Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10977, John Waddill, Ga N.C Service Also 1788-1791
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(3-1776)

SERVICE
Ga        
N.C
Served also 1788-1791

Waddill, John       

NUMBER
R. 10977

CONTENTS
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Greenville Tennessee
Nov. 22nd, 1849

Sir,
A copy of your letter to Hon. Andrew Johnson, bearing date June 7th 1848, relative to the claim of John Waddill of Buncombe county N.C for a pension on account of his revolutionary service, was received sometime since, and handed to me as the agent of Mr. Waddill, in which it is stated that "If the records of South Carolina show that Capt. McLean was in Col. Clarke's regiment, and that the regiment was at the siege of Augusta, this term might be allowed for the length of the tour ascertained by the Indents issued to those Officers" 
In compliance with the above suggestion I wrote to the Sec. of State of S.C. making the necessary enquiries. Enclosed is the reply of the Comptroller, from which it appears, that no service was performed by Col. Clarke under the authority of that State.
If the service of Mr. Waddill was ever made a matter of record in the State Department of Georgia, it may have been destroyed by fire, or removal of the Office as indicated by the letter of the Comptroller, now on file in your Department with the papers of the Claimant. But as he never received any
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pay for the service under Col. Clarke. I should think his name was never placed on file.
If the history of the country be true, there is no doubt that Col. Clarke raised a portion of his regiment in the frontiers of N.C. where Mr. Waddill volunteered under Capt. McLean; that he (Clarke) made an attempt upon Augusta, was beaten off, and retired toward the mountains from whence the expedition came.
I hope sir, that as Mr. Waddills claim is made out in conformity with the rules of your Office of the 27th January 1832, and as every effort has been made to procure record evidence of this service, and as his messmates are either dead, or living in parts unknown to him thereby rendering it impossible to obtain their testimony; You will, upon review or the case, feel authorized to grant him a pension for the 7 Months service in Georgia, and for the time ascertained by the Certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. now on file in our Office.
You already have proof of the good character and respectability of the claimant on file, and whether it will have any influence with you or not, permit me to say in conclusion, as further evidence of his respectability, that he married into one of the finest families of Tennessee. His Fatherinlaw, John Sevier, came
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to N.C. now Tennessee at an early day, engaged in the Indian wars as a private, was promoted to the Offices of Lieut. Capt. Col. and Gen. and as such distinguished himself against the Indians, and also the British and Tories at Kings Mountain and other places, was the first Governor of Tennessee, and finally died respected and beloved by the whole community.
Mr. Waddill has been married three times, having six children by the present wife. He was once a man of considerable property, but it is now squandered, and for the last fifteen or twenty years, he has supported himself by teaching a country school; but in consequence of the infirmities of old age, particularly loss of eyesight, he is unable now to procure a living by that or any other occupation, and is at the present time, dependent on the neighborhood, and the exertions of his oldest son at home, now 14 or 15 years of age, for his subsistence.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
your obt. Srvt. (obedient servant)
[signed] B. Mc. Dannel

To
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
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C. W. Waddell
B
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Hillsgrove
June 9th/52
Wm B McDaniel
Sir I received your message of March 12, 52 requesting John Waddill's services in the Revolutionary War. When we recd your Father was quite low with dropsey so much so he could not give any information on the subject  he stated the information he sent you same time since was all he could give  I waited some two weeks for him to git better so I could have his affidavit taken tho he suddenly took a turn for the wors and died  you wishe to know a bout this pensioner  he never obtained one he was in easy circumstances and did not trouble a bout one  he has drawed a land warrant worth 200 dollars
I remain yours &c
[signed] C, W, Waddill
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State of Tennessee Greene County } ss
On this fifth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three before me John Maloney, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Blackston McDannel, aged forty one years, a resident of Greene County Tennessee, and a credible witness, and made oath in due form of law to the following Statement relative to the military service of John Waddill of Madison late Buncombe Co. N. Carolina, in the war of the Revolution, an applicant for a revolutionary pension to wit:
In the year 1846 John Waddill came to me and requested my assistance in the prosecution of his claim to a revolutionary pension - Said he had made application some years previous, but had failed &c. I made out on amendatory declaration and forwarded it with some proof to the pension office, which is now of file. Sometime afterwards he told me that he thought his brother Charles Waddill of Illinois might know something about his service in the revolution, and suggested that I should write to him on the subject. Accordingly I did so in September 1851, and stated in my letter the several tours performed by his brother John in the war of the revolution, and among the rest, six months service under Capt. Thomas Price. I requested Charles to state in his letter all he could remember
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in relation to John's service, so that I could put it in affidavit form and send it back to him for execution.
By reference to his letter dated at Hillsgrove, January 20th 1852, marked Ѧ herewith enclosed, it will be seen that he only remembers the service of John, performed under Capt. Price. I mentioned this service in my letter to Charles as a six months tour, and have no doubt but he understood it in that way when he wrote to me.
After receiving the letter, I enclosed to Charles a blank form of affidavit, instructing him to fill it up with circumstances, and dates, according to his recollections of the facts; to be qualified to the same &c and send it back to me. 
In about three months thereafter I received from his son C. W. Waddill the accompanying letter marked 𝔹, dated at Hillsgrove June 9th 1852, informing me of the death of his father, Charles Waddill and giving the reasons why the app affidavit had not been executed before his death.
By way of identity, the original envelopes with post marks, which contained the two letters of C. and C. W. Waddill, are also enclosed.
Being desirous that John Waddill should have the benefit of these letters, as corroborative evidence in his case, I conceived it nothing amiss to make the foregoing
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Statement of facts, and to submit the same to the Department - John Waddill was still living in Madison Co. N.C. less than thirty miles from this place, (Greenville Ten.) on the 22d Dec. last, having received a letter from him of that date
[signed] B. McDannnel

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first within written
[signed] John Maloney
Justice of the Peace

Washington City District of Columbia } ss
I Andrew Johnson a member of the 32d congress of the U.S. do certify, that I am personally acquainted with John Maloney Esq, whose genuine official Signature appears to the foregoing proceedings, and that he was an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Greene and state of Tennessee at the date thereof, duly qualified as such according to law, and that full faith and credit should be given to the same.
Given under my hand this 29th day of January 1853.
[signed] Andrew Johnson
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State of Tennessee County of Cocke } ss January Term 1835
On the 15th day of January personally appeared before the Circuit Court of Cocke County and State of Tennessee, John Waddill, a resident of the county of Cocke and State of Tennessee, aged Seventy years, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
That the Declarant John Waddill was born about 15 miles from the City of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania on the 1st of November 1764 of which he has no record. In his youth he moved to Baltimore County, Maryland, where he remained Several years. He then moved to York District, South Carolina, and then remained for a Short time; Thence he moved to Burke County, North Carolina, and then remained for a Short time, when he moved with his father in the year 1775 to Washington County, then North Carolina, now in the State of Tennessee. There he lived for about thirty years. He has since lived lately in Buncombe County, North Carolina and in Cocke County, Tennessee, Having lived in Cocke County in all about ten years and
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the balance of the time in Buncombe. He has lived for many years near the line between the two counties and being a poor man [second sentence entirely crossed out] He now lives in Cocke County.
At the age of 12 years, being very Stout of his age, in the year 1776 the Declarant did service in Fort Hopson on the North Bank of  Nolachuckey [Nolichucky] River, in what was then Washington County, North Carolina. Forty or Fifty men guarded the Fort under Captain James Robertson. Declarant was not attached at this time to Capt Robertson's company and does not claim for this service - Declarant was engaged only in the of hawling [hauling] and in fatigue duty and in occasional sentry duty not being on the Service of a scout. In the Summer of 1776 we evacuated the Fort, being too weak to hold it against the Body of Indians, that was advancing to its attack. We retreated to the Sycamore Shoal Fort on Watauga River. We then remained until the tenth of November 1776. Captain Robertson had left the Fort. There was two companies formed at the Sycamore Fort. John Sevier was made a captain, when Captain Robertson left. The Fort fill [fell] under the command of J. Sevier. Shortly after we evacuated Fort Hopson. The Indians, of whose approach we had been warned while in For Hopson, on Nola Chucky [Nolichucky] attacked us in Fort Sycamore Shoals.
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The Indians were said to be 600 Strong. There were eighty men in the Fort. The Indians attacked us first from the North Side, a Small part having crossed the River. The others immediately attacked from the South Side. Twenty Indians were Said to be killed. We lost no man. The Indians commenced attack in the morning about 9 o'clock. They retired about a mile and there remained for two or three weeks. Some of them went up Holson. They killed three men and a boy, and took a boy prisoner, whom they afterward burnt. In about two or three weeks they moved off, Spreading themselves along the Frontiers, and Continued infesting them untill [until] Col Christians' Expedition. On the 10th of November 1776 Declarant was verbally discharged by Capt Sevier after a Service of four months. When the two companies were formed at the Sycamore Fort, Declarant became a volunteer under Capt Sevier early in the month of July 1776. In December 1776 Declarant volunteered for Six months under Captain Wm. Clark in Fort Sevier on the South Side of Nolachucky [Nolichucky] river. Saml. Williams was a Lieutenant and Francis Hughes Ensign. - (The officers under Capt Sevier in Declarant's first Service, were George Hunt Lt. Elijah Robertson Ensign Joseph Lusk Orderly Sergeant, Wm. Tatum Commisary.) - There was a company of
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Horsemen with Capt Thomas Price, who was connected with our company in the Fort. There were forty men in our company and eighty men in Capt Price's. The whole was commanded by Col  John Sevier. In June 1777, day not recollected, Fort Sevier was evacuated and we were verbally discharged by Captain Clark after a "Service of Six months in Fort Sevier. The company of Horsemen was Still kept up. The Declarant, immediately, in the month of June 1777, day not recollected, volunteered for twelve months under Capt Price. Each man was promised five Shillings in North Carolina money. Each man found his own horse. We Still kept Sevier's Fort as a point of meeting. We ranged from Sevier's Fort to French Broad River, near the Indian trails, to the upper and lower war zones, on French Broad, to Lick Creek and the Big Bend of Chucky. The Indians kept quiet during this time. They made several attempts, but always finding that we were on the Look out [lookout], they retired. Christopher Cunningham was our Lt.; Charles Young Ensign, Southey Nelson was the Orderly Sergeant. In September 1777 we evacuated For Sevier and made a station at Camp Creek, Brown's Treaty line, then the Indian Border line of Washington County, Greene County not being yet struck off. At Camp Creek, we cont'd our Station, until ordered to meet at Fort Sevier - in
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January 1778. when we were discharged. This Declarant served under Captain Price Seven months as a Horseman. Capt Price verbally discharged us and told us, that he would give us written discharges on application. Declarants Father recvd. [received] his discharge and recvd.[received] his pay from Col Carter or Col Sevier on the delivery of the discharge. In the course of the [word following marked out] year 1780 Declarant volunteered as a Substitute for his Father under Capt Robt. Servier. C. Cunningham Lt. in three Short tours against Tories on Holly Creek in Washington County and on Limestone in the Same county. Declarant was engaged in service one month. We disarmed the Tories and bound them to the Court held by County Magistrates. - Colonel Clark had come over from Georgia with his men [to the Battle of King's Mountain crossed out] in the year 1780 and he was about to return in November 1780. Colonel Clark came into Washington County and was about ten miles from Browns borough [Brownsboro]. This Declarant volunteered under Captain James McLane one of the Captains under Col Clark, in the month of November on the 2nd. or 3rd. day 1780, near Browns borough [Brownsboro], Washington County, N.C. at Samuel Sherrall's house. Capt McLane was a Brother in law of Mr. Sherrall, and being on a visit to him
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then met Declarant. Hugh Mcgill was a Lieutenant in our company. Declarant volunteered for Six months under Capt McLane. He joined Col Clarks Corps of about 500 men, and was marched across the Iron Mountain - passing out at the Limestone Cove and through the Rock Creek gap. They marched through the country, which is now Burke and Rutherford - crossing at the head waters of Catawba and Greene River and Broad River into South Carolina. In this State we marched through what is now Greenville and Pendleton districts, crossing Saluda and Rock River. We had occasionally to separate and divide into parties for provisions. We all reunited at Clark's Station on the South Side of Savannah River, on Pistol Creek, where we remained for Several days, Thence we marched towards Augusta on the South Side of Savannah River, recrossing the Savannah below where the Town of Washington in Wilkes County now Stands. Thence we marched to Liberty Hill opposite to Augusta about 25 miles from Liberty Hill we were joined by near 200 Carolinians - We killed several Tories in the Course of this expedition, and destroyed their property. The Georgians, who had been driven from homes and whose families and relations had been murdered by Torries
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and the property destroyed, were so much exasperated that they could not be restrained from retaliation.
We made an unsuccessfull attack upon Augusta, which was garrisoned by Col. Brown with a body of Tories and Indians. In the attack, we lost a few men among whom was Capt Price.
We remained before Augusta for several days and then withdrew up to Clarks Station upwards of 50 miles above Augusta. From this Station we kept the Indians, Creek and Cherokee, in check. We killed some Indians up Savannah River in Pendleton District. The whole body of men under Col Clark we lying near the Quaker Springs; at this place Declarant was discharged verbally by Capt McLane in the month of June 1787, day not revelected - after Service of Seven months. From this place Decl't returned home. This Declarant served as a volunteer in Fort Sycamore under Captain Sevier from July 1776 to November 1776, a period of four months - He served as a Volunteer in Fort Sevice in Captain Wm Clark from
December 1776 to June 1777, a period of Six months - He served as a Volunteer
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in Captain Price's company of horsemen - from 1777 to January 1778, a period of Seven months. In the year 1780 he Served one month against the Tories of Washington County. He served as a Volunteer under Colonel Clark in the expedition against Augusta from November 1780 until June 1781 - a period of Seven months. He served in all twenty four months. There were no regular troops when Declarant served. The Declarant has no documentary evidence in regard to his Service, nor does he know of any person living, by whom he could prove his Services. He humbly relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.
[signed] John Waddill

Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court this 15th day of January 1835  
[signed] WD Rankin Clk

The Declarant John Waddill further makes oath that he has not been as long acquainted with any clergyman in Cocke County, as he has with the Rev Hill of Sevier County, an adjoining county - with whom he as been acquainted for about forty years, and who is well acquainted with his reputation in the country in which he lives. 
[signed] John Waddill
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court that 15th day of Jany 1835. 
[signed] WD Rankin Clk
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Copy of Decl'n sent A.
A. Russell 7 Oct 1884
by direction Comr.

33.513
Tenn
John Waddell
Tennessee

Pierce B. Anderson
Esq. Prest.
Dec 30.
[signed] Pierce B. Anderson
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We Thomas
Hill a Clergyman resident in the County of Sevier and State of Tennessee and John Ellison and John Inman resident citizens of the County of Cocke and State aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Waddill, who has subscribed and sworn to the the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and
that we concur in that opinion. 
[signed] Thomas Hill Clergyman
[signed] John Ellison
[signed] John Inman
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 15th  day of Jan'y 1835
[signed] W D Rankin Clk

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 John Waddill was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that Thomas Hill, who has signed and sworn to the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Sevier, and that John Ellison and John Inman, who have also
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Signed and sworn to the same, are resident citizens of cook County and State of Tennessee and that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Jany 16th 1835
[signed] S. Power Judge
presiding in the Circuit Court of Cocke County

County of Cocke State of Tennessee
J. William D Ranking Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cocke County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Waddill for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal (having no public seal of Office) at Office in New-Port, this [?] day of January 1835.
[signed] W D Rankin
Clk

[illegible Court Seal and ribbon attached lower left]
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Amendatory Declaration of John Waddill
State of Tennessee Greene County } ss.  County Court June Term 1847 Monday 7th
On this seventh day of June Eighteen hundred and forty seven, personally appeared in open Court, held in and for the County of Greene and State of Tennessee John Waddill, a resident of the County of Buncombe in the State of North Carolinaaged Eighty two years past. Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendatory Declaration in order to obtain a pension, on account of his services in the War of the Revolution under the act of Congress passed on the 7th of June 1832. viz: That he is the identical John Waddill who made & Declaration before the Circuit Court of Cocke County in the State of Tennessee (his honor Judge Powell presiding) on the 15th day of January 1835, under the aforesaid act of Congress of 7th June 1832 in order to obtain a pension in which he stated certain services performed by him in the war of the revolution all of which he declares is true according to the best of his knowledge and belief. Declarant further states that he has at different times since 1835, either by himself or his agent, made efforts to procure testimony as to his said services in the war of the revolution, but has failed to find living witnesses or record evidence further than the accompanying certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina. which shows that specie certificates for 5 pounds 10 shillings was issued in his favor by the said State of N. Carolina for military services; and he further declares that he has no knowledge of any other such certificate being issued in his favor, or received by him in satisfaction of his said services; but that he received the ballance of his pay for all services rendered under the authority of N. Carolina, as specified in his former Declaration ( except for service at Ft. Sevier under Capt. Wm. Clarke ) in N. Carolina paper money, sometimes called "Proc money". As to his services performed under Col. Elijah Clark in the State of Georgia and South Carolina, as specified in his former Declaration, he declares that for that service he never received any pay whatever. In order to show that Declarant has made all proper exertions to obtain the proof of his services performed by him in the State of N. Carolina and Georgia and that the military records of those States are defective, which may account for the absence of proof of his service, he refers to the letters of the Secretary of State of Georgia and the Comptroller of North Carolina - Declarant further states that he actually served the different tours in the war of the revolution as stated in his former Declaration Viz:
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2.

His first service was under Capt. James Robertson in Hopous fort on Nolachucky and Sycamore Shoals fort on Watauga river, but for this service he does not claim owing to his youth and the nature of the service.
The first service for which he claims, was under Capt. John Sevier, at Fort  Sycamore shoals Lieut. Geo. Heart, Ensign Eliza Robertson & Sergeant Joseph Lush, William Tatum being the issuing Commissary, foot company, at which fort, Capt. Robertson first commanded, and after he left, Capt. Sevier was left in command. This service he states was four months, viz. from July 1776 to November 1776.
His second tour was under Capt. William Clarke, Lieut. Samuel Williams
and Ensign Frances Hughes, foot company, in Fort Sevier, Nolachucky
river, Washington County, North Carolina. This period of service was six months, viz. from December 1776 to June 1777, for which he never received any pay.
His third tour was under Capt. Thomas Price, Lieut. Christopher Cunningham and Charles Young (cornet) mounted rangers, from June 1777 to January 1778 & a period of seven months
His service of one month at three different tours under Capt. Robert Sevier against the Tories was performed in Washington County of N. Carolina, for which he was allowed pay by the day, which service was commenced in March 1780 and was all performed during that year, acting as a horseman.
His last service during the war of the revolution was performed under Capt. James McLain, Lieut Robert McGee, under Col. Eliza Clark of Georgia. mounted  rangers having entered that service in Washington County of N. Carolina and marched to Georgia which service continued seven months viz. from November1780 to June 1781, all of said service except the last being under the authority of the state of North Carolina, the whole a period of 25 months, for which Declarant claims a pension, and which service was all directed against the the Cherokee & Creek Indians, and british & Tories.
Declarant further states that he does not know that any of the foregoing named officers, or any of his comrades are living by whom he could prove his service, but that he has every reason to believe they are all deed or removed beyond his reach and that it is now impossible to obtain such evidence  - that at the time the law was passed granting pensions to revolutionary soldiers in 1832, he could have proven part, if not all of his service by Ensign Frances Hughes, Ylem.
Price, son of Capt. Thos Price, Pharaoh Coble and Solomon Massengill, all
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of whom were then living and had a knowledge of some of his military service as aforesaid; but that at that time viz 1832 and up to 1835 he declined making application for a pension, believing he could perhaps subsist without procuring aid from his country, but at the same time knowing he was entitled as well as others.
Declarant further states that at the time he made his Declaration in January 1835, he directed his agent Pierce B Anderson, to obtain the testimony of some of the witnesses named, who lived within a short distance of his agent, who promised to do so, but failed to comply. The officers and soldiers with whom Declarant served being all dead as he supposes, and no evidence of his service being found of record, except as stated, he has no alternative left but to throw himself upon the mercy of his country, and ask for that pittance so justly due, and which would support him in his old age, relying upon the truth of his statements, the justice of the case and the magnanimity of that country for which he has so zealously labored both in peace and war. That his first wife was the daughter of his old Capt. John Sevier afterwards Gen Sevier, then Governor of Tennessee, by whom he had two children: by his 2nd wife he had seven; and by this 3rd wife, now living Seven, and in consequence of his age and infirmities and poverty he is not able to subsist himself and family; and knowing that he served his country faithfully as stated in his former Declaration and believing he is justly entitled he therefore claims a pension under the law aforesaid - That he has no record of his age but is fully satisfied from reliable sources, viz: from his parents and their family rigester [register] which he has often seen, now lost or destroyed, that he was born on the 1st day of November 1764, Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, and is now Eighty-two years of age past.
As to his character for honesty and veracity, and the belief of those who have known him as to his being a revolutionary soldier, he refers to [the annexed crossed out] testimony - that may hereafter be procured.
He further states that the reason why he makes this Declaration in Greene County Tennessee instead of Buncombe County N.C. is because it is more convenient to do so; the distance to Greene Court House being 22 miles, while from his residence to Buncombe Court House the
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distance is thirty nine miles.
Declarant further states that after the close of the revolution in 1783, viz in the year 1788 he served a tour as a horseman against the Cherokees for the term of three months, commencing in the last day of September or first of October under Capt. Samuel Henley, and served on the frontiers, now Blount County.
That his next service was performed under Capt. Jacob Tipton, Lieut John Lyle and Charles Robison Ensign, Major Mathew Rhea commanding three companies, called six months levies, that he marched under Capt. Tipton from Washington County, Territory of the United States, in June 1791, to the North Western territory, and was joined to the army under Gen. St. Clair - that he marched with the company and army into the Indian Country about 30 miles North east or North of part Jefferson, where the army was attacked by the indians on the 4th day of November 1791 and was totally defeated with a severe loss in killed - wounded and otherwise - after which defeat he returned to his home in Washington County aforesaid after having served from the time of his enrollment in May 1791 to December 1791 a period of nearly seven months, - The Indians being troublesome about this time in what is now middle Tennessee, a company of drafted militia was raised in Washington & Sullivan Counties under Capt. Jacob Brown and Lieut. John Skillern, in which Company Declarant acted as Ensign for the term of six months or thereabouts commencing in May 1792 and ending in November of the same year which service was performed as a Footman and Ensign in Middle Tennessee - that on the return of the com pany to their homes, near Knoxville in East Tennessee, Declarantfell in company with a body of soldiers under Gen. John Sevie destined for the frontiers, and joined the company of Capt. Greer from Washington, taking the place of ensign, marched to South West Point on the Tennessee river and assisted in erecting four block houses, which service continued from about the first of November to the last of December a period of near two months. Declarant merely states this last service, after 1783, to show that
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belonged to that class called Indian fighters, and doubt that his name can be found upon the rolls in the Department at Washington, City
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension whatever except present and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of  the agency of any state.
[signed] John Waddell

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year first written.
[signed] Robert Rankin
Chairman Court

Questions by the Court
1st When and where were you born
Ans. I was born in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles from the City of Philadelphia on the 17 day of November 1764.
2nd  Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it
Ans. I have no record of my age. But from information derived from my parents and their family register which I have oftenseen I believe I am now Eighty two years of age past.
3d Where were you living when called into the service. Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live
Ans. When I was first called into the service I was living in Washington County of North Carolina, now Tennessee - Since the revolutionary war I have lived in Washington County & Cocke County Tennessee and Buncombe County North Carolina where I reside at present
4th How were you called into the service.
Ans. I volunteered on all occasions, and served one tour as a substitute for my father under Capt Robt. Sevier against the Tories
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Ans. I was well acquainted with Col John Carter who was our Militia Col. during the time I was under Capt John Sevier, Capt.
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William Clarke, and Capt. Thomas Price, I was well acquainted with Col. John Sevier, my old Captain, who was afterwards Gen John Sevier of Militia -- I do not remember that a full regiment served at any one point during my three terms with Capts, Sevier
Clarke & Price, the service was generally performed by companies or parts of companies and scouting parties against the Indians & tories except when an expedition was carried into the heart of the Indian country - During the expedition under Col. Elijah Clarke to Georgia we were joined by about two hundred Carolinans under the command of Col. Andrew Pickens, Capt. Williams & Ford. 
I afterwards saw Col Pickens at Knoxville in the year 1792, who recognized me, having become acquainted with me in Clarke expedition to Augusta Geo. At this time Col. Pickens then Gen Pickens was a commissioner on the part of South Carolina to
treat or make some arrangements with the Cherokees, and perhaps
the Chickasaws.
During the expedition in 1781 under St. Clair, I became acquainted with him, also with Gen. Butler, and Major Thomas Butler, the former Butler was killed, the latter had his leg broke in St. Clairs defeat, also with Col. Darke who commanded a regiment and was the first to charge the enemy and was wounded in the thigh by a bullet.
I should have stated before, that I volunteered in Washington County of N. Carolina under Capt. James McLain one of Col. Eliza Clarkes Captains and marched across the Blue Ridge through North & South Carolina into Georgia to Augusta where we had a fight with the British and tories garrisoned at that place under the command of the the tory Col. Brown. We retired from the fight after losing Capt Thomas Price one of
my old captains on Chatauga, and several men - In this expedition I served seven months and never received any pay whatever, and was verbally discharged by Capt. McLain and arrived at home in Washington County in company with about fifty other discharged soldiers. As to written discharges I never received but two, one from Capt. Thomas Price in 1778, the other from Maj. Sharp an old continental officer who commanded the expedition
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to Middle Tennessee in 1792, the first I delivered to Col Carter Thomas
when I drew my pay, the second is lost or destroyed
The 6th question as to a discharge being answered in the preceeding answer the court pass it by.
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief as to your services as a soldier in the war of the revolution
Ans. I am well known to Maj John E Patton, present proprietor of the celebrated Warm Springs, David Farnworth who was an officer in the late war in Gen Coulter's brigade both of whom reside in a few miles of where I reside, also Esq. Thos. Woolsey, and many others who can testify as to my character.
The answers to the foregoing interrogatories being satisfactory to the Court, the Court are of opinion from evidence before them that the said John Waddill is a resident of Buncombe
County North Carolina, and that he is a man of good character and respectability whose statements is and ought to be entitled to full faith and credit in any court or office in the United States - that he bears the character of an honest and intelliggent old man whose veracity cannot be questioned by those who know him. The Court are also of opinion from his
appearance that the said John Waddel is upwards of Eighty years of age and that he was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Done in open Court, and given under my hand as presiding Magistrate of said Court this 7th day of June Eighteen hundred and forty seven
[signed] Robert Rankin
Chairman County Court
Page 28

8

State of Tennessee Greene County } ss
I Geo. W Foute, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify, that the foregoing proceedings relative to John Waddill in order to obtain a pension are the original proceedings had and approved of by said Court at its June term on Monday the 7th 1847, and that Robert Rankin Esq. whose name appears to said proceedings as Chairman of the court is now and was at the time he signed the same the Chairman of said Court and duly qualified to act as such, and that the signatures purporting to be his appears in his own proper handwriting and are genuine, to which full faith and credit should be given as his official acstsin any court or office in the United States - I further certify that the oath taken by John Waddel the Declarant, was administered by me as the Clerk of said court, and his named signed to his Declaration by himself the said John Waddill and in my presence in open court, and that before so doing the following words were interlined viz: "except for services at Ft. Sevier under Capt. Wm. Clarke" on first page: the words "Sergeant" & "mounted rangers" on second page: and the erasures in 31st line on 3d page, 4th line on 6th page, and 2nd line on 7th page all done before the execution of the papers.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at office in Greenville this 8th day of June Eighteen hundred and forty seven.
[signed] Geo. W. Fouke, C.

[illegible Court Seal attached lower left]
Page 29

[lined thru] Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873[/lined thru]

10.977
P.O. John Waddell
Service: Waddill
Enlisted: REJECTED, 18
Discharged: [blank], 18
A.0.7. / Aug. 29, 1906
Application filed: [blank], 18
1852, Printed List of Rejected and Suspended Claims shour [?] following cause of suspicion
Alleges: "for proof of service from the records as Raleigh, No. Car."
Re-enlisted: [blank]

Attorney: [blank]
P.O.: [blank]
___Recognized  ___Contract
___Cert. of Dis.  Searched for _____, 18
Page 30

Suspended
Letter 19 Jan 36 P.B.
Anderson present,
No 33513
John Waddell
Tennessee
Act June 7 . 32
Susp'd
Page 31

Le.t to Hon. A. Johnson
Jan 17 '48
Let. to Ditto [Hon. A. Johnson] May 5 '49
Let. B. M. Daniel 15th Decr 1849
Let J. L. Edwards Mch 23/52.
Page 32

33.513
John Waddell
Tenn
Hon A Johnson Jany 17 '48
Same May 5 1849
Bill M Daniel Dec 15 1849
J.L. Edwards Mch 23 1852
Han A Johnson Feby 11 1853
B. McDaniel Jul 29/54
A. Russell 7th Oct 1854.
10977
1832
Page 33

Hillgrove Jan[date cut off]

Mr B. McDannel
Sir I Recd you[r] [letter] 25th one hour since respecting John Wad[dil] [service] in the Revolution War I will give you all [that] I can I cannot recolect of his being in [?] only the third tours you speak of [a]
Capt Thomas price I will try to Recolection other service if [I can].
yours truly Charles [cut off] 

PS if you see John Shields of [cut off] you will please say to them wi[?] we
will hope he will wright as soon [cut off] wright again Direct to Hills[grove.] McDanough County Illinois 
[right side of letter is torn off]
Page 34

Milledgeville 1st July 1853
Dear Sir,
the delay in answering your lette,r has been occasioned partly by my absence at the time it arrived - and partly by the examination which I have caused to be made of our records -
The rolls of our Revolutionary soldiers is either at Washington or has been destroyed - the only evidence we have here is the list of those who received bounty lands - Col Elijah Clarke received bounty land as a Col and his name appears to the certificate of all the men as Colonel. 
There is no doubt of his service as Col nor is there any doubt of his presence at the two sieges of Augusta - one of which - according to Cole occurred about May 1780 and the other about the same time in 1781 -Col Clarke was a revolutionary officer of considerable character - one of our counties bear his name - and I send you by this mail - a volume of Georgia statistics which will give you an outline of his career -
I do not find the name of Capt
Page 35

McClain or of Mr Waddel - though I find that one John McClain - and also one Louis McClain received bounty land from Georgia - It is proper to remark that McClain in his history does not profess to give the name of all the officers of Clarke's regiment  -and the non appearance of McClains name is not evidence that he was not there -
I regret that I cannot give you more satisfactory information in answer to your inquiry - I will be happy to furnish you, with any that may be discerned which will be of service to your constituent.
You declined to write about politics & I am sorry you ded as I should have been pleased to have heard from you - "on this state of the question" at Washington - We all feel anxious about Genl Pierce's cabinet - We ask for a cabinet of national democrats, caring very little about the particular men - provided they are sound national men - Are we not entitled to it? and will we get it?
 With the apearance of my sincere respect I am your friend
[signed] Howell Cobb
Page 36

Washington 1 Novr. 1837
Sir,
On the 3rd. ult. we filed in your Office the letter of John Waddill of Tennessee, authorizing us to prosecute his claim to a pension for revolutionary service. On a careful review of this case, we think that the claim should be allowed. His declaration is drawn up in strict accordance with the regulations; he has produced all the proof in his power in support of the claim, and his statement of his services is corroborated by well-known historical facts. If we entertained any doubt as to the justice of the claim, we should not urge its admission. Waddill was a militia man and settled after the revolution terminated in that part of North Carolina, now within the limits of Tennessee. Many of those men never applied for what was due to them for militia service and hence very partial payments were made to them. The only sum which Waddill appears from the Comptrollers Books to have received was 5.13. This sum covers but a very small fraction of his service, yet it cannot be doubted by persons who are conversant with the history of the war on the Southern borders that Waddill
Page 37

was a soldier at different periods from 1776 to 1781. If other soldiers from their proximity to the seat of Government of North Carolina were enabled to obtain all their pay Certificate the fact that he was a resident in a sparsely settled region far remote from the Government Offices of North Carolina, and was thereby prevented from personally applying for and obtaining what was due to him at the close of the War, Should not surely deprive him of the benefits of the pension law, which was passed in a liberal spirit, and intended to reward the soldier who had suffered, and had been but very inadequately compensated for services and sacrifices. The names of most of the Officers he mentions are familiar to those who are conversant with Carolina Revolutionary history. Sevier under whom he served was an Officer well known as almost any Officer in the Continental Army, Francis Hughes, an Ensign & one of the officers with whom Waddill served, drew a pension in Tennessee, and his papers will be found in your files. We have no doubt that a reference to them will confirm Waddills statement respecting his service in Clark's Regt.
We very respectfully request a re-
Page 38

-examination of the papers, and a comparison of his statement with Hughes papers, and a reference to such other papers in the Pension Office as may through [throw] light on the subject, being well convinced that the case is one of merits.
We are very Respectfully Your Obt. Servts. [Obedient Servants]
Edwards & Smith

J. E. Heath Esq
Com of Pensions.
Page 39

Secretary of State's Office
Milledgeville Geo: 18th. March 1816
Dr Sir,
Yours of the / 27th. ultima/ came to have [?] several days since.
The great press of business which I then had on hand here prevented me from answering you previous to this time -
The records of my office and those of the different departments of State / as I am informed / are very deficient relative to Service rendered in the Revolutionary War. So much so, as not to enable perhaps the one hundredth person claiming for services rendered in that war to establish such claim.
There being nothing in my Office to establish Such Claim I handed your Communication over to the Comptroller General who has returned the same to me with the answer that, his office affords no evidence of military claims, or services - me
Page 40

have frequent applications of the same nature and frequent laborious searches hence been made to little, or no purpose -
It would afford me much pleasure to render in such matters was it practicable. 
We are not able to account for the deficiency in the records but on the ground that they have been removed there several times, first from Augusta to Louisville and from that to this place, and since here the records were moved out on one occasion very hastily on account of the occurrence of fire in, or on the Capital.
The unsettled state of the inhabitants of the State of Georgia during at least a part of that war may account for it also -
I am informed that, the records of North Carolina & Virginia are much more complete and Satisfactory and that perhaps some of those claims may, or can
Page 41

be established from the records of those States.
Respectfully &c
[signed] N. C. Barnett
Page 42

B. McDannel
Greenville
Tennessee
Page 43

Comptroller Genl's Office
Columbia S.C. 24th May 1849.

B McDaniel Esq.
Sir
Yours of 12th May has been rec'd and I have examined the Records in this Office for the service of Jno. Waddell, Col Elijah Clark and Capt McLain but do not find either name credited with Militia duty in the war of the Revolution. You state that he  enlisted or volunteered in Capt McLeans Co. in Washington Co No. Ca. now in Tennessee. This being the case should not the Comptroller General's Office at Raleigh furnish the proof of his service?
He it appears never belonged to the S. Ca. Militia and consequently our Records will not show his service as this State was not to pay him for such duty -
Whether Col Clark was at the seige of Augusta I am not able to say from anything I recollect to have seen among these Records and certain it is that no indent appears in his name - I would however, suggest that you examine some Histories on this subject - say Ramsay's History of South Carolina - Moultries History of the Revolution in S. Carolina and and article in the Oct. No. of Southern Quarterly Review 1848 & such other histories which give details of service &c &c No Charge
very respectfully
[signed] James A. Black

P.S.
You wrote to Sec of State but this is the proper office
Page 44

Warmsprings 4. Oct 1847.

Hon Andrew Johnsons
My Dear Sir
Inclosed you will please Receive the certificate of a number of Gentelmen relative to my character - which paper I was directed by our mutual friend Mr McDaniel to inclose to you assuring me that you will use your influence to procure my pension. Your particular attention will greatly oblige your Humble friend
[signed] John Waddell

P.S. Pleas Speak to Mr Clingman on the subject. If you find it [illegible] than address me to the Warmsprings.
Page 45

Hon. A. Johnson
Page 46

Buncombe County N.C.
January 12th 1846

Mr. Andrew Johnson,
Declaration - In the year 1836 or
1837 I made a declaration in Newport Tenessee before Judge Powell in order to obtain a Pension for my Revolutionary services. Pierce B Anderson was my Agent. I understand that the claim was rejected for want of some further testimony as to my service. It was impossible for me to prove my service by living witnesses. I therefore have no means of procuring a pension unless it is by action of Congress. I therefore have to request that you call on the commissioner of Pensions for all the papers in the case and have them presented to a Committee on Revolutionary claims. I served my country faithfully over 2 years, previous to the close of the Revolutionary war, principally against the Indians in this the Western country. I also served a campaign under Col. Eliza Clark in Georgia against the Indians and British - I could have established my claim by living witnesses in 1832 but I neglected to do so until it was was impossible, owing to the death and removal of Witnesses
I hope you will attend to the case as I have requested and I shall ever be thankful
respectfully yours &c
[signed] John Waddell
Page 47

Greenville Tennessee
July 5, 1854

Sir -- In the year 1835 John Wooddle alias Waddle or Waddill, made a Declaration at Newport Tennessee, under Act of 7th June 1832 in order to obtain a Revolutionary Pension. P. B. Anderson, I believe, was his agent, and drew up his Declaration agreeably to the forms and instructions intended for Regular Soldiers, instead of the militia forms. No proof of service whatever, (according to my information) was presented; the claimant relying solely upon record proof supposed to exist in the Department. I know not what transpired in the case from 1835 to 1846, when, in the latter year, the claimant applied to me to assist him in the prosexecution of his claims. I then made out an Amendatory Declaration according to the Rules prescribed for militia soldiers, which should have been done at first, as the Rules are not so rigid in militia cases, as to proof of service, which Amendatory Declaration was sworn to in open Court at Greenville, Tennessee, May 4th 1846. The questions prescribed in such cases, were propounded by the Court and answered by the claimant. The neighborhood opinion of claimants good character, his age and Revolutionary service accompanied his Declaration. Afterwards, if I remember right, a Certificate of Wm. F. Collins Comptroller of North Carolina, was filed, shewing a payment to claimant for military service in the Revolution of $5,138. Some letters also, from Charles Waddell and C. W. Waddill, brother and nephew of claimant of Illinois, relative to service of claimant in Capt. Price's Horse co. were filed: Also some letters from ComptrollerS of N. and S. Carolina and Executive Dept of Georgia, shewing that no evidence could be found, as required by the letter of J. L. Edwards of 17th January 1848. The case was suspended for further proof.
Page 48

Knowing that the claimant was an honest man and him to be justly entitled. I persevered in my efforts,  and finally succeeded in obtaining the proof attached 
to the enclosed Explanatory Declaration
On the 1st of June last I saw the claimant for the first time in several years, and after conferring with him to make an Explanatory Declaration, in order to correct some errors supposed to exist in his original Declaration with regard to service, as well as to explain, and throw light upon other points. It will, therefore be, seen, that many things are explained, that do not appear in his former Declarations
The claimant in his original Declaration alleged service in the Infantry companies of Captains Robertson and Clarke, and the Horse companies of Capt's Thos. Price and Robert Sevier in the State of N. Carolina, and under the authority of that state: Also 7 months in Capt. McLain's Co. Col. Clarke's Georgia reg't.
The N. Carolina service which I regard as proven by the evidence accompanying the Explanatory Declaration I set down as follows; to wit: Infantry Service.
₤15.65 as per Certificate of Comptroller of N.C. $2,500 to the Pound, 208 to the dollar, 12 1/2 ¢ to the shilling at $5 per month for Infantry service | $38┃ 25 || 7 Mo. | 15 Days | 
This is believed to cover the Infantry service in Robertson's and Clarke's companies. (See Explanatory Declaration, for explanations on this head, correcting supposed error) Mr. Edwards does not give claimant credit for such service, upon the grounds that he was too young. Claimant says in his amendatory and Explanatory Declaration, that he had no record of his age, and may have been mistaken in stating it in 1835, but that as young as he was, he did his duty as a soldier, and drew rations and rec'd his pay at the rate of $5 per month.
With due difference to the
Page 49

Amount brot [brought] over $38.25 for 7 Mo., 15 days.
opinion of Mr. Edwards, I think he is mistaken in his conclusions, as the Comptroller's Certificate cannot be disputed.
14 S[shillings] Same rates as the foregoing . . . . $1.75 for 9 days.
This is for spy service as a footman. It was not claimed in former Declarations on account of its being such small service; but as it is now proven, he claims it. See Explanatory Declaration on this head.

Horse Service
₤4. 19 S[shillings] he claimant alleges in his original Declaration a term of about ½ a month each in the Horse co. commanded by Capt. Robert Sevier. The currency was the same as in the foot service, but the pay was different to wit: 5 shillings or 62 1/2 ¢ per day for man and Horse. . . . . ₤12 37 1/2 Shillings for 19 days.
It is believed that this payment covers one of those terms of about ½ a mouth.
Service in Capt Prices co. Six months is alleged at one time by claimant in this Co.
Six months is proven by Charles and C. W. Waddle of Illinois . . . . 6 months 
Total of ₤52 37 1/2 Shillings for 14 months, 13 days.

As to the evidence of old Charles and Charles W. Waddle, the Dept may not consider it satisfactory, from the fact that the old man was not sworn, and that C. W. Waddle only swore to what his father had stated he would be willing to swear to; but when it is considered, that old Charles was a man of truth and good character, by his son, C. W. Woodle and Esq. Knott, who certifies to the fact - that the old man states in his letter to me, now on file, while in good health, that he knew of his brother John Serving under "Capt. Thomas Price" - that before an affidavit could be prepared and sent from Tennessee to him in Illinois, he was stricken
Page 50

down with palsy and died - that while on his death bed he made more explicit and satisfactory statements with regard to John's service - that under such solemn circumstances in view of Eternity and Judgement, he could not have spoken falsely - and that all his statements, uttered in good health, and on his death bed, were deliberately written out and sworn to by his son Charles W. Waddill, a disinterested witness, certified to be credible by Esq. Knott. When all this is taken into consideration, with a spirit of liberality toward the claimant. I think there can be no difficulty in allowing the pension upon such testimony - All of which remarks, proof and the Ex. Dec. are respectfully submitted, with the hope, that this old man, John Waddell, the last of the revolutionary survivors in this section, will at last be allowed a pension to support and cherish him in his old age liken [?] failing health and strength admonished him that his race is nearly run.
I indulge the hope, that the Dept, will fairly consider the foregoing remarks, and also my remarks on another sheet in relation to the service of claimant in the Georgia regiment under Capt. McLain and Col. Clarke
Respectfully
Your obt, svt,
[signed] B. Mc Dannel

L. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 51

July 18, 1834
Service in Col. Elijah Clarke's reg't
In relation to the service of John Waddill under Capt. James McLain, Col. Elijah Clarke's Georgia reg't Mr J.L. Edwards, former Commissioner, says; to wit:
"He also claims for 7 months service under Capt. McLain, Col. Elijah Clarke'  reg't, from Nov. 1780 to June 1781. This tour is represented as being rendered in S.C. and Georgia, embracing the siege of Augusta. If the Records of S.C. ✴ shew that Captain McLain was in Col. Elijah Clarke's regt, and that the reg't was at the siege of Augusta, this term might be allowed for the length of the tour ascertained by the Indents issued to those officers."
If I mistake not, there is a letter from the Comptroller of Sec of State of S.C. and also one from the Executive Dept of Georgia shewing that no Indents can be found. 
We will now glance at the Declaration of the claimant, and compare them with the proofs. Of course you will allow me the privilege of pointing out such things as I deem important.
1st - In his original Declaration, as well as his Amendatory and Explanatory Declarations, he states that he volunteered under Capt. James McLain, on Nola Chucky river, Washington County, N.C. in Nov. 1780, Col. Elijah Clarke's broken Georgia regiment.
The Milledgeville proofs, show conclusively, that there were such men as Elijah Clarke and James McLain - that they were both Georgians  that Clarke was a Geo. Col. and that McLain belonged to his regiment.
==============================================
✴ Mr. Maddill did not allege service under the authority of the state of S.C.; but, on the contrary, alleged service in a Georgia regiment under Col. Clarke. Mr. Edwards was therefore mistaken when he required proof of service from the S.C. records. Waddil's service was partly in that state. Hence the mistake of Mr Edwards.
Page 52

If McLain had belonged to any other command, Col. Clarke would not have certified for him. Some other commander would have done so.
2d. Mr. Waddill alleges in his original Declaration that Col. Clarke's Geo. [Georgia] reg't [regiment] had been driven from that state by the enemy, at the time he volunteered under McLain in Nov. 1780, and represents Clarkes officers & soldiers as refugees from Georgia, in the western or mountain counties of N.C.
The Milledgeville proofs show conclusively that Clarke and McLain were both Refugees from that State.
3d. Mr. Waddill also alleges that he was with Clarkes reg't [regiment] at the Siege of Augusta in May or June 1781, and that the British Garrison was commanded by Col. Brown, and that the Garrison surrendered to the American forces about that time.
The Milledgeville proofs, show conclusively that Col. Clarke was at the siege of Augusta in June 1781, actively engaged in expelling the British.
"Lippincotts" and "McCalls" as well as other histories of Georgia and the Southern war, show that Col. Elijah Clarke made an unsuccessful attempt upon Augusta in Sept. 1780 - that he raised the siege and made a rapid retreat to the western counties of the Carolina's. (From Augusta to the western counties of N. Carolina at that time, 1780, Clarke would necessarily pass through the western counties of S.C.) - that Col. Ferguson of the British attempted to intercept, Clarke in his retreat, - that Ferguson himself was intercepted, and defeated by the Western men of S.C. N.C & Va at Kings Mountain Oct. 7, 1780, and that Clarke escaped across the mountains - This brings Clarke and McLain into Mr. Waddills neighborhood on Nola-Chucky [Nolichucky], west of the Blue Ridge, about the 1st of Oct, 1780, where Waddill became acquainted with McLain and volunteered as described in Explanatory Declaration.
After recruiting sometime, Clarke and his men
Page 53

passed on down through S.C. crossing the Savannah river into Georgia, and, with some other troops, laid siege the 2d time to Augusta, which, as Mr. Waddill states, capitulated in June 1781. For the 1st Siege of August, see "Lippencotts History of Georgia," Page 211, 212, 213. For 2d Siege, Page 224, 225, 226. Also to [to crossed out] same pages to show that Col. Brown was the British commander, as alleged in original Declaration. The accompanying Extracts from Historical works, I submit, as corroborative evidence of Mr. Waddills Service as narrated by him. It, however, seems to me that it should be taken as positive evidence, as these histories are generally compiled from State papers. 
Up to the time Clarke and his men re-crossed the Savannah river into Georgia, about the month of May 1781, of course they were refugees from that state, it is for this, no doubt, that Clarke, gave his certificate to McLain showing that he was a refugee, and it is for this too, that Clarke recvd. [received] 1000 acres of Bounty Land, in Washington county Geo.
4th - I believe that Mr. Waddill stated in his original Declaration; also in his Amendatory Declaration, as well as his Explanatory Declaration, that Col. Clarke, on his way to Augusta, was joined by a party of South Carolinians under the command of Gen. or Col.  Pickens. 
This is corroborated by "Lippincott," Page 224. You will find, that all the requirements of Mr. Edward's letter are complied with, except that it is not shown that McLain served as a Captain. However, the claimant swears that he was a captain, and as all other things which he states, are proven by positive evidence, or corroborative testimony, I think, his oath, at three different times, asserting that McLain was a captain, should be fully credited, especially when it is considered that he supports a good character, by the evidence of respectable citizens, now on file
Col. Clarke, in his Certificate, says that McLain
Page 54

"cheerfully did his (duty as a) soldier and a friend to the united states"✹ - This does not prove that McLain did not act as captain while he was a refugee, because all officers are, in one sense, soldiers, and McLain may not, have been regularly appointed or commissioned by the state authorities of Georgia. I think this very probabe, as I will directly shew. But under all the circumstances, as detailed by Mr. Waddill, and the proofs being considered, there cannot be a single doubt that McLain did act as a refugee captain, precisely as Waddill states it. It cannot be supported that he swore falsely on this head: for all the main points stated by him in 1835 and 1846, are confirmed by positive and corroborative testimony, except that McLain was a Captain, and I think, upon this point, the Dep't. should fully credit claimants oath, and not enforce rigidly, the laws or Rules of positive testimony in every particular. The Dep't will remember that very many pensions have been allowed to Rev. Soldiers, upon much less proof than that offered by Mr. Waddill
It may be possible that McLain never did receive a Captain's commission from the state authorities of Georgia - It may be possible that he left Georgia as a private. Admit this: it does not preclude the suppositive or the assumption that McLain did act as Captain while a refugee (as stated by Waddill) of picked up militia.
The regiment of Clarke had just made a hasty retreat from an unsuccessful Siege of Augusta to Western N. C. more than 200 miles - It was a broken reg't [regiment], and it became necessary to fill up with new recruits, and under a new organization before marching back to Georgia.
Under this state of things, they had to act as circumstances required. Is it not then quite possible, that James McLain, one of Col. Clarke's own county men (as will be shewn) ne-
===================================
✹In the Certificate furnished from the Ex. Dept Geo. the words underscored, appear to have been omitted. These words I have supplied, and believe it is according to the original.
Page 55

-cruited, [recruited] and commanded a picked up company of militia, and that, too, without a commission from the authorities of Georgia.
It will be borne in mind, that while Clarke and McLain, were refugees in North & South Carolina in 1780 & 1781, the British had overran Georgia - that the public records were sent to Charleston for safety, thence to N.C. and finally to Maryland, and that the State authorities were driven from place to place, that the best citizens were forced to fly to N. & S. Carolina for refuge (See Lippincotts History of Geo. Pages 193, 194, 195, 198) that every thing was in a complete state of disorganization, and that under these circumstances it was impossible to keep up regular appointments and commissions among the militia in the field, as vacancies might occur from the casualties of the war. Especially would it be impracticable to do so in Clarke's reg't [regiment] while they were refugees in another State at the distance of 200 miles or more. Under the circumstances, taken in connection with the oath of the claimant in 1835, 1846 and 1854, and  the details of his service, supported by positive proof and corroborative testimony, it cannot be doubted that James McClain [McLain] did act as a refugee captain in Clarke's reg't [regiment] - And I think it very possible that he acted as such without any appointment or commission from the State authorities of Georgia.
The irregularities of the times, and surrounding circumstances, compelled men to act at once and upon their own hook, and they could not at all times wait the slow process, of receiving appointments and commissions from the State authorities.
You will find many facts and circumstances
Page 56

narrated in Mr Waddles [Waddil's] Explanatory Declaration not to be found in his former Declarations, which I think throws much light upon the subject, and will no doubt prove highly satisfactory; among which are some particulars in relation to Col. Clarke and Capt.
McLain, all of which bears the impress of truth. In his letter to me of 3d of April last, in answer to my enquiry as to where Capt. McLaine resided during the Revolution, he, Waddle, states, "Captain James McLain was a citizen of Georgia, the County is now Wilkes in which he lived. I know not whether he ever served in any other capacity (that of Captain) during the revolution. I dont know where he lived after the war, but think he moved upon the Seneca river."
A few days after I record this letter, I happened in the office of Gov. Johnson in Greenville, and shewed him Waddill's letter. This led to an examination of the Map of Georgia, and also to "Whites Statistics of Georgia" by counties, which he had in his office.
At Page 61, under the head of "Wilkes County" I find the following corroborative evidence of Mr Waddle's letter, to wit: "The first Court held in Will County, was on the 25th of August 1779, at the house of Jacob McClintock before the Hon. Wm. Downs &C XXXXX Names of first Grand Jurors Stephen Heard Esq foreman, Barnard Heard XXXXXX James McLain" and others. This shews conclusively that James McLain was a Georgian, as Waddle states in his original Declaration, and that he resided in Wilkes Co. as he stated in his letter and Explanatory Declaration.
A Page 184, same book, it will be seen that Elijah Clarkr came to Geo. and settled in Will County. in 1774 - Clarke and McLain, therefore
Page 57

were both Wilkes County men, and Waddill is fully corroborated with respect to their names and residences
I have always labored under the impression that when Clarke retreated from Augusta in Sept or Oct. 1780, his whole command had halted in Burke and Rutherford Counties N.C. E of the Blue ridge; but it seems from the Explanatory Declaration that a part of the command, at least, with a considerable number of Women and children from Geo. crossed the Blue Ridge to the western waters, on Nola-Chucky river, Washington County of N.C. now Tennessee, for
greater safety, and that they formed a camp about 12 miles from where John Waddle resided. In this part of his narrative, I think Mr. Waddill shews satisfactorily, how it happened that he joined McLains company.
The Department will at once see, that if the claimant had not been engaged in this service, he could not have narrated the facts and circumstances so correctly. The evidences will
certainly satisfy the Department, and fully authorize the allowance for this service.
In conclusion, permit me again to remind the Department, that hundreds of Pensions have been allowed upon less evidence than is now presented, and that the applicant is now an object of charity, without money or property, and at least four score and ten years of age, and by appearance older, and that it would not only be an act of strict justice, fully authorized by the proofs and circumstances, as I believe, to allow his pension soon; but if allowed, would afford him a real consolation, in his extreme age and object poverty.
Respectfully
Your obt, Svt
[signed] B. McDannel

[signed] L.P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Page 58

Extract from History
John Waddell alleges that Col. Clarke's broken reg't had been driven from Georgia in 1780, to the western part of N. Carolina, and into his neighborhood where he volunteered, and that Col. Brown was the British commander of the British Post at Augusta. In confirmation of the same I present the following extracts

"Holmes' American Annals", Vol. 2, Page 434 Published at Cambridge in 1805
"1780, Cornwallis in the mean time, commenced his march with the main army from Cambden through the settlements of the Waxhaws to Charlottville N.C. About the same time Col. Clarke of Georgia at the head of a small body of men which he had collected in the frontiers of N. & S. Carolina advanced against Augusta and laid siege to that place.

Col. Brown, who with a few Loyal Provincials held that part for the British made a vigorous defence and on the approach of Col. Cruger with a reinforcement from Ninety six, Clarke, relinquishing the enterprise and made a rapid retreat through the country along which he had marched to the attack"

"Ramsays South Carolina" Vol. 1. Page 379 Published at Charleston in 1809
This Corps (Col. Ferguson) had been chiefly collected from the remote parts of the State, and was induced to continue for sometime near to the western mountains, with the expectation of intercepting Col. Clarke on his retreat from Georgia".

"Ramsays History of the American Revolution" Vol. 2 Page 227 - Published at Trenton in 1811
That spirit of Enterprise, which has already been mentioned as beginning to revive among the Americans militia about this time, prompted
Page 59

Col. Clarke to make an attempt on the British Post at Augusta in Georgia; but in this he failed, and was obliged to retreat."
The foregoing has reference to Clarkes first siege of Augusta in Sept. 1780.
The following, I think, has reference to Clarkes failure in the first siege, and to his collecting troops afterwards in the upper parts of the Carolina's, and in Waddle's neighborhood, for the 2d siege.
"Botta's History of the War of Independence" Vol. 2. Page 308" Finally, the alarming intelligence was announced, that Col. Clarke had assembled a numerous body of mountainers from the upper parts of the Carolinas, a most hardy and warlike race of men. Though the valiant defence of Col. Brown had defeated a coup-de-main which they had attempted against Augusta, yet they still kept the field."
Page 60

Explanatory Declaration of John Waddell or Maddill or Woddle relative to his military service in the war of the Revolution, in order to obtain a Revolutionary Pension under Act of Congress of 7th of June 1832.

State of Tennessee Greene County } ss
On this second day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, before me William Horton, a Justice of the peace in and for the County and stat., Aforesaid, personally appeared John Waddle or Waddill, aged about ninety years, a resident of Madison formerly Buncombe Co. North Carolina, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following explanatory Declaration in order to obtain a revolutionary pension, under the above named act of congress: to wit:
Declarant states that he is a resident of the above named County of Madison, and that he is the identical John Woddle or Waddell, who made an original Declaration under Act of 7th June 1832 at Newport Tennessee about the year 1835; and also an amendatory Declaration at Greenville Tennessee about the year 1846.
That in his sd [said] original Declaration, he stated his service and the duration thereof in the war of the revolution according to the best of his knowledge and belief, under Captain James Robertson, William Clarke, Thomas Price and Robert Sevier and James McLain - believes he was correct as to the year but may have been mistaken as to the duration thereof - but knows with certainty that he served as an infantry soldier under Captain Robertson and Clarke, and as a mounted ranger under Captain Price and Sevier: and that the service under the four first named captains was in and under the authority of the state of N. Carolina during the revolutionary war, and that in every  instance was honorably discharged - and thinks it very probabl that he served for a greater or less term than specified in said original Declaration, as it was almost or quite impossible, owing to the lapse of time and consequence loss of memory, to remember the precise
Page 61

duration of each tour, in the absence of records.
He further states that for any seeming discrepency that may exist [lined thru] in comparing [/lined thru] as to duration of service in comparing his alleged service with the payments made to him by the state of N. Carolina, as per Certificate of the Comptroller of that state of Mary 1st 1854, he would ask the Commissioner of pensions to consider that when said Declaration was made upwards of fifty years had elapsed since his service, as well as failure of memory, and that in consideration thereof, to make due allowances.
He further states, [lined thru] by way of explanation [/lined thru] with regard to the ₤4. 19 shilling: 14 shillings, and ₤15.6 paid to him by the State of N. Carolina for military service in the war of the revolution, as per Certificate of the Comptroller aforesaid, he deems it necessary, by way of explanation to state as follows: that for his Infantry service under Captains Robertson and Clarke, he was allowed and paid at the rates of five dollars per month - that 1 Pound of North Carolina currency was equal to $2.50: 8 Shillings to the dollar, and 12 ½ cents to the Shilling. - that for his service under Capt. Thos Price and Rob't Sevier, as a mounted Ranger, he was allowed and paid at the rate of 5 shillings or 62½ cents per day for himself and Horse. Declarant is well satisfied, amounting to a certainty that the rates of currency and pay was, as above stated. Declarant believes that the ₤15. 6 Shillings or $38.25 cents was in payment for his service under Captain Robertson, say about seven months, or that it may cover the service under Robertson and Clarke. At any rate he states that he knows [lined thru] that [/lined thru] he rec'd the said ₤15.6, and therefore claims the same to his credit. And by way of further explanation, he states that he is under the impression, that he served under Robertson about six months at forts Hopson on Nola Chucky river, and at [lined thru] fort [/lined thru] Sychamore  hoals fort on the Wattanga river; having been driven by the Indians from the former to the latter fort; that he afterwards joined Clarkes
Page 62

company, and thinks he served in that company some five or six weeks, or from about the 1st of January Seventeen hundred and seventy seven to February next, in which latter month he, by privilege, with some others, to wit Jos Dunham, John and Samuel Sherrill and Adam Sherill and one or two others, joined Captain Thomas Prices' company of mounted rangers, on account of the difference of pay - the foot service being $5 per month, while for the Horse service it was 62½ cents per day. Declarant therefore thinks that the ₤15.6 was intended to cover the service under Robertson and Clark of about seven months or more. 
Declarant further states, that from the letter of J. L. Edwards of 17th Jany 1848, he is induced to believe, that his service in Clarkes Co. is represented for a longer period, than he actually served in said company. He believes it was not more than five or six weeks. If represented otherwise, he declares that it is an error made by his agent P. B. Anderson, who drewup said Declaration at Newport, and who may have misunderstood claimant in the narration of his service.
Declarant further states that he served as a ranger in Capt. Prices company from February to June seventeen hundred and seventy seven, say four months; and that the said Capt Price by authority, raised a company of mounted rangers in said month of June for State line service, to serve for the term of twelve months, unless sooner discharged, and that this declarant, immediately upon the expiration of his four months service under price as a scout or ranger, entered the State Line service of N. Carolina for the aforesaid term of 12 months unless sooner discharged, as a mounted Ranger, and continued to serve as such until Christmas day of the same year 1777 or New years day 1778. believes however that it was the 25th Dec. Seventeen hundred and seventy seven when he was honorably discharged from Prices company, having served continually in said company from February to December in the year last named, say about ten months or more, for which service he declares he
Page 63

was paid at the rate of 5 shillings or 62 ½ cents per day for himself and Horse, amounting to about seventy or eighty pounds or about, or near two hundred dollars.
As to the 14 shillings, Declarant claims the same for some small service as a scout or Spy, which he deemed so small that he thought it unnecessary to mention in his original Declaration, and that he was frequently out as such for a few days at a time on foot.
As to the ₤4.19 shillings, he claims the same to his credit, for one hour of 16 or 18 days under Captain Robert Sevier as a mounted ranger against the tories in 1780, at the rate of 62 ½ cts per day for himself and Horse, the sd [said] ₤4. 19, being $12. 37½ cents N. Carolina currency, which amount he knows he recv'd. He further states that the ₤15.6 for infantry service and the 70 or 80 pounds for the Horse service under Price, he recv'd from Col. Nathaniel Taylor [lined thru] Carter [/lined thru] who was then Entry take west of the Blue Ridge and pay master to the militia in service, for the State of North Carolina, as he then understood it: the said Taylor, then being a resident of Washington County, on Watauga river now Carter County Tennessee who is now dead,
With regard to his service under Captain James McLain in Col. Elijah Clark's Georgia regiment in 1780 - 1; and by way of explanation, and for the satisfaction of the Department Declarant states as follows that in November Seventeen hundred and eighty, and for years previous thereto, he resided on Nola Chucky river in Washington County, State of North Carolina West of the Blue Ridge, now Tennessee - that about this time, October, 1780, Col. Elijah Clarke with his broken Georgia regiment fled from that state to the mountain counties of North Carolina, having been driven out of said state by the British, Tories and Indians, after his unsuccessful attack upon Augusta in the fall of seventeen
Page 64

hundred and eighty - that they came as refugees to Rutherford County N. Carolina, thence crossed the mountains to Washington County, and formed a camp about twelve miles above where declarant lived, on the Nola Chucky, which place was considered to be a safe retreat for his broken regiment, -  that the said James McLain, came from Clarkes camp to declarants neighborhood to visit his brother-inlaw one Samuel Sherill whose sister McLain had married, [lined thru] who had married McLains Sister Mary [/lined thru] and who lived within half a mile of this Declarant - that said McLain remained in the neighborhood, probably two weeks, and was frequently at affiants residence, and in this way declarant became acquainted with the said McLain who represented himself as a Captain in Clarkes Georgia regiment, and that he was a Georgian, and was induced to volunteer under said McLain for the term of six months. He further states that McLains son, a youth of about 17 or eighteen years, and a mullatto servant "Dave" accompanied him to Nola Chucky - that [lined thru] soon after [/lined thru] he volunteered as aforesaid in the month of November Seventeen hundred and eighty - He knows this date is correct from the fact that the British and Tories under Col. Ferguson were defeated at Kings Mountain in the month of October previous, in which battle he states that many of his neighbors and friends were engaged, and would have been engaged himself, as he had made preparations to march, had he not been prevented by a spell of sickness, something resembling the small Pox. that soon after he volunteered as aforesaid, he set out from his home on horseback and joined Clarkes command on Tow river in the mountains, now Yancey County, N. Carolina, and marched by way of Turkey Cove on the Catawba
Page 65

river, Pleasant Gardens, Broad river, thence to Ninety Six in South Carolina, and remained in that state for some time, operating against the Tories, and after various marchings and countermarchings in S. Carolina, crossed the Savannah into Georgia, the reg't [regiment] by this time having scattered into small parties for the purpose of procuring subsistence, and to protect the inhabitants from murder and pillage by the enemy - that about this time, Col. McCall, with whom declarant became acquainted at fort Sychamore [Sycamore] Shoals on Wattauga [Watauga] river in 1776, after his escape as a prisoner from the Cherokee Indians, joined Clarke with a small force of South Carolinians, before Clarke crossed the Savannah, and that the sd [said] McCall and Clarke both were seized with Small Pox, and that McCall died, as declarant afterwards understood - that during Clarke's illness, Major or Lt. Col. Williams or Williamson assumed the command of the reg't [regiment] and with a part of the command marched to, or in the vicinity of Augusta, then garrisoned by the British, Tories and Indians under the command of Col. Brown and operated to some extent against them - that after Clarkes recovery from the Small Pox, he marched with the remnant of his command, say about Eighty or one hundred men, and joined Williamson, and after some small fighting, the americans, finding they were too weak to reduce Augusta retired from before it to the country to await reinforcements - Declarant states that he was one of the 80 or 100 men under Clarke when he joined Williamson that soon after Clarke retired as above states, he was joined by some South Carolinians under Col. Pickens, and some other troops, and again laid
Page 66

siege to Augusta, and after some fighting Col. Brown surrendered to the town and Garrison to the American forces early in June seventeen hundred and eighty one-- that by this time June 1781, Declarant had served in sd [said] reg't under McLain and other officers, one month over the term of six months for which he engaged - and that said term expired before he marched to Augusta, but that he could not leave for home without company, owing to the numerous bands of Tories and Indians and he was therefore compelled to remain with his regiment untill a favorable opportunity occurred for leaving for home, which happened about the time of the surrender of Augusta, when he left for home, after being verbally discharged by Captain McLain, in company with Thos Hall, James Bentley, Thos Wheat, Robt. McGee, his Lieutenant one Mr. Dukes, and several others, all belonging to the Georgia regiment of Clarke, who had obtained leave of absence to visit their families on Nola Chucky and Wattauga in Washington County of N. Carolina, where they had been taken for safety, when the British overan Georgia, for which service this declarant states, he never has rec'd his pay, nor has he ever seen Col. Clark or Capt. McLain since he left them near Augusta. 
This Declarant also states that at the time of the service aforesaid it was his understanding that Clarke commanded a Georgia reg't, and that both him and Capt. McLain were Georgians, and that when he joined the reg't in Nov. 1780, it was understood that they were refugees from Georgia having been driven out of the state by the enemy. that in the year Eighteen hundred and ten, this declarant was in Wilkes County Georgia, and learned
Page 67

from reliable sources that Clarke and McLain both lived in that county during the revolution.
With regard to his age, declarant states that when he made his declaration in 1835 and 1846, he [did so crossed out] stated it from an indistinct memory, having no record of the same, and that he may have stated it incorrectly and to his disadvantage, but is well satisfied that he is fully the age represented, if not, older: He admits that when he served under Capt Robertson in 1776, he was quite young, say 12 or 15 years of age, but that he drew the rations and pay of a soldier for that service, and did all the military duty required of him: and that at that time, it was no infrequent occurrence for stout boys of 12, 13, 14, & 15 to enroll and act the part of soldiers on the frontiers, where war was almost or quite reduced to a trade, or means of subsistence with hundreds of inhabitants. 
He further states that from bad luck, bad management, negligence &c in the prosecution of his claim to a pension, he has been deprived of the same, when he is justly entitled to it, and in consequence thereof has been living in extreme poverty ever since his first Declaration in 1835; and that had he been in good circumstances, as in his early days, he in all probability would not have made application; And now, this being his last effort to establish his claim, he asks the Commissioner, most respectfully, to early investigate his claims, comparing his narrative with the history of the war, and with the proofs herewith submitted from N. Carolina Georgia and Illinois, and such other proof as may hereafter be submitted by his friends who act in his behalf
Page 68

Declarant hereby requests that in the event of the issue of a Pension Certificate in his name, that the same be made payable at the Agency in Jonesboro Tennessee, as it is only about fifty miles from his residence, and will be attempted with less expense and inconvenience to receive it there than at any other agency in the united States - that he now resides within four miles [from crossed out] of the Greene county Tennessee line, and makes this explanatory declaration in sd. [said] county and state, for the purpose of convenience.
[signed] John Waddill
Witness
[signed] M. Bartley
[signed] F P Bartley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first written before me. And I hereby certify, that I am personally acquainted with Declarant, and have been for many years, and from his personal appearance, believe that he is at least Ninety years of age, that he has the reputation of being an honest man: and that it is the undoubted belief of those who know him, that he was a revolutionary soldier, and was on the side of American Independence.
I further certify that from old age and bodily infirmity, declarant is unable to attend Court. The word "February" 2d line from the bottom, page 3. "Taylor" 17th line, 4th page, "whose sister McLain had married" 9th line, 5th page, was underlined before signing - I further certify that I am not interested in the prosecution or result of this case.
[signed] Wm Horton
Justice of the Peace for Greene County
Page 69

State of Tennessee
Greene County
S.S.
I Elijah W. Headrick Clerk of the County Court of Said Cunty do Certify that William Horton Esqr. Whose genuine official Signature appears to the foregoing Certificate, is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that full faith and credit Should be given to the Same as his official act -
Given under my hand and Seal of office at office in Greeneville the 14th. day of June One Thousand eight-hundred and fifty four-
E. W. Headrick C.G.C.
Page 70

Executive Department
Milledgeville Georgia,
May1st 1854

I, LHBriscoe Secretary of the Executive 
Department of the State of Georgia, do 
hereby certify that the following Certificates
and papers are true and faithful copies 
of Record Evidence now of file in this 
Department (collected by authority of the 
State of Georgia) touching the military ser-
vice of one James McLain in the war
of the Revolution-

State of Georgia { These are to certify that
                           { James McLain was an
inhabitant of this State prior to the reduction thereof by the British arms, and was 
a refugee from the State, during which
time he cheerfully did his Soldier and 
a friend to the United States.
           Given under my hand this 2nd
            day of July 1784
                                     Elijah Clarke Col.    
By His Order
     H. Freeman ___

     And I do farther certify that there is 
a large quantity of testimony in the shape
of Correspondence Orders &c, proving that
Elijah Clarke was a distinguished actor 
in the scenes of the Revolution - having 
served in the Capacity of Captain and 
Colonel - that in his official capacity 
as [unknown] he was actively engaged in
Page 71

Endeavoring  to expel the British from Augusta, Georgia in 1780, and was present when that City surrendered in June 1781, which will be more fully shown by reference to "White's Historical Collections of Georgia, pages 607 & 685 to 686, the facts of which were completed from papers in this Department. From the {illegible} of testimony touching the service of said Elijah Clarke, the following is a copy of his original petition for Land under a Revolution of the State of Georgia, as taken from the original of said petition,, on file in this department. Elijah Clarke, Col Petitions the Honorable the President & members of the Land Court at Augusta for a Land Warrant consisting of one thousand acres for his being a refugee (Col) int the County of Washington  Your Petitioner will ever pray E. Clarke Ordered , Granted 16 April 1784  In testimony of which facts that the above and foregoing Petitions and Certificates are correct and {illegible} copies of the original papers on file in the Department & hereto affix  the Seal of the Executive Department at the Capitol in Milledgeville this the 1st day of May in the year 1854 .L.H. Briscoe Secy Ex Dept
Page 72

[Handwritten]


Mr. B. Mcdannel  Esq
Greenville
Tennessee
Page 73

[Handwritten]

State of Illinois
McDonoug County ] SS

on this 24 January one thousand eight hundred and fifty four before me Samuel A. Knott an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Charles W. Waddill aged thirty eight years a resident of the County and State aforesaid and a credible witness and made oath in due form of Law to the following affidavit relative to his father Charles Waddill deceased and John Waddill of North Carolina who it is said is an applicant for a revolutionary pension to writ

The above named John Waddill of Buncombe now Madison County North Carolina is a brother to my father Charles Maddill who formerly lived in Washington County Tennessee

Sometime in the latter part of the year Eighteen hundred and fifty one Mr B. McDannel of Greenville Tennessee wrote to my father concerning his knowledge of John Waddill''s service in the war of the revolution. My father received that letter and replied to it stating that he knew of one tour the said John Waddill performed in the war of the revolution under Captain Thomas Price or words to that effect.  Sometime after this, my father was afflicted with dropsy and while lying dangerously ill, I received from Mr. B. McDannel a blank form of affidavit directed to my father with instructions how to fill the
Page 74

[Handwritten]
blanks according to my father's knowledge of
the facts. At that time my father was too ill
of said complaint to be qualified. I waited
near two weeks for him to get better but
he suddenly got worse and died on the fourth
day of June one thousand eight hundred
and fifty two of which I notified Mr B.
McCannel soon after.  My father spoke of
the service under Captain price as a six
months tour of Horsemen and that my uncle
John Waddill was engaged in that service
I also heard my father say whilst on his
death bed, that he knew said John
Waddill to serve in a fort on Watauga river
at the Sycamore Sholes now Carter County
Tennessee and that they were forted there near
six months as well as I can recollect.  
I also here my father say he knew John
Waddill to be engaged in two others towns though he could not recollect the particulars well enough to be qualified to them. I do not recollect the officers' names
My father was a man of truth and was so
esteemed by his neighbors, and if he had lived
would have made oath to the foregoing statement.  I am not interested in the prosecution of this case.
Charles W. Waddill

Sworn to and subscribed this the day and year
first within written before me. I certify that the
said Charles Waddill was personally known
to me and that he was a respectable man and was esteemed as a man of truth and that I am disinterested in this case.
Samuel A Knott J P
Page 75

[Handwritten]

State of Illinois
McDonough County ] SS

I Isaac Grantham clerk of the County Court of Said County do certify that Samuel A. Knott Esq  whose genuine official signature appears to the foregoing statement of Charles W. Waddill is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County and state aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such according to Law and that the same i entitled to full faith and credit as his official act,

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto [illegible] my name and affixed the Seal of Said Court at My Office in Macomb in Said County this 25th day of January AD 1854

Isaac Grantham Clerk  [Signature]
Page 76

Explanatory Declaration
of
John Braddill
with

Additional evidence
Revolutionary Claim
under Act of June 7. 1832.
-
B. McDannel
Agent
Greenville
Tennessee
Page 77

Certificate Comptroller
N.C.
Page 78

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office
I William J. Clarke Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military Service in the Revolutionary war as follows, to wit:
"John Waddill."
Book No. 3. P. 43. L4.S19. Specie
Book No. 1 P. 26. L0.S14. Specie
Book No. 26 P. 56. L15.Sh. Specie
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of office this the 1st. day April 1854
Wm. J. Clarke, Compt'r.
Page 79

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
SS.
Be it known that on the Seventeenth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty seven, before me J. M. Rice a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared John E Patton, resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged forty Two years past, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the Statement relative to John Waddill of said county, who is about to make application for a Pension on account of his services in the war of the revolution viz:
Being called on to make a statement relative to Mr. John Waddill, with a view to his procuring a Pension, I have to say, that the said John Waddill is a resident of Buncombe County in the State of North Carolina, has resided in said county many years, and is apparently about Eighty four or five years of age. Mr. Waddill is one of my neighbors and is a man of good character. He is an honest and intelligent man, and possesses an extraordinary memory, and I esteem him as a man of truth and veracity, and as such, commands the respect of his neighbors and acquaintances.
Some years back, Mr. Waddill possessed property, but is now very poor, and too old to obtain his subsistence by manual labor.
As to his being a Soldier in the American Service during war of the Revolution, I am fully satisfied on that point. It is my belief, and of the neighborhood in which he resides, he did serve as such in said war, and that his statements relative to his service are entitle to full faith and credit
John E. Patton
Sworn and subscribed before me J M Rice a Justice of the Peace the day and year first above written. I further certify that the above named John E Patton is personally known to me and that he is a witness of good character, and respectability whose testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand in Buncombe County and State of
Page 80

North Carolina this Seventeenth 17th day of September 1847.
J M. Rice Justice of the Peace 

We the undersigned, citizens of Buncombe County and State of North Carolina, and Neighbors and Acquaintance of the foregoing named John Waddill, do fully concur in the foregoing Statement made by Mr. John E Patton.
Given under our hands in the county aforesaid this 25th day of September One thousand Eight hundred and forty seven.
J W Bartley
Enoch Farmer
M R Roy
Thos. Woolsey
D. Farnsworth
Wm. Miller

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
SS
Be it known that on the 25th. day of September Eighteen hundred and forty seven, before me J. M. Rice a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the six witnesses, last above mentioned, who are witnesses of good character and respectability, of lawful age, and residents of the County aforesaid, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on their oaths, declare that the contents of the above Certificate, to which they subscribed their names is just and true, according to the best of their knowledge and belief. The said witnesses being personally known to me, I certify that their testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand in the county and State aforesaid this 25th day of September 1847.
J M Rice
A Justice of the Peace
Page 81

I Luke L Branson a Minister of the Baptist Church, being a resident of Buncombe County in the State of North Carolina and having a personal acquaintance with the foregoing named John Waddill, do fully concur in the Statement made by Mr. John E Patton
Given under my hand in the County and State aforementioned this Twentyeth [twentieth] day of September 1847.
Luke L Branson

State of North Carolina
Buncombe County
SS
On this Twentyeth [twentieth] day of September one thousand Eight hundred and forty Seven, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Rev. Luke L Branson a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged thirty nine years past, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath, declare that the contents of the above Certificate, to which he subscribed his name, is just and true, to the best of his knowledge and belief. The said Luke L Branson being personally known to me, I certify that he is a minister of the Gospel as stated in his certificate and is of good character and respectability and reputable in his profession, and that his testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand in the County and State aforesaid this the day and year last above mentioned.
J M Rice
Justice of the Peace
Page 82

State of Tennessee
Greene County
S.S.
On this thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, before me James Shaw an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared John Shields, aged fifty two years past, a resident of the county aforesaid and a credible witness, and made oath in due form of law to the following affidavit to wit:
That he was personally acquainted with Charles Waddill deceased, late of McDonough County Illinois, and that he was a respectable, and intelligent man and of good character, whose word was as good as his oath.
He further states that the said Charles Waddill was a resident of Washington County Tennessee before he removed to said county of McDonough, and a brother to John Waddill, a revolutionary soldier, and an applicant for a pension who now resides in Madison, formerly Buncombe Co. North Carolina.
He further states that the letter of the said Charles Waddill, written by himself of date January 20, 1852, in McDonough County Illinois to B. McDannel relative to the revolutionary Service of the said John Waddill is genuine and entitled to full faith and credit, which letter has been shown to this applicant, and which he recognizes as the said Charles Waddill.
Page 83

handwriting - He further states that from reliable information by letter from Illinois, the said Charles Waddill died in the month of May or June one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
He further states that he is personally acquainted with the said John Waddill and he is reputed as a revolutionary soldier and is satisfied that he did serve in the revolutionary was as an american soldier.
This applicant has also heard his mother Hester Shields, who was Eighty two years of age, two years ago, when she did say that the said John Waddill did actually serve in the war of the revolution, but he is not able to specify any particular service.
J M Shields

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first within mentioned
James Shaw
Justice of the Peace
Page 84

Washington City
Dist. of Columbia
SS
I Andrew Johnson a member of the 32 Congress of the U.S. do certify, that I am personally acquainted with James Shaw Esq. whose genuine official Signature appears to the foregoing proceedings, and that he was an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Greene and State of Tennessee at the date thereof, duly qualified as such according to law and that full faith and credit should be given to the same.
Given under my hand this 29th day of January 1853
Andrew Johnson
Page 85

Copy of J.L. Edwards letter of Jan'y 17 1848
Page 86

Pension Office
Jan 17. 1848
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of John Waddill, with the benefit of a new declaration and the neighborhood opinion of his reputation has been again examined & the exhibits filed. He claims for tours of 4, 6 & 7 months in the N. C. Militia in 1776, 1777 & 1778. There was no such service, agreeably to the information of this Dept. rendered by the N. C. Militia, and as he was but 14 years old in Nov. 1778, he could not have served in the militia except as a substitute of some militiaman. Even if the £5 13 certificate issued to John Waddill refers to him, it is not sufficient to establish six months service or any tour narrated by him or being rendered under the authority of N.C. except some unfinished service in 1780. a claim for service in that state is therefore discredited. He also claims for 7 months service under Capt. McLain, Col Elija Clarkes reg. from Nov. 1780 to June 1781. This tour is represented as being rendered in S. C. & Geo, embracing the siege of Agusta. If the records of S.C. shew that Capt. McClain was in Col. Eliza Clarke's reg. and that the rest was at the siege of Agusta, this term might be allowed for the length of the tour ascertained by the Indents issued to those officers.
[Signed] J. L. Edwards
[signed] Hon. A Johnson
Page 87

Names of some of the officers and fellow soldiers who served with John Waddill in Augusta expedition
Col. Clarke, Capt. McLean, Lieut. Robert McGee all of Georgia.
Messmates - James Bentley, Thomas Hall, Thomas Wheat, and James Wheat of Georgia, the latter was drowned in crossing the Savanna river during the fight. Hugh Mc Gee of Georgia and Capt Dukes Maj. Downs of Geo. was also along part of the time - Capt. Thomas Price - Waddill's old Captain - was killed by a musket ball fired from Augusta across the river.
His home was in Rutherford County N.C. - It may be possible that some of these men have drawn pensions. If so their declarations would corroborate Waddills.
Page 88

John Waddell
To
J.L. Edwards
Letter of Authiny [?]

We desire to see
the papers in this
Case --
3 Oct 1857
Edwards & Smith
W Cole
Oct 3. 1857
Page 89

Warm Springs, Madison
County (formerly Buncombe)
N. Carolina
Sept. 25th 1851

J. L. Edwards Esq.

In January 1835, I made a declaration before Judge Powell in Newport Tennessee for a revolutionary pension under the act of 7th June 1832, but failed on account of the inefficiency of my agent, who could, no doubt, have proven my service by witnesses.
In 1846 I made an amendatory Declaration, before the County Court of Greene County Tennessee at Greenville which, with other papers, was filed with the original Declaration in the pension Office.
I know I served in my several campaigns, 24 months, but I am discredited for all except of months service in South Carolina and Georgia under Capt. McLean and Col. Clarke of Georgia, for which latter service, the Department is disposed to allow me a pension, provided itcan be shewn that Capt. McLean belonged to Col. Clarke's reg't, and that the reg't was at the siege of Augusta. My comrades and others who knew I was in the service during the revolution are all dead or removed to parts unknown to me. It is therefore impossible for me to prove any part of my service,either by witnesses or records, except for some small service against the Indians or Tories, which has been filed with my papers.
Believing that you possess the means of ascertaining the facts in relation to the service of Clarkes Geo. Regt, and that you can produce such evidence as is required by your letter as Commissioner of 17th Jan. 1848, I request that you take charge of my case as my agent, and if you succeed in having me placed on the pension
Page 90

roll, you shall be satisfied for such service.
For full particulars of my service I refer you to my papers on file in the pension office.
I see from your letter of 17 Jan, 1848, as Commissioner, that you have fallen into a mistake insupposing I was at the Siege of Augusta. If I remember right, I only stated in my Declaration that I was engaged in a fight with the British at Augusta, under the command of Capt. McLean and Col Clarke, and that we made a failure upon the town and retreated into the upper country where we operated against the Indians and tories until I was verbally discharged by Capt. McLean, when I returned to my home in Washington County N.C. west of the Blue Ridge, a distance of several hundred miles from where I was discharged. Most of my comrades lived on the East side of the Blue Ridge, hence the difficulty of obtaining their evidence in 1835 when I made my first Declaration.
I will now state the circumstances under which I joined the rest of Col. Clarke of Georgia.
The first regular siege of Augusta was carried on by Col. Clarke between August and October 1780, when he was compelled to raise the siege on account of the approach of British reinforcement from Beaufort under Col. Maitland, and retreat to the mountains of N. Carolina.
The reg't scattered in Burke and Rutherford Counties N.C. for rest and safety as well as to recruit. At this time the British had overrun S.C. and a great portion of N. C. Capt. McLean, one of Clarke's Capt's having some relations in Washington County N.C. on the Western
waters, now Tennessee came over to see them, andwhile in the neighborhood in which I lived, I volunteered under him and joined the reg't east of the mountains in N.C. and marched to Augusta and had the fight
Page 91

with Col. Brown as stated in my Declaration.
I volunteered in Nov. 1780 and was discharged in June 1781, a period of 7 months
The next regular siege of Augusta was carried on by Gen. Pickens and Lieut. Col. Lee, June 5 1781 when Augusta with Ft. Cornwallis was taken.
From the foregoing explanation you will at once see that in your letter referred to herewith
enclosed, you have confounded the "fight" with the "Siege" of Augusta
Respectfully yours &c
[signed] John Waddell
Page 92

John Waddell
Ten - Sus - 1832 [Tennessee - Suspended - 1832]

Copy of Declaration
to be sent to A. Russell Esqr when George
Copies it --
H. [?] R
6 Oct. 1854

Return this letter
to A Russell
Prefect

[obscured writing on left edge]
Page 93

Greenville Ten.
June 1st 1854
Hon. M. G. Taylor
D. Sir - John Waddill of Madison, formerly Buncombe N.C. made a Declaration at Newport Ten. in 1835 before Judge Powell in order to obtain a revolutionary pension, which was filed in the pension office. From a letter of J. L. Edwards former Commissioner to Hon. A. Johnson stating his objections in the case, Mr. Waddill has concluded that his agent P. B. Anderson, erroneously stated some of his service in the war of the revolution. He is therefore desirous to obtain a copy of said Declaration in order to correct the error, if one should be found. He also desires me to state to you that he was one of the early defenders of our country west of the Blue Ridge in N.C. - He was in Sycamore Shoals fort on Wattauga below your Grandmother Tayor's residence in 1776 as a soldier boy under Capt. James Robertson, when the fort was attacked by "Old Abraham" the Cherokee Chief, and was also associated as a defender of the country with your Grandfather Taylor and was also a soldier under Gen. Jno. Carter in 1792 at South West Point. He was a solider 2 years during the revolution, and fought against the British, Tories and Indians, and married the eldest daughter of Gen'l John Sevier. This is a very brief
Page 94

history of the man. Will you do him the favor as well as myself, to obtain a copy of that Declaration and forward the same.
Very respectfully,
your obt. Svt.
[signed] B. Mc Danne;
Page 95

(1)

John Waddill of Buncombe, now Madison Co. N. C. made a Declaration in the Circuit Court at Newport Ten, before Judge Powell, January 15th 1835. Pierce B. Anderson, agent.
The service as alleged, could have been proven then be living witnessess, but Anderson failed to attend to the case. Consequently there was a failure in obtaining the pension.
This Declaration was made according to the forms and regulations prescribed for Regular soldiers. Waddill being a militiaman, it was therefore wrong.
The different tours of Waddill against the Indians, Tories and British is however fully set forth in that Declaration
In 1846 Mr. Waddill made an amendatory Declaration before the County Court of Greene Co. Ten. according to the forms and regulations prescribed for militia soldiers - Both Declarations were under the Act of 7th June 1832. I have acted as his agent since 1846.
The Regulations under the act of 7th June 1832, prescribing for the several classes of claimants, begins at page 550. Mayo and Moulton's compilation, Appendix 111. to which I refer you for a better understanding of the case.
The objections in the case may beseen by reference to a copy of the letter
Page 96

(2)

of J.L. Edwards of 17th January 1848, herewith enclosed
It will be perceived that no credit is given for his alleged service under the authority of the State of N. Carolina
But that if it be shown that Capt. McLean was in Col. Elijah Clarke's reg't and that the reg't was at the siege of Augusta, "this term (7 months, might be allowed for the length of the tour
ascertained by the Indents issued to those officers." Letters from the State departments of S.C. and Geo. now on file, shew that no Indents can be found. This is my impression of the purport of those letters. I think I am right.
Waddill States in his Declaration that he volunteered under Capt. McLean, Col. Clarke's Geo. reg't and marched through N. & S. Carolina to Augusta Geo. where they had a fight with the British commanded by Col. Brown.
He does not say, that he was at the siege of Augusta, as it is expressed in the letter of Mr. Edwards, who was evidently mistaken on this point. He also missed the case when he requires proof, relative to the Indents from the records of S. Carolina, for Waddill did not say in his Declaration that Clarke served under the authority of that state, but on the contrary, alleges (as I think) that Clarke was from Georgia, and that his reg't was a Georgia regiment. 
Waddill goes on to state that after the fight,
Page 97

(3)

the reg't retreated up the country and operated against the Tories and Cherokees or other Indians, and that he was verbally discharged by Capt. McLean.
Now to make this tour correspond with history, and the events of the war, I wish you to bear in mind, that Waddil states in his Declaration that he entered this service in November 1780 and was verbally discharged by Capt. McLean in Geo. in June 1781.
Now for the history of events.
There were three attempts upon Augusta by the American troops.
The first was by Col. Clarke, who laid siege to the place between August and Oct. 1780
"Holmes, American Annals" speaks of it thus - "Cornwallis in the mean time commenced his march with the main army from Cambden through the settlements of the Waxhaws to Charlottville in North Carolina. About the same time, Col Clarke of Georgia, at the head of a small body of men which he had collected in the frontiers of N. & S. Carolina, advanced against Augusta and laid siege to that place. Col Brown, who with a few loyal provincial held that post for the British, made a vigorous defence, and on the approach of Col. Creeger with a reinforcement from Ninety six, Clarke relinquishing the enterprise, and made a rapid retreat through the country along which he had marched to the attack." Holmes' American Annals was published at Cambridge in 1805 - you will
Page 98

(4)

see that the quotation is from page 454, and that this siege is fixed between August and October 1780, which is prior to the time Waddill entered the service in this (Clarkes) reg't, and before the defeat of Col. Ferguson at Kings Mountain October 7th 1780, as will be seen from the following extract from "Ramsays South Carolina" Vol. 1, page 379. published at Charleston in 1809.
"This Corp's (speaking of Fergusons) had been chiefly collected from the remote parts
of the State, and was induced to continue for some time near to the western mountains
with the expectation of intercepting Col. Clarke on his retreat from Georgia."
This account of Clarke's retreat corresponds with the extract from Holmes American annals.
I quote again, from "Ramsays American Revolution" Vol. 2. page 227, published at Trenton in 1811.
"That Spirit of enterprise which has already been mentioned, as beginning to revive among the American militia about this time (Sept. or Oct. 1780) prompted Col. Clarke to make an attempt on the British Post at Augusta in Georgia, but in this he failed and was obliged to retreat"
This also corresponds with the two other accounts of the 1st Siege of Augusta.
I now quote from "Botta's history of the war of Independence " Vol. 2. page 308. "Finally the alarming intelligence
Page 99

(5)

"was announced that Col. Clarke, had assembled a numerous body of mountainers from the upper parts of the Carolinas, a most hardy and warlike rac of men - Though the valiant defence of Col. Brown had defeated a Coup-demain, which they had attempted against Augusta, yet they still kept the field
Their chief (Col. Clarke) had led them into the mountainous part in order to unite with Col. Sumpter, or at least, if the corps of Ferguson prevented that to await new reinforcements of the inhabitants of those regions, whose ardor he well knew."
Still bear in mind that these scraps of history speak of events that happened before Waddill entered the service under McCain and Clarke. I will show directly how it happened that Waddill joined this regiment.
These extracts show that sometime between August and October 1780, Col. Clarke laid siege to Augusta, and that on the near approach of Col. Cruger from Ninety Six, he was compelled to abandon the enterprise and retreat to the mountains.
(You are acquainted by personal observation. with the geography of the country spoken of
and conform correct ideas of the route of retreat from Augusta to the ✴ mountains)
In Waddils Declaration, he states that Col. Clarke with his Georgia regiment had been driven out of that state by the British
✴ He could not retreat to the mountains in Georgia on account of the hostile Cherokees.
Page 100

(6)

and that he had taken refuge in the mountain Counties of N.C. I am not certain but he mentions the counties of Burke and Rutherford (Please examine the Declaration) that while his broken reg't was quartered in Burke (I think) and while they were recruiting, Capt. McLean came over to Washington Co. N.C. now Tennessee, into the neighborhood of Chucky and Brownsboro,to see some relations, at which time Mr Waddill volunteered under him. At that time Waddill lived near Brownsboro with his father - Burke and Washington were adjoining counties. Waddill then states that he went over to Burke or Rutherford and joined the Reg't - this was in Nov. 1780- one month after the defeat of Ferguson, and some two or three months after the Siege of Augusta by Clarke.
Waddell then marched down through N. & S. Carolina into Georgia, and Clarke made a second attempt upon Augusta - Col. Brown of the British still commanding at that place, Clarke being again unsuccessful once more retired up the country, where Waddill was discharged by Capt. Mc Lean in June 1781.
I think the history of this second attempt can certainly be found in McCalls history of Georgia. Please examine for the Book. I have no chance of getting it here. 
Mr. Edwards required me to prove, by his
Page 101

(7)

letter of 17th January 1848, that Capt. McLean was in Col. Elijah Clarke's reg't and that the reg't was at the siege of Augusta.
I wrote you sometime ago to get some Georgia member to write to Gov. Cobb, or other person to examine for the Indents, or other evidence of the service of Capt. McLean and Col Clarke at Milledgeville - This was suggested to me by you, before you left home. But if such evidence cannot be obtained, we have enough of history, to prove that Col. Clarke commanded a Georgia reg't and that the reg't was driven out of Georgia to the western mountains of the Carolina's - a short time before Nov. 1780 when Maddill entered the service in that reg't - all of which movements corroborates Waddills statements relative to this service, and upon which we must rely to establish the 7 months service in Clarke's reg't.
The history of North Carolina shows that Col. Clarke had been with his men, in the upper parts of the Carolinas, fighting under Genl's Sumpter and McDowell and Col Shelly, previous to his second flight from Augusta, and it was very natural for him to take refuge in that part of the country again, with his friends.
Page 102

(8)

The 3d attack upon Augusta, which was properly the 2d regular siege, was carried on by Gen. Pickens, and Col. Lee - Col. Clarke was also present.
This was his third fight at that place, which took place in the month of June 1781 - the same month that Waddil was discharged.
This time Col. Brown surrendered Augusta with fort Cornwallis.
The foregoing scraps of history show that Clarkes 1st Siege of Augusta took place between August and October 178 -. I wish you would compare this with the date of Waddils fight at August - I think that it is just as I have stated it; but if I should be mistaken, and his date should agree with the date of the 18 siege by Clarke, or the siege by Pickens and Lee in June 1781.
Now I have tried to throw this matter into such a shape as to make it plain.
It will however cost you some time and thinking to get it right in your mind. I hope you will be able to get this Clarke service of 7 months allowed.
Page 103

(1)

North Carolina Service

John Waddill Stated in his original Declaration, if I mistake not, that his first tour was under Captain Robertson and Lieutenant John Sevier - was forted at Hopsons fort on Nolachucky - fled with the garrison, on the approach of Cherokee Indians, to Sycamore Shoals fort, on Watauga, some 5 or 6 miles below Elizabethton, where the Cherokee under "Old Abraham" attacked them, but was repulsed. This service began in May  1776 and ended in Nov. 1776 - He was then 12 years old, but quite a stout boy. But on some account, I think he did not claim for this service, tho' it is my impression,
that it is set forth in his original Declaration - The attack on the Wattauga fort in June 1776, is established by Wheelers history of North Carolina, published in 1857, page 450. Thus corroborating Waddil'sl statement of the attack, with corresponding dates. If this tour is set forth in his original Declaration, and he mentions the attack on Wattauga fort, it is clear thatnhe commenced his narrative with truth on his side, and he therefore, ought to receive more credit for truth, with regard to his statements of after service, than Mr. Edwards seems disposed to give him in his letter of 17th Jany 1848.
I pass over the other tours mentioned until I come to the 3d tour for which he claims under Captain Thomas Price
Page 104

(2)

I think this is Waddills 3d tour for which he claims - This service commenced in June 1777 or 1778, and ended in December of the same year - say 6 months, as a mounted ranger -, which is the same as cavalry, and for which he is entitled at the rate of $100 per annum as a private of $25 for 6 months - For the Infantry service [lined thru] he would be entitled [/lined thru] under Col. Clarke, he would be entitled at the rate of $80 per annum.
That is 2 years service would be $80- 12 months $40 - 7 months $23.33 1/3 -
If the Clarke service for 7 months, and the service for 6 months under Price as a private of mounted rangers or Cavalry should be allowed. the whole would be $25. and $23.33  1/3 per annum or in the whole $48 33 1/3 per annum from the 4th March 1831 to the 4th March 1853 - 23 years, amounting to $1,11,60 -
Enclosed you will find two letter from McDonough County Illinois - one from John Waddills brother Charles, stating that he knew of the service under Capt Thos. Price - the other from his son, stating that his father died before his affidavit could be taken. Also my own affidavit and that of John Shields - I hardly suppose that mine will be admissible. I expect they will require C. W. Waddill to swear to what he has
Page 105

(3)

stated in his letter-- In anticipation of this I have written to C. W. Waddill to swear to what he heard his father say, and what he was willing to swear to in relation to the service under Capt. Price - This same Capt. Thomas Price was killed at or near Augusta, during Waddill's fight there, as will be seen by reference to his original Declaration.
I think Waddill claims in his Declaration for 15 days at one time and 16 at another as a mounted ranger against the tories under Capt. Robt Sevier (Old Val's father)
There is on file a certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. showing that a Specie Certificate for five pounds 13 shillings issued in the name of John Waddill for military service - which in dollars and cents would make between $20 and $25 - Mr. Edwards would not admit this Certificate as applicable to any service narrated by Waddill.
But I think it covers the service as a cavalry soldier under Sevier for one month - At any rate you can press it on these grounds.
Page 106

(4)
We now boil the whole thing down as follows -
1st. We claim for 6 months service as a Cavalry Soldier under Capt. Thomas Price - and one month as a Cavalry Soldier under Capt. Robert Sevier - say 7 months relying on the Illinois letters &c as evidence, or as corroborative evidence of the first, and upon the Certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. for the latter service, rating the pension at $100 per annum for 2 years service. $50. for 12 months and $25 for 6 months service. 
2d. We claim for 7 months service as an Infantry soldier under Capt. McLean Col. Clarke's Georgia reg't relying upon the corroborative historical scraps already quoted on another sheet, at the rate of $80 per annum. We also rely upon the Rules and Regulations of the Department of the 27th June 1832, modified to suit militia cases, such as Waddills, where positive proof of service cannot be obtained. See those Rules in Mayo and Moultons compilation, Page 550. Read frompage 551, beginning at "Every applicant who claims a pension" &c. -  and 552 and 553, including Note L. and K.
If you will take the trouble to compare his Declaration Amendatory
Declaration with these rules, you will see that they have been complied with.
Page 107

(5)

and that the modifications as to evidence suits Waddill's case - which you can
insist on as applicable to it. 
As to the other tours I suppose they may go by the board for the present.
If any one tour should be allowed upon historical corroborative evidence I can find history for the ballance hereafter. It would not do, to insiston all at one time. 
Waddill was born on the 1st November 1764. If it is insisted upon that he was too young to have performed service under the State of N. C. prior to 1778 or 9 or 80, you can cite the case of Gen. Jackson, when he fought the British at the Waxhaws in S.C at the age of 12 or 13. where he was taken prisoner, as well as the fact that in those times, anybody could be a soldier who could carry a gun and shoot it. It wont do to say
that a boy 12 or 13 or 14 years of age cant perform military service in
the field. I know by experience what could be done at that age.
As far as activity and bodily ability is concerned - I know I could have performed a campaign at that age.
If you desire any explanation let me know
Page 108

The service in Capt. Price's Co. took place in 1777 or 78. See which of these years, as stated in the Declaration - I regret that I did not keep exact copies.
And then if necessary, see Charles Wadills Declaration for Land Bounty, for his age, which will show how old he was when John Waddill performed the service in Prices Co. in 1777 or 8 by counting back from the date of his Declaration to that time. He must have applied under the act of 28th Sept. 1850 from McDonough County Illinois.
I might make other suggestions but, this is already too lengthy

As usual
[signed] B Mc Dannel
Jan. 12, 1853.

[signed] Hon A Johnson
Page 109

(3- 776)

SERVICE
Md.

Waddle, George

NUMBER
S.9515
Carded

CONTENTS
Page 110

26.431
Maryland
George Waddle
to in the State of
was a Pr.
in the Company commanded
by Captain Cormacks of the Regt commanded
by Col Wood in the in the [?] Md. Militia 

Pr $33.33-

Incribed on the Roll of Maryland
at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of June
and sent to
Hon. CT  Heicon, AR

Arrears to the 4th of Mar '3?  100.00
========
$116.66 1/2
========
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by [signed] J. T. Sprague, Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 5 Page 122

[torn off]elfast
M. C. Sprigg
Agt Aug 12. 1836
do 20 Jany 35 Hon A
Stewart Letters to Hon A.
Stewart and M C. Sprigg, Feb 17.
1835. do to James Smith April 11
1835- do to James Smith April 21. 1835-
Do to Hon. D Jennifer
Apl 18, 1836. Do to S. W.
Temmer Aug 26, 1836 & Hon
D. Kilgore Aug 31 1836 - Do to
[lined thru] S. M. Semmes Sept. 27.
1836 - Do to S. M. Semmes 18 Oct. 1836
Do S. M. Semmes 9 Nov. 1836 [/lined thru]

Death not on A.B.
JRR
Page 111

31.335
George Waddle
Maryland

from 1776 perform
10 months
$33.32/100
Hon.  A. Stewart
N R
Page 112

State of Maryland Allegany County towit,
On this tenth day of June 1834 personally appeared in Open Court
before the Orphans Court of Allegany County aforesaid now sitting, George Waddle a resident of Allegany County and state aforesaid aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated; He entered the service as a volunteer in the fall of the year 1776 - the date he does not recollect - in Captain John Carmack's company in Frederick County Md where he then resided. This company belonged to Col Jas. Johnstons Regiment.
The whole militia then ordered from Maryland was commanded by Genl Thomas Johnston - The detachment from the Regiment to which he belonged was under the command of Col Joseph Wood, and when organised they marched through Lancaster to Philadelphia and thence through N. Jersey to a place called Basking Ridge the place where Genl Charles Lee had been taken prisoner a few weeks before by the British Army. He was drafted he thinks for this tour of duty in the fall of 1776, but did not march to join the army until the January following, and returned home the latter end of March 1777. He received no discharge to best of his recollection.
Page 113

Afterwards he served four tours of Militia duty in Frederick Town Maryland of two months each guarding the Prisoners of Burgoynes Army in the year 1778, 1779 & 1780. He is not possessed of any documentary evidence to prove his service, nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure to testify to the same.
He was born in Frederick County Maryland on the 14th May 1757 - lived there until he was twelve years of age when he went to N. Carolina.
He returned in 1775 to Frederick County Md & resided there until 1780 when he came to Alegany  County Maryland where he has resided ever since. He has no record of his age.
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity excepting the present, declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] georg Waddle

We David Lynn and John Porter ---
residing in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, certify that we are well acquainted with George Waddle who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur
Page 114

in that opinion.
[signed] David Lynn
[signed] John Porter
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
I further certify of my own knowledge that I know that the Militia ordered from Maryland in 1776-7 that was commanded by Gen'l Johnson did march to Basking Ridge in Jersey - and that soon after the general arrived there he was elected Governor of Maryland and express sent for him.
I have known George Waddle as a married man living on the farm where he now resides in Allegany County as far back as the year 1789.  
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] David Lynn

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that David Lynn & John Porter who signed the preceding certificates are residents of Allegany County, Maryland, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
[signed] H. L. Cus[?] [illegible]
Page 115

State of Maryland Allegany County, to wit:
I,  Charles Hick Register of Wills in and for Allegany County, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of
the application of George Waddle for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Tenth day June Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
[signed] Charles Heck, Register
of Wills for Allegany County
Page 116

[typed letter]
June 9, 1934.
 
BA-J/ILL [illegible handwritten initials]
George Waddle
S. 9515

Mrs. J. Roy Stockton
7262 Colgate Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information regarding George Waddle, a Revolutionary War soldier.

The record of only one soldier with that name has been found and is furnished herein as shown in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 9515, based upon his service in that war.

George Waddle was born May 14, 1757, in Frederick County, Maryland and lived there until twelve years of age, at which time he moved to North Carolina; in 1775, he returned to Frederick County, Maryland.

While a resident of Frederick County, Maryland, he enlisted in the fall of 1776, served as private in Captain John Carmack company, Colonel James Johnson's Maryland regiment, marched with a detachment under Colonel Joseph Wood to Baskenridge, New Jersey, and was discharged in March 1777, length of service between five and six months. After that, he served a tour of two months in each year until April 1780, in the Maryland militia, on guard in Frederick, Maryland. Some time in April, 1780, he moved to Allegany County, Maryland, where he volunteered under Colonel Lemuel Barret as an Indian Spy but was not called into service.

George Waddle was allowed pension on his application executed June 10, 1834, at which time he resided in Allegany County, Maryland. It was stated then that he had lived on the same farm in Allegany County, as a married man, since 1789. There is no other reference to wife or a family of the soldier in this pension claim.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 117

1934 - June 9 - Hist. to Mrs. J. Roy
Stockton-IRR

9515
Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 9515
---
George Waddle
Priv Rev War
---
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 393
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 118

J L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Pas'd
Page 119

J L Edward Esq
I am requested to  procure a Copy of the evidence or grounds on which the pension of George Waddle of Cumb [?] has been suspended. He alleges the objection or rather suggestion of fraud is utterly unfounded & originated in personal hostility which he is prepared fully & satisfactorily to prove he therefore wishes to to know what evidence exists tojustify the withholding of his pension.
Yours respectfully
A Stewart
26431
16 (Illegible) 35
Page 120


Nov 22d
Geo Waddle
(illegible)

(Vertical text below)
J L Edwards
(Comm of Pensions)
Washington City
DC
Page 121

Cumberland Novr 9th 1835
Dear Sir,
I enclose John [Illegible] affidavit according to your instructions for George [Williams] is not a 
at this time in Allegany County. He left [bound] for the East about two weeks [ago], and does not [plan to return to] this county for a month [Rest of line illegible]
until the Spring. [Rest of line illegible]
are satisfied that the Department 
reason to be cautious in admitting the claim
of persons [Illegible]. But I think Waddle
has been satisfactorily [Illegible] and ought the [doubt] of Mr. [Sprigg] to [Illegible] against him? I declare that if a doubt did [ever] exist the [Illegible] Government would [Illegible] nothing more than right in every instance to give to the claimant.
Speaking as an individual and for myself
I do believe that the whole [of] Waddles statement is true. He has often spoken to me about his revolutionary services. And though he did return to the mountains to avoid future services, certainly he ought to be paid for what he did.
Please let me hear from the Department
[Jno.] Waddle will set out for the West in a few 
weeks, and may never return. If he is allowed a
renewal of his pension, let it be done at once.
Very respectfully
S. M. Semmes
I did not think the Clerk certificate necessary 
as the Justice of the Peace is the same who took Waddles affidavit.
Page 122

S. M. Semmes
To D Jenifer
Page 123

Cumberland April 9 1836
My dear Sir,
A Revolutionary soldier residing in this County, by the name of George Wadell obtained a certificate in 1834 authorizing him to draw a small pension for his services as a private during the Revolution. After he had drawn the "first parts" of his certificate, some ill natured person
in this County, thought proper to caution the Department against  Mr Waddle's claim, the consequence was, that the Department exacted additional proof from Mr Waddle of his Revolutionary services. This proof he has never been able to procure until now & I am at a loss
how to advise him to proceed so as to make it available. Will you please be so kind therefore as to procure for me, at the Commissioner of Pensions Office, a set of instructions & provide them immediately. Mr.  Edwards I believe is the commissioner, & will perhaps be able to inform you all about Mr Waddle's case. Please consult with him & let him send me the necessary instructions.
Page 124

John Porter
Affidavit
Page 125

State of Maryland Allegany County to wit:
Be it remembered that on this nineteenth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six, before me the subscribed a Justice of the peace in and for Allegany County aforesaid, personally appears John Porter and makes oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that he is now upwards of fifty years old, that he has know George Waddle ever since
this deponent was a boy, that from his boyhood up he has frequently heard George Waddle speak of the Revolutionary War, and of the part which he (Waddle) took in said War, that he has frequently spoke to this deponent of his having served at or about the time of Burgoyne's Capture, and also of his having been drafted to serve as a guard over the prisoners at Frederick town. Waddle's his conversation with this deponent were held
at different times from the earliest recollection of this deponent to the present time, and long before any thing like pensions from the government were talked of
Page 126

this deponent always placed the most implicit confidence in the statements of Waddle about his revolutionary service. Waddle had no motive to misrepresent his services to this deponent, and this deponent never had the slightest doubt of the truth of Waddles statements. This deponent has known Waddle  a long time, and believes that he would not make a false statement to get a pension. He has never detected Waddle in any false statements since he has known him. When this deponent made his former the statement about Waddle, he had no other object in veiw but to put the Department in possession of all he knew relative to Waddle's claim for a pension, and intended that his language should be understood according to its natural purport. He believes Waddle
Page 127

entitled to a pension and thinks he ought to have it ---
Sworn before
[signed] Jno McNeill
Page 128

free
D. Kilgore
N.C.

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[left side on edge]
Sept 26

[illegible]

Geo Waddle
Private [?]

[date stamp]
CADIZ
SEP 22
OHIO
[/date stamp]
Page 129

Cadiz. O. Sept 23rd 1836
Sir
A short absence from home has prevented me Answering sooner yours of the 31st ulti. enclosing a copy of the affidavit of Thomas Parkinson in relation to the revolutionary service of George Waddel. In reply to your enquiry about what kind of character the affiant sustains in the neighbourhood where he resides, I can only say that I have been personally acquainted with him for the last twenty years, and that during all that period his reputation has been that of an honest and upright man.
He has acted in the township in which he resides, as Justice of the peace for many years. He is not however a man of much intelligence, and I think it not unlikely possesses much of that pertinacity in his recollection of past events, which is frequently met with in persons of his advanced age & limited information.
Yours [tru]
[signed] D. Kilgore
[signed] J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Page 130

S. M. Semmes
27 Sep. 1832
P. C.
Record Vol 41 P 118,
Page 131

War Dept
Pension Office
Sept 27, 1836

Sir,
On a more full investigation of the case of George Waddle, it has been deemed proper to require further proof.
He must explain under oath his own statement which he made two years since, in which he [lined thru] alleged [/lined thru] acknowledged that he had deserted from the army after a few
weeks service; that he then went to Allegany County, met with a
Colonel Barrett who becoming acquainted with his case, promised to protect him from punishment provided he would agree to serve under him as an Indian Spy; that he did so agree, but was
never called into the service.
A full and satisfactory explanation is required.
S. M. Semmes, Esq
Cumberland
Maryland
Page 132

War Dept.
Pension Office
Nov. 9. 1836
Sir,
Your letter of the 25th ult. respecting George Waddles case has been received.
It is said that John Porter, who certified in favor of Waddle, when he made his declaration
in order to obtain a pension, was not fully aware of the purport of the certificate which he signed. An affidavit from Porter, explanatory of his statement, should be obtained and sent to this office.
 G. McCulloh, Esqr. who I understand is a near neighbor of Mr. Waddle, may be able to state his knowledge of Waddle, and his reputed service. Mr. McCulloh should be applied to in
order to obtain his certificate.
This Dept. entertains no doubt whatever of your character and standing in society. I am fully satisfied also that you would not on any account advocate any claim, knowing it to be fraudulent; but [large section lined thru] the rules laid down for my guidance in the investigation of such cases must be adhered to, and although they may appear rather too rigid in some few cases, yet as they have been
Page 133

ffound by experience to be the best calculated to guard the Dept. against imposition, they are more free from objections than any others that could be adopted
I am
S. M. Semmes, Esq
Cumberland
Maryland

[left side on edge]
S. M. Semmes
Md
9 Nov 1836
O C
Page 134

S. M. Semmes Esqr
Cumberland Md
October 18 1836
Record Vol 41, P. 144.
Page 135

War Dept.
Pension Office
Oct. 18, 1836
Sir,
The amended statement of George Waddle, which you sent to this office, has been received here. If he will obtain testimonials respecting his character from persons known at this Dept. such proof will tend very materially to remove the obstacles in this case. The Hon. M. C. Sprigg, of Frostburg, should be applied to for a statement in favor of Waddle.
-----
S. M. Semmes Esqr
Cumberland
Maryland
Page 136

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office

[writing on edge]
Apl 13.
im - at -
Geo. Waddle
26431
Md
Hon D. Jenifer H R
[/writing on edge]
Page 137

Mr. Edwards
Will oblige Mr. Jenifer by sending him the papers as desired in the enclosed so that he may forward them to be executed.
HRep Apr. 12". 36
Page 138

[left side, on edge] Apl. 17
Pension Case of G. Waddle
James L. Edwards Esq.
Com'r Pensions
War Department
Washington
D.C.
Page 139

Cumberland, Md. April 14th 1835.
James L. Edwards Esq
Sir:
Your letter of the 11th instant has been duly received, and in reply I would, in behalf of George Waddle, respectfully request you to enclose to me a copy of the allegations filed against him, in order that he may be enabled to repel the charge made against him.
I am very respectfully
Yr. Ob't Sr't [Your Obedient Servant]
James Smith
Page 140

Frostburg Md                      Free
Augst 6
To the
Hon. Lewis Cass
Sec'y of War
Washington City
D. C.
Frostburg, MD
Augst 6
Pension Office
9 Augt 1834
Caveat.
Referd to
Mr. Edwards
Page 141

Frostburgh Md. Aug 4, 1834
Dr. Sir
Believing it to be the duty of every good citizen to guard the officers of the gov't against imposition & fraud and believing that something of that kind must have been practised in procuring a place on the pension list for George Waddel a neighbour of mine whose story I have heard more than once, I take the liberty to ask of you the favor to furnish me with the testimony by which his claim was sustained.
I am very respectfully &c
Yours
M. C. Sprigg
Page 142

George Waddle's
Explanation on oath
Page 143

State of Maryland Allegany County } to wit:
Be it remembered that on this fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appears George Waddle lately a pensioner of the United States Government, and makes oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that in the year General Lee was taken prisoner during the revolutionary war, he was drafted as a soldier to serve for six months under Capt. Carmack & Lieut. Keeler. Thomas Johnson was Brigadier General of the Battalion which he joined and Joseph Wood Lieutenant Colonel. This deponent states that he served out the time for which he was drafted which was six months. 
At the expiration of the six months he was placed in the company that was classed to guard Burgoyne's prisoners or the prisoners that were taken at Burgoyne's capture. There were seven thousand and five hundred prisoners as this deponent was told at the time, and these prisoners were put in the Barracks at Fredericktown in this State. That he was employed four tours two months each time, in his capacity as guard. This service was done at different times when it came to this deponent's turn as member of the class to which he belonged. That after he finished his fourth tour he returned to his home which was then in Frederick County
Page 144

That he very shortly after removed to Allegany County where he has lived ever since. He removed to Allegany County in April in the year 1780. That after he removed to Allegany County in the same year, Colonel Lemuel Barrett also was then engaged in raising a company of Indian spies, told this deponent, if he would enlist under him as an indian spy, that he could not be taken under any subsequent draft, & this deponent accordingly enlisted under said Barrett as an Indian spy but was never called into service in this capacity. This deponent admits that he left Frederick and came to Allegany County in order to avoid any subsequent drafts. That he was very poor and preferred working his land to earn his living to serving again in the army. The above is all the statement this deponent ever made to any one concerning his revolutionary services. If any different statement has been made to the department as coming from this deponent it is erroneous and false. The informant if honest, has been led into his mistake by supposing that this deponent enlisted under Barrett to avoid any service; it was to avoid future drafts. This deponent indignantly denies that he ever deserted from the service of his country for the time he was enlisted and called to duty. He came to Allegany County at the end of his term of service, to
Page 145

avoid future drafts only, & with that view enlisted under Col. Barrett but was never called into service
Sworn before
[signed] Jno. McNeill

Maryland Allegany County ss.
I hereby Certify that John McNeill Gentleman before whom the within affidavit was made
and who has thereunto Subscribed his name was at the time of so doing one of the Justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid duly Commissioned & Sworn
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my name & affixed my Seal of Office this 14th
day of October A.D. 1836.
[signed] Aza Beall Clk
of Allgy County Court
[Seal affixed lower left]
Page 146

Apl 7.
Geo. Waddle
Md Roll
(Pension Claim)
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 147

Cumberland, Md. April 4th 1835.
Sir:
Mr. George Waddle of Allegany County Md. whose pension has been restored, as stated in your letter to the Hon. A. Stewart of Feb. 17th, has presented his papers for payment at the Union Bank of Baltimore, and payment has been refused. The agent for the Government at that institution states that he has received no notice of the removal of the suspension. Mr. Waddle has made his case known to me and in his behalf I would respectfully request you to instruct the agent at the Union Bank, to pay Mr. Waddle's pension as if the same had never been suspended, which I presume will be the regular mode of proceeding. Please also inform me of your having given such instruction, as soon as you shall have done so.
With respect -
Yr. Obt. Srvt.
[signed] James Smith
Atty at Law
Page 148

State of Ohio Harrison County }
In the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Harrison, State of Ohio, at A June Term A.D. one thousand Eight hundred & thirty six, personally appeared Thomas Parkinson of said County, who being duly Sworn & examined in open Court deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with George Waddel of Allegheny County Maryland, who is not present in Court.
That he was well acquainted with the said Waddel in the year one thousand Seven hundred & Seventy five & knows of his own personal knowledge that the said Waddel Served as a soldier in the War of the Revolution, in the Company of Capt. John Carmack, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Wood, in the Bregade commanded by Thomas Johnston of Maryland Militia called out into the Service of the United States - said Waddel served a term of six months in the years 1775 & 1776 -- one from 1776 to 1780 he was classed in such a manner that he was liable to be called into service at any time when required & under this requisition the said Waddel was called out & actually served four tours - two months at a time making fourteen months of actual service
During this whole period of Service when at home he resided in the plantation adjoining the undersigned, & this Deponent being a regular soldier then, I was well acquainted with him said Waddel & his services as
as above stated -
[signed] Thos Parkinson

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court
June 28th 1836 before me
[signed] Wm Tingly Clerk
Page 149

Personally appeared also at the same time & place Josiah Scott & William Reed Respectable Citizens of said County of Harrison, who being duly sworn depose & say that they are well acquainted with Thomas Parkinson the above Deponent & personally know him to be a credible witness & most respectable man, whose statements on oath or otherwise are entitled to, & would receive from them, implicit belief-
[signed] William Reed
[signed] Josiah Scott
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court June 28th 1836 -
before me [signed] Wm Tingley Clerk

I do further certify that William Reed and Josiah Scott who signed the foregoing certificate are reputable men, and entitled to belief and that Thomas Parkinson who signed the preceding position is a resident in the County of Harrison and State of Ohio and is a credible person whose statement is entitled to credit-
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand seal of office. This the twenty eight of June A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six -
[signed] William Tingley Clerk

[illegible Seal attached lower left]
Page 150

FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[left side, on edge]
26431
Dec 12
Geo. Waddle
Md. [?]
you have the papers

[date stamp]
CUMBERLAND
DEC 10
MD [?]
Page 151

Cumberland Dec 10 1836

Dear Sir
Not having heard from you in reply to my last letter enclosing John Perkins affidavit, I have presumed that you have deemed further proof of Waddles Claim necessary. It is not probable that I shall be able to procure George McCulloch's certificate until next spring. He had left the County before I last heard from you, and I do not know
where he is, and if I did, I think it very doubtful whether Mr McCalloch would give
attention enough to a letter from me upon the subject, to forward to you the necessary certicate. In my opinion his certificate can add no strength to Waddle's claim, but the Department shall have it when he returns, if [illegible].
I should be had to hear from you
Very respectfully
[signed] J. M. Semmes
Page 152

FREE
J. L. Edwards (Comm. of Pensions)
Washington City
D.C.

[left side, on edge]
Oct 17
Geo Waddle
Md roll [Maryland roll]
26431

[date stamp]
CUMBERLAND
OCT
14
MA [Maryland]
Page 153

Cumberland Oct 14th 1836

Dear Sir
I enclose
Waddles explanation on oath. I do think that this poor old man has just ground for complaint in being stopped of his pay from the government for his evolutionary service. If you require evidence of the character of Waddle for truth I will furnish it.
Very respectfully
[signed] J. M. Semmes
Page 154

FREE
J. L. Edwards
(Commissioner of Pensions)
Washington City
D. C.

[left side, on edge]
Geo Waddle Oct 27
Md [?]

[date stamp]
CUMBERLAND
OCT 25
MA [Maryland]
Page 155

Cumberland Oct 25 1836
Dear Sir,
I have applied to Mr Sprigs for the Certificate you require to remove all obstacles to the objection [?] of Waddle's pension. As Mr Sprigs is the individual who cautioned the Department against Waddles claim he declines giving a certificate. I must say that Mr Waddle has great cause for complaint against Mr Sprigs who knows of nothing prejudicial to Waddle's claim but who from mere suspicion has prevailed on the department to do what I conceive to be gross injustice. Waddle his certainly shows by indisputable evidence that he is entitled to a pension from the government. He has made all necessary explanations under oath & yet because Mr Sprig happen to be the only man in Allegany County "known to the Department" he is to be denied the "miserable pittance" the the Law allows him. Does the Department doubt the statements in Wadelle's affidavit? He is certain to be credited on oath. No one in the County will say to the contrary. I myself have not the least doubt of the truth of Waddles affidavit, otherwise sir, I assure you, I would not contenance the Claim for a moment. If you wish to know who I am, I refer for you to Gen. Wightman, Mr. [?]clain Clark Gen. Greer, R. Semmes, George Town, Wm L. Brown B.J. Summer, of Prince Georges County, member in Congress &c.
Very Respectfully
[signed] J.M. Semmes
Page 156

Pd. S. M. S.
12½
PAID
J. L. Edwards Esq.
(Comm of Pensions)
Washington City
D. C.

[left side, on edge]
Aug 22nd
Geo Waddle
Md Roll [Maryland Roll]
26431

[date stamp]
CUMBERLAND
AUG 
19
MA [Maryland]
Page 157

Cumberland Aug. 20 1836

Dear Sir,
I wrote you a letter enclosing an affidavit in the case of George Waddle, some severalweeks since, and requested from you the favour of a reply will you be so good as to attend to my request, for Mr Waddle is very anxious to know what effect the affidavit I sent, will have. That it be sufficient to restore to him his pension, he will immediately go to the West, and have additional evidence taken and put in such a form as will undoubtedly secure [?] the pittance to which he is entitled. If you decline having any thing
do with the Waddles case, will you please return to us the affidavit, and he will have to incur the expense of employing some one in Washington to attend to the claim.
May I expect an answer from immediately?
Very respectfully
[signed] S. M. Semmes
Cumberland
Allegany County
Maryland
Page 158

PAID
Paid 25
J. L. Edwards, (Commission of Pensions}
Washington City
D.  C.

[left side, on edge]
July 11
Geo. Waddle
Md roll [Maryland roll]
26431 

Aud'd Aug 26 1836

[date stamp]
CUMBERLAND
JUL
9
MA [Maryland]
Page 159

Cumberland July 9th 1835
Dear Sir -
I addressed a letter to you some months
since concerning the case of George Waddle. I received no answer & immediately wrote to the Hon. [Ill] Jenifer, through whose polite
attention, a letter was obtained from you. In the mean time Mr Waddle went to the Western Country in pursuit of his old neighbor & witness Mr Parkinson, than whom, I believe there is no man more worthy of credit. I enclose Parkinson's affidavit. Not having received your letter before Mr Waddle left, I
could not give very precise instructions as to the requisites of the affidavit. But upon repeating the one which Mr Waddle processed & herewith enclosed, and comparing it with the instructions in your letter, I think you will deem it satisfactory. If not please let me know what further proof is required, or in what shape shall our proof be put.
Mr Waddle served fourteen months and is entitled to more pay than was allotted to him by his present certificate. Please let me hear from immediately.
S. M. Semmes
Cumberland
Allegany County
Mar'd
P.S. Return the affidavit if not satisfactory.
Page 160

Feb 26
Geo. Waddle
Md Roll
1832
Frostburg Md
Feby 25
Free
To James L. Edwards Esqr
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 161

Feb 23d 1835
Sir
As I never copied a letter in my life and can not distinctly recollect the entire contents of the one to you of the "4th Augt last" to which you refer in your's of the 14th Inst. just [passed], I have no means of ascertaining at this time the extent of my information in relation to George Waddel's case. But I am under the impression that I then gave you all the information I am now in possession of on the subject. And which I think is sufficient, if credit be given it, to show that he is not entitled to a pension. I will however be (perhaps) more explicit. Meeting with Mr. Waddel just after I was informed of his intention to apply for a pension, I asked him about his services, officers &c. &c. He stated that he had "enlisted in Frederick Maryland and was placed there
Page 162

with others to guard some Hessian prisoners, that he did not like the service, and in the course of some two or three weeks deserted and came off to this County, Allegany, then pretty much of a wilderness. That here he met with a Col. Barrett who by some means becoming apprised of his desertion, promised to protect him from punishment for that offense provided he would agree to serve under him as an Indian (illegible) that he did so agree, but that he never was called on and consequently never did pass as such." This was the sum and substance of his account of revolutionary service, repeated two or three times to me and others. To some others his tale has (illegible) a little, but not (illegible) - I have mentioned the subject to several who have known him forty years and upwards. They all declare that they never until very recently heard of his having been a Revolutionary soldier and do not believe he ever was - I refer you to A. Bruce & Peter Preston, Esq., both of whom were I believe born in the neighborhood, to Geo. (George) Stoyer a pensioner to (illegible) County & Cuthbert Coombs - all old men except a W. B. who is none than 40 years interrogating W. Waddell he was (& Andrews) unable to state any services he had.
Page 163

performed or to name a [illegible] officer under whom he had served I was given this information from a person of justice to the dept to duty to my country and at the [illegible] that if it be known I will have made an [illegible] of [illegible] who is generally reputed to be a very bad p[illegible], but who has always trusted me with civility & respect yet do not desire [illegible] if it be at best all necessary to presence a different course Best I cannot [illegible] formally to "file charges" If [illegible] the statement [illegible] is contradicted by any or holding a respectable station is society I promise to [illegible] if informed of it that e is not entitled to the station he holds anymore than Waddel is to a pension [illegible] one of the individuals who signed [illegible] certificate (Jno Porter) has since told no that he died not more fully its purports and that he thought he was merely certifying that W had told him he was a revolutionary soldier" How the other who is as intelligent & respectable man could have been induced to certify for him [illegible] [illegible] to conjecture sought also to have [illegible] you to Geo MCCalloh Esq [crossed out also] who has lived [illegible] Waddle [illegible] years
Very Respectfully yours
MC Sprigs
Page 164

BA-J/JLL
In re: George Waddle.  March 18, 1934, St. Louis Mo.

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C. 

(only one) I am still trying to secure information concerning one George Waddle who served in the Revolutionary War. I wrote you sometime ago and will as briefly as possible outline the information I have received from other sources. My only interest in this man is to get the necessary information to become a member of the D.A.R.
In our family records it shows my Grandmothers maiden name Mary Jane Dunnevant. Her mothers maiden name, Mary Waddle, Mary Waddles fathers name, George Waddle with the information "who served in the Revolutionary War." The only date is that of my Grandmothers birth: Mary Jane Dunnevant born Boonville Mo. May 25,1844.
I have written to Boonville but all records prior to 1861 were burned in fire during CivilWar.
From Adjutant Generals Office, Washington D.C.:
George Waddle, private, Atleys Regiment Penn.Troops
The Adjutant Generals Office suggests that I write you, which I did, and from your office comes the following:
"In order to identify the record of the particular solider named George Waddle in who you are interested, kindly furnish as much as possible of the following data in regard to him: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow."
I wrote to the State library at Harrisburg Pa.but have not received any information which would enable me to answere your questions.
Page 165

Can you suggest anything else I might do?
Thank you.
(Mrs. J. Roy) Charlotte Burton Stockton
7262 Colgate Ave
St. Louis Mo.