Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 17, William Buckner, Va. Sea Service
Page 1

SERVICE
Va Sea Service

Buckner, William

NUMBER R17
Va Half Pay

CONTENTS
No file in N/A. Arc. NO. 874
Page 2

Wm Buckner
Master

Certificate of a [illegible]
behalf of service
Certif time of his death.
Admit13th July 1804


"C"
Page 3

At a Court held for the County of Mathews
on the second Monday in October in the year
of our Lord 1834.
On the motion of Francis Armistead
and with the consent of the heirs at law of William Buckner a certificate is granted for obtaining letters of administration upon the estate of said Buckner decd and the said Francis Armistead entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $6000 conditioned according to law.  And it is
ordered to be certified that he was the same Wm Buckner who was sailing master in the Virginia Navy, in the Revolutionary War and whose heirs received bounty land
from the state of Virginia for his service as such-
On the motion of Francis Armistead satisfactory evidence was this day addressed in Court, to prove that William Buckner of Mathews County was sailing master in the Virginia Navy during the Revolutionary War
and served until the end of the War: and that he resigned his commission and that he died
about 30 years age, to wit in the year of our Lord 1804 in the County aforesaid.

On the motion of Francis Armistead, it is ordered to be certified that William Buckner formerly sailing master in the Virginia Navy in the Revolutionary War died intestate on the 13th day of February in the year of
our Lord 1804, and that Francis Armistead is the only legal representative of the said William Buckner and entitled by the laws of Virginia to demand and receive all sum of money which may be due to the said Buckner estate.
I Shepard G Miller, Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies from the record
of the County Court of Mathews.  Jn
Page 4

Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & 
affixed the seal of the said Court
this 14th day of October 1834
and in the 59 th year of the com-
monwealth.

Shepard G. Miller
Page 5

Certifi. of the amount of the
heirs to the to the admn
"G"
Page 6

In Mathews County Court December 1834
On the motion of Francis Armistead Esq.
administrator of the estate of William Buck-
new decd, formerly a sailing master, in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War;
it is ordered to be certified that Mary Norman
wife of Thomas Norman of Baltimore, Elizabeth Armistead wife of the said Francis Armistead aforesaid of this County - Dorothy Gayle wife
of Pastor Bartlett Gayle of this County
Susan Beasley wife of Ephraim Beazeley
of this County and Alexander Williams
Matthew and Joshua Gayle of this County,
are the only heirs at law of said William 
Buckner a sailing master as aforesaid and
that administration upon the estate of
said William Buckner decd was granted by
this Court to the said Francis Armistead 
Esq with the consent of the said heirs on
the second Monday of October last and
for the purpose of enabling the said
administration to recover and receive
all moneys due from the United States
for the back pay of said William
Buckner given the act of Congress
passed July 5th 1832.
A Copy, Teste
Shepd G. Miller C.C.
Page 7

Virginia
Mathews County, SC
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk
of the County Court of Mathews of hereby
certify that the within is a true copy
from the Records of the County Court of
Mathews- In testimony whereof
have here unto set my hand,
and affixed the seal of the
said County this eight day of 
December 1834 and in the 
59th year of our Independence.
Shepard G. Miller.
Page 8

Certificate
Geo. W. Mumford [illegible]of the House of Delegates
relative to Wm Buckner
as Master of Navy
C
Page 9

"Resolved That is the opinion of Committee
that the petition of William Buckner, setting forth, that in the year 1781, he was engaged by Baron Steuben, as well to carry some dispatches from the Marquis de la Fayette to the commanding officer of a presumed French Fleet, which had anchored in the Bay
of Chesapeake as to act as a Pilot on board the same that he accordingly took charge of the said dispatches, and joined the said fleet, when to his great mortification he found them to be British, and commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot.  That he was carried to England, and remained
in jail nearly twelve months. and praying relief is reasonable. and that the petitioner ought to be allowed  6/ per day. to commence the 16th March 1781 the day that he was captured, till the 7th of March 1782, the day that he returned home. and that the same ought 
to be charged in account with the United States."

I certify that the above is a true copy from the Journal of 1782 on file in my office.
Given under my hand this 31st day of January 1846.
George W. Munford, C. H. D.
Page 10

Wm Buckner
master
Certif of Register

"D"
Page 11

Executive Department Richmond 24 June 1833.
The heirs of William Buckner are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a master in the state navy for three years if not heretofore drawn. The register will issue a warrant accordingly. 
Wyndham Roberson Actg Govr:

On the twenty second day of February 1834 a warrant No. 7611 for 2666 2/3 acres issued to Thomas Norman and Mary his wife, who was Mary Buckner, Francis Armistead and Elizabeth his wife, who was Elizabeth Buckner, Barlett Gayle and Dorothy his wife who was Dorothy Buckman, Ephraim Beazeley and Susan his wife, Mathew and Joshua Gayle sons of Marsha Gayle, who was Martha Buckner, only heirs of William Buckner.
[illegible] from the records of the Land office of Virginia: as witness my hand & seal of office hereto affixed this 18 Oct 1834
[illegible paper seal attached]
[illegible signature] off VA
Page 12

COPY
December 17, 1931
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. W. E. Callender
722 Redgate Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 23, 1931 relative to William Buckner, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 17, based upon his military service in that war.
William Buckner, of Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, served at least three years during the Revolutionary War, as a sailingmaster in the Virginia State Navy; he was engaged by Baron von Steuben to carry dispatches and act as pilot to, what was supposed to be the French Fleet in Chesapeake Bay, but which proved to be, Admiral Arbuthnot's British Fleet, and he was captured on March 16, 1781, imprisoned in England, and returned home March 7, 1782.
The dates of his birth and marriage and name of wife are not on record.
He died February 13, 1804, in Mathews County, Virginia.
The claim for half pay on account of his above service was allowed.
In 1834, daughters of William Buckner were:
Mary, wife of Thomas Norman
Elizabeth, wife of Francis Armisted
Dorothy, wife of Dr. Bartlett Gayle
Page 13

Daughters continued -
Susan, wife of Ephraim Beazeley
Grandsons: Alexander Gayle
William Matthew Gayle
Joshua Gayle (sons of Dr. Barlett Gayle by his former wife, Martha, daughter of William Buckner)
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

-2-
Page 14

William Buckner
Sailing Master, Va
State Navy
Act 5 July 1832

See letter 25 July 1846
and Aug 22, 1846 to Hon.
G. M. Bibb- is to Sec War
10 Sept, 1846
Page 15

The Secretary of War writes opposite the account of Joel M. Smith, Pension Agent Nashville Tenn as follows.
"His is allowed, the same items having been allowed by my predecessor. Notify the Agent that they cannot be allowed in future. If he insists change the Agent"
Opposite the account of Samuel F. Smith Pension Agent, Philadelphia Pa.
"Allow but get a new Agent."
Under the Accounts of J. Swann, Pension Agent Baltimore, William Woodbury, Portland Maine, W. E. Woodruff, Little Rock, Arkansas.
"All the accounts of which the foregoing is an abstract is a statement are allowed, but if some of the agents will not do the business on better terms other Agents must be employed.
21. Aug 1846"
Page 16

Papers in the case of
William Buckner.
[illegible] letters 25 July 1846 and
22 August 1846 letter G. M.
Bibb, and Sept, 10. 1846 ro
Hon W. L. Marcy; do to 
Ths Green Dec. 23 1847-

Decision suspended
to [illegible] by request of
[illegible]
Page 17

E. V. Callender

Historical and Genealogical Research
Kensington Md
Page 18

Susan Buckner
married
1. Robert Hudgins
of Mathewa Co. Va
& second
Ephraim Beazley
had several 
children by
both - E. V. Callender
Page 19

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 28th day of July 1783, in the name of William Buckner as Master in Navy for L73.10.0 which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Jo Saunders
No Seal of Office. Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 15th day of November 1845.
Jas E Heath AUDITOR.
Page 20

Wm Buckner
Mas
[illegible] Certif

[initials E B with the B written over the E larger and darker]
Page 21

It appears from public documents in my possession as Commissioner of Revolutionary claims of the state of Virginia, that William Buckner was master in the State Navy of Virginia, in the war of the Revoluiton, and received Bounty land for his services in that Capacity: and it does not appear, from any document in my possession, or which has come under my notion as Commissioner &c that he the said William Buckner ever resigned.
John H Smith Commr &C
Richmond Oct. 18th 1854
Page 22

Feb 4t

Wm Buckner decd
half pay

C

F. A. Dickins
prest
Page 23

Washington 27 Jany 1846

Sir,
Enclosed I have the honour to present to you the case of the legal representatives of William Buckner, who was a sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy, for half pay under the act of Congress the 5th July 1832.
Yours very respectfully
Francis A. Dickins

James L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions.
Page 24

Wm Buckner

master

Power atty
Hatcher
to Ellis

"B"
Page 25

Know all men by these presents that I Charles Hatcher of Norfolk Borough Virginia atty in fact for Francis Armisted administrator of William Buckner decd. formerly a master in the State Navy of Virginia in the Revolutionary War hereby authorize & empower Vespasian Ellis of Accomack County Va as my lawful substitute & attorney to demand & receive from the United States or any of its Officers all moneys due for the half pay for life of said Wm Buckner & to do any & all acts which I could do by virtue of a power of attorney executed to me by sd. Armistead & bearing date 13th October 1834. Witness my hand and seal this 15th day of October 1834
Teste Charles Hatcher Seal
G. B. Cooke
Page 26

State of Virginia Borough of Norfolk
This day Charles Hatcher personally appeared before me an alderman in & for said Borough & acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act & deed. Given under my hand this 15th October 1834
G. B. Cooke

Borough of Norfolk Sc:
I John Williams Clerk of the Hastings Court of the Borough of Norfolk aforesaid in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Giles B Cooke esquire who hath given the preceding certificate and signed the same, is an alderman in and for the said Borough, duly commissioned and qualified; that full faith and credit is due to all his acts as such; and that the signature "G. B. Cooke" thereto subscribed is in his proper hand writing. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and of the Commonwealth the fifty ninth.
Jno: Williams CC
Page 27

Dist of Columbia
COUNTY of Washington SCT.
Know all Men by these Presents,
That Vespasian Ellis
The Attorney named in the annexed power of Attorney, from Charles Hatcher
acknowledged the 15 day of Oct in the year 1834 
do hereby constitute and appoint Francis M. Dickins, of Washington City, true and lawful Attorney and Substitute, to effect all the purposes for which the said power was granted
Witness my hand and seal, this 22d day of Jany 
of - in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-six
Ves. Ellis 
L. S.
L. S.
This day personally appeared before me, a justice of the Peace, for the county of Washington in the dist of Columbia the subscriber to the above power of substitution, and acknowledged the same to be free act and deed. As witness my hand and seal this 22d day of Jany in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-six
Jacob Keller
[illegible] L.S.
Page 28

I hereby Certify that the following Officers belonging to the State Line and Navy, when they settled their depreciation pay account received Certificates for the amount opposite each of their names. I further certify that each and all of them received Land Bounty for a service of three years.
John Archer Lieut Navy 39,,1,,2
Samuel Tinsley Cannot State 26,,13,,0
Thomas Bonnewell Master Navy 57,,9,,3
George Catlett Lieut State 32,,19,,8
James Kemp Ens " 57,,0,,0
Robert Millener Lieut Navy 21,,13,,0
John Moore Master " 92,,4,,6
Martin Norris Lt. Artty State 40,,5,,4
Given under my hand at the Auditors Office Richmond this 15th day of January 1848.
Jas E. Heath
1st Audr.
Page 29

Wm Buckner and
half pay


B

See letter July 25 1846 to
Geo M Bibb
& Fra. A. Dickins
July 2d 46
Page 30

The case of Buckner for half pay seems clear upon the Evidence.
A. The document A. Shows his rank & office as master in the Navy
B-C-&D, confirm his rank & show the length of his service, & that he never resigned, (so far as a negative can be proved by Circumstances.) & that he did serve until 7th March 1782, which was after Surrender of Cornwallis, & until the war Ended in Virginia - by the surrender of Cornwallis & provisional Articles of peace
We claim for the admr. Joshua Gayle, half pay from [illegible] 1782 - to his death viz the last of Feby. 1804 - as appears by deposition of J. D. Jarvis, page 5 of paper - E
All which is respectfully Submitted to the Honl J. L. Edwards, commr &c
July 2d. 1846 Geo: M Bibb
Francis A. Dickins.
Page 31

Hon. Secy of the Treasury
Washington
Page 32

Washington Decr. 20: 1834
Sir
I herewith present the claim of the admr of Wm Buckner decd. to half pay under the act of July 5th 1832 & file in support of sd. claim the following papers-
A" Power of atty from the admr. to Chs. Hatcher with a clause of substitution.
"B" Power for C Hatcher to me.
"C" Certif: of admr. - Certificate of service to the end of the War, & Certif: of time of death 13th Feb. 1804 
"D" Certif: of Regr. of the Land Office showing that Land has been drawn by the same heirs &c
"E" Comr.'s certificate showing that Buckner was master & did not resign.
Page 33

"F" Copy of original papers on which land was allowed.
"G" Certificate of kinship & consent of heirs to admr. &c &c
Respectfully Submitted
Ves. Ellis
of Accomack Va
Page 34

Notes on
Buckner's
case-

Wm Buckner
5 July 1832


Hon. G. M. Bibb
Prest 
Aug 3d '46
Page 35

Buckner's case.
By the letter of the Commr. of 25th July 1846, it is stated, that it is uncertain when Sailing Master Buckner left the service, & farther proof is required.
The commissioner, is respectfully referred now, to the pay of a master (or Sailing Master) established by act of Va. of Oct. Ses: 1780-
10. Hemming's statutes, p 382, being five shillings per day in Service: & to the Certificate from the Auditor of Virginia, as to the same allowed to Buckner for his pay up to Jany 1782.
The declaration made per dium, at five shillings per day, Virginia Currency of Six Shillings to the dollar, upon the amount of that Certificate will show that Buckner was paid as Sailing master from the time of his Capture up to 1st day of Jany. 1782 - Then his service ended by the effect of the act of Novr. Session 1781 - for the reduction of the Navy - (10 Hen: 450-) & from that time his half pay must be computed.
Geo: M, Bibb
Page 36

May 9/50


Smith

This. Green
Page 37

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 28th day of July 1783 in the name of William Buckner as Master in Navy and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for L73.10.0 delivered to John Saunders but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated.
Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 6th day of May 1850 Ro Johnston
Aud Pub Accts
No Seal of Office.
Page 38

I hereby certify that I have caused the Books and papers on file in this Office to be diligently searched and have not been able to find that that William Buckner ever acted as a pilot in the Navy.

Given under my hand at the Auditors Office
Richmond this 6th day of May 1850.
Ro Johnston
Aud Pub Accts.
Page 39

Audrs. Office of Virga., 21 Feby. 1850
I hereby certify that upon reference to "No. 1, Journal A." in this office, under date of the 27 December 1782, I find the United States charged thus: "3 Warrts. to William Buckner, for his pay while a prisoner in England - agreeable to a resolution of the Genl. Assembly passed Decr. 17." 1782 - 2 of L35 each & 1 of L37.21 = $107.2."
Given under my hand the date above 
(p. 350.)
Jas E. Heath Audr
Page 40

Washington 18 Feb. 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards.
Commr. of Pensions.
Sir,
In addition to my letter of 17 June last in favor of the application of Wm. Buckner's admr, for 1/2 pay as a master in the Navy of Va. under act 5 July 1832. I beg leave to call your attention to the terms of the resolution of the assembly of Va. of the 17 Decr. 1782 page 68. Journals 2 resolution - Which recognize the statement of the Petitioner - Viz: that he was sent with dispatches to the French Fleet, and to act as Pilot in bringing the fleet in.
The petition does not say he was a Pilot, nor does the report. Indeed there is not a particle of evidence that he was ever a Pilot for a day. 
The only evidence, is that he was sent on board the fleet, with dispatches & to act as Pilot in bringing the foreign fleet in the Harbor of York. This could be done, by any officer of the Navy of Va. as well as by a regular pilot - altho the French fleet would not enter our waters without a guide of some sort. I was mistaken in supposing it was in Oct: 1781. It now appears, it was on the 16 March 1787. I never noticed this resolution till today - to the best of my recollection.
How then stands the case - Wm. Buckner, a Master of the Navy, not in active service facilitated at most - to the half of five shillings a day - & that very doubtful at that period for the legislation disputed the claim of all the Supernumerary Officers at that period) goes to York in March 1781, "on service (voluntarily no doubt) under Baron Steuben" - is detached to go on board the fleet with deputies from the Marquis Lafayette - & to guide - pilot - or bring in the fleet. He is taken prisoner & kept in England till 7 March 1782 Having no relief whatever - & no remedy for expenses incurred - his only recourse was by petition to the legislation - which gave him a dollar pr. diem - to the period of his return home 7 March 1782. And I find by a Memorandum, just
Page 41

before me, that on the 27 Decr 1782, the auditor of Va. paid to Wm. Buckner L107.2 "pr resolution of assembly of 17 Decr. 1782" - this would be at the rate of six shillings a day from 16 March 1787 to 7 March 1782.
These facts, [illegible] all inference, that could be drawn against Buckners having been, a Master, till the Navy was dismantled & discharged - under the resolution of the assembly and remaining, as such, till the end of the war - except for the period of this accidental, intermediate Captivity - for which he was allowed more than the Half-pay to which he could be entitled, under any circumstances - and therefore this period should be deducted, and the claim now asserted should commence from the 7 March 1782 - Yours Respectfully
Thomas Green
Page 42

Wm. Buckner (case)
Act 5 July 1832.
as Sailing Master

Filed by T. Green
Page 43

Washington 13 June 1849.
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions.
Sir.
I am requested to submit the enclosed additional evidence in the case of Wm. Buckners admin. for Half pay under act of 5 July 1832
Your letter of 22 Decr. 1847 shows you had given very minute attention to it, and while you could not agree that it satisfactorily appears he was a master, in the service, when he was captured in Oct. 1781, you admit he may have been a Master when the Navy was disbanded, and ask for further proof, on that point.
Before referring, especially, to that - allow me to meet the objection arising from the fact, that he received only L73:10 depreciation.
I enclose you Mr. Heath's certificate of 15 January "48 giving the names of Eight Officers (only one of whom had recd. as much, & some not 1/3 as much) who had recd. small sums for their depreciation - Yet all had been more than 3 years in actual service - Saml. Tinsley had only recd. L26,,13 - yet he had served a long time & has been allowed his half pay, by you, on the fullest record proof.
The depreciation, was the difference between the bad pay that was recd by the officer, & the good pay, to which he was entitled. If an Officer recd. a large amount of depreciation it would be conclusive that he had served a long time - Whereas he may also have served the whole war, & yet have been entitled to but small depreciation.
Thus, if after the money became depreciated, he had declined to receive it, & so continued to decline, he would, when the money was made good, have recd his pay as such, & nothing would have been put down to him as depreciation.
A great number of Officers never recd. any thing, while the money was so depreciated - or recd. but small sums - & when the final allotments were made, the amounts actually received, would be the sums scaled - And thus in theory, as well as according to the facts described by the enclosed certificate marked A. the receipt of L73:10 is, hardly a circumstance against the full service of Wm. Buckner, as a master, till the Navy was disbanded - While it is conclusive that he held that grade in the service, and also for a good while - as the depreciation, was the difference, between what he recd. & what he was entitled to, at the time of the receipt; and whether it indicates, ten months service, or about three times that period, would depend upon the fact whether the receipts were early or late in the War - in 1777 the depreciation was small, while in 1781 it was very great. A great many, besides on but (A), served many years, without receiving as much depreciation as Wm. Buckner.
I dwell the longer on this point, merely to return the [illegible] testimony in the case, from the brother of this inference or circumstances, against it.
Page 44

although you do not question the good character of the affiant Pugh, it has been deemed prudent to obtain the additional testimonial of his credibility now enclosed & marked (B).  No only as to his being universally regarded a man of veracity--but of [illegible] memory.  Besides these gentlemen, it may not be [illegible] to say, the magistrate who took his affidavit was & is a minister of the Baptist Church and a near neighbour of Mr Pugh who is also a pensioner of the Government.  Mr. Pugh swears positively that Wm. Buckner was a master the navy and remained such to the end of the War.  The able view, taken in your letter, of his petition to the Va. assembly may all be true and yet, not at all inconsistent with Mr. Pugh's testimony.  The navy having been disbanded by act of assembly--Wm. Buckner as a supernumery [supernumerary] may have been out of command--may have been even a volunteer in the land service, & have been selected as a Pilot (from the fact of his having been in the active service of the navy as long as it was allowed to do service) and all be consistent with Pugh's testimony.  Indeed, it seems to me, from a careful repersual of your letter that this very idea was entertained by you, while writing the last paragraph of your letter of 22 Decr. 1847.  The case then stands thus:  conclusive proof of record that Wm. Buckner was a master in the navy, and secd. $73:10 depreciation as such, and the positive affidavit of a respectable witness, that he remained such to the end of the War--(not in active service after Oct 1781.) but in contemplation of law.  If he became supernumery [supernumerary] at the date of the reduction of the navy, he would be entitled to half-pay from that date--but as we can fix no precise day, it would be safe, to allow him from the 19 Oct. 1781.  The evidence of Pugh strengthened by the additional evidence now filed (B) and the militant circumstance of recovery only $73:10 explained by paper A also now filed, and the consistency of Pugh's statement with the views taken in [illegible[] of 22 Decr. being [illegible] apparent, will I hope, secure, the allowance of the Half-pay from 19 Oct. 1781, prior to which, if the evidence be credited & your argument to time he must have become supernumery [supernumerary].  Yrs. Respectfully Thos Green
Page 45

Wm. Buckners (case) Exhibit (B)
Page 46

Mathews Ely [illegible[ Jany 11th 1848 Thomas H Bayly Dear Sir I sometime since employed Mr Thomas Green of Richmond to prosecute a claim against the [illegible] Government for Half Pay due us, the grandchildren of William Buckner who was a Master in the Virginia Navy in The Revolutionary War, and on whose state I [illegible] May I by the favour of you to give Mr Green any aid that it may be due your power to render him in the matter.  Old Mr Josiah Pugh a respectable and intelligent old gentleman and pensioner of the U. States gave testimony in the case, and as you may not be personally acquainted with him, I take the liberty of enclosing to you a Certificate of several acquaintances of yours who are personally acquainted with Mr Pugh and who vouch for his good character in trusted memory of Revolutionary [illegible] Your Obt St Joshua Gayle We have been called on by Mr. Gayle to state what we know of Mr. Josiah Pugh who we understand testimony in the case of Wm. Buckner a master in the Navy in the Revolutionary War and we cheerfully comply.  We have been acquainted with Mr. Josiah Pugh the person above referred to during the period of more than thirty years, and believe him be a man
Page 47

of strict veracity W. M. Brownley Hesse Hudgins I have known Mr. Josiah Pugh many years and have always considered him a man of veracity W Shuldice M. D. Thos Smith Gen. Thomas G, Bayley D Sir At the request of the parties entrusted I certify that Wm. M. Brownley, Jesse Hudgins Wm Shuldice and Thomas Smith who are the signers of the above certificate are gentlemen of unquestionable character for veracity and are in every aspect deeply respectable [illegible] W H Roy
Page 48

Dec 3d 47
Addl ct'ff
Wm Buckner decd,
half pay
Ths. Green
Richmond
Va

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington
Page 49

Richmond 1 Decr 1847
Col. J. L. Edwards
Washington
Sir
I requested you to withdraw the appeal taken in the case of Wm. Buckner's admin - claiming Half
Page 50

Comr. of Pensions
to
Hon. G. M. Bibb
Aug. 22, 1846
case of Wm. Buckner
Page 51

(Copy)
Pension Office,
August 22d, 1846

Sir,
In your note to me of the 20th inst. you remark, in the case of William Buckner, that half-pay is asked from the end of his captivity, which you suppose was early in March, 1783.  By referring to my letter to you of the 25th ulto. you will perceive that my objection to allowing this claim has not been removed.  It is not shown at what time his service as a sailing master terminated.   It is all important that we should have direct proof upon this point, because he might not have served long enough in that grade to bring the case within the provisions of the Act of July 5, 1832.  I cannot admit, upon the proof before me, that Buckner was a Sailing Master when he was a bearer of dispatches, nor when he was acting as a pilot.  Unless the evidence be more clear and explicit as to the length of service as Sailing Master, I cannot allow the claim.

I have the honor to be,
Very Respy. Yr. Obt. Servt.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

Hon. G. M. Bibb,
Present
Page 52

Commr. of Pensions,
to
Hon. G. M. Bibb and
F. A. Dickins, Esq.
July 25, 1846.

Case of Wm. Buckner
Page 53

(Copy)

Pension Office,
July 25, 1846

Gentlemen,
The papers in the case of William Buckner have been examined and filed.  The claim for half-pay for service as a Sailing-Master in the Virginia State Navy till March 7, 1782, cannot be allowed.  It appears that in 1781 he was charged with dispatches from Gen. La Fayette [Lafeyette] to the commanding office of a presumed French fleet in the Chesapeake Bay; that the fleet proved to be a British and not a French fleet, and he was thereby made a prisoner of war, and so continued till the 7th of March, 1782.  It is extremely doubtful whether he could have been a sailing-master when he was captured.  It is stated that after delivering the dispatches with which he was charged, he was to act as a Pilot to the fleet.  It is not in the least probable that he was then
Page 54

a sailing-master, as officers of that rank would not act in the capacity of pilots; and, moreover, if he had then been a sailing-master he would not have petitioned the Legislature of Virginia for compensation while he was a prisoner of war; for he would, as a matter of course, have been lawfully entitled to his pay, and an act of the Legislature to grant him compensation would have been entirely unnecessary.  It is very uncertain when he left the service.  Upon this point further proof is wanted.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

Hon. G. M. Bibb, &
F. A. Dickins, Esq.
Present
Page 55

Pension Office,
Sept. 10, 1846
_______
Commr. of Pensions
case of
William Buckner
Page 56

Pension Office,
September 10, 1846.
Sir,
In the case of William Buckner, decd., in which Messrs. Bibb and Dickens have appealed from the decision of this office, I make the following report:
The Act of July 5, 1832, allowing half-pay for life to certain officers of the Virginia State Troops and State Navy, extends to those only who served to the end of the war, or became supernumerary by some act of the Legislature. It is important, therefore, that it should be shown, in all claims arising under this law, at what particular period the officer left the service, and the rank he held. In this case the proof as to the time when the officer's service as sailing-master terminated is not satisfactory; and upon this point the claimant's attorneys and the office are at issue. The papers, eleven in number, are enclosed, and I respectfully ask a return of them.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards

Hon. W. L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
Page 57

Friday 27th December 1782.
United States Dr
3 Warrants to William Buckner for his pay while a pensioner in England agreeable to a Resolution of the General Assembly passed Decr. 17th 1782 - 2 of L35.0.0 each and 1 of L37.2.0 L107.2.0
The above is truly copied from Auditors Day Book.
Given under my hand at the Auditors Office Richmond this 6th day of May 1850
Ro Johnston
Aud Prvt Accts
Page 58

These are to Certify that William Bullard served in the Navy of this State under my Command as Pilot from the 23rd January 1776 to the last of February 1779 his pay and prize money was the same as a Lieutenant in the Navy - Given under my hand this first day of October 1783
James Barron Commr. Sect.
A Copy H. Randolph

House of Delegates Saturday 23rd December 1782
Also a petition of William Buckner; setting forth that being in Service at York Town, in the year 1781 under the Command of Barron Steuben, he was detached to Carry dispatches by water, and act as Pilot to a fleet then in the Bay, supposed to be French; by which it proving an enemy's he was captured and sent to England where he suffered a long and painful imprisonment from which he is lately liberated and praying to be made compensation for the time of his imprisonment.

Virginia Mathews County to wit
I hereby certify that I am a pensioner of the United States and am in my Eighty Sixth year of my age and that I lived a near neighbor to William Buckner who was a Master in the Virginia Navy to the end of the Revolution. - That the report to the Legislature in November 1782 Copied above - does not lessen any confidence in the fact - as
Page 59

he probably claimed the pay of a Pilot because the Pilots pay being equal to a Lieutenant, was granted then that of Master and as he was taken prisoner while acting as a Pilot, he might well regard himself as entitled to that half-pay while in Captivity, But he was in service as a Master at the time he was detached to act as the Pilot - & I am confident he never resigned his Commission but remained Master in the Navy to the end of the War-
Given under my hand this 24th day of November 1847
Joseph Pugh

Virginia Mathews County to wit
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid Josiah Pugh subscriber to the foregoing Affidavit and made Oath that it contains the truth to the best of his belief and knowledge and I do hereby certify that I have known the said Josiah Pugh for the span of more than thirty years, and that he is a man of strict veracity. - Given under my hand & seal this 24th November 1847
W. M. Brownley J.P. Seal
Page 60

At a monthly Court held for the County of Mathews on the 10th day of October 1834
On the motion of Francis Armistead, satisfactory evidence was this day adduced on Court to prove that William Buckner of Mathews County was sailing master in the Virginia Navy during the Revolutionary War. & served until the end of the war, and that he never resigned his commission, and that he died about thirty years ago, to wit: in the year of our Lord 1804, in the County aforesaid.
I Shepard G Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia, hereby certify that the foregoing order of Court proving Wm. Buckner to have been a sailing master in Virginia Navy during the revolutionary War, is truly copied from the records of said .  and I further certify the William M. Brownley before whom the annexed affidavit was made, is a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereto, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 24th day of November 1847.
Shepard G. Miller

[SEAL]
Page 61

Virginia
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia hereby Certify, that Walker G Lane Esqr., before whom the within Letter of Attorney was acknowledged, is a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court, the 11th day of May 1847 and in the 71st year of our Independence.
Shepard G Miller
[SEAL]

Virginia Mathews County, to wit
I Houlder Hudgins presiding Justice of the Peace of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia, do certify that Shepard G Miller who hath given the preceding certificate is Clerk of the said Court and that his said attestation is in due form.  Given under my hand this 11th day of May 1847.
Houlder Hudgens [illegible] JP
Page 62

Know all men by these presents, That
Joshua Gayle Administrator of William Buckner who was a master in the Navy of Virginia in the Revolutionary War do hereby constitute, nominate and appoint Thomas Green of Richmond Va true and lawful, Attorney, to prosecute any claims to Land or Money that may be due from the State of Virginia and United States, or either, on account of the Revolutionary services of said William Buckner; and to demand and receive from the proper Offices in Richmond and Washington, any Land Warrant or Warrants so due, and to sell and assign the same, or to surrender them at the General Land Office, in order to obtain Certificates of Scrip in lieu thereof, which he is authorized to receive, sell and assign.  Or if said Warrants be already surrendered, then to demand and receive the Certificates, and to sell and assign the same.  If no Scrip can be obtained, he is authorized to receive the Warrants which may have been surrendered, and to locate or sell the same, as he may think best.  Said Attorney is also authorized to prosecute by suit of petition, and to demand and receive from the State of Virginia, and the United States, any Half-pay or Commutation, and interest that may be due, particularly under the Act of 7th July 1832;  and to substitute and appoint one or more Attorneys under him, with a general or special authority to do all he is permitted to do, and revoke the same at pleasure.  I hereby ratify and confirm whatever said Attorney or his Substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.  As witness my hand and seal this Tenth day of May 1847.
Joshua Gayle  SEAL
Administrator of William Buckner

State of Virginia.  Mathews County to wit:
This day, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for the said County Joshua Gayle subscriber to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed.  As witness my hand and seal, this Tenth day of May 1847.
W.G. Lane J.P.  SEAL
Page 63

North End, Va.  Novr. 12/46.
Joshua Gayle.
Has pension claim of Wm. Buckner been acted on.

Gl of 3.  Rec Novr 20/46
Pension Office

Wm Buckner
half pay
case


North End Va
Nov 13th

William L. March Esqr
Secretary of War
Washington City
D.C

See [illegible]
Page 64

Mathews Co Va.  Novem 12th 1846

Dear Sir
Some time since I received a letter from the Commissioner of Pensions, stating that the claim of William Buckner for half pay has been laid before your department for further actions and not having heared wheather it has been acted upon I take the liberty of writing to you for that purpose.  You will pleas write me to North End Post Office if the case has been acted upon and if so, whether allowed or rejected.  by complying with the above, you will much oblige your humble and obedient servant
Joshua Gayle
North End P.O.
Mathews Co. Va

Wm. L Marcy Esqr
Secretary of War.
Page 65

Certificate of Administration
Wm Buckner Estate

Letters of Admin.
Page 66

State of Virginia, Mathews County, to wit:
Whereas, at a Court held for the said County of Mathews before the Justice of the said Court, on the 12th day of January 1840, on the motion of Joshua Gayle who made oath according to law, and with George R. Armistead, Matthew Gayle and Edmond Jones his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond on the penalty of $6,000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate was granted the said Joshua Gayle for obtaining letter of administration de bonis non on the personal estate of William Buckner deceased in due form of law.  And whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth passed on the third day of March, in the year 1819, entitled "An act reducing into one, the several Acts concerning Wills, the distribution of intestates' estates, and the duty of Executors and Administrators" it is among other things provided, that the Clerks of the court shall, when required by an administrator, make out letters of administration in due form, in the name of the first Justice of the Court, which letters shall be signed by said Justice and sealed with the Court seal.
Therefore, I, Thomas Hudgins, being the first Justice of the said Court in pursuance of the above recited act, do issue these letters of administration, and do hereby authorise and empower the said Joshua Gayle well and truly to collect & administer all and singular the goods chattels & credits of the said William Buckner deceased, in all matters and things concerning the same according to law, hereby requiring the said Joshua Gayle to make and exhibit into the said County Court, a true and perfect inventory of the said goods, chattels and credits, and also to make a just and true
Page 67

Account of his actings and doings therein, when thereto lawfully required.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said County, this 15th day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty six.
Thomas Hudgins, J.P.

Teste
Shepard G. Miller
Clerk of the court of Mathews County
Page 68

July 23d 1837
Mathews County to wit
This day personally appeared before me John N Sale a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Hugh Hudgen & made oath that he was well acquainted with William Buckner in his lifetime who was a resident of the Parish of Kingston & County of Gloucester, now the County first aforesaid, who was the father of Mrs Mary Norman wife of Captain Thos. Norman of the City of Baltimore in the State of Maryland, Mrs Elizabeth Armistead wife of Francis Armistead Esqr, Mrs Dorothy Gayle wife of Dr. Bartlett Gayle, Mrs. Susan Beazley wife of Mr. Ephraim Beazley and Mrs Martha Gayle decd. late the wife of the said Dr. Gayle, the said Armistead, Gayle, & Beazley are all of the County first aforesaid & the said Mary, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Susan and Martha at the time of the death of the sd. William Buckner was his children & only heirs in fee, that the said Martha left at the time of her death which are now living the following & only children which she had during her [illegible] with the said Dr. Bartlett to wit.  Alexander, William, Mathew & Joshua - that the said Buckner
Page 69

was a mariner by profession & employed in the merchants service previous to the Revolutionary War,  that he was an officer in the service of the State of Virginia during the said war, and commanded both in the land & Naval service as occasion required for at least three years,  that he was taken prisoner by the enemy and retained at least twelve months, but whether he was   Lieutenant of Captain or commissioner for the army or the Navy he is unable to say.  he was always called Captain before & after the War even to his death in consequence of his commanding in the merchants service, but it is currently reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resided before & after the conclusion of the War that he was first commissioned as Lieutenant and afterwards promoted.  he further states that he never knew any other Wm Buckner in the aforesaid Counties or any other.  Sworn to and subscribed the day & year first above written.
Hugh Hudgins

I John N Sale a Justice of the peace for the said County before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to & subscribed by the said Hugh
Page 70

Hughins who stated that the same is true so far as it came to his knowledge and as is reputed and believed by him, and that the said affiant is of good character for veracity and that full faith & credit should be given to his oath
Given under my hand & seal the date above written this July 23rd 1832
John N. Sale  JP

Mathews County to wit
This day personally appeared before me John N Sale a justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid Anthony Degge & made oath that he will knew Capt William Buckner late of the County of Mathews, that the said Buckner was his guardian, that he always heard it said that he was an officer in the War of the Revolution and have frequently heard him & others speak of his services in the Navy & his being taken & detained as a prisoner of war by the enemy and has never heard it doubted but what he was a Naval Officer, but from his tender years at the time time
Page 71

4
said Bucker held a Commission it is impossible that he can have any knowledge of the said Buckners service as reputed.  he also states that he never knew any other personal by that name, written  sworn to and subscribed this 25 day of July 1832
Anthony Degge

I John N. Sale a Justice of the peace for the said County before whom the aforesaid affidavit was sworn to and subscribed do certify that the said Anthony Degge is of good reputation and a man of veracity
Given under my hand & seal the date aforesaid
John N. Sale JP  [handwritten seal]

The affidavit of John D. Jarvis Esq taken to support the claim of the heirs of Capt William Buckner decd late of the County of Mathews for the services of the said Buckner in the Navy of Virginia during the Revolutionary War
The said John D. Jarvis being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God saith that he was well acquainted with Capt Buckner but
Page 72

but was too young during the Revolutionary War to have any knowledge of his service in the Navy, but he recollects that it has ever since been generally reported & believed that he was made a prisoner of war some short time before the siege of Lord Cornwallis' army at Yorktown in this state and detained upwards of a year probably until hostilities was suspended or the preliminaries of peace was agreed upon.
This deponent was with Capt. Buckner at the time of his death and believes that he certainly died about the last of February in the year 1804.
John D. Jarvis

Mathews County to wit
This day personally appeared before me Thomas Jarvis a Justice of the peace for the said County John D. Jarvis Esqr. and subscribed & sworn to the truth of the foregoing affidavit according to the
Page 73

best of his knowledge and belief.  Given under my hand & seal this 5th day of Novr. 1832.
Thos. Jarvis JP

Executive Department
October 20th 1834
The foregoing are true copies of original papers on file in this Department.
Jno B. Richardson Assistant
Secy Comth.
Page 74

Rej
No. 17

S042
William Buckner
Sailing Master Va Navy
Revolution

3042

Hf. Pay - Act '32

17


1910 Mch. 25 Hist. to Mrs. W.E. Callender   c
1910 Apl. 15. to Miss Eva Macklin  c
1915 Apl 1. Hist to Mrs. L.C. Smith   c

1922 Nov. 11 Hist. to Mrs. Harry Dennis  AW
1931-Dec. 17-Hist. to Mrs. W.E. Callender  MLB
Page 75

214
Wm. Buckner
Master


Commission Off. 387

Entitled to land for 3 years.  962.

not identified c
Page 76

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions


June 4/[illegible]
Wm. Buckner
Conv.


Thos. Green
Page 77

July 27 46

North End Va.
July 20th 1846

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City  DC

9
William Buckner
half pay

ansd[?] July 29. 1846
Page 78

Mathews County  20th July 183=46

Dr. Sir,
Yours of the 10th inst. came to hand by due court of mail.  the object of my inquiry in a former letter to you was to ascertain whether William Buckner's Claim for half pay as master in the Virginia Navy during the War of the Revolution had been paid.  The papers were forwarded to Henry Northup of Washington in Jany. last, from whom I have recvd. no reply  the papers were mailed at Mathews Court House.  the heirs of Buckner have been allowed 2566 2/3 acres land some years ago by the Executive of Virginia, but as yet they have recvd. no other compensation for said Buckern's services.  you will oblige me by a reply to this & I regret that I have given you so much trouble on the occasion, by not taking more pains in writing
Respectfully yr. ob. st.
Joshua Gayle
Page 79

Col. J.L. Edwards.
22 Decr. 1847
about Wm. Buckner
a sailing master
Page 80

Pension Office,
December 22, 1847

Sir,
I have again carefully examined all the papers in support of the claim of the administrator of William Buckner, deceased;  and I regret to say that I cannot discover sufficient evidence to authorize me to admit the claim.  The record proof in the case establishes the fact that as a master in the Virginia State Navy he was paid £73.10, Virginia currency, which would not have covered ten months service at five shillings per day, and that he petitioned the Virginia Legislature for compensation as a pilot from the 16 March 1781, to the 7th March 1781.  It appears also that land was allowed to his heirs for three years service, but the proof upon which the land was allowed is not sufficient to shew when the deceased left the service.  The affidavit of Mr. Josiah Pugh that Buckner was a master to the end of the war, is not entitled to much weight.  I have no doubt as to the affiant's good character;
Page 81

but I do not consider him as a competent witness, as his recollection after the elapse of more than sixty years must necessarily be very imperfect, and his means of knowing the rank of station of Buckner must have been very limited.
The supposition that Buckner preferred the pay of a pilot to that of a master, and for that reason petitioned the Legislature for remuneration as a pilot is not sustained by facts.  Buckner could not have been a master when he went to visit the fleet by order of Baron Steuben.  If he had been a master, he could not have employed the language the petition contained.  He could have received masters' pay as a matter of right, and if he had desired a shilling per diem more than what he received, (which is all the difference between the pay of the two grades) he would unquestionably have drawn his petition to that affect.  But the petition contains not the most distant allusion to his former station as a master in the Navy,
Page 82

shewing very clearly that he was not, when under the orders of Baron Steuben attached to the State Navy.  Moreover the resolution of the House of Delegates recommends that the compensation to be allowed him as a pilot be charged to the United States.  Now it is well known that the Commonwealth of Virginia did not at so early a period as in 1782, when the resolution passed, charge the United States with the amount paid to her Navy Officers.  The resolution contains, in my mind, the most irresistible proof that Buckner was not a master in the Navy of Virginia when he was captured in 1781, nor at any subsequent period.  And if he was not in the Navy in 1781, the question is, at what period did he leave the Navy.  Upon this point, more satisfactory evidence is required.
I am , Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
JL Edwards

Thomas Green, Esqr.
of Richmond,
Present
Page 83

Wm Buckner
Master
Power atty to C.J.

"A"
Page 84

Know all men by these presents that I, Francis Armistead Administrator of William Buckner of Mathews County and state of Virginia have made constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make constitute and appoint Charles Hatcher of Norfolk borough in the State aforesaid as my attorney, for me and in my name to present and prosecute any and all claims, and to demand and receive from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, any and all sums which may be due from the half pay for life, of said William Buckner, a master in the Virginia Navy in the Revolutionary War, under sundry acts of the general Assembly of Virginia, and by virtue of the act of Congress passed July 5th 1832.  and to do any and all things in the premises which I would do if personally present.  and the said Charles Hatcher has full power to appoint one or more substitutes under him with the aforesaid power.  and all his or their acts in the premises I will ratify and confirm by these presents.  given under my hand and seal this the 13 day of October 1834
Francis Armistead Adm  [handwritten seal]

State of Virginia
Mathews County To wit
This day Francis Armistead personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed as witness my hand and seal this the 13th day of October One Thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Saml. Diggs  JP.  [handwritten seal]
Page 85

I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby certify that Samuel Digges Esquire before whom the within power of attorney was acknowledged is a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that due faith and credit are due and ought to be paid to all his acts and deeds as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court this 14th day of October 1834.
Shepard G Miller  C
[SEAL]
Page 86

MK
Two ct stamped envelope enclosed

111 Walnut St
Salisbury Maryland
Oct. 17, 1922

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[STAMP]
US Pension Office
Oct 19 1922

Mr. F.D. Byington,

Dear Sir,
Some time ago I received a letter from you in reference to one I had written asking for information concerning the Buckners of Gloucester Co. Va. who had served in the Rev. War - and you said the War Office was destroyed by fire during the year 1850.  I am so sorry to know that as I had expected to gain much information from that
Page 87

born and died in Gloucester Co. Va.  Can you tell me where his land was located and who inherited same?  The Thomas Buckner, I have reference to (the one who mar. Eliz. Cooke lived at Clay Bank an old Buckner home now standing - situated on York River.
I am inclined to think he had a son Baldwin Mathews Buckner, but am not sure.  This Baldwin Mathews Buckner also owned land in Goucester Co.  he was born there about 1790.   he married about 1812 Eliza Anderson  they lived not far from "Clay Bank" until around 1850 when they moved to Portsmouth Va. where they died and are buried.  There was also a William Buckner, in fact two of the name and close kid who served in the Rev. War both from Gloucester born there and one died there.  One William
Page 88

souce, but perhaps all of the books were not destroyed since you say it is recorded there that Thomas Buckner, Capt. of the Virginia State Line War of the Revolution on warrant No. 269, which issued Feb. 27, 1796. to his assignee Robert Camp.  I think it was the above Thomas Buckner who married Elizabeth Throckmorton Cooke of Gloucester Co. Va - they had children, Eliza. who married john Cooke (her coz.) Mary, who John Thornton, Nancy who mar. Richard Thornton, and possibly others.  Any information you can give me concerning the above Thomas Buckner wold be very acceptable - he was
Page 89

married Mary Ellen ____I do not know the maiden name  wish I did.  The other William married Elizabeth Smith of Mathews Co. where they lived for a long time - and died there.  He had a son Baldwin Mathews too but not the one who married Elizabeth Anderson of Gloucester.  
I remember hearing my grandmother Buckner  say on several occasions that grandfather Buckners father fought in the Rev. War - but failed to tell me his given name.  There was a book written on the Buckners of Va.  about ten years ago by Crozier the New York genealogist and he wrote to my father who was then living, for information concerning the Glo. Co. Buckners but father was ill at the time, consequently the book is a grand mix up in many instances and it has been my aim since reading it to get it straightened out if possible.  In order to do so I must furnish authentic proof
Page 90

I have felt very much discouraged at times but I have finally decided to take a fresh hold and perhaps I will succeed after a while.  Hoping you can help me out by offering some suggestion if you are unable to find anything there more than you have written me.
I remain
Very respectfully
Mrs. Harry Dennis
111 Walnut St.
Salisbury
Maryland
P.S.  My main object now is to place the Baldwin Mathews Buckner who married Elizabeth or Eliza Anderson where he rightfully belongs - about 1812 - but am glad to have any information concerning the family I can get
Let me know what your charges are.
Page 91

Frankfort, Ky
Apr 4th, 1910
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
The records of the Adj Gen'l Office, Washington D. C. show that William Buckner of Virginia seved as a Master in the Navy in the Revolutionary War.
His name appears on a list of state and navy officers who received certificates for the balances of their full pay June 28 1783.
Stamped:  APR 8-1910
Page 92

Will you kindly let me know if anything further relative to him is of record in your office?  Thanking you for the courtesy of a prompt reply I am
Respectfully
Miss Eva Macklin
Frankfort, Ky.
128 Washington St.
Stamped:
PENSION OFFICE
E
U. S. 
APR 7 1910
Stamped:
RECORD DIVISION
Page 93

722 Redgate Ave.
Mrs. W. E. Callender
President, Virginia Chapter
National Society, D. N. H. A.
[city crossed out], Norfolk, Virginia
Pension Bureau
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir-
Will you kindly send me a list of the names of the children of my g. g. g. grand father- Capt. Wm Buckner of the Rev. War- (of Virginia) Claim R. File no. 17

Stamped:
RECEIVED NOV 27 1931
Page 94

Thanking you in advance
Very truly,
Mrs. Wm. E. Callender
Nov. 23, 1931.
Capt. Wm. Buckner
of Virginia
Page 95

Hamilton, Mo.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
I am writing for information concerning William Buckner of Virginia who served as a Master in the Navy in the War of The Revolution.
Page 96

also any information concerning Francis Buckner.
Mrs. L. C. Smith
Mar 20th
Page 97

Rev. War Section.
Nov. 11, 1922.
Mrs. Harry Dennis,
111 Walnut St.
Salisbury, Md.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 17" ultimo, you are advised, that from the papers in the claim, R. 17, it appears that William Buckner of Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, served at least three years during the Revolution, as a Sailing Master in the Va. State Navy; he was engaged by Baron Von Steuben to carry dispatches and act as pilot, to what was supposed to be the French Fleet in Chesapeake Bay, but which proved to be Admiral Arbuthnot's British Fleet and he was captured on March 16,1781, imprisoned in England, and returned home March 7, 1782.
The dates of his birth and marriage and name of wife are not on record.  He died in Mathews County, Va. Feb. 13, 1804.
The claim for half pay on account of his above service was allowed.
In 1834, ["his heirs" crossed out] daughters were:  Mary wife of Thomas Norman; Elizabeth wife of Francis Armisted; Dorothy wife of Dr. Bartlett Gayle; and Susan wife of Ephraim Beazeley; and grandsons, Alexander Gayle, William Matthew Gayle, and Joshua Gayle, sons of Dr. Bartlett Gayle, by his former wife Martha, daughter of said William Buckner.
In the bounty land claim of Thomas Buckner, whose history was furnished you on Jan. 13, 1921, there is no data on file as to family.  The Bureau is unable to aid you further in this matter.
If you desire to know the location of his land, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office citing all of the data in the Bureau letter of Jan. 13, 1921.
Vey respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
Page 98

Rev. War Section.
April 1, 1915.
Mrs. L. C. Smith,
Hamilton,
Missouri.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the twentieth ultimo you are advised that the papers in claim R. File No. 17 Rev. War, show that William Buckner of the Parish of Kingston, then Gloucester County, and afterwards Mathews County, Virginia, served at least three years in the Revolution as a Sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy; that he was engaged by Baron Steuben to carry dispatches and act as pilot to a supposed French fleet anchored in Chesapeake Bay, but it proved to be the British fleet commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot, by whom he was captured on March 16, 1781, and imprisoned in England nearly one year, arriving home March 7, 1782.
The dates of his birth and marriage, and the name of his wife are not stated.  He died in Mathews County, Virginia February 13, 1804.  A claim for half-pay on account of his service as Sailing Master of the Virginia Navy was allowed.
In 1834, his heirs were:  daughters, Mary wife of Thomas Norman, Elizabeth wife of Francis Armisted, Dorothy wife of
Page 99

Doctor Bartlett Gayle, and Susan wife of Ephraim Beazeley; and grandsons, Alexander, William Matthew and Joshua Gayle, the children of daughter Martha the deceased ^former wife of said Doctor Bartlett Gayle.
Very respectfully,
M Saltzgraber,
Commissioner.