Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4,085, John Goff, N.C.
Page 1

Service
N.C.

Goff, John    

Number
R. 4085
Page 2

35712

John Goff
Ga
7 June 1832

35712
Page 3

State of Georgia  }  SS

Eight district of Telfair County 
On this fifteenth day of April One thousand eight hundred and forty four (1844) Personally appeared John Goff_________ the applicant of Telfair County and State of Georgia Telfair County (but previously in the Territory of Florida aged ninety years of age (90 Years of age) 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 (seventh) 1832. That he volunteered in the army of the United States during the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven under Captain Frederic  Wells, in the regiment raised in duplin county North Carolina Served under the following named officers Generals John Ash James Renard and Livingston [illegible] James Gillespy Colonel THomas Rutledge, and compnay officers Aaron Williams and James Loar and continued the service until the end of the war or until the conclusion of peace and that he lived in duplin county North Carolina at the time of his enrollment. that he was in several skirmishes with the "Tories and British" but was not in any battles or regular engagements and that the marched from Wilmington under Capt Wells to Brunswick old Town or Cape Fair [fear] river and from [illegible][illegible] again to Wilmington from thence on further orders again to duplin county  Home for ten (10) months previous to the surrender of Lord
Page 4

[crossed out- Acts of July 14, 1862, and march 3, 1873]

4085

P.O.  John Goff

Service:_______

Enlisted:_______, 18
Discharged:_______, 18

Application filed: ____-, 18
Alleges:_______
Re-enlisted:_________
Attorney: ____________
P.O._________
____Recognized.   _____-Cont
_______Cert. of Dis.  Searched for _____, [not copied}
Page 5

No 35712

John Goff Georgia

Let to Hon T.M. Berrier
may 12th. 1846
clo. to Hon T. B. King H. R.
July 7 1846


4085

Act 7th June 1832
Page 6

John Goff's Case.

Letter to E.F. Brown

Com. of Pensions

Please exmaine and return them to me.
Edw. F. Brown Agent
21 July 1845.

[stamped] 
From E.F. Brown
United States Agency
[illegible] Notarial Office
Washington City.
Page 7

Georgia Telfair County
      Personally appeared before me James W. Rawlins a Justice of the Superior Court in and for the County of Telfair. John Goff who being duly sworn hereby relinquishes  every claim to a pension except the [illegible] and swears that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state except this state otherwise the State of Georgia. Sworn to and subscribed  before me this       day of April 1844.  [signed] John Goff    applicant
James W. Rawlins J P C
Page 8

The court hereby [illegible] the [illegible] of the Justice J W. Rawlins April 29 1844
A McKinnon JJC
F S McCall JJC
Page 9

[top left corner not copied]
County  }  Personally appeared before me James W. Rawlins One of the Justice of the Superior Court  Joseph Williams a Revolutioner who draws his pension annually and after being duly sworn says on oath that John Goff who now applies for a pension was a soldier in the State of North Carolina Duplin County about the year 1779: under the command of James Gillespy at first a while he was Sergeant and about the year 1779 he was appointed Ensign during the month of March or April of that year and was continued in that office until the termination of the war.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of April 1844.  [signed] Joseph Williams

Jas W. Rawlins JJC
Page 10

Georgia,
Telfair County  }    Personally appeared before me, Duncan B. Graham, and acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said county. Elizabeth Menix. who deposeth and saith on oath. that she knew John Goff before the Revolutionary War and at the time, he was in the service, she frequently saw him, she also states that at the time of his serving int he War, he resided in Duplin County, in the state of North Carolina. and she also states that she has seen him in this county, and knows him to be the identical  John Goff, who now applys for a pension.  [signed] Elizabeth Menix (her mark)

Sworn to before me this 11th July 1845.  D. B. Graham JJC
Page 11

[stamped]
Raleigh
May [illegible]


B.F. Brown esq
Washington City
D.C.

(w. a.)

[remainder written upside down]

May 15, 1845

Certif of Compt N.C.
for [British pound currency sign} 284.7.6

12 May 1845

Also a few lines from
Wm. Ashley explaining it.



E.F Brown Agent
14 May 1845
Page 12

[same as copy #10, flipped upside down}
[stamped]
Raleigh
May [illegible]


B.F. Brown esq
Washington City
D.C.

(w. a.)

[remainder written upside down]

May 15, 1845

Certif of Compt N.C.
for [British pound currency sign} 284.7.6

12 May 1845

Also a few lines from
Wm. Ashley explaining it.



E.F Brown Agent
14 May 1845
Page 13

Raleigh N.C.

I William F. Collis Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of James Goff appears of Record in this office as having had issued in his favor the following certificates for Military Service by and for twenty two pounds seventeen shillings and six pens ( L 22.17.6) see book No 14. page 6 also one other certificate for twelve pounds (L 12) see Book No 23 page 147. also one other certificate for six pounds seventeen shillings (L 6.17) see Book 145 page 20 also one other certificate for thirteen shillings see Book no 180 page 8 also in same book page 15 one other certificate for Twelve pounds (L 12) I also certify that the name of John Gouff appears of record in this office as having had a certificate issued in his favor for military service for two hundred and thirty pounds given under my hand and seal at office the day and date above written.  [signed]  Wm. F. Collins Comptr

[sums of above numbers totaled at bottom of page]
22.17.06
12.-    -
 6.17.  -
.   13 .-
12.  -  -
________
54.7.06

54.07.06
230.07.06
__________
274.07.06
Page 14

22.12.06
12.-.  -
  6. 17. -
_______
41.17.06

Mr. E.F. Brown   Raleigh  May 12th 1845
 
Sir I now enclose you all that appears to the name of John Goff you will see that in one place the name is spelled Guaff, there is no doubt that it is all the same name it is frequently the case where the certificate was paid in to different officers that the same name is spelled different so I hope that will not make any case of complaint I should like to have Mrs Powells as soon as possible.
Respectfully
Wm Ashley
Page 15

State of Georgia}   
Telfair County  }    On this day of our Lord  one thousand eight hundred and forty four, personally appeared in open court John Goff a resident of Telfair County and State aforesaid aged ninety years (90) who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of congress passed June the seventh (7th) one thousand eight hundred and thirty two (1833). That he entered the service of the war of the Revolution as a volunteer in the first part of the year seventeen hundred and seventy [illegible], as a private Footman, under Capt Fredrick Wells, and served two tours of three months each, as a private footman.  Left Duplin Court House , in the month of March and marched from thence to Wilmington and then was stationed and from thence marched to place known as Jumping Reew[?] and thence was stationed a while from dunes to Brunswick Old Towne at which place he had a few skirmishes with the British. From thence to New Bern and from thence back to Duplin Court House the above service constitute, the two Tours aforesaid, under the following officers, Gen. James Kinnan, , Gen John Ash Gen Livingston Col Thomas Rutledge Maj. James Galaspy and Maj John Fredwell Capt Frederick Wells Lieut Elijah Bowen Ensign Shadrach Stattings about the first of December, seventeen hundred and seventy nine (1779) he was promoted to the office of First Sargent
Page 16

Capt. Frederick Wells as near as he can recollect and served in said officer during the space of three (3) months under the above named officer, and to the places above described about the close of the same year (1779) he was chosen as ensign under Capt Aaron Williams and commissioned as such and under Lieut Joseph Williams, in a Horse Company by thence raised at Duplin court House, North Carolina, the county through which he marched was from Duplin where he lived through New Hanover Bladen Robinson, Richmond Cumberland Sampson and back to Deuplin thence to Onslow Lenoah and Brunswick and up and down from the North East to the North West Black and South Rivers to Little Peedee on the border of South Carolina and on Drawing Creek up and down and on the Great Swamp on Moss Creek and Rockfish Creek and was stationed for some time at the Long Bridge, on a Branch of Cape Fear, and was stationed at Rockfish Bridge that he was a resident of Deuplin County North Carolina when he entered the service then during his service, he marched frequently from the N.E. To the N.W. Branches of Cape Fear River. That he was well acquainted with Capt John Walker of the Regular and that at close of the year (1779) he was appointed Ensign under Capt Aaron Williams and Lieut Joseph Williams and continued as such until the capture of Lord Cornwallis which was the time that he was discharged verbally and by Gen Kinnan. That he the said John Goff applicant does hereby relinquish all claim whatsoever 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 whatever. [signed] John Goff
Sworn to in open court this 1st Nov 1844.
Carleton B. Cole Judge Superior Court of Georgia
Page 17

We Henry J Campbell William Parker, Joseph B. Williams and David J Williams residents in the County of Telfair and State of Georgia, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joh Goff who has subscribed and sworn to the above and foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be ninety 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. [signed] Henry J Campbell William Parker  Joseph B Williams  David J Williams

And the said court does hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 Henry  J Campbell, William Parker, Joseph B Williams and David J Williams who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Telfair County, and credible persons, and that their statement is entitled credit [signed] Carelton B. Cole Judge S. Courts of Georgia

I John F. McRea Clerk of the Superior Court of Telfair County, Georgia, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of
Page 18

John Goff for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office this first day of November eighteen hundred and forty four.

Georgia [crossed out- Pulaski County]
Telfair County  }              

In Pulaski superior court  In open court personally came Joseph Williams who being sworn, on oath says, that he knew John Goff in the Revolutionary War, that this deponent was a Lieutenant in Captain Aaron Williams Company of Volunteers in North Carolina, in seventeen hundred and seventy nine (1779) or eighty (80)- he does not curently recollect which that John Goff joined said company for six months, but he believes served eight months, that he was commissioned as ensign, and his commission was signed by General James Kennan, and read out before the company by Major James Gallaspie; that they were together in several skirmishes but not in any general engagement, and that they were all discharged at the same time, about the time of the capture of Lord Cornwallis at York Town.  [signed] Joseph Williams
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of Nov 1844. [signed] Carelton B Cole  Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia
Page 19

[left side of page]

23.Nov. 1844

Ang. H. Hansel
Hawkinsville, Ga.

Enclosing Declaration of 
John Goff
Recd 6. Dec. 1844.

Wrote to Col. Wheeler
Raleigh, N.C. 7 . Dec. 44

Am. Jany 6. 45

Edwd F. Brown Esqr
Wrote 27. Jan '45         
and told him to send
$5 to comptroller              
Raleigh, N.C.                                

Wrote 15 Mch 1845

[illegible stamp also noted]

[right side of page]

50

Esqr
Genl Agt
Washington City
D.C.

Recd 6 .Dec. '44
Page 20

[illegible] 23 Nov 1844

Sir

Enclosed are the papers in the application of John Goff for a pension- which I have been requested to forward to you- Mr Wm H Williams has requested that you will correspond with me on the subject- There was no clergyman in the neighborhood where Mr. Goff resides, and living very [illegible], and unable from age to go out often, he knew none-

It is  desirable that this matter should be pressed, as Mr. Goff is very old infirm and poor, and unless he obtains his pension soon, it will be of little service to him.
Very Respectfully
Yobtservt
Aug. H. Hansell

Edmd F. Brown Esqr
Genl Agt Washington City
Page 21

[in left margin]
35712  May 7, 1844
 Ga
John Goff
7 June 1832


[appears to be an envelope]

[top right corner]
50 CUS

Jacksonville Ga
April 30th 1844

J. L. Edwards
Washington City
District of Columbia
Page 22

Jacksonville, April 29th 1844

Dear Sirs

Inclosed you will receive an application for a pension you will confer a favor by examining it [illegible] and if it will not answer send me such instruction as will enable me to establish it correctly

I oblige
James H MCCall
Jacksonville
Telfair County
Georgia
Page 23

paid 25,

[postal stamp- illegible]

Edmund F Brown
Washington City
District of Columba
USA

mail

Recd 19 Aug 184[illegible]
Page 24

No 1.
Wm H. Williams
Jacksonville, Ga
1. August. 1844
Recd 19 Aug 1844
Ansd 27 Aug 1844
Relative to Pension of John Goff
Wrote Com of Pensions
19.  August 1844

Advised him to send
more proof.-
Wrote and sent regulations
of Pension office of 
June 7 1832,
 Aug. 30. 1844
Page 25

Jacksonville Telfair County Ga Aug 1st 1844

Wm. Brown  Dear Sir
     I write to you for the purpose of procuring your assistance in establishing a pension for John Goff of this county. I have sent two petitions to Washington but have got no answer from there it may be that all is right but perhaps not One was directed to J S Edwards Commissioner of Pension rolls The other to the Secry of War  the last one was accompanied with all necessary proof My object is to thelp the old man who is known to have been a good and brave whig in the war if it can be established he is willing to  reward you amply  Please write back [illegible][illegible] to let me know the condition of the case direct to William H Williams  Jacksonville  Telfair County Georgia

Hawkinsville Pulaski Co.
Page 26

Mar 7 1845

DG
1st    22.17.6
2nd  12 -
3rd     6.7
_____________
[british currency pound sign precedes numbers]
       41.4.6
Page 27

Washington 6th March 1845

To the Commissioner of Pensions

Sir, 
Herewith I hand you a certificate in favor of John Goff of North Carolina which please file with his Declaration and other papers which I sent you on the 27th of January last.
       Please examine the letter of William Ashley Esq. on the same sheet with the comptroller certificate herewith, as it explains that the searches are not entirely finished.
     W. Ashley is recommended to me by Col J. H. Wheeler late Treasurer of N. Carolina as a gentleman worthy of confidence.

Very Respectfully 
Yr. Obt. Sr.
Edm. F. Brown  Agent
Page 28

[stationary letterhead]
Edmund F Brown.
Notary Public, General Agent, and Conveyancer,
E Street, four doors east of the Globe office, Washington City, 
continues to attend other the settlement of business before Congress and the several Departments of the General Government, and particulary cliams for Pensions, patents, lands, mail contracts, &c. Agency, Notarlia, and conveyancing business of every description, promptly and confidently attended to.  All letters much be free of postage.  September 18, 1844.
References: Mesars. W.Crane & Co., Balimore Md. Charles McKarraher , Esq, Philadelphia. William M. Brown, Esq., New York City. Rev. Daniel Sharp, D.D., Boston, Mass. Hon J. W. Williams, Lancaster, N.H. Doctor L.D. Boone, Chicago, Illinois. REv. I.T. Hinton, St Louis, Missouri. Colonel JohnH Wheeler, Raleigh, N.C. Wm. McDaniel., Esq,. Cannonsburg, Pa. Rev. J.F. Brown, Gainesville, Ala.

Agency, Notarial, and Conveyancing Office, 
Washington City, 27 January, 1845

Sir:

     In addition to the papers already on file in your office in the case of  John Goff, and Ensign in N. Carolina Volunteers, Revy. War, who claims a pension under the Act of 7. June 1832, I enclose herewith another Declaration, which I hope will be satisfactory, as it contains the testimony of his Lieutenant, now living in Georgia.
     As Mr. Goff is now nearly 90 years of age, feeble and poor, he is anxious for an early decision.  Very Respectfully, Yr. Obt. Svt. Edm. F. Brown Agent

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions  }
Page 29

[stationary header]
Claims for Pensions, Patents, Lands, Contracts &c. Presented.
Edmund F Brown,
Notary Public, Commissioner of Deeds &c , for State of Illinois, and Public, Private and Confidential Agent for settling business of every description , with Congress, the officers of the different Departments, Companies, and Individuals. Attention prompt. Charges reasonable. Letters must be postage paid.  Penn Avenue near 13th st. Washington City.
Notarial and other official certificates prepared. Acknowledgements taken, &c.

United States Agency and Notarial Office
Washington City, 20th June 1845


The Commissioner of Pensions, 
Sir,
     On the 22nd ult. I received a letter from Joseph Williams, of Temperance, Telfair Co. Ga who was placed on the Pension Roll on the 21 March 1834, as a private and Lieutenant in the Revolution, at $318. 33/100 per annum from the 4th March 1831, and whose pension has been recently withheld on account of an order from your office; desiring my advice and assistance to enable him to re-establish his claim.
     I have written to him to obtain such certificates and other evidence  as he can, and have also written to have the Rolls at Raleigh searched. My correspondent at Raleigh N.C. informs me that his name is found in several places on the books and as soon as the comptroller returns from his temporary absence, he will obtain and forward me the certificates.
     I am informed the Lieut. Williams is a warm old Democrat, and like John Goff, (about whom I wrote you on 18th ist.) has incurred the displeasure of the Whigs by his vote, and who, with Goff, is represented to your office as
Page 30

Copy of Letter from
Edmund F. Brown
to
Darius R. Mathewson Esq. P.M.
Hawkinsville, Ga.

Relative to A.H. Hansell

John Goff's case.
Page 31

Copy

Confidential.                 United States Agency and Notarial office,  Washington City 19th June 1845
Darius R. Mathewson Esq
Post Master,
Howkinsville, Ga             }

Dear Sir,
      May I ask of you the favor to inform me by return mail, what is the character of Aug. H. Hansell Esq of your place. I do not ask you to say any thing bad of him- if you cannot give [crossed out- him] a good character of him, please inform me that you decline answering my letter.
     My reason for making the enquiry is this- For some months past I have had in hand a claim of John Goff, for a Revolutionary Pension, part of which papers were sent me by Mr. Hansell. Mr. McRae, the Clerk of Telfair Co. and D.B.Creech, J.W. Rawlins, and A. M. Kinnon justices of the Inferior Court have filed in the Dept a paper against Goff, stating that he has contradicted himself  and the Pension ought not to be granted.  I informed Mr. Hansell that there were objections, but did not tell him who had made them- he informs me under date of 21. May 1845,
Page 32

that because Goff voted the Democratic ticket last fall, he heard some of Goff's opponents made threats that he should never get a Pension on account of it.
     Now Sir, if you can conscientiously certify that Mr. Hansel is a gentleman of standing in your place (as I presume him to be) and his word or letter entitled to full credit, it will help the cause for me to have such a certificate from you to present; for I intend to appeal to the Secretary of War and to Congress if I cannot otherwise get it allowed, unless I shall be convinced it is a bade case.
     If you know any thing further touching this case, or can obtain certificates from other persons concerning it, you will confer a favor by sending them to me, without delay.
     If I can serve you here, please let me know. 
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St.
Emd. F. Brown
Page 33

John Goffs
Reasons


E.F. Brown
Agent
Page 34

A Statement of John Goff s reasons of delay.
In the first place I was living on the fronteers of Georgia, and not knowing any thing of the Pension act being passed. for several years at length I met with a lawyer by the name of Col. Delk, who lived some where in the up country and he informed me that he would apply for my pension for me. If I would make out the proof and I went over to Telfair Superior Court and there made out my declaration and gave it to Col Delk. I did not hear from him again for several years and being ignorant of his place of residence, I was unable to communicate with him. and at length I heard that he was dead, and that he died in a short time after I gave him my Declaration. I think gave out all hopes of even receiving or applying for my Pension as I was very poor and had not the means nor a friend to apply for me, untill at length I heard of an old acquaintance who formerly resided in North Carolina. and now a resident of Telfair County Georgia and I then went to him and told him my situation, and got him to apply for me and there I also met with and old Brother soldier by the name of Joseph Williams who served in the Revolutionary war with me

State of Georgia Loundes County
Personally came before me Frances Jones one of the
Page 35

Georgia
Loundes County  }  I Duncan Smith Clerk of the Inferior Court of said county do certify that Francis Jones whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court in and for said county and that due faith and credit ought to be had and given to his actings and doins as such and that the same is in due form, Given under my hand and private seal (there being no seal of office) this 25th April 1845. [signed] Duncan Smith Clk  Inferior Court Loundes Co  Ga
Page 36

United States Agency and Notarial Office,
Washington City, 6 June 1845

John Goff, Georgia

Act of 7 June 1832

Letter from A.H. Hansell,
Hawkinsville, Ga 21 May 1845,
enclosing John Goffs reasons
for delaying his appplication
to so late a day.-
Letter states that Goff's
enemies have threatened to
prevent him from obtaining
a Pension, because he 
voted the Democratic ticket
last fall.-
      If the claim should not 
be allowed, D. Crump will 
please return me the letter 
of Mr. Hansell
Edm. F. Brown
Agent
Page 37

Aug 19 '44

Jno Goff
Ga

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 38

Letterhead for Edmund F. Brown:

AGENCY
FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS, MAIL CONTRACTS, AND CLAIMS OF
EVERY DESCRIPTION.
EDMUND TO BROWN
NOTARY PUBLIC AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.
OFFERS HIS SERVICES IN SETTLING THE BUSINESS OF
Mail Contractors,
Patentees,
Pensioners,
Land Claimants,
Army Contractors,
Navy Contractors, & c.
Having resided at the seat of Government upwards of twenty years, and become familiar
with the usages and forms of office, he is prepared to transact the business of non-residents
promptly, and relieve them from the inconvenience and expense of personal attendance. Charges
reasonable, and regulated by the amount of claims and services performed.
All letters, to ensure attention, should be free of postage, and enclose a small retaining fee
to aid in preliminary proceedings; as well as contain a correct description of the business.
All confidential communications will be so considered, and promptly attended to.
EDMUND F. BROWN.
Notary Public, General Agent, and Conveyancer.
WASHINGTON CITY, May 20, 1844.
REFERENCES:
Messrs. W. CRANE, & Co., Baltimore, Md.
CHARLES McKARRAMER, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.
THOMAS C. CLARKE, Esq.
WILLIAM M. BROWN, Esq., New York city.
Rev. DANIEL SHARP, D. D., Boston, Mass.
Rev. B. Srow,
Hon. J. W. WILLIAMS, Lancaster, N. H.
L. C. PATE FREER, Esq., Chicago, Illinois.
Doctor L. D. BOONE,
Rev. I. T. HINTON, St. Louis, Missouri.
Color GORN H. WHEELER, Raleigh, N. C.
WILLIAM McDANIEL, Esq.,
J. E. BLACK, Esq., P. M. Cannonsburgh, Pa.
J. L. Edwards

Actual handwritten portion of this item:
Agency, Notarial, & conveyancing Office
Washington City, Aug. 19. 1844

Col. J.L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir, 
I have been requirested to inquire what has been done in the case of the application of (underlined) John Goff, of (underlined) Telfair County, Georgia.

(Underlined) Two petitions (stop underline) were sent sometime since, in his behalf by William H. Williams of Jacksonville, GA. and nothing has been heard of them.

Please inform me, as early, as convenient, what is wanting in his case.

Very Respectfully,
Yr. Obt. Servt.
Edm. F. Brown,
Agent

E. St. 4 doors East of Glove Office.
Page 39

35, 712
John Goff
Georgia

Letter to E.F. Brown Aug. 29. 1844 
    "       "   same     March 16. 1845
     "      "     "           June 18.  1845
     "      "      "          July 29.    1845
     "      "      "          July 31.     1845
     "      "     "           Feb 25       1845

Act 7 June 1832
Page 40

Jacksonville, GA
Nov 
Secretary at War
Washinton City, D.C.
Page 41

Jacksonville Geo
Nov 2/44
John F. McRae
Relative to John Goff's 
pension claim
in 504 see Nov 13/44
Pension office


Jacksonville Ga
 5 Nov 

Secretary at War
Washington City
DC
Page 42

Jacksonville Telfair Co. Ga Nov 2 1844

Sir. Olw Mr John Goff made an effort at the last term of the Inferior Court to make out his case but failed- his statements were regarded as contradictory with previous showings he caused to the county in April last for his first time, He said in Court that he considered Telfair his home. afterwards impressed great anxiety to get his Pension adding that he wished to return home to Florida.  Proof can be added here by one or more responsible men. who knew him well in Deupolin Co 35 years ago and they knew him as a common citizen and never heard of his Revolutionary services. nor do they believe one word of it. Upon examination by the Court he could not answer satisfactory the questions profounded and farther he contradicted previous statements made by him to the Court his [illegible] he had forgotten Old Mr. Joseph Williams appears to be his material witness. He draws a pension- unfortunate for the Government to be awarded after this long. It can now be proved by men who came from Duplin County NC. That he was not known there as a Revolutionary Soldier.
Wm. Goff cannot make a showing to the Inferior Court again. He imposed on them before they  [illegible]
Page 43

no minister of the Gospel of standing will vouch for his moral character and his showing before the Superior court recently was the result of  accident, as can be made appear.
     Should this letter make any impression on your mind, and [illegible] you not to fork over the money for a while the Court before whom he has appeared time and again will submit to your department their reasons for refusing to sanction his claim. to Court will meet soon and I will send on their certificate.  [signed] John F. McRae Clk CSc

Georgia
Telfair County  }   I certify that Justice McRae is Clerk of the Superior Court of said county and that for just his signature to the above letter in my presence November 20th 1844. [signed] Alex T. Dopson
Page 44

Georgia
Telfair County }    I certify that the man acting as agent for Mr. John Goff came to me to procure my service to get his pension, and promised to numerate largely, I soon thereafter made an effort to employ some other man and further this man informed me that Mr. Goff was to have five hundred dollars only and he the balance for procuring it-  Mr. Goff left Telfair today to go home to Florida [signed] James H. McCall

Georgia
Telfair County  }   I Alex T. Dopson a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do certify that James H. McCall put his signature to the above certificate  in my presence and the he is a responsible man Nov 2, 1842 [signed] Alex T. Dopson JP

JP
Page 45

22. May 1845

John Goff

E.F. Brown's Statement
of the case, and letters
concerning it.
Page 46

John Goff
Of North Carolina, now in Georgia
Act of 7. June 1832

1. Aug. 1844- Wm. H Williams, Jacksonville, Ga. informs me he has sent two Petitions to Pension ffice and can get no answer.- Letter hereiwth-  N: 1.
29.Aug. 1844.- Pension office informs me that the evidence is not sufficient- mentions "one of his Declarations", thereby showing there are more than one on file.- N: 2
23. Nov. 1844 -Aug. H. Hansel, Hawkinsville, GA sends me another Declaration, which I retained some weeks to hear from Comptroller of North Carolina- N:3
27 Jany. 1845. - Enclosed above Declaration to Pension office.-
6. March 1845.  Sent Certificate to Comptroller to Pension Office.
15. May 1845. Deposited Certificate of Comptroller, amounting to [British pound sign] L284.7.6, in lieu of the above which I had withdrawn.-
           From the papers in the Pension office it appears that on the 2nd Nov last, the clerk of the Court in Georgia certified to the Declaration, and but two days after wrote the office and stated the Goff had contradicted himself, and the U.S. would be cheated if the Pension should be allowed. Is it expected that a man 91 years of age should have a perfect memory? many do not at 70.  With 3 Declarations, if not more, Affidavit of his Lieutenant, Certificate of Comptroller, and the letters herewith , 1,2, and 3, it appears to me the office ought to be satisfied that some improper motive has influenced the Clerk of the Court who objects to the allowance. I do not wish it allowed, if it is really unjust.  [signed] Edm. F. Brown, Agent
Washintgon, 22. May 1845.
Page 47

July 16. 1844

Pension office

Jno Goff
Georgia
Act 1832

Declaration 
John Goff
Page 48

State of Georgia
County of Telfair}     SS

     On this  1st day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty four personally appeared in open court John Goff a resident of Telfair County and State aforesaid aged ninety years and after being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by Act of Congress passed June seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. I entered the service of the United States as a volunteer and served as herein after described and under the following officers. In the first part of the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine I enlisted under Captain Frederick Wells and a sergeant and served several towers [tours] under him in the South eastern part of North Carolina and Once by occasion in South Carolina. General Jno Ashe James Kenan and Livingston and Majors James Gillaspy and John Fredwell all of which field officers . I was occasionally under the service Captain Aaron Williams and Lieut Elijah Bowen and Joseph Williams so are some of the company officers I was a resident of Duplin County North Carolina  where I entered the service. The skirmishes at the big Bridges and Brunswick old town were the principal engagements in which I was . I marched [illegible] from the North east to the North West branches of Cape Fear river and up and down said rivers and to Wilmington [illegible]. I was well acquainted with Captain John Walker of the regulars about the close of the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine appointed ensign under Captain Aaron Williams and continued in service until the close of the war in seventeen hundred and eighty three and I hereby relinquish all claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present- I do declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the
Page 49

Agency of any State whatever, Sworn to and subscriged in Open Court this 1st _ day of July One thousand eight hundread and forty four attest
  [illegible] county court John Goff

Georgia,,,
Telfair County
Personally appeared in Open court John Goff who being duly sworn said on oath that he foregoing declaration is just and [illegbile] to the best of his knowledge and recollection.
July 1st 1844,       John Goff

Georgia
Telfair County,
Personally appeared in Open court Joseph Williams who being duly swarn says on oath that about the close of the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine he was acquainted with John Goff the applicant who petitions as above for his pension and that [illegible] knew him to have been in service previous to that period but with whom defronent knowith not that about the time specified above depouent knew John Goff to be holding the office of ensign under Capt. Aaron Williams and saw him receive his commission as such and that he continued in said office until the conclusion of Peace
Sworn to in Open Court             1844
Attest
D.B. Couch JJC
J. W. Hawkins JJC
J. McKenon JJC
Page 50

Georgia
Telfair County }    And Said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after puting [putting] the questions prescribed by the War Department That John Goff the before named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and that Joseph Williams who has signed the preceding affidavit is a resident in this neighborhood and that the is a credible witness and that he is a revolutionary pens. [remainder of word cut off]
[signed] D.B. Creech JP  J W. Rawlins JP  A McKinon JP

I John F. McRae Clerk of the county court in Telfair County Georgia do certify that James W. Rawlins Archibald MCKinnon and D.B. Creech are acting Justices of the county court and that the foregoing signatures perporting [purporting] to be theirs are genuine July 1st 1844. [signed] John  F. McRae. Cleark county court Telfair County Georgia
Page 51

State of Georgia In Superior Court of Telfair County
In open court came John Goff who being duly sworn saith on oath that he lost his commission as Ensign in the Continental troops or Revolutionary war, by carrying in his pocket during service, so that if taken prisoner he could be entitled to the privileges of his rank, and that said commission was worn out by such carrying -  [signed] John Goff
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this first day of November eithteen hundred and forty four [signed] Carleton B. Cole Judge Superior Court of Georgia

Georgia
Telfair Couty }  I John F McRae, Clerk of the Superior Court of said county do certify that the foregoing four pages and a half contain the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Goff, for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, there being no seal of office, this first day of November AD Eighteen hundred and forty four. [signed] Jno F McRae Clk
Page 52

[entire entry crossed out]

Lambert Tree Esq
or J.A. Kennedy Esq.
City Post office
Page 53

June 20 45
[illegible]


Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

E F Brown 
Present
Page 54

[illegible] 22, 1845

case of John Goff

Additional evidence, for
Col. Edwards' special and
early attention
E.F.B.

addl te  ca
John Goff

The Commissioner of Pensions
by O.B.Brown Jr }  present
Page 55

Letterhead:
Claims for Pensions, Patents, Lands, Contracts &c. Prosecuted.

Edmund F. Brown,
Notary Public,
Commissioner of Deeds &c. For State of Illinois, And
Public, Private, and Confidential Agent
For settling Business of every description, with Congress, the Officers
of Different Departments, Companies, and Individuals.
Attention prompt. Charges reasonable. Letters must be postage paid.
Penn Avenue, near 13th Street. Washington City.

Notarial and other
Offical
Certificates prepared
Acknowlegements taken, &c.

United States Agency and Notarial Office
Washington City, 21 July 1845

Hand written:
J.L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions

Sir
     The additional testimony herewith enclosed in the case of John Goff, will, I doubt not, satisfy you that a Pension Certificate ought to be issued for him forthwith, and I know you will take pleasure in granting it.

Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Agent

By my sending the enclosed letters, you will perceive that I wish to show the whole truth as far as in my power. EFB
Page 56

Jacksonville Ga
22nd Sept

Oct 1 1848
re Case of 
John Goff

[illegible]
J. L . Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City DC.

[illegible] 
Jno Goff
Page 57


Jacksonville. Ga 2nd Sept 1845.
L. Edward
Esq.
Dr Sir
I take the liberty of writing you a few lines. deeming it my duty as a good citizen, to inform you of a few facts which has come under my own personal knowledge and which I can prove to your full satisfaction by a number of Respectable citizens of this County
They are facts concerning a Mr John Goff.
who you are already aware of has been trying through the aid of a man by the name of William H. Williams of Telfair County and the E.F. Brown of your City.
Now sir I will proceed to inform you that I
know to be undeniable and staborn facts. about two years since William H. Williams of this County went to Florida and while there. he was informed that there was a man by the name of John Goff who it was said had served in the Revolutionary War, and at that time, and does still reside in the County of Madison
in the State of Florida. said Williams brot him to his residence in this County Telfair in the State of Geo Goff then informed Williams, that if he would apply and get his pension that he Goff would give him half of it to which Williams consented, and commenced forthwith applying for the same.  Williams for a blind that the people should not suspicion any thing ring kept Goff at his House untill the
Page 58

month of October last, when a son of Mr. Goff came from Florida and carried the old man back where he still resides in Madison County with his son, Mr Cooper Goff. Williams, at one time thought it was a doubtful case and recently gets a lawyer of Hawkinsville Ga by the name of Augusten N Hansell to assist him in getting the Pension, and offers him and Mr. Brown large pay to persevere in trying to get it for him. In the month of April last one of the Judges of Telfair co. having business in Florida. Williams gets him by paying him twenty or thirty dollars to go to Mr. Goff and bring him over the Florida line into Georgia, and there before a magistrate had Goff to swear to certain false statements concerning his residence and c about his being on the frontiers of Georgia and not knowing of the Pension acts being passed, which I pronounce to be false. All of which Williams had done, in order to strengthen Goffs claims for a pension. I do not write you these lines with any impure motives, but simply to prevent the fraud which is about to be practised upon the Government. 
     If Goff is to have a pension it should be paid to him and him alone and paid in Florida and not to William H Williams and not for their benefit. These facts sir I can proved to your full satisfaction should you desire it.
Respectfully yours. 
H. N. Aldrich
Page 59

Senate Chamber US
5th May ' 46

Sir,

     Will you allow me to call your attention to the case of John Goff an applicant for a pension as a Revolutionary soldier, and to say what are the objections to its allowance, and what further evidence is necessary-  
Respectfully 
James [illegible]
= MJm: Macpherson: pension
Page 60

Jacksonville Ga
8 August [illegible]

Aug 16 45
John Goff

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 61

Telfair County Ga  Aug 8th 1845
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Dr Sir.
     I write you a few lines to inform you that should John Goff's Pension be allowed, and he entered upon the Pension Roll, that his pension should be paid in the state of Florida, where he lives.
     A man by the name of William H. Williams has proffered to get it for half, which does not accord by any means with the Pension Law.  John Goff is fully and justly intitled to a pension, and if he does get it, he should receive every cent himself., as he is aneedy man, and Williams should be debared from receiving a copper of it.
   Mr. John Goff resides in Madisonville Madison County Florida, and lives with a son by the name of Cooper Goff. who solely supports the old man, and he should be receive it for his father.    
Respectfully yours 
 George Simmons
PS. 
You can advise yourself of these facts by writing to Madison Co Florida.

Confidential
Page 62

Letterhead:
FORM S
PENSIONS.
PAREMES,
LANDS,
CONTRACTS, &c.
Proceeded.
EDMUND F. BROWN
NOTARY PUBLIC.
COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS & C. FOR STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND
Public, Private, and Confidential Agent
For settling Business of every description, with Congress, the Officers of the different departments, Companies, and Individuals.
Attention prompt. Charges reasonable. Letters
must be Postage paid.
Penn Avenue, near 13th st.
WASHINGTON CITY.
United States Agency and Notarial Office,
Washington City, 29 July 1845.

NOTARIAL
AND OTHER
Official
CERTIFICATES
Prepared.
Acknowledgemens
Taken, Sc.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commmissioner of Pensions

Sir,
Your letter of this date, stating that you have carefully examined the papers in the case of John Goff, and can discover no good reason
for requiring less than your letter of 18th June called for, has just been received; and your letter of 18th June to which you refer, is now before me.
Knowing the strictness of your rules, I am not
much surprized that you decline to admit Mr Goff as an Ensign, altho I have no doubt he was one and is so unfortunate as to lose all his evidence but that of (underlined) one Commissioned officer; but I did expect to receive a Certificate for him as a (underlined) Private, because the evidence of his (underlined) identity which I filed on 21st inst. is sufficient to satisfy any unprejudiced mind.
That your office, which professes to be governed so much by principles of law, should let the caveat of the 3 Justices weigh (underlined) one feather against the claim, is (underlined) really surprizing, because it is well known that such unmeaning charges, entirely
destitute of any specifications to enable us to contradict them, if presented in any Court, Society, Church, or any other
Page 63

tribunal having cognizance of a man's character, would be (underlined) instantly rejected as (underlined) unworthy of notice; especially as the Clerk who has made them, refers only to the Declaration made (underlined) four months previously, and is silent as to the one made but (underlined) two days previously, which also bears his signature.
   As to the representation that he is not a resident of Telfair or Citizen of Georgia, it is sufficiently explained in the papers which shew that he has relatives in other Counties in Georgia and Florida and sometimes visits
them for weeks or months together, a practice by no means unnatural or uncommon; especially for a person in indigent circumstances.
  That there are some men in all political parties who carry their feelings so far as to seek revenge upon poor unprotected persons when they cannot control their votes, is a fact too well known and admitted to need argument; and that such feelings have prompted the Clerk of Telfan County Court is shown in the papers; and malignity can be
seen in his own language which calls Goff a
(underlined) "Swindler".
From the tenor of your letter of this date I
am of opinion that the papers which I filed on the 21st inst must have been mislaid and escaped your
Page 64

notice in your last examination of the case, because in them by his identity is clearly established by persons who knew him before and after he entered the service.
   Under all the circumstances,  respectfully
claim a Pension Certificate for him, if he cannot
be admitted as an Ensign, then as a private, with
the understanding of course that if further proof
of course that if further proof of grade can be had, his claim for increase will be considered hereafter.
Very Respectfully,
Yr. Oft St

Edm. F. Brown
Agent
Page 65

Stamp on left side of page:
MILLEDGEVILLE. GA
16

handwritten:
20

Edmund F. Brown, Esqr.
Washington City, D.C.

Upside down on page:
Aug. H . Hansell
Millidgeville, Ga. 15. July 1845

Recd 19 July 1845
John Goff
Page 66

Aug. H . Hansell
Millidgeville, Ga. 15. July 1845

Recd 19 July 1845
John Goff


[upside down on page]
20
Esq
Washington City
DC
Page 67

E. F. Brown Esqr
Milledgeville Ga 15 July 1845
Washington City
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find certificates of the identity of John Goff which I trust will be fully
satisfactory to the Commissioner of Pensions. If there be any further proof required, let me know & if the Officer can possibly think of all the requisite proof at once it might save some trouble.
I was much pleased on the receipt of your
schedule of this case, as it turned out fjust as I had expected there is no doubt that the reason for this apposition was Mr. Goff vote last fall, and I am now informed by Mr Williams that he has heard this expressed. I do not wish to have this brought forward however, if we can possibly succeed otherwise, as it would be unpleasant and perhaps mnpervious to me to
be known in it. Further investigation of this case only convinces me most fully that Goff is honest in his claim and even should he have willed illegally he might be prosecuted, but it would not whate his right to a pension-
Mr. Williams informs me that Goff has not had a home of his own for ten years past.  He has a son who lives in Florida, has for some months past and a daughter in Loundes Co Geo. near the Florida line,
Page 68

where his son also resided until some time during the last year. The old man has lived with these children usually but sometimes spend his time amongst some of his old friends through the County. He is very poor, and his children unable to support him. He came to Mr. Williams in March 1844, & remained until November, when he left to see his children with a promise to return_
He employed Williams to assist him in obtaining his pension, & the only agreement was that he was to pay all expenses & pay Williams hand, if he could get the pension, & if not he had nothing to pay with_ 
Mr. Williams is a man of fair standing & very correct and honorable in his dealings & this with his Father's friendship for Goff induced him to take this trouble,
When the declaration was made out by McCall
both he & Goff were said to be drunk, and I know that McCall was a habitual & confirmed drunkard, & it is probable that the inconsistencies in his declaration
were owing to this. He was very sober & cool when his last declaration was drawn up and his examination in open Court by the Judge was very full and satisfactory to all present.
I am fairly convinced that the claim is just, and hope it may be signed as far as possible, as I know that it can be made to appear so, 'tho it may cost us some trouble. I have not your letter with me to reply of to any point contained in it.
Page 69

Please address me at this place until the first of October
Very respectfully
Your Sr
Aug. H. Hansell
Page 70

Stamp:

RALEIGH
Aug 26
NC

Edmund F Brown Esq
Washington City
D.C.


Upside down:

Wm. Ashley

Raleigh N.C. 15 July 1845
Recd 18 July 1845
Thos Bird- John Goff
Page 71

Wm.   Ashley

Raleigh N.C. 15 July 1845
Recd 18 July 1845
Thos Bird- John Goff

[upside down]
Edmund F. Brown Esq
Washington City
D.C.

[stamped]
Raleigh NC
[illegible] 
6
Page 72


Raleigh July 15th 1845
E. F. Brown
Sir I am sorry that troubled you to send
back the certificates in the case of Thos Bird when I compared the certificate with the book I found that it was the same that I had already sent. You say that the Comptroler in the case of John Goff did not certify whether the payments were Specie or Currency, if you can send the Cerficate back he will do it, because it always appears on the books which it is for, and it certainly was an oversight of his
If the certificate is filed I should think the Com would let you draw it to have it done
  I expect in a few days to send two of the other cases

PS. I do not think that could or would certify that the payments were specie unless you can send the certificate back I think
to the best of my recollection that they are specie payments
Wm Ashley
Page 73

Hawkinsville Georgia 30 June 1845
Edward F. Brown Esqr
Confidential
Sir I will here give you some idea of what some of the people believe of this case in the first place this old Mr. Williams who is a person himself is said him to have been a toy he was at first a Lieutenant in the Republican Struggle for liberty and that this Mr. Goff was under him but by Sam Meens Mc Williams deserted the cause of our fathers and took up arms on the side of the British and his decision has been "un" one but by Sam Meens, he has got it received again and
Page 74

D R Mathewson is gone north this Summer and is not at home and I fil it my duty to you to give you the certification that you require knowing that A H Hansell is a highly respectable citizen and an attorney of this place.
C. H.
Crawford Hart Ass. P.M.
Hawkinsville, GA 30 June 1845
Received 8 July 1845
John Goff
Joseph Williams
10 
Edward Brown Esqr
Washington City, DC
Page 75

Post Office Hawkinsville Ga
June 30th 1845

Edward F. Brown Esq
Washington City }

Sir
     Yours of 19th June has been received and I send you herewith the certificate requested.
Respectfully yours
Crawford Hart Ast. PM

Post Office Hawkinsville Ga
June 30th 1845
I do hereby certify that Augustus H Hansell Esq of this Place is a gentleman of standing and that I believe his word or letter entitled to full faith and credit.
Respectfully your Obt Svt.
Crawford Hart Ast PM
Page 76

PO charge assess
Edmound F Brown Esqr
Washington City, DC
Aug. H. Hansell, Hawkinsville, GA 21 May 1845
Received 31 May 1845
Enclosing John Goff reasons for his late application for pension.
Wrote 31 May 1845
Wrote 18 & 19 June 1845
Page 77

Aug. H. Hansell, Hawkinsville, GA. 21 May 1845.
Rec. 31 May 1845
Enclosing John Goffs reasons for his late application for pension.
Wrote 31 May 1845.
Wrote 18 & 19 June 1845.
Page 78

Hawkinsville, Ga. 21st May 1845
Sir,
Year of 15th March & 5th just have both been duly need. The answer to both has been delayed for the purpose of obtaining the certificate which is enclosed. It is not exactly in the form, but the old man Goff resides now at a considerable distance & it will take so long to obtain another, & the certificates you mention in your last, that I deem it better to forward this at once. I have no doubt that the certificates can be obtained and if necessary, I think it probable that proof can be had of his having made application to Court desk the attorney mentioned, "un" was killed in 1836.  if indeed there is not proof of Deck's application for him in the identical person, as I have conversed freely with him, & he has not sense enough for an imposter.
He is now living in the lower part of this State near the Florida line. There is not doubt that he has been abused, & it is because of his having voted at the last election for Telfair County, after having been in Florida same time, although he had considered Georgia as his place of residence - It may have been that he was wrong, but he was "un" who is by some of his warm political friends, and I heard statements made by several in that County that he should never get a pension, on account of it - May rest assured that he is
Page 79

fully entitled to a pension. This one may not be able to prove it to the satisfaction of the Department, especially as showing political feelings have been brought into action against him.
We should be very glad to know from whom the letters are, as he may be able to do much more in explaining the causes of the opposition.
An old gentlemen by the name of Williams (father of Mr "un" Williams who has corresponded with you) resides in Telfair, & was an old fellow soldier of Goff's & one of his witnesses. Williams receives a pension as Lieutenant, which was recently stopped. This old gentleman is a warm Democrat, & has a large family connection who are all with him, & some of whom says Goff was at the last election.
There was much dispute about his right, & it has had considerable excitement & trouble during the winter, & it was this which started the opposition.
I do not know how long he has lived in Georgia but think that his declaration will show.
I should have written you sooner, but have been absent attending the Spring Courts in our Circuit.
The information you ask certifies & shall be forwarded as soon as they can be had.
As to your fees, I should think your certainly entitled to them, & probably 15 percent.
Page 80

I am not "un" familiar with your usual rates of charging but know that with us it would be considered as reasonable.
I will consult Mr. Williams about it, & have no doubt it will be readily allowing.
Very respectfully
Aug. H. Hansell
Ps. The facts states as to the oppostion in Telfair are for your personnal information.
Page 81

No. 35,712.
John Goff
Act of 1832.
E. F. Brown, Ag.
Appeals.
19 June 1845.
Eond F. Brown
June 25 45
Page 82

CLAIMS FOR PENSION, PATENTS, LANDS, CONTRACTS, &c, Presented.
EDMUND F. BROWN, NOTARY PUBLIC, COMMISSIONER OF DEES, &c. FOR STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND Public, Private, and Confidential Agent For settling Business of every description, with Congress, the Officers of the different Departments, Companies, and Individuals, must be Postage Paid. Penn. Avenue, near 13th st. Washington City. T. Barnard, Printer.
NOTARIAL AND OTHER Official CERTIFICATES Prepared. Acknowledgements Taken, &c.
United States Agency and Notarial Office, Washington City, 18th June 1845.
J.L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir, Your letter of this date is for a Revolutionary Pension without proof of identity, because a caveat has been entered by three Justices and the Clerk of a Court.
Your Chief Clerk and his opinions I respect, but in this case must beg leave to appeal from his decision to you, and hope it will not be necessary to appeal to higher power.
I submitted to Dr. Crump's inspection a letter from a gentleman in Georgia, stating that because John Goff voted the Democratic ticket in Georgia, he heard several persons make threats that Goff should not receive his pension on account of it.
Dr Crump informed me a few days since that Georgia was once a Den of Horse thieves - now the Doctor forgets that horse thieves sometimes get into respectable stations, and that this Clerk & the 3 Justices of the Interior Court may be persons of no more real honesty than John Goff. (especially when actuated by political hatred.)
Page 83

From their miserable writing, I should judge that they are not business men nor educated men, however good their principles may be.
Now sir, look at the facts.
John Goff, in his reasons for so long delay, states that having lived in a frontier country, for many years he was ignorant of any Pension Laws to reach his case. Finally he met with a Lawyer, had his papers prepared, and after waiting a long time, hears that his Lawyer was dead.
In April 1844 he applies - 1 July 1844, a new Declaration before the 3 Justices before alluded to. 1 Nov. 1844, another Declaration before the Judge of the Superior Court of Georgia - Both these Declarations Certified by J.H. McRae who appears to be a kind of Wholesale Clerk to both or more Courts - the very next day, this same Clerk, writes to the Dept. that Goff and his Alitness, Saint. Jos. Williams, are both swindlers. The Presidential election took place on the 4th when Goff voted the Democratic ticket - on the next day, the 5th this letter of McRae's is postmarked - on the 4th McRae writes another letter & draws a Certificate to which obtains he
Page 84

the signatures of the three justries before whom the July Declaration was taken, stating that Goff imposed on the Court the first time but on appearing again did not give satisfaction but contradicted former ajsertions made to the Court. Why was not this letter mailed on the 5th? It is postmarked 8th. What does it amount to? They state no specific contradiction. They say nothing about the Declaration taken on the 1st Nov. before the Judge of the Saperior Court, and the Clerk says nothing about it, altho he certified it. It is strange that he should have certified it, if he knew it was wrong. It is my opinion that his letter dated the 2nd was written on the 4th after the old man had voted, and on the same day the second letter was dated, but probably written the 5th or 6th as it was not mailed till the 8th.
McRae also stated that it is doubtful whether he is even a Citizen of Georgia- suppose he is not - is that a reason why he should not have a Pension? Also admit that he has been sometime in Florida, but he claims Georgia as his home.
From Mc Rae's first letter it would appear that a James H. McCall had the case first in hand, and because it has been taken from him, he represents that some other Agent there intends to charge Goff very extravagantly for obtaining the pension - whether this be true or not I cannot say - but it does not affect the case - it only shows that McRae is at a lofs for an argument and has given no good evidence. The certificates of Dopson, the Magistrate to the first letter, are also very lame and unnecessary.
This man McRae has thus far, not only prevented Goff from receiving his, but has interfered in another case in which I am engaged. The Alitess, Srint. Joseph Williams, who has been receiving a Pension of $318 for year, is called a Swindler by McRae, and your office has stopped his Pension. Verily McRae must be an influential man, and a very good or very bad man.
Page 85

His fear that the U.S. will be cheated, appears to be very great, and his letters appear to breathe a bad spirit. Quere. How many horse thieves are there now in Georgia? Mr. Goff is now over 90 years of age, and if his memory were perfect concerning transactions of 60 years ago, it would be wonderful indeed - almost super-human.
I respectfully contend that the Identity is proved - Service is proved - and Grade is proved.
The papers show that the opposition is at best but suspicion undefined, and the letter I have which was submitted to Dr. Crump, shows that there is malice at work, which appears to be confirmed by the dates of the opposing letters and other circumstances.
If time would permit, I might give you this statement more according to form, but am anxious for you to examine the papers, as the old man cannot live much longer.
Very Respectfully, Yr. Ofs. Sz. Edm. J. Brown