Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4226, Presley Gray, Va. Indian Wars Ky Militia To 1815
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE                                                NUMBER

Va,                             Gray, Presley             R.4226
Indian Wars
Ky militia to 1815

CONTENTS
Page 2

To the Hnrble
R. French Member
of Congress in Mount Sterling

by my
Grandson
Ben P Connell
Page 3

[Hand written]

Gallatin County, Ky  Octbr 8, 1836

To the Honorable Richard French member of [Congress?] [page ripped]

Dear Sir  I enclose [illegible] two bunches of papers that I have at this time.  May declaration [page ripped] not ready.  I will send it by mail or by [page ripped].  Sending the Senator from Indiana and the other paper I may hear after think of the [page ripped] use will be sent on by some safe hand.
Proof of my service in the old Revolutionary War will be wanting.  I have wrote on to some of my friends near Allexandria who I hope will attend you in [illegible] & make themselves known.

I shall send on Genl John Paynes certified who was one of my [illegible] males in that army in 1781 we went from Allexandria under Major Dennis Ramsey, Capton Charles Little, Thompson Mayson, Lieut. James [illegible] Ensign.  I have went a number out of Allexandria at that time we served about 3 months, & into clearing about 3 months, you will see in the papers from Nelson County, that we served on frequent hours.  I have, Joseph Lowes, was over Col. then

[signed] Presley Gray
Page 4

[Hand written]

I served about 4 months in the Revolutionary War in 1781 when in my 17th year from Fairfax County in Virginia, under Capt. Charles Little from Alexandria Thomson Mason Seargent & James Doneal Ensign, Dennis Ramsey Major of the Battalion from Alexandria.  Volunteers under the influence of Genl Washington, no pay worked for that service the continental money was then at its worst.  In 1784 I have on to Kentucky, and fell immediately in to the Indian War.

I lived on the North Side of Nelson County from that time 'til the Spring 1796.  In the fall 1788 I was [illegible] joined [illegible] from Virginia, and had a large camping there in Nelson, it being get in the [illegible] State of Virginia we had great provisions.  Have with me Indians for many years and the 27th of March 1788 we carried in Col. Cox who was killed by the Indians & buried the bones of others who were killed.  Sometimes carry houseware stole that a man had, we hired Rangers to guard around us while we made our corn, burned up our doors in the most [illegible] manner, and often of nights would get two or 3 families together for safety. 

In 1791, I went to St. Clears campaign & then we were desperately defeated.  I now hold the mental rolls of that campaign, and other papers of the like nature.
Page 5

[Hand written]

I can state with truth I have lived through three wars, & served in that time from first to last 33 years.  I began in my 17th year & served until I was 50 years old, & in that time with the hardships of the Army and the great cold & length, I lost my constitution in the service of the United States.  I served & went forward longer than I was able and when I no longer could bear up and live in camp, I resigned my commission and gave place and from that day until the present I have never been a day able to live in camp.  I am now in my 72 year and can scarcely leave my own yard, swelled limbs pains and great weakness attend me.  I can neither ride or walk but very little.  I lost a fine son in [illegible] army in New Orleans in his 21st year.  He died of Measles.

[signed]  Presley Gray

P.S. I saw in Mt. Allens Report that it was called to do double service, together to obtain a pension.  I hope all my service will obtain operation with the pay of Captain of those things you will be the judge.  Your kind offers to me give me hopes of success in this matter.  I think you will have some stray help mates in the [illegible], Hon'l Col. R.M. Sath, Governor Hendrix, and I hope enough of others to come [illegible] the war the single handed.  I fall in very much with your ideas in that case, yours with due respect.

[signed]  Presley Gray
Page 6

[Hand written]

Declaration & Petition of Presley Gray of Gallatin County, Kentucky, in order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress Papers, date the 7th of June 1832 to be placed on the Pension Roll as a Capt. by special act of congress to receive a Captains full pay during life under the provision of the said act, he wishes to be permitted to lay before your Honors claims for service rendered in the United States in time passed.
In 1781 he turned out a volunteer in Fairfax County, Virginia, the place of his nativity, as a common soldier under the influence of General Washington, and was marched from Alexandria under the command of Major Dennis Ramsey, Capt. Charles Little, Lieut. Edward Sandford, & James Deneal Ensign, on a tour of six months & was marched into the lower parts of Virginia.  We were honorably discharged in the city of Richmond by the aforesaid officers at about the expiration of five months, there being no further call for us at that time.
In 1791, I commanded a company of men from Nelson County, Kentucky [illegible] & sent out by the orders of old Col. John Harden of Washington County who was then the Col. of the men to be sent from there.  I volunteered my service under his influence to head a company he had made up in Nelson County and were ordered on by him to Cincinnati to join General St. Clears Army of Regular Troops.
We accordingly went on & joined his Army and marched in to the Indian Country building garrisons as we went.  Our time of service was about three months as it happened.  On the 4th of November our whole company was defeated, the Col. William old have our commander was killed o the field and a great slaughter was there that day.
In 1788, I was commissioned a Captain by the Governor of Virginia.  I commanded that Company there on them frontiers until after the Treaty of Peace with the Indians.  I went through many hard provisions during that time.  I was often ordered out by Governor Shelby & Col. Lewis of Beardstown, on tours of duty to be seen by their orders to me hear with filed.  We lost many fine men there in them times.  We had to hire men to guard us while we tended our corn, often 

[end of page]
Page 7

[Hand written]

every Horseman had were stationed by the Indians.  We had to run together of nights when we were informed that the Indians were about.  We lived in this unfortunately for more than seven years before the Treaty of Peace with the Indian Tribes in 1814.  I was appointed by Governor Shelby to take the command of the 13th Regiment of the Kentucky Militia, destined for New Orleans to oppose General Jackson.  I was mustered out with my repairs out in [illegible] on the 10th of November 1814.
See the muster rolls now in the war department.  Soon after that I was taken sick in basic will by reason of a great cold I caught wading in the water, to save my boat from sinking in a great storm that came up in the night.  But sick as I was I went on to the mouth of the Cumberland River over three hundred miles.  There General Thomas visited my boat and advised me to get on shore & got where I could be taken care of.  I have left my friendly Regiment, and a fine son.  I lingered out the time in pain 'til the 10th of Jan 1815.
I then sent on my resignation to General Thomas.  I then was convinced I nevermore should be able to live in a [illegible] camp & I thought it was all an honorable man could do when I no longer could live in camp to resign.  This I did with pain & regret [illegible] resignation and to this day, I have been useless to myself and family, with swelled limbs, weakness, pain and afflictions has been my forever [illegible] then about 50 years old, and from the time I entered in my 17th year I have been a great deal in the United States service in which I took great delight while ever I was able and I your Humble Petitioner will as in duty found ever Pray.
[signed]  Presley Gray

[Each person wrote their own paragraph]

November 10th 1836
  I have been intimately acquainted with Presley Gray whose name is signed above between thirty six and seven years, have lived a near neighbor to him many years, and state cheerfully that I never knew any man who has sustained a higher reputation for uniform truth and integrity and have no doubt that the services were rendered by him as above set forth.
[signed]  Ben Taylor

I have been many years acquainted with Capt. Presley Gray and from his high character, I have full confidence of the truth of the foregoing statement.
[signed]  David Suggett

I have known Presley Gray or thirty five or forty years and have always believed him to be a man of strict veracity and integrity and indeed I believe that to be his general character.
[signed]  R. G. Daugherty

I have lived for 30 years by Presley Gray & I agree with those in full, respecting his character.
[signed]  Wm. Connell

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray more than 50 years & believe all he has set forth here is strictly true.
[signed]  William Wood


I have been acquainted with Presley Gray [paper ended]
[signed]  Wyatt F. Coleman
Page 8

[Hand written - left side, top]

petition of
Presley Gray.

[Bottom of page]
Revolutionary Pensions
'checkmark' French
135 of 179 Rev. Pens.

[Hand written - right side, top]

Presley Gray
______________
Dec 12, 1836
Ref. to Com. a Rev. Pension
________________
Jan 3, 1837
Bill 803
Dec 19, 1842
Ref. to Com. end of Rev. Pension

[Bottom of page]
W.O. Butler
Page 9

[Hand written]

I have known Presley Gray for thirty five or forty years and have always believed him to be a man of strict veracity and integrity and indeed I believe that to be his general character.
[signed]  R. G. Daughtery

I have lived 30 years by Presley Gray and I agrees with this in full reporting his character.
[signed] Wm. Connell

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray more than 50 years and believe all he has set forth here is strictly true.
[signed]  William Wood

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray for twenty years and lived a near neighbor and I believe the above statements correct.  
[signed]  Wyatt F. Coleman

This is to certify that I have known Presley Gray for somewhere about thirty years.  I always believed him to be a man of undoubted veracity.  I further believe the above statement as it respects his services in the United States to be the truth given under my hand this 2ith day of November 1836.
[signed]  Lewis G. Gain

I have been intimately acquainted with Presley Gray for several years and believe him to be a man of the strictest integrity and truth and of good reputation, and also believe the statement set forth above of his services as a soldier, and officer in the United States is correct.
[signed]  N. I. Wright

I have been personally acquainted with Presley Gray for thirty years.  I believe him to be a Days Honest, Correct man with all mankind.  His character is not to be reproofed successfully.  I likewise believe the statement set forth above as his services as a soldier and officer in the United States is correct.
[signed]  Joseph Hardy

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray for eighteen years and believe him to be a man of truth, and honesty, and that his statement above of services rendered in the United States to be strictly true.
[signed]  Roger Wigginton
Page 10

[Hand written]
[Repeat of previous page]

...all mankind his character is not to be reproofed successfully.  I likewise believe the statement set forth above of his services as a soldier and officer in the United States is correct.
[signed]  Joseph Hardy

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray for eighteen years and believe him to be a man of truth, and honesty, and that his statement above of services rendered in the United States to be strictly true.
[signed]  Roger Wigginton

[new information]

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray and lived by him for twenty five years and believe him to be an honest and truthful man and a man in high standing with his neighbors and also believe his claims here in presented to be due to him.
[signed]  Daniel B. Johnson

I do certify that I have been acquainted with Col. Presley Gray for many years and know him to be a man of truth and high standing in society.
[signed]  Henry W. Johnson

I have been acquainted with Presley Gray for eighteen years and have believed him to be a man of as much truth and independence as any man of my acquaintance I ever knew.
[signed]  Hovander Givens

I have been acquainted with Colonel Gray a number of years and believe him to be a man as much truth as any other man of my acquaintance.
[signed]  Joseph Kerlon

I have been acquainted with Col. Presley Gray for man years.  I believe him to be a man of unblemished character;  never heard his veracity questioned and have no doubt of the truth of his statement here affixed.
[signed]  William Hendricks
Page 11

[Typed letter]
[Boxed statement in upper left corner of letter]

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

[Upper right corner, typed]
L. S. B.
W. 8844
R. 4226.

[Centered letterhead]

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.,
April 14, 1898.

Sir:-
In response to your recent communication I have the honor to advise you that Richard Gentry made an application for pension on September 12, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, and his pension was allowed for one year actual service as a private in the South Carolina troops, Revolutionary war;  a part of the time he served under Capt. Maby and Col.. Cotton.
He enlisted in Union District, S. C.  His widow, Gostin, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband and as above set forth.

It appears that Presley Gray made an application to Congress for a pension and the following is a copy of the Report of the Committee on Pensions, submitted January 4, 1838:
"The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Captain Presley Gray, of Kentucky, praying for a pension, beg leave to report:
That from the petition and documents, and a mass of other testimony produced by the petitioner, the committee have no doubt that he has been a gallant and brave man, and has performed many valuable services to his country.  That part of his services which come within the limit of the action of this committee is confined to services performed in the revolutionary war, prior to peace in 1783.  The petitioner states that in 1781 he turned out as a volunteer in Fairfax County, Virginia, as a common soldier, and was marched from Alexandria, under command of Major Dennis Ramsey, Captain Charles Little, Lieutenant Edward Sanford, and Ensign Doneal, for a tour of six months, and was discharged a short time previous to the expiration of his time, in consequence of there being no further call for them.  The petitioner was, from 1791, continued in service for a long time, as appears from the large number of commissions and other evidences of service produced.
The evidence of the petitioner's service in the revolutionary war is the affidavit of General John Payne, who testified that in the latter part of the year 1780 there was a call for volunteers to march to the South, when the witness, with the petitioner, Presly Gray, and many others, turned out under Capt. Little, Lieutenant Mason, Ensign Doneal; and Dennis Ramsey was our major.  Owing to some delay we were

[end of page]
Page 12

[Typed letter continued from previous page]

"...not immediately put into service.  Early, however, in 1781, we joined a large number of militia at Williamsburg, commanded by General Weadon and afterwards by the Marquis de Lafayette; from there the army retreated to the city of Richmond, where we had a number of encounters with the British, sometimes in front and sometimes in the rear; finally they appeared on the south of James River, and burnt the Manchester warehouses; soon after which, the troops to which the witness and petitioner were attached were, by order of the Governor of Virginia, discharged as having completed their time of service.  Witness and petitioner were messmates, and the petitioner always discharged his duty faithfully as a soldier'.
The petitioner prays to be put upon the pension-roll as a captain.  In consequence of his service having been performed mainly after the peace of 1783, the committee can extend him no further relief than for six months' service as a private, being the only service performed prior to the time for which they can grant relief; they therefore report a bill accordingly."

Very respectfully,

Hon. William Lindsay, Commissioner.
United States Senate.
Page 13

[Hand written pieces of paper]

Pay the within due Bill to his family
April 23, 1792
[signed] Presley Gray

Gray, Presley
Va  R4226

[Hand written perpendicular on left side]
Presley Gray
from Forten
____________________
29/4

[Hand written across piece of paper]

Due the within being one pound min shilling & four pence being my fees in full against him.
[signed]
R C Foster
Officer [illegible]
John Murrey
[a signature line crossed out]
Gray, Presley
Va.  R4226

[Bottom left corner]
Gray, Presley
Va  R4226
[Right side written perpendicular]
Presley Gray
5/10

[Bottom left corner]
Gray, Presley
Va  R4226
[Right side written perpendicular]
P. Gray
1/11
Page 14

[Hand written on several pieces of paper]

Due Capt. P. Gray of Subs, Forty completed rations on the month from Miammie Garrison to this place.  Camp 68 miles from Fort Washington, 18th of October 1791 for Wm Durley, N. Mattoh

[Left column]
1794
Septer
95 May
___________
June

Presley Gray to the Sheriff Nelson [illegible] to Each of Capton Gray 2 Pesos 
earned 90 pounds tobacco to commission on Bond Delivery property vs Gray fourteen shillings & four pounds to Executing Notice for a motion on the said Bond 30 [illegible]
[signed] R. C. Foster  Officer [illegible]

[Left Column]
1794
Sept

Presley Gray
Capias against Gray of 10 dochetins 5 attorney 5 returns 10 declaration 10...
  3 shillings 4 pence
Rule 15.  October Rule 15...2 shillings 6 pence
total 5 shillings 10 pence
[signed Ben Grayson  CO Court

[left Column]
1798
February

Presley Gray
execution of return on Wilson Jr. . . . 1.11
[signed] Ben Grayson  CO Court.
Page 15

[Hand written]

Gray, Presley
Va  R4226
Grays:
not present for 24 subs
[illegible]

Presley Gray
Va.  Ind. War - Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Capt P. Gray
2 months service

Gray, Presley
Va  R4226
Page 16

[Handwritten on paper fragment]
Received of W. Presley Gray twenty four shillings in part of my
fin agt him in the such he brought agt  Jas Gra & Read Ewes & agt Gray & his security on motion
Dec. 8th 1795
Ben Grayson [illegible]

[handwritten on paper fragment]
Sir you must hold yourself in readings to take command of the men who are to rendezvous at Bardstown on the 6th July your Tour will be to the Month of [illegible] for Sixty Days 
yrs Jo Lewis 
25th June 1791
Capt P. Gray

[handwritten on a paper fragment]
Received from Capt. Presley Gray Two Tens two Kettles [illegible]
Camp  31st of October 1791
John Helm Q. M. U (?)
Page 17

Presley Gra
14/7 paid by
Drakeford Gray

5/10
1.11
7.9

Ben 
Gray 
Son of 
Nelson
County 
Clerke of 
the Court 
of Nelson
[vertical writing]
Gray, Presley
Va R 4226

[handwritten separate page]
Publish (?)
orders on
the March by
the Col. Comdt
William
Oldham

[bottom left corner]
Presley Gray
Va-Ind. War – Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Page 18

[Hand written on small piece of paper]
[Left column]
1796
October
November
1797 Jany
Feby
April
Octobr

Presley Gray
Copies us vs Wilsons 10 docketing 5
Attorney 5 return 10 declaration 10   } 3 pounds ... 4 shilling
Rule vs Same 15 Ded. Rule 15 }  2 pounds ... 6 shilling
Joinder 10 Order 15 vs Same} 2 pounds ... 1 shilling
Continuance vs Same} 1 pound ... 3 shilling
Same vs Same 15. June Same 15} 2 pounds ... 6 shilling
Trial 40 Judgment 10 copy 10 tasking costs 
11 copy, 11 return 23 vs Same} 8 pounds ... 9 shilling
Total costs:  20 pounds ... 5 shilling
[signed] Ben Grayson Clerk of Court

[new hand written paper]
Sir.  You and I proceed on with the party under command on the road towards the Malitia until you meet the Pack Horses which you will take in charge conduct safe to this place.  
[signed] William O. Cham

[signed]  Capt. Gray
October 16, 1791
Page 19

Retained
Rations


Gray Presley
Va R4226
Page 20

[handwritten]
The Contractor is indebted to Capt. Presley Grays Comp
of Militia five hundred & ten rations of soap Whisky Candles and Vinegar from the 20th of October untill the 7th of November 1791
Presly Gray Capt
John Helm QM
Page 21

[handwritten]
Nelson
Court orders
accompany the commission from Virginia in 1788

[bottom left corner]
Gray, Presley
Va R4226
Page 22

Nelson County Decr Court 1788

Ordered, that the militia companies in the follow bounds be a distinct company to wit all on the  south side of Tompson’s Creek up to the mouth of [illegible] run and all the waters of said run, and up it to the head, thence down Hornleys run to the mouth taking in all on the north side of Hornleys, all the east fork of C[illegible] Creek to the mouth of Hornleys run thence Northwardly [several illegible words] and that Prestly Gray be as [illegible] Captain Jonathan McCarty Lieutenant and James Connell be ensign of said Company
Copy [illegible]
Isaac Morrison
Page 23

[handwritten]
Georgetown Sep. 28th 1793

Sir

I have just now recd dispatches from Major Gen Wayne containing a requisition of me for such number of Militia of this State to be drafted and marched forward to him as will make up the deficiency of the mounted Volunteers that were called for heretofore by him  You will therefore Imediately proceed to draft from the Regiment of Militia under your Command One hundred men and to march them to this place on the Tenth day of next months – Notwithstanding the men ma be drafted  I am authorized by General Wayne to say that all such of them as come forward properly mounted and equiped shall be considered as Mounted Volunteers and paid accordingly on condition they join the Legion and the Kentucky Volunteers at the head of the line at Fort Jefferson on or before the 15th day of October next  You are sensible that the honor and Interest of the State so much depends n the success of the present expedition that I need say little to urge you to make every possible exertion in your power to send forward your Quota of men into the Field
With great respect I am 
Your most Obed

Isaac Shelby

[bottom left]
Colo J Lewis
Page 24

[handwritten]
Sir
Agreeable to the within orders you must without delay
Draft from your Company Ten men without they will turn
Out Voluntarily to meet at Mr William Kincheloes on
Chaplins fork on Monday next being the Seventh of the
month at 12 o Clock in readiness for to march to join
the grand army at head Quarters  I need not say more
than is Contained within  only should be glad the men would 
go voluntarily

I am yr most Obed
Jod Lewis

Tuesday 1st Oct. 1793
(Ten Men)
Cap. Prestley Gray

[bottom right written horizontal to page]
22nd this
month at 
Bardstown
attend on Court
Martial & have
yr Delinquents warned
J Lewis

[on bottom third of page upside down]
Public Service
Cap Prestley Gray
by Express
Tompsons Fork

[bottom left]
Presley Gray
Va – Ind. War 
Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Page 25

[printed and completed in handwriting]

The Commonwealth of Virginia,
To Presley Gray Gentleman
Greeting:
Know You that from the special trust and confidence which is reposed in your fidelity, courage, activity and good conduct, our ^Lieutenant Governor, the Governor being absent upon the recommendation of the Court of Nelson doth appoint you the said,
Presley Gray a Cap. in the first Regiment of the militia
of the said county of Nelson to take rank as such from the Eleventh day of December IN testimony whereof these our letters are made patent. Witness The Honorable James Wood Esquire; our said ^ Lieutenant Governor, at Richmond, this 11 day of December 1788
(Registered.)
Meriwether


James Wood
Page 26

[handwritten]
I do hereby certify that Presly Gray have taken the Oath forescribed by Law
Isaac Morrison Cnlo

[bottom Left corner]
Presley Gray
Va - Ind. War - Ky. Mil
R. 4226
Page 27

[printed]

Presly Gray
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 258]

March 8, 1842

Mr. Andrews, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following Report:

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Captain Presly Gray, of Kentucky, praying for a pension, beg leave to report: 
 
That, from the petition and documents, and a mass of other testimony produced by the petitioner, the committee have no doubt that he has been a gallant and brave man, and has performed many valuable services to his country. That part of his services which come within the limit of the action of this committee is confined to services performed in the revolutionary war, prior to the peace of 1783. The petitioner states that in 1781 he turned out as a volunteer in Fairfax county, Virginia, as a common soldier, and was marched from Alexandria, under command of Major Dennis Ramsey, Captain Charles Little, Lieutenant Edward Sanford, and Ensign James Doneal, for a tour of six months, and was discharged a short time previous to the expiration of his time, in consequence of there being no further call for them. The petitioner was, from 1791, continued in service for a long time, as appears from the large number of commissions and other evidences of service produced.
The evidence of the petitioner’s service in the revolutionary was is the affidavit of General John Payne, who testifies that ‘in the latter part of the year 1780 there was a call for volunteers to march of the South, when the witness, with the petitioner, Presly Gray, and many others, turned out under Captain Little, Lieutenant Jason, Ensign Doneal; and Dennis Ramsey was our major. Owing to some delay, we were not immediately put into service. Early, however, in 1781, we joined a large number of militia at Williamsburg, commanded by General Weaden, and afterward by the Marquis de Lafayette; from there the army retreated to the city of Richmond, where we had a number of encounters with the British, sometimes in front and sometimes in the rear; finally, they appeared on the south of James river, and burnt the Manchester warehouses; soon after which, the troops to which the witness and petitioner were attached were, by orders of the Governor of Virginia, discharged as having completed their time of service. Witness and petitioner were messmates, and the petitioner always discharged his duty as a soldier.”
Page 28

[handwritten]

Private

My dear Sir 

I wish to leave for New York in a short time and am particularly anxious to have this claim settled before I go.

You will therefore greatly oblige me if you will take it in hand and settle it.

Most truly 
Yours
T. L. Smith
24th March 1849

J. S. Edwards Esq
Page 29

[handwritten
Washington  March 24th 1849
Sir 

I am authorized by the legal representatives 
my Uncle Granville Smith  who was an Ensign and Quartermaster in the Virginia State Line to ask for additional half pay, from 1781 instead of 1782, under a decision of Secretary Spenser; and also the difference between the pay of an Ensign and that of Quartermaster  I most respectfully ask your early attention to this matter. 

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
T. L. Smith

J. S. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 30

[handwritten]
Office House of Reps U.S.
March 24th 1849

Sir

At the request of M Suggett of Kentucky I enclose herewith the papers in the case of Presley Gray.  Please acknowledge the receipt of the said papers

I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servt

Tho. J. Campbell
Clear Ho Reps U.S.

James L. Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Page 31

[handwritten]
Genl Thomas was our Genl in Command in Jackson’s army in 1814 from Kentucky, & went to Orleans, and also was a Captain from Nelson County with a Company in Gen. St. Clears 
army & was defeated with us on the 4th of November 1791 
wrote & signed by 
Presley Gray
this 9th of Nov 1836
to explain who Genl Thomas was in this case to us
P. G. 

Genl. Thomas lives near Tarrahut
Indiana

[different handwriting]
If you will address a line to Robert Thomas Harding Co.
Ky near Hodgenville, He can inform you precisely tho of Genl John Thomas’ Residence

[writing upside down on fold of paper]
Capt. Presley Gray
Corn Creek P. Office
Gallatin County
Ky.

[circular stamp]
KY E[faint print] I Z T 
Nov 25 

[handwritten in bottom left corner]
John Helm [Sn?]
Page 32

Elizabeth town Ky 24th Novm 1836

Capt Presley Gray,

My old friend and Brother sufferer in arms. I have Just received yours of 15th inst, and am Glad to find that a kind providence has preserved your life up to this date. I have no doubt from my own experience that you feel yourself much worn out by time & Hardships. I am about three years a head of you if I live untill the 29th of this months I shall be 75 years old and am labouring under much infirmaty.  all this I ought to be resigned to if it should by the Mercy of God that I am ripning for a better world which I pray God may be the lot of us both. my wife is in her 64th year by a fall from a horse she was so crippled as to be unable to walk with 2 Crutches without help. May the God of Mercy take care of you the remnant of your days is the prayer of your old
Friend
[signed]
John Helm Sr. 

I Hereby Certify that Capt. Presley Gray & myself Served on the Campaign under Gel. A. S. St. Clair in the fall of 1791 against the Indians & that on the 4th of November 1791 the Army was defeated by the Indians & that the said Gray went out a Captain and Commanded a Company from Nelson County Ky. I went from Nelson County also and was appointed Paymaster to the Ky troops a considerable part of the time  I performed the duty of both Paymaster & Quartermaster

Give under my hand this 24th day of November 1836
[signature]
John Helm Sr

P. Helm was wounded
Page 33

[handwritten in several different styles]
[in this first section the right margin was cut off]
Genl Thomas was our
in 1814 from Kentu
Captain from Nelso
army & was defeated with 

Genl. Thomas lives nea
Indiana

[new author]
If you will address a line t
Ky near Hodgenville, He can
of Genl. John Thomas’ Resid

[upside down handwriting]
Presley Gray
Corn Creek P. Office
Gallatin County
Ky

[handwriting sideways]
Bu. Helms family Just recd a letter from Doct Grays wife Springfield Illinois, the family was well  Mrs Grays health much improved
Page 34

[handwritten]
Genl. John Payne's
Affidavit
Page 35

[handwritten]
The Affidavit of John Payne of Scott County Kentucky
born in the state of Virginia in the County of Fairfax in the year of our Lord 1780, that some time in the latter part of the year 1780  some months prior to this Affiants being sixteen years of age & in the time of the Revolutionary War there was a Call for Volunteers to March to the South when this affiant with Presley Gray Now of Gallantine County Ky & Many others Turned out Capt Charles Little, Lieutenant Thompson Mason, and Ensign James Doneal Commanded the Company. Dennis Ramsey of Alexandria waw our Major. Owing to some delay we ware not called to Service Immediately, Early in 1781 we Joined a Considerable Number of Militia in the City of Williamsburg Commanded by Genl Weaden  Afterwards by the Marquis D le Fayette – from Williamsburg our army Retreated by a Circuitous Rout to the City of Richmond haveing had a number of Encounters with the British  Sometimes with there Rear & at other times with there front  finally the British Army Appeared on the South Side of James River & burnt Manchester Warehouses. Soon after the Troops to which we Presley Gray & this Deponant Ware attached ware by the Orders of the Govonor of Virginia Discharge as having Completed the time of Service  Gray was a Mess Mate of the Deponant  he at all times During our Campain Discharged his Duty as a Soldier in the fall of 1782 the affiant came to Kentucky  he has Resided some Distance apart from the Residence of Said Gray but he has not doubt that he has performed Considerable Service in the Wars with the Indians in the Early Settlement of the Country as Kentucky presented an entire Frontier for Many years

[signature]
John Payne
Page 36

[handwritten]
This day personally appeared before me the subscribed a justice of the peace for Lott County Ky The within subscribed Genl. John Payne who made oath to the within affidavit given under my hand this 22nd November 1836
Wm Johnson J. P.
Page 37

[printed with some handwriting]
IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
CHRISTOPHER GREENUP,
GOVERNOR of the said COMMONWEALTH, to all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
KNOW YOU, That reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, diligence and ability of
Presley Gray Esq I do, by and with the approbation of the Senate appoint him as Assistant Judge, of Gallatin Circuit
hereby investing him with full power and authority to execute and fulfill the duties of the said office according to law; and to have and to hold the same, with all the rights and emoluments thereunto legally appertaining during good behaviour.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the eighteenth day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and six.
Christo Greenup
BY THE GOVERNOR,
John Rowan Secretary.
Page 38

[handwritten in left margin]
Presley Gray
Va – Ind. War – Ky. Mil.
R. 4426

This day Personally appeared before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace for Gallatin County the within named Presley Gray who took the oath of office as an assistant Judge prescribed by law, And an oath to support the Constitution of this Commonwealth and the Constitution of the United States as long as he remains a Citizen thereof

Given under my hand this 23rd day of February 1807

[signature]
John M Price JP

[note in different handwriting]
Gallatin
Assistant Judge
Commission
Page 39

[round stamp]

U. S. Pension Office
Aug 17 1903

[handwritten on monogramed stationary]
[circle monogram with initials]
J W E

Department of Revolutionary Pensions, Pension Department.
Wash D. C.

Dear Sir – 
Some few years ago, Senator Lindsay of Kentucky requested any information which your department could
Page 40

[handwritten]
in regard to Pension granted Presley Gray of Kentucky in 1838.
In reply to Senator Lindsay’s request the enclosed information was given. I forwarded it to the D.  A. R. as proof of Presley Gray’s service in the Revolution and they were unable to verify it.
Page 41

[handwritten]
Can you tell me where this information appears and furnish me with a certified copy of it? I should like to know the volume and page and name of Report in which this appears. It must be there else it could not have been furnished to Senator Linsay in 1898.
Page 42

[handwritten] 
I shall deeply appreciate the answer to my question and any information you may give
Very truly, 
Jennie W. Ellis
(Mrs. O.G. Ellis)
614 No. K St
Tacoma,
Wash

[square stamp with U. S. P. B. in the corners]
Old War & Navy
Files
Aug. 19 1903
[Handwritten]
Aug. 10 1903

[round stamp]
U. S Pension Office
Aug.
17
1903
Page 43

[handwritten]
Presley Gray
Resignation 
of the 13th R.
O. M. of Ky Coppy
Page 44

[handwritten]
Jann 10th 1815
Sir you will receive this as my Resignation in 13th Regiment of Detachd Militia from Kentucky now in the Service of the United States

[signature]
Presley Gray Lieut. Col [illegible]
of the 13th R.O.M. of Kentucky

Major Genl
John Thomas
Page 45

[handwritten]
Presley Gray
Act of June 1832
Kentucky
Sus[illegible]
Rejected 27 July [illegible]
By indefinite Pension in Senate  [illegible] of the [illegible] reported for his request

4226
Page 46

[handwritten]
Presley Gray
Act of June 1832
Kentucky
Sus[illegible]
Rejected 27 July [illegible]
By indefinite Pension in Senate  [illegible] of the [illegible] reported for his request

4226
Page 47

[handwritten]
[illegible]
Sept 3 - 1903
Page 48

[printed form with no entries]
O.W. and N. Div
3-479
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of pensions
Washington, D. C. _______________, 189___
The above title should be indorsed on every paper relating to this claim.

In the above-entitle claim for pension, the evidence indicated in paragraph ____
No ____________________ should be furnished.

No. 1 A verified copy of the public record, or, if no such record exists, the affidavit of the attending physician, showing the date and immediate cause of the soldier’s death.
No. 2. A verified copy of the public or church record of the claimant’s marriage to the soldier; or, if no such records exist, the affidavit of the person who performed the ceremony; or, if that can not be procured, the testimony of credible persons who were present at the marriage, showing the date thereof.
No. 3. Claimant’s affidavit stating whether either she or the soldier had been previously married, and, if so, whether more than once; the names of former consorts, the date of dissolution of any former marriage or marriages, and whether by death or divorce.
No. 4. If the claimant or soldier had been previously married, the death or divorce of the former husband or wife should be proved: - in case of death, by a verified copy of the public record, or, if no such record exists, by the testimony of credible witnesses; in case of divorce, by a certified copy of the decree of the court. If there was no prior marriage of either party, the fact should be shown by the testimony of credible witnesses.
No. 5 Testimony of credible witnesses showing whether the claimant lived with the soldier to the date of his death; and, if not, whether she was divorced from him.
No. 6. Testimony of credible witnesses showing that the claimant has not remarried since the soldier’s death; or, if she has remarried, evidence of the kind indicated above in paragraph No. 2, showing the date of remarriage.
No. 7. A verified copy of the public record, or of the church record of baptism; or, if no such records exist, the affidavit of the attending physician; or, if that can not be procured, the testimony of female attendants who can state how they are now able to fix the precise day, month, and year, showing the dates of birth of all the soldier’s children who were under sixteen years of age at the date of his death.
No. 8. Testimony of credible witnesses showing whether the children claimed for are living, or lived to attain the age of sixteen years. If any of them have died, the date of death should be proved.
Wherever it is indicated above that a fact may be proved by more than one kind of evidence, the classes of evidence are named in the order of their value. Evidence of a lower class will not be accepted unless it be shown that none of a higher class can be obtained. Copies of records should be attested by the officer having custody thereof; and if he has no seal by which to authenticate his signature, the attestation should be under oath. 
Witnesses must state their post-office addresses, ages, and means of knowledge of the facts to which they testify, and write their names immediately after their statements, leaving no blank space over their signatures; and it should appear in the jurats that they knew the contents of their affidavits, and that erasures or alterations, if any, were made before the oath was administered.
This circular should be returned with evidence.
Very respectfully,

[no signature]  Commissioner.

0-2
3446b10m7-97
Page 49

[handwritten]
PS Mr Ben Harden of Bardstown after the Character of John Helm & John Calhoon of Harden also or any of the Members from that quarter is a man of the first. Respectfully
I have as not the least Doubt
P. G.
Page 50

[handwritten]
this was forgot to be put in
Nov 30th 1836
Presley Gray
Page 51

[printed]
Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 8, 1873 (hand drawn line through this information)

[handwritten] 4226
[stamp] REJECTED

P. O.
Presley Gray
Service: __________
Enlisted: ____________, 18  .
Discharged: ____________, 18  .
Application filed: __________, 18  .
Alleges: ___________________
Attorney: ______________
P.O. ________________

______ Recognized.   _____ Contract
______ Cert. of Dis.  Searched for _________, 18  .
Page 52

[handwritten]
I do hereby Certify that Colo Presley Gray of the 51 Regiment has Taken the oaths of officer this 20th day of December 1802. Given under my hand the day & year above [illegible]
Brook Bennett
Justice of the Peace for
Gallatin County 

[bottom left corner]
Presley Gray
Va. Ind. War – Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Page 53

[printed with some handwriting]
IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
JAMES GARRARD.
GOVERNOR of the said COMMONWEALTH, to all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
KNOW YE, That reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, diligence and ability of
Presley Gray Esq 
I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him 
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the 51st Regiment, lying in the county of Gallatin, 
with full power and authority to execute and fulfill the duties of the said office, according to law; and to have, and to hold the same, with all the rights and emoluments thereunto appertaining, during good behaviour. 
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the 13th day of Dec. in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and two.
James Garrard
BY THE GOVERNOR,
Harry Toulmin, Secretary.
Page 54

[printed with some handwriting]
IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
JAMES GARRARD.
Governor of the said COMMONWEALTH, to Prestley Gray
Esq. Greeting:
KNOW YOU, That reposing especial trust and confidence in your knowledge, and good conduct, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint you 
JUSTICE of the Quarter Session Court in the county of Gallatin {struck through “to act as such from the commencement of said county”} and to continue in office during good behaviour. 
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the 20th day of Dec. in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety=nine
James Garrard
BY THE GOVERNOR,
Harry Toulmin, Secretary.

[Near the bottom of the page is some handwriting that is horizontal – it has been cut off at the bottom of the page]

Common 
[illegible]
of Office
[illegible]
Page 55

[printed with some handwriting]
IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
JAMES GARRARD.
GOVERNOR of the said COMMONWEALTH, to Presley Gray, Esq. Greeting:
KNOW YOU, That reposing especial trust and confidence in your courage, activity, and good conduct, and in the consequence of your having been nominated to the constitution, you are hereby commissioned CAPTAIN, 
in the 22nd regiment of the Militia of the said State, to take rank as such according to the date of this commission, and to continue in office during good behaviour and your residence within the bounds of your company. 
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the 10th day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand and eight hundred.
James Garrard
BY THE GOVERNOR,
Harry Toulmin, Secretary.
Page 56

[handwritten]
This Day Came Presley Gray before me & took the Severe oath proscribed by Law to this State. Given under my hand this 13th Day of August 1800
 
Jno. Grimes  J.P. 

on a Lot drawn by the  Officers of the 
22nd. P. Gray drew third of the same date

P. Ghoorhies Adjt.


[bottom left corner]
Presley Gray
Va. Ind. War – Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Page 57

[handwritten]
To Capt Presly Gray

[printed]
Lexington, June 13 1794

Sir,
Agreeable to instructions of the Board appointed by the Secretary of War for appointing the Field and other Officers to command a corps of mounted Volunteers requested from Kentucky; You are nominated a Captain
You will therefore proceed without delay to recruit men to serve the term of four months, unless sooner discharged, to compleat the company consisting of four Sergeants, four Corporals and seventy-five privates, and on your producing Two Sergeants, Two Corporals and Thirty five privates
able bodied me, mounted on good horses, with a good Rifle and thirty days provisions, at Georgetown on the 14th day of July next, you will receive your appointment, and Forty Dollars pay in advance, - your pay to commence from the time of entering into the recruiting service.  And each non-commissioned officer and private will receive Fifteen Dollars pay as aforesaid, on their passing Muster as aforesaid. You will from time to time notify Colo. John Caldwell of your progress in recruiting. Therefore relying on your Activity and Exertions to promote the Service 

I am,
Sir
Your Mo. Obdt.
Tho. Barbee B. Gen.

[handwritten postscripts]
Each private will receive a Dollar per day whilst in service, perhaps a deduction will 
be made for provision whilst the Men are found by the Public


This call never went into effect, but cost me
at least 2 months trouble & expense, & not a cent gained, I hope it may now be considered
Page 58

[printed with some handwriting] IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, JAMES GARRARD. GOVERNOR of the said COMMONWEALTH, to Presley Gray, Esq. Greeting: KNOW YOU, That reposing especial trust and confidence in your courage, activity, and good conduct,  you are hereby appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate 
MAJOR
of the first BATTALION of the 51st Regiment of the Militia of this Commonwealth, to take rank as such according to the date of this commission, and to continue in office during good behaviour and your residence within the bounds of said Battalion.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the State to be hereunto affixed. GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the 22nd day of Dec in the year of our Lord, one thousand and eight hundred.
 James Garrard 
BY THE GOVERNOR, 
Harry Toulmin, Secretary.

[faint seal to the left illegible]
Page 59

[handwritten]
This Day Came Prestly Gray before me John Grimes on of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Gallatin and took the oath proscribed by Law agreeable to the within Commission. Given under my hand this 11th Day of February 1801. – 
Jno. Grimes 

[bottom left corner]
Presley Gray
Va. Ind. War – Ky. Mil.
R. 4226
Page 60

[printed]
In Senate
A
Joint Memorial
of
The General Assembly
Of The
State of Indiana
January 2, 1835
Read and ordered to a second reading, and 500 copies of Report and Memorial ordered to be printed

Mr. Sigler from a select Committee, made the following Report:

Mr. President,
The Select Committee, appointed in pursuance of a resolution of the Senate, to draft a Memorial to Congress, praying that all those persons who were engaged in the Indian wars, between the commencement of our Revolutionary struggle, and the year 1794, may be placed on the Pension Roll, having attended to the duty assigned to them, and now respectfully beg leave to submit a few remarks prefatory to the introduction of the Memorial.
The duty assigned your Committee, is of the most pleasing character. It presents a subject, the investigation of which is well calculated to call forth the warmest feeling of heart. To them has been [page ends]

[printed on the left side of the document]
Douglass & Maguire, Printers.

[handwritten on the left side of the document]
The Indianna Memorial sent on
it happened among my papers

Presley Gray
Va – Ind. War – Ky. Mil
R 4226
Page 61

[printed – left page]
assigned the grateful task of pleading at the bar of their country, the cause of the war-worn and aged soldier. There is a chord in the bosom of every patriot, that vibrates with joy, at the bare mention of this interesting topic. Let their feelings, then, be indulged on the present occasion, to its fullest extent. Let it not be said, that the subject is of too grave a character, to justify such an excursive range of the fancy; but let it rather be cause of gratulation, that the principle of this holy feeling, is yet preserved pure and uncontaminated in the American bosom. To these men our country owes a debt of gratitude, not less weighty that that due to those who achieved our national independence. At the close of the revolutionary war, when those engaged in that glorious cause, resigned, for the cheerful avocations of peace, those arms which they had rendered so illustrious, there was a portion of our beloved country, which was yet the theatre of bloody conflict. The western frontier was not yet freed from the incursions of the savage foe. Here the tomahawk was still bathed in gore – here the husbandman reaped his harvest in the soldiers’ costume, and often forsook the labor of his farm to mingle in the tumult of battle. Most of those that are yet living, who were engaged int this arduous and dangerous service, are poor and needy. To their entreaties for aid – that country for which they underwent every fatigue, and braved every danger, has thus far turned a deaf ear. It is reserved to us, perhaps, to be the instruments of rendering independent and comfortable, the closing [illegible] of this remnant of an age gone by. 

It is a matter of regret, yea, deep and abiding regret, that your committee have seen it charged upon these aged men, that they were engaged in a war of plunder. We cannot find language to describe the feelings in our bosoms, when we see this charge openly made in the very halls of Congress, and by representatives of that very people who are now reaping the rich rewards of their toils and their dangers. But at the same time that your Committee mourn over the ingratitude that could prompt such an accusation, they rejoice to find not wanting, those within whose bosoms still glows with undiminished ardor, the fire of patriotism, which animated their fathers, stand ready nerve unshaken, [illegible phrase] to the foul insertion, and cast it back, with scorn and contempt, upon its unworthy authors.

What! the brave and hardy band, who defended our western frontiers from the savage inroads of an infurated foe, the inmates of the rude cabin, of the border settlements. To them the terrors of the savage war-whoop was lost in its frequency.

It well befits us, who are the immediate descendants of these men, to defend, in strong, bold, and energetic terms, their reputation and name from such foul aspersions. The individual from whose bosom is not heard a responsive echo is [illegible], each of these destitute old men, furnishes strong evidence of the destitution of the proper feelings of the heart. 

[printed – right page]
It is that the nation may be just to these destitute and aged [corner folded over] that we place ourselves as suppliants at her bar, to ask for them the same aid, which has been justly extended to those who fought for and won our national independence.

With these remarks, therefore, your Committee respectfully introduced the following
Joint memorial
of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana.


The General Assembly of the State of Indiana, considering the provision made by the Pension laws of the United States, for the time worn soldier of the Revolution, as being an expenditure of the public treasure, the most fully warranted considerations of justice, by gratitude, and good policy – and believing that the brave men who served in the wars with the Indian tribes, hazarded, not merely death in the honorable warfare, but also by assassination in cold blood, in the event of defeat. And being also fully aware that the early campaigns against the Indians, were attended with the terrors and dangers incident to the savage mode of warfare, before our army had acquired a knowledge of the method of counteracting the same, and not concurring in the opinion that the imputation of fighting the battles of the country for mercenary motives, justly rests upon them who served in the campaigns above alluded to: --

Therefore, we do earnestly request of the Congress of the United States, to pass an act placing all officers and soldiers, who served in campaigns against the Indian tribes, prior to the year 1794, upon an equal footing, in reference to Pensions, with the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war, who are entitled to pensions.

Resolved, That a copy hereof be transmitted to his Excellency the Governor, to each of our Senators and Representative in Congress.
Page 62

[handwritten]
HR 258 [illegible]
[printed]

27th Congress, 
2d Session.
[Senate.]
[375]
In Senate of the United States.
July 27, 1842
Ordered to be printed. – To accompany bill H. R. 258.

Mr. Phelps submitted the following 
Report:

The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill for the relief of Presley Gray, report:
That it appears, from the evidence exhibited in this case, that said Gray turned out as a volunteer in the year 1781, in Fairfax county, Virginia, for a tour of six months; that he served for a part of that term, how long does not appear, but he states in his memorial that he was discharged before the six months expired. As the law allows no pension for revolutionary services when those services fell short of the term of six months (and he pretends to no further service than that mentioned above), the committee recommend that the bill be indefinitely postponed.
Thomas Allen, print.
Page 63

[handwritten in top right corner]
HR 312
[the remaining document is typed]

25th Congress
2d Session
[Rep. No. 269]
Ho. of Reps.

Presley Gray.
[To accompany bill H.R. No. 312]

January 4, 1838

Mr. Fry, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following REPORT:

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Captain Presly Gray, of Kentucky, praying for a pension, beg leave to report:

That, from the petition and documents, and a mass of other testimony produced by the petitioner, the committee have no doubt that he has been a gallant and brave man, and has performed many valuable services to his country. That part of his services which come within the limit of the action of this committee is confined to services performed in the revolutionary war, prior to the peace of 1783. The petitioner states that in 1781 he turned out as a volunteer in Fairfax county, Virginia, as a common soldier, and was marched from Alexandria, under command of Major Dennis Ramsey, Captain Charles Little, Lieutenant Edward Sanford, and Ensign James Doneal, for a tour of six months, and was discharged a short time previous to the expiration of his time, in consequence of there being no further call for them. The petitioner was, from 1791, continued in service for a long time, as appears from the large number of commissions and other evidences of service produced.
The evidence of the petitioner’s service in the revolutionary was is the affidavit of General John Payne, who testifies that ‘in the latter part of the year 1780 there was a call for volunteers to march of the South, when the witness, with the petitioner, Presly Gray, and many others, turned out under Captain Little, Lieutenant Jason, Ensign Doneal; and Dennis Ramsey was our major. Owing to some delay, we were not immediately put into service. Early, however, in in 1781, we joined a large number of militia at Williamsburg, commanded by General Weaden, and afterwards by the Marquis de Lafayette; from there the army retreated to the city of Richmond, where we had a number of encounters with the British, sometimes in front and sometimes in the rear; finally, they appeared on the south of James river, and burnt the Manchester warehouses; soon after which, the troops to which the witness and petitioner were attached were, by orders of the Governor of Virginia, discharged as having completed their time of service. Witness
Thomas Allen, print.
Page 64

[typed]
2       [Rep. No. 269.]

and petitioner were messmates, and the petitioner always discharged his duty faithfully as a soldier.”
The petitioner prays to be put upon the pension-roll as a captain. In the consequence of his service having been performed mainly after the peace of 1783, the committee can extend him no further relief that for the six months’ service as a private, being the only service performed prior to the time for which they can grant relief; they therefore report a bill accordingly.
Page 65

[handwritten]
[in left margin]
Presley Gray
Va. Ind. War. Ky. Mil.
R. 4226

This day Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for Gallatin County the within named Presley Gray who took the oath of office as an assistant Judge prescribed by law and an oath to support the Constitution of this Commonwealth and the Constitution of the United States so long as he remains a Citizen thereof.
Given under my hand this 6th day of October 1806
David Ewery J.P.G.C.
Page 66

[printed with some handwriting]
IN THE NAME, AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY,
CHRISTOPHER GREENUP,
 GOVERNOR of the said COMMONWEALTH, to all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
KNOW YE, That reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, diligence and ability of
Presley Gray Esq I do appoint him as Assistant Judge of Circuit Court of Gallatin County to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Cornelius Hogland
hereby investing him with full power and authority to execute and fulfill the duties of the said office, according to law, and to have, and to hold the same, with all the rights and emoluments thereunto legally appertaining, until the end of the next Session of the General Assembly
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at Frankfort, on the 24th day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and six.
Christo Greenup
BY THE GOVERNOR,
John Rowan Secretary.
Page 67

[handwritten]
Presley [torn page]
Dec 11 [torn page] 7
Refd to the Com on Committee of
Revolutionary Pensions
Washington
D.C.
[returned to previous orientation]
April 13.1840 – Bill 375
Feby 14 1842
Ref to the Committee
on Revy Pensions
Mar. 8 1842
Bill reported – No 258


W. O. Butler
Page 68

House Repts Dec 13th 1836
Sir
I refer you and the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, [illegible due to crease in page] O. M. Johnson, the Hon Wm Graves, and the Hon Wm Hendrix, of the Senate for any information you may think proper to ask for, vouching the Character of Colo. Presley Gray of Ky, whose petition for a pension [torn page] fered to you. –
Permit me to remark that his character is irreproachable, equal to that of any other gentleman – 

Your obt Servt
Richard French