Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8193, Nicholas Chapman, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE N.C.
Chapman, Nicholas
NUMBER  S. 8193

carded
________________________________________________
CONTENTS
[blank]
Page 2

Reported
G.C. Ames. Augt 26. 1852.



32648.
North Carolina
__________________________________________________
Nicholas Chapman 
of Burke Co in the State of N. C. who was a Private in the Com. commanded by Captain Nichols of the Regt commanded by Genl. Rutherford in the N. C. Revolution [crossed out: line] for 6 months

_________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of N. C at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
_________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of June, 1849; and sent to S. A. Bettis, of N.C. Present
_________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi=anl. allowance ending
_____________

_____________
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Th. Lumpkin Clerk,
Book E     Vol. 6 1/2    Page 50.
Page 3

[illegible symbol or letter]
State of North Carolina }
Burke County }
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions July Session 1833
Samuel Reed comes into open Court & makes oath that he marched from Rowan County in the company of Captain James Nichols Lieut James Chapman in the ^Malitia [militia] Regiment commanded by Colonel Francis Lock in the army of ^the revolution in the year 1778 ^in October when they marched to the 10 mile house near Charleston in South Carolina & then on to a placed Caled [called] the two sisters & served for 6 months against the common enemy and that Nicholas Chapman served with him as a private soldier and that they both this affiant & Nicholas Chapman were both of them Honorably discharged after having served together all the time, that their term for which they engaged to serve or were called out for was 5 months but that they staid [stayed] one month after the time was out and were regularly discharged at the end of six months. it being the last of April or first of May 1789. That they were of the Rowan Militia all this time 
Sworn to in open Court this 23rd July 1833.
S/J Erwin Clk
Samuel [his mark U] Reed
Page 4

State of North Carolina }
Burke County }
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions July Court 1833.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant Nicholas Chapman was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Ransom P Cloud who signed the Certificate marked (A.) is a clergyman Resident in the in the [sic] County of Burke and that Marke Britain Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County of Burke and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit

I James Erwin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Burke do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Nicholas Chapman for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Court at office this 23 Day July 1833. -
S/J Erwin Clk
Page 5

[left side] [crossed out: but have & [illegible] it in a Prayer book that formerly belonged to my father & now [illegible] By my brother n law Aaron Thomas in The County of Macon, N.C.

I lived in the the County of Rowan N.C at the time I was called into service & untill] 
what is erased: had been before stated & of course unnecessary to be stated again.

A Statement Shewing the Service of William Chapman a private.
_______________________________________________
[table with the following headers: | Period when The service was Rendered | years. | months | days. | Ranks of Claimant. | Names & Rank of the field officer under whom he served. - | Age at Present. & place of abode when he entered Service | Proof by whom the declaration is supported |
________________________________________________
| 1778 | 0 | 6 | 0 | Private | Col Francis Locke [,] General Rutherford | 75 years old lived in Rowan NC. | Samuel Reed ^see (B) Proves this 6 months service. & affidavit (A)

| 1779 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Private Waggoner | Capt Yarborough | " | {own oath & affidavit of R P Cloud Clergyman & M Brittain Esqr see (A) 

| 1779 | 0 | 0 | 21 | Private | Capt John Johnson | " | [bracketed answer with the above]

____________
[0] | 8 | 21 |
(See Statement (C) sworn to.)
Page 6

26.457.

Nicholas Chapman
Private application for a pension.











Suspended, see let [letter] 1 November 1831
William Roane 
Morganton N.C.
Page 7

State of North Carolina (A) } 
A.) Burke County }
Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions April Sessions 1833. -
We Ransom P Cloud a clergyman residing in the County of Burke and Mark Britain Residing in the same do hereby certify that that [sic] we are will acquainted with Nicholas Chapman,  who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be about 75 years of age: that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
S/Ransom P Cloud
S/M Brittain

Sworn to in open Court this 27th April 1833. -
S/J Erwin Clk



Court of pleas & quarter Sessions July Term 1833 -
on the 22 day of July 1833 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Burke & State of North Carolina now in Session Nicholas Chapman, a resident citizen of the County of Burke & State of N Carolina aged about 75 years. who first being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed 7th June 1832
Page 8

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated

That in October 1778 [crossed out: (that is in the October after Sir Peter Parker & Clinton attacked fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island South Carolina)] he ^commenced & served as a private soldier under Captain James Nichols of Colonel Francis Locks regiment of North Carolina Malitia [militia] for the term of 6 months against the public enemy. that our Commander when we marched was General Rutherford. that when he entered the service he lived in the County of Rowan NC. that he was a volunteer that the term for which he engaged was 5 months: that we were marched to within 10 miles of Charleston: but learning that the city was evackuated [evacuated] by the British [,] we were marched to a place above Savannah called Purisburgh. & from thence to a place called the Two Sisters; that he for one staid [stayed] with his captain James Nichols & his Lieutenant. James Chapman & Colonel Locke whilst part of Rutherfords army went over & joined General Nash & were defeated at a place called Briar creek in Georgia side: just across the Savannah River: I was detained at the two sisters for a months time more
Page 9

than my engagement when I was there regularly discharged by Col Locke the Last of April or first of May, ^the next year after my entering the said service the next term of y service was that of Two months in driving a waggon [wagon] belonging to the Continental Line at the time that te american stores were kept at Salisbury when one Yarborough had the command it being the spring of the year That Tarlton was defeated at the battle of Cow pens [Battle of Cowpens January 17, 1781]. The next service I performed was that I was ordered on by our Captain John Johnson to guard the prisoners (taken at the Battle of the Cowpens) on from Salisbury to the north I was out on duty for 3 or 4 week when we were relieved in Virginia by other troops & we there discharged, this was just before [crossed out: Cornwallis was taken] the battle of Guilford [March 15, 1781]. I think in the month of March 1781 for Cornwallace [Cornwallis] was in pursuit of us when we guarded the prisoners to the north it was a dangerous & troublesome time for it was not so easy to get soldiers as the tories were ravaging the country - He has no dockumentary [documentary] evidence of his service nor does he know of of [sic] any person whose testimony he can procure to prove the same ^excepting the affidavit of Samuel Reed (B). That he relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or
Page 10

pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State

Answer to the Interrogatories propounded by the Court [.] I was born in the year 1758 in Baltimore County what now is the State of Maryland: I have no record of my age. But it was recorded in my fathers Common Prayer book as used by the Church of England but my sister has taken it off to serve new County & I do not know where it now is: when I went into service I livved in Rowan N.C. & Continued to Live there for 8 years. and next in [crossed out: Lincoln] Rutherford about [crossed out: 20] one year: then next in [crossed out: Rutherford & Lincoln for about 20 year] Burke for about 3 year then moved to Lincoln & lived there about 20 or 21 year & then moved back to Burke & have lived here where I now live for about 20 years. I was always a volunteer except when I drove the waggon [wagon] in the Regular service when I was a substitute for one Rudolph Vanclieve whose waggon [wagon] & team was pressed & he got me to substitute for him. when I was a substitute as above Yarborough commanded but what grade I cannot now recollect. So did Joel Lewis, I think he was a major: when I served under Rutherford as above described we joined General Lincoln at the 10
Page 11

10 mile house this side of Charleston as described first above, & he & his Continental Troops Continued with us untill [until] I was discharged at the place called the two sisters stated heretofore. As to fighting we had a good deal of firing just above Purisburgh on the Savanah [Savannah], but there was not much damage done on either side. I was discharged the first campaign by my Colonel Locke but have lost the same: the other 2 times I cannot recollect who discharged me for it was light times. & we anxious to get home 

I am well known to Ransom P. Cloud a Baptist Clergyman & Mark Britain E'sqr. who has been for at least 8 years the Sheriff of Burke & at least 2 years a Senator from this County, both of whom have certifyed [certified] on oath as marked (A) in my behalf.

Sworn to in open Court 22nd. July 1833.
S/J Erwin Clerk
S/Nicholas Chapman

[crossed out]
Page 12

(C)
Statement of the Service of [crossed out: William] Nicholas Chapman a malitia [militia] man heretofore set forth.
Period of the first service of [crossed out: William] Nicholas. Chapman - 
first 6 months: }
second. 2 months }
third 0 months 21 days }
Rank of [crossed out: Wm] Nicholas Chapman
a private soldier }
Rank of the officers he served under.
General Rutherford [,] Col F Lock.

age of [crossed out: William] Nicholas Chapman - 
75. Lived in Rowan NC. where he entered Service }

Sworn to in open Court 22d. July 1833.
S/J. Erwin Clerk


Proof by which the declaration is supported, 
his own oath, Mark Brittain & Ransom P Cloud. Clergyman
S/Nicholas Chapman
Page 13

Know all men by these presents, That I, James Chapman of the County of Burke and State of North Carolina, a son of Nicholas Chapman late Revolutionary Soldier and pensioner dec'd. of said County do hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames Esquire of Washington City DC my true and Lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of the aforesaid Nicholas Chapman for any amount of Revolutionary pension or increase of Pension that may be due, and I hereby authorize my said Agent to Examine all the papers & documents in relation to said claim on file in the Departments at Washington City or Else where, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim which Certificate I wish made payable to George Chapman, James Chapman, Robert Chapman, Joshua Chapman, John Chapman, and May Hoil to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present, Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Agent & Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises, - Witness my hand & seal, This 11th. May, 1852 

Signed and sealed in presence of R. C. Pearson and S. A. Bettis }
S/James Chapman [private seal]


State of North Carolina }
County of Burke }
On this 10th day of May 1852, before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared James Chapman above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day & date aforesaid,
S/R.C. Pearson J.P.
Page 14

State of North Carolina }
County of Burke }
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, May Term, 1852.
Be it known, that on this 11th. day of May 1852 personally appeared in open Court and before the court aforesaid Absilom Hoil and Samuel Roper Esqr. two intelligent and respectable citizens of the County aforesaid and made oath in due form of Law that Nicholas Chapman a Soldier of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, died at his late residence in the County of Burke and State aforesaid on the twenty-fifth day of July, Eighteen hundred and fifty one, leaving no [underline] widow [/underline] but the following named children (viz) George Chapman, James Chapman, Robert Chapman, Joshua Chapman, John Chapman, and Mary Hoil, who are the only surviving children of the said deceased & all of Lawful ages 

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first above mentioned in open Court
Test W.S. Sudderth. Clk.
S/Saml.: Roper
S/Absalom Hoyle


I. W. S. Sudderth Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify, that the Court was fully satisfied as to the truth of the above statements, whereupon it was ordered that the same be certified to the War Department

I also certify, that R. C. Pearson, Esquire, before whom the foregoing Power of Attorney was acknowledged is an acting Justice of the Peace as stated, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine: - furthermore that James Chapman who Executed the foregoing Power of Attorney is a son of the aforementioned Nicholas Chapman dec'd. 

[seal] In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office. This 11th. day of May AD 1852.
S/W. S. Sudderth Clk Co Co
Page 15

DROP REPORT -- PENSIONER

______________________________________________
SARAH J SHANLEY
VINELAND, N.J.
717008
SOLDIERS HOME
______________________________________________
____________ Cert. No, _________________
Pensioner ___________________________________
Soldier ______________________________
Service ________________________________
Class _________________________________
__________________________________________________
Remarks __________________________

[stamp: JAN 31 1934]

Canceled (payee deceased)
__________________________________________________
ACCOUNTING DIVISION
FEB 12 1934, 193
The name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at the rate of $36 per month to Dec. 31, 1933 has this day been dropped from the roll because of DEATH 1-15-34

Wm. H. HOLMES,
Chief Accounting Division.
By SLM

Vet. Adm.
Fin. Form 1411
Rev. Mar. 1932
Page 16

No 24.457
Nicholas Chapman N.C.

let to W. Roan 1st Nov 1833
 "   "   S. Bettis 21 July 45
 "   "   Same    20 Nov. 45
 "   "    Hon J. Graham 7 Jany '46
 "   "    S. A. Bettis   20 Sep 47
 "   "    Hon: D. M. Barringer Jan. 25/48
 "   to same March 22. 48
 "  to Ditto   June 20. 48
 "    "  S. A. Bettis  Nov 21. '48

Act 7 June 1832
Page 17

Morganton No. Carolina
December 20th. 1845 ~
Sir
You will receive with this note the Supplemental Statements of Nicholas Chapman of Burke County N. Ca whose Claim for a Pension was suspended in 1833. 

The inclosed [enclosed] statements of Mr. Chapman are in reply to your letter of November 1st. 33 to Wm. Roane Esqr Agent for said Applicant

You will please to Examine this Claim at as early a day as possible and report the same and ablige

I am yours Respectfully
S.A. Bettis




J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 18

Nicholas Chapman of N. Carolina, 
Act 7 June '32    A        Supd [suspended]
S. A. Bettis





45=
Page 19

Ho. of. Reprs. [House of Representatives]
June 12. 1848.

Sir,
I send you additional evidence in the case of Nicholas Chapman. which I trust will now remove all objection to the Claim ~

Your Obt. Sevt.
D. W. Barringer.




Col. J. L. Edwards.
Com. of. Pensions.
Page 20

Mr J L Edwards
Washington 


Jan 2d '46

C
Nicholas Chapman
(to be restored)
June 7, 1832

D. Crump



Hon. Jas Graham
HR.
Page 21

H R January 2d. 1846
Mr J L Edwards
I inclose [enclose] the Papers of Nicholas Chapman for a Pension. He resides and has for many years in Burke County NC. He is reputed a soldier of the Revolution & it is generally and I think universally believed so far as he is known, that he was a soldier of the Revolution.

About that I of course can not know anything. but I do know his character as a man of truth is entirely good.

Yours
James Graham
Page 22

Morganton N.C.
Jany the 8th 1848.
Sir,
In the claim of Nicholas Chapman of N.C. under the act of 7th June 1832, I inclose [enclose] to your department further Evidence which I hope will be satisfactory and that in return you will send us a Pension Certificate

In your report of this Claim on the 20th Sept last you alledge [allege] that if Claimant Could Establish the full term the Law would allow him in the several Tours set forth, it would not amount to Six months -

Your department are labouring under a mistake with regard to the amount of service Claimant alledges [alleges] that he actually rendered - First, Claimant says that in the fall of 1778m he volunteered for [underline] Five [/underline] Months & served [underline] Six [/underline] - Of this 6 Months service the Military Law of that day recognizes 5 months - secondly he alledges [alleges] that in 1780, he served as a volunteer at the Garrison in Salisbury [underline] Three [/underline] Months, of this 3 Months service two are rejected as not Military for the reason that Claimant served as a waggoner, leaving one Month Service which added to the above 5 Months in the first Tour - makes a service of [underline] six [/underline] months, to which add the third Tour of 21 days in 1781. Making a service of [underline] Six Months and 21 days [/underline] which appears to be the least possible Estimate that can be made of N. Chapmans service in the Army of the Revolution
Page 23

I am yours verry [very] respectfully
S. A. Bettis










J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 24

[round stamp: MORGANTON NC. 
JULY 7]

July 17-48
Nicholas Chapman 
NC

[stamp: FREE]

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 25

Morganton No. Ca.
June the 30th 1848.

Sir,
In the claim of Nicholas Chapman under the act of 7 June, 1832. reported on the 20th. ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that I am of the opinion that your Department are labouring under a misunderstanding in regard to the character of this Claim and have therefore respectfully to request of your department a reconsideration, believing as I do that ample justice will be done this old Claimant when his case shall be fully understood.

Mr. Chapman the present claimant is a person with whom I am well acquainted. and he is now in possession of a good Mind and recollection; a person who through a long life has, (as I have) supported an unexceptionable character and that in writing his suplemental [supplemental] statements, or declaration, giving a detailed account of his different campaigns I became perfectly well satisfied in my own mind of the real justness of his claim, That opinion has since been supported by the Evidence of Aaron Thomas and Samuel Reed, persons being distant from Chapman whom I never saw, and whose statements have been taken by persons wholly unconnected with this matter.

My respect for this honorable old man together with a full conciousness [consciousness] of the justness of his claim, taken in consideration with his his [sic] present necessities are reasons that have induced me so long to contend for this claim. I have presented many claims to your department all of which have been duly respected, and with some half a dozen exceptions have been admitted, and not till in the present instance have I met with such extraordinary opposition
Page 26

In your last report of this claim, you alledge [allege] that, "The proof now Exhibited in this case does not show that Chapman was in service in 1778. as much as 5 months." verry [very truly: the proof filed does not, But it shows most clearly that Claimant commenced service in the fall of 1778, and left that service in the Spring of 1779. after having served some five, or 6 months, and the ostensible objection heretofore raised, & argued, was the want of a knowledge of the Law, authorizing 5 months drafts in the Militia of North Carolina. That objection has been fully met, and it was also shown at the same time, and by the same Evidence, that the particular service in which Chapman & his witness Reed have alledged [alleged] that they were in, was actually rendered by the N. C. Militia in a Campaign through So. Ca in 1779, verifying most clearly their allegations in regard to that service

In regard to the 3 Months service at the Garrison at Salisbury, two, of which have been rejected as waggon [wagon] service, and the other tour of 22 days taking and guarding Brittish [British] prisoners from Salisbury to Virginia I have to state the fact of Chapmans ^not having applyed [applied], or received pay, is not a sufficient pretext for your department to alledge [allege] that that service was not Military. These facts have been fully explained by Chapman, I will further remark in regard to this last service that is well known to all the old Citizens that lived about Salisbury in War time that a Garrison was kept up in that Town during the latter part of the Revolution, also that the Prisoners taken at the Cowpen [Cowpens] Battle were brot [brought] on to Salisbury and from there additional force was raised and they were hastened on to Virginia, being as they were, pursued closely by Wallace's [Cornwallis] Army, and that in crossing the Yadkin Yadkin [sic] River some 5 miles from Salisbury our soldiers with these prisoners had to wade through watter [water] up to their chins, at the time the River was rising and did so continue to rise as to prevent the Brittish [British] Army from crossing, [crossed out: which]
Page 27

That so closely were our men pursued on this occasion that before [crossed out: our men] they left the north bank of the River, the Brittish [British] reached the southern. This is a part of the service that Chapman was engaged in, and I here ask the question, can your department for a moment presume that these prisoners were not guarded by a Military Escort? Certainly not,! As regards the fact of Chapmans not having rec'd. any pay for his last two tours of service, for the reason that he never applyed [applied] for it. being entirely discretionary with him, does not at all change, or establish the nature of that service. - Chapman informs me that he subsisted during these rejected tours at the Expense of the Government, & will testify to that fact if required - The service rendered by Chapman for which we are now claiming a pension, after rejecting the 2 Months and over, is Six Months & 22 days - viz: (5) Five months in So. Ca in 78 and one month at Garrison at Salisbury, and 22 days with the Prisoners in Virginia - All of this service has been proven by comrades in arms whose credibility has been duly certified by Magistrate acquainted with the witnesses, and by those whom are now enjoying the benefits of their Countrys gratitude, and that too, for the identical service rendered in camp with said Chapman, while Chapman is left [underline] destitute and dishonoured [/underline] by his Country for which in time of Peril he Staked his life, his all, - It is requested that your department give the Evidence submitted in this claim a full, and careful Examination. believing that you will be satisfied of its justness and that in reply you will send us a pension Certificate

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
S. A. Bettis


J. L. Edwards, Esqr. }
Commissioner of Pensions, }
Washington City }
Page 28

Morganton N.C
Augt. 30th 1847.

Sir,
Inclosed [Enclosed] you will receive further Evidence in in [sic] support of the claim of Nicholas Chapman of Burke County N.C. under the Act of 7 June 1832, showing the manner in which said Claimant was paid for his services in the Army of the Revolution, Also the Affidavit of Aaron Thomas in support of the said service, - In your report of this Claim some 18 months since your department calls on claimant to file the Indents to his credit in the Comptrollers Office of this State in the absence of which claimant has filed the inclosed [enclosed] affidavit showing the manner in which he recd. payt. [received payment] 

I will here remark in connexion [connection] with the subject of Indents, that the Act authorizing the issued of indents, or certificates in payment of Militia Service passed not "till June 1781. and will be found in a work published by Act of the Assembly, by Jas. Iredell in 1791. page 415. Chapter 2d. That so far as my knowledge extends nearly or quite all  service rendered in this State before 1780 was paid off in Continental or Halifax money, that it has been one great cause of complaint amoungst [amongst] the old Soldiers that often suffering privations and hardships in the Army, they even paid off in a currency which was almost worthless [.] That such being the fact, it is not strange that the present claimant should not have applyed [applied] for payment for his two last tours
Page 29

of duty in 1780 and 1781. With regard to his two months service as a waggoner at the Garrison in Salisbury in 1780, rejected by your department as not being Military, I do not see why claimant should have to suffer for an act over which he could not have any controle [control]. He volunteered to serve as a common ^soldier and as such it was not his province to say whether should he be driving teams or bearing arms: he was there bound as a common Soldier under the fear and terror of Military Law which would constitute Military service.

You will please to Examine this claim at as Early a day as possible & inclose [enclose] me the result at the above place and oblige

I am yours respectfully
S. A. Bettis



Jas. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 30

Ho. of. Reps.
March 1. 1848.

Sir,
I enclose you a letter from S. A. Bettis an agent for Nicholas Chapman, asking for a re-examination of his case - & stating the reasons therefor. - There is a mistake at the Dept. in regard to the name of one of the witnesses, as he alleges -

I ask that the case may be re-examined -

Yours. &.c.
D. M. Barringer.





Col. J. L. Edwards.
Page 31

Nov. 17. 1848
Red
Nicholas Chapman

[round stamp: MORGANTON N.C.
NOV 10]            00


J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 32

Morganton No. Carolina
Nov. 10th. 1845.

Dr Sir
I wrote you in July last a letter of Enquiry after the Claim of Nicholas Chapman of Burke County North Carolina. Claimed asserted under Act of June 7th 1832. and forwarded to your office I understand about the year 1834. and have not received any answer to my letter which has been probably overlooked - I would be glad if you would inform me the situation of this claim

The claim of Anna Helm that was to be reconsidered I would like to have reported as soon as consistent with your other business

I am your respectfully
S. A. Bettis




J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C
Page 33

Jas. L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City 
DC
Page 34

Morganton N. C
May the 1st 1847.

Sir,
In the claim of Nicholas Chapman under the act of 7. June 1832. I now inclose [enclose] to your Department his supplemental statements, together with a letter from the Hon. T. L. Clingman which I hope may satisfy you that Mr. Chapman has actually served his Country honestly & faithfully 9 months & 22 days and that after deducting 2 month Waggon [wagon] service he will have left to his credit 7 months & 22 days

You Early attention is respectfully asked and when acted upon you will please to report the same to me at the above place

I have the Honor to be
Verry [very] respectfully your Ob St
S. A. Bettis



Jas. L. Edwards Esquire }
Comr. of Pensions }
Washington City }
DC }
Page 35

Washington June 4 1852
James E Heath Esq

Sir,
I transmit herewith a Power of Attorney in the case of Nicholas Chapman who was placed upon the Pension Roll of North Carolina at the rate of $20 per ann.

The parties interested claim a higher pension than allowed, and ask a review of the evidence upon which it was granted.

In order to understand the case properly, I wish to examine the papers now on file in your office in relation to it.

I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert [obedient servant]
Geo C Ames
Page 36

Morganton N C
February 18th. 1848.
Sir, 
In reply to your letter of the 25th Jany: last in answer to Evidence filed in support of the claim of Nicholas Chapman I have to inform your department that the name of the witness whose statements were discredited is Samuel Reed, instead of Reede, and that contrary to your allegation in regard to this witness Ever having presented a claim himself to a pension, he is a Pensioner of the U.S.A at the rate $44.44 per annum, was pensioned by your department on the 6 Augt. 1833. while residing in Burke County N.C. Also that Aaron Thomas a witness in this claim is a pensioner at the rate of $23.33 per annum, and that by reffrence [reference] to the papers on which said Samuel Reed was pensioned by your department you will find, I doubt not. that the said witness had the opportunity to know all that he has testified that he did know of N. Chapmans service. That they both belonged to and served in the same Company, side by side, during the whole Campaign in S. Carolina in the winter of 1778 & nine, & were also discharged & paid off, both at the same time and place

In regard to the 5 months drafts in the Militia of this State of which your department lays so much stress in your report of this claim, I have to inform you that no such service is set forth by Either Claimant or his Agent, nor is it at all pretended, but on the contrary we
Page 37

have alledged [alleged] and claimed that we [underline] volunteered [/underline] under Capt: Jas. Nichols in 1778 for 5 months and did actually serve under the said Engagement six months, and it is quite apparent that in those days of trouble prisons [persons] had the privilege and did volunteer for 5 months or longer, and that too, without any authority of law, other than than [sic] that rested in the commanding officers, nor is it now presumed that there is any law Extant in this State on that subject, and in the present case it is thought both oppressive & presumptuous in your department to make so foreign a requisition (to wit) that claimant shall, in the adjustment of his claim, produce a copy of the Law, authorizing a particular service in which he has not been Engaged, and for which service he claims no benefit, That in his several tours of duty he alledges [alleges] that he was a volunteer in Evrey [every] instance, and did not sum under a draft at all - That should such a law appear of Record in this State (which is not at all probable) it would have no relation to the present claim for the verry [very] obvious reason that the service we claim to have rendered was as a volunteer & not I repeat under a draft. Nor have I any knowledge that there was Ever any 5 months drafts in the State. That in a former correspondence I was advised by your department that persons drafted for 5 thru months when marched beyound [beyond] the limits of this State could be retained in Service 5 month in all on sd. draft and no longer. and by what authority I knew not other than that assumed by the commanding officers, - The fact of men having served 5 months as volunteers in the Militia of this state during the Revolution is I would think too notorious to need proof or leave any grounds for presumption in the present claim -
Page 38

In conclusion I say it is respectfully requested that your department in justice to this old Soldier take up his claim and reexamine it, as I am assured I have never presented a juster claim and as such we shall ever feel in duty bound to pray untill [util] our claim is admitted

I have the honor to be
Yours Verry [very] Respectfully
S.A. Bettis







J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 39

Morganton No. Carolina
May the 25th. 1848.

Sir,
In the claim of Nicholas Chapman of Burke county, N.C. under the act of 7 June 1832. I send to your Department the Letter of Wm. Hill, Esquire Secretary of State, together with the Comptrollers Certificate which have been obtained, and are now forwarded, for the purpose of establishing a fact called for in your report of this claim on the 22d March last. (viz: the Law authorizing 5 months Militia service in No. Carolina during the Revolution.

It appears from the Comptrollers Certificate that provisions were issued by Robert Linn. is the delinquents of the 5 months Militia ordered to the aid of South Carolina & Georgia in 1779. This, appears to me would embrace Claimants allegations of his So. Ca services. and shows conclusively that there was actually rendered by the North Carolina Militia a 5 months Campaign in So. Carolina in 1779 as claimant has stated in his declaration

It also appears from the Secretary's letter that a Law passed in 1779 subjecting the Militia of this State to a draft who was ^required to serve "till discharged by the Commanding Officers -. In Conclusion I hope your Department will on the Examination of the Enclosed Evidence be satisfied of the justness of this claim & grant the claimant a certificate

I am yours, verry [very] Respectfully
S. A. Bettis


To J. L. Edwards, Esqr. }
Commissioner of Pensions }
Washington City }
Page 40

Morganton No. Ca
May 23rd 1845
Sir
I wish the department to inform me what may be wanting in the Claim of Nicholas Chapman of Burke County No. Ca his Claim was asserted under the act of June 7th 1832 and disallowed

Yor [your] Complyance [compliance] will Confer a favor
I am yours respectfully
Sylvester Bettis







J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 41

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Com. of. Pensions
Page 42

Ho. of. Reprs. 
Jany 17. 1848.
Sir,
I inclose [enclose] you additional evidence in the case of Nicholas Chapman of Burke Co. N. C. for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 - and trust with the evidence already on file, it may prove sufficient -
Yours. &.C.
D. W. Barringer



Col. J. L. Edwards.
Page 43

Mr. S. A. Bettis
Morganton 
No. Ca.
Page 44

Raleigh 6th. May 1848.

Mr. S. A. Bettis
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 1st. instant was received this morning, requesting to be informed as to the Militia laws of this state requiring five months service in the year 1778. I see there was a general militia law passed in 1777, which subjected the Militia of the State to a draft at any time when it appeared necessary for the defence [defense] of the country who were required to serve until discharged by the commanding officers, many of whom may have served five months. I have seen a document in the Comptrollers Office, showing that payments were made to five months men.

Very respectfully
Yours &c.
Wm. Hill.
Page 45

Raleigh N. C. 
Compt Office
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that it appears from an acct on file in this office that provisions were issued by Robert Sims to the delinquents of the "five months Militia ordered to the aid of South Carolina and Georgia-" Under the Command of Lieut. Col. Alexander Dobbin. in 1779. which account is signed by Hugh Park. J.C.

given under my name and seal this 6" May 1848.
S/Wm. F. Collins Compt
[seal]
Page 46

Morganton, N. C. 
April 25th 1849.
Sir:
Nicholas Chapman of Burke County, N.C. one of the surviving soldiers of the Revolution, and an applicant, for a pension, personally appeared before me, the subscriber, at the request of his friends for the purpose of my examining him in regard to several tours of duty that he alleges he served during the American Revolution, (a copy of which is hereunto annexed) with the request that I report the same to your Department. That on a critical examination of the said Nicholas Chapman, I am perfectly well satisfied, that he served a tour of duty of five months or more, under Capt. Nichol and Genl. Rutherford, to South Carolina in 1778 & 1779, - That he also served a tour of three months in the Garrison at Salisbury in 1780, under Capt. Lewis and Col. Lewis, two months of which was as a waggoner, and one month as a common soldier, and that he was then in a regularly organized corps, and that the said Garrison was kept up at the expence [expense] of the State as a defence [defense] against the common enemy. Lastly, that he served a third tour of some twenty two days under Capts. Miller or Leonard, in guarding some British prisoners, taken at the Battle of the Cowpens. from Salisbury, to the State of Virginia, which was in the spring of 1781. I will further inform your Department that the said Nicholas Chapman, old and infirm as he is, appears to be in the possession of his natural faculties, and can now relate many incidents that came under his observation during his Revolutionary services. and which I do not believe he could have known until he had witnessed them; and I am credibly informed by his old neighbors, who have been well acquainted with him for years, that he has always supported an unblemished reputation; and that his present appearance is that of an honest, uprightly, [illegible] and truthful man, and I verily believe, that he has served his Country honestly, and faithfully, in the aforementioned Campaigns, and it affords me pleasure to recommend him to the consideration of your Department as a
Page 47

fit, and proper person to enjoy the benefits of his Country's gratitude.

Very respectfully
T. L. Clingman







J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
D.C.
Page 48

State of North Carolina  Cherokee County:
This day Samuel Reede Pensioner appeared before me Nathan D Hart an acting Justice of the Peace for said County & made oath to the following facts in regard to the Revolutionary services of Nicholas Chapman of Burke County & State aforesaid as follows. I am well acquainted & intimately acquainted with Nicholas Chapman of the above named place to wit Burke County & state of North Carolina & have been ever since the commencement of the Revolution & that he deponent volunteered under Capt Nichols, Col. Lock & served a tour of five months he is certain of & probably six, in South Carolina in 1779 in the same Company with the said Nicholas Chapman. that they volunteered for the term of five months at Salisbury in the fall of 1778 & left said place & under the aforesaid officers & marched into South Carolina near Charleston from thence to or near Savanna & from thence up the River to Purisburg where they spent the winter & were discharged after the Battle of Briar Creek in that County & paid off, & that the said Nicholas Chapman served the above term of five months honestly & faithfully [.] This deponent further states that the said Nicholas Chapman volunteered & served a second tour of three months at the Garrison at Salisbury, under Captain & Col. Lewis, that after serving part of the time in the Garrison he spent the remainder of this three month tour in driving a team employed in hauling for the Garrison.
Page 49

And I the said Saml Reede do certify that all the foregoing facts are true & I do hereby subscribe to the same.

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 27th day of November 1847
test S/Nathan D. Hart JP
Saml [his mark R] Reede Junior [private seal]


I Nathan D hart an acting Justice of the Peace for he County of Cherokee & State of North Carolina do certify that I am well & intimately acquainted with the deponent Saml. Reede & have been for a great number of years. & that he is in possession of his natural faculties. more so than is usual. not infirm or decrepit of fair character of approved integrity & of sound mind & to his statements is due full faith & credit Nov. 17. 1847
S/Nathan D. Hart JP


State of N. Carolina }
Cherokee County }
I Drury Weeks Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for said County do hereby certify that Nathan D. Heart [Hart] Esqr whose name appears To the above Certificate is and was an acting Justice of the peace of said County at the Tie of signing the same. Hereby qualified and Commissioned, and his signature purporting To be his name is Genuine. and is entitled To full faith and Credit To all his official acts.

[seal]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Name as Clerk aforesaid and affixed my seal of Office at office The 8th day of December 1847.
S/Drury Weeks Ck.
Page 50

State of North Carolina }
Burke County }
On this 17th day of December, 1845. personally appeared before me, Samuel Roper, one of the acting Magistrates in & for said County, Nicholas Chapman, a resident of the County and State Aforesaid, Aged Eighty Eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following supplemental declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th. 1832. "granting Pensions to the Soldiers of the Revolution, That he the declarant Entered the Army of the Revolution as a private Soldier, and a volunteer for the term o Five months o the last of October, or the first of November, 1778, under Captain James Nichols, Colonel Lock, and General Rutherford, That he went on to Salisbury when he joined the Army, under the Aforesaid Officers, and from their [there] they marched on South Carolina to a place Called the 10 mile Spring; 10 miles from the City of Charleston where they made a halt for some two or 3 weeks, during which time the British left Charleston for Savannah, After that move of the Enemy, Genl. Rutherford with his Army marched on South and joined Genl. Lincoln who had command of the South Carolina Troops. and after joining said Army they all march on to Puresburg [Purrysburg]. a post about twenty (20) miles out from Savannah where they took their winter quarters, and where they remained till spring or untill [until] about the Middle February, 1779, From thence they marched up the Savanna [Savannah] River to a place Called the two
Page 51

Sisters, not far distant from where the Battle of Brier Creek was fought. That he well recollects that a part of their troops crossed over the River into Georgia and was in that Battle while he with the rest of their Army remained at the Aforesaid place - And that the main Army did Continue at the said Post "till he was discharged, which was about the 10th of May, 1779. having been in the service Six months - That the reason why declarant was not discharged at the Expiration of five months, for which time he had volunteered was, that at that time their Officers was daily Expecting an Engagement with the Brittish [British] and Tories with whom they were almost surrounded

This next tour of service was in the fall of the Year 1780, Capt. Johnsons Company to which he belonged at home was called together to stand a draft for three months at the State Garrison at Salisbury. On that occasion declarant volunteered his services for the above term of three months. and went on with others to the Garrison at Salisbury and was placed under Capt. Luis, and Col. Luis who had the command of the Garrison at that time and after having served about a month at the said Garrison, he was set to "driving the waggon [wagon] & Team under Abraham Ruth, Waggon [wagon] Master in the United States Service, and that he continued in the latter Service as a Waggoner till his term of three months Expired and he was discharged

This third and las [last] tour of Service, was in the spring of 1781. soon after the Battle of the Cowpens, he volunteered under Capt Miller or Sanders, to go to guard some Brittish [British] prisoners that had been taken at the Battle of the Cownpens. and were then in Salisbury and was to be sent on to Virginia, That he on that occasion left, Salisbury about the middle of February and
Page 52

went on with these prisoners to the State of Virginia, and then returned back to Salisbury & was discharged having served in this last tour twenty two, or 23 days which Ended his services in the Revolutionary 

And this declarant also states, that the foregoing Contains a Correct, and true, Statement of his Revolutionary services, according to his best recollection: And he further States that he knew of no person now a living by whom he can prove said service ~

Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year first above written Before me
S/Saml. Roper JP
Nicholas [his mark C] Chapman


I do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with  Nicholas Chapman who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me, and that he is a respectable & an intelligent person, and his statements are Entitled to full faith and credence - Given under my hand the day and date first above written
S/Saml. Roper JP


State of North Carolina }
Burke County } SS
I, J. D. Ferrie Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Said County, certify that Samuel Roper is an acting Magistrate as above and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

[seal] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and Subscribed my name. this 20th Dacr 1845
S/J D Ferrie Clerk
Page 53

8193
Rev War √ INVALID.
____________
File No. 8193
Nicholas Chapman
Priv Rev: War
_____________

Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol. 1st,    Page 65

[intentional brackets as printed]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 54

admitted
for 6 moths
$20 per ann 
Com: [commenced] 4 March 1831






S. A. Bettis Esqr.
of N. C.
Present.
Page 55

State of North Carolina }
Burke County }
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions Spring Term 1849.
On this 25th day of April 1849. personally appeared before the said Court now opened & held at the Court House in and for the County, and State, aforesaid, Nicholas Chapman who being first duly sworn according to law. doth on his oath make the following supplemental Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 June, 1832. That he entered the Army of the Revolution as a volunteer in the No. Ca Militia for five Months on or about the last of October, 1778. under Capt Nichols and General Rutherford. That he joined the main Army at Salisbury which was then their head quarters and from thence they was marched on to the State of So. Ca and to a place called the ten mile Spring near the City of Charleston, where they remained some two or three weeks during which time the Brittish [British] who occupied Charleston left for Savannah. and that soon after General Rutherford pursued the Enemy and was joined in his second days march by Genl. Lincoln who had Command of the So. Ca forces. and with whom they marched on the Purisburg {Purrysburg] a place some miles up the Savannah River, where they took up Winter quarters and remained untill [until] about the middle of February 1779. after which they was marched further up the River to a place called the two Sisters opposite to Briar [Brier] Creek. where they remained during the Battle at said place [March 3, 1779]
Page 56

and till about the 10th. May, 1779, at which time he was honorably discharge [sic] from service having served a six months months [sic] Campaign, instead of five, for which he had Engaged and was paid off like other Soldiers at the time in a worthless paper currency, That the reason why he was not discharged at the Expiration of his Engagement. was that they were daily expecting an Engagement. with the Enemy by whom they was [sic] almost surrounded

His next Tour was in 1780. he volunteered under Capt: and Col Lewis for three months to serve at the Garrison in Salisbury during which time he served as a Wagoner for two months under Abraham Ruth Wagon Master a hauling supplies for the Garrison, and one months as a common Soldier [.] That the fact of his driving a tram, was not a matter over which he had any control, he was placed or ordered to service in that capacity by his Commanding Officers, and not by private contract as has been intimated, nor in the opinion of the declarant should his interest be prejudiced by an act of his Commanding Officers whom he was bound by military Law to obey, and over which he had no controle [control], that this Garrison was kept up at the Expence [expense] of the State as a defence [defense] against the Common Enemy, and that the reason he did not receive Indents for this last service was that he did not apply believing as he then did that Indents were next to worthless, and being at the same time an ignorant fatherless boy having no one to prompt him to look to his interest

His third and last Tour was in the spring of 1781. soon after the Battle of the Cowpens he volunteered under
Page 57

Capt. Miller or Leonard to guard some Brittish [British] prisoner taken at the said battle, from Salisbury on to the State of Virginia, they left Salisbury about the middle of February and were gone twenty two or 23 days before discharged

This declarant further makes oath, that the whole amount of service that he claims, for which he asks a pension is [underline] Nine Months & twenty two days, [/underline] rendered honestly and faithfully in a regular organized Corps

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before the Court
S/Jno Sudderth: Chairman
Nicholas [his mark X] Chapman


Ad the Court doth hereby certify that they are personally acquainted with Nicolas Chapman the above declarant and that his is a person who has always sustained an unblemished reputation as a man of truth and uprightness and that he is also Known to the Court as a soldier and Patriot during the Revolution - 
S/Jno Sudderth, Chairman C. Court


I, J.D. Ferrie clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Burke County, C.C. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings [proceedings] of the court in the case of Nicholas Chapman 

[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 25th day of April, 1849.
S/J. D. Ferrie Clerk
Page 58

State of North Carolina }
Burke County }
Personally appeared before me Saml. Roper one of the acting Justices of the Peace in & for Said County Nicholas Chapman a Resident of the State & County aforesaid an applicant for a Pension due him for his Revolutionary Service, & made oath in due form of law to the - following Statements Relative to the manner in which he was Paid for his Services in the Army of the Revolution viz that for his Six Months Service in South Carolina in 1778 and 1779 under Captain James Nichols & Genl. Rutherford he was Paid off in Continental money that During the above Campaign he Received on Sundry occasions a Part of his wages such as he needed for his then necessities & on being Discharged he Received balance of his wages that was due him which was Paid to him by his officers & was Paid in Continental money as above Stated this Deponent further states on oath that for his other services in the Years of 1780 & 1781 to wit three months at the Garrison in Salisbury in 1780 under Lewis & Abraham Ruth waggon [wagon] master and the tower [tour] of 22 or 3 Days guarding the Brittish Prisners [British prisoners] from Salisbury to Virginia in the Spring of 1781 he has never Received any Pay whatever neither in indents Continental money nor Script of any kind that such was the situation of the monied matters of the state that even indence [indents] was thought to be almost worthless & that he never Put himself to the trouble of obtaining those that was [sic] him [.] Sworn too [to] & subscribed before me this 26th of August 1847
S/Saml. Roper JP.
S/John N Chapman
Nicholas [his mark C] Chapman
Page 59

and State aforesaid who has this day Sworn to and Subscribed the foregoing Affidavit before me is a person of intelligence and respectability and to his statements is due the utmost credence.

And I do further certify that Samuel Roper Esq before whom the foregoing Affidavit were proven is and was at the time of assigning his name an acting Justice of the peace in and for Said County of Burke and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his is genuine.

[seal] In testimony of all which I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office at office in Morganton this 30th August 1847
S/J. D. Ferrie Clerk of Burke County
Page 60

State of No. Carolina }
Macon County }
Personally appeared before me John Howard one of the Justice for said County ^Aaron Tomas and after being Sworn Deposeth and Sayeth that he was acquainted with Nicholas Chapman of Rutherford County at this time but also new [knew] him in Rowan County in time of the Revolution War that he New [knew] of ^him Serving Several towers [tours] but only Served With [crossed out: one tower] him one two Month Tower [tour] under Captain Humphreys in guarding the Prisoners through the State of North Carolina to the Virginia State [.] I also Saw him start a five Month Tower [tour] to South Carolina and Georgia and Saw him after he Returned and understood from him that he had Served and the above Named towers [tours] under Captain Nicholas [Nichols] I also was in the service a trip to Salisbury a Three Months trip under Col. Langham - and Said N Chapman was in the said service as a waggoner all the above services was in militia service as well as my Recollection Serves me, I think the said five Months Service was performed in the years 1778 and 1779 - I am Now in my Eighty ninth or thereabouts year

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of March 1847
S/John Howard J.P.
Aaron [his mark X] Thomas


And I the said Magistrate do hereby Certify that I am well and intimately acquainted Aaron Thomas the above affiant, and that he is a person of good character sound mind, & to his statements in the above case he is Entitled to full faith and Credit - Given under my hand on the day and year above written -
S/John Howard [private seal]
Page 61

State of North Carolina } Macon County }
I J. K Gray clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county of Macon aforesaid. do hereby certify that John Howard Esq whos [whose] name appears to the above affidavit was an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county at the time of Signing the same. and that due faith and credit ought to be given to all of his official acts as such

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court of office this 29th day of March 1841
S/ J K Gray clk
Page 62

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
______________
Know all men by these presents, That I, Joshua Chapman of the County of Burke and State of No Ca, and one of the children and legal representatives of Nicholas Chapman a Revolutionary soldier, [crossed out: and] & Pensioner [crossed out: his wife] who is now deceased, do hereby, irrevocably, constitute and appoint Geo C Ames, of Washington, my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to examine into and prosecute any claim that may be due, or found to be due, the children and legal representatives of the sd. Nicholas and [blank] in virtue of said [illegible] service in the Revolutionary war, and the several acts and resolutions of Congress relative thereto, and that might have accrued to either of the said parties, and not drawn during their lifetime, and now due to their legal representatives, and to receive the certificate of Pension, &c., when issued by the Department: I hereby confirming whatsoever my said attorney may do, or cause to be legally done, either in person or by substitution, in the prosecution of said claim, except drawing money on the said claim, I revoking any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons in the premises whatsoever.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 26 day of July, 1854.

Signed in presence of Joshua Chapman [private seal]

__________________

STATE OF No Ca }
County of Burke } Sct.
On this 26th day of July, in the year 1854 personally appeared before me, Joshua Chapman, and acknowledged the within Power of Attorney to be his act and deed. 
S/R. C. Pearson J.P.