Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6614, John Best, N. C.
Page 1

N.C.

Best, John S 6614

carded
Page 2

John Best, decd
of ScrivernCo. in the State of Geo who was a priv in the ___ by Captain ____ of the Reg commanded by Genl Green in the N. Carolina for 12 months

 32493

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 40 Dollars -- Center per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1834 to 11th November 1836, when he died

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of August 1846 and sent to C.W. Young, Esq Halcyondale, Ga.

Arears to 11th of Nov. 1836 $227.50 Semi=anl. allowance ending $22

Payable to Children

Revolution Act of June 7, [illegible] 1832

Recorded by D Henry Wood
Book E. Vol. L6 Page [illegible]

[stamp of the National Archives of the United States]
Page 3

State of Georgia
County of Scriven Js

On this sixth day of April Eighteen hundred and thirty Five, personally appeared John Best, a resident of the County aforesaid, aged about Seventy four years in open Court, before the Inferior Court of the County of Scriven, now in Session, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.  

That he was born in the county of Dolby and State of North Carolina in the year 1761.

That he entered the service of the United States in the year 1781 as a volunteer in the command Captain Jos. Rhodes ____ Blount Major, and Armstrong Colonel.

That he served under the said officers for the full term of one year - and during said year was in the Battle of the Eustaw Springs - was mostly in the State of South Carolina - under the command of General Greene

That during the said service this applicant was with David Quinn and Thomas Canaday residents of Duplin County North Carolina - who Served in company with this applicant, and he annexes to this declaration their depositions, to prove the same

That he was discharged at Long Bay in the year 1782 the discharge was signed by Col Coleman and has long since been lost.

When called into service he resided in Duplin County North Carolina - That soon after the Revolutionary War he moved to Scriven County - Georgia and has resided in said County ever since.
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That he has no Record of his age-

Besides the officers named he [crossed through]

He cannot recolect [recollect] the names of any officers other than those mentioned.

He never received any commission, but served during and for the whole year as a private Soldier

He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State

Sworn to open Court the day and year aforesaid

John Best

Sol Bryan JJC
Alexander Kemp PPC
Cullen Williamson FFC

We Moses N. McCall a clergyman residing in the said County of Scriven, and William Williams Sr. residing in said County do hereby declare and certify that we are well acquainted with John Best, who has Subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be about seventy Four years of age; and that he is reputed and believed in the neighourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Moses M. McCall, M.G
William Williams 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Sol Bryan JJC
Alexander Kemp PPC
Cullen Williamson FFC
Page 5

No 37167
John Best decd
Ga
Act of June 1832

(Signed)
Cuyler W. Young
Willis Young
David B Newton TC
James P Lee
Henry Hull [illegible]
James E. Archer
Reuben C. Newton
William R. Williams
William Williams
Barnett Newton
David Lee
Page 6

State of Georgia
Scrivin County

To the Hon. J. L Edwards, Commission of Pensions.  The petition of Jacob Best would respectfully represent: That he is the son of John Best, a soldier who served in the war of the revolution, both in the regular service and in the Militia of North Carolina that the said John Best; your petitioner believes from common reports fought under Genl Green in the battle of Eutaw Springs in the State of South Carolina and was there wounded.  And your petitioner would further represent that his father John Best, died in Scrivin County in this State on the 17th day of November A.D. 1836, in the 84th year of his age; and the said John Best, as your petitioner believes never drewe [drew] any part of the money for his service in the revolutionary war, previous to his death; That your petitioner is now in the 68 years of his age; and claims of the proper department of the General government the amount for his father's services in the war, not drawn by the said John Best in his life time, pursuant to the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace for the county of Scriven in said state, this 14th day of November in the year 1845.

Jacob B. Best
William Ivey JP

[Balance of page crossed out]
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[paragraph of Aleander Kemp crossed out]

Georgia
Scrivin County

personally appeared before me William Ivey a justice of the peace for said county, Mourning Sheppard who, after being duly sworn saith and deposeth that she is about ninty [ninety] years of age, and that she distinctly recollects that John Best did serve as a soldier in the revolutionary war, but does not exactly recollect the year of such service, but believes it was the last year of the war, namely 1783.  That the said John Best as well as herself were at that time residents of the State of North Carolina; that she remembers when he left for the war, and when he returned, and she believes that he served for the term of twelve months under Gen. Green, Col. Rhodes and Major Ivy, and that the said John Best was wounded in the battle of Eustave Springs; and that she has frequently heard the said John Best speak of his serving in the war under Gen. Green, and Col. Rhodes, and the said deponent does actually believe that the said John Best was a soldier in the
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revolutionary war.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of November 1845.

Morning Sheppard X her mark

William Ivey JP

State of Georgia
Scrivin County

I, Alexander Kemp, clerk of the Superior Court for said County, do hereby certify that William Ivy [Ivey] whose name is officially subscribed to the above affidavit is a lawful justice of the peace for said county and that the deponent Mourning Sheppard whose name is also signed to the said affidavit is a resident at this in the said state and county.

Signed       clerk
This ______ day of __1845

State of Georgia
Scrivin County

We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do hereby Certify that Jacob Best is the son of John Best; that the said Jacob Best is reputed by all his neighbors a man of truth whose statements were entitled to full credit and confidence and further it is our belief from what we know or have heard that John Best was a soldier in the war of the Reve
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No 37167
John Best decd
Ga
Act of June 1832

(Signed)
Cuyler W. Young
Willis Young
David B Newton TC
James P Lee
Henry Hull [illegible]
James E. Archer
Reuben C. Newton
William R. Williams
William Williams
Barnett Newton
David Lee
J.D. Sheppard
William Ivey [illegible initials]
John B. Moultrie
John M. Lucas
Issac Newton
Wilson Conner Capt

M. H. McCall M. G
Black Creek Church ga
Page 10

I, Alexander Kemp, Clerk of the Superior Court of Scriven County do hereby certify, that the individuals whose names were subscribed above were all residents of Scriven and reputed to be men of strict verocity whose statements were entitled to full faith and confidence.

(Signed)

This 17th day of Novbr, 1845

alexander Kemp AK L.C.
Page 11

(Affidavit) Halcyondale, Ga.
9th Sept. 1846

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Sir, 
An affidavit of Cyler W. Young, attorney for Jacob Best, is herewith transmitted, showing that the certificate of the Secretary of War in the case of John Best, was re-forwarded to the War Department, for the purpose of having an error corrected in said certificate, the error being the substitution of a decd name for that of a living person excluded.  By erasing Henry and writing William, the certificate will be proper unless my poor old client should die before it gets here, or before he gets the money. The name of Henry Best, deceased, is so familiar in this neighborhood that such error is quite natural, and ought in justice and equity to be correct without such [illegible] delay

Yours Respectfully C.W. Young

[written sideways on paper]

N.B.  I can obtain the post -morters [mortems] affidavit to the fact that three certificates of the court were mailed containing the names of Jacob, William Absolone, and George as the children of John Best
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Georgia
Bulloch County
personally appeared before the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for Bulloch County, Cuyler W. Young, who, after being first duly sworn deposes and Says that on the 18th of August last (1846) he received through the mail a certificate from the Commissioner of Pensions granting a pension from the 4th day of March 1831, to the 11th November, 1846, to the children of John Best, deceased, and that the following is a copy of said certificate.

No. 32,493
War Department
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the Act of 7th June 1832, John Best deceased, late of Georgia, who was a private in the Revolution, is entitled to receive a pension at the rate of forty dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th March 1831, and ending on the 11th November, 1836, when he died.  which amount is due and payable to Jacob, George, Absulom and Henry Best only living children.  Given at the war office of the United States this tenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty six.

W. L. Marcy Secty of war

Examined and countersigned
J.L. Edwards
commser of pens.
Page 13

Deponent states on oath that an error having been made in the above cirtificate [certificate] by writing therein, the name of Henry Best, who was dead long before the application for this pension was made, and omitting the name of William Best, who is living, deponent thought proper to forward said cirtificate [certificate] to the Secretary of war requesting him to have the error corrected by erasing the name of Henry and putting that of William for authority in doing which, I referred him to several certificates of the Inferior court of Scrivin County proving the fact that Jacob, George, William and Absulom were the only living children who the clerk's certificate that the court had certified as above, and that Henry Best was dead before the application was ever made.  Deponent testifies that said certificate was duly mailed on the 21st of august, and that if it has not been received by the Secretary of war or the Commissioner of pensions, it is lost or mislaid, and he desires that a new one shall be issued including the names of Jacob, George, William and Absalom, as the only living children of John Best deceased, which fact is abundantly proved by several certificates of the court, which deponent duly forwarded.

Sworn to and subscribed this 7th day of September, 1846, before me.

Cuyler W Young

Hardy B. Hodges J.P.
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State of Georgia
Bullock County
I, David Beasly, clerk of the Superior and Inferior Court of Bullock County hereby certify that Hard B Hodges whose genuine signature is attached to the foregoing affidavit on the opposite page of this sheet, is a lawful justice of the peace in and for Bullock County.  In testimony whereof, I have here unto affixed my seal and subscribed my name, this Seventh day of September 1846
David Beasley Clerk SB
David [illegible]

Jno Stawford  Solomon Byrmann
thos Beasly  Izeiak Beasly
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Certificate for the Matter of the application of the heirs of John Best for pension money
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Application of the heirs of John Best.
Georgia
Scrivner County
Inferior Court Term 1846 present their Honors William Taylor, William Oliver and Peter Reddick
The Court hereby certify their belief that John Best emigrated from North Carolina to Scrivner County Georgia, where he died on the eleventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six ;  and the Court so further certify their belief that the said John Best has no widow living and that Jacob B. Best, Goerge W. Best, Absalom Best and William Best, are the only surviving children of the said John Best.

William W. Oliver JJCR
Wm. Taylor GGCSC
Peter Reddic JJCSC

Georgia
Scrivner Co
I, Alexander Kemp Clerk of the Superior Court of Scrivner County, do hereby certify that the persons whose names are signed to the foregoing Certificate each and all of them duly elected and lawful judges of the Inferior Court of said County.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this thirteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty six.

Alexander Kemp Clerk
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Payment to be made at Savannah by H. W. Mercer Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Georgia

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book ____ Vol. ___ Page ____ by 

D H. Word Clerk
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WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th of June, 1832, John Best, dec of Georgia who was a Private in the Revolution is entitled to receive 40 dollars and --cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year and ending November 1836, when he died, payable to Jacob, George,  Henry and Absolom Best, only children.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 10 day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty=six.

Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersign

Commissioner of Pensions.
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July 6, 1925

J. Austin Best
Selma
Alabama

Sir:  

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S5614, it appears that JOHN BEST was born in 1761 in Dobbs County, North Carolina.

While a resident of Duplin County, North Carolina, he enlisted in 1781 and served one year as private in Captain Joseph Rhodes' Company, Colonels Armstrong's and Murfree's North Carolina Regiments; he was in the battle of Eutaw Springs.

He married just after the Revolution, Mrs. Williams, who at that time had a very young son named William.

Pension was allowed on the soldier's application executed April 6, 1835, at which time he was a resident of Screvan County, Georgia.  He died November 11, 1836, in said county.

In 1846 the soldier's wife was dead and the only children living were Jacob B. Best who was then about sixty-three years of age and had children, names not stated; George W. Best; William Best; and 

For service under Col. Murfree; see claim of Thomas Canaday, W. 3561

Vet S
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Absalom Best; all of Screvan County, Georgia.  A son Henry, died about 1843.

The above noted is the only John Best who served with the North Carolina Troops, cound on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
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Rev War 
6614 
INVALID.

File No. 6614
John Best
Priv Rev War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:--- Vol. A, Page 27

[Arrangement of 1870]
John Best - Ga. 32,493

Pen Cert [illegible] and corrected Sept 4 1846.  the name of Wm inserted instead of Henry.

Let to P Agt - Same day

Let A. N. Baker July 2/60
Let of A. N. Baker signed to
Let of 3d And : Augt 28/60

1925 July 6 Hist. to J. Austin Best MCA
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No 33002
John Best dec.
Georgia
Set C.W. Young 16th May 1860

Act 7th June 1832

N 33002
John Best
Georgia
Suspended
Let - 15 Mar 35 Teaborn

Goodall,
Let to Cuyler W. Young Apl. 15 45
Let to Do. Do. May 3 - 45

No 37147
John Best, decd
Ga
Let Cuyler W. Young 14 Jany 184 [?]
Let Hon R Trombs 14 Feby 1846
Let C. W. Young 26th Apr 46
Page 23

Georgia
Scriven County
Know all men by these present that we, Jacob Best, Absulom [Absolom] Best, William Best and George, the only surviving children of John Best, deceased, have made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint Cuyler W. Young of the County and State aforesaid, inquire, our true and lawful attorney for us and in our name to ask, demand, and receive from the proper officer of the United States authorized to Settle and pay all such sum or sums of money due to us in consequence of the Services of our father John Best in the Revolutionary war as duly authenticated by the rolls of the Pension Department, hereby ratifying all that our said attorney shall lawfully do by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty fifth day of May A.D. 1846

Jacob B. Best
Absalom Best
Wm Best
George W. Best
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Georgia
Scriven Co.
Before me a justice of the peace in and for Scriven County, appeared Jacob Best, Absalom Best, William Best, and George Best, who signed and acknowledge the foregoing power of attorny [attorney] in my presence.
Signed this 25th day of May A.D. 1846
Thomas B. Lanier. J.P.

Georgia
Scriven Co.
I Alexander Kemp, clerk of the Superior Court of Scriven County in said state do hereby certify that _____ whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is a lawful and acting justice of the peace in and for Scriven County.
(Signed)
Theis _______ day of May A.D. 1846.
Page 25

You also have the certificate of the clerk that Wm. Ivy is an acting Justice of the peace.

This power of attorney has not been demanded by you, but the signature of it is evidence in the present case, that there are only surviving children.
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OATH OF IDENTITY FOR THE WIDOW OR CHILD OF A DECEASED PENSIONER

State of Georgia
Scriven County
BE IT KNOWN, that before me William Ivy a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid appeared Jacob Best son and made oath in due form of law, that he is the son of John Best the identical person who was as he believes was entitled to a pension and is now dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was not issued as this deponent knows.  That the said John Best the father of this deponent never claimed or drew his pension in his life time, or this deponent had never heard that his father drew any money from the government for his services, but believes that his father was a revolutionary soldier from the county of Duplin in the state of North Carolina about the years 1779, and 1780 and 81.

That the deceased John Best resided in Scriven County in the State of Georgia for the space of 24 years before his death; and that previous thereto he resided in Duplin County North Carolina for the space of 59 years.

Sworn and subscribed this 14th day of November 1845 before me William Ivey J.P.

Jacob Best
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2
POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR THE WIDOW OR CHILD OF A DECEASED PENSION.

Known all men by these presents, That I, Jacob Best of the 259th District in the county of Scrivin and State of Georgia (a) son of John Best do hereby constitute and appoint Cuyler W. Young my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pension in  ____State of Georgia the amount of said pension from the 4th day of March 1831, to the 11th day of November 1836 being the day of the death of John Best.
Witness my hand and seal, this 14th day of November 1845
Sealed and delivered John M. Lucas in the present of William Ivey

Jacob Best

State of George Scrivin County
Be it known, That on the 14th day of November 1845 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Jacob Best above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.

William Ivey J. Peace.

State of Georgia
Scrivin County
Be it known, that on ____ day of ____ 1845 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Cuyler W. Young the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer, or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Attorney
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me.

J.P.

Note - This affidavit must be signed by the Attorney
(a) In this blank insert the word Invalid, or Revolutionary, as the case may be.
Note. - Any other officer duly authorized to administer oaths may be substituted for a Justice of the Peace.
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3
CERTIFICATE OF THE COURT AS TO THE DEATH OF A PENSIONER.

STATE OF _______
COUNTY OF ______

I ______ Clerk of the Court of ____holden at ___in and for _____ do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that ____ was a pensioner of the United States at a rate of ___dollars per ___; was a resident of the County of ____ in the State of ____and died in the ____in the State of ____, in the year ____ on the day of ____ that he left a widow (or child or children, as the case may be) whose name is (or are, as the case may be.)

[Seal of the Court]  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at ____this ____day of ____ in the year of our Lord 183__

Clerk of the ____

Georgia
Scrivin Co.
 I Alexander Kemp, Clerk of the Superior Court for Scrivin county do hereby certify that William Ivey whose name is respectively subscribed to the certificates in the matter of the application of Jacob B. Best is a Justice of the Peace of Scrivin Co duly elected and qualified.
This 17th day of November 1845.
Alexander Kemp S Clerk T. C.
Page 29

Georgia
Scriven Co

Before me William Ivy, a Justice of the peace for Scriven County, personally appeared Jacob Best, and after being duly Sworn, deposeth and Saith that by reason of ill health, and bodily weakness and infirmity,  which became greatly increased by ricking and fatigue, he feels unable to attend the Sessions of the Inferior Court of said County to have the certificate of the Court of the number of his brothers, the children of John Best, a soldier of the Revolution: that this deponent went to the court house at Jacksonboro Some time ago, and that the Hon. John S. Maner one of the Judges of said Court Signed the annexed certificate, attached to this paper, which this deponent hopes will answer the purpose.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this the 15th day of June A.D. 1846

Jacob B. Best
William Ivey JP

Georgia
Scriven Co. I William Ivy, a justice of the peace for said county do hereby certify my belief of the above statement.  I further certify that I have just reason to believe that John Best has no wife or widow living and that Jacob Best, William Best; Absulon Best and George Best are the only surviving children of the name of John Best living.
William Ivey JP
June 15 1846
Page 30

Halcyondale, Ga 14 Dec '45

Hon. J.L. Edwards
My Dear Sir
No having received any reply to the proceedings in the matter of the application of Jacob Best for the money due to his father, John Best, (a revolutionary soldier) and fearing they have not reached you, I address this note to ascertain whether you have got the affidavits sent on.  Please attend to the matter at an early period, and you will gently oblige
Yours Respectfully
Cuyler W. Young
Attorney for J. Best
Page 31

Jan 31 1846
Recd
Jacob Best

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
JC
Page 32

Halcyondale, Ga 24th Jan. '46

Dear Sir,
I have waited some time since I sent on the certificates of evidence in favor of Jacob Best's claim to the money due his father for services in the revolutionary war- and having not received any answer, which led me to suppose that the package has been mislaid, I beg leave now to call your attention to the fact of his claim.  The best evidence that could be heard has been transmitted, and I was inclined to suppose that it was sufficient to warrant the payment to Jacob Best or to me for him, of the sum of money appropriately due him in consequence of an act of congress passed for his benefit in [illegible] with other heirs of revolutionary soldiers.  I also endeavored to procure the most appropriate forms by which to state the evidence in the case.  Please write me whether the certificates I forwarded are sufficient to entitle Mr. Best to any money on account of his father John Best.

Yours Truly Cuyler W. Young
Page 33

[this is an envelope with writing in all directions]

Aug 31 1846
[illegible]
Wm Shepperd

Halcyondale Ga
August 29, 1846
Hon J. L. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington city

Applications  of Harry Sheppard, v c
John Best
Page 34

Halcyondale, Ga 26th Aug 1846

Hon. J.L. Edwards

Dear Sir,
On the second half of this sheet, I beg to refer you to the certificate of the clerk to the fact that the Inferior Court have certified that Jacob, Absalom, George and William Best, are the only surviving children of John Best deceased, and also that Henry Best, has been dead upwards of three years.
May I beg you if you have not yet erased the name of Henry from John Best's certificate returned to the Secretary of War a few days ago, may I beg you on receipt of this to erase Henry and write William in lieu thereof, for doing which you will find authority in the clerk's certificate hereto annexed.  I am more anxious about this case than ordinarily I might be.

I also herein enclose and forward you the affidavit of Benjamine [Benjamin] Taylor, a revolutionary soldier positively proving the fact that William Sheppard was both a Lieutenant and Captain in the revolutionary war, and that he served as long as Taylor who served 3 years and 6 months, during all which time Taylor saw from time to time, Captain
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Sheppard in service.  This affidavit, in addition to that of Mrs. Mourning Sheppard, and the comptrollers' certificate, all which have been duly mailed and sent on, positively prove that William Sheppard for whom I claim, served as an officer during most of the war.

The situation of the country and the nature of these cases oblige me to transmit these proofs in detached pieces, but I have every confidence that you will carefully put all the papers of each case together, as they come to hand, and take special care of them, as there is no counting the labor physical and mental, that is required to get these papers, and several of my papers sent on, appear never to have reached you; viez. the first comptroller's certificate in Best's case, and several certificates of the Courts otherwise the name of Henry would not have appeared and that of William would.

Please therefore correct John Best's certificate and re forward it and give early attention to the enclosed testimony of a Revolutionary soldier proving that William Sheppard was an officer, of which fact there is not a single doubt.
Your friend and Obt. Servt
Cuyler W. Young
Page 36

State of Georgia
Scriven County
I Alexander Kemp of the Inferior Court of Scrivin County, hereby certify to the best of my [illegible] that the Inferior Court at its July Session, subscribed to a certificate that the only living children of John Best, deceased, are Jacob, Absalom, George, and William.  I also further certify that Henry Best, son of John Best, has been dead for upwards of three years.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal and subscribed my name, this 25th of August 1846.
Alexander Kemp Clerk
Page 37

[this is an envelope]
May 2, 1848 rec'd of John Best

Halcyondale Ga
Married 25th 1825

Mr. J.L. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington city
[illegible initials]
Page 38

Halcyondale, Georgia
24th Apl. '45

Dear Sir--
I am in receipt of your polite favor of the 15th [illegible] in answer to a previous letter from me respecting the pension of John Best, a revolutionary soldier, for which his son Jacob Best intends to apply.  Mr. John Best, the soldier, served at different times, but generally thought the whole war, in Gen. Greens' army in North and South Carolina.  He served first in a Volunteer corps under Gen. Green and Col. Joseph Rhodes; he next was hired as a substitute and served for months; afterwards John Best enlisted as a regular soldier, and was wounded in the battle at Eutaw Springs S.C.- He died in 1837.  He never drew any part of his pension, for which his son makes application. Your early attention to this, and a full explanation of the [illegible] on the subject will greatly oblige me

Your friend and obt Servt.
Cuyler W. Young
Atty for Jac. Best.
Page 39

[this is an envelope]
Armenica Ga
July 20

July 25 1846

Rec
John Best je

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
JE
Page 40

Witness the Honorable ______ Esquire, of said ____
Court, this ____day of ____ in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty ___

STATE OF GEORGIA

Afterwards, to wit, on the ____ day of ____ one thousand eight hundred and ____, before the ___ of the said Court, came the within named ____ by ____ Attorney within named,

Therefore it is considered, That the ____ do recover against the said _____damages aforesaid, by the ____ aforesaid, in form aforesaid assessed; and also ____ for costs and charges aforesaid to the said ____ by the said Court now herewith ____ assent of increase adjudged, and the said ____ in mercy, &c.

Judgment signed and filed this _____
Page 41

[this is an envelope]
Aug 15 46
Georgia

Halcylondale Ga
August 11 1846

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

JC
Page 42

Halcyondale Geo Nov.
Hon. J. S. Edwards

Dear Sir,
I have the honor herewith to transmit the documents continuing the application of Jacob Best for the amount of money due his father, John Best, for services in the revolutionary War.  The proceedings herein contain the affidavits, 1st of the applicant Jacob Best, who swears to his identity, and to the belief that his father served in the war.  2ndly, of Morning Sheppard, who swears that she knew that John Best did serve in the revolution; and 3dly, of William Williams, who testifies that he heard of John Best often speak of his services in the war.  There is also besides this a certificate (signed by many very respectable citizens here all of this county) to the effect that John Best is believed by them to have been a revolutionary soldier.  the clerk's certificate is added.  Some forms of certificates you will receive not signed: this was a mistake of my supposing that they were necessary having after received a printed form.  The best evidence the case will admit of or that can be had in it, is herewith transmitted.  The no. of the regiment, or the particular line of the army to which John Best belonged is impossible to be ascertained from the recollections only of one female witness, now bent and enfeebled both
Page 43

in mind and body from [crossed out] the strokes of many years. Not a doubt exists here of the fact that old Mr John Best was a soldier in the revolution. Tradition has preserved the honorable recollection of his deeds. It seems to me that the applicant in this case deserves the attention and notice of the government. An old man himself, with a house full of children, relying with fond hope on the justice of his government to give him what was due to his patriotic and wounded old father, who perilled [sic: periled] his life for his country. But I need not allude to this, as it was the same consideration that induced an intelligent Congress to enact the law under which he claims~ a claim, which altho' not asserted by the father, will be a comfort and joy to the aged child and his progeny.

Finally, your payment of such ^an amount as you shall find to be due the claimants will awaken his gratitude for such just reward, and the approbation of each and all persons who are cognizant of the transaction.

Very Respectfully
Your friend & Obdt. Serv't. [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W. Young.
Page 44

Georgia }
Screven County }
Before me William Ivey a Justice of the peace for said county personally appeared William Williams and being Duly sworn saith that John Best the Father of Jacob B. Best married his mother Just after the revolutionary war when the said Williams was very young that the said Williams does say he [crossed out] offen herd [sic: often heard] his old Stept [sic: Step] Father say he was a revolutionary Soldier that he was at the Battle of the Utaw [sic: Eutaw] Springs under the command of Generl [sic: general] Green and was wonded [sic: wounded] besides menny [sic: many] other occurences  [sic: occurrences] that he has herd [sic: heard] the aforesaid John Best tell of that induces the Said Williams to beleave [sic: believe] that the aforesaid John Best was a revolutionary soldier

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 14th day of November 1845
S/William Williams
S/William Ivey Jp. -
Page 45

Guyton, Geo., June 26th, '60.
Commissioner of Pensions:
Dear Sir:- I write to you in relation to the "back-pay" of John Best, a soldier of the Revolution. He was a resident of Duplin Co., N.C., and served three terms in the war of the American Revolution - once under a draft, and twice by voluntary enlistment. During a portion, if not all the time, he served under one Capt. Armstrong. Said John Best is now deceased, and I write by request of his heirs. The amount yet due to him, for Revolutionary service, is , if I am rightly advised, one hundred dollars. Please inform me how I am to proceed in order to obtain the arrears in question. I would, also, be highly grateful, if you would inform me whether there is [underlined] actually anything due said John Best, or not; as all the heirs are in indigent circumstances, and but little able to afford an expenditure in this behalf, unless there is good cause to justify it.

I am very respectfully
and truly yours,
S/Augustus N. Rahn.
Page 46

Halcyondale Geo.
21 August 1846
Cuyler W. Young for alteration of the Pension Certificate of Henry Best.
Y35
Rec Sept 4 1846
Pension Office.
John Best,
Geo roll '32
Page 47

Halcyondale, Georgia
21st Aug. 1846.

Hon. W. L. Marcy
Dear Sir,
I have the honor, herewith to return you the certificate in the case of John Best. An error appears in naming Henry Best, who was long since deceased as one of the living children of John Best, and also in omitting the name of William Best, who is living now. - The error was made in sone of the certificates which I have forwarded, but I think you will find in one of them that Jacob Best, George Best, Absolom Best, and [underlined] William Best [end underline], are the living children. Oblige me by erasing the name of [underlined] Henry and putting that of [underlined] William, as I [crossed out] beg to assure you that William Best is living and Henry is and was dead long [illegible] to the date of your certificate. I shall be under many obligations if you will do this immediately

Yours Very Respectfully
S/Cuyler W. Young
Page 48

Raleigh N C
Compt Office
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State or North Carolina do hereby certify that the Name of [underlined] John Best appears of record in this office as having had issued in his Name, the following Spicea Certificates for Military Service (Viz) One for Eleven Pounds Twelve Shillings (L11.12) see Book 13 page 55 Another for Ten Shillings (10) [above the 10: S] See Book 180 page 24 and Another in the Name of J. Best for Fifteen Pounds Six Shillings and Six pence (L15.6.6) See Book No 26 page 58 Given under my hand and Seal this 6th March 1846.
S/Wm.. F. Collins Compt


$92.25/
Page 49

Halcyondale Geo.
Apl 9.45.
Cuyler W. Young.
For pension due John Best.

Y.G. rec Apl 14/45
Pension Office

[illegible]
___________
Jno Best
and Apl 15 45
Page 50

Halcyondale, Georgia
April 9, 1845

To the hon. Secretary of War.

Dear sir,
I am requested, as ^an attorney by [crossed out] Jacob Best, son of John Best, the latter a soldier in the war of the revolution, to [crossed out: apply for] obtain if possible the pension due [crossed out: him] to his father, but which the latter up to his death never received, or any part of it. - Will you be so kind as to inform me, whether the revolutioner's son, after the death of his father, will be entitled, or producing the proof of service &, to the pension for each year respectively that it remained unpaid, owing to father's neglect to apply for it. Your attention to this will much oblige me

Your Obt Servt. [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W. Young.
Halcyondale Screven Co.
Georgia
Page 51

March 17. 1846.
Adal to con
John Best
___________

Halcyondale Ga
[illegible]
paid chge clk pension papers
10
___
Due 10

To Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pens
Washington City
D.C.
Page 52

Halcyondale, Screven Co. Ga.
12th Mar. 1846.

Hon J L. Edwards.

Dear Sir,
I have the honor herewith enclosed, to transmit you the certificate of the comptroller of public accounts of the State of North Carolina, in the application of Jacob Best for the sums due his father for revolutionary service; and I also beg leave to transmit the letter of the Comptroller which enclosed to me the certificate in order that you may better judge the evidence. It appears by this certificate that John Best in his lifetime had given to him special certificate for the respective amounts of L11,12.--10S.- and L15,- equal to about $130-

I trust that this will be sufficient evidence to confirm the claim of Jacob Best, as to the militia servis [sic: service] of John Best. With regard to the Continental or regular service, I applied for [crossed out] the certificate of Mr Buchanan, Secretary of State; who, in reply referred me back to you, and signified his willingness to grant it, whenever you shall pass favorably upon it. -

Will you be kind enough to examine the archives at Washington, whether the name of John Best can be found? Any
Page 53

service of this character you may deem yourself justified in rendering will be gratefull received. Please transmit any evidence of such service that may be at Washington. -

I beg to enquire how now shall I proceed to get the money and what amount? If one of the brothers of My Jacob Best should obstinately refuse to aid in the matter of obtaining the money, and refuse to sign a Power of Attorney for that purpose, shall I press him by and [crossed out] forward evidence of his refusal? Perhaps a power of attorney is unnecessary. Then the certificate of Mourning Sheppard, I have no further evidence to prove the continental services of John Best, though in moral strictness, not a doubt can possibly exist as to the fact of such service. Thus I have forwarded you all the evidence which it is possible for me to collect in this case; and if the certificate I now send is sufficient to obtain the amount of the militia service, and the evidence already sent is not sufficient to establish the fact
Page 54

of his continental service then please advise me whether I shall abandon his claim for the continental service, and what course shall I pursue to get the amount which this certificate proves to be due for his militia services: - I have stated that Mr Buchanan referred me to you, when in pursuance of your suggestion, I applied to him for a certificate and information. -

I beg further instructions - and I do so on the assurance, that no set forms or regular practice in these pension cases, can be obtained from [crossed out] the offices of the most eminent counsellors and attornies in Charleston, Savannah, Baltimore, or Mobile and New Orleans, whence I conclude that the information must be specially communicated, and forms devised to suit the occasions.

Do me the favor, likewise, to inform me whether I can obtain by a similar course, the amount for the services of revolutionary who died between the years 1800 and 1831, & 32.

Trusting all I have done may be satisfactory, I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt. [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W Young.
Page 55

March 24. 1846.
Adal to con
John Best

Halcyondale from Geo, 10-
Mar the 19

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr pens
Washington City
D.C.
Page 56

Halcyondale, Georgia,
17 Nov '46'

Hon. J L. Edwards.
Dear Sir,
Observing among my papers the enclosed certificate in the case of [crossed out] John Best, whose son Jacob Best, applies for the pension of his father under the Act of 1832, and concluding that I have [illegible] ended [illegible] to forward a similar one, permit me to sent it to you

Your obt sevt [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W Young
Page 57

Sept 15'. 46.

Halcyondale Ga Sept 10th 1846  Paid 10.
To. Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Commisr of Penns
Washington City
(D.C.)

Col Nils

Jno Best decd.
Page 58

Washington D.C
3rd Feby 1846

Dr Sir,
I am requested to inquire [crossed out: of] what has been the fate of the petition of Mr Jac. Best for a pension due his father Jno Best Mr. B. resides in Scriven County Georgia. If the application has been rejected, please state the reasons for such rejection.
I am very respectfully
your obt svt [obedient servant]
S/R. [illegible]

Mr J.L. Edwards
[illegible] office
Page 59

Halcyondale, Ga. 14th July 1846.
Hon. J.L. Edwards:
Dear Sir,
If you have sent any important letter to me, or any containing a certificate to Halcyondale, Ga., twenty days prior to the day you get this, then please inform me at Armenia P.O. Georgia, as there is considerable mismanagement at this time in this office. But if you have sent any and it has not time to reach me, you need not write me at Armenia unless a month shall elapse before I write you again.

I sent you an important certificate and a power of attorney in John Best's case, but a day or two ago, I sent you a certificate of the court properly authenticated from Halcyondale.

Should I [crossed out] at any time fail to acknowledge the receipt of any important letter please write me at Armenia Ga; otherwise at Halcyondale: The office is sometimes neglected here.

Your Respectfully & Truly
S/=Cuyler W Young
X
Page 60

Halcyondale, Georgia,
10th Aug. 1846.
Hon. J.L Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.

Dear Sir,
Notwithstanding that I have written you so often on the subject of Jacob Best's claim [crossed out] of his further's [sic: father's] John Best's pension money, yet, owing to [underlined] his anxiety which delay has occasioned, and the doubt entertained whether you have ever received the certificate required in several of your letters of the day of the soldier's death, I beg again to write and to request an immediate reply. [crossed out]

I was advised by you in May 1845, that the children of John Best would have [crossed out] payment for twelve month's services provided they would renew the application. They have renewed the application; and a proper certificate of the court here of the day of the soldier's death, the names of his children &c. has been long since forwarded to you [underlined] after the [crossed out] informal [end underline] papers were sent. Be so kind as to explain this matter. I should be truly obliged to you by your sending the Rules and Regulations which govern your Department, and also the pension laws in a seperate [sic] volume for which I will return you your
Page 61

charges. Grateful for the promptitude of your past favors, and hoping for the success of Mr Best, I beg to remain
Very Respectfully
your friend & Obt Servt [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W Young

Address [crossed out: Cuyler] at Halcyondale, Ga. The certificate of the court here, properly authenticated in the case of Jacob Best was duly sent on more than a month ago.
C.W.Y.
Page 62

May 18 '46
Halcyondale Ga
May 13th 1846       10
To/ Hon. J L. Edwards
Commisr. pensions
case of Jno Best} Washington City
D.C.

Jno Best
Geo
Page 63

Halcyondale, Georgia,
14th May 46-

Hon J. L. Edwards.
Dear Sir,
After receiving your letter some time ago stating that you had not [crossed out] received the certificate of the [crossed out] ^Comptroller of public accounts of N Carolina in the case of John Best, I immediately addressed the comptroller requesting him to write a duplicate and send it on to you, which he informs me he has done - Please give early attention to this letter.
Yours most respectfully
S/Cuyler W Young
agent for Jacob Best.
Page 64

Cuyler W Yong [sic: Young]
Halcyondale Georgia
Page 65

Raleigh N. C
March 6th 1846

Dear Sir
You letter has been received in which also I have received five Dollars compensation for search and certificate in the case of [underlined] Jno Best - which I herewith enclose to you I have given all the facts which these records will shew in this case - Shewing very clearly that the service was performed according to what the certificates call for, I hope this fact is all you desire to prove by my certificate as the records in this office (very few of terms were given the grade much less any other identity - South Carolina Notes are current here if you should have occasion to order further certificates from this office They could be Received I am very respectfully
Your obt Sert [obedient servant]
S/Wm F Collins
Page 66

June 20/46
Power of Atty
for children of [crossed out: John Res't] John Best.

Halcyondale Ga   10
June 13 1846

To/ Hon. J. L. Edwards
pension office 
Washington city
D.C.
Page 67

Halcyondale, Georgia,
June 13th 1846-

Hon. J L. Edwards.
Dear Sir-
I beg to enclose to you a power of attorney given to me by the surviving children of John Best. It occurs to me that I have on a former occasion, transmitted to you a certificate of the court that John Best [crossed out: left no] has no widow living and that the names to power herein, are those of his [underlined] only surviving children. But as you state in your last, that before a certificate can issue, you must have the certificate of the court of the names of his surviving children, I infer you have not received that certificate. I hope the signature of the names, herein, will be sufficient to authorize the issue of the certificate, especially as our court does not meet again till late in July. I assure you these are the only children or heirs; but if another certificate must be had, I will forward it after court.
Yours respectfully
S/=Cuyler W Young"
Page 68

Halcyondale;    paid 10
August 20th 1846

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commisr of pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 69

Halcyondale Scriven Co. Georgia,
21st Aug. 1846.

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir,
An error occurs in the cirtificate [sic] [crossed out: in] in the case of John Best, in inserting the name of Henry Best, who is dead long since, instead of William Best, who is living. Please to erase the name of Henry, and substitute William. As it was subscribed by Mr Marcy, I have sent the certificate back to him. Do me the favor to make the [illegible], as I must assure you that although I might have made the error in one of the certifis [sic: certificates] sent on, others will show that William, instead of Henry is the living child among the others of his brothers, and that Henry is dead. please to forward the cirtificate [sic] back immediately [crossed out: on] after correcting the error.

Your obt. Servit. [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W Young
Page 70

Raleigh N.C.
May 7th 1846
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Best appears upon the military Records of this office as having had the following Specia Certificates issued in my favor for Military Services, Viz due for Eleven Pounds Twelve Shillings (L11.12) See Book No 13 page 55 Also Another for J- Best for Fifteen Pounds Six Shillings and Six pence (L15.6.6) Given under my hand and seal this 7th May 1846
S/Wm F Collins Compt
Page 71

Raleigh N C
May 7th 1846

J. L Edwards Esqr
Sir
By request of Cuyler W Yong [sic: Young] of Halcyondale Georgia, I forward you the accompanying Certificate having before issued one to him of a like character which he informs me he has mislaid or lost and request a duplicate to be sent to your department

Very respectfully
Your obt Sert [obedient servant]
S/Wm F. Collins
Page 72

July 18. 1846
Adal by adm
do
Jacob Best

Halcyondale Ga
July 11th 1846    paid. 10.

To/ Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pens.
Washington city
D.C.

1 1/2 sheets}
Page 73

Halcyon Dale, Scriven Co. (Ga).
17th July 1846.

Hon. J. L Edwards.
Dear Sir,
I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the Certificate of the Inferior Court of Scriven County in the matter of the application of Jacob Best for his father's pension money.

The enclosed is the Certificate, properly authenticated, which you stated in your last would entitle Mr Best to have a certificate issued by you in his case. Owing to the old man's anxiety in the matter, he induced me some time ago to forward an imperfect Judge's Certificate - a magistrates certificate, and also a power of attorney, all which I presume you have received. There is a rasure [erasure?] of the clerk's seal in the enclosed certificate, owing to it not having been necessary for the clerk to sign but once. please do me and Mr Best the favor [crossed out: to] to signify how he is to get the amount which you state is due him, as several years have elapsed, though he has continued to expect from your justice the payment of this money. If my presence at your Department. is necessary to carry the business out I will attend, if only one cent is awarded. and if sending me the money be an obstacle, that can be removed by sending it to Mr Best himself, or to some one else for him.
Page 74

There does not exist a doubt in the minds of any living individual that John Best served, and as [crossed out: he] his son relies more on the wisdom and justice of the government, than on his means of prosecuting claims, I trust that this will serve in some degree to grant what is to be or ought to be granted

Very Respectfully 
your obt. Servt. [obedient servant]
S/Cuyler W Young
of Halcyondale, Georgia.
Page 75

Apl 13 '46

Halcyondale Ga}   10
April the 8}
Rec ge
John Best.
[crossed out: Hon. J. L. Edwards]
Pension office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 76

Halcyondale, Ga.
7th April - '46

Hon. J L. Edwards

Dear Sir,
I beg to know whether you received my letter in the case of John Best's pension: act 32 &- containing the certificate of the comptroller of public accounts of N. Carolina?

Yours Respectfully
S/=Cuyler W Young
Page 77

June 20 / 46
Adal by con
John Best.

Halcyondale, Ga     10
June 16th 1846

To/ Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of pensions
Washington city
D.C.

C.W.Y. }
Page 78

Halcyondale, Georgia 14 June 1846.
Hon. J. L. Edwards:

Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the certificate of one of our Judges, and of a justice of the peace both of whom are certified by the clerk in paper on file, [crossed out: of] to be legal officers. Mr Best is an old man, extremely poor, feeble and debilitated; and it seems to me that the most positive and undeniable proof, calculated to fix any rational belief, has been furnished of the number of children, &c. I hope it may fall to the [crossed out] old man's lot to get $10,000 for he deserves it; and if my receiving the certificate or the money constitutes any obstacle, you could easily forward it to some one else to be given to Mr Best and his brothers.

Yours very Respectfully
S/=Cuyler W Young"

You also have the certificate of My Ivy J.P.- Debility and weakness have prevented the old man from attending to it in all its details.
Page 79

Aug 10 46
Georgia

Halcyondale Ga      10
August 4th 1846

To/ Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington city
D.C.
Page 80

Halcyondale, (Georgia)
2d August 1846.

Hon. J. L Edwards.

Dear Sir:
May I take the liberty, in the case of Jacob Best, an applicant for the pension money of his deceased father, to address to you a few remarks in behalf of his claim which, owing to the great length of time it has occupied, appears to be involved in doubt. I am requested to write by the applicant himself, who has put himself as well as me to infinite trouble, in attempting to establish his claim. It is the universal opinion of the community in Scriven County that the applicant ought to have his money, and yet the delay has tended to abate public confidence in the disposition of the government to pay any thing, as well as in the ability of myself to manage such a claim. On your assurance made on the outset of the matter that Jacob Best should have one year's pension, I told every body that there was no doubt he would get the money, but now that it does not come, a dozen others having similar cases will probably apply to some other attorney under the belief that I do not understand the business, which I confess I do not in a great degree. Nor is it possible that I should, con-
Page 81

sidering [considering] that there are no fixed principles or set forms.

I have sent on the certificates of the services of John Best, and also the certificate of the Court of the day of John Best's death. I have also [underlined] proved that John Best [underlined] served in the war; the witness being nearly a hundred year's old cannot recollect the length of time that J. Best Served, but I learn that there is evidence at Washington constituting part of a [underlined] previous application made by John Best in his life time, which will establish the length of his service, and I have conversed with many of the children of revolutionary soldiers. [crossed out] acquainted with John Best, and they say that he must have served longer than the 12 months for which [crossed out] his heirs claim.

The Comptroller of public accounts of North Carolina assures me that the records are in a very bad condition, as I apprehend, torn or decayed; he says that some of them are alphabetted, other not; yet that the names of J. Best and of John Best appear of record; and it is
Page 82

singular that the testimony of three witnesses, sworn years ago, and whose testimony is of record in Washington, together with the records of North Carolina, and the universal belief of the people of Scriven Co., should be insufficient to establish a claim, which, in my humble judgement, might very properly have been paid long ago. My papers sent on were often imperfect; but could they well be otherwise, when I could get no proper forms after examining fifty lawyer's offices. If the proofs, be imperfect, they are [illegible for page tear] of necessity: A claim of 60 year's ago, is not quite so easily established as one of yesterday, because witnesses have died, and records are lost or obliterated. This community entertains the highest confidence in [crossed out: your] the [underlined] strict justice and benevolence of your motives, which makes many suppose that the claimant's misfortune is my fault. I beg you will [crossed out] at once signify your pleasure in the premises; I hope that the money will be paid yet; as I know many with less proof and less merit than John Best, who have acquired their just demands in much less time, and without memorializing Congress, pardon the liberty I have taken but, 
Yours very Respectfully
S/Cuyler W Young
Page 83

Georgia

In Both. must name the capts. Majors and Col under whom he served; The time he entered the service, and whether as a volunteer, drafted or Enlisted. and as a private or in what capability and [illegible] when discharged. and [rest is illegible]
Page 84

State of North Carolina }
Duplin County }
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions May Term AD 1834
Before us the undersigned: the Acting Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Duplin County, now sitting, this 27th of May 1834, personally appeared David Quinn Thomas Canaday both residents of this County (both of whom have already obtained Pensions from the Government) & being duly sworn depose & say "that we know John Best, now a resident of Skriven [sic: Screven] County, Georgia, & formerly a resident of this County, & born here, that we knew him many years before his removal to the South, & that during the Revolutionary War the said John Best served with us both, having turned out at the same time, & returned the same time; the deponent Quinn, having served three months before, his compeen the said John Best & Thomas Canaday, turned out with him. We then served one whole year in the Continental service under Genl Greene, and we beg to refer to our declarations on file in the War Department, for the particulars of that service 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & Year above said }
Test James Taylor
Thomas [T his mark] Canaday
David [D his mark] Quinn

We the undersigned hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was this day made before
Page 85

us in open Court & that the mark, purporting to be theirs is genuine done this 27th day of May AD 1834
S/S. Graham J.P. J.P. [personal seal]
S/ Jas. Lawson J.P. JP [personal seal]
S/Gibson Sloan J.P. [personal seal]

I James Dickson, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Duplin County, certify that Stephen Graham, James Lawson & Gibson Sloane an Acting Magistrates of this Court & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & Subscribed my name this 27th of May A.D. 1834
[seal]
S/James Dickson
Clerk of the County Court of Duplin
Page 86

Georgia }
Scriven Co }
We, Judges of the Inferior Court of said County, do hereby certify that Jacob Best, George Best, Henry Best, and Absolom Best of said county are the only surviving children of John Best deceased, and that Alexander Kemp is clerk of our said court. -

Given under our hands and seals of office this [blank] day of March, A.D. 1846.
S/Wm. Taylor JJC [personal seal]
S/Peter Reddick JJC [personal seal]
[blank] [personal seal]


Georgia }
Scriven County }
I, Alexander Kemp, clerk of the Superior and Inferior court of said County, do hereby certify that those whose signatures we above signed are judges of the Inferior court of said county, and that their affidavit is true.
Given under my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of March A.D. 1846.
March 1846 [personal seal]
S/Alexander Kemp [personal seal]
Page 87

Georgia }
Scriven County }
Inferior Court, at a call Term held on the 30th May 1846. present their Honors John S Maner William Taylor and Peter Reddick. 

In the matter of the application of the surviving children of John Best. a revolutionary soldier, under the act of June 7th 1832.

The Court do hereby certify their belief that John Best died in Scriven County, Georgia on the Eleventh day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six (1836) and that his only Surviving children are [crossed out: Jacob] Jacob Best, George Best, Absolom Best and William Best, and that the Said John Best has no widow living.
(Signed)
S/John S. Maner JJCSC [personal seal]
_____________ JJCSC [personal seal]
_____________ JJCSC [personal seal]

________________ Clerk [personal seal]
Enter on minutes.
Page 88

Georgia }
Scriven County. }
I, Alexander Kemp, clerk of the Superior and Inferior court of said county, do hereby certify that Hon. John S. Maner, William Taylor and Peter Reddick whose names are signed to the Certificate on the preceeding [sic] page, are lawful and acting justices of the Inferior Court of Scriven County, [crossed out]
May 30th 1846.
_______________________Clerk. [personal seal]
Page 89

33002
John Best decd
Ga
Act 7 June 32
admd 12 mo pri
$40 to 11 Nov: 36
the day of his death

[illegible]

To Jacob - George
Kenny & Absolom Best only living children
C.W. Young Esq
Halcyondale
[illegible]
Page 90

And the said Court do hereby certify and declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary and served as he states. And the Court do further certify that it appears to them that Moses N. McCall is a clergyman resident in the county of Scriven, and that William Williams Sr. _____ is also a resident of said County. both of whom have signed the foregoing certificate and that they are justly entitled to full faith and credit
S/Solomon Bryan JJC
S/Alexander Kemp SSC
S/ Cullen Williamson. I.J.C


I Seaborn Goodall Clerk of said Inferior court of the county of Scriven, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the said matter of John Best's application for a Pension.

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 6th day of April 1835 at Jacksonboro.
S/Seaborn Goodall Clk
Page 91

J. AUSTIN BEST
SELMA
ALABAMA
May 6, 1925.

The U.S. Pension Bureau,
(Rev. War Section).
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Referring to officers and soldiers in the American Revolution, from Wilmington and New Bern, North Carolina, Districts:

Will you kindly advise me if Henry Best, or John Best, from North Carolina, are to be found among the records of your office - and what they are, and oblige?

My information is that Henry Best enlisted in the Am. Rev. from Dobbs County, N. C., and that John Best enlisted from either Dobbs County of Bladen County, N. C.

What information you can furnish me, will be greatly appreciated.

Yours very truly,
S/J.Austin Best.