Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1366, Benjamin Biggs, Va.
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(3-1776)
Service                                    Number
Va.          Biggs, Benjamin       W1366
                            Priscilla     {B.L.M. 257-300-Capt.  Issued June 3, 1791 no papers

1812 
Contents
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Virginia Ohio County Court Court April term 1849


This day Priscilla Biggs of this county appeared in Court by Daniel Edgington, her attorney and submitted to the inspection of the Court a declaration by her made before John Brady Esq one of the justices of this Court on the 6th day of December 1848 in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the twenty ninth day of July 1848 entitled "An Act for the relief of certain deserving widows of officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary Arm" in the words and figures following to wit "Hale of Virginia Ohio County set on this Sixth day of December anno Domini One Thousand Eight hundred and Forty eight personally appeared before  John Brady a justice of the peace and one of the justices presiding in County Court of the said county of Ohio the same being a County of Record.   Priscilla Biggs widow and of Benjamin Biggs deceased and a resident of the said County aged seventy years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to affirm the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the twenty ninth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight entitled  "an act for the relief of certain deserving widows of officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary Army" as the widow of the late Benjamin Biggs who was a captain int he Virginia line Seventh Regiment to which he was promoted on this first day of  December one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight from a Lieutenant int he 13th Regiment on the sixteenth of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven [illegible] , he entered the service and continued in service as a Captain until the 12 of of November one thousand seven hundred  a eighty three the end of the Revolutionary War and appears by the records of the Treasury Department agreeably to be a letter from Peter Hagner Esq, Hired Auditor dated November fifth 1948 herewith duly marked No 1 and submitted as a part of this declaration.  She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Biggs on the twenty sixth
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day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety five and that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Biggs died on the second day of December one thousand eight hundred and twenty three; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the second of January eighteen hundred viz; at the time above stated, she further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before applied for a pension except that since the passage of the act of the 7th of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.  She through her agent petitioned Congress to be placed on the list of pensioners and that act which was for the relief of widows Revolutionary  officers who had been married before the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety four under advice of others and her own belief that although married subsequent to said year of one thousand seven hundred and ninety four, she was under the peculiar circumstances of her case and entitled to a pension - which applications she has been informed and believes was rejected by Congress - and she further says that she has never received any pension from government [illegible] of her husband so far as she knows and as she verily believes.  
Priscilla Biggs

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above, written before me, John Brady, a justice of the peace and am of the presiding justices of the county court of the said county of Ohio.
John Brady

I John Brady a justice of the peace in and for the said county of Ohio and one of the presiding justices of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration of Priscilla Biggs was sworn to and subscribed by her before me in my said county on the day and in the year therein certified; and I do further certify that the said  Priscilla Biggs cannot  from bodily infirmity attend the court in person and that she resides in a part of said County remote from
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Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County to wit; I, John McColloch, clerk of the county court of said county of Ohio, do hereby certify that among the records of the said county now remaining in my office appears duly recorded a certificate of the late Reverend Joseph Dodridge of the marriage of Benjamin Biggs [] of said County, deceased and Prscilla Metcalf in the words and figures, except the words "twenty six" and the words "one thousand seven hundred and ninety five" (in brackets) following that is to say

"I do hereby certify that on the 26 (twenty six) day of August 1795 (one thousand seven hundred and ninety five) Benjamin Biggs and Priscilla Metcalf were married by [] to a license from the clerk of Ohio County by me, Joseph Dodridge. 

A copy test Moses Chapline clerk 
And I do further certify that the above certificate is a true [] from the records of my said County with the on exception of the date which is expressed to on the record in fair and legible figures as follows "the 26 day of August 1795." 

I John McCulloch above named [] and say that I hold this office of clerk of this county court of the county of Ohio aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said County with the exception above named as certified by Me
John McColloch
Clerk, County Court, Ohio County

Sworn before me
Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County to wit:

I, John McCulloch Clerk of the county court of the county of Ohio do hereby certify that is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such and that full faith and credit are due to this official acts and that his signature above written is his genuine signature.  Witness my hand and the seal.
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of said court of the clerk's office, thereof this 2nd Day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. And in the seventy third year of the Commonwealth.
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Biggs, 
Benjamin

Biggs,
Benjamin 
(VM.)
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165

Virginia

Priscilla Biggs
widow of Benj'n. Biggs
Who served in the Revolutionary 
was as a Captain
Virginia line

Inscribed on the Roll at
480 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 18[obscured]

Certificate  [obscured]
15th day of [obscured]
and sent to 
J.M. Ed[obscured]


Reported
Let. to Geo. S. Thompson
March 19 1850
1882 June 9 D.O. Cain - no arrears
are due  Sent Circular 3-486 that
heirs cannot prosecute a claim after death

1883  Examined by Barrett [illegible]
[illegible]
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In the matter of the application of Priscilla Biggs for a pension.

Depo. of John Brady Esq

No. 4
Page 9

Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County Sct

This day personally came before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for teh said County of Ohio John Brady Es1., who being duly sworn deposes and says - I am now fifty eight years of age since this 24th day of May last. I was born in that part of what was originally the said County of Ohio that now composes the Cou ty of Brooks, but was removed at a very early age into what is the present County of Ohio by my father Samuel Brady who was a Captain in the Revolutionary War and I have continued to reside therein thence hither to continually except about two years commencing in 1807 during which I resided in the State of Ohio. I was well acquainted with Benjamin Biggs and his family since my earliest recollection until his decease which occurred to the best of my recollection in the year 1823. My father's plantation was situated within less than two miles of that of said Biggs, adn from the fact that they had served together as Officers in the Revolutionary War and were also neighbors their families were always in the most intimate terms. During all this time state I was well adn intimately acquainted with Mrs. Priscilla Biggs the wife and who is not the widow of said Benjamin Biggs. She has always resided in the said County since my earliest recollection until the present time and has never married since the death of her said husband. I was too young to be present at their marriage which I am informed and believe was solemn and in the year of 1795, but I well recolect of having it spoken of frequently in my father's family in my boyhood. Said Biggs and wife have a family of ten children, seven of whom are
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still living. I have always understood as such from the said Biggs in his lifetime as from numerous others of his contemporaries when living that he had served as an officer in the Revolutionary War and that he has been a Captain in the Virginia Line. He was always spoken of by those who had known him in the times of the Revolutionary War as a gallant, efficient, and meritorious Officer.  In this after part of his life said Biggs was elected by the Legislature as Brigadier General of the State Militia of Virginia which office he held for a number of years until about the close of the late war with Great Britain when as I am informed and believe he resigned.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of December 1848 

J Brady

John English Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County Sct.

I John McColloch clerk of the county court of Ohio County aforesaid do hereby certify that John English Esqr. before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been sworn to and subscribed as at the time of the date of said affidavit and now is an acting justice of the peace in and for said county of Ohio duly commissioned and qualified as such and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such and further that the signature John English to the said affidavit subscribed is his genuine signature. In Witness
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Whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and the
seal of said Court this 8th day of
December Anno Domini Eighteen hundred and forty eight and in the seventy
third year of the Commonwealth
J N McColloch Clk
B. Jn  R.  McColloch Depty Clk
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
January 25, 1926

D. E. Biggs
505 17th St.
Parkersburg, W. Va.

Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1366, it appears that BENJAMIN BIGGS, while a resident of Ohio County, Virginia, served as Lieutenant in the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment from April 16, 1777, to December 1, 1778, and as Captain in the Seventh Virginia Regiment from December 1, 1778, to November 15, 1783. He served as Brigadier General of the Virginia Militia from before the War of 1812 until his death which took place December 2, 1823, at his home near West Liberty, Ohio County, Virginia. His age was not stated.
He married August 26, 1795, Priscilla, daughter of Allen Metcalf. She was allowed pension on her application executed December 6, 1848, at which time she was seventy years of age and lived near West Liberty, Ohio County, Virginia.
They had ten children, seven of whom were living in 1848 but no names were stated.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
M C S
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Rev.

WIDOW, & c.

File No. 1366

Priscilla Biggs
Widow
Benjn Biggs
Capt. Rev. War
---

Act July 29, 1848
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 62
Arrangement of 1870.}
June 27 '98
Mrs. J L Webb
Denver Col
Sept 24 - 1900
H. C. Wilson, Pitts
1919 Mch. 22 Hist to Mrs Nell L. Moore
1926.
Jan25 hist to
D.E. Biggs WCS
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No 34
Priscilla Biggs
Va

Hon W G Brown Dec 23,48
do to same  Feb. 13. 1849

Act QG July 1838
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the Court House
of December 1848
Given under my hand this 6th day
Jno Brady
Commonwealth of Virginia Ohio County Sct
I John McCollock Clerk of the County Court of  Ohio
County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Brady Esq before whom the foregoing declaration of Priscilla Biggs was taken
and subscribed and the foregoing certificate of her bodily infirmity made, was at the time and now is a justice of the Peace in
and for the said County of Ohio duly commissioned & qualified
and then was and now is one of the Presiding Justices of said
Court and that to all his official acts as such full faith and
credit are due and I do further certify that the signatures Jno
Brady to said declaration and certificate are the genuine signatures of the said John Brady In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my
hand and the seal of said Court this 8th day of December in the
year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty eight
and in the 73d year of the Commonwealth
Jno McColloch Clk
By Jno R.  McCalloch Dpty Clk.
which having been examined & considered by the Court they
do sanction and approved the same and the proceedings of the said
Justice and it is ordered that the same be certified to the Commissioner of Pensions & the Secretary at War of the United States
Virginia Ohio County Set
I
Jno McCoclock Clerk of the County Court of the
County of Ohio aforesaid in the State of Virginia (which is a Court of
Record do certify that the foregoing is a true full & complete copy of
the proceedings in said Court relating to the application of Priscilla
Biggs for a pension under the laws of the United States
In Witness whereof I have hereunto signed my
name and affixed the seal of said Court this
fourth day of April A D 1849 & in the 73d
year of the Commonwealth Jno McCollock
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Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
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Wheeling Va. April 5 1849

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions-
Dear Sir

When at Washington
a few weeks since you will remember I called
upon you with a letter of introduction from the
Hon Wm G. Brown Rep in Congress from this District
for the purpose of obtaining the certificate of Mrs
Priscilla Bigg's widow of the late Capt. Benjamin
Biggs (who served in the Revolutionary War until
its close) who claims a pension under the law of
July last. The certificate of Marriage & other papers
were presented early in December last, and by a letter
from you to W. Brown some time afterwards the claim
---
was said to have been allowed
but it was stated that the declaration had not been
taken in accordance with the rules of the Department
-- When I saw you in person as above stated
you wrote to Mr Brown under date of 13 Feby. 1849
-
(which is now before me) and at the close
in this paragraph. "If however your correspondent
will submit his Biggs declaration to the Court during
its session and the Court will sanction and approve
the proceedings before the single magistrate and will
certify the same to this department it will be deemed
 sufficient to authorize the admission of this claim
without requiring claimant to appear in open Court"
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"for which purpose her declaration is again
returned"

The declaration was accordingly presented at
the recent April Term of the Court. I said herewith a copy of the record of the proceedings touching
this matter-- I think they will be found fully up
to the requirements of your letter.

I also return the Declaration itself. The
other papers are of course on file in your office

Having thus fully complied with what
was prescribed, I trust Mrs B's certificate will issue immediately - She is quite old & very infirm and
in very reduced circumstances-- I suppose
she is now of course entitled to one full
years pension viz. from 4th March 1848 till 4th March 1849 & if allowed what her husband
would have been entitled to if living, she
should have a certificate for $480 per annum.

Your early attention to this subject will
confer an especial favor upon a most
worthy old lady and by always properly  a
acknowledged by
very respectfully
Yr obt. St
D.M. Edgington


Prev
18
of 69
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Priscilla Biggs
Widow of Benjamin
Biggs died Nov 16, 48
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Wheeling 13 Nov 1848

Comm of Pensions
Washington [illegible]

Dear Sir, 

I have been applied to by Mrs. Priscilla Biggs widow and [illegible] of the late Benjamin Biggs who was a Lieutenant in the [illegible] Continental or asis now believed; a Captain, shortly before and at the close of the Revolutionary War to have her name placed upon the list of [illegible] widows entitled to the bounty of this government by the laws of the last session of Congress - Her marriage took place perhaps in 1795, but a few months after the time limited in the former Act of Congress within which the marriage must have taken place to [illegible] the widow of deceased Rev. officer to the bounty provided by that act.  She is clearly entitled to this benefit of the last act.  Her husband and residence in this County (or what is now this County_ even as far back as the Revolutionary War  itself so continued life his death some 15 or 20 years since.  This marriage was celebrated in this village when the now widow lives, this proof of which and her identity is full.  Her husband was at the time of his death, and had been since before the end of 1812 Brigader of Militia in this Brigate. 
Now being in possession of the forms
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proper forms, and the rules to be observed in making the application - By doing so you will confer an especial favor upon a most worthy old lady, one who is as worthy an object of the bounty of the Government as any other in the country - Please answer as soon as may seem fit with your convenience.
Very respectfully
Y. ob. St.
D. M. Edgington
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In The Matter of the application of Priscilla Biggs for a Pension -
Letter of P. Hanger Esq
Audr. &c. P Hagner
No. 1.
D. M. Edgington Esq
Wheeling
Virginia

[Stamp]
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
THIS
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Treasury Department
Third Auditors Office
November 17. 1848

Sir
Your letter of the 13" instant enclosing one from Mrs Priscilla Biggs, widow of Benjamin Biggs deceased has been received. you state the purpose of her letter is to obtain such evidence as I may be able to furnish, both as to the service of her late husband and his grade of office at the close of the war - Similar enquiries having heretofore been made, by the Honl S Stakeley of the House of Representatives in 1842, at your instance as Attorney in fact of Mrs Biggs, I find the following information was then given. to wit - That it appears by the Revolutionary records in this office that Benjamin Biggs entered the service in the Virginia Line as a Lieutenant in the 13 Regiment on 16 April 1777, was promoted to Captain in 7" Regiment in the 1" December 1778 and continued in service to 15" November - 1783, the end of the Revolutionary War, and has been settled with in full [illegible] pay with Commutation of five years full pay in lieu of half pay for life" - -
The present enquiry it appears is made with a view to making a claim under the Act of the 2nd of February last, but if the marriage took place
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in the year 1794 as you state it did. I apprehend the widow will be excluded from its provisions; this however is a matter for the decision of, the War Department - - 
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Peter Hagner Audr

D. M Edgington Esqr.
Wheeling
Va.
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34
In the matter of Priscilla
Biggs application for a
Pension -

Depo. of Jos. Caldwell Esq

No. 5.
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Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County sct.
Be it remembered that on the day of the date hereof Joseph Caldwell personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ohio, and within the same, and having been by me duly sworn according to law deposes and says as follows - I am now over Seventy one years of age - I have resided in Ohio County Virginia ever since I was some three or four years of age. I was acquainted with the late General Benjamin Biggs of said County from the year 1791 (one thousand seven hundred and ninety one) until his death which occurred some years ago but I am unable to state at this time in what year his death occurred - I was also acquainted with Priscilla Biggs the wife, now the widow, of said Benjamin Biggs - and was so acquainted with her before as well as since her marriage up to the present time - Benjamin Biggs and wife resided in the immediate vicinity of the village of West Liberty which was formerly the County seat of said County, and so continues to live until the death of the former - The said Priscilla has for some years lately resided in said village - She has never been married since the death of the said Benjamin Biggs - I was placed at school in said village by my father in the fall of one thousand seven hundred and ninety or the spring of one thousand seven hundred and ninety one. I remained at school over two years, during a considerable portion of which time I boarded in the house next to and adjoining that in which the late Allen Metcalfe who was the father of said Priscilla resided - I was intimately acquainted with said Metcalf and his family including said Priscilla - whom I have well known, and have frequently seen since as in the during the life time of said Benjamin Biggs as since she became his widow - I do not now
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the year in which said Benjamin Biggs and Priscilla Metcalf were married - I was absent from the County at school during part of the years one Thousand seven hundred and ninety four and ninety five - Said marriage according to my present recollection occurred during that time -
I have no personal Knowledge of General Biggs revolutionary services - It was always understood in this part of the County that [illegible] officer during that war on This frontier - principally perhaps at Fort Henry which stood on what is now a part of the City of Wheeling, Fort Pill &c His reputation as an officer was very high among the old citizens of this County the most of whom are now dead - My recollection does not serve me now to state what was the grade of Officer which he held during that war, but I have always understood from the sources before stated that his was an officer of importance and he was regarded as an excellent and efficient officer - He was for some years Brigadier General of Militia in the Brigade - I do not remember when it was he resigned -
J Caldwell
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 7th day of
December A.D. 1848-
John Eoff Justice of the peace ~

Commonwealth of Virginia
Ohio County Sc:
I John McColloch Clerk of the County Court of Ohio County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Eoff Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time and now is a justice of the peace within and for said County of Ohio, duly commissioned and
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qualified as such. And that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such And further that the signature John Eoff thereto subscribed is his genuine signature
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 8th day of December Anno Domini Eighteen hundred and forty eight and in the 73d year of the Commonwealth.
Jno McColloch Clk
By M. R. McColloch Dpty Clk
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Hon. W. G. Brown M. C.
Washington City
Dist. Col.
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Wheeling 8. Dec. 1848.

Hon. Wm. G. Brown
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of sending you the enclosed papers, and to ask of you the favor to present them to the Commissioner of Pensions and if entitled under the law of 29. July last as I think she clearly is, procure and forward to me Mrs. Biggs certificate -
The papers enclosed are first,
No. 1.- The letter of P. Hagner Esq. Audtr. &c showing the service of the Husband Benjamin Biggs & his grades of Office in the Rev. War.
No. 2.- The Declaration of Mrs. B. agreeably to the form prescribed by the Pension Office-
No. 3.- Copy of the Record of the certificate of the marriage of Benjamin Biggs & Priscilla Metcalf (now the widow)
No. 4.- The deposition of John Brady proving Mrs B's identity &c. &c.
No. 5.- The depo. of Jos. Caldwell Esq to the same effect - 
As further proof of identity service &c. &c if now be necessary I transmit also the following letters related from the papers left by Genl. Biggs at the time of his death - Marked as follow -
A. - Letter from David Duncan AD2mg - dated Pittsburgh Dec 1. 1779. to "Capt. Benjamin Biggs - Commandt Fort Henry"
B. - Letter from Rd Taylor (whose grade of office does not appear) dated "Fort McIntosh 26. Decr. 1779" directed to "Capt. Benjamin Biggs - at Fort Henry - P express." -
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C. Letter from Daniel Brodhead dated "Head Qrs. Fort Pitt May 16. 1780 - signed by him as "Colo. command esq." addressed to "Captain. Benjm Biggs - Commanding at Fort Henry" & enclosed" (Public service) - V
D. Two Letters from John Gibson Col. 9. Regt. Comdt. at Fort Pitt the first dated Nov 1. 1780 & the second June 23d. 1781 - The first directed to "Capt. Benjamin Biggs Fort McIntosh" - and endorsed "per express" - the second addressed to - "Capt. Benjamin Biggs 7. Virga Regt. Comdt. Fort Henry" & endorsed "honored by Lieut Niley" - and lastly -
E. The death warrant for the execution of James Gordon from Brig. Genl. Wm Irvine dated at Fort Pitt May 26 1782 directed "to Capt. Biggs Officer of the day" -
As corroboration of Brady's affidavits & Mrs B's declaration as to the time of death her husbands - I also send you a fragment of an old newspaper printed at Wellsburg in the adjoining County of Brooke containing a portion of an obituary notice of Genl. B, & of the funeral address of Revd. Dr. Doddridge &c - 
The genuineness of the signatures of the offices whose letters were sent can only be determined by a expansion with others of the Same persons many of which are doubtless on file at the War Department - The old newspaper is submitted rather as a [illegible] than as evidence as I know no
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means at hand of offering any proof in regard to it than the internal evidence offered by itself -
Permit me to say of Mrs. Biggs that she is a most respectable old lady, who now far in the decline of life is in limited circumstances - This is chiefly owing to the fact stated by Dr. Doddridge, of the unbounded libuality hospitality &c. of Genl. B. in his life time - He was at one time quite wealthy but with too many of the old Officers of the Revo. went down to the ground a poor man - 
The Genl. & his widow were nigh neighbors & friends of my parents in their life time, & this as [illegible] as the [illegible] of her claim had no to ful a duss interest in its success - I have undertaken to prepare her papers most cheerfully, & gratuitously - I know you too will to doubt that you will take pleasure in rendering the old lady all the assistance in your power -
If contrary to expectation the claim should be rejected by the Comr. please preserve the papers, as it is my intention in that event to apply to Congress - An application was made to the body to place Mrs B. on the Pension list under the Act. of 7th - July 1838 - but was rejected - Her papers which were confided to the Hon D. Stokely of Ohio seem to have been lost.
Please attend to this matter immediately and let me hear from you. 
Very respectfully
Yr. Obt. St.
D. M. Edgington.
Page 33

Pension Agency
Wheeling May 21 1849

J L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Dear Sir
A Certificate from your office for a pension under Act of Congress 29 July 1848 to Priscilla Biggs for $480 from 4th March 1848 endorsed on the back payable at the Agency in this City by G S Thompson was presented to me -: and the necessary blanks to draw up the vouchers were furnished the Agent for Mrs Biggs - there was $480. due on 4th March last
I have not been notified of such a pensioner being placed on the roll, nor has there been any money at this agency to pay pensioners under that Act -
I am
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Geo S Thompson
Pension Agent
Page 34

Hon. W. G. Brown MC
Washington City.
Dis. Col
Page 35

Wheeling 8.~ Jany. 1849.
Hon W. G. Brown
Dr. Sir,
Your letter and the package conning the letter of Mr. Edwards touching Mrs. Bigg's Pension have been duly rcd - and you will please accept my Thanks for your prompt attention to this business.
I request that the Commissioner should have deemed the Declaration of Mrs. B. insufficient in its present form, for such is, and no doubt will be the State of the reads, until late Spring or Summer, that it will be impossible for Mrs B. at her advanced age & in her present state of health to come all the way to Town to make her Dec. in open Court.- I now write you to suggest that possibly Mr E. does not fully understand our judicial system or rather our County Court system - The rules of the Pension Office I am aware require these Declarations to be made before a Court when that is possible, but I understand the same rules to say that when the party is infirm & cannot attend the Court her Dec. may be made before a Judge or Justice of a Court of record who will certify as to her affidavits &c &c - how you unaware that our Justices of the peace and ex officers Justices or Judges of the County Court the said being a Court of record &c. You will see that the Clk. of the County Court certifies not only that John Brady Esq before
Page 36

whom Mrs B. made her Declaration is a Justice of the peace, but further that he "then was and now is, one of the presiding Justices of Said Court" (the County Court) - You are aware moreover that our County Ct. is a Court of record, and that its jurisdiction is very extensive corresponding probably to a great extent with that of the various Courts of Common Pleas in other States, and that the Justices of the peace preside therein - I mention this because in other similar cases such declarations have been made before a Justice of the Court & allowed by the Commissioner - and I will call your attention to the case of Mrs. Rebecca Beck Widow of Lieut. John Beck of this County whose papers I prepared some years since under the Act of July 1838 who made her declaration before Archbld. Woods Esq (I think) a Justice of the County Court & it was received - The printed rules of the Office as tot he parties, were under that Act the Same as those under the Act of July 1848 which I have - My impression is that in the case of Ruth Mills widow of Lieut. Job Mills also from this County the Same thing was allowed but my recollection of this case is not so clear - Mrs. Beck has continued to draw her pension up to this time & her Dec is on file of course -
I would not press this matter, but you
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Know that our Circuit Judge Fry. is early at home in winter (he is now at Richmond) and if at home I should despair if getting him to ride some twelve or fifteen miles merely to take a declaration of this Kind when he would get no compensation, especially as the roads are at this season of the year, as you probably Know almost impassable in the ;illegible] Country where Mrs. Biggs resides.
If these things were fully explained to Mr. Edwards I think he would relax the conditions he has put upon Mrs. B. and relieve her from the necessity of endangering her life in order to avail herself of the bounty which Congress has given her.
If he write not I apprehend she must wear [illegible] in power as she has done until the warm weather will permit her if then alive to come all the way to the City to make the Declaration in open Court.
I hope you will at last present her Declaration again & hear if accepted if possible, and if not send, it back to me as soon as possible -
I remain respectfully
Sincerely Yr. friend
D. M. Edgington
Page 38

Death Warrant of
James Gordon -
E.
Page 39

Sir.
James Gordon, having repeatedly transgressed the Laws of God, and his Country - And tho he has long escaped Justice, he has at length been caught, tried and Sentenced to die by a General Court Martial, which Sentence I have approved; you will therefore cause him to be taken from the place of his present confinement, to the usual place of Execution, this day immediately after Troop brating - where he is to be Shot to Death, for so doing this shall be your Warrant - Given under my hand.
at Fort Pitt May 26th 1782
Wm Irvine B. Gen:

To
Captain Biggs
Officer of the day
Page 40

Benj. Biggs Va. 

Capt. Benjm Biggs commanding
per [illegible]
Fort MacIntosh

Col. Gibsons Letter
No 1
2.
Page 41

Sir

I rece'd your letter this morning by Express and immediately applied to Colo. Brodhead to have you relieve., Capt Tannehill is ordered for that purpose, and will set of in a day of two.  I am in some hopes the whole of the officers and men will soon be relieved.  No news from below.  please present my compliments to the gentlemen of your garrison and believe me to be yours sincerely.

Jno. Gibson Col.
9th Vir. Regt.

Fort Pitt  Nov. 1st 1780

[STAMP-illegible]
Page 42

Benj. Biggs Va. W1366

Capt Benjamin Biggs
[illegible]


Rd. Taylors letter
B
Page 43

Dear Sir Fort McIntosh 26th Decr. 1779
I received your favour by the Express & am sorry to hear your men are in Sickly assist it is out of my Power: I send the Doctr. down but a Horse Cannot cross the River and there is no such thing as Traveling by water. as for sending men to supply the place of those Discharg'd I must wait on instructions from head qrs. for that purpose, I have wrote the Comd. for instructions how to act in that mater, as the Mens Times Expire you will send them so with having from their Discharge as Both Colo. Gibson & Colo. Campbel are there tho they had best Call here often will be regard as to take the names of all such men at your post as have not received the six month gift & send it me by some other men who are Commanding my Camp; to Mr. horn as viz he has got my Saunshine for me wsh herein to send supplies with the [illegible] and I fear It is Most beable to come to Fort Henry if he has not received it most have left in the trouble of getting me they will be Isolate coming so harrd my Camp: To Mr. Mine & believe me to be Dear Regards with Esteem your most Obt Servt. 
JD
Brigade Cor.
Page 44

Duncan's letter

Dec. 1  79
[illegible]

A. [in a circle]

Capt. Benjamin Biggs

Command +
Fort Henry




BIGGS, BENJAMIN
(VA)
Page 45

Pittsburgh Decr. 1. 1779

Sir

Now please to employ horses to transport provisions from this place to your post not to engage the horses for any time but as the service requires and you may [illegible] the persons who will furnish horses for that they shall receive ten shillings a day for their horses on producing sertificate from under your hand - You will also please to agree with some person to hale wood for the use of your garrison and the most proper way would be to engage two horses with a sled for two days in a week in which time [illegible] can draw enough to serve the whole week except the weather is very sevear.  The two horses that are employed to hale wood shall be allowed as much as half a team on your sertificate  Your compliance with the above requests will greatly oblige
Yr Obt. Nble Servt.
David Duncan
ADQMG

Capt. Benj. Biggs

[STAMP - illegible]
Page 46

Public

Capt. Benjamin Biggs  7th Virga Regt   Comdt.
Fort Henry

honoured by
Lt. Neily

Col. Gibson  
[encircled] No. 2

Bemj. Biggs
Va. W1366
Page 47

Head Quarters  Fort Pitt June 23d 1781

Dear Sir

I have at last been able to send Lt. Neily and a party of men to relieve you and the garrison of Fort Henry.  You will please to deliver him all the orders you may have rece'd. from Col. Brodhead or any other person respecting it.

You will repair with the officers and men under your command with all possible dispatch to this post bringing with you every thing belonging to the reg't. and as many boats as your men can work.

As I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon I shall defer saying any more than to assure I am, Dear Sir, your most obdt. Humble Servt.

Jno. Gibson Colo.
Comdt Ft. Pitt
Page 48

Head Quarters  Fort Pitt Jne 23d 1781

Dear Sir,

I have at last been able to send Lt. Neily and a party of men to relieve you and the garrison of Fort Henry.  You will please to deliver him all the orders you may have rece'd. from Col. Brodhead or any other person respecting it.

You will repair with the officers and men under your command with all possible dispatch to this post bringing with you every thing belonging to the reg't., and as many boats as you man can work.

As I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon I shall defer saying any more than to assure 
I am, Dear Sir, your most obdt. humble Servt.

Jno. Gibson Colo.
Comd't. Ft. Pitt

[SEAL illegible]
Page 49

Head Qurs. Port Pitt May 16th. 1780.
Dear Sir

Lieut. Harrison writes from Hollloways Cove that he has no provisions for his Garrison. and that you informed him you could not spare him any I intended his garrison should be supplied with meat from the Magazine at Fort Henry, and the Commissary informs me there is a great quantity of the best kind Meat cannot be spared from hand. and he will be compelled to send to you again And I expect you will send him a supply, at least to serve three weeks -
It will be necessary to furnish me with a return of all kinds of public Stores at Newport take with the strength of your [illegible] And I wish you to engage some Antests at the command wages to repair the Boats you have there. If Pitch tar or oaken cannot be had let them be otherwise in repaired untill the Materials can be sent from hence ~
I am with Regard Dr Sir your most,
Obedt. Servt
Daniel Brodhead
Colo. command. grd

Captain Benja Biggs
Page 50

Benj Biggs
Va.
W. 1366
Page 51

Republic of Columbia. Intelligence has been received at New York, from Ligmza, of Perio Cavello, the last strong hold of despotism in Colombia, having been captured by the republicans. It was taken by storm on the 7th of Nov. by Gen Paez. A capitulation of all the fortified places, was signed twenty-four hours afterwards by Col. Correa.
The Correcea Courant contains a letter from Laguien, by which it answers the same days previous to the [illegible] Cavello. 100 royalists, who came out of the [illegible] San Felipe, to prevent the embat
Page 52

the entrance of the barbour,) surrendered on the 10th. The garrison were to be sent to Cuba.
____
Important News.
Liverpool papers to the 1st November have been received at New York. It is said by them that England will make a stand against any further extension of the Power of Russian in the east of Europe, and against any attack on the South American states; except by Spain or Portugal dependent solely on their own resources. An expedition is forthwith to be forwarded from Spain under the flag of Russia against the republic of Colombia.
We learn, from good authority, that it is a settled point that France is to continue the [illegible] of Spain to a certain extent, and for a definite object, namely until the government of Ferdinand is entirely and firmly re-established. In pursuance of this plan, Cadiz will be occupied by 10,000 troops; Madrid by 5000, and 15,000 will take up positions along the line of the Ebro. One great point which is intended to accomplish, if possible, is the entire disbanding of the Spanish army, as now [illegible], and remodel it upon a totally different system. It is hoped that this will naturally accelerate the association of internal tranquility.
_____
The editors of the Mercantile [illegible[ state, that they have heard, [illegible] that induces them to believe [illegible] that information actually reached this city some days since, and has probably been made [illegible] to our government, that almost [illegible] act of king Ferdinand, after his liberation, was to sign a treaty [illegible] the Island of Cuba to France.- [illegible] is also said to have reached this country, of the particular turns of a treaty which has been expected by the [illegible] composing the [illegible] alliance, for subjecting the states of South America their former vassiage! There are two forcible reasons why these rumors should not be true. In the place, Spain cannot spare Cuba; and in the second, John [illegible] will never let the holy alliance send their troops to South America, and they cannot get there without his [illegible].
_____
PAY
When you can.
I will receive in payment of any description of debts due me, Dried Apples, or Onions and allow the highest price.--Any person intending to pay in either of those articles are requested to deliver them immediately.
JOHN BERRY.

[column 2]
November 12:
[illegible] and covered with cities, villages and hamlets, and made the abode of millions. Say, descendents of the fathers of our country, what amount of gratitude is due from you to those who first planted the footsteps of our population in the western regions-Many of whom purchased their allotments of land at the price of their own blood!
Our friend whose remains we are about to commit to the dust, was one the defenders of our country in its infant state. His profession from an early period of his life was that of arms.
His military career commenced with war of the Earl of Dunmore in the year 1774, and ended with the peace which concluded the revolutionary war.
During the whole of this long period he was always at his post of duty, however arduous, or dangerous. Neither the deadly machinery of civilized warfare, nor the more ferocious and no less dangerous mode of Indian warfare ever exited in his soul a sentiment of fear, for he was a brave man. Yet that hand now cold & paisied in death for many years in succession, wields the sword for the defence of his country and contributed its full share to attainment of our independence and our freedom, the pride and the [illegible] of the world.
An anecdote which he related to me goes to show on what apparently trivial events life and death frequently depend.
At the commencement of the investment of Fort Lawrence by the Indians, and before it was known to the garrison that they had done so, they formed an ambuscade in the night, for cutting off the fatigue party in the morning. Gen. then Captain Biggs was the officer of the day, and requested the commandant's permission to go out with the fatigue part. "No, said col. Gibson; when I shall have occasion for a Captain's command, I will thank you to command then; at present you must attend to your duty in the fort." The fatigue party, consisting of sixteen, fell in the ambuscade, and with the exception of two who were made prisoners, were killed on the spot.
His private character, as a citizen, is before you, and it commands your respect. He retained to the last the frankness of the soldier and with this he associated sterling integrity in all his intercourse with his neighbours.-To the poor he was liberal & humane. To the sick and afflicted he was the Good Samaritan.
His heart, his [illegible], his hand and his purse were open to all his friends, and these comprehended the whole circle of his acquaintances; for enemies he had none.
Benevolent, even to a fault, by giving pecuniary assistance to others on too extended a scale, he has lessened to great amount the paternal inheritance of his family.

[column 3]
Steam boat
clock on the
steam boat
Taysville; a
former, Mr
his place,
alars are
was going
ary to
not k
burgh a
und t
she ale
te-
he
sea
Page 53

POSALS
BY SUBSCRIPTION,
WASHINGTON, PA.

VALUABLE WORK,
ENTITLED
THE ARCANA OF
s & Sciences.
__
BY DR. M. PARKER.
__
A detailed account of the whole
ork could not be expected here: a general outline of the performance will give a tolerably correct idea of the arrangement and utility of the work. The subjoined statement it is hoped will be sufficiently satisfactory to entitle it to the patronage of an enterprising and enlightened people.
It will contain a dissertation on a Agriculture; comprehending the most approved and latest discoveries-directions for culture of wheat, rye, oats, barley, &c.-with a scientific examination of the best and most profitable kinds of grass-directions for [illegible] as prac- [illegible] and cotton after 
vabian method.
On Dying all kinds of colors, on silk, linen, woolen and cotton in the most durable manner, with the proper 
mordants for fixing the colors; and the proper modes of taking all kinds of stains out of silk, linen, woolen, cotton, and furniture-of making Turkey leather of all colors; gilding leather with gold, silver, and tin foil-colouring and performing gloves-the York tan and Limerick dye.
On Distillation. The most approved method of distilling, rectifying, and colouring spirits of all kinds, together with proper directions for distilling all kinds sweet waters and perfumes.
On Tanning leather is the best manner and with the greatest dispatch; & the German mode of blacking it; some late and highly interesting chymical discoveries applicable to that branch of business-direction for making black ball; liquid blacking, shining 
erman paste for rendering boots and shoes water proof.
On Metallurgy. The natural bisto-
of metals, with directions for bron
ng, gilding, casting all sorts of fires in metal, preparing the clay for moulds-basos relievo--to cast horn wood in moulds-mixture for metallic mirrors and optical speculums-
rious receipts for making steel and 
ansmuting and purifying metals-silver plating-lacquering brass and tin--turning iron and copper vessels--tempering all kinds of edge tools-
staining and varnishing

[column 2]
NOTICE TO SURVIVING.
FRIENDS.
__
A Young man who called his name Robert Mitchell, came to the missionary station at Elliot, Choctow Nation, on the 30th of August last, in feeble health and destitute of subsistence.
He requested liberty to stay with us until he became able to travel, which was granted. He said he was from the city of New York, was a baker by trade, and was on his way to Butler country, Ohio where he said he had a brother living, named John Mitchell. His health continued to decline for three weeks, when he expired. He appeared to be 24 or 25 years of age.
A man said to be 22 or 23 years of age, was in company with the said deceased from Naches until within 30 miles of this place, where he became unable to travel, and was left by Mitchell on the 28th of August-he expired on the 31st. He called his name William Price, Mitchell said Price belonged to Washington, Pa. reports say New-York state. Mitchell was a middling sized man with red hair. It is said that Price was nearly six feet in height, and well proportioned; had dark hair and lare
kers. Surviving friends of eith
named deceased pe
can obtain all information
ers we posses, by addressing he
er, post paid-communications should be directed to be left at the Post Office Columbus, Mississippi.
Printers in the defferent states would probably confer a favour on the surviving friends by inserting the above in their papers.
JOHN SMITH.
Elliott, Choctaw Nation, Sept. 28 1823.
_______
FIFTY DOLLARS
REWARD.
Broke from the jail of Medina county, on the 30th inst. HENRY POND, who was committed to said jail on a charge of passing counterfeit money.
Said Pond is about 23 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, slim built, light complexion, blue eyes, sandy beard, face and hands uncommonly freckled, very loquacious, saucy, intemperate swears profanely, professes great skill at catching wolves.
His clothing consisted of 1 pair of common cotton shirts 1 pair brown linen pantaloons, considerably worn, 1 pair blue woolen do. considerably worn and patched, 1 pair new long worsted stockings-his boots had been foxed, not more than half worn-1 vest supposed to be yellow considerably faded, lining and back of cotton shirtling, blue coat, somewhat ragged
Page 54

vabian method.
On Dying all kinds of colors, on silk, linen, woolen and cotton in the most durable manner, with the proper
mordants for fixing the colors; and the proper modes of taking all kinds of stains out of silk, linen, woolen, cotton, and furniture-of making Turkey leather of all colors; gilding leather with gold, silver, and tin foil-colouring and performing gloves-the York tan and Limerick dye.
On Distillation. The most approved method of distilling, rectifying, and colouring spirits of all kinds, together with proper directions for distilling all kinds sweet waters and perfumes.
On Tanning leather is the best manner and with the greatest dispatch; & the German mode of blacking it; some late and highly interesting chymical discoveries applicable to that branch of business-direction for making black ball; liquid blacking, shining
erman paste for rendering boots and shoes water proof.
On Metallurgy. The natural bisto-
of metals, with directions for bron
ng, gilding, casting all sorts of fires in metal, preparing the clay for moulds-basos relievo--to cast horn wood in moulds-mixture for metallic mirrors and optical speculums-
rious receipts for making steel and
ansmuting and purifying metals-silver plating-lacquering brass and tin--turning iron and copper vessels--tempering all kinds of edge tools-
staining and varnishing wood, horn, ivory, bone, paper parchment; copal and other kinds of varnish; mixing paints; etching and engraving in wood metal; making crucibles for smelting metals; glazing potter's ware; stopping holes in culinary vessels; stopping cracks in iron ovens and stove pipes; cements for broken glass or earthen ware; cements for cisterns or damp walls; wash to prevent flies from injuring pictures or furniture; cosmetics; making all kinds of ink.
On Glass. The different kinds of clay for pots; mixing them; a chymical analysis of the various materials for making all sorts of glass; upwards of sixty approved receipts for mixing glass description of the different a complete furnaces used in the manufactory of flint and green glass; tempering ovens - their construction; best method of amkingand purifying nitre, pearl [illegible] and borax, &c. &c.
The work is now in the press, and will contain between three and four hundred pages, duodecimo. It will be printed on good paper and fair type, and delivered to subscribers neatly bound, for one dollar and twenty-five cents a copy.
[pointing finer icon] Subscriptions for the above work, received, at this office.

[column 2]
can obtain all information
ers we posses, by addressing he
er, post paid-communications should be directed to be left at the Post Office Columbus, Mississippi.
Printers in the defferent states would probably confer a favour on the surviving friends by inserting the above in their papers.
JOHN SMITH.
Elliott, Choctaw Nation, Sept. 28 1823.
_______
FIFTY DOLLARS
REWARD.
Broke from the jail of Medina county, on the 30th inst. HENRY POND, who was committed to said jail on a charge of passing counterfeit money.
Said Pond is about 23 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, slim built, light complexion, blue eyes, sandy beard, face and hands uncommonly freckled, very loquacious, saucy, intemperate swears profanely, professes great skill at catching wolves.
His clothing consisted of 1 pair of common cotton shirts 1 pair brown linen pantaloons, considerably worn, 1 pair blue woolen do. considerably worn and patched, 1 pair new long worsted stockings-his boots had been foxed, not more than half worn-1 vest supposed to be yellow considerably faded, lining and back of cotton shirtling, blue coat, somewhat ragged collar of light blue tabby [illegible] short surtout coat, old supposed to be butternut coloured, and a new fashionable merino hat.
The above reward and all reasonable charges will be paid to any person who will deliver him to the subscriber in Medina, or twenty five dollars for securing him in any jail in the United States and giving information as above.
ALONZO G. HICKCOX.
Jailor.
Madina, Oct. 30, 1823.
________
Notice.
On Friday last, between West Middletown and Washington, as the subscribers were on their way to Washington, they were overtaken by two large Hound Dogs, very much alike, which for some time were supposed to be making their way home, but as they continued to follow us, we thought proper to take charge of them. The owner is therefore requested to call on us, at the Widdow Lees, four miles from Wellsburgh, where he may have his Dogs.
JAMES DUNCAN
JAMES M'DONALD
December 3, 1823. no45.
Page 55

Application of Mrs. Bigs for a pension

Please give this case you attention  you will find the papers listed with the remarks of Mr. Edgington

Nug Brown
Page 56

Pensions Agency
Wheeling   March 13, 1850

Dear Sir

I enclose for examination and return
Priscilla Biggs pension voucher for 12 mon  $480

Your early attention will oblige
Your obedient servant
Geo. S. Thompson
Pen. Agt


To 
JL Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 57

In the matter of
Mrs. Bigg's pension

Obituary notice of
Genl. Biggs
Page 58

J.N.P.
Old War


Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.  June 9, 1882

Sir
Your letter of 7th is received together with the one of your correspondent, Henry N. Webb Esq. of Leadville, Cola. relative to the claim of the heirs of Captain Benjamin Biggs, a revolutionary officer from Va.  In reply, you are informed that as he died in 1823 he was not entitled to a pension under any law passed prior to his decease.
Page 59

505 - 17th St. Parkersburg W. Va
Feb 9th - 1926
"Rev. and 1812 War section"
Mr. Winfield Scott
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

My Dear Sir:
I wish to express my sincere thanks for the information recently received from You in reference to General Benjamin Biggs. who was born in Philadelphia County Pa. January 31st - 1753. In 1771 he came to Ohio County Va and established a home on a four hundred acre Tomakack right near West Liberty where he died in December 2nd 1823. (aged 70 years 10 months and 1 day. His Father's name was also Benjamin an Englishman who married in or near London a Miss Henrietta P.D. munday in 1747 and came at once to Philadelphia Co. Pa. 
I can certify to the erectness of this statement as I have the family record of both, families in my possession. at Present, and am a Grand son of the General. I am 84 Years of age. Born July 23rd 1841
Very Truly Yours
Daniel E. Biggs.
Page 60

505 - 17th St. Parkersburg. W. Va.
Feb 9th 1926
("Rev and 1812 War Section")
Mr. Windfield Scott.
Washington D.P.
My Revolutionary Ancestor (General Benjamin Biggs) was Married to Priscilla J. Metcalf August 26th 1795 at West Liberty Va.
Coppied from family Bible record
Names. Date of Birth To whom married
Henrietta M. Biggs July 11th 1796 William Irvin
Miriam " April 13th 1798 William Anderson
Benjamin F. " July 6th 1800 Lydia A Parsley, 
Allen M " June 11th 1802 Marcy Trimble. first. Mrs. Patsy Bells, second
George " April 3rd 1804 Margaret Anderson
Margaret M. " August 26th 1806 Died aged 18 years. Not Married
Braccheus " June 7th 1809 Viney Garsuch.
Washington L. " month not Legible 22nd 1811. Mary A. Roland
Priscilla J.  " 1813 John Beatty
John H. " Dec. " 1815 Sarah A. Pramin.

The above are the names of General Benjamin Biggs Children. I am a son of Benjamin F Biggs my mother the Youngest Daughter of Edward Carney In case decendents wish to find Sons or Daughters of Rev. You will have the record Yours &c D. E. Biggs.
Page 61

505 - 17th St. Parkersburg. W. Va.
Dec. 15th - 1925.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D.C.
I desire to ascertain, if possible the time of service of one Benjamin Biggs, as, Captain, Colonel or General. Also the dates therein and if he or his Widdow ever drew a Pension.
His widow's name was Priscilla Biggs.
Thanking You in advance I am
Very Truly Yours
D. E. Biggs
505 - 17th St
Parkersburg, W. Va.
P.S. The service refered to was in the Revolution of 1776 and the war of 1812 to 1815 D.E.B.

[Stamp]
PENSION
R
DEC
U. 16 S.
1925
OFFICE
Page 62

Rev War
Salem Illinois.
Mch. 12"-1919.
Rev. War Section
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington. D.C.

Will you please favor me with the proof of service of my ancestors -
William Whiteside
who fought in the Battle of King's Mountain.
Came from Tryon Co. N.C. to Ky, later to Illinois.
- and - Benjamin Biggs -
Page 63

who moved from My. to. West Liberty on Short Creek W. Va. in 1770 -
From family record I think I have sufficient proof that they were in the Revolution, to make the request, and shall greatly appreciate the favor.
Respectfully yours -
(Miss) Nell L Moore
221 S. Franklyn Ave
Salem
Illinois.
Page 64

OWN

Pittsburgh, Pa., 25 July, 1900.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen:-
Kindly inform me as to whether Benjamin Biggs, who was captain of a company in John Gibson’s Regiment, the 13th, 9th, 7th, or 1st Virginia, that you furnish me a copy of his application?
Thanking you in advance for ur kindly interest in the matter I am 


Very truly yours,
H.C. Wilson,
P.O. Box 504, Pittsburgh,Pa.

(Stamp)
O, W, & N, DIVISION
JUL 28|1900
RECEIVED
Page 65

See about personally - 
Aug 16. write Mr Albertson
Falls Church
Page 66

Capt. Benjamin Biggs, Virginia,
An officer of the Continental Army of the Revolution. Who served to the end of the war. And acquired right to Half Pay, Commendations,  and  Bounty Land -

Please state-
Residence after the war
Also date and place of death
Page 67

                                X
1107 Columbine st
Denver, Colo. June 4th, 1898.
B
                                                   OWN
To The Pension Offs.
Washington, D.C. 

Gentlemen:

I have been requested by my friends to become a member of the Daughters of The Revolution and I now write you to give me the record of Benjamin Biggs, who was my father’s father. I would like to have all particulars as to where he was born and from where he enlisted, or anything else that would be necessary for me to have to become a member of this organization.

I have been informed that to this office is the proper place to make this inquiry and if there is any charge connected herewith please notify me and I will promptly remit.

Your prompt attention will oblige. 

Yours respectfully,
Mrs. J. L. Webb

1107 Columbine St. 


[Stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY
JUN 10 1898
FILES
Page 68

[Header]
Enclose Postage to Insure Reply.
Will practice before all the Departments.
Bounties and Pensions Procured. Soldiers' Additional Homesteads and Land Warrants Bought.
D. O. CRANE,
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
ST. CLOUD BUILDING, COR. NINTH AND F STREETS.
Washington, D.C., June 7, 1882

[body]
Hon Wm. A. Dudley
Comr. of Pensions -
Sir:
I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from Henry M. Webb of Leadville Colorado. in relation to a pension to General Benjamin Biggs, and would respectfully ask information regarding the same, and also what action was taken by your predecessors relation to the same -
Very respectfully
D. O. Crane
Page 69

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W.F. 1366
Washington, D. C., _____, 19__

In reply to your request of ______, received ______ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Biggs a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATE OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1] Apr. 16 1777
[2] Dec. 1. 1778
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1] Dec. 1. 1778
[2] Nov. 15. 1783
RANK.
[1] Lieut.
[2] Capt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[1] 13 Regiment
[2] in the 7th Regt.
COLONEL.
STATE.
Va.
since before the War of 1812
After the Rev. War he became a Brigadier General of the State Militia of Va

Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Ohio Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Dec 6 1848. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Ohio Co. Virginia
Age at date of application, She was 70 years old
Remarks: He married Aug. 26. 1790 - Priscilla, daughter of Allen Metcalf and died Dec. 2. 1823. There were 10 children, 7 were living in 1848 but no names are stated. Soldier and his wife resided in the vicinity of the village of West Liberty Ohio Co. Va until he died.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.