Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,559, James Cuddy, [BLANK]
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(8-1776)

Cuddy, James
Alcy

NUMBER
R.2559

SERVICE
(iron worker)

Res of York Co Pennsylvania at [illegible] and  Va [illegible] [illegible]

Contents
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No 14,995
Alcy Cuddy,
widow of James

Act of
July 7, 1838



2vv-9
John W. Stevens
Arlington
Va

[written upside down]
Alcy Cuddy 
Declaration
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The declaration of Alcy Cuddy, widow of James Cuddy, a Revolutionary soldier from the state of North Carolina, who died in the county of Washington on the 9th day of January 1839.  Respectfully showeth for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the 7th day of June 1832 granting pensions to persons who were engaged in the military service of the United States in the war of the Revolution and continuing said pensions in certain cases made and provided to their widows in light of said services so rendered.  

State of Virginia County of Washington S.S.

On this 20 day of July 1853 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace, Alcy Cuddy, a resident of the county aforesaid, aged [crossed out word] 85 or so years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832 granting pensions to soldiers of the Revolution and to their widows.  That her husband, James Cuddy, enlisted in the Continental Line, for during the war in the state of North Carolina (under what officer she does not know).  That the said James Cuddy served in the line as a soldier one year, at the end of which time he was taken from the line and put into what was called the "Pot house," to making or casting shells and ball and that he did so continue in the service of the United States for the term of seven years.  That she has heard her husband speak of James Cohoon who served with him, and that after peace was made, he received an honorable discharge which is lost.  That he died in the county of Washington state aforesaid, on the 9th day of January 1839.

That her husband, James Cuddy, never applied for pension but had intended to do so.  That she was married to her husband James Cuddy in the county of Stokes of North Carolina in the year 1785; that her maiden name was Alcy Dunlap; that she was married by a justice of the peace named James Davis and that James and William Davis and Jane Covington were present at her marriage and the name of the clerk of the county court of stokes county who issued the license was Hugh Martin. 

That under the act of the 7th day of June 1832 granting pensions to Revolutionary soldiers and to their widows, if living, up to the time specified and not claimed under certain limitations; it is competent for their widows to claim and obtain not only what in right their husbands were entitled to, but a continuation of said pensions during their natural lives. 

She now prays that agreeable to the law made and provided in such cases  that her name be inscribed on the pension roll of widows of Revolutionary soldiers, and that she receive the back pension accruing from the 4th day of March 1831 up to this time; that said pension be continued to her during her natural life; that since the death of her husband, the said James, Cuddy, who has never applied for pension under any act of Congress, nor is her name inscribed at any agency
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in the United States for paying pensions

[Signed] Alcy (her X mark) Cuddy [seal] A.C.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.  Benjamin Reid JP

She says she may be mistaken in the place of enlistment.  She having married in North Carolina supposed he there enlisted; that her husband was an Irishman and came to the United States before the commencement of the war. 

That the said James Cuddy would be entitled to pension from the 4th day of March 1831 up to the time of his death, the 9th day of July 1839 - making eight years; that the widow Alcy Cuddy under the law would be entitled from his death up to this time--making in both periods - twenty-two years; and that said law entitled her to pension her natural life
Signed: Alcy (her X mark) Cuddy [seal] A.C.

Sworn to and subscribed this 20 day of July 1853.  Benjamin Reid JP

State of Virginia, Harlington County, to wit

I, Jacob Lynch, clerk of the court of the said county of Washington, do hereby certify that Benjamin Reid whose genuine signature appears above, now is and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for said county, duly elected, commissioned and qualified and that full faith is due all his acts as such, and that the said court is a court of record having general jurisdiction. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto so subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 1st day of August 1853.
[Signed]  Jacob Lynch C.C.

[Seal Affixed]
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State of Virginia             }
County of Washington   } SS
On this day, personally appeared before the
Worshipful County Court for Washington County & State aforesaid now sitting Jane Cuddy who in due and solemn form of
Law made oath, that she is the Daughter of James and Alcy Cuddy of the County aforesaid - that she is from Fifty to sixty years of age as she believes - she has no Exact knowledge
of her age - that when a girl some ten or twelve years of age - she got hold of a bundle of papers belonging to her Father and cut and tore up many of them, not knowing their
Vallue [value], and one piece in particular was thicker and stifer than the others, and printed, which her Father said was his discharge from the revolutionary army-- and the reason why she remembers that particular paper more than the others is the severe correction her Father gave her for destroying it - that she has often heard her Father, the said James Cuddy say he was seven years in the service the greater part of the time he was employed in making shot, at a place she thinks, called Pine Grove Furnace in the State of Pennsylvania, that if her Father was now living he would be near One Hundred and ten years of age.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court
[signed] Jane  X her mark  Cuddy
[seal]

Virginia Washington County to wit
I Jacob Lynch Clerk of the Court of the said County of Washington do hereby certify that at a Court continued & held for Washington County the 28th day of July 1853. Jane
Cuddy aged between fifty and sixty years personally appeared in court, and subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit, which was by the said court ordered to be
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certified; And it was further ordered by the said court to be certified that the said Jane Cuddy is a reputable person and that her statement is entitled to credit. 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this first day of August 1853.

Jacob Lynch C.C.

[seal]
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James Cuddy's
Declaration
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State of Virginia
Washington County } ss:

On this twenty sixth day of June 1835 personally appeared before the court of Washington county aforesaid James Cuddy a resident of the said county, eighty one years of age the fifteenth day of this month, who being first duly sworn in open court 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 7 1832.

The said James Cuddy states that he is a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in August 1774 landed at Philadelphia and settled in York county in the State of Pennsylvania. Some time after the commencement of the revolutionary war. and according to his present recollection in the early part of the year 1777, he volunteered and went into service as a militia man, and it having been ascertained, that he had been employed as a founder at iron works in Ireland, he was immediately sent to Pine Grove Furnace, ten miles from Carlisle in the State aforesaid, on mountain creek belonging to Colo. Thornburg and employed there as an artificer in casting cannon, bumbs [bombs], ball [illegible] for the United States Army - At the same time William Fallis and Stephen Carr, Englishmen by birth and James Calhoun an Irishman were selected and sent with him. This affiant proving himself to be a valuable workman was induced to continue in the service and after being employed a considerable time under the direction of Colo Thornburg at his works, he was removed to Hughes furnace in Maryland and employed therein the same manner. from there he was taken to Hills works on Cataba in South Carolina and there employed in the same service until the Brittish [British] burned down the works a short time before the battle of Kings mountain. This affiant therefore says that he was in the service as a volunteer from the time he entered it in 1777 until the burning of Hills iron works in 1780 making a service of more than two years - he believes two years and six months. When he left Colo Thornburg furnace, he received from him a written certificate of his service, which he preserved for many years, but which was destroyed with other papers, when he was from home by one of his daughters then a small girl, as she
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told him on his return home when he left the other furnaces he received no writing. He further states that shortly after the passage of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 he made enquiries for the purpose of having a declaration prepared and was told that artificers were not provided for by the law; that it only provided for those who served in the line of the Army. Lately he has been informed otherwise. This affiant does not know that any person is now alive who can give evidence of his service nor is there living in his immediate vicinity any clergymen with whom he is acquainted. 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 any agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day}
and year aforesaid.                      }
[signed] James Cuddy x his mark

We Michael Fleenor & Robert McCulloch residing in the neighbourhood of the above named James Cuddy do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with the said Cuddy who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty one years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & employed as an artificer in casting cannon and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the }
day and year aforesaid.          }
[signed] Robert McCulloch
[signed] Mich Fleenor x his mark

The court then propounded to the said James Cuddy the following interrogatories, to which he gave the answers annexed. I. where and in what year were you born? Answer - I was born in Ireland, I cannot tell the year, but I was twenty years old when I came to America. Question. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? - Answer. I have none. Question - Where were you living when you were called into service, or volunteer'd, I was, as I have before stated living in York County Pennsylvania - after I was discharged from the Service I came to Virginia and being a founder worked at several furnaces - I first went to Harvey works in Bolstown County - Then I came to this part of the country and was employed for some time at Col James Kings works in Sullivan county Tennessee about fifteen or eighteen miles from here - Then I went to Spreadwell iron works in Wythe county in this state from there to Poplar Camp in same county and then I came to the north fork in this county where I now live - I cannot tell the correct length of time I lived at each iron works but I know that I lived upwards of twenty years at Poplar Camp and I have been living seven or eight years where I now reside - My residence from the time I left the service until now, except the
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short time I was at Col Harvey works, has been in this county and the counties of Sullivan & Wythe and within seventy miles of this place. Question. How were you called into service - were you drafted - did you volunteer - or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom? - Answer - I volunteer'd. - Questions - State the manner 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. Answer - Having been taken immediately as an artificer and constantly employed as such; my services being at that time considered very valuable, I was not at any time with the line of the Army. Question - Did you receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it. Answer - I received no written discharge - Col Thornburg gave me a written certificate of my service when I left his works - which was destroyed in the way I have before stated - I was verbally discharged at the other works and received no written evidence of service. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your chracter for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer - I am known to Col Thomas McCulloch, Robert McCulloch esq. Mr. Michael Fleenor, Major Abram Mongle and Abram Nordyke esq & many others - These gentlemen are well known to the Courts for respectability.
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, as above stated, 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 Michael Fleenor & Robert McCulloch who have signed the preceding certificate are most respectable and credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit - and the said Michael Fleenor & Robert McCulloch on being further interrogated state that in the neighbourhood where the above named James Cuddy lives, the belief is general that he was a revolutionary soldier, as he states, and that no doubts have ever existed upon the subject and further that he is a man of excellent character.
I David Campbell clerk of the court of the said County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Cuddy for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 26th day of June 1835 in the 59th year of the Commonwealth.
David Campbell.
[seal affixed]
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
July 18, 1925.

Honourable Richard P Ernst,
United States Senate.
My dear Senator:
In response to your letter of the seventeenth instant, I have the honor to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.2559, it appears that James Cuddy was born in Ireland, place not stated, on June 15, 1754.
He came to America in August 1774 and settled in York County, Pennsylvania. Early in 1777, he volunteered and having been a founder in iron works in Ireland, he was empoyed as an artificer making cannon, bombs and balls for the United States Army, at the Pine Grove Furnace near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, at the Hughes Furnace in Maryland and at the Hills Works in South Carolina, until the last named place was burned in 1790.
He married in Stokes County, North Carolina, in 1785, Alcey Dunlap. They had children, the only name stated being Jane. There is no further data on file as to family.
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He applied for pension on June 28, 1835, while
living in Washington County, Virginia, but his claim was not allowed, as he did not render military service in the field, as required by the pension laws.
He died in said county, January 9, 1839, and his widow Alcey applied for pension July 20, 1853, while living there, aged between eighty and ninety years, but her claim was not allowed for the same reason.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford information in regard to any soldier named John Cuddy,
Very truly yours,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
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[Stamp] REJECTED

2559.
P.O. 
Alcey Cuddy
Service: __________________

Enlisted: ______________, 18
Discharged: ___________, 18

Application filed: _____________, 18

[Strikethrough 'Alleges:'] The printed list of 1852 gives cause of rejection as follows: "He did not serve in a military capacity."
[Strikethrough 'Re-enlisted:]

Attorney: ______________
P.O. ___________________
___________ Recognized. ___________ Cor
________ Cert. of Dis.   Searched for __________,

[Lefthand side, at right angle to other text]
1925 July 18. Heist D Hon . R. P. Ernst [illegible]
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No 14.995
Alcey Cuddy
ind of James
______________
No.
Let J. W. Hires [date crossed out]
" [Let] I am [crossed out date]
" [Let] I am [crossed out date]
J. W. Stevens 9th Oct 1854

July 7, 1838

Virginia
Jas Cuddy

Rejected not military service sent to Jno Campbell July 7 1855
I am. July 31, 1855

Act 7 June [initials]
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[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
OCT. 13

Alcey Cuddy
Va Jun 1838

5
Comm of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 16

This is to Certify, that it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line as settled their Accounts and received Certificates for the balance of their full pay, according to An Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, ( See Hening's Statues at Large, Vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 17th day of July 1786 in the name of James Cuddy as So [raised l] in and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for $60. 59 delivered to John Gorden but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this Office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated
Given under my had, at the [word first crossed out] Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 5th day of August 1854
G W Clutter
Adr P. Accts
{No Seal of Office}
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33040
[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
JUN 27

free

Major John Campbell
Treasurer U.S.
Washington City
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POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all Men by these Presents,
That I Alcey Cuddy a resident of the County of Washington and State of Virginia do hereby select, ordain, constitute and inexorably appoint, with power of substitution, John W. Stevens Attorney at Law of Abingdon, my due and lawful Agent and Attorney, for me and in My name, place, and stead, to examine into, and prosecute, file and defend before the proper Department of Government, or other Tribunal any claim, or suit, in My behalf, or in which I may be legally interested: by virtue of My Claim. Now presented for pension from the Government of the United States, in light of my deceased Husband, James Cuddy, Claiming pension under the Act of Congress, Granting and Continuing pensions under said Act,
Further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, or his substitute, to apply for, and receive, any Money, Bounty, Land or Bounties, Pension Claim or Claims or other Dues of any kind whatsoever that may be found to be due Me for pension as aforesaid in light of the Said James Cuddy the law granting pension to Revolutionary Soldiers and continues the same to their widows under provisions of Law.
And further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, and authorizing him to receipt therefore, and give full and free aquittance thereof, on his name as My Agent and Attorney in fact, but all for My benefit and behoof.   Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said Agent and Attorney may lawfully do, and cause to be done, as in these premises specified; and, as though I were present personally and acting for myself. Binding my heirs, legal representatives and assigns to comply with, and fully carry out and complete any obligation, contract, or agreement, that is, or may be made between me and my said Agent or Attorney, his legal representatives, heirs or assigns.
In Virtue Whereof, I do hereunto affix my Hand and Seal this 29th day of [May crossed out] June, 1853
Alcey [her x mark] Cuddy
Signed, Sealed, and Acknowledged in presence
of
David Mark  }
John Lancher} Witness.
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State of Virginia 
County of Washington 

On this 2th day of [May crossed out] June One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty three before me, Benjamin Reid a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by the law to administer oaths, personally appeared Alcy Cuddy, of Said County who is the identical person whose name is attached to the annexed Power of Attorney, and being duly questioned, acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed as specified.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my name, the day and year last above mentioned.
Benjamin Reid J. P. [signature]

State of Virginia
County of Washington

Jacob Lynch Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Benjamin Reid whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is and now at the time of signing, the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn:  that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit, and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the Seal of my Office, at Abingdon this first day of August, A.D. 1853
Jacob Lynch Cl  [signature] Clerk.
Seal
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Pension Office
9th Oct. 1854
Sir
Yours of 3d instant, relating to the claim of Alcey Cuddy widow of James of Virginia, has been received.
The certificate of the Auditor of Accounts of Virginia shows that one James Cuddy of the Virginia Continental Line received L60 s5 p9 for his services as a soldier of Infantry, James in his application does not assert one days service in Virginia. He says he entered the Pennsylvania Militia in the early part of the year 1777 - that when it was ascertained that he had been
employed as a founder at iron works
in Ireland, he was immediately sent to Pine Grove Furnace near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and employed as an Artificer under Col Thornburg--  that from thence he was removed to Hughes' Furnace in Maryland, and from thence to Hill's
works on the Catawba in South Carolina, and that he served as artificer over two years. This is the history he
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gives of his services, and I think it evident the payment of L60.5.9 was not made to Alceys husband. It seems equally certain that Alcey is mistaken when she asserts her husband "enlisted in the Continental line for during the
war, in the State of North Carolina", and that Jane Cuddy's recollection is treacherous when she says "she often "heard"James say he was seven years in the service." There is no proof before this office that James served at all,
nor is there the slightest testimony as to
whether he was engaged under public or private contract. I would further State, that the date of the marriage of James and Alcey, and of James' death, have not been proved.
J. W. Stevens Esqr
Abingdon
Virginia
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Penna Office
Sept. 2, 1854
Sir,
In reply to your letters of the 23d & 24th ult. you are informed that since the
date of my letter of the 19th ult I have discovered incontrovertible evidence that the James Cuddy of the Virginia Continental line, 
who on the 17th of July 1786, received L60 as act of deformation of his services therein, was not the husband of your client, and that she has no claim for pension, or other gratuity from the government. I refer to the husband's declaration made in Washington County, Va, on the 6th day of June 1835, for the benefit of the Act of June
Page 23

7, 1832 which shows [illegible] that his employment at sundry[?] Iron furnaces was under civil contract. He states in his declaration that some time in 1777, he then being a resident of York County, Pennsylvania, he went into the service as a militia man, and at leaving[?] [illegible words] that he had been employed as a Founder at Iron works in [illegible] he was sent to Pine Grove Furnace ten miles from Carlisle, Pennsylvania and was there employed as a Artificer in casting Cannon Balls and bombs for the U.S. Army. After serving at that furnace and being thus employed for a considerable time, under direction of Colonel Thornburg, he was removed to Hughs' furnace in Maryland and employed there in the same manner; from there he was taken
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2
to Hillsboro in South Carolina and there employed in the same service until the British burnt the works sometime in 1780.  When he left Col. Thornburg's he received a written certificate of his service - but when he left the other furnaces, he received no writing[?]. It [illegible words] from his own narrative[?], so  as to require no comment, that he was merely employed under a civil contract [illegible words] and knows that the proprietors of the furnaces aforesaid were themselves merely contractors for the supply of shot and shells for the American Army, that they had no military rank, and were not in any service of the term military artificers.  But even if these facts were not known to us the [illegible] of the [illegible words]
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refers to a soldier of Infantry, whose service, as such was evidently long and continuous. But the James Cuddy represented by you, was never in that state, unless in transition and made no reference to commanders under its authority.  In brief then, & no claim or the shadow of a claim [illegible] from the exhibits before this office.
You are mistaken in another particular [illegible words] to the payment of interest or pension.  In no [illegible] is interest paid.  Pensions are computed according to the rank and service of the party entitled, and you extract of the amount which needed to do even if the claim was [illegible] is erroneous[?] in every [illegible]
John W. Stevens, Esq
Abingdon, Va.
Page 26

Pension office
Aug 19 1854

Sir
There is not a particle of evidence in the papers of Alcey Cuddy widow of James of Va identifying her husband with the soldier who in 1788 received a final settlement certificate from the Auditor of Virginia, Nor is there the slightest reason to suppose, upon reading her declaration, that he ever served in Virginia, She can not be allowed to appropriate to her husband [crossed out word] the service of any man of his name who may be found upon the rolls of any state whose soldiers were in the war of the Revolution. She asserts that his service was in N.C. and the proof of service must come, for the records of that State or she must show that he also served in Virginia and that the 60.5.9 pound allowed by the Auditors of Virginia in 1786 were allowed to her husband. No attempt has been made to furnish the proof of the date of her marriage as required in my letter of Sep 23 1853.
I must remark that if he did render the alleged service it is remarkable that he did not apply for the benefits of the Acts of 1818, or 1828, or 1832, though entitled under each
Page 27

of them, and this is the more surprising since you declare that he was so poor that he had to be supported by his wife, who hired herself to the neighboring farmers for a mere pittance. 

[written vertically] J.W. Stevens Aug 19/32

J. W. Stevens Esq
Abingdon Va
Page 28

Jno. W. Stevens
Sept 23 /53
Page 29

Pension Office 504 September 23, 1853.
Sir,
I have filed the application of Alcey Cuddy, widow of James, under the Act of July 7, 1838. it is entirely unsupported by the required evidence of the service and names, and you are referred to the accompanying regulations for her made in which both needed to be established.  The office of the Secretary of the State of North Carolina at Raleigh, should contain evidence of the former and that of the Clerk of Hokes County, North Carolina evidence of the
latter; certificates from both of whom should be filed in this office.  It is agreed, however, that Cuddy was employed under some contract and if so, his employment furnished  no grounds for a pension.
John W. Stevens, Esquire
Abingdon, Pa
Page 30

David Campbell
July 31 1835
Al


Rec. Vol. 40. pa 287
Page 31


War Department
Pension Office
July 30 1831-
Sir
I have received your letter upon the subject of the claim of James Cuddy and have had reference to the case of M. Ditty cited by you, as very similar.

These two cases are essentially different; while Mr. Cuddy was employed under civil contract to perform certain services connected with the manufacture of Cannon Bombs , etc., Mr. Ditty, was a regularly enlisted artificer in Hazens Regiment, and bound to serve for a given period, subject to regulations of the army, and was honorably discharged.

I find no reason to justify me [illegible] any decision upon the claim of Mr. Cuddy.  He was not in military here, neither did he belong to the corps of Artificers raised by the United States.

I am, etc.
David Cambell Esquire
Abingdon, Virginia
Page 32

M Campbell
July 7. 1835
Va
ol

Rv. Vol 40. P 267.
Page 33

War Dept.
Pension Office
July 7. 1835
Sir
I have the honor to return you the letter of your brother respecting the claim of James Cuddy to a pension under the act of 7 June
1832. The claimant alledges various services
from 77 to 80 inclusive in different foundries
& iron works in the character of an Artificer
the act of 7 June 32 provides for service under
military obligation during the revoln war and
the narrative of the claimant shows service
under civil contract auxiliary to the military
operations in the prosecution of the war.
It is true that there was a corps of Artificers
regularly enlisted, fully officered & liable to military dulty under military penalties whose service enti[tles] them to the provisions of the act, but the claimant did not belong to those corps of which there is a perfect roll in this office.
His claim is disallowed & his papers by the rules of this office are placed in our files
John Campbell Esq
Treasurer
act 7 June
Page 34

Va July 31

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 35

Abingdon July 22nd 1835
Sir,
I have received from Major John Campbell Treasurer of the U. S. your letter of the 7th inst. relative to the claim of James Cuddy for a pension.
Some years ago Mr. Cuddy, who is a very respectable old man, stated to me the kind of service he had performed -- I then expressed to him the opinion that his case was not provided for.  Since that time, in conversation with Col Wm B. Campbell of Tennessee, he informed me that he had procured a pension for an old gentleman named Ditty of White county in that State whose service was that of an artificer.  I told Mr. Cuddy of this case and he then made his declaration.  By referring to Mr.  Ditty's declaration it will be seen that the cases are similar, as I understand them.
  Yours most respectfully
   David Campbell
Page 36

Abingdon Va June 26 1835

Dear Brother

I have forwarded by the present mail to the Commissioner of Pensions, the declaration James Cuddy a very poor & very worthy old man of this county for a pension, about which I feel some interest - because several years ago he applied to me to know whether he was not entitled to a pension and without much consideration, I told he was not. He was an artificer in service for about two years & six months - and rendered important services.
I make this statement through you because I am not personally known to the Commissioner.
Your brother.
David Campbell.
Page 37

[letterhead]
[upperleft]
Richard P Ernst, Ky. CHAIRMAN
Dedrde V. (illegible)
ELLISON C. SMITH, S.C.
William R Butler, Wash. 
Edwin E Broussard, La.
Jebbue Bie (illegible)
(illegible) Whipstead, Minn.

Lee Lamar Robinson, Clerk
[center]

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON PATENTS

[typewritten letter]
July 17, 1925.

Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Commissioner:
I am in receipt of a request for information relative to the birth, marriage, and death records of James Cuddy and John Cuddy, brothers, who were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. If the records of your
office should contain any of this information,
and it is in keeping with the practise of the
Department to furnish the same, I will appreciate your having this sent to me.

Yours very truly,
[signed] Richard P Ernst.


[stamped] OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
JUL 18 1925
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 38

[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
AUG 23

Alcey Cuddy
Va 
Lns 1838

FREE
Comm of Pensions
Pension office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 39

[Post Mark]
ABINGDON VA.
AUG 25

Alcy Cuddy
Va Sus 38

FREE
Comm of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 40

Pension papers

[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
AUG 

FREE

Hon Com of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D. C.
Page 41

Abingdon Aug 13th 1854
Com'r of Pensions
My Dear Sir,
Yours in relations to Mrs Cuddy is just received- and I beg to assure you, My last Communication would not have been Made but for the distress of the Old Lady Who Earnestly Entreated Me to write once more.  I feel Satisfied that She and her Daughter Jane are Wholy Mistaken in the Whole Matter, his own declaration disproves in Every aspect What they have asserted -- I used Every Effort to obtain proof of their Marriage - but it is of no use If had, as it is impossible to know how he went out of the Militia into the Furnace, I think it Very likely, under all the circumstances of the times then.  It being ascertained he was a founder, he was permitted to leave  the line on condition that he would Engage with Colonel Thornbing on private Contract for More wages than his monthly pay in the line, I refused the case as of no avail.
  I am Dear Sir
 your obedient servant
John Stevens
Page 42

ck for Bo [rest of line illegible]

[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
MAY 5

PAID
3
Hon F. E. Hassler
Washington City
D. C.

James Cuddy
Act 1832
Virginia
Suspended

Amended
11 May 1835
Page 43

Abingdon Va May 4th 1855
Mr F. E. Hassler

Dear Sir,
I have for two years been trying
to investigate the service of James Cuddy of the Revolution for pension for his widow, who lives in this County I am informed by the department, that James Cuddy was a
Soldier in the line, but hired on private contract in the Casting of Ball and bombs. for the U. States Army.  If Cuddy was on private contract, how or why does his name appear in the department, or on the rolls,
or as I am told, he was put into Pine Grove Furnace to work, from there sent to Maryland,-from there to South Carolina, and when the works were destroyed by the British, he [illegible] in writing.

If he was on private contract, who had the right to send him from State to State, his widow alleges he enlisted, I am told he was taken from the line, no private contractor
had the power. I suppose, the truth is, Cuddy did Enlist, and it being know he was raised a founder in Ireland, he was taken from the line by order of Government and put into that business, and kept 3 to 4 years, till the works were destroyed in S.C.  When they
had no further use for him and discharged
him, that was always his version of it when alive his son brought me a blank power of Atto[rney] with your name to it. informing Cuddys of your knowledge by Investigation of such a claim, will you say to me, what you know of it, and of the case can be Established, you shall, If you desire, share my fee in the case, papers are filed in pension office let me hear from you on the subject.

I am yours respectfully
JW Stevens

My fee is one half of all obtained.
Page 44


Abingdon Septr 19th 1854
Comm. of pensions

Dear Sir
yours in relation to James Cuddy is just received. And I can only say I am more
then pleased to know you have come at the truth of his service, this case has given you, as well as myself much trouble, but the Investigation settles the matter forever, I should never have urged this case as I have, but for the following reasons.

first, when I agree to do a business of any sort, never to stop untill [sic] I see the end of it. again the Widows poverty was a great incentive to action in her behalf. They never informed me he had at any time made application, I am now satisfied it is done with.

In relation to Interest on pension, I have claimed it only on the Ground
of what I had been told was usual, that is
on matter I well know. the department will
arrange in a proper way-- however extravagant
the claims as made out may appear, I feel
satisfied in every instance, that right to parties
will be done, If any Error should occur, it
will be on the ground of Mistake, and shall I
assure you be satisfied with the decisions you
make in such cases. I can assure you, of I
Know it.  I never contend for what is not right, nor never will,
In all future Claims   }
I shall omit Interest,  }

I am Dear Sir Most respectfully your obedient servant, 
JW Stevens
Page 45

Abingdon August 10th 1854
Honorable Commissioner
Dear Sir
in letter, containing proof of Alcy Widow of James Cuddy-- This morning I omitted to enclose her power of Attorney which I now enclose.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J W Stevens
Page 46

[Post Mark]
ABINGDON Va.
OCT 4

Alcey Cuddy wid of
James
Va sus 1838

FREE
Comm. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 47

Abingdon Oct 3d 1854.

My Dear Sir,
On receiving your account of James Cuddy
Husband of Alcy, I was pleased to know the case was settled and so informed you, today  on reading your letter again, I see there is much doubt in the matter, and in the outset.

I beg to say - I do not demur to, or desire to disturb the decision, and further I now fully and clearly agree in the opinion, that he, James Cuddy, Husband of Alcy - is not the man certified to, by the Auditor of Virginia but that James who was employed in sundry furnaces , and who made declaration was the Husband of Alcy. I represent that you admit and I make this communications simply for Information, and justice to the department.

first, you say, Cuddy was a militia man,  while such was sent to Pine Grove furnace, and from then on he was sent to Hughes Furnace in Maryland, and from there taken to Hillsboro. South Carolina and in 1780 [illegible] Certificate of his services.  So he entered service  as a militia Man, and while such, was sent from place to place until 1780. at which time, he had [illegible] certificate of services.  I now respectfully enquire, who sent Cuddy to pine grove furnace, When he was a Militia man in the service of the United States, was it not under authority of the U.S., and, still, no [illegible] from that service in 1779 1780.  Making three years.  Clearly showing that by sending him from place to place for three years, and then giving Certificates of Service, he was not free, but bound to the government, and not to Colonel Thornburg. If Cuddy was under Civil Contract, why does his name appear in all this service, or is it so detailed in his declaration, If so, what does he mean to say - does he say - he was under such civil contract, I presume not, or he would not have made declaration relying  on his certificate of discharge, and fully believed he was
Page 48

entitled to pension -again, could it be that Cuddy was three years in service from 77 [1770] to 80 [1780] and can it be, that service was service of the United States does the names of all workmen in Civil Contract appear in the department, if not, does, that of Cuddy appear. (only)

Now my dear sir, the reason
I have written this letter, is, to satisfy Mrs Cuddy, who is at this moment in my room having been brought here in Waggon [sic].

She is dissatisfied and greatly disappointed.

I am Dear Sir Yours Most obedient, etc.
JW Stevens

I would further, respectfully ask, did the fact exist, that where he entered the furnace, did his service cease under the [illegible] in a millitary [sic] capacity, then may he [illegible] to that effect of which, I am Ignorant. and it is only to satisfy the Old Lady!  I have written and to know at what time his millitary [sic] service ended.
Page 49

Abingdon August 23rd 1854.
Com'r of Pensions
Dear Sir,
In the case of Alcy, Widow of James Cuddy, I beg to offer the folling {sic} as supplement to her declaration, She, When Making it, not knowing What She was Entitled to, and If, as she alleges, James Cuddy served Seven years - She claimed under the acts of 1778, 1783 & 1828, but If the record of Service show less service than comes under the aforesaid acts - She then Claimes under the act of the 7th of June 1832.  And in Either Case, pension for life, under act of 1848. under the act of 1778, She is Entitled to 100 acres bounty land.  If not received under the act of 1783 - to five years pay up to 88 @ $80 per annum, Making $400s Interest on that amt to 1854 - Sixty Six years $1584 She is Entitled under the act of 15th May 1828 - Commencing 3rd of March 1826 to full Monthly pay for life @ $8 per month, from the 3rd of March 1826 to the 9th of (illegible) 1839, the day of his death Making thirteen years @ $96 a year is $1248.  She is Entitled interest on that sum from the 9th of (illegible) 1839, the day on which he died, up to payment, say 1854 - fifteen years, Making the further Sum of $1123 Which Several Sums is $4555,  Exclusive of Bounty land.  If however, She is not Entitled under those acts, She falls back under the act the 7th of June 1832 and Claimes from the 4th of March 1831 to the 9th of (illegible) 1835 at the rate of $96 a year and having Married in 81 or 82, She then Claimes under the act of 1848 Commencing the 4th of March 1848 for life but If all owed under the previous acts, then she Claimes pension for life under act of 1848.  Errors Excepted & to be Corrected, in all Cases.
I am Dear Sir Very
respectfully your obt. svt
J W. Stevens
Page 50

Know all men, by these presents, That I, Alcy Cuddy a resident of the county of Washington and State of Virginia do hereby select, ordain, constitute, and irrevocably appoint, with power of substitution, J W. Stevens of Abingdon Virginia, my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, for Me and in My name, place and stead; to examine into, enter, prosecute, file and defend, before the proper Department of Government, or other tribunal, any claim, or suit, in My behalf, or in which I may be legally interested, by virtue of My Claime for pension, in light of My Husband Jas Cuddy dec'd of the War of the revolution Who Enlisted in said War, was taken from the line, and put to making shot and shell, a part of the time in a place called Pine Grove Furnace (she thinks) in the State of Pensylvania.
And Further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, or his substitute, to apply for, and receive any Money, Bounty Land or Bounties, Pension Claim or Claims, or other Dues, of any kind whatsoever, that may be found to be due Me for Said Service in pension as aforesaid, his discharge having been cut & torn up by his small daughter on Sabath, in the absence of her parents  - While they were at Church.
And further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, and authorizing him to receipt therefor, and give full and free acquittance thereof in his name, as My Agent and Attorney in fact, but all for My benefit and behoof.  Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever My said Agent and Attorney may lawfully do, or cause to be done, as in these premises specified; and as though I were present personally and acting for Myself Binding My heirs, legal representatives and assigns to comply with, and fully carry out and complete any obligation, contract, or agreement, that is, or may be made between Me and My said Agent or Attorney, his legal representatives, heirs or assigns.
In virtue whereof I do hereunto affix My hand and seal, this 2nd day of June 1854
       Alcy Cudy {X is her mark}
Witness,
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in presence of 
Geo. V. Litchfield
Tho. G. McConnell
Page 51

Know all men, by these presents, That I, Alcy Cuddy a resident of the county of Washington and State of Virginia do hereby select, ordain, constitute, and irrevocably appoint, with power of substitution, J W. Stevens of Abingdon Virginia, my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, for Me and in My name, place and stead; to examine into, enter, prosecute, file and defend, before the proper Department of Government, or other tribunal, any claim, or suit, in My behalf, or in which I may be legally interested, by virtue of My Claime for pension, in light of My Husband Jas Cuddy dec'd of the War of the revolution Who Enlisted in said War, was taken from the line, and put to making shot and shell, a part of the time in a place called Pine Grove Furnace (she thinks) in the State of Pensylvania. And Further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, or his substitute, to apply for, and receive any Money, Bounty Land or Bounties, Pension Claim or Claims, or other Dues, of any kind whatsoever, that may be found to be due Me for Said Service in pension as aforesaid, his discharge having been cut & torn up by his small daughter on Sabath, in the absence of her parents - While they were at Church. And further empowering My said Agent and Attorney, and authorizing him to receipt therefor, and give full and free acquittance thereof in his name, as My Agent and Attorney in fact, but all for My benefit and behoof. Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever My said Agent and Attorney may lawfully do, or cause to be done, as in these premises specified; and as though I were present personally and acting for Myself Binding My heirs, legal representatives and assigns to comply with, and fully carry out and complete any obligation, contract, or agreement, that is, or may be made between Me and My said Agent or Attorney, his legal representatives, heirs or assigns. In virtue whereof I do hereunto affix My hand and seal, this 2nd day of June 1854 Alcy Cudy {X is her mark} Witness, Signed, sealed and acknowledged in presence of  Geo. V. Litchfield Tho. G. McConnell
Page 52

State of Virginia County of Washington 
On this 2nd day of June One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty four before me, James L. Campbell Justice of the peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by law to admininister {sic} oaths, personally appeared Alcy Cuddy the identical person whose name is attached to the annexed Power of Attorney, and being duly questioned, acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed as specified.  In testimony where I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my name, the day and year last above mentioned.  
James L Campbell J P

State of Virginia County of Washington ss.
I, Jacob Lynch Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that James L. Campbell whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit, is, and was, at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand, and the seal of my Office at Abingdon this 5th day of June A. D., 1854
Jacob Lynch C. C.

{written at 90 degrees to above}
Alcy Cuddy.
Power of Atty.
Page 53

Alcy, Widow of
Jas. Cuddy
---
Page 54

Abingdon August 24th 1854
Com'r of Pensions
Mr. Cole
Dear Sir,
Yours in relation to Alcy Widow of James Cuddy war received by last nights Mail, 1st She asserts in declaration, he Enlisted, in the State of North Carolina - Why does She do so.  Simply, because it was there she first knew him -aside from that, She does not know Where he served.  therefore designated North Carolina Again, James Was Seven years in Service, one year or thereabouts before he was taken from the line, and put in What was called the position of Making ball and Shell for the army, at the time in Pensylvania in Pine Grove furnace, and in different localitys as the Service required and is it strange that his settlement was Made in Virginia, not at all, he May have Enlisted in Virginia, Which I have very little doubt of, from the fact that his name Cannot be found in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia and only in Vorginia because She has said in her Ignorance he Enlisted in North Carolina When he may have Enlisted in Virginia.  Will you bar her rights on that ground, If there is but one James Cuddy on the Virginia rolls and no others Cuddy on any other Roll, - I think not, the Law presumes, Every one to know the Law but that was stranger than your surprise that he did not in his poverty apply under acts of 1828 or 32 [1832] I hope I shall be Indulged a Moment to turn Yanky [Yankee]- in answering one question to ask another.  Inform Me If you please, in traveling 500 Miles among the Common and  Unlearned, how Many Will you find Who ever heard, or know of the acts of 1828 or[18]32, or any other Act, will you find a dozen no you will not, unless it be in Yankeedom
Page 55

Where education and with it, information is more general and they are alive to every interest to the vallue [sic] of a dollar - Now sir, the facts are these, Mrs Cuddy a few days before she employed me, received A letter from a man in your or some other city - named Knight, telling her of rights, in light of was Cuddy’s service, then again written to by a man in your city to the same effect. This was her first knowledge of the pension law, strange as it may seem it is so, and there are thousands in the same state of ignorance. She sent these letters to Me to know what they meant, again you speak of her marriage, I have written five times to the Clerk of the Courts but have not received answer to my last, her maiden name was Alcy Dunlap, was married in Stokes County North Carolina Then Surry by a justice of the peace named Hughes. Martin James Cuddy died in Washington County, 9th of January 1839, should you feel any degree of surprise at the poverty of Jas Cuddy - If you will come with me in one days travel I will show you enough to convince you , there should be no surprise at poverty. I have woefully found by practical observation, that truth, honesty and poverty, are inseparable companions.  and though ignorance may prevail yet our mountain men and women have that noble feeling of heart and truth of character , that to sustain a husband and father or mother, they will labour by the day in the fields, or any where, for the pittance that will sustaine them. Tho[ugh] poor and ignorant they are rich  in the virtues, that should in all stations make, the man or woman,  (her marriage, I will yet have, if I [illegible] to North Carolina For 300 miles, James Cuddy was a poor and honest soldier
(End of page)
Page 56

was long & well known in this County -- he was
Known as a revolutionary, by reputation, his word, was considered truth by all that knew him
though he lived 9 miles from town, in the Hills
he would not be in town once a year.  his Health was always bad.  Many had seen his discharge, destroyed by his daughter, but cannot remember where he was discharged.

I am Dear Sir
very respectfully
your obt St

JW Stevens
Page 57

[ A folded sheet of paper or a file jacket]

J. W. Stevens
Abingdon, Virginia
August 10, 1854

Enclosing, Cert. of Auditor of Va of payment to
James Cuddy, as a Soldier of the Va Continental Line - to be filed in support of the claim of his widow Alcy Cuddy. 

Respectfully referred to the Comm of Pension
Dept this Augt 17/54

Golling
Chf Clk

Cole

Pritchett
17 Aug 1884
Page 58

Abingdon August 10th 1854
Hon Secretary of the Interior

Dear Sir

On the 5th day of August 1853, I mailed the declaration of Alcy, Widow of James Cuddy de of the revolution for pension. In her declaration she alledges her Husband served seven years or more. That he was taken from the line, and put to Making Shell & ball for the Army, and so continued to the end of the War. And that he was honorably discharged; we have proved, that his discharged.   We have proved that his discharge was destroyed by his small daughter. In the absence of her parents, not knowing its vallue, or what it was we have proved him to be the widow of James Cuddy by reputation, she being married in NC by a Justice of the peace, named all of which is on file in the department, we now adduce in the absence of discharge destroyed, Certificate of his service and settlement of his pay Acpt, from the Auditor of Virginia, which will be conclusive, as to service yet we are wanting on the following points, 1st, we are unable to show under What officer. James Cuddy Enlisted 2d in what Regiment, he was first in he was, in line only about a year, When taken out and put in the furnace House & how long he served. We are Well aware of our position, under the law, in the absence of this latter proof to sustain our allegations, but come fearlessly, with a good conscience, before the department, relying on the Justice due to Indigence. If, on examination of the rolls, the name of James Cuddy be found, on the roll of any State, as he was moved about as the necessities of the army required, and that he did serve the Seven years as alledged. We fully believe the government, will not ban our Claim the we are wanting in proof of facts stated, but will in the
Page 59

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

benevolent spirit, that made the Same for the relief of the Soldier Carry it as out, in the same holy Spirit, am I asking two much for Mrs. Cuddy, in her case.  When I say, her Husband James Cuddy, was Extremely poor, for ten years before his death, was confined to the house Wholly  unable to do any thing for the support of his family -- and they were scantily supported by the exertions of his wife & little ones, Who would hire out to labour for the farmers at a bushel of corn for day.

Mrs Cuddy is now some Eighty odd years of age
Very Infirm, and subsists on the generosity of feeling hearts, yet under all these circumstances We ask not, unless the law be satisfied in her case, and that We are at fault in proof.  Yet if the record in the department supply the proof we are unable to adduce, We full, satisfied, you will take up her case, have a thorough examination made for his name & service, & if found, Grant her Claim. 

his widow Says, he worked in Pine Grove furnace Pensylvania, N. C., & other States, making shell & Ball, she thinks, and alledges, he enlisted in N.C. but even of that, she may be mistaken for at this day, we find these old people in the lower walks of life, unlearned, and Ignorent, relying altogether on memmory, or from what A, B, or C said, which is not to be relyed on. 

Most respectfully
Your Obt St
J W. Stevens
Page 60

on the supposition, that James Cuddy served seven years, or to the end of the war. If the fact was made clear his claims, to his widow, would rest on the following Grounds.
  Under the act of 78. Bounty land 100 acres
  Under the act of 83- to 88 four years full pay and Interest thereon till paid say 1854. 
  And under the Act of May 15th, from 3d March 1826 to 1835 when he died & int. to 1854 - 15 years - again, would his widow be barred, under the subsequent list for life, I think
not.  

Most respectfully
J W Stevens
Page 61

Abingdon Augt 5th 1853
Hon Com
 Dear Sir
Enclosed is the declaration
of Alcy-- Wid. of James Cuddy for pension-

I am Your Svr 
Very respectfully
Your Obt Svt
JW Stevens