Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,400, Abraham White, Md. Va.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE NUMBER
Md. White, Abraham R.11,400
Va.
CONTENTS

[two blank columns at the bottom of this page]
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State of Maryland

on this Eighteenth day of May in the year of Our Lord Eighteen
hundred and thirty three, Personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable
the Judge of Baltimore City Court
Abraham White a resident of the City of Baltimore in this state of Maryland aged
eighty seven years and upwards, 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 the 7th June 1832 ~ That he resided in Frederick
County in the State of Maryland aforesaid before and at the Commencement of
the Revolutionary War. That early in the year 1776 He entered into the service
of the United States and Served as first Lieutenant in a Company of Infantry
Commanded by Patrick Watson which company was part of a Regiment Commanded
by Colonel Normand Bruce of which regiment William Blair was the Lieutenant
Colonel that he continued on Military duty in said Company in Frederick County
[in the left margin here is a note: near 1 yr] aforesaid from the time he entered until January 1777 when he marched in
and with said Company as the first Lieutenant thereof to Weal Town in the
[illegible note in left margin here] State of New Jersey where he remained upwards of two months, on duty and was
then discharged or ordered back with said Company to Maryland by Thomas Johnson
who was then in the State of New Jersey as Commander of the Maryland troops in
that state. That shortly after the return of said Company to Frederick ~
County, Captain Watson resigned when he (deponent) took Command of the
Company by directions of ColonelBruce, and Continued to Command said
Company until some time in the year 1780 and during all the time was
employed on Military duty under Colonel Bruce, that in the year 1780 he
left the Infantry Services and joined the Artillery under the Command of
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General Davis then Commander of the American and French Artillery and
proceeded to Williamsburg in the State of Virginia, where he (deponent)
served as Commander of the first Brigade of Artillery until July 1782
when he with the troops stationed there, proceeded, agreeably to order to 
Boston in the State of Massachusetts under the Command of General Danl.
Alcott, who had succeeded General Davis in the Command, that the troops
arrived at Boston in December following and Shortly after discharged when
he (deponent) returned to his Home in Frederick County aforesaid; deponent
further says that to the best of his recollection and belief he served as first
Lieutenant of Infantry one year and upwards as Captain of the same Company of
Infantry her Served three years and upwards, and as Commander of a Brigade of
artillery he served two years and upwards. He also says he has no documentary
evidence, and that he knows of no person whose Testimony he can procure who
can Testify to his Service except Peter Storm Esquire formerly a member of the
Legislature of Pennsylvania, now a resident of the City of Baltimore. He hereby
relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any
State ~ Abraham White Senn
Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid

Interrogatories put to Abraham White and his answers -

Q. Where and in what year were you born
Ans. I was born in York County Pennsylvania in the year 1745 ~
Q. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Ans. I have not any record of my age, other than that made by myself as
a family record.
Q. Where were you living when called into service where have you 
lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live, -
Ans. I lived in Frederick County in the State of Maryland when I entered into
the service, resided there a short time after the war and then I removed

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to the City of Baltimore where I have resided ever since
Q. How were you called into Service were you drafted did you Volunteer
or were you a Substitute and if a Substitute for whom -
Ans. I Volunteered and received the appointment of first Lieutenant of
a Company of Infantry.
Q 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. The Company of Infantry in which I was first Lieutenant was Commanded
by Patrick Watson, Colonels Bruce and Blair Commanded
the Regiments in which were Companys Commanded by Michael McGuire,
John Iches, and others, while the Company I belonged to was
in New Jersey I saw and received orders from Thomas Johnson the
Commander of the Maryland troops - while at Williamsburg in Va.
I saw and knew there General Daniel Alcott, who succeeded General
Davis in the Command there, and who accompanied the troops to Boston
in the fall of 1782. I was also acquainted with Lewis Pease who
Commanded the second division of Artillery at Williamsburg. ~
Q. did you ever receive a Commission, if so by whom was it signed and
what has become of it.~
Ans. I received a Commission as first Lieutenant when I first entered into
the Service I also received a Commission when I entered into the Artillery
I never received my Commission as Captain, I commanded the Company
after the resignation of Captain Watson by the order of Colonel
Bruce, the Commissions I received were in my possession until the year
1817 when the were lost with many other papers belonging to me
in the great Freshet, that overflowed a considerable part of Baltimore
I cannot recollect by whom they were signed ~
Q. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present
neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity
and
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and their belief of your Services as a Soldier of the revolution ~
Ans. I have been long a resident of the City of Baltimore and am known
to many of the old Citizens any of whom would I believe testify
as to my Character for Veracity, but not of my revolutionary services
among them I name, Mr John Hellin, William Jenkins, Saml. Meale and
B S Elder, - there are others who from hearsay believe that I 
was a Soldier of the revolution, among them are Mr John Caperry,
Mr Baul S. Elder, and Mr Michael J. MaGuire, the latter of whom is
as son of Captain Michael Maguire who commanded a Company in
the same Regiment with myself under Colonel Bruce - 
Abraham White Senn
Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.

We Michael J MaGuire and John White ~ residents of the City of Baltimore
in the State of Maryland Hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with
Abraham White who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration, that
we believe him to be Eighty Seven years of age and upwards - 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 and I the said Michael J MaGuire do further
Certify that the said Abraham White has been personally known to me from my earliest
recollection that I have often Heard my Father, Michael MaGuire (now deceased) say that the
said Abraham White was a Captain in Colonel Bruces Regiment of Infantry in which he
was himself a Captain, ~ M J MaGuire
John White

on the day and year aforesaid personally appeared in open Court aforesaid, Peter
Storm aged Seventy years and upwards who being first duly Sworn according
to Law doth on this oath say that before ant at the Commencement of the revolutionary War he resided in Frederick County in the State of Maryland that he then
knew and
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knew and was well acquainted with Abraham White who has subscribed to the
foregoing declaration that he knows the said Abraham White was the first lieutenant
of a Company of infantry in Colonel Bruces Regiment, that some time after his
appointment he the said Abraham White marched in and with the said Company
from Frederick County aforesaid (as deponent understood and verily believes) on Military duty into
the state of New Jersey early in the year 1777. that said Company with said White
were about between four and six months and then returned to Frederick County
and Shortly afterwards, the said Abraham White became the Captain of the said Company
how long said White commanded said Company deponent does not know, Knows it
was more than one year. ~ deponent says that some time in the year 1780 he
was present when said Abraham White entered into some engagement with
General Davis of the Artillery (but does not know what it was) and proceeded to
Williamsburg in the State of Virginia and did not return to his friends in 
Maryland for more than two years ~ Peter Storm ~
Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid ~

And the 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 Soldier of the revolution and served
as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that
Michael J MaGuire and John White ~ who have signed the preceding
Certificate are residents in the City of Baltimore aforesaid are Credible
persons and that their statement is entitled to credit ~

I William M Medcalfe Clerk of Baltimore
City
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City Court do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham White for a 
pension ~
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said Court the Eighteenth day of
May in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and
thirty three ~
WM Medcalfe Clk
Balto City Court

[image of a seal to the left of above testimony]

I hereby Certify that Peter Storm the before named 
deponent residing in the City of Baltimore is in my opinion
a credible witness and his statements entitled to the
fullest confidence

A Brice Chief
Judge of Balty
16th July 1833
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
21 June 1833

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and 
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Abraham White Baltimore County Maryland

[column headers: | Period when the service was entered | Duration of the claimant's service. | [sub headers here: | Years. | Months. | Days. |] | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. |]

| Entered 1776 | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | 1. Lieut. & Captain | Cap Watson, Col Bruce | 87 years Frederick County Maryland | Traditionary evidence & one witness papers correctly attached. |
| Joined 1780 | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] Artillery Capt. | Genl. Davis, General Alcott | [blank] | [blank] |
| applicant states that he served | 1 | [blank] | [blank] | 1. Lieut. |
| [blank] | 3 | [blank] | [blank] | Capt. of Infantry |
| [blank] | 2 | [blank] | [blank] | Commander of Brigade of Artillery. |

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

It cannot be readily admitted that the services of the applicant
are insusceptible of further proof - the records at Annapolis
should show the grade of the applicant, and other evidence give more
satisfaction as to the length of his service. The regulations require the
to be had to be produce it
Page 9

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has bee construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line,"  " State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

AS rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers. non-commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,

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

State, Territory, or District of }
County of } ss.

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. -> This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.

I [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank]
day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
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 in that opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

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 A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank]
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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Record Division 
October 3, 1908 
Mrs. John P. Hudson, 
1397 Dean Street, 
Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Madam: 
In reply to a personal request on the 30" ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in claim R. File No. 11,400, it appears that Abraham White, Senior, applied for pension May 18, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He stated that he was born in 1745 in York County, Pennsylvania, and resided in Frederick County, Maryland, when he volunteered early in 1776, as First Lieutenant in Captain Patrick Watson's company, Colonel Normand Bruce's regiment, Maryland Militia, continued in service in Frederick County, Maryland, until January, 1777 when the regiment was ordered to New Jersey for two months. Shortly after their return to Frederick County, he assumed command of said [illegible] ice Watson resigned, and served three years. In 1780 he left the Infantry and proceeded to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he joined the First Division of Artillery, and was appointed Principal Conductor of teams to the French Army under General Davis and General Daniel Olcott, served two years and upwards. 
This claim was never allowed for the reason that claimant failed to furnish satisfactory proof of six months active service in the Maryland
Page 11

R. File No. 11,400. 
Militia, and that his service as Conductor of teams for the French Army was not pensionable as required by the Act of June 7, 1832 under which he applied. 
In 1833 soldier's son John, a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, testified in the case. there is no further data on file concerning the soldier's family. 
Very respectfully, 
Acting Commissioner.
Page 12

Please make this page end here [arrow pointing up] with
signature of John White
Page 13

[two panel page; left panel below]

1908 Oct.3. Hist to Mrs. John P. Hudson 

[right panel below]

Revy
11.400
P.O. _____
Abraham White
Service: _____
St Md Mila & conductor of
arty
Enlisted: _____ , 18
Discharged: _____ , 18

[diagonally here: REJECTED]

Application filed: _____ , 18

Alleges: _____

Re-enlisted: _____

Attorney: _____
P. O. _____

_____ Recognized. _____ Contra[page cut off here]
_____ Cert. of Dis.  Searched for _____ , 18
Page 14

[vertically on left side of page, follows]

3-068/
(Old No. 3-649.) 6--20
Bureau of Pensions.

[horizontally across the page, follows]

Abraham White (or Weiss) [diagonally on top right: Pa or Md]
Born 1745 - Died June 10, 1833.
Native of Penn. Enlisted in 
Frederick Co Md., on Committee of Safeh
Md., Capr. in Col. Bruce's Batt
mili 1780. 1st conductor of 1st Brigade
of Artillery, rank of Major
for Miss Aspril
CC room
over
Page 15

send statement of
service to
Mrs John P. Hudson
1397. Dean St
Brooklyn
NY
Sept. 30 08
Nof
Page 16

Mr Abraham White, Principal Conductor
attached to the 1st Division

Will in case any Horse should be drowned in passing the
Rivers, or should be killed by the Enemies apply immediately
to the Commanding Officer of the artillery for a Certificate for
the Horse with which he is attached; also he will to every post
leave for me a Copy of the Return which he makes of his 
Division to the Commanding Officer of the artillery, that
I may know the state of the Division; Should any inferior
officers or soldiers offer any ill usage
either to man or Horse the person so
treated will apply to the Commanding
Officers
Daniel Olcott
Cond. Principal
Willi;g. June 28. 1782.
June 28 1782

[vertically on lower left side margin: Abraham White]
Page 17

[many layers of script on top of script on this page; mostly illegible]

[three columns of numbers in one section of the page; as follows}

| LSD | LSD | LSD |
| 0-15-7 | 0.2.7 1/2 | 0-1-9 |
| 7-17-6 | 0-8-3 | 0-14.3. |
| 0-1-9 | 0-1-1 1/4 | 0.1-5 |
| 1.13-4 | 0.1.4 | 1.7.2 |
| 0-4-6 | 0.2.10 | 0.16.3 1/2 |
| 0-11-7 | 0.1.11 | 0.2-0 |
| 0-7-5 | 5-5-9 1/2 | 0.5.0 |
| 0-2-1 1/2 | 0.11.6 | 0.4.4 |
| 0-1-5 | 1.16.3 | 2.3.7 |
| 0-14-7 | 1.0.9 | 2.9.8 |
| 4.0.11 | 2.5.0 | 1.6-3 |
| 2-16-6 | 0.7.7 | 1.0.9 |
| 0-77-6 | 2.5.18 | 11.5-6 |
| 1-5.0 | 0.18.10 | 23-0 |
| 0-16-1 | 0.18.1 | 18.3-0 |
| 0-6-1 | 0.2.5 | 52-9-6 |
| 0-6-5 | 1.4.1 | 4-15-0 |
| 1-3-3 | 0.5.10 | 57.4.6 |
| 0-7-7 | 2.10.9 | [blank] |
| [blank] | 8.4.11 | [blank] |
| [blank] | 0.2.5 | [blank] |
| [blank] | 0.16.3 | [blank] |
| [blank] | 1.4.10 | [blank] |
Page 18

United States of America 
Department of State 

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting; I Certify, that the extract which is hereunto annexed and which is taken from a volume marked "Letters to Washington- Army Returns- 107," is a true copy of the original now in this department. 
In Testimony whereof, I John Forsyth Secretary of State oof the United States, have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the Seal of the Department of State to be affixed. 
Done at the City of Washington, this eleventh day of October, A.D. 1837, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Sixty Second 
Wilm Forsyth
Page 19

Extract from a paper headed "Numerical List of Officers belonging to the Virginia Line and Artillery, who wish to retire with the emoluments of Officers retiring under the Acts of Congress of the 3d and 21st October 1780 relinquishing rank and future right of Promotion in the Army." 
" Note a denotes officers of the artillery." 
Contained in a volume of the Washington Papers marked "Letters to Washington -Army Returned- 107." 

" Rank  W  Names  dates of Commissioned  Remarks Colonel 1 William Davis March 20 1778 "
Page 20

War Department 
Pension Office, 
December 19. 1838. 

Sir, 
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 14th. wit. I enclose hereith the papers in the case of Abraham White, Decd, and have to request that you will acknowledge the receipt of them. 
I am, very respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt. 
J L Edwards 

James Hoban, Esq 
Attorney at Law 
Present
Page 21

Service as Lt. & Capt of Md. militia - not specified to the
enter of Cmd nor proved by rolls at
Annapolis -

Service under Olcut - unquestionably in the
French Army & not embraced - 
G.M.C.
Page 22

No 740
15 May 1837

These papers to be 
returned to Mrs
Hoban - The niece
of Mr. Edwards are
confirmed
J.R.P
Mr Cochman
Page 23

War Department,
Pension Office , 
May 9. 1837. 

Sir, 

The papers in the case of Abraham White, decd. have been again examined and they are herewith enclosed. In reply to the objection that White did not serve six months, the attorney for the claimant reiterates the assertions of White and Storm, and says that White served in the Artillery two years. The Letter of the 30th. of December last, which is enclosed, does not object to the length of service with that corps; but to the service itself, as the corps was not a part of the American Army. The Objection was that he did not serve six months in the Maryland Militia. 
The writer of the enclosed Memorandum says that the rule requiring evidence from the Muster rolls applied to Continental troops only. It applies, to militia as well as other troops where rolls do exist; and of this Maryland Militia there are rolls in existence. It is not however necessary to enter into any argument concerning the rule. The Department has always reserved to itself the right of requiring positive and satisfactory proof; and where it is not produced the claim is not admitted. 
In answer to the objection that Olcott, the officer under whom white served belonged to the French Army., the attorney for the claimant says that "White's busi
Page 24

ness was to conduct the Artillery of the French Army. His service was of course to the United States." If by this he means to say that the United States derived any benefit from his service he is right; but if he intends it to be understood that his belonging to the French forces serving with the American Army constituted service in that Army, hw is wholly mistaken. The laws granting pensions provide for none who were not bona fide American Troops. When the French Troops landed upon our shores, the employment of citizens of the Country to conduct their artillery wagon train &c. was found necessary. The officer under whom white served were employed by the French for that purpose, and by them paid. They were considered a component part of the French forces, and never were in any way attached to the American Army. It is not pretended that Armies lose their distinctive character by being combined, or serving together. Having one common object in view in their operation unites their power, but it does not amalgamate them. Each army during the revolution retained its organization and was subject to the control of the Nation to which it belonged. Had Congress in consideration of the services, sufferings and privations of the French troops passed a law putting them on an equal footing with the American troops, there might be some ground of claim in this case. But as the case now stands I can discover no formation whatever for a claim. The attorney says that White served under an appointment from Davis; but that
Page 25

fact furnishes no argument in favor of the case, as both Davis and Olcott were attached to the French Army. 
I have the honor to be 
Very respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt. 
JL Edwards


Hon. J.R. Poinsett 
Secretary of War
Page 26

War Department 
Pension Office 
October 12. 1833 

Sir, 
The papers in support of Abraham White, deceased, have been again examined, and are herewith enclosed to you. 
The Commission, and order referred to , by you in previous letters, have been found, and used in the investigation. They certainly prove that he was in service, and show the capacity in which he was employed, but do not establish the next greatest point in an application, viz. the duration of the terms of service. 
Col. Bruce was a Colonel of Maryland Militia. Now, as it is well known to the Office, that no body of militia was ever in actual service for as long a period as the applicant alleges, the conclusion is naturally drawn, that the claimant demanded pay for the whole time involved between his appointment and removal to another service, whether he were or were under arms. It is impossible to allow such a claim, Each term of service, the names of the officers, in what corps, and where rendered, must be separately and fully stated, and only tours which are those set forth, can be taken into the computation of a pension. 
The order from Olcott shows decisively that he was only a conductor of the necessary teams and horses 
over
Page 27

and men employed for these teams and horses, attached to a division of artillery. He could not therefore be entitled to the pay of a Captain of Artillery. 
His widow, or if there be no widow, his children or in default of issue, his next legal representatives mist prove relationship, and the time of his death, when, if the claim be allowed, a certificate for the amount that may be due will issue. A credible witness, or witnesses must however, be produced to show his various terms of service. 
Be pleased to return all the papers herewith sent.
I am respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt 
Geo. Wm Crump
Page 28

Baltimore August 28th 1833 
J L Edwards Esquire 
Pension office 
Washington City 

Sir 
The heirs of Abraham White late of this city deceased, have waited some time in expectation that the Lieutenants Commission and other paper forwarded by me to the Department of War, in June last would be found and cause a favorable decision on the application of their Father, for the benefit of the Law passed the 7. June 1832. but from your silence conclude they are irrevocably lost at their request therefore, I [strikethrough] forward the enclosed depositions, in the Hope that they may cause a reconsideration of the application and that the result thereof will be favourable, the missing papers certainly confirmd. as far as they could do the declaration of Abraham White, and Mr. Storm now in the department of war- The improbability of a Miscarriage between this and Washington and the Certainty that the package containing the papers was departed by me in the port office here, induces me to believe they have in some way or other got among papers in your office seldom looked into and that you will yet find them, be that as it may, if the enclosed deportations can be admitted [strikethrough]  as proof that the lost papers were genuine and a Re investigation, of the application be made, I am  willing to believe the result will be favourable to the present claimants- 
with great respect I am Sir 
Your most obedient Servant 
Saml. Farnandis
Page 29

To the Honble
The Secretary of War
Washington City

Baltimore June 11. 1833

I had the Honor a Short time since to forward to the
Department of War, some papers respecting the application of Abraham White
of the City, for a pension under the Act of Congress of the 7. June 1832,
since then two papers have been found which were believed by Mr White to have
been lost near twenty years, and thinking they may may be of service in the
examination of his Claim, I take the liberty to endorse them under
cover of this ~ Most Respectfully
Your ob. Serv
Saml. Farnandis
Page 30

To the honourable Secretary of War.
Sir. I submit the following answer to the objections on the part of
the pension office to the claim of Mr. Ab. White deceased.
1st objection. The service did not amount to 6 months, answer. Mr
White swears that he served as conductor of artillery more than
two years. Mr. Peter Storm declares that he was present when Mr.
White entered into an engagement, in the year 1780, with Gen
Davis of the artillery of the combined arnigs, under which Mr.
White produced to Williamsburg in Virginia and did not trturn
for more than two years. Mr White swears, that he served
under Gen Davis, until he was put under the command of
Ben Alcott (a french officer) with whom he proceeded to Boston
preparatory to the debarkation of the french. In proof of his service
Mr. white was an order, signed by Alcott, at Williamsburgh
Virginia dated June 28. 1782. which connected with Storms statement
& his own, fully proves a service of more than two years.
Page 31

2nd objection. No muster, or pay rolls, of the Maryland line
affording any evidence on this point could be found -
This rule applies only to continental troops furnished by the State,'
and even as regards them, the muster pay rolls of Maryland are
very inaccurate, some of them having been but recently discovered,
and it is probable a portion of them irretrievably lost. The case of
Mr. White's is that of militia service. An isolated - single - peculiar
case, that of conducting the artillery of the combined armys
it was such as appointment as Gen Davis was very competent to
make, and being, but a solitary transaction, might have failed to
be recorded, if any record was necessary which was not
Page 32

3rd objection It appears to the Pension office that Daniel Alcott was
a French officer, the provisions of the law include the member of only
the American army not the French.
Answer. Mr White received his appointment from Gen Davis not from 
Alcott. His business was to conduct the artillery of the combined army -
His service was, of course, to the U States. It's nature was such that it
could not be otherwise. It can hardly be imagined that the commission
to conduct, in America, the armie of the two nations, combined &
cooperating upon our soil, for our benefit should be a French one
It was only in 1782 that Gen Davis resigned his command to Olcott -
Mr. White remained, in the discharge of his duty, under Olcott a French 
officer. From the nature of his movement - from the South to the point
where the French debarked - it is apparent that only the
French part of the armament of the two nations was under his management
as the last. But it is perfectly clear, beyond the necessity
of argument, that he was still active, under his appointment
from Gen Davis, and that his services in conducting the French 
to their point of departure from this country was strictly within
the line of his duty to the U States and engagement to them.
Page 33

26th Cong}
3d Sess}

Petition
of the Heirs of Abraham
White, late an officer of
the Revolution, praying
the payment of arrears of
pension due to said deceased.

1838 Dec. 27. Referred to the
Com. on Pensions.
1839. Jan. 16. Report advise

1840 Jan. 13. Referred to the
Com on Pensions
" Feb. 6 Report advise

1840 Dec. 21. Referred to the
Com on Pensions
1841 Jan 7. Discharged

app Lt Capt Watson Co Colo Buvay
Md Mila
Mr Merrick
Page 34

Washington
Decr 22. 1838.

To the hon the Senate and house of Representatives
of the United States

Your Petitioner represent that the late Abraham
White of the State of Maryland died entitled to
certain arrearages of money by way of pension
for services rendered to the United States during
the war of the Revolution, the payment of which
to your Petitioners they pray, and that an act
of Congress for that purpose to be passed.
The heirs of the late Abraham White
by Jas Hohan their attorney
Page 35

Annapolis July 1st 1833
Samuel Farnadis Esq
Dr Sir

I handed your letter relating to
Abraham White to Mr. Brewer, and also to
Mr. Culbreth, both of whom have the Books and
papers relative to the Revolutionary War under
their charge, and they both informed me, that they
could not find anything as it regards Mr. White
Yrs with great regard
Edward Dubois
Page 36

[round black stamp inscribed: ANNAPOLIS MD JUL 1]

Samuel Farnandis Esquire
Notary Public
Baltimore
Page 37

Washington
Decr 14. 1838

The commissioner of Pensions will be pleased to
[illegible] through the Post office, the papers
in the case of Abraham White's application
for a pension
Jas Hoban
Page 38

My dear Sir
Permit to present to your
acquaintance and to commend to 
your kind regard. Mr Lewis Brand
of Baltimore who will be the bearer of
this note.
I have known Mr Brand
for some time. He is a relative of my
bachaular [bachelor] friend Mr Cohuemil &
is himself a most worthy and
estimable gentleman. [illegible]
greatly me if you will indulge
Mr Brand with the [illegible] he
designs to ask to examine some
old family papers filed in your
office
With [illegible] regard
SC Washington
May 4 1884

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commr
Pensions
Page 39

About two years since, at the request of Mr. Abraham White of the City of Baltimore new deceased. I went before a Judge of one the courts in Baltimore and made a declaration on Oath of my Knowledge of said White having served in the War of the Revolution, Now I do Hereby certify that all the facts therein stated by me to which I did at the time subscribe my name are true, I further Certify, that at the time of so doing said Abraham White was present and to the best of my knowledge and belief in his perfect senses and was remarkable for his perfect recollection of the events of the Revolutionary War. I also Certify in addition to the facts stated before the Judge, that, some time after said White went to the South (I believe two years and upwards) as mentioned in my declaration before the Judge. I saw him in Maryland with a number of troops and was then informed by him that he and the troops were on their way to the North (I believe Boston) that was White was then in Uniform and was called Captain or Major White I cannot say positively which - 
Balto December 30 1837 
Peter Storm 
United States of America 
State of Maryland 
Sir 
Be it remembered, that on the Nneteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight before me Samual Farnandis Notary Public by Letters patent under the Great Seal of the State of Maryland
Page 40

Maryland commissioned and duly qualified residing in the City of Baltimore in the State aforesaid personally appears, Peter Storm, of lawful age and made oath according to law, that all the facts matters and things mentioned and Set forth in the fougoing Certficate or Instrument of writing to which he has subscribed his name are true as therein state- 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal Notarial, the day and year aforesaid- 
Saml. Farnandus Noty. Pub
Page 41

War Department
May 12th 1837

Sir,
I return you the papers in the case
of Abraham White deceased, and transmit you a report
of the Commissioner of Pensions in reference thereto,
in whose views I concur.
Very respectfully
Your obt Serv
J. R. Poinsett

James Hoban Esqr
Washington City.
Page 42

Georgetown DC. Novr. 1. 1836.
Having been called on to state what I know
in regard to the appointment of conductor of artillery 
in the revolutionary army of North America,
I give the following as far as my memory serves me.

The duties assigned to the conductor of Artillery
(more commonly called Conductor of Military stores)
was the safe keeping and proper disposition of all
ammunition required for the troops. The conductors
had the charge of the cuissons, or ammunition wagons,
from which they supplied the wants of the troops
as occasion required. They more genuinely appointed
from lieutenants, sometimes from sergeants, for
faithful and distinguished service, and sometimes
from citizens but in no case, to the best of my
recollection, did the pay exceed that of lieutenant,
nor did I ever hear of a captain having been
appointed to that station; although such might
have been the case without my knowledge. I can
only speak as to what occurred in the regiment
Page 43

to which I belonged, where lieutenants and
sergeants only were assigned to that duty,
for which they both received the pay and
emoluments of lieutenant.
Sam Coopers
Formerly an officer of
the Revolutionary Army
Page 44

I Hereby certify that I was acquainted
with Mr. Abraham White
Sen for many years previous to his
death and take pleasure in testifying
to his Honourable and correct
caurde as a Gentleman and Business
man - and to his capacity and
Soundness of mind
J J Grote
Balto March 21. 1838

Sworn and Subscribed to 
before me this 21 March. 1838
Saml Farnandis Noty Pub
Page 45

I do hereby Certify that I was acquainted
with Mr. Abraham White Sear for Several years
previous to his death, and in one or more
instances acted as his physician, I always
Considered him perfectly Sound of mind a
man of Veracity: and Sterling integrity: respected
by his neighbours and myself.
A. Dunan
M.D.
Balt. March 20th 1838
Sworn and Subscribed to by Doctr. A Dunan
before me this 20. March. 1838
Saml. Farnandis Noty Pub
Page 46

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted
with Abraham White Senr. for eighteen or twenty
years previous to his death, and believe him
to have been a gentleman of Sterling integrity &
[illegible] moral character; and am happy
in having an opportunity of bearing testimony
to his worth as an upright man -
Revd. Peter S Schreiber
Balto. March 29th. 1838.

N.B. I also certify that he was of sound and sane
mind up to his death - In proof of this
I may be also allowed to certify that after
my majority I left in his hands the management
of an estate of $15,000 -
Revd. Peter S. Schreiber.

Sworn and Subscribed to my the Revd. Peter S Schreiber
before me this 28th March. 1838
Saml. Farandis Noty Pub
Page 47

Auditors Office Richmond
23. Octo 1837.

Sir

Yours of the 19 inst, has been
duly recd and the records of this office have been
examined for some evidence touching
the revolutionary services of Abraham White.
No such name can be found, nor does it
appear, that any such person received
military land bounty.

Very respectfully
yrs
Jas E. Heath
Aud Gen

Gro. W. Crump Esqr
Page 48

Baltimore March 25th 1838

This is to Cirtify [Certify] that I was acquainted
with Mr Abraham White Sr for many years
privious [previous] to his Death, and beleive [believe] him to
be a Honest and upright man of Sound
Judgement and Understanding
Francis J Steigers

Sworn & Subscribed to
before me this 27 March 1838
Saml Farnandis Noty Pub
Page 49

Washington
Jany 11. 1840.
Dr. Sir

You will do me a favor by calling up, and
having properly referred, the claim for a pension
presented last session by yourself for the heirs
of Abraham White of Balt.
Yours, [illegible]
Jas Hoban

Hon. W. D. Merrick
Page 50

Copy

Abraham White dec
Md.
Rep W.J.P. Hoban Esq
Dec 5. 1831
same (enclosing papers)
Dec 19 1838
Lewis Brand 6th May 1854
June 7 1832
Page 51

Dept. of War - Pens. Off.
Dec. 5, 1838.

James Hoban Esq.
Present.

Sir:-
The addl. proof in the claim of the
heirs of Abraham White dec'd. has been
examined and placed upon our files with 
the orig. papers. The evidence altho. estab.
the fact that the late Abraham White was
a man of unblemished and unimpeachable
reputation, does not place this claim in
any new or more favorable light. In the
declaration of Mr. White made just before
he died, it is alleged that he held the offices
of Lt. & Capt. in the militia form some
time in 1776 to 1780: but no specification of
the actual amount of service performed
during the period, is given, with the exception
of about 4 mos. without such specification
the claim for that service cannot be allowed.
The next allegation is, that he "then joined
the French Artillery under the command
of Gen. Davis, and continued to July 1782"
When Davis was succeeded by Danl Olcott,
an officer in the French Army, who apptd.
him a conductor of a Brigade of Artillery,
with which he proceeded from Virginia to
Mass. This service, as has before been
stated, cannot be allowed on the ground
Page 52

that it was not rendered in the
American Army, and in accordance
with the provisions of the Act of June
7, 1832, which provides that "no
foreign officer shall be entitled" under
said Act.

The Certificate of the Secty. of State
furnished in support of this claim,
shows that there was a Col. Davis
in the Virginia line, and that he
retired from the service under the
Act of Congress of the 3 & 21 of Oct,
1780, relinquishing rank and future
pay. This may or may not have
been the same person who subsequently
was Genl. in the French 
Army; but in either case it has
no bearing in favor of this claim.

The papers will be returned 
to you should you wish it.

Very resp-
Page 53

The DELEGATES of the FREEMEN of MARYLAND, in CONVENTION,

To Abraham White Gentleman We, reposing especial
trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage, good conduct, and attachment to
the liberties of America, DO, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be
First Lieutenant of Captain Watson's Company in
Colonel Buvais Bahahon of Militia in Trodouch County
YOU are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the trust reposed in you, by disciplining all officers and soldiers under your command; and we do hereby strictly enjoin
and require them to obey you as their First Lieutenant
And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions as you shall, from time
to time, receive from this or a future Convention, or from the Council of Safety of
Maryland for the time being, according to the rules and regulations established by this or
a future Convention. THIS Commission to be in force until revoked by this or some
future Convention of the Delegates of the Freemen of Maryland, or by the Council of
Safety of Maryland for the time being, according to the powers and authorities in such
Council of Safety to be hereafter vested by such Convention.

Given by Council of Safety this 10th day of January
Anno Domini, 1777.

Danl J.S. [illegible]
J Hall
[illegible]
Nie Thomas
Brice B Worthington
Saml Wilson
Thos Contee
Page 54

Balto. July 17. 1833.

To John Robb Esqr
Acting Secty of War
Sir

The papers relating to Abm. Whites claim to a pension which
were returned to me from the War Department, will be found under cover of this
with the addition of a Certificate of the Judge of the credibility of the witness
therein named, ~ I regret very much that the papers I directed to the War
Department and put into the post office here about the middle of June, have
miscarried they would I think have removed every difficulty, Blue was a Lieutenants,
Commission to Abraham White dated at Annapolis 10 January 1777. and was signed " Danl. of A. Tho
[page torn here] Hall, (Geo Plater (uncertain ) Nie Thomas, Brice B Worthington
[page torn here] Tho Contee," the other was an order" to Abraham White, Principal
Conductor, [page torn here] to the 1st Division" dated " Williamsburg June 28. 1782." and
was signed " D[page torn here] death, Cond. principal," I am willing to believe they may yet
be found, and remove all further obstacle to a favourable decision of his case-
with great respect I am,
Your most ob. Servt. Saml Farnandis

N.B. the persons who subscribe to the Commission
above mentioned were at the time ( I suppose) a Committee
of Safety, but I do not recollect that the document
itself, explain? the Character in which they were acting.
SJ.
Page 55

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore to with

On the 27th day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty three, before the Subscriber Chief Judge of Baltimore aforesaw who being first sworn according to the Law both on his oath say that between the 10th and 20th day of June last past, John White of the City of Baltimore, son of Abraham White, put into his charge for the purpose of being forwarded to the Department of War, two papers purporting to be original papers and which from this general appearance he verily believes were really the genuine original papers of what they purposed to be, one of them was a Lieutenants Commeficion granted to "Abraham White" dated  Annapolis 10 January 1777 and was signed "Danl. of A. Thos. Jennifer, J Hall, Gio Plater, Nie Thomas, Brice B Worthington, Saml. Wilson, Tho  Contee," _ The other paper was an order directed to "Abraham White, principal _ conductor attached to the 1st Division" dated Williamsburg June 28 1782, and signed Daniel Alcott Conds. Principal. that at the time he received the said papers he made at the request of said White) the Memorandum or Extract from said papers which is hereunto announced, are shortly afterwards put said original papers under Cover directed to the Honble the Secretary of War Washington City or to John Robb Esquire acting Secretary of War Washington City, and put the same into the Post Office at Baltimore. At the same time also appears Henry Brice of Saw
Page 56

City and made both according to Law, that he was present in the office of Samuel Farnandis, some time in the month of June last past when Mr. John White, son of Abraham White, presented to Saml Farnandis the above or before mentioned papers that his attention was at the time particularly called to the old appearnace of and the signatures to the papers purporting to be a Lieutenant Commeficion to "Abraham White", that being a Native of the City of Annapolis, and now in the fifty seventh year of his age, the names to the Commeficion were all familiar to him and he verily believes were the genuine signatures of the several persons names thereto
I also certify that the said Samuel Farnandis and Henry Brice are personally known to me as persons of respectability and that their statements are subscribed to full credit.

Saml Farnandis
Henry Brice
Price [illegible]

I William M  [illegible] Clerk of Baltimore City Court do Hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before the Honorable Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court in the matter to which it relates
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto sit my law  [illegible] affixed the state of  [illegible] Court this twenty seventh day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty three.

 [illegible]
 [illegible]
Page 57

Lieutenant Commander
dated at annapolis 10 January 1777
Signed
David of Sr Tho Junifer
J Hall
Geo Plates
[illegible] Thomas
Brice B Worthington
Samuel Wilson
[illegible] Conters


An order to " Abraham White Principal Conductor attache to the 17 Division " - dated Williamsburg June 28 1782
Signed Daniel Olcott
Cond. principal
Page 58

(appears to be scrap paper)