Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,900, William Willis, Mass. Sea Service (Penn.)
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Mass. Willis, William  S.7.900
Sea Service (Penn.)
CONTENTS
Page 2

Virginia No 12746
William Willis
of Monroe in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Comp command
by Captain Crandon of the Regt. comman
by Col Marshall in the Mass.
line for 2 years,
Increased, from, $41.99, to $80 equa
to 2 years service, by special Act
relief. Approved. 29. August 1846

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31, day of Aug
1842 - and handed to t
Pensioner, Present

Arrears to the 4th of March, '42 880,
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. 40
Died Jan. 28, 1853 920,
A.B.

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
ecorded by Theo. L Moody Clerk,
Book 6. Vol. 6. Page " 23
Page 3

$41:99 per ann
12 mo. 18 day,

Present- pay at
Washn. [illegible] present [illegible]
-Va. roll
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress
of the 7th. June 1832.

District of Columbia
County of Washington Ss.
On this 20th. day of May
1833, personally appeared before the Undersigned
a Notary Public for the County aforesaid William Willis
a resident of Union, Monroe County, Virginia,
aged 73 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 provision made by the Act of Congress, passed
June 7. 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of
the United States in the year 1775, on the 28th of
July, in Captain Thomas Crandon's Company of
Sea Coast men, and Served in Said company for
the period of 5 Months and 6 days. That he
again entered the Service in the year 1776 in
a Militia Company under the command of Capt
Amasa Soper, Lt. Freeman Taber, in the Regiment
commanded by Col. Marshall, Major Carver; and
that he Served therein for the period of 6 Months,
That he again entered the Service in the year
1778, in the Company commanded by Captain
Robert Earl, and Lieut William West, and Served
in Said Company for a term of 6 Weeks.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension,
whatever, or an annuity, except the present, and
he declares that his name is not on the pension
Roll of any agency in any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written [signature] Willim. Willis
before me Henry Whetcroft Notary Public.
Page 5

4
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832.

District of Columbia
County of Washington [spiral mark] Ss.
On this 20th day of
May 1833 personally appeared before the undersigned
a Notary Public for the County aforesaid William
Willis a resident of Union, Monroe County, Virginia,
aged 73 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 provision made
by the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he enlisted
in the Army of the United States in the year 1775, on the
28th July, in Captain Thomas Crandon's company of Sea
Coast Men, and served in said company for the period
of 5 months and 6 days. That he again entered the service
in the year 1776 in a militia company under the command
of Capt. Amasa Soper, Lt. Freeman Taber, in
the Regiment commanded by Col. Marshall, Major
Carver; and that he served therein for the period of 6
months. That he again entered the service in the year
1778, in the company commanded by Captain Robert
Earl, and Lieut. William West, and served in said
Company for a term of 6 Weeks.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension, whatever, or
an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his
name is not on the pension Roll of Any Agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the Willm.. Willis
day & year above written before [spiral mark]
me, Henry Whetcroft, Notary Public [spiral mark]
Page 6

October 18, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
WILLIAM WILLIS
S. 7900
Luella Bancroft Fant  BA-J/MLB
Public Library
Newark, Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to William Willis,
a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on
file in pension claim, S. 7900, of William Willis, based upon
his service in the Revolutionary War.

The date of his birth and names of his parents are not
stated in the claim.

While residing in that part of Dartmouth (which was later
New Bedford ), Bristol County, Massachusetts, he enlisted July 28,
1775, and served five months and six days as a private in
Captain Thomas Crandon's Massachusetts Seacoast company. He
enlisted in June, 1776, and served six months as a private in
Captain Amasa Soper's company, Colonel Marshall's Massachusetts
regiment. He enlisted in the summer of 1778 and served six
weeks as a private in Captain Robert Earl's company, Colonel
Hathaway's Massachusetts regiment. He was serving as mariner
on board the North American brigantine, "Holker", Captain
Matthew Lawler, when she captured an English privateer, and on
January 16, 1780, brought the captured vessel into the island
of St. Eustatius (West Indies). In 1783, he was serving on the
vessel (name not given) which captured the brig, " Dolphin".
He was appointed (date not given) U. S. Consul at Barcelona,
Spain, arriving there late in 1798. As consul at that place
he was very active in effecting security and comfort to the
American citizens during the war between the United States and
Tripoli.
Page 7

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 20,
1833, at which time he was aged seventy-three years and a
resident of Union, Monroe County, Virginia, where he was still
residing in 1848.

William Willis died January 28, 1853.

There are no family data in the claim.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

- 2 -
Page 8

On Heeden den 20 January 1780
Compareerden voor my Anthony [illegible]jon
Eersk clercy |: frengeerernde by absen [illegible]
den Secretario :| hen diens he Van de Edele
Generaale Geochroyeerde Nederlandsche
Westindische Compagnie, Yesideerande
op her Eyland St Eustatius, in fresentie
Van de Nagenoende gehurygen.

William Willis, Daniel Calachan
& Valentyn Rogester Mattro [illegible]
Voorsz qualiteiten genanegeend helbende
Met de Noordameriknansche Brigantyn
genl. De Holker Capn. Matw. Lawler,
Dewelke Verklaarde geherygde en deponneerde
her Sialde Van de [illegible],
heyd, ende omone he Sprekken Da [illegible]
her behoort, dat Zy Een Engelsch
Kaper genomen hebben, en op den
16 deeser op deze Rhede met genn
genomene Kaper geKoman, en da [illegible]
Zy Comparanhen met gemelde prys
Van hier Weden Waren warrzokken
om na Guadeloupe he gaan, en op der
18 Dezen montserrat im gesigt heb,
bende, gaj de prys meewhen orden om
daan im helopen, Leggende dat Zuly,
het Eyland Guadeloupe was, en op
de Rhede van Montserrat Komende,
ging de prys Meesten met de Sloop,
en twee man, en alde papieren, waar
onder Een Copie Van de Commissie,
na
Page 9

Ndde wal, en dat net fom hoen op gemelde
prys had geschoten, On dat de prys
meeshen agher gebleven Was, en dat Zy
Compn. met gemelde prys ab hoen heruo
Waran gekeerd, en Kort daarna de
grohe mast van loren, en Vervolgans
gemood zaakt de ze Rhede aan hedoen,
alwaan Zy op heden zyn gearrineart,
hebbende den cerzhe fomparant. hegens,
moordig het fommando op gemelde
& zys.

Alle het geeme voorez Steatverklaarden
sy lzmparanten den uyverein oprighe
Waarheyd he Zyn, ende bereyd omma 
Zuly nadar des guregnireerd puerden de
met Solemnaale Eede he bevestigen.
Ende over Zuly probesheerde Sy
Comparan hen, wegens het voren verhaal
de van alle Koste Ichaden nadeelen
en Interesoen, alreede daar door gehad
geleeden en alsnog he hebbyn en
de Cyden, hen fine zuls he Kunneherhaalen
of he herhaalt Werden daar
ende zo het Cevenden zal weorden he behozen.

Aldrus Gedaan en Gepasseezd
op St. Eustatius cahean ut Supra, in presonke
Van Joseph Roda & Anthony Beaujon
Junior als go[illegible]gen. Sie de miner he de,
"Zes benservens comparanhen & my Eere he
clancy behoorlyk hebben moerhee Kend
Cole :|, Decod attestor
Anth: Beaujon
.. Eentzclereq. [spiral mark]
Page 10

[all text here is vertical, the top of the letters are facing to the right.]
Willis, Wm.
Mass. Sea Ser. (Penn,) S7900

William Willis &
[illegible] 72nd test
21 January 1780 -
Page 11

Wp Johannes De Graaff Governener
oder de Eylanden St. Eustatius
Saba & StMartin. - .
Oirkonde en wokanne dat voor ans ge
compareert en Verucheenen Syn William
Willis, Daniel Calachan & Valentyn
Rogester, als ma [illegible] osem Gemaadigeerd
hebbende met der Noordamerikaansche
Brigantyn genaamd de Holker capd,
Matw. Lawler dewalke Verklaarde dat
de hier vorenstaanse depositie [illegible] nadar
[illegible] aan hum van de nederduitsche,
in de Engelsche Tals gefroume lyn Was
Vortaalt :| de Suyvere en opregle
heyd Zy, daar op en by So Lemme [illegible]
Persisteerende. Soo waarlyk moest
hunfomparanten God & magtighelpen.
Des [illegible] deezes door ons Governener
& Eerde clercy Eygenhandig onder hee [illegible]
& met het geweene S. lands Zegel beverligd. -

St. Eustatius den 21. January 178"
[illegible signature; a faint circular mark is to the left of it]
In kennissevan, [illegible]
Anth: Beaugon
.. Eenticlerq. [spiral mark]
Page 12

The Honble
John Quincy Adams

Willis, Wm.
Mass. Sea Ser. (Penn) S7900
Page 13

Respected Sir

I understood you yesterday morning, to say,
that the Honble Committee were preparing for the examination of the
papers that were presented at the Pension Office, at the time the Certificate
was obtained. It was at that time very difficult to obtain any [crossed out text]
proof of military services, unless it had ^been placed on record: I could
then, only find two persons alive, who had served with me, either
under inlistment, or as volunteers: and I do not now know of one that
is alive of the many hundreds, or thousands with whom I served.
I always inlisted when I engaged for any specific time; but when
those specific engagements were ended, there seemed to be but little
difference, except the changeing lodgings, from a barrack to a dwelling
House. At times, not a week would pass for months; without enemies
Vessels being in sight of Newbedford: which made ^it necessary to guard
the shores during the nights: and more [crossed out: was] was expected from those
who had been out on an engagement under inlistment- than
from others; in consequence of the general belief, that as they
had more experienc; they would know better what would
be best to be done, if the enemy should land in the night,.
and these alarms seemed rather to become more frequent, than to abate,
until after New Bedford was burnt
As it is my object to obtain an increase of my military pension, it
may be of some use, for the Honble. Committee to be informed; that the
last prize I captured in the Brigg Dolphin was condemned in the
Court of Admiralty at Williamsburg, Virginia; and according to my
memory, in the month of June, or July, of the year 1783. She was
a Bermuda built Sloop: She was captured a day or two before the
peace; and first carried into North Carolina; where, by an act
of thoughtlessness, they had abolished their Court of Admiralty;
which obliged me to send ^her to South Quay, on Blackwater River
and have her condemned in a Virginia Court of Admiratey: and
if remember rightly. Judge Waller Presided in that Court, and
M. Taswell and M. Innes acted as counsel; it may have been,
Page 14

as late as August of that year. It only came to my recollection
last evening: I had not thought of it, for some years before.
I hand you with this. Sir. A [asterisk written in] paper containing a narrative
of arduous servics in the Mediterranean: And enclose the
passport of ^the Vice Roy of Corsica. Also Mr Wyndhams passport.
for Brigg Jack, Captain Young: Also Captain Youngs
affidavit. I fear, Sir, that I shall give you too much
trouble: But these papers are closely connected with the subject
of the narrative in the Philadelphia Gazette -
I am Sir. very Respectfully
Your Obedt
Servant
William Willis

*I have cut the two Columns that contain the narrative out of the
Gazette and enclose them, with the passports, and Captn Youngs
affidavit. The effecting of this object, cost more than a thousand dollars.
To the Honble
John Quincy Adams.

In addition to the expense of obtaining permission to embark the
money for Algiers, was the loss I sustained in being obliged to change
my whole plan of business, by going with it. I had but little property
in the Vessel and had directed that to be fully insured; and my
only motive for going with the money was to give greater security
to its safe arrival.
Page 15

Willis, Wm. S7900
Mass. Sea Ser. (Penn.)
Page 16

My last representations of services to the United States
were those of effecting the shipment of one hundred thousand dollars belonging to the Government, and conveying it to Algiers in
opposition to the designs of the United States Consul at Leghorn.
I now purpose giving a narrative of occurrences at Barcelona
in Spain while I was consul of the United States at that place I arrived
there according to the best of my recollection near the close of
the year 1798. I found that the French Privateers very frequently visited
it, and ran out to meet, and make depredations upon the vessels of the
subjects, or citizens of Nations, with whom, [crossed out text] the French Government
were at variance. I found then in the mole of Barcelona, three of
those Privateers.
I was not a little surprised and vexed by finding our Nation
to be so little known in that part of Spain. From 1783 to 1798, the
time of my arrival at Barcelona, Viz for the space of thirteen years,
there had been but three vessels with the American flag at that
City, and one of those, a ship belonging to Messr Seaton and Maitland
of New York, was captured, and carried in there as a prize by
a French Privateer
One of the first things, I directed my attention to, was to convince
the labouring people that those privateers prevented many trading
vessels from coming into their Port; and thereby they lost the profits
^of unloading ^and loading them again: I had frequent oppertunities, for
giving weight to my arguments by employing them, in carrying,
and storing merchandise; and always to care to impress on their
minds that [crossed out text] oon lose the business, they [illegible]
so much pleased with if the French privateers continued to visit
the Port: And they soon began to treat the people belonging to them
so roughly that within three months after my arrival they all
abandoned the place; and no American vessel was captured by them
in the vicinity of Barcelona while I was Consul there.
To give an account of all the services I was enabled to perform
at Barcelona would require more time than I have to devote
Page 17

=to the purpose. I will therefore confine myself to the subject of
the Tripolitan war, which broke out suddenly during the time
I was Consul at Barcelona; and there were a considerable number
of American citizens in the Mediterranean, navigating their
vessels in almost every diretion at the same time, without the
least suspicion of danger.
While the Government of the United States, and its citizens had
the greatest confidence in ^the peaceable disposition of the Dey of
Tripoli, he sent out the strongest fleet that he ever had at sea,
with orders to capture all the vessels they could meet with belonging
to citizens of the United States: nearly all the American
Vessels in the Mediterranean, had at that time got within the
district of my Consulate or in its vicinity: and I believe that I was
the first on the ^European side of the Mediterranean, that had information of that war,
excepting the Messenger that brought the news.
I lost no time in sending expresses by land; and also by boats,
to inform my fellow citizens of the dangers with which, they
were surrounded: and at the same informed them that I had
obtained orders, from the Captain General, to be sent to all the
Forts on the coast, to protect all Vessels with American flags, that
should be within Gunshot of their Forts. and advised them all
to take shelter as fast as possible, in the mole of Barcelona:
Where I had the satisfaction of seeing them all safely [illegible]ive,
and where I detained them until ships of war arrived
from the United States; and drove the Tripolitan fleet, that
was blockading the mouth of the streights, into ports on the
Barbary coast, and freed the Americans from further dread
of danger, from them
In a short time after their arrival, I had the satisfaction
of seeing Captain Bainbridge arrive [crossed out text] for the purpose
convoying the vessels I had detained for about three
months The Masters and Supercargoes had, at times, been
very impatient; and many of them had, in a formal way,
[crossed out: and] demanded of me, the clearances of their Vessels, and the
compulsion of their people, to go with them. But I always
firmly refused. and by such refusal saved them from [crossed out: certain]
certain capture The detention ^of them, had been very expensive,
Page 18

=to me, as in order to prevent their becoming even more impatient
than they were, and ^to soften the severity of their detention ^I kept open house
for them, and had as many of them to live with me as I could induce
to do so, and gave them all a particular dinner once a week,
in order to have them as much together ^as possible, that I might impress
on their minds as frequently as possible the necessity of
waiting until they could be protected by ships of war. And although
the expense was great. I have never claimed remuneration from
the Government. -
I was very happy in seeing those, that I had protected so long
with affectionate care, placed under the care of so able an Office
as Captain Bainbridge, and the happiness in due time of hearing
of their safe arrival at the places of their destination
I should possibly have made a claim for those expences
had not my books, and papers been, deranged in my absence
in order to defraud me: and as I was thus prevent -
from being able ^to ascertain an accurate claim from my book;
I have declined making any, in that way: and ^must rely: mainly
for ^present relief; upon a pension: although I am confident that five thousand
dollars, would not remunerate me, for my pecuniary expenses, in effecting
the security and comfort of American ^citizens during that Tripolitan war.
Page 19

Grape from
Montserat

[many stains and fold marks appear on the page]

Willis, Wm.
Mass. Sea Ser. (Penn.) S7900
Page 20

(Translation)
On this day, the 20th. of January 1780, before
me, Anthony Beaujon, Chief Clerk (acting in the
absence of the Secretary) in the Service of the Honorable
the Chartered West India Company of the Netherlands,
residing in the Island of St. Eustatius, & in the presence
of the Witnesses hereafter named; appeared William
Willis, Daniel Calachan & Valentine Rogester, Mariners,
having navigated in the said Capacity on board the North
American Brigantine called the Holker, Captn. Matw.
Lawler, who for the Sake of Truth, did declare, testify
& depose, to Serve as to right may appertain, that
they had taken an English Privateer & on the 16th. inst.
brought the Same into this road & that they the said
appearers had Sailed from hence with the Said Prize
for Guadaloupe, & on the 18th. instant, being in Sight
of Montserrat, & the prize Master gave orders to run into
it, Saying that it was the Island of Guadaloupe, & that
coming into the road of Montserrat, the prize master
went ^in to there with the boat & two men with all the papers, [illegible]
which was a Copy of the Commission & then the fort fired
upon the said Prize, & the prize Master remained behind, but
these appearers immediately turned back with the said Prize,
& Shortly after they lost their main mast, and [illegible] of
consequence obliged to make for this road, where they arrived
this day, the first named appearer having at present the
command of the Said Prize -.-
All which these appearers declare to be the Sincere
and honest Truth and are ready to attest the Same in their
Solemn Oaths, when required.
Whereupon the Said Appearers did [illegible] test against
all the Circumstances above related for all Costs, damages and
interests & Losses already Suffered or hereafter to be Suffered by
[illegible]
Page 21

Peason, in order to renew the Said protest when & where
ever it may be found necessary.
Thus done and protested at S Eustatius -
Dated as above, in the presence of Joseph Roda and
Anthony Beaujon, junior, as Witnesses, who have Signed
the minute of there presents with the appearers & me,
the said first Clerk, in due form.
[note in left margin horizontal brackets: Compared] Quod Attestor
(Signed) Anthony Beaujon
Chief Clerk

We, Johannes De Graaff, Governor of the Islands
of St. Eustatius, Saba & St. Martins.
Certify and attest that before me have
appeared William Willis, Daniel Calachan & Valentine
Rogester, Mariners; having navigated as Such on board
the American Brigantine called The Holker, Captain
Matw. Lawler, who declared, that the aforegoing Deposition
which has been truly interpreted to them from the Low
Dutch into the English Language) is the Sincere and
honest Truth & that they persist Solemnly therein -
So may God Almighty help, the said Appearers -
In Testimony whereof these presents have
been signed by us Governor & Chief Clerk, & the Common
Seal of the Country has been hereto affixed
[circular image in left margin containing text: LS] St Eustatius 21st. January 1780.
(Signed) Johannes de Graaff
Attested by me
Anth: Beaujon
Chief Clerk -
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Ss.
I, Peter Stephen Du Ponceau, Notary
Public & Sworn Interpreter of foreign Languages for
Page 22

the Commonwealth aforesaid, by lawful authority
admitted and Commissioned, dwelling in the City of
Philadelphia -
Do hereby Certify and Attest
to all whom it may concern that the aforegoing
Writing (in which there are no Erazures or interlineations, except that the words [underlined] "to shore" [end underlined] are once interlined)
is a true and exact Translation, to the best of
my Skill and abilities, of and from a certain Instrument
of Writing written in the Low Dutch language, which
is hereto annexed.
[at left of the following text is a circular seal, containing 3 images from top to bottom- an image of a three-masted ship, and two other unclear images. The text around the border reads: PETER S. DU PONCEAU NOTARY PUBLIC PHILADELPHIA]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal of Office, at
Philadelphia, the 3d. of Septm. 1791 -
Peter S. Du Ponceau
Not: Pub: & Sw: Int
Page 23

Passport Vice
Kin y Corsica
1803
and
Mr Wyndhams Passport
William Willis
Mass.
S. F 7900
Page 24

Noi Gilberto Elliot
ViceRe del Regno di Corsica -

Desiderando i Signori Guglielmo Wellis, ed Enrigo
Slough, di Nazione Americani, e Giovanni Bellomine
loro domestico, passare abordo dell ' Mms. Signor Comandante
della Nave di Sua Maesta Brittanica, impiegota nel blocco
di Livorno, essendo da quella Citta 'qui' arrivati per affari
particolari; Evolendo noi assicurare loro un passaggio -
Sicuro, e senza ritardo alcuno, e procurar loro tutte le
facilita, e comodi possibili, vichicdiamo percio a tutti i -
Bastimenti di Sua Maesta, ed ordiniamo atutti i Corsari
Anglo-Corsi di non trattenere, ne molestare nel loro passaggio
i Sopranominati Signori, i quali sono imbarcati per il
saddetto oggetto sul Bastimento denominato [underlined] La Madonna [end underlined]
di Montenero, comandato dal Vadron Gio: Battista Vellen
Coscano, con dieci llomini di Equipaggio.
Bastiali Cinque Settembre 1796.
[at left is a filled-in black circle] Lerordine di Sua Eccellenzo
[signature] Federigo North
Sego. di stato
Page 25

ship
Catherine
John Mills
Page 26

I will conclude my narratives of services at Barelona, with
the seizure and tryal of the ship Catherine James Mills Master. On
the afternoon of the 4th of September 1800: Two British ships of war.
were in sight and remained about two leagues distant until the
the dusk of the evening, when they made ^use of a Swedish Galiot
to hide part of their boats; and towed her into Bacelona Road
with [crossed out: with] their other boats: and siezed upon two Duch armed
ships, that were nearly ready for sea. Captain Mills went on
shore a short time before the Britishh boats, made their attack
upon the two Duch Ships: But before he went on shore, he gave
orders to his mate, that ^in case of any danger, approaching; to hoist lights
to give him notice of it: But the Duch Captains, and the Duch
Consul, accused him of having hoisted them as signals, to the
English, to give them notice that it was a proper time to
attack them: and called upon ^the Captain General, to seize the
ship Catherine which he did: and I immediately notified ^him
that in the name of my Government I should hold the
Spanish Government responsible for all damages that
should take ^place in consequene of such seisure, and detention.
The Captain Geneneral then artfully endeavoured to induce
me to demand security of the Duch Consul; as it was by [crossed out text]
demand the Catherine ^had been seized: I immediately rejected all
such proposals, and informed him that I should look to no other
than his Catholic Majestys government under whose authority
the Vessel had been seized, and detained; for all damages
that should be caused, by such seizure and detention.
But a long and expensive tryal {crossed out text] took place; which was
terminated about the time I left Spain; and I was told by the
Officer [crossed out: who was told the office] who was appointed to conduct
the defense of Captain Mills, that the translation of my defense
of him, at the time of the seizure, was all he wished
for, or needed in procuring the final acquittal, and liberation
of the Ship Catherine: and I believe there is now about twenty
thousand dollars of the Florida treaty money, that was adjudged,
as the proportion of that money; to which the owners of ship,
Page 27

Catherine were entitled; now laying in charge, or under control
of one of the departments of our Government: The papers relating
to that ship, were improperly taken out of the Consular Office
at Barcelona, when [crossed out: he] ^John Leonard was removed from that, Office, and kept
by him some time. But I believe they were delivered by him to
some Office, or person in this City, or at Baltimore
The Duch Government, set up a claim theough the Spanish
Government, against the [crossed out: the] United States; for near a Million, of
dollars, under the pretence, that the Government was responsible
for the conduct of the Captains of its armed Merchant Vessels
I knew that the petence was weak: But believed there would
be a settlement of claims between the American, and Spanish
Governments, at some future day; and that if I did not establish
the innocence of Mills; there would be a set off against American
claims; to the amount of about a Millio of dollars, and
they certainly would have been so set off, in the settlement
if the case of Mills, had terminated otherwise, than it did.
Page 28

[Left page]
Copies of papers sent to the Hon J.
Mathis H. R.  June 4. 1842.
Letters to F. Webster & Clerk Ho
of Reps. 29. Aug 1842.

[Right page]
Virginia 12.746
William Willis
of Monroe in the State of Virginia
who was a pri: in the compn.y commanded
by Captain T. Crandon of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Marshall in the Masstts.
line for 12 mos. & 18 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 41 Dollars 99 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20. day of May '33 -
and handed applicant
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 83.98
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 20.99½
$104.97 ½

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by William Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6. Page 31
Page 29

[at top center is an image of a heraldic eagle with an olive branch in left talon, what appears to be arrows or wheat in its right talon, and a banner within its beak; the right portion of banner reads: UNUM]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Ss.
[left of the following text is a partially folded paper with a faint circular mark visible within it]
BY this Public Instrument, be it
known to all whom the same doth or may
concern, That I, JOHN KEESE, a
Public Notary, in and for the State of
New York, by Letters Patent under the
Great Seal of the said State, duly Commissioned
and Sworn; and in and by the said
Letters Patent invested, "With full Power and Authority to ATTEST
Deeds, Wills, Testaments, Codicils, Agreements and other Instruments
in writing, and to administer any Oath or Oaths, to any Person or
Persons: Do hereby certify [handwritten] That before me personally
appeared Francis Young Master of the
Brigantine Jack named in the within
written Declaration and Signed his name
thereto, and being by me duly Sworn
according to Law Deposed to be true
all and every the matters therein set
forth - [end handwritten]
WHEREOF an Attestation being required, I have granted this
under my Notarial Firm and Seal
DONE at the City of New-York, in the said State of New York,
the [handwritten] Twenty Seventh [end handwritten] Day of [handwritten] March [end handwritten] in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety [handwritten] Seven [end handwritten]
QUOD ATTESTOR. [handwritten signature] Jno Keese
Page 30

State of New York Ss.
I Francis Young master of
the Brigantine Jack of New York do hereby
Testify and declare that being at Leghorn
on the third Day of December last and
having my full Cargo on board and one
hundred thousand Dollars on Account
of the United States of America, destined
for Algiers, I received orders from William
Willis one of the Owners of said
Brig to clear out said vessel for Algiers
and New York; - I accordingly called
on Philip Filicchi Esqr. Consul for the
United States, for my Clearance, he thereupon,
without the least objection, furnished
me with a Clearance and his own Certificate
on my Sea Letter - That immediately
after having received his Fees
and delivered me the Papers he called Mr.
Briggs his Clerk, Captain John Faddy Harbour
master and Lieutenant Scriven as Evidence
that he the said Consul, in his official
Capacity, warned me not to go out
of the said Port of Leghorn, and gave as
reason for it, "that he considered the Port
in a State of Blockade." - That I informed
said William Willis of this who answered
Page 31

that the Interest of the United States was
deeply concerned in the said Brigantine's
proceeding on her voyage; and that the
said Consul had no right, upon no other
-foundation than the reason he had given,
to prohibit me from Sailing; and ordered
me to proceed to Sea without Delay -
And I do further Testify and declare
that said, Consul knew there was one
hundred thousand Dollars on Board
said Brigantine on Account of the United
States destined for Algiers- And
further that no Blockade existed at
Leghorn at that time, and that vessels
were going out and coming into the
Port every Day without Interruption,
And I do furthermore testify and declare
that no vessels of war were in Sight
of the Port of Leghorn, at the time said
Consul laid said Phrohibition on me
and that none had been in Sight of the
same for three days then last to his knowledge
or Belief - And that if said
William Willis had not been present
at Leghorn as aforesaid I should have
Page 32

been prevented from Sailing from thence for
Algiers at that time by reason of the said
Consuls prohibition -
Francis Young


affidavit of
Captain Young
1797
[illegible] Filichi
Page 33

To the Honble John Taliferao
Page 34

I have been the more disappointed, by the the obstacles that have opposed
my immediately obtaining a full pension; in consequence of
my having let it rest so long; in order to have something to resort to
in enfeebled old age, if I should live to need it: That old age has
now arrived: and how long I shall remain tottering upon the ground;
under which, I must soon be laid, is only known, to that Almighty
Being, by whose permission; I still move upon its surface: but one
of the sharpest ^mental agonies, that ^are likely to assail my bosom; will be
caused by a long delay of the relief, which that [crossed out text] addition to
my pension will give; if soon obtained.
I have been much surprised, on finding at the close of the
instrument that I signed, when I received my pension; something
like a relinquishment of every additional claim, for military
services; I never understood, that there were any such
conditions interwoven in the instrument. I did not read it, [crossed out text]
nor understand there were such conditions in it; and should
not have willingly relinquished all [crossed out text slightly above] claims for volunteer service:
It was only in engagements for a specific time of service; that
I inlisted, in them, I always intisted. But much more frequently
turned out, and acted as a voluntere; without pay or rations
and always remained out under arms as long as the danger
existed and was under arms most of the time, from the
breaking out of the war, as a Volunteer, to the time I inlisted
in Captn Crandons Company of Sea Boatmen, which was about
Three months after the breaking out of the war.
Willm Willis
To the Honble [vertical pen stroke]
John Taliferro
Page 35

Payments to be made
at Richmond
by the Presd: U.S. Br: Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of Virginia

[vertical writing: Cancelled]

Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E. Vol. 6
Page 31 by William Miller
Clerk.
Page 36

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, [handwritten] William Willis
of the State [end handwritten] of [handwritten] Virginia [end handwritten]
who was a [handwritten] private in the war of the revolution [end handwritten]
is entitled to receive [handwritten] - Forty one - [end handwritten] dollars and
[handwritten] Ninety nine [end handwritten] cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually on the
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this [handwritten] 20th [end handwritten] day of
[handwritten] May [end handwritten] one thousand
eight hundred and thirty= [handwritten] three [end handwritten]
[signature] Lew Cass.
Secretary of War.
[to the left is the image of a folded diamond-shaped paper bearing faint ink stains]
Examined and
Countersigned. }
[signature] J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 37

[left page]
Augt [illegible]
Union. Va
10 August 1848
William Willis
Has lost his pension certificate
ask for a duplicate.
W. 218.
15 August 1848
Pension Bureau
Mr Evans
William Willis
Va
7th June 1832

[right page, text appears to be upside down]
[dark circular image at top]
D.C.
Washington City
the Secretary of War
To

Union Va.
Aug. 10.}

[illegible]
Page 38

Union Monroe County Va.
10." August 1848.
To the Secretary of War.
Sir I. have lost my Pension Certificate, and as
I. cannot receive the amount $40, which will be due me on
the 4' Sept: I hope you will send me a duplicate
Very respectfully
William Willis
Page 39

Please send a copy of the papers in the eme
of William Willis to me & I should be glad
to have them as soon as possible
J. Mathiot
House of Representts
Page 40

[left side shows a separate rectangular piece of paper with vertical (sideways) writing: Mr Willis will return these
papers when he has made the
use of them which he proposes]

[right side]
William Willis
May 31 1842
Refd to the Comr. on
Revolutionary Pensions
July 21. 1842
Bill W. 530-
Petition printed with
report no. 916

Mr. Adams
Page 41

I, Elnathan West, of New Bedford in the County of Bristol Ss
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy seven years,
do testify & say, that I was a soldier in the war of the
revolution & in June in the year seventeen hundred and seventy
six served six months in the company of Militia under
Captain Amasa Soper, Lt. Freeman Taber in the regiment
commanded by Col. Marshal, Major Carver; and that I
know William Willis then of Dartmouth, who resided
in that part of Dartmouth which is since New Bedford,
and who now resides, as I am informed, at [crossed out: Union] in
the County of Munroe and Commonwealth of Virginia;
and that said William Willis was a soldier with me
in said Company, that we marched from said Dartmouth
to Point Alderton, and after staying there a few days went
to the Castle near Boston, where we were employed
in repairing and building fortifications; we served
six months, & the said Willis & I were discharged at the
same time and returned home together.
Elnathan West

Commonweath of Massachusets
Bristol - [crossed out text/thick horizontal line] Ss. - New Bedford. October 19th. 1832
Then Elnathan West appeared, and made oath
to the truth of the above by him subscribed,
Before me, Eli Haskell, Justice of the Peace
I also certify that the said Elnathan West is a credible
person - Eli Haskell Justice of the Peace.
Page 42

[to the left of the following text is a square outline around a somewhat circular ink mark; it is difficult to make out any legible text or images within it]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol Ss. I Anselm Bassett Register
of the Court of Probate in and for said
County of Bristol, do hereby certify that
Eli Haskell is a Justice of the Peace
for said County of Bristol and that
the signature to the within affidavit
purporting to be his, is the genuine
signature of him the said Eli -
Haskell - In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and
the seal of said Court this twenty fifth
day of October Eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Anselm Bassett
Page 43

I Stephen West of New Bedford in the County of Bristol and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy six years do testify
and say that I know William Willis formerly of said New Bedford,
and now as I am informed of Union in Munroe County in the
Commonwealth of Virginia and that I well remember that in
the summer of the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight,
he and I served together in a militia company under Captain
Robert Earl Lt. William West, but the officers of the regiment to
which said Company belonged I have forgotten; another Lt. of the
Company was named Whitmarsh, and I think the Col.'s name
was Hathaway; we marched to join Sullivan's Expedition
to Rhode Island, and were ordered out for a tour of three
months duty; but after the failure of the said Expedition
leave was given to such of our Company as wished it to
return home, of which I availed myself and returned
after having served six weeks; I left said William
Willis still serving in said Company; but how long
after he continued in the service I do not know;
and further I say not.  [signature] Stephen West

Bristol, Ss. October 18, 1832 - Then Subscribed and
Sworn to before me, by the above named
Stephen West,  Ezra Bassett, Justice of
the Peace.

I also certify that the said Stephen West is
a credible person. [signature] Ezra Bassett,
Justice of the Peace
Page 44

[to the left of text is the faint image of a square outline with a faint circular image within; other than a date which may be 1657, there is nothing legible within the shape]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol Ss. I Anselm Bassett, Register
of the Court of Probate in and for said
County of Bristol, do hereby certify that
Ezra Bassett is a Justice of the Peace
for said County of Bristole and that
the within signature which is affixed
to the within affidavit, purporting
to be his, is the genuine signature
of him the said Ezra Bassett -

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and the seal
of said Court, this twenty fifth day of
October Eighteen hundred & thirty two
Anselm Bassett -
Page 45

[at upper left is a circular stamp containing text: BOSTON FEB 25 [illegible]]
D5
William Willis Esquire
Union
Munroe County. Virginia.

[at bottom center is a circular shape, purpose unknown]
Page 46

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, [handwritten] Feby. 25th, [end handwritten] 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books
and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that [the rest is handwritten] the name of William Willis is found
on the Roll of Capt. Thomas Crandon's Company
of Sea Coast men, into which Company he
enlisted July 28, 1775, and is allowed for
five months and six days' service.
Edward D. Bangs, Secy

Boston Feby 25. 1833.
Sir In compliance with the request in
your Letter of the 5th. inst, I have the pleasure of
[illegible] to you the above Certificate, in the hope
that, with other evidence, [illegible] effectual to your
purpois.
very respectfully - Le[illegible] Lincol.
Page 47

[the following section is crossed out with a large X]
[illegible] th CONGRESS, H. R. 530.
2d SESSION.
(Rep. No. 916.)
JULY 21, 1842.

Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. MATHIOT, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions,
reported the following bill:
[end crossed-out X section]

[crossed out: A BILL]

[handwritten in left margin] An Act [end handwritten] For the relief of William Willis, of Monroe county, Virginia.
[crossed out in left margin is a vertical column of numbers 1 through 8]
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to pay
to William Willis, in addition to what he already receives as
a revolutionary pensioner, the sum of thirty-eight dollars and
one cent per annum, during his natural life, to commence on
the fourth day of March, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and
thirty-one.
[the rest is handwritten] Approved, August 29th., 1842.
a true copy from the Roll in
this Office.
Dept. of State,
Augt. 30th, 1842. [vertical spiral mark] [illegible signature] 
ch. clk.
Page 48

MADISONIAN OFFICE.

I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the accompanying pages numbered from [handwritten] one
to six, inclusive, are [end handwritten] truly copied from the originals in the Office of the
Commissioner of Pensions.
[signature] J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That James L. Edwards, who has signed the foregoing
certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations
full faith and credit are and ought to be given.

[at lower left can be seen the faint outline of a circle with jagged edges, and the shadow of what appears to be a thin, vertical, three-dimensional object]
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the
Department to be affixed, on this [handwritten] fourth [end handwritten]
day of [handwritten] June - [end handwritten] in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty- [handwritten] two. [end handwritten]
[signature] John C. Spencer
Secretary of War.
Page 49

5.
I, Elnathan West, of New Bedford in the County of Bristol
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy seven years, do testify
& say, that I was a soldier in the War of the Revolution & in June in
the year seventeen hundred and seventy six served six months in the
company of militia under Captain Amasa Soper, Lt: Freeman Taber
in the Regiment commanded by Col: Marshall, Major Carver;
and that I knew William Willis then of Dartmouth, who resided
in that part of Dartmouth which is since New Bedford,
and who now resides, as I am informed, at Union in the County
of Munroe and Commonwealth of Virginia, and that said William
Willis was a soldier with me in said company, that we marched
from said Dartmouth to Point Alderton, and after staying there
a few days went to the Castle near Boston, where we were
employed in repairing and building fortifications; we served
six months, and the said Willis and I were discharged at the
same time and returned home together.
Elnathan West.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss: New Bedford, October 19th. 1832.
Then Elnathan West appeared and made oath to the truth
of the above by him subscribed - Before me
Eli Haskell, Justice of the Peace
I also certify that the said Elnathan West is a credible
person
Eli Haskell. Justice of the peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol. Ss: I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate
in & for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that
Eli Haskell is a Justice of the peace for said County of
Bristol and that the signature to the within affidavit
purporting to be his, is the genuine signature of him the
said
Page 50

said Eli Haskell -
[at left of the following text is a circular scribble containing the handwritten word: Seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and the seal of said Court this
twenty fifth day of October Eighteen hundred
and thirty two.
Anselm Bassett -
Page 51

3
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
-
Secretary's Office, Feby. 25. 1833.
I hereby certify, That from an examination of
the books, and documents relating to Military
services in the War of the Revolution, which remain
in this Department, it appears that
the name of William Willis is found on the
Roll of Capt. Thomas Crandon's Company of
Sea Coast men, into which company he enlisted
July 28. 1775, and is allowed for five months and
six days' service.
Edward D. Bangs, Secy.

Boston, Feby. 25, 1833.
Sir,
In compliance with the request
in your letter of the 5th. inst. I have the
pleasure of sending to you the above certificate in
the hope that, with other evidence, it may be effectual
to your purpose.
Very respectfully &c.
Levi Lincoln
Page 52

1
I Stephen West of New Bedford in the County of Bristol and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy six years do testify
and say that I know William Willis, formerly of said New Bedford,
and now as I am informed of Union in Munroe County in the
Commonwealth of Virginia and that I well remember that in
the Summer of the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight he
and I served together in a militia company under Captain Robert
Earl Lt. William West, but the Officers of the regiment to which
said company belonged I have forgotten; another Lt. of the Company
was named Whitmarsh, and I think the Cols. name was
Hathaway; we marched to join Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode
Island, and were ordered out for a tour of three months duty;
but after the failure of the said expedition leave was given
to such of our company as wished it to return home of which
I availed myself and returned after having served six weeks;
I left said William Willis still serving in said company; but
how long after he continued in the service I do not know; and
further I say not.
(signed) Stephen West

Bristol Ss. October 18. 1832. Then subscribed and sworn
to before me, by the above named Stephen West.
Ezra Bassett, Justice of the Peace
I also certify that the said Stephen West is a credible
person.
Ezra Bassett
Justice of the Peace
Page 53

2
[at upper left is a circular squiggle mark containing initials: L.S.]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol Ss. I Anselm Bassett, Register
of the Court of Probate, in and for said
County of Bristol, do hereby certify that
Ezra Bassett is a Justice of the Peace
for said County of Bristol and that the
within signature which is affixed to the within affidavit,
purporting to be his, is the genuine signature of
him the said Ezra Bassett.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and the seal of said Court, this twenty fifth
day of October eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Anselm Bassett
Page 54

[left page]
1932 Oct. 18 - Hist. lo Luella
Bancroft Fant - MLB.

[right page]
7900
Rev War [handwritten checkmark] INVALID.
File No. 7900
William Willis
Priv Rev. War
Act: June 7th.. 1832
Index: - Vol. 1st, Page 409
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 55

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.,
Dear Sir: -
The Librarian General N.S.D.A.R. advised
me to write you for the military service
of William [underlined] Willis, [end underlined] placed on the pension
roll May 20, 1833, age 74, for service in
Va., Continental Line, (Monroe County Va.)
I need the pension certificate - and family
date there in shown. .
Thanking you for this favor I am
Respectfully Yours
Luella Bancroft Fant
Public Library
Newark
Ohio
Sept 29 - 1932