is a true copy of the record of marriages in my office, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows, Seventeen hundred and eighty six, 1786, Jan'y twenty ninth, 29.

I John Hunter above named, depose and say: that I hold the office of clerk in the county court in the county and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said county court, with the exception above named, as certified by me. 
John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of Louisa County

Sworn to before me, 
Wm. Nelson  Justice of the peace:
State of Virginia
Louisa County. Sc
I John Hunter clerk of the county court of the said county in the said state, do certify that William Nelson esq is an acting magistrate in and for the said county, duly commissioned & qualified according to laws & that his signature above is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Public seal of said court this 15th day of April 1843.
John Hunter Clerk of Louisa
County Court
[SEAL]
Page 9

4404 
Virginia, R.
Sarah Snelson
widow of Nathaniel Snelson
who was a Private
in the Virginia line
———
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March,1843
———
Certificate of Pension issued the
16th day of January 1844
and sent to 
Wm Nelson
Song Creek Louisa Co
Virga
———
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
recorded in Book A
1 Page 132
Page 10

Let to W.F. Pursell
Jany 21' 47
Let to Edward Wash.
May 29 '47

D.D. Addison   8 Apl. 1850
Page 11

8151
Nathaniel Snelson
from 1779 private
18 months.
$60.

14—

Dec 4
Pensioner
Long Creek
Va

p 130
Page 12

8157
BRIEF in the case of Nathaniel Snelson
County of Louisa in the State of  Virginia
(Act 7th Jun, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge?  Court

2.  If before a judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  70

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
drftd in 1779 sub
Duration of service.
- Years, 2 months, - days
Rank.
As a private
Names of General and field officers under whom he served.
Cap. James Watson Col. Taylor

Period.

Duration of service.
- Years, 6 months, - days
Rank.
As a private
Names of General and field officers under whom he served.
Cap. Byars Cols. Stubblefield and Spencer

Period.
1781 sub part time
Duration of service.
- Years, 10 months, - days
Rank.
As a private
Names of General and field officers under whom he served.
Jno. White, Byars &c  Col. Matthews & Mercer

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  Camden & York

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Louisa Cty Va.

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary & witnesses

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?
the official character of the Justice is not confirmed

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the [obscured] mentioned.
T. Waugh Examining Clerk.
Page 13

ENVELOPE

May 15, 1847
Jackson
Reced of
Sarah Snelson

May 13th

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City,
D.C.
Page 14

Jackson Louisa county Va  May 11th, 1847.

Sir,
     By the request of Mrs. Sarah Snelson, my mother in law, I applied, through an agent, to you for the reason that said Sarah Snelson was not allowed the same sum per annum (Pension) as her husband, Nathaniel Snelson deceased: his annual allowance was sixty dollars, and hers only thirty-six dollars and sixty-six cents, your reply has been shown to me, wherein you say, the difference between her own and her husband's pension was explained in your letters to her attorney William Nelson Esq. in May and July 1843.
     I sent to said Nelson for said letters refered to in your letter aforesaid dated January 21st 1847 and received the one dated May 24th, 1843, and directed to William Nelson, Long Creek, Louisa County Va, and was informed, by the messenger, that said Nelson, said he could not find the one dated in July 1843, refered to as aforesaid.
     You will therefore oblige me by sending a copy of the said letter written to said Nelson in July 1843, in the case of Mrs. Sarah Snelson aforesaid.

I am respectfully your Obt. Servt.
Edmund Wash.

J.L.  Edwards Esq.
Court of Pensions,
Washington City, D.C.
Page 15

3533
Virginia
———
Nathaniel Snelson
of Louisa in the state of Virginia who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Watson of the Revn commanded by Col. Taylor in the Virginia line for 18 months from 1779

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 60 Dollars ---Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26- day of Dec. 32 and sent to Pensioner Long Creek Va

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832        90
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4      30
March 1833                            ________
                                                     $120
{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 7 page 127
Page 16

Let to W. Nelson Jan 12 1843
(Per dead)
Let to Wm. Nelson March 10th '43.
Page 17

8927
Sarah Snelson
Va.
Act 7. July 38.
79. Tour at Alb. Barracks   2 mo
—     —        South —           3-
81. Spring — 1 tour           3-
—   Fall          1 —                3-
m' 86 d' 42

Wm. Nelson Esq
Long Creek 
Louisa Co
Va
Page 18

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to to certain widows."
State of Virginia Louisa County to wit:

On this 18th day of April 1843, personally appeared before me William Nelson a justice of the County Court of Louisa, Sarah Snelson a resident of the said county of Louisa, aged eighty four (84) years; 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 7, 1838, entitled "An Act Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Nathaniel Snelson, a soldier in the militia of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, at the rate of Sixty Dollars per annum; that she refers to his Declaration made in the year 1832 and the evidence in support of it for
Page 19

for a particular narrative of the military services of her said husband in the War of the Revolution; that she remembers his going to the Barracks in Albemarle, to guard the British prisoners confined there; that she has often heard him say he was in the battle of Camden in 1780, and at the Siege of York Town in 1781, and he completed the whole time he was in actual service at more than eighteen months.

She further declares, that she was married to the said Nathaniel Snelson on the twenty ninth day of January seventeen hundred and eighty six; that her husband the aforesaid Nathaniel Snelson died on the 22nd day of June 1842; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz.: at the time above stated.

Sarah Snelson

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and in the year above written, before me.
Wm. Nelson a Justice
of the County Court of 
Louisa in the State 
of Virginia.
Page 20

State of Virginia, Louisa County to wit:

I William Nelson a Justice of the county court of Louisa, before whom, the foregoing Declaration was made, sworn to, and subscribed, by Sarah Snelson; Do hereby certify that the residence of the said Sarah Snelson is near to mine; That her bodily health is very infirm; that in the last ten years, I have never known nor heard of her leaving home; that during last year and this, I have generally found her in bed, when I have visited her; that her residence is sixteen miles from the court house of this county; and that by reason of her said bodily infirmity, she cannot attend court, to make her declaration aforesaid.

Wm. Nelson, a Justice of the county court of Louisa in the State of Virginia
Page 21

State of Virginia--At a court held for Louisa County in the said state, on Monday the 14th day of August, 1843.

The declaration of Sarah Snelson certified on the 18th day of April last by William Nelson a justice of the peace for said county, being submitted to this court, it is ordered to be certified that the court doth approve her proceedings and acts in said case, and hereby directs the clerk to endow this approval on the papers and to convey his certificate and affix his seal of office to the same.
[Seal]
In testimony that the above is truly copied from the minutes of the proceedings of said court, I John Hunter clerk of said court, have hereto put my hand & affixed my seal of office this said 14th day of August 1843 in the 68th year of the Commonwealth.

John Hunter clerk of Louisa County Court
Page 22

Sarah Snelson
Widow Nath.
61.35
Page 23

Virginia
At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for the County of Louisa at the Courthouse thereof on Monday the 13th day of November 1848. On motion it is ordered to be Certified that it appears to the Court by satisfactory evidence adduced in open Court, that Sarah Snelson (who was a United States pensioner of Louisa County Virginia) and the widow of Nathaniel Snelson who was a Revolutionary pensioner of said County died on the 21st day of April, in the year One thousand Eight hundred and forty seven leaving the following named Children Viz: Nancy Wash, Elizabeth Hooper, Mary Baughn, Martha Snelson, Sarah Sharp, and John Snelson and that the said Nancy Wash, Elizabeth Hooper, Mary Baughn, Martha Snelson, Sarah Sharp and John Snelson are now all and the only surviving Children of the said Sarah Snelson deceased, and that the said Sarah Snelson never married after the death of her husband Nathaniel Snelson aforesaid; but remained the widow of the aforesaid Nathaniel Snelson from that period to the time of her death aforesaid.
[Seal]
In testimony that the above is hereby Copied from the minutes of the proceedings of said Court, I John Hunter clerk thereof, have hereunto put my hand and affixed the Public seal of said Court this 27th day of November 1848.
John Hunter Clerk of Louisa
County Court.
Page 24

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for the County of Louisa at the Courthouse thereof on Monday June the 14th 1847. 
On the motion of Edmund Wash who made oath according to law, and together with Josephus Wash his security, who justified on oath as to his sufficiency, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifty dollars. Conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is granted him for obtaining letter of admin[seal covers some words] the child of Sarah Snelson decd. in due form.
[Seal]
In testimony that the above is truly Copied from the minutes of the proceedings of said Court, I John Hunter Clerk thereof, have hereunto put my hand and affixed the Public Seal of said Court, this 27th day of November 1848.
John Hunter Clerk of Louisa
County Court.
Page 25

7734.
Virginia
Sarah Snelson
widow of Nathaniel Snelson
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 22nd June 1842 of Louisa in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Watson of the Regt commanded by Col Taylor in the Virginia line for 11 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 26 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of October, 1842 and sent to 
Wm. Nelson
Long Creek
Louisa Cty. Va

Total amount, $183.30
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thomas Lumpkin, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 184.
Page 26

Rept Oct 3-
error corrected in the notification as per letter inclosed, on the 7th Nov 1843
Page 27

Mrs Snelson
Page 28

Washington City D.C. February 27th 1850.

Sir
Nathaniel Snelson was a United States pensioner of Louisa county in the State of Virginia, at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, and died leaving Sarah Snelson his widow, who, according to the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, and two subsequent acts, was entitled to the same pension per annum, as her husband had received to the time of her death, which took place on the 21st. day of April 1847. but she having received only $36.66 2/3. per annum, the balance being $23.33 1/3. per annum from the 4th March 1836, to the time of her death, is claimed by her administrator, for the use and benefit of her surviving children. Yr. Obt. Servt.
John Thornberry

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 29

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit:

The deposition of Thomas Badget aged 84 years made this 5th day of June 1843; this Deponent saith that in May 1780 he marched from the County of Louisa with Nathaniel Snelson late a pensioner of the United States, to Hillsborough in North Carolina and from thence to Camden in South Carolina where they arrived about the middle of August 1780 a day or two before the battle of Camden and were  put under the command of General Edward Stephens of Virginia: and that at the battle of Camden the company of militia to which said Snelson belonged was dispersed, and that the said Snelson returned to his residence in Louisa County, Virginia without rejoining Gates's army after the battle was over.  that for so doing he was considered a deserter, and compelled to return to Gates's army and serve eight months, as a penalty for his misconduct aforesaid. and further this deponent saith not. 

Tho: Badget


The foregoing Deposition was duly sworn to and subscribed by Thomas Badget, before me William Nelson, a justice of the county court of Louisa this 5th day of June 1843.

Wm. Nelson, a Justice of the county court of Louisa
Page 30

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit:
I William Nelson a Justice of the county court of Louisa Do certify that Thomas Badget, whose deposition is within written, is a person of credibility and that I believe his testimony to be true. Given under my hand this 1st day of August 1843.
Wm Nelson
Page 31

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit:
The Deposition of Joseph Spicer aged 82 years, made this 5th day of June 1843: This Deponent saith, that he knew Nathaniel Snelson (named in the annexed deposition of Thomas Badget) from his boyhood; that said Snelson was at the battle of Camden in August 1780; that said Snelson after the said battle of Camden and the dispersion of his Company returned to his residence in Louisa, and was afterwards sent back to Carolina but how long he served afterwards he does not recollect: but he perfectly remembers that two others who deserted when said Snelson did, were compelled to serve eight months longer.
Joseph Spicer

The foregoing Deposition of Joseph Spicer Esquire a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, was duly subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of June 1843.
Wm Nelson a Justice
of the County Court
of Louisa.
Page 32

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit:
I William Nelson a Justice of the county court of Louisa, Do certify that Joseph Spicer Esquire whose Deposition is within written is a person of credibility and that I believe his testimony to be true.
Given under my hand this 1st day of August 1843.
Wm Nelson

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit
I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that William Nelson Esqr. whose signatures appear to the foregoing certificate now is, and was at the time of making and subscribing the same, an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law, and that the signatures to the said certificates purporting to be his, are his genuine signatures
[Seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereto put my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 14th day of August 1843.
John Hunter 
clerk of Louisa
County Court
Page 33

8927.
Sarah Snelson
Va
Act 7 July 38
Page 34

State of Virginia Louisa County to wit.
Be it known that on this 17th day of April 1843, before the Subscriber a Justice of the County court of Louisa, personally appeared Galand Dickinson aged Seventy three years and Elizabeth Dickinson aged Seventy seven years, who made oath in due form of law. That they have known Sarah Snelson otherwise called Sally Snelson from their earliest recollection. That they were present at her marriage with Nathaniel Snelson, a soldier of the Revolution and pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832, and who died on the 22nd day of June 1842: That the Revd. John Waller solemnized the said marriage on the 29th day of January 1786 between the said Nathaniel Snelson and the said Sarah Snelson, then called Sarah Spicer or Sally Spicer. That the said Sarah Snelson is still the widow of the said Nathaniel Snelson.
Galand Dickinson
Elizabeth Dickinson
Sworn to and Subscribed this seventeen day of April 1843 before me.
Wm. Nelson a Justice of the County Court of Louisa

I William Nelson certify that Galand Dickinson and Elizabeth Dickinson are persons of credibility and that I fully believe every fact set forth in their deposition; and that I know of my own personal knowledge that some of the facts stated in said Deposition are true.
Wm. Nelson a Justice of Louisa County Court
Page 35

The Deposition of
Joseph Spicer
Page 36

State of Virginia Louisa Co to Wit:
Be it known that on the 5th day of April 1843 before the subscriber an acting justice of the county court of Louisa aforesaid personally appeared Joseph Spicer aged 82 years who made oath in due form of law that he has known Sarah Snelson otherwise called Sally Snelson from  his earliest recollection. That on the 29th day of Jan. 1786 he saw the said Sarah Snelson then called Sarah or Sally  Spicer, married to Nathaniel Snelson, a soldier of the revolution and afterwards a pensioner of the United Stated under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 and who died in the county of Louisa on the 22nd day of June 1842. That the Rev. John Waller solemnized the marriage between the said Nathaniel Snelson and the said Sarah of Sally Spicer. That the said Sarah or Sally Snelson so married as aforesaid is still the widow of the said Nathaniel Snelson a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States as aforesaid.
Joseph Spicer
Sworn to and subscribed this 5th day of April 1843 before me}
Clayton G Coleman a justice of the county court of Louisa

I also certify that Joseph Spicer who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing deposition is a man of irreproachable character and that I believe his testimony to be entitled to full faith and credit
Clayton G. Coleman
a justice of the peace of the county court lf Louisa in the state of Virginia
Page 37

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit}
I John Hunter Clerk of the Court of Louisa County do hereby certify that Clayton G. Coleman whose name appears to the within certificate of examination now in and was at the time of taking and subscribing to same an acting Magistrate in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that his said signatures are genuine.
[Seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereto put my hand and caused the public seal of said Court to be hereto affixed this 15th day of April 1843.
John Hunter Clk.
Page 38

The deposition of Austin Hancock, a United States pensioner, aged eighty seven years, who testifies that he was well acquainted with Nathaniel Snelson, also a United States pensioner, and states that he was a school mate of his and has been well acquainted with him ever since, in Louisa county in the state of Virginia, and has never heard the slightest rumor of said Snelson's being a deserter from the army at any time during the Revolutionary war; [illegible] believes that he served out all his engagements faithfully in said war.
     He, said Hancock, further states that his brother, John Hancock, served in the company commanded by Captain Byars in the Revolutionary war, from said county and was at Gates's defeat in the six months tour to the south, with said Snelson, he states that his brother, aforesaid, came home from Gates's defeat, and never returned again to the army, being at that time a married man; but sent a younger brother in his place, who was not a married man at that time; and even his brother, who never returned to the army, was not returned as a deserter, and never considered as a deserter from said army, said Sneldon and several others, of his acquaintance, who were soldiers in the army in the said tour, under said Captain Byars, came home from Gates's defeat aforesaid; but all returned immediately to their duty, and served out the said tour and were never reputed or believed to be deserters, but on the contrary reported and believed to have been faithful soldiers, and respected as such.
Austin Hancock

This day personally appeared before me, Robert T. Bibb, a justice of the peace in and for the county of Louisa, and state of Virginia; Austin Hancock, and made oath in due form of Law, that the statements and facts contained as set forth in the foregoing deposition are true, to which he has subscribed his name. I certify that the said Austin Hancock is a man of truth, and entitled to full faith and credit on his oath. Given under my hand and seal this 28th day of May in the year 1847.
R. T. Bibb  [hand-drawn seal]
Page 39

Washington County}
District of Columbia}  SS

This day John Thornberry personally appeared before me, F. S. Myer, a justice of the peace in and for the county and District aforesaid and made oath, that the foregoing is a true copy of the original deposition given by Austin Hancock, before Robert T. Bibb, a Justice of the peace and and for Louisa county in the state of Virginia together with a copy of the certificate of said Bibb, to which was annexed the certificate of the clerk of the county court of Louisa County aforesaid, certifying that said Robert T. Bibb was a Magistrate of said Louisa county, and that the signature thereto annexed, purporting to be that of said Robert T. Bibb, was his genuine signature to which the said clerk had affixed his seal of Office. Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of February, A.D. 1853
John Thornberry  seal

Franklin S. Myer  J. P.  seal
Page 40

Mr. J E Dow is hereby authorized to act for me in this case
John Thornberry

Ames

Jesse E Dow 
Present
Jesse E Down  Jan 16 49
Page 41

This is to certify, that, I Edmund Wash, administrator and son in law of Sarah Snelson deceased, do hereby authorize John Thornberry to call on the commissioner of pensions in Washington City for an examination of the pension papers (on file in the War Department of Sarah Snelson aforesaid decd, and all the letters on file as aforesaid, relating thereto, to enable him in my name as adm. aforesaid, to ascertain what sum, if any, shall be due the surviving children of the said Sarah Snelson deceased, widow of Nathaniel Snelson, who was a United States pensioner, at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, she the said Sarah Snelson having received, under the act of Congress passed 7th July 1838, only thirty six dollars and sixty-six cents being twenty three dollars and thirty four cents less, per annum, than her husband, the said Nathaniel Snelson received, which is claimed as the balance due to said surviving children from the 10th March 1836 to the time of the death of the death of the said Sarah Snelson which took place on the 21st day of April in the year 1849, being the sd. balance per annum also claimed under the two subsequent acts of Congress relating to widow pensions.

Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of May A.D. 1847.
Edmund Wash  seal
Witness
George B. Muson J P

60.—
36.66
———
23.36
Page 42

ENVELOPE

Long Creek Va
Nov 14

To James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pension
Washington D.C.

1915

Nov 16/42
Mary Snelson
March 5/43
Va

Wm Nelson
Long Creek Va.
Page 43

ENVELOPE

Long Creek Va.     Free
Nov. 10

To James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of pensions
Washington D.C.

[Sideways]
Nov 3 1843
Sarah Snelson
[Illegible] 38
Maybe 43 also

[illegible]
Co - Nov 15 1843
Page 44

Long Creek, Louisa Co Va.
Nov. 10. 1843

Sir,

Sarah Snelson, widow of Nathaniel Snelson, to whom a pension was granted on the 3rd of Octo 1843, under the act of Congress of July 7, 1838 has applied for payment of the claims at the Bank of Virginia, in Richmond, and her application was refused because through a mistake in your office, the Agent had been instructed to pay to her a pension under the act of March 3d 1843, which has
Page 45

has not yet been granted to her. Not doubting that the error will be corrected forthwith, I write to apprize you of its existence.
I am Sir,
Your Obt. Servt.
Wm Nelson
Page 46

ENVELOPE

Long Creek Va           Free
April 17th

To James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

8927
Apl 21. 1843

Va. 
July 7 1838
Sarah Snelson
Nathl. 32.
Page 47

Long Creek Louisa Co. Va.
April 19th 1843.

Sir,

Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Sarah Snelson widow of Nathaniel Snelson; also conclusive evidence of the fact and date of her marriage to the said Nathaniel Snelson, late a pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. I hope you will now feel yourself authorized to grant her a certificate of pension forthwith.

I am, Sir
Very respectfully
your obt servant
Wm Nelson
Page 48

Long Creek Louisa Co. Va
June 7th 1843.

Sir,

I have received your letter, dated May 24th relative to the pension of Sarah Snelson widow of Nathaniel Snelson; and am sorry to be compelled to ask you to reconsider the case. I would not do so unless I was fully convinced you had underrated Nat. Snelson's services in his southern tour in 1780. It is very true as you state that ordinary militia tours were limited by law to three months. But the tour to South Carolina was an extraordinary one made in conformity to a special act of the Virginia assembly (now before me in Henning's Statues at large Vol: 10, Page 221, dated Monday, May 1st 1780.) It enacted that 2500 Infantry be forthwith called into service "to serve three months from the time of their joining the army in South Carolina." The army they were to join was in Charleston (500 miles off) surrounded and closely besieged by the British. It would require three months to organize, arm, equip and march the militia thither; and subsequent events proved that at the end of three months they were 150 miles distant from
Page 49

from Charleston. The same Law (Page 225) enacted "if any soldier shall mutiny or desert, such offender shall serve eight months, in the troops of the State."
According to Marshall's life of Washington Vol. 4. Page 172. The Virginia militia under Gen. Stevens, "joined the army in South Carolina" on the 14th of August 1780, two days before the battle of Camden, having been already in service, about three months, and being bound by the law above mentioned to serve three months longer. In the flight from Camden Nathaniel Snelson "deserted" and returned to his residence in Louisa; I do not suppose he mentions it, in his declaration in 1832; it was a tender point, and an act he was ashamed of as long as he lived; but he acknowledged it to me before his death and spoke of it with great feeling and regret although more than 60 years had elapsed. I never mentioned it, in his lifetime but as he is now beyond the reach of either censure or praise; I can perceive no impropriety in proving the fact by Messrs. Badget and Spicer, who are the only survivors of that tour, now resident, in this part of Virginia. They were intimate with him, from his boyhood to his death, and cannot be mistaken as to
his
Page 50

identity or services. They state positively that he did desert and was sent back to the army to serve his time out, which the law made eight months as above stated. Their evidence is fully sustained by two historical works. In Marshall's life of Washington Vol. 4 Page 172 it is stated that the Virginia Militia under Gen. Stevens joined Gates' army August 14th 1780 - On the same volume page 350, under date of January 31. 1781. This passage occurs; "On receiving intelligence of the Victory of the Cowpens, Greene detached Stevens Brigade in Virginia Militia, whose terms of service were on the point of expiring, to take charge of the prisoners, and to conduct them to Charlottesville in Virginia." Now it is very clear the prisoners could not have been brought at that season of year (February) from South Carolina to Charlottesville, in less than a month, which would have prolonged the services of Stevens Brigade till some time in March 1781. It must of necessity have been composed of those, sentenced to serve eight months for desertion. -
Honyman's Annals of the Revolution, page 415 corroborate this view; (June 1781) he says "The Virginia Militia marched to South
Carolina
Page 51

Carolina, about 14 days ago; most of them very unwillingly; and many who were ordered to march staid at home. The punishment the law inflicts on these is; "to serve 8 months." The same work contains a minute account of the battle of Camden; and mentions that of the 2500 Virginia Militia ordered to S. Carolina, only 700 joined Gates' army and more than half of the 700 deserted and returned to Virginia after the battle of Camden. At page 402 this passage occurs; "Gates exerted himself to collect all the forces he could: they consisted of the Maryland troops, the old soldiers of Harrison's and Porterfield's Virginia Regiments, besides a large body of Virginia Militia, who had deserted and had been sentenced to serve eight months." Before the assembly adjourned which ordered the Militia to S. Carolina, they ascertained that many had deserted and still more were likely to desert - They passed another law, the last, except one of the session requiring the commanding officers of every county to cause all deserters to be apprehended (under the penalty of L.500 for failing) and to be delivered to the nearest officer to serve eight months. See Henning's Statutes at Large Vol: 10. Page 309 to 314.
Page 52

But enough; I am piling Ossa upon Pelion needlessly. There are two Acts of Assembly two authentic Histories, and two Depositions not conflicting with, but corroborating each other. Nathaniel Snelson's military services may be summed up thus:
179 2 Months at the Barracks in Albemarle.
2 1/2 or 3 months before the battle of Camden
8 months as a deserter in 1780 and 1781.
6 do. in the Spring, Summer, & Autumn of 1781. 
———
18 1/2

I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as you shall have reexamined the evidence in this case. Will it be necessary for Sarah Snelson to make an additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of March 3. 1843?
You say "the declaration of Sarah Snelson before a single Magistrate must be submitted to the Court and its approval certified by the Clerk". Having never heard of such a requisition before
I
Page 53

I doubt whether, I or the Court will be able to express its approval satisfactorily, Do you require the approval to be in any particular form of Words?
We are such bunglers, we seldom have one paper right the first trial.
Must the County Seal be attached to the Clerk's certificate?
I am, Sir
your most obt. Servt.
Wm Nelson

To James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 54

Revolutionary

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Commr of Pensions

Augt 12/49
[very faint] N. Addison
Page 55

Washington Aug 22d 1849

Dr Sir
Early in January last additional evidence was filed by W. Dow, in the case of Mrs Snelson, of Virginia, a pensioner under the acts of July 7 1838 &c, And some months since I wrote requesting that the Claim might be Examined and the result reported to me, as I have been employed to attend to it - Since then I have heard nothing & as the parties are becoming very impatient I beg that you will Cause the Examination to be made without further delay
I am Very respectfully
Yr. Mo. Ob. St.
D D Addison

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 56

Revolutionary

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissr of Pensions

[Sideways and very faint:]
No papers [illegible] the 
case of [crossed out illegible]
S. Snelson [illegible]
[illegible]
DD Addison
Page 57

Washington May 18th 1849
Dr. Sir,
I am particularly requested by the parties interested to ask an examination of the application of Mrs Sarah Snelson, of Va. for an increase of pension. I am informed that the additional testimony required by you in this case, was filed early in January last, and that no action has since been had-
I am Very respectfully
Yr. Mo. Obt. St.
D D Addison

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Page 58

This is to certify that, I, Edmund Wash, administrator of Sarah Snelson deceased, who was the widow of Nathaniel Snelson, a United States pensioner for services in the Revolutionary War, do hereby authorize John Thornberry, as agent, to prosecute the claim of the surviving children of Sarah Snelson aforesaid, being twenty three dollars and thirty three and one third cents per annum from the 4th March 1836, to the time of said Sarah Snelson's death, April 21st. 1847, the difference between the annual sum she received and that of her husband, he having received sixty dollars per annum, to which the said widow was entitled under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1838 and two subsequent acts; which allow to the widows of soldiers, the same sum per annum as their husbands had been allowed.
Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of of March 1850
Edmund Wash {Seal}
Administrator of Sarah Snelson Deceast.
Witness.
Wm G Walton
Page 59

The Deposition of Austin Hancock a United States pensioner aged eighty six years who testifies that he was well acquainted with Nathaniel Snelson also a United States pensioner and states that he was a schoolmate of his and has been well acquainted with him ever since in Louisa County State of Virginia and has never heard the slightest rumour of N Snelson being a deserter from the army time during the Revolutionary War but believes that he served out all his engagements faithfully in said War. The sd Hancock further states that his brother John Hancock served in the company commanded by Captain Byers in the Revolutionary War from sd County and was at Gates's defeat in the six months tour to the south; he states that his brother aforesaid came home from Gates's defeat and never returned again to the army being at that time a married man but sent a younger brother in his place who was not a married man at that time and even his brother who never returned to the army was not returned as a deserter and never considered a deserter from sd army there were several others of his acquaintance who were soldiers in the army in the sd tour under Capt Byars that came home from Gates's defeat aforesaid that also returned immediately to their duty and served out t he sd tour and were never reputed or believed to be deserters but on the contrary respected and believed to have been faithful soldiers and respected as such.
Austin Hancock
Virginia
Louisa County, SS,
personally appeared before me Robert T. Bibb a Justice of this in and for Louisa County and State of Virginia
Page 60

Austin Hancock and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition. I certify that the above named Austin Hancock is entitled to full faith and credit on his oath. Given under my hand and seal this 28th day May in the year 1847.
R.T. Bibb  seal

State of Virginia
Louisa County, to wit:

I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of said County in said State, do hereby certify that R. T. Bibb whose signature appears to the above on foregoing certificate now is and was at the date of said certificate an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that full faith and credit are and of right should be given to all his official acts as said, and that the signature to said certificate purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.

In testimony thererof I have hereunto put my hand and affixed the Public seal of said Court this 27th day of November 1848.
John Hunter Clerk of Louisa County Court
Page 61

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 6135
Sarah Snelson
Wid:
Nathaniel Snelson
Pvt. Rev. lines
Act: Mch, 3 43
Index:--Vol. M, Page 229
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 62

ENVELOPE

Long Creek Va.     Free
Jany 28

To James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

Va Jan 30 '43
N. Snelson
Page 63

Long Creek Louisa Co. Va.
Jany 28, 1842

Sir,

I have received your letter of the 12th Instant (covering a printed sheet) relative to the case of Sarah Snelson, widow of Nathaniel Snelson, who was a pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. Her husband's certificate of pension bore date (I write from memory) the 26 December 1832. The evidence of his military services for eighteen month in the War of the Revolution, is now in your office, having been transmitted to you in the summer and Autumn of the year 1832. Nathaniel Snelson died on the 22d of June 1842, and his certificate of pension for Sixty Dollar per annum was delivered to the Agent for paying pensions, at Richmond Virginia, on the 26th of December 1842, on which last named day, his widow, Sarah Snelson, received the sum of $18 being that portion of her said husband's pension which had accrued from the 4 March 1842 to the 22d June 1842, when he died.
Page 64

As the military services of Mrs Snelson's late husband are fully established by the evidence in your office, and the fact that she is the lawful widow of Nathaniel Snelson was proved before Louisa County Court in December last (1842) which proof has been transmitted to you by the pension agent at Richmond since the 26th of December 1849, when he paid her the balance of her late husband's pension. I presume you will need no other evidence except proof that Sarah Snelson was married to Nathaniel Snelson after the expiration of the last period of his service, and before the first day of January 1794.

I am thus particular that there may be no misunderstanding in relation to the whole case; and that nothing may be left undone, that ought to be done. I am too old to relish useless` labour; indeed I have considerable repugnance to that which is needful. Never the less as there can be no difficulty
Page 65

in establishing Sarah Snelson's claim I will endeavour to procure all the testimony that the rules of your department require.

I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as you have examined the evidence in your office herein referred to.
I am, Sir your
obt svt
Wm Nelson
Page 66

ENVELOPE

Long Creek Va              Free
Jany 9

To James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.

Jan 11. 43
Nathl Snelson
valid

Aus Jan 12. 1843.
Page 67

Long Creek, Louisa Co. Va.
Jany 9th 1843.

Dear Sir,

On the 22d June 1842, Nathaniel Snelson of this county (a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832 at the rate of Sixty Dollars per annum) died, leaving a widow 84 years old to whom he was married on the 25 October 1785.

His widow is very infirm and needy; and at her  urgent request I write to inquire of you, whether she is entitled to a pension since the death of her husband.

I am, Dear Sir
You Obt Serv
Wm Nelson
Page 68

ENVELOPE

Fred. Hall Va}
Dec 8th}

5

John Thornberry Esq
Washington City 
D.C.
Page 69

Fred Hall December 7th 49

Dear Sir
Yours of the 5th Nov is just received. The reason of my not answering it sooner is I have been from home for several weeks. Mr.  Hancock is dead he died about the middle of Oct. last, his deposition cannot be taken.

Yrs etc
R T Bibb
Page 70

No 8927
Sarah Snelson
Va
Act July 7th 38
------
Admd
11mo
priv
------
$36.66 per an
------

Wm Nelson, Esq
Long Creek
Louisa Co
Va
Page 71

Washington April 4 1850

DrSr,
I enclose herewith additional proof in support of the claim of Mrs. Sarah Snelson widow of Nathl. Snelson, Act 1838 to Virginia roll.

W. Hancock's affidavit was filed by J. E. Dow, Esqr. in your office early in January 1849, and has ever since been mislaid or lost. I therefore, in compliance with your instructions, enclose a copy of that affidavit Mr. Hancock having since died another could not be obtained.

As this claim has now been fifteen months before your office, I would respectfully request an immediate action on it.

I am very respectfully
Mo Ob St
D. D. Addison

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 72

Mr. Cole
Present.
Page 73

Washington D.C. March 12th 1852.

Sir,

I gave a paper to Jesse E. Dow, several years past, to file for me, for examination. The paper was additional evidence in a pension claim of Sarah Snelson, widow of Nathaniel Snelson, who was a U.S. pensioner. The papers were misland & could not be found since. Yesterday I saw Mr. Van Patten (who was engaged with Mr. Dow in his life time) and he informed me that he saw the said papers among the papers of the widow of Majr. Van Swearengen, on file in your office, you will please search for them.

Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
John Thornberry

Mr. Cole
Present.
Page 74

Bank of Virginia   Novem 4 1843

Sir

In pursuance of your letter of the 3d mth, the name of Sarah Snelson, widow of Nathaniel Snelson, was inscribed on the Roll of pensioners under the Act of the 3d March 1843, but her Pension Certificate states her to have been pensioned under the Act of 7 July 1838. Shall I inscribe her name on the Roll of pensioners under the Act last mentioned, and pay her the amount due under the Certificate in her possession?
I am very respectfully,
Your obedt. Servt.
Anty. Robinson
for J. W. Pogram

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 75

8927

Sarah Snelson

Va

let to W. Nelson May 24 1843
" " " " July 21 "

Act 7 July 1838
Page 76

James Hall's

Deposition
Page 77

State of Virginia, Louisa County to wit;

The deposition of James Hall, seventy five year old, taken at Long Creek, in said County and state this 11th day of August 1832: This deponent being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he has been well acquainted with Nathaniel Snelson of Louisa, a soldier in the Revolutionary was, for nearly seventy years and has always thought him a man of respectability and strict veracity. This deponent well recollects that the said Snelson served a two months tour of military duty at Albemarle Barracks in the Fall of the year 1779; This deponent also verily believes that the said Snelson served a six months tour of duty at Camden and in the two Carolinas in the year 1780 when Gates was defeated: This deponent also verily believes that said Snelson was in service either in his own place or as a substitute for John Spencer of Hanover from the first of January 1781 till after the Capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army on the 19th of October 1781. And further this deponent saith not.
James Hall

Louisa County to wit:

The foregoing deposition of James Hall was duly taken, subscribed and sworn to before me William Nelson, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Louisa, this 11th day of August, in the year 1832. Given under my hand at Long Creek in the county aforesaid.
W Nelson J.P.
Page 78

John Smith's
Deposition


Snelson
Page 79

State of Virginia Louisa County to wit
The deposition of John Smith, now in the seventieth year of his age, taken at Long Creek in said County and State this 9th day of August 1832. This Deponent being first duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he has been well acquainted with Nathaniel Snelson of said County from his boyhood, and that he has always considered the said Snelson a man of respectability and strict veracity. This deponent well recollects having served one tour of duty in the militia in Company with the said Snelson in the Spring of the year 1781, this Deponent and the said Snelson were in Louisa, and at the city of Richmond in the month of April 1781 when the Warehouses in Manchester on the opposite side of James River were burnt by the British before the eyes of this Deponent. This deponent verily believes that the said Snelson served another tour of duty in the Fall of the said year 1781 at the Seige of Yorktown in Virginia when Lord Cornwallis and his army were captured, where this deponent was then in service attached to a company of Guardiers. From that time to this, the said Snelson and this deponent have generally lived near each other and for the last thirty years within two miles of each other. They have again and again talked over in social chat their warlike exploits and military adventures, and the said Snelson has related to this Deponent so many facts and recurrences that come within the personal knowledge of this Deponent. That this deponent entertains no doubt that the said Snelson actually performed those services which are set forth in the deposition of the said Snelson and which this deponent from the lapse of more than fifty years cannot more particularly testify to. And further this Deponent saith not.
John Smith

Virginia, Louisa County to wit:
The foregoing deposition, was duly taken, subscribed, & sworn to before me William Nelson a Justice of the peace for Louisa County, & State of Virginia, this 9th day of August 1832.
W. Nelson.
Page 80

Thomas Badget
       Deposition
Page 81

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit

The deposition of Thomas Badget, seventy years of age, taken at Long Creek in the said County of Louisa this 9th day of August 1832. This deponent being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that he has known Nathaniel Snelson of said County, ever since the 19th day of June 1780, when the said Snelson and this deponent, left the said County of Louisa under Captain John Byars, and in a Regiment of Virginia Militia commanded by Colonel George Stubblefield and _____ Spencer, on their march to  join the Southern Army commanded by General Gates. The said Snelson was present with this deponent at the Battle of Camden on the 16th of August 1780, and served six months. This deponent well remembers that that said Snelson was in service with this deponent in the Spring of the year 1781 under Captain John White and Colonel Matthews and James on James River and near Williamsburg and at Richmond in April 1781 when the Tobacco Warehouses in Manchester where burnt by the British before our eyes. This deponent has lived within three miles of said Snelson's residence for the last thirty years has often conversed with him relative to his military services and has no doubt that the said Snelson performed six tours of military duty, two of them as a substitute for other persons and three of them in company with this deponent the last at the [Siege] of Yorktown when Lord Cornwallis was captured with his army.
Th Badget
X  his mark

Louisa County to wit:

The foregoing deposition of Thomas Badget, was duly taken, subscribed, and sworn to, at Long Creek, in said County, before me William Nelson, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Louisa this 9th day of August 1832.
W. Nelson J.P.
Page 82

State of Virginia, Louisa County to wit:

I, William Nelson, an acting Justice of the peace, in and for the County of Louisa aforesaid, Do hereby certify that James Hall, John Smith, and Thomas Badget, who have subscribed, and sworn to the annexed depositions before me, in behalf of Nathaniel Snelson, are creditable witnesses, and full faith ought to be given to their testimony; two of them are members of the Baptist Church, and stand well with their Brethren; one of them, John Smith, has lived within a mile of my residence for eighteen years, and I would take his word as soon as that of any man I have ever known. Given under my hand & seal, this 10th day of December 1832.
W. Nelson J. P.  seal

State of Virginia
Louisa County, to wit
I John Hunter Clerk of the county court of the County aforesaid, in the State aforesaid, he hereby certify that William Nelson esqr. whose signature appears to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to Law, and that full faith and Credit are an of right should be given to all his official acts as such and that the signature to the said certificate is the genuine signature of the said William Nelson.
Given under my hand this 10th day of December 1832.
John Hunter
Page 83

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 granting pension for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838:

State of Virginia, Louisa County to wit:

On this 31st. Day of October 1843, personally appeared before me William Nelson an acting Justice of the County Court of Louisa, Sarah Snelson a resident of the said County of Louisa aged 85 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain this benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Nathaniel Snelson, who was a private in the Militia of the State of Virginia, and served at the Barracks in Albemarle, at the Battle of Camden, and at the Siege of Yorktown; and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was thirty six Dollars, Sixty six cents. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sarah Snelson

Sworn and Subscribed on the day and in the year last above mentioned before me,
Wm. Nelson
A Justice of the County
Court of Louisa
Page 84

State of Virginia
Louisa County  [illegible]

I John Hunter clerk of the Court of Louisa County, certify that William Nelson is a Magistrate as within stated, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have herewith affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 13th day of November 1843.

John Hunter clerk of 
the Court of Louisa County.