Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7,515, John Hudgins, N.C.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
N.C. Hudgins, John R. 7515
or Hutchings,
Murphy, Ruth
CONTENTS or Rutha
(Former widow)
Page 2

(all handwritten)
State of Georgia. 
Gordon County S.S. On this 25th Day of September One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty three Personally appeared before the judge of the Superior Courts in and for the County of aforesaid James Hudgins a Resident of said County aged sixty eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which accrued and fell due to his Mother Ruth Murphy [death?] of formally widow of his Father John Hudgins Decst under the provisions of the Act of ? dated 4th July 1836
He declares that he is one of the sons and heirs at Law of him the said John Hudgins was an officer in the [?] of the Revolution and served as follows. he entered the service some time in the years seventeen hundred and seventy six (1776) in the County of Chatham N. Carolina as Captain of a company militia who his Field Officers was at the time of his entering the service  he cannot state
Page 3

dred and Seventy five and that he the said John died same time in March seventeen hundred and ninety one leaving surviving him this said Ruth his widow who afterwards married James Murphy, in the year one thousand eight hundred and three (1803) and that he the said Murphy died same time in the month of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty one leaving the said Ruth again a widow in which state she resided the ballance of her life. That she died in Habershaw County in this state on the seventeenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty seven leaving surviving her heresay who intermarried with Robert Murphy Delilah who intermarried with Robert Trotter Benjamin Hudgins and James Hudging the only surviving children and heirs at Law of her the said Ruth Murphy all of whom continue to survive,
James Hugins
Sworn to and subscribes
In open court this day and date above written,
Wm M Peepler Clerk (not legible) court
Page 4

State of Georgia   Clerks office Sup Court
Londou County    September eleven 1853
WM Peeples Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the State & County aforesaid do hereby certify aforesaid do hereby certify that it has been made apparant to the satisfaction of the Court by the oath of James Hudgins, &Jas M  Fields who are highly respectable witness that John Hudgins the father of the present applicant, departed this life in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety one leaving surviving him Ruth his widow who afterwards married James Murphy in the year eighteen  hundred and three (1803) and that he the said Murphy died in the year eighteen hundred and thirty one leaving the said Ruth again a widow in which state she resided the balance of her life. That she died in Habershaw County in this state on the 17th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty seven leaving surviving her Thusley who intermarried with Levi Murphy, Delilah who intermarried with Robert Trotter, Benjamin Hudgins and James Hudgins the only surviving children and heirs at law of her thus said. Ruth Murphy, all of whom continue to survive.  I further certify that it is ordered by the court that the same be certified to the Pension Department all of which is hereby certified. I further certify that the foregoing containg the orriginal Proceedings had, in the application of James Hudgins for the amount of Pension, which accrued and fell due
Page 5

To his mother Ruth Murphy, in her lifetime [?]
 testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said [?] at my office in the [?] of Calhoun, this day and date of above
Page 6

Georgia
Wabashaw County (vertical squiggle line) I James S. Baw Clerk of the court of Ordinary in the county aforesaid and State of Georgia do hereby certify that Loven J Heel is an acting Justice of the Peace as stated within and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this September the 8th 1845
James S. Barr, C.O.C

Seal was placed, but not legible.

There is a note attached that is scribbled and very lightly penned. The jest is as follows the best I can make out: She can’t write her own name (not legible word) can she testify in behalf her husband (there are at least four other words that have worn and not legible then initials are not legible either.
Page 7

Georgia
Wabeshaw County (vertical squiggle line) SS

Personally came before me Loven J Heel an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county Ruther Murphy, who being first duty sworn according to the Law smith on her oath in order to explain her Declaration of this year 1845 in relation to the family name of her former husband John Hudgins (Hutchings) for whose services she claims a pension as a Captain in the revolutionary war. That her Agent (Thomas J. Hughs) did not consult her as to the mode of the original plan of spelling and writing the name and consequently the above mistake was made. She further says the name was written (Hutchings) by the old people in the days of her husband’s lifetime but pronounced as if written (Hudgins).
Sworn to and Subscribed 
Before me this September 6th day 1845
Ruth’s Murphy (signed with an X and stated as her mark)

Loven J. Heel JP
I certify that the veracity of the above name deponent Rutha Murphy who signed the foregoing affidavit by making her mark is such as may be relied on for truth and honesty
Loven J. Heel JP
Page 8

12021
Rutha Murphy
Rd July 3. 1845
Ga
Act 7 July 38
Declaration LC
Page 9

I certify that the above name applicant is unable to attend in court from bodily affliction.
Thomas McRea
J.H.

I Lawson B. Hambright Clerk of the Inferior Court of Wabashaw County. Certify that Thomas McRea is a Justice of the Inferior Court as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine, in testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said court and subscribed my name this Twenty fifth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Lawson B. Hambright C.O.C

(Seal was affixed on the left side of document but not legible as to the writing on it.)
Page 10

The State of Georgia
Wabashaw County (vertical squiggle line) then initials SS

On this 24th day of June 1845 personally appeared before me Thomas McRea one of the justices of the Inferior Court in and for said county Rutha Murphy a resident of the county of Wabersham in the State of Georgia aged eighty seven (87) years who being first duty sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of congress passed July 7th 1838. And the 23rd of  August 1842.granting pensions to widows of persons who serve during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of John Hudgins of Chatham County State of North Carolina who was a Captain and served as such in the militia for the time of seven years in the revolutionary war on the part of the United States(commencing in the year 1776 and ending in the year 1783) and was in and under the following line of higher officers now recollected ToWit. Col Literal and Maj Broon performed his services in the States of North and South Carolina and was in the Battle at Brewers Mills in North Carolina where Col Literal was killed. Also in the battle at Camden, South Carolina August 15th 1780. In the battle at the King’s Mountain in October same year. And in the battle at Guilford Court HOuse (North Carolina)March 15th 1781. She also declares that she was married to the said John Hudgins on the fifteenth (15th) day of February one thousand seven hundred and seventy five (1775) by the Rev Elmathin Davis (Baptist minister of the gospel) that her husband the aforesaid John Hudgins died of the small pox in the month of February one thousand seven hundred and ninety one (1791) She further declares that after the death of the husband aforesaid she was married to James Murphy in the year one thousand eight hundred and twelve (1812). That he died in the year one thousand eight-hundred and thirty one (1831) and that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written (squabble line vertically)
Rutha Murphy (she made her mark with an X)
Before
Thomas. M. Rea J.I.C
Page 11

State of Georgia
Walker County (squiggle line vertically on page) initials SS

Personally came before me Andrew L. Bany one of the Justices of the Inferior Court of said county (Said court being a court of record (not legible) so declared by the statute of the State which created it) Jonathan Davis who being first duty sworn according to Law Saith on his oath that John Hudgins and Rutha Davis (now Rutha Murphy) were married on the fifteenth (15) day of February One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five (1775) By the Rev Elnathan Davis (Baptist minister of the gospel). That they lived together as man and wife until the month of February One Thousand Seven hundred and ninety one (1791) when he the Said John Hudgins died of the Small Pox leaving her a widow with seven children under sixteen years of age. ToWit Mary Hudgins, Teresa Hudgins, Philip Hudgins, William Hudgins, James Hudgins, Delila Hudgins and Benjamin J. Hudgins. She then remained his widow until the year One Thousand eight hundred and twelve (1812) when she was married to James Murphy and lived with him until the year One Thousand eight  hundred and thirty one in which year he the said James Murphy died and left her a widow in which State of widowhood she has remained ever since and now resides in Wabashaw County State of Georgia and is Eighty Seven years of age. Her marriage with John Hudgins was in the State of North Carolina and with James Murphy in the State of South Carolina. Sworn to and subscribed before me this Thirty first day of March 1845.
Jonathon Davis 
Andrew L. Bamy JJL
Page 12

I certify that the veracity of Jonathan Davis is such that he may be relied on for truth + honesty
And L. Bamy JHG
(Squiggle line underneath)
State of Georgia
Walker County (squiggle line vertically on page)
I Edley Beavert Clerk of the Inferior Court of Said County. Certify that Andn L. Bamy is an acting Justice of the Inferior Court of said county and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal thus being no seal of office.
This March 31st 1825
Edley Beavert Clerk (squiggle lines in circles cannot tell if there are initials within)
Page 13

J.L. Edward’s Court of Pensions
Dear Sir
I forward the papers of Mrs Rutha Murphy widow of John Hudgins for a pension which when acted on you will answer me in Clarksville, Georgia.
The old lady is very helpless and needs her due as early as possible.
Yours very truly 
Thomas J. Hughs
(Squiggle lines under signature)
Page 14

Washington Feb. 11. 66

Hon Larry L Edward’s
Comm of Pensions

Enclosed we send you additional proof in relation to the claims of Rutha Murphy.

The papers have been transmitted to us by Mrs Hughs of Clarksville, Georgia with the request that we would present them. 
You will please therefore (not legible) give communications to us
Truly yours
David & Lenunes
Attys
Page 15

No 12021
Rutha Murphy
Gen
Letter to Mrs Darad Semmes
May 6 1866
Hon A.H. Stephen’s,
Page 16

12021
Ruth Murphy dec? Widow of John Hudgins Georgia
____________________________________
L.J. Hughs August 13 1845-
Damage & Lemmes May 6 1846-
Hon A.H. Stephen’s Jan 16 1847-
Elisha King April 11 185
Same Aug 8 1854 - Same
October 28 1854 - F.F.C
Triplett Jan 1/22 1856- Hon
LH Lumpkin June 20 1856-
Hon. LH Lumpkin & H Cobb
January 5 1857

July 7 1838
Page 17

S.  No 12021
Ruth Murphy and John Hudgins

Georgia act of 1838
7515
Letters to:
T.J. Hughs Aug’ 13. 1845
Davage & Simms May 6, 1866
Hon A.H. Stephans Jany 6, 1867
Elisha King APL. 11 1854-JO
Aug 8 1856 - JO Oct 28 1856-
F.F.C Triplett Jany 22, 1856-
Hon JH Lumpkin, June20
1856- J.H. Lumpkin Oct
24, 1856, Hons JH Lumpkin & H. Cobb Jany 5, 1857-
JH Lumpkin May 11/57
Same Aug 22/57
Hon. G.W. (Not legible) Jan22/58
Hon H. Cobb June (end of page that is folded over and not legible)
Page 18

12,021
Ruth Murphy
Ga
TJ Hughs Aug 13 1845
Davage H Lemmon May 6, ‘46
Hon A.H. Stephen’s Jny 6 ‘47
Elisha King APL. 11 ‘54
To Same Aug 8/d54
“ same Oct. 28/56
F.F.L. Triplett Jan 22/56
Hon Lumpkin June 20/56

July 7 1838
Page 19

(3-223.) Ray
No. 7515
__________.                        (Initials OW)
—————, Ex’r.              REJECTED 

OLD WAR WIDOW of Geo.
Rutha Murphy formerly widow 
P.O. Of John Hudgins or Hutchins
(Not legible) Master; N.C. Troops

Service:—————————————
1852 Book Rejected 
Listed: and suspended
Discharged: Claims gives reasons for suspension:
Application filed: Proof of his service as captain in the North Carolina militia required
Re-enlisted: from the North Carolina records!!

Attorney: ——————————-
P.O. —————————————-
Page 20

Washington, DC
April 13th 1857
Hon G.C. Whiting.,
Sir: I was with the Hon. Vemill Cobb this morning at his room on the subject of the enclosed letter of Wm Ring & Mr. Cobb referred to a letter he wrote you own the 13th Feb. last in which he enclosed an argument of Mr. Coombs, and stated that he had examined carefully the point involved in this case, in identity, and he was clearly convinced that the involved showed that the Hon Hudgins found on the records of N.C as a Brigade (tow words not legible), is as the man whose widow is Ruth Murphy
Page 21

Who applied for a pension and died overtime in 1847 was her husband. Mr. Cobb informed me that he had had no response from you to a letter he (not legible word)on that date, in which he asked your personal and particular attention to.
He desired me to see you today on this matter and inform him of the action of your dept, if you had taken any, or if not, that you respond at an early date to his letter.  (the last sentence is terribly scribbled and not legible)I believe it says: I have the ——copy
T H Lumpkin
Page 22

Washington D.C.
18th June 56

Hon J. Minot
Com of Pensions
My Dear Sir,
I desire to call on your attention to the application of Ruth Murphy, for (not legible) widow of John Hudgins a Revolutionary soldier, for a pension - Mrs Murphy is now dead, she as I heard from Mr. Elisha Runing his agent and attorney, is being educated for the benefit of (not legible) him of, John Hudgins. I am informed further that on the 6th August, Mr. Ring forwarded to the Pension
Page 23

 Office a transaction of true record appointing James Hudgins as (not legible) to his an the estate of Ruth Murphy formerly widow of John Hudgins, his mother - and also a copy of a deed of the sheriff of Chatham County South Carolina, to John Hullgin which upon examination you will see was for a track of land which was forfeited under a certain act of the (not legible) of that state and hold under the (not legible) of the same and (not legible) in (not legible) John Hudgins at the large sum of $5,000 in arrear $25,000 dollars. This and estate dues several important facts - Just Mal Hullgins was a
Page 24

Resident of Chatham County N.C in the time of the war. Second with his name was Shell Hudgins (underlined twice) as it is in the record of (not legible) said to him for military (not legible) that Colonial Icenlock, who Mr. Hudgins claims he served under was an officer in the command of the militia of that county and fourthly, that Hudgins was a man of integrity and standing in society - well calculated to (this whole sentence 5 words, were impossible to even make an educated guess) which he said and which we claim for him the army -Mrs Ruth Murphy alleges in her declaration that he was Captain in the Army, when the troops
Page 25

Thus that he was quarter near here - we (not legible) that this is no disaplanary sufficient to his (not legible) the applicant or the cause of John Huggins his service a quarter master letter way that of Cap Ware and this way the title by which Mr. Huggins always heard him addressed - I hope you will examine this claim with this additional help and report to me the result. For in accord of my honest (not legible) of James Huggins the Administration, feel a hearing in time in his (not legible) I need think that a (not legible) a better man lives (not legible)James Hudgins one of the (not legible)
Yours truly
J H Lumpkin
Page 26

Washington D.C.
2 January 1857

Sir
Allow me to request the favor of you to examine Personally (underlined) the case of Ruth Murphy formally widow of John Hudgins - application for the benefit of the (not legible) same Hudgins - I understand that the mention of identity is the only one of a difficulty.
If you will examine the (not legible) yourself. I think you will find the proof sufficient.
Very respectfully
James (not legible)
Howell Cobb
Page 27

Pension Office
January 5 1857
Sir
Agreeably to your request I have examined the papers in the case of Ruth Murphy of Geo, but inasmuch as it has received the personal attention of both my predecessors in office=judges Waldo &Minot-both of whom were satisfied that no allowance could be made upon proofs in file, and as no additional cadence has been filed in its support since the 20th of June when a full report was made to Judge Lumpkin I have not felt at liberty to reopen it for reexamination except the “alduchon” (underlined three times) of new material additional evidence.,
I have the honor to’
Very respectfully
(Three words are very light and not legible)
Accounting Commissioner
Hon. H. Cobb
House of Rep (squiggle line vertically after last word)
Page 28

Washington D.C.
August 12 1857

Mr. GC Whiting
Sir
Herewith Please find enclosed a testimony and explanation as to (the page is folded over here and the word cut off) affidavit to be filed in the case of Mrs Ruth Murphy, (words folded over ) of John Hudgins, 7th July, 1838
Respectfully,
Hon Lumpkin
Page 29

Clarksville Ga Sept 8th 1845

Dear Sir, Before I proceed any further with the case of Mrs. Rutha Murphy I think it best to make known to you of a mistake made on my part in not making inquiry as to the original mode of spelling and writing the family name of John Hutchins (Hudgins) for whose services his widow Rutha Murphy claims a pension. Said may or mistake (this was inserted above the next two words) having been made known to me recently by Mr. Philip Hutchings (Hudgins) in a conversation with him on his claim in which he informed me the mistake might be a bar to the claim.  I have therefore thought proper to send this explanation together with the accompanying affidavit, and will comply with your requid
Page 30

Pension Office
January 20 1860

Sir,
In compliance with your request of the 14th inst, I have the honor to transmit herewith the papers in the following cases: -
Wm White, deceased - claim for a pension under the Act of 4th June - 1832
Ruth Murphy, deceased - Claim for a pension under the Act of 4th July, 1838
I also return herewith the papers which accompanied your letter.

Very respectfully, Sir
Your obedient servant,
Signature is not legible
Commissioner

Hon. J.R. Thomson
U.S. Senate
Page 31

State of Alabama
St. Clair County (squiggle line vertically on page) On this 19th Day of September one thousand Eight Hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid
William Pollard a citizen of this county aged eighty eight years and a respectable and truthful witness and after being duly sworn states upon his Oath that he was personally and intimately acquainted with Captain John Hudgins of Chatham County North Carolina in time of the Revolutionary war that the applicant lived a part of the time during said war in the said county of Chatham and a part of the time in Orange County South Carolina, and that the said John Hudgins married the daughter of Elnathan Davis whom he also knew very well. He (not legible)was too small to enter the service though he knows the said John Judgins was an officer in the said war that there was a place in Orange County where the army kept rather as head quarters, it was called the Baracks that while that was head quarters he (not legible) was often there and that the said John Hudgins was there he thinks nearly all of the time the Army kept there head quarters there and that he was an official then understood it Brigade Quarter Master he knows he had something to do in furnishing and letting out the supplies of the army. Applicant does not know exactly how long.
Page 32

the Barracks were kept as head Quarter for the Army but it must have been according to his recollection some one or two years, during all of which time he frequented that place and recollects all the time to have occasionally and most generally to have seen the said John Hudgins there, and in the discharge of such service as above mentioned. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and date above. Wm. Pollard
Nolin Griffin
a Justice of the Peace

The state of Alabama St. Clair County  J. Ross
Phillips Judge of the Probate court in and for said county hereby certify that Nolin Griffin whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the service a justice of the peace and for said county duly commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that said probate court is a court of record having general jurisdiction. Given under my hand the seal of the said court at office in Ashville Ala on this 29th day of September 1856 Ross Philips Judge of the probate court
Page 33

Washington D.C.
April 25th 1857

Sir
I herewith enclose as evidence in the case of Mrs Ruth Murphy and Gen. Fory under of John Hudgins, Act 4th July 1836, Gen

I trust that this case, may be with the cumulative evidence recently filed be regarded as established according to the meaning and intent of the laws concerning your bureau.

I am yours very truly Th. Lumpkin
Hon Geo C Whiting
Comm of Pensions
Page 34

Stocks Hill Ga
July 20th 1857
Thomas Lumpkin Esq
Dear Sir
Enclosed I hand you additional evidence in relation to the Capt John Hudgins of N.C.
You will receive as to Justice Jones statement and opinion that Capt Nicholson knew what he was stating that it was not a dream with him. I am fully satisfied that from Mr. Nicholsons statement that he knew him and knew his widow also. Well, I have been to see the other witnesses that I expected knew something important in relation to the matter. But I found that they knew nothing that would amount to any more than an impression of opinion and decline taking their testimony.
The old Mr Nicholson is yet living but his recollection is no near gone. That I deem it impracticable to have him sworn any more on the same point - andn in fact he says that he states all that he can’t recollect with any accuracy— and the any idea that the Department asaid
Page 35

or have not placed full reliance upon his statement as he says that he stated it plain & in the positive. Seemed to interrupt him as you are aware, he must be childish & he answers me, that if what he had before stated has not regarded satisfactory that he was not able to enter into any particular statement further & declined any further statement. 
There is this I will say - Mrs. Nickolson is a man. Clear above. Suspicion. His character for truth or anything else  impeached by those who have known him for the last half century which case he shown if necessary, and I am therefore () to believe that this Department must & will act upon his testimony. 
HOping to hear of your suspicion this claim. I remain very respectfully your ob. service. H.H. Walker
Page 36

Secretary of the Senate
April 7 1858
(Check mark plus line under date)

Committee on Pensions
Refer to Int. Dep. the petition of James Hudgins, with the papers.
(Underlined with squiggle line)

Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions to be filed 
Dept. Int. Moses K(remainder of name is smudged) Chf Clk
APL 9/58

Rec’d 8 Apl’58
Mr. Rhitt
Page 37

In the Senate of the United States
April 7th 1858 

Ordered that the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of James Hudgins son and admr. of Ruth Murphy, widow of John Hudgins, and that it be referred to the Secretary of the Interior.

Attest:
Asbury Dickins
Secretary
by W. Hickey Chf. Clk
Page 38

Pension Office, February 9th 1857.
Sir:
Agreeably to your request I enclose, herewith, original papers in the case of Ruth Murphy, widow of John Hudgins.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your obt. serv. S. Cole for Commissioner.

Hon. Howell Cobb
House of Reps.
Page 39

Vertically written:
Ruth Murphy Ja -(three letters not legible) 1838
Horizontally written:
J. Minot Esq
Com of  Pension
P(scribbled)
Page 40

Washington, July 19, 1856
Sir:
The case of Ruth Murphy, GA. Act 1838, has been  entertained, was only by oral testimony in the party of those who even in a position to know the facts of the underation of his service, his by a name from the () of N.C. showing fragments to him of $901. The case seems properly made new and if it seems as if you, I argute that it be (). If you differ from this conclusion, I respectfully that the ground of the injunction be stated.
Respectfully. JJC Triplett
Page 41

Washington City 26 Dec 1856
Mr. George C Whitney. Com of Pension.
Sir, I feel a such intent in a case in which several of my constiuents are entitled. I mean the pension application of Ruth Murphy. dec from widow of John Hudgies of GA.
You will here holly oblige me by giving your upmost attention to this above case. If you cannot be allowed by the pension office I arrive to take at once before Congress.
Yours Respectfully: George Sumpkin
Page 42

Adairsville GA 4 April 1854
Hon S.P. Waldo,
Dear Sir,
Inclosed I send you the application of James Hudgins for the amoung of pension which Accrued and fell due to his mother Ruth Murphy formerly Ruth Hudgins under Act of 4th July 1836.
You also have the affidavits of Micajah Brooks and Jonathan Davis in support of this claim, they were both well acquainted with Capt. John Hudgins the father of the Claimant and knew well the nature of his services.
I have applied for record proof both of the marriage and of service, if I should fail to procure it, I presume the accompanying affidavits will be regarded as sufficient to establish both those facts. As both them believe seem clear and distinct in their statements, on each of their points,
I am very respectfully your obedient servant, Elisha King

Hon. S.P. Waldo
Washington City D.C.
Page 43

State of Georgia
Cap County
KNow all new by these present that I James Hudgins Administrator of Ruth Murphy Decsed of County of Gordon State of Georgia, do hereby constitute & appoint Thomas Sampkin of the city of Washington District of Columbia my attorney to aid and cooperate with Elisha King my True & Lawful Attorney, in the prosecution of my claim for the amount of pension which accrued and fell due to my mother the said Ruth Murphy deceased, and to recieve from the commissioner of Pensions my pension certificate for the same and to forward it to the siad Elisha King at Adairsville Georgia, and to do all the things he says to the prosecution of the said claim to perfection.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and offixed my seal this 30th day of May 1856. S.R. McFarland
Ebenezer Loveless
Page 44

State of Georgia Cap County
I, James Wofford Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the state & county aforesaid do hereby certify that Ebenezer Loveless before when the within Power of Attorney was executed is an acting Justice  of the Peace in afor the state & county aforesaid duly commissioned and quallified, and duly authorized to take acknowledgements of deed power of attorney Miseney Conveyances. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and aaffixed my seal of office this 30 day of May 1856
James Wofford
Page 45

Washington DC
Oct 13th 1856
I have the honor to transmit here with all evidence in the can of Mrs Ruth Murphy (not legible) widow of John Huggins, Act 4th July, 1836. N.C
This being the third affidavit touching identity the only question in this case, with the conclusive record found filed in the case, 
I trust no further objection may be made to its allowance.
I have the honor to be 
Very truly
Th. Lumpkin

Hon J. Monot
Comm of Pensions
Page 46

Proof of service.
Page 47

Raleigh NC
Compr. Office

I William Y Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Hutchings appears upon the [illegible] of my office as having had issued the following specia certificates for military service (One for Five Pounds Thirteen Shillings (5.13) see Book No 2 page 47 and another for three pounds one shilling and six pence (3.16) see Book No 23 page 70. It also appears in Book of Army accounts marked E at page 57 that Jno Hutchings (Lieutenant) received a payment of six pounds (6) given under my hand and seal this 8th Nov 1845. 
Wm Collins Compt

5 - 1
3 - 1 - 6
6 - 0 - 0
14 - 14 - 6
Page 48

Pension Office
January 22, 1858
Sir:
In Compliance with the implied desire of the Committee of Revolutionary Pensions, I have the honor to transmit the papers in the case of Ruth Murphy, deceased whose representatives have applied for pension alleged to have been due her, under Act of July 7, 1838, and to return the Petition of the Claimants, addressed to the Senate and House of Representatives. 
This Claim was originally disallowed for reasons developed in a lengthy correspondense, the substance of which will be communicated to the Committee if desired, But since its disallowance the Department has decided, in accordance with the opinion of the Attorney General, that claims of this description cannot be established and recovered by the children or the representatives of deceased Revolutionary Soldiers and their widows. It could not, therefore, be now allowed even if the requirements of the Office heretofore made, should be complied with by the claimants. I have the honor to be Very Resply Your [illegible] Servt
Hon. Geo. W. Jones
Chairman Committee of Rev. Pension
U.S. Senate
[Illegible] Commission
Page 49

2. the Hon. the Senate & House of Representatives, of the United States in Congress assembled.
The petition of James Hudgins, of Georgia, administrator of Mrs. Ruth Murphy who was formerly the widow of John Hudgins humbly represents to you Hon. Body that the said Ruth Murphy who is now deceased applied for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 4th July 1836 and produced full proof of her said husband's service, as an officer in the Revolutionary War, also of her marriage identity [illegible] as her papers now filed in the Pension Bureau will show, but was refused the pension due her. Your petitioner now prays your Hon. Body that the said pension may be paid to her surviving children up to the period of her death under said act, and for which your petitioner will ever pray.

James Hudgins, one of the children & administrator of Ruth Murphy, dec'd

Jan 7, 1860
Page 50

Brief in the care of
Ruth Murphy of Georgia
Page 51

24 June 1845 Ruth Murphy of Habersham County Georgia - 87 years old - declares she is the widow of John Hudgins of Chatham County N Carolina who was a Captain in the militia for seven years in the Revolutionary War. (commencing in 1776 and ending in 1783) was under Col. Literal and Major Bronx, was in teh Battle of Brewer's ills where Col. Literal was killed, in the battles of Camden, S.C. Aug 5 1780. Kings Mountain in October 1780 & Guilford C.H. March 15 1781. Married to him Feb 15 1775 by the Rev Elnathan Davis. Her husband died in 1791. In 1812 she married James Murphy who died in 1831.
On September 1845 she declares the proper spilling of her husbands name is Hutchings. Though it was sometimes written & [illegible] Hudgins.
Philip Hudgins swears to the truth of the statement above in relation to the true orthography of the name Hutchings. 

She [illegible] not sign her name but makes her mark. No [illegible] before when the declarative [illegible] to have been [illegible] &
Page 52

27 September 1853 - James Huggins - 68 years old - one of the sons theirs at law of Ruth Murphy widow of John Hudgins says Hudgins was an officer of the war of the Revolution, that he entered the service sometime in the year 1776 in Chatham Co NC as a Captain of a Militia Company. He did not know who his field officer was, though he has heard his mother say he was under Col Ambros Ramsay + Major Mail Spurlock, he not knew how long he remained under these officers - but after being in service some time he was appointed Brigade Quarter Master and served in that capacity to the end of the war - (the next word was scratched through \\\\\\\\\\) his mother married to Hudgins on the 15 Feb, 1775, Hudgins died 1791 - his mother married to Iam Murphy in 1803 who died in 1831 - she died 17 Nov 1847 leaving Thusney Murphy, Delilah Murphy, Benjamin Murphy and James Hudgins her surviving children -
Certificate about in accordance with the above facts.
Certificate of the ordinary of (not legible) court (not legible) that James Hudgins has been appointed administrator of the estate of Ruth Murphy
Page 53

10 June 1845 Johnathan Davis says that John Hudgins of Chatham County NC was a Captain (underlined) in the war of the Revolution said war, commencing sometime in the year 1776 and continuing in his official capacity to the end of the war in 1783, making seven (underlined) years (underlined service as Captain (underlined)Deponent was an eye witness of the service of Hudgins and recollects that his superior officers were Col Literal & Major Bronx.
(31 March 1845) underlined Hudgins & Rutha Davis were married on the 15th February 1775 by Rev Elnathan Davis (underlined) lived together as man and wife until his death in 1791 - In 1812 she married James Murphy who died in 1831. She married Hudgins in SC and Murphy in N Carolina.
(30 October 1845) and underlined, He was present at the marriage of John Hudgins (Hutchings) and Rutha Davis, knew they married by Rev Elnathan Davis (underlined)on the 15th of July 1775 in Chatham County, commenced living in Hudgins family the same year of the marriage & continued in the family & near til Hudgins death - He knows the date is correct because he knows the marriage took place the year Hudgins entered the service and the year before the Declaration of Independence. (Initials not legible Looks like JC)
Two horizontal lines then the next two sentences were completely X’d out but the next several must have been added later due to very light and faded plus many of the words are shortened to abbreviations so I will write what I see but will not make much sense I am afraid)
“Was a remarkable gent to know a number (too light) 8 pgs. Syn his name 6 weeks appt made his mark (too faint) had fryortie him to make (not legible) membered bring (not legible) else
initials ThCW
Page 54

7 March 1856 - Jonathon Davis - 84 years old - is the brother of Ruth Murphy formerly the wife of John Hudgins, was present at her marriage - she is his sister - married in Chatham County NC about year before the Declaration of Independence by Elnathan Davis, a Baptist preacher, about a year after the marriage Hudgins entered the service of the US as a Captain of a Militia Company, though he was small while her husband was in the army, he distinctly recalls these facts, he remained with his sister until after the close of the war.  Hudgins remained in the war during (not legible) continuance and up to the surrender of CornWallace, he knows Hudgins continued sometime in service as a Captain and was then appointed Brigade Quarter Master (underlined) in which capacity he was to the end of the war, he understood these things at the time from the statements of Hudgins when he came home, as also from the statement of his father & sister & from the persons of the neighbors who spoke knowingly of familiar of the facts.-(Hudgins died (initials VC) as not legible)
Ruth Murphy, died September 17 1861) being Thurney Murphy, Delilah (not legible) Benjamin and James Hudgins her serviving children.

Sept 7 1854  - Clerk of Chatham Court Certified that this record of his office afford no evidence of the marriage of the above parties.
Page 55

31 Dec 1853 - Micajah Brooks - 96 years old - also an applicant for a Revolutionary pension, declares that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War to he resides in Chatham County NC in the immediate neighbourhood of Captain John Hidgins who a short time before the war was married to Ruth Davis the daughter of Rev Elnathan Davis, that about the commencement of the war Hidgins entered the service of the U.S. as a Captain of the militia Company & remained in the army - occasionally returning home - until 1779 - applicant known this to be so as he remains in the neighborhood pretty much all this time & was intimate with Mrs. Hudgins & her father's family & often heard them speak of his services both as a Captain & a Brigade Quarter  Master - In the year 1779 affiant entered service under Captain Tew & was marched to S.C. & Ga. & did not return to Chatham Co. until after the close of the war. On his return home he found his old friend Captain John Hudgins just returned from the army & understand from him & others that he had been in service all the time, acting him [illegible] as Quarter Master
Page 56

Jellarch 1856 - Copy of a deed for land sold by the Sheriff of Chatham County agreeably to a Resolve of the NC Legislature that the land of such persons as have been drafted to serve & failed to do so should be sold to raise a few of £.5000 for the purposes therein mentioned. Deed made to John Hudgins in 1785 for the case of one Ignatius West who has failed to serve after being drafted, & which Hudgins purchased.
Page 57

19th September 1836 - Wm. Pollard - 88 years old - was personally & intimately acquainted with Captain John Hudgins of Chatham Co N Carolina in the time of the Revolutionary War. Affiant lives part of the time during said war in Chatham County and a part of the time in Orange County. Hudgins married a daughter of Elnathan Davis. Affiant was too small to enter service, though he knows Hudgins was an officer in said war, there was a place in Orange County used as the head quarters of the army, called the Baracks, affiant was often there while it was so used & he thinks Hudgins was there nearly all the time the army remained there at Head Quarters, he understood he was Brigade Quarter Master, knew he had something to do in furnishing and letting out the supplies of the army; does not know exactly how long the Baracks were kept as head quarters, but it must have been some one or two years, he frequented the place all this time and recollects to have occasionally & most generally seen Hudgins there & in the discharge of the duties above mentioned.
Page 58

8 Nov 1845
22 Jany 1846 
Certificate from the office of the Comptroller of NC show that John Hutchings received £31.3.6 for military service - £6 of which was paid for service as Lieutenant [underlined].

6 June 1854, Comptroller of NC shows that John Hudgins received Certificates amounting ["of" crossed out] in the aggregate to £121.19.4 for military service (no grade mentioned). 

And that a man of that name received [not legible] for £249 for service as Brigade Quarter Master [title is underlined]. 

Please note: in reference to the amounts the L had two horizontal lines through each L.
Page 59

Adairsville Ga 20th Sept 1854

Hon L.P. Waldo
Sir
Enclosed please find the Certificate of the clerk of Chatham County Court, showing there is no marriage bond or license on file to authorize the  marriage of John Hudgins to Ruth Davis.

This is offered in support of the claim of James Hudgins the son of Capt. John Hudgins for the amount of pension which accrued to his mother Ruth Murphy under Act 4th July 1836 
Very Respectfully
Elisha King
Page 60

Elisha King esq
Adainsville
Geo

Stamp shows Pittsburgh Sep 11, date is not legible after that.
Page 61

State of North Carolina Chatham County (squiggle line vertically on page) I William P. Taylor Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sepins in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I have made diligent search (of was crossed through) for the marriage License bond, and marriage record of John Hudgins and Ruth Davis and have been unable to find it in my office.
In Testimony when I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal office at Pittsborough County & State aforesaid September 7th Ap 184
WP Taylor C.L.C

Pittsborough Sept 7th (54
Mr E King,
I sent you some time in June the above Certificate in accordance with yours of the (not legible ) June last but I suppose you did not get it as I received another letter from you on the same subject last night above I sent you another certificate which I hope will be all right 
Yours Truly
WP Taylor
Page 62

Washington City
13 July 1857
Sir I have with return to your office the papers in the case of Ruth Murphy I find that you are mistaken in supposing that no additional evidence has been filed since the claim was rejected by your predecessors. I refer you to the testimony of Mr. Pollard which has been since filed. Allow me to call your attention to a [illegible] of the case which is herewith transmitted - and which in my judgement presents the case in a [illegible]
Page 63

which cannot be satisfactorily answered. You will do me a personal favor by giving the matter your personal attention as I feel confident you will see that the [illegible] is well [underlined] made out & ought to be allowed.
Very respectfully yours
Howell Cobb

Hon. Mr. Whiting
Com: [illegible]
Page 64

Pension Office,
January 5 1857

Sir,
I have the honor to state that I have examined the papers in the case of Ruth Murphy of Georgia and do not find that any additional evidence has been filed in it since the 20th June last when my predecessor made to you an elaborate report in which he pointed out the objections existing against its allowance, as also, the steps necessary to be taken to complete the proofs. 

I do not feel at liberty to review his decision under such circumstances, without the adduchon of material additional evidence.
Vary respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Geo C Whiting
Commissioner

Hon J.H. Lumpkin,
House of Reps  (very fancy squiggle line alongside)
Page 65

Bond
James Hudgins
Admin on the Estate of Ruth Murphy
Deceased E.D. Hudgins
(Looks like liamtz)

Copy, Bond
Page 66

State of Georgia
Gordon County (squiggle line alongside)
By James R. Wylie Ordinary of said county
Whereas Ruth Murphy Deceased late of the county of Wabashaw died Intestate having whilst she lived and at the time of her death (not legible word) estate. 
By means where of the full disposition and power of granting the Administration of the Estate of said Deceased and also a final Dismission from the same to the Ordinary aforesaid does of right belong. Her desiring that the same may be well and truly administered and legally disposed of doth hereby grant onto James Hudgins full power by the terms of this present to administer the entire estate both real and personal of said Deceased, which to her in her lifetime at. The time of her death did Belong, and to ask demand, sue for Recover and Receive the same and to pay the debts in which the deceased stood bound to law forth as his assets will extend  according to Law and then the balance justly to pay over to the legal heirs and distribute of the said Deceased, and the said James Hudgins having given Bond and Security and taken the Oath and performed all other requisites required by law necessary to his just qualification as Administrator Sir as by Order of Said Ordinary and by virtue of these present.Ordained Constituted and Appointed Administrator of the whole estate both real and personal of said decent.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto  set My hand and seal of Office this fifth day of May Eighteen Hundred and fifty six
James R Wylie
Ordinary
Gordon & (written low on the page and not legible)

The seal was round and had semicircular cutouts. The words were not legible
Page 67

Georgia Gordon
County (squiggle line vertically) I certify that- the within is a true copy of the letter of Administration & Bond as taken from the records of my office  in case of application for letter of Administration on the Estate of Ruth Murphy, deceased June 3rd 1856 (squiggle line underneath)
James R Wyley
Ordinary
Gordon Gaty
Seal with ribbon but words are not legible. The seal is decorative with cutout edges
Page 68

[Administrator’s Bond —Standard Print.]
—————————————————————

GEORGIA, Gordon County, May 5th 1856
KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that we James Hudgins and E P Hudgins
Securities, are held and firmly bound unto the ORDINARY of said County, and his successors in office, in the sum of One Thous and - dollars to the payment of which well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, of us, and each of us, firmly by these presents: Subscribed with our hands and sealed with our seals, this fifth - day of May 1856. 
THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such, that if the abovebound James Hudgins, administrators of the goods, chattels, and credits of Ruth Murphey, deceased, do make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the knowledge of the said James Hudgins Admr or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him; and the same so made, do exhibit into said Court of Ordinary, when he shall be thereunto required; and such goods, chattels and credits do well and truly administer according to law, and do make a just and true account of his actings and doings thereon, when required by the Superior Court, or ORDINARY for said county. And all the rest of the goods, chattels, and credits which shall be found remaining upon the account of the said administration, the same being first allowed by the Ordinary, shall deliver and pay to such persons, respectively, as are entitled to the same by law, and if it shall hereafter appear, that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the same be proved before the Ordinary and the executors obtain a certificate of the probate thereof and the said James Hudgins Admr do, in such case, if required, render and deliver up the said letters of administration, then this obligation to be void; else to remain in full force.
Signed, sealed, and acknowledged in open Court, 
James Hudgins [L. S.]
E P Hudgins [L. S.]

James R Wylie ORDINARY
Page 69

This Indenture made this Fourth day of May in the year of our Lord 1785. Between Roger Griffith Sheriff of Chatham County in the State of North Carolina of the one part and John Hudgins of the County & State aforesaid of the other part. Whereas by virtue of an act of Assembly passed at Halifax the eighteenth day of January in the year 1780, directing & empowering the Commanding Officer of each respective County in the State aforesaid to dispose of so much of each delinquints property within his county as shall be sufficient to heir a substitute to serve in the Army for a limited time. Therein mentioned in the room and stead of such delinquint. Nial Scurlock there Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the said County of Chatham did order and direct John Birdsong then Sheriff of said County in the following words '[illegible]' State of North Carolina Chatham County. To the Sheriff of the County aforesaid. You are hereby requered to expose to sale as much of the property of the following persons as will amount to the same of five thousand Pounds each agreeable to an act. of Assembly of this state against delinquents who have been legally draughted and failed to march or perform their tour of duty agreeable to law. And this shall be your warrant for the same - given under my hand this 20th day of July 1780. Nial Scurlock Coln. '[illegible] Igantious West &c. and the said John Birdsong there Sheriff by virtue of the aforesaid order did proceed to
Page 70

make sale after legal notice given of a certain Tract of land of the proper lands and terminants of the said Ignatious West, situate lying and being in the county aforesaid and bounded as ["follows" crossed out] herein after described and the said John Hudgins appearing at the day of sale did bid for the aforesaid Tract of land the same of Five Thousand Pounds their current money which being the generated sum bid the said land was struck of to the said John Hudgins as the highest bidder but for want of time & other unforeseen accidents the said John Birdsongs office of Sheriff of the County aforesaid having expired before he could make a deed for the same to the said John Hudgins and the said Rodger Griffith party to [illegible] presents having succeeded the said John Birdsong in offices. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Rodger Griffith now sherriff for an in consideration of the sum of five thousand pounds their current money to the said John Birdsong then sherriff of said County in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and also by virtue of an act of assembly passed at New River the third day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty six for the relief of such persons who have purchased lands by Execution and have not obtained titles for the same Hath granted bargained and sold aliened & enfeoffed & confirmed & by these presents doth grant bargain & sell aliene enfeoff & confirm to the saide John Hudgins his home & assigns the aforesaid tract or parcel of
Page 71

land situate lying and being as foresaid, on the south of Dry Creek Beginning at a post Oak running East 280 poles to a hickory, thence North to Dry Creek, thence up the said Creek the various courses to the North & South line of the whole survey then south to the beginning containing by estimation 300 Acres be the same more or less, it being all that part of a tract of land granted to Ignatious West by the State of North Carolina by and bearing date 1780, Registered in the Register Office of Chatham County in Book B Page 544 which lies on the south side of Dry Creek & all the houses barns, Orchards, fences, ways waters, proffits, commodities, herditaments & appurtenances thereunto belonging or appertaining and the provision and reversions, [illegible] &
remainders, rents issues & proffits thereof
also all the estate right title interest
property claim & demand whatsoever of him
the said Ignatious that his heirs Executors
Administrators of in & to the said trust
or parcel of land & premises or of in & to any
part or parcel thereof to have & to hold the
hereby granted tract or parcel of land & premices with the said John Hudgens his heirs & assigns in as full & ample a manner as the said Roger Griffith in Virtue of his office as Sheriff of Chatham County can legally convey the same to the only proper use & behoof of him the said John Hudgins his heirs & assigns forever In Witness whereof the said
Roger Griffith hath hereunto set his hand & seal
Page 72

The day & year first above written - signed sealed & delivered reference of Elias Drake & Roger Griffith James Bruno 
Chatham County - May from 1785 -
This clerk was dully acknowledged in open court - and ordered to be registered.
Date John Ramsey
North Carolina (squiggle line vertically after state name) Chatham county.  I Abner Gunter Public Registar of the county & state of onsaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a certain deed from Roger Griffith to John Hudgins having date the 10th day of May 1785 and of this certificate of its probate as  appears from the enrollment there of in a certain book in said office of which I am the keeper. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my private seal having no seal of office this 7th day of March AD 1856.
Abner Gunter Register Seal North Carolina
I Henry A London Chairman & Residing in Chatham County (squiggle line vertically after county mentioned) Magistrate of the court of Pleas & (not legible) of the county & state of foresaid do hereby certify that Abner Gunther whom name is signed to the foregoing certificate, is now and was at the time of signing the same public registar of the county & state of aforesaid, & that his said attestation is in true form & by the proper officer & that in all faith & credit are due to his official act as such given under my hand this day of March 1856 Henry A London JC
Chair 4 Pen MSG
North Carolina
Chatham County (squiggle line vertically after county stated) I William P Taylor clerk of the court of Pleas & Quartin Sephora’s of the county & state aforesaid do dully certify that Henry A London whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is now and was at the time where he subscribed the same Chairman and residing Magistrate of said court dully commissioned and qualified and that ful faith and credit are due to his official acts as such his testimony whereof I have hereby signed my name and affixed my seal of office at Pillsboro this 7th day March 1856 WP Taylor C.C.C.
Page 73

( 3 parts due to tri-fold paper)
I do hereby certify that the veracity that Jonathan Davis who has signed the within deposition is such as may be relied for truth and honesty 
Wm K Briers JJC


I do hereby certify that the Interior Court of Walker County in the State of Georgia do certify that William K Briers is one of the Justices of the Interior Court in said County - (Said Court being a court record so declared by the Statutes of the State which created it) as above and that the foregoing Signature purporting to - be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto- set my hand and /private seal there being no seal of office
Elder Bevert  (circle after name with Clerk in the center)

(this document has a three fold piece of paper this is the third part)

Proof of marriage of Rutha Murphy to John Hodgins and afterwards to James Murphy. (This is vertical along left side of this tri-fold)
Mr. Clerk having no seal right & I am for (not legible) who had Mr to authenticate his acts 0 M is my duly authenticate and cannot (not legible too faint) named an evidence 
GCW
Page 74

State of Georgia. (Vertical lines with initials SS)
Walker County 

Personally came before me Wm K Briers One of the Justices of the Interior Court of the Said County of Walker Jonathan Davis was being first duly sworn according to the Law, Saith on his Oath that he was present at the marriage of John Hudgins (Hutchings) and Ruth’s Davis and saw them married by the Rev (underlined) Elnathan Davis on the 15th day of February 1775 in the State of North Carolina Chatham County.  Despondent further says that he himself commenced living in the family of John Hudgins in the same year of the above marriage and continued to live in the family land near them until the death of Said Hudgins which happened in the year 1791. And knew them to live together as husband and wife for that period of time. From the above circumstances and from the circumstance of its being the same year that Hudgins entered the Service of the United States and also the year previous to to the year in which the declaration of independence was made. Deponent says, according to his own knowledge of said fax that he knows he is correct as to the dates and fact of said marriage. He further says that the widow was married again to James Murphy in the year 1812 and lived with until the year 1831. When Murphy died; and left her a widow the the second time in which state of widow hood she remains and bears Murphy’s family name. That is Rutha Murphy. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th October 1845.
Jonathon Davis
Wm K Briefs J.P - 

I Edly Breft clerk of the Interior Court of Walker County in the State of Georgia do certify that Wm Ks Briers is one of the Justices of the Interior Court in Said County (Said Court being a court of record so declared by the Statute of the State which created it) and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal of there being no seal of office.  This 30. October 1845 Edly Breft clerk with his initials in a fancy circle with cut edges.
(No Seal stated)  is located at bottom of page
There are a couple of sentences handwritten at bottom left side very light, appears to be a shorthand with initials SCW
Page 75

State of Georgia county of Union (vertical squiggle line) I Henry A. Walker do hereby certify that I was present on the 13th of April last 1857. At the time that John Nicholson a pensioner of the United States was sworn and give his testimony to Hampton Jones Esq in relation to the pension claim of Ruth Murphy former widow of Captain John Hudgins of the Revolutionary War. 
And from his statement before Justice Jones - on oath in relation that I am constrained to believe that Nicholson had a clear knowledge of the facts stated and from all his statement the words of which I do not now recollect all that he said. But that he stated that he was well satisfied and stated from his knowledge that he fully believed that Ruth Murphy who claimed to be the widow was the widow of the identical Cap John Hudgins who served from Chatham County N. Carolina in the Revolutionary War. And I am clearly of opinion that the name Captain John Hudgins so (two words were lined through) served from Chatham County North Carolina is the same identical person who was the former husband of Ruth Murphy this the 15th day of July 1851
HH Walker (underlined)

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written hereby certify that the individual who made the foregoing affidavit is well known to me and is in titled to full faith and credit
Hampton Jones JP
Page 76

States of Georgia
Union County
Hampton Jones Justice of the Peace in & for the county & state aforesaid do hereby certify under my oath of office that John Nicholson a revolutionary pensioner of the United States that he is a resident of Union County & state aforesaid & who was before me on tthe 13th of April 1857 & being duly sworn stated that he was not related to Captain John Huggins who served in the Revolutionary war from North Carolina nor the heard now claiming the said John Nicholson seemed to have a perfect knowledge & stated as far as his recollection wold warrant him & and that interrogated him on oath fully in  relation to this matter in which he was testifying & he () his knowledge & belief both that Ruth Murphy was formerly the widow of Captain John Huggins whom he knew from North Carrolina in Said war. And I further certify that after his statement was write out I read the same to him & he was satisfied that it embraced the ideas & expressions he intended to convey & what he then stated was all he recollected in the matter & at that time I considered him fully competent to make the statement & from my knowledge of Mr. Nicholson and aquaintance with Mr. Nicholson for many years I must say that his statement is in title to full credit I further certify that I am in no degree interested in the claim afored to concerned in the proscedution of the same
Page 77

Given under my hand on this the fifteenth day of July 1857.  Hampton Jones JP

Georgia
Union County} I Thomas M Hughes clerk of the Superior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that Hampton Jones Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit and certificate was made was at the time of the signing thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and that his signature is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of office at Blairsville Union County Georgia this 18th day of July 1857

Thos M Hughes Clk
Page 78

State of Georgia
County of Union (vertical squiggle line)
On this the 13th day of April a D. 1857 personally appeared before me. Jones, a justice of the peace within and for the county and State aforsaid John Nicholson to me well known a resident of the county of Union in the state of Georgia and who is a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the Rate of 40 lira per animal, and who being sworn according to law and say that he was a revolutionary soldier and resident in the state of North Carolina, where he entered the W.S. Senior in said War from Manson County in the last named State. And (not legible word) in the Ma Company of Militia Commanded by Captains White &  Cox & others and that the despondent was well acquainted with one John Hudgins who resided in Chatham County in the State of North Carolina that the same John Hudgins was Quarter Master and served as such for two or three years in the latter part of the war, the precise date not recollected though deponent believe it was in the years 1779 & 1780 and 1781 deponent cannot recollect the particular times and places that he knew the said John Hudgins in said war though recollects that he was at the battle of Camden
Page 79

And was well acquainted with the widow of the said John Huggins in Pendleton District South Carolina in the for many years after Hudgins death. Who was the daughter of Elnathan Davis a Baptist minister of Chatham County. That the same widow Ruth Hudgins was again married to James Murphy in Pendleton District South Carolina and that the said James Murphy died in Pendleton District in said state came that the deponent is not interested in the claim here referred to in any way whatever the above interrogations made before signing. 
Hampton Jones J.P.    John Pendleton

The above affidavit was sworn to me subscribed before me on this the 13th day of April 1857 and I certify that the officiant is every way credible and that I am not interested in this matter here refered to as Attorney otherwise. Hampton Jones J.P.

Georgia Union County. I Thomas M Hughes Clerk of the Superior Court in aforesaid county do hereby certify that Hampton Jones Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is an was at the time of signing the same and acting Justice of the Pease in & for said county. Duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine given under my hand & seal of office a Blausville Union County Georgia this 14th day of April 1857. Thomas M. Hughes CSC
Page 80

State of Georgia Walker County
This day personally came before me John McWhorter a Justice of the Pease in & for the state & county aforesaid Jonathan Davis aged eighty four years a resident of said county and a respectable worthy citizen and a man of truth and veracity and after being duly sworn as the saw directs declares upon his oath that he is the brother of Ruth Murphy formally the wife and afterwards the widow of John Hudgins who was the father of James Hudgins of Gordon County Georgia and who is an applicant for the amount of pension which accrued and fell due to his mother the said Ruth Murphy under the Act of 4th July 1836. He further states that he was present at the marriage of the said John Hudgins to his sister the said Ruth and that they were married in Chatham County North Carolina in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five (1775) about a year or a little more before the Declaration of Independence and that they were married by Elnathan Davis a Baptist Preacher and that about a year after the said marriage the said John Hudgins entered the service of the United States as Captain of a company of militia and he officant went and lived with his sister the said Ruth for the safe of keeping her company while her husband was in the army though he was quite small he recollected those facts very distinctly and he remained with his sister the said Ruth Hudgins until after the close of the war and that he the said John Hudgins remaine din the war most of the time during the whole ware up to the surrender of Cornwallace at Yorktown. He knows that he the said John Hudgins continued some time as a captain, and was the appointed Brigado Quarter Master, in which capacity he continued to serve until the close of the War. These things
Page 81

he understood at this time from the states of the said John Hudgins, when he would come home at different intervals during the war and also from the statements of his Father & his sister the said Ruth and from other persons of the neighbourhood who spoke knowingly & familiarly of those facts. He further states that the said Captain John Hudgins died about ten years after the close of the war and about ten years after his death, the said Ruth married James Murphy who also died in the year thirty one. he thinks in the month of November and that the said Ruth continued to survive up to the seventeenth day of November 1847 during all of which time she remained a widow and on the 17th day of Novemeber 1847 she died leaving surviving her Thursey who intermarried with Levi Murphy, Delilah who married Robert Trotter, Benjamin Hudgins and James Hudgins has only surviving children all of whom continue to survive. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of March 1854 John M. Whorten J.P.     Jonathan Davis

I John M. Whorten a magistrate as above do hereby certify the foregoing affadavid was read aloud to Jonathan Davis in the matter there of signed by him understood before sworn to and subscribed. John M. Whorten J.P.

To a former affi, he signed his own name Jan 3/57
Page 82

State of Georgia
Walter County. (Vertical squiggle line)
I John Dickson Clerk of the Superior Court of Said county and State the same being a court of record do hereby certify that John McWhorter before whom the foregoing assignment was executed was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer lathes and take acknowledgements and that full faith and credit should by given to all his official acts as such and that the name there unto subscribed is his signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 8th day of March 1854
John Dickson Clerk

Note made at bottom of page: Mr JMW is made very much like Mr. J M McWorter name
Page 83

State of Georgia Walker County
Personally came before me Andrew L. Barry one of the Justices of the Inferior court in aforesaid county (said court- being a court of record expressly so declared by the statue of the state which created it) Jonathan Davis who being first duly sworn according to law saith on his oath that to John Hudgins of Chatham County in the state of North Carolina, was a Captain in the Revolutionary War on the part of the United States and service and commanded as a captain through said War. Commencing sometime in the year 1776 and continuing in his official capacity as a captain under the close of the war in 1783 makin seven years service in the war as a captain. Desponent further says he was an eyewitness to the above services of John Hudgins and saw him in service and that the higher officers whom he now recollect above and in Captain John Hudgins live were Col Literal and Major Brown. Sworn to and subscribed before me this tenth day of Jun 1845 Jonathan Davis.
Andrew L. Barry JJP

I certify that the veracity of Jonathan Davis is such as may be relied on for truth and honesty
Andrew L. Barry

State of George Walker County
I Edley Bevert Clerk of the Inferior Court of said county certify that Andrew L. Barry is an acting Justic of the INferior court of said county an above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, there being the seal of ofice 19th June 1845. Edley Bevert Clerk
Page 84

State of Georgia Polk County
On this 13th day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in for the state & county aforesaid Micajah Brooks as citizen of said county aged ninety six years and who is a highly respectable & credible witness who is also an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension and after being duly sworn as the law directs declares upon his oath that in the commencement of the revolutionary War he resided in Chatham County North Carolina in the Immediate neighborhood of Captain John Hudgins Deced who a short time previous to the commencement of the war was married to Ruth Davis the daughter of the Reverend Elnathan Davis who resided in the same neighborhood and that about the commencement of the war the said John Hudgins centered the service of the United States, as captain of a militia company, and he remained in the army occasionally returning home & then again into to the army only returning home to visit his family up to the year 1799. This afficiant knows to be so as he remained in the said neighbourhood pretty much all that length of time & was intimate with Mr. Hudgins and her Father Faily & after heard then speak of Capt Hudgins & of his service in the army of his being in the service & company of his being both a Captain and Quarter Master and in the rear 1779 he afficiant entered the service himself under one Captain Benjamin Few a militia officer and was marched off to South Carolina & from thence to Georgia and did not return to North Carolina or rather not to Chatham County until the breaking up of the War which was some 2 years after his leaving Chatham under Captain Few and as his return he found his old friend and
Page 85

acquaintance Capt. John Hudgins who had just returned from the army and he then understond from hiim & others of his acquaintances that he Hudgins had been all the time, in the army from the time of afficants leavin the neighbourhood and that he had been acting as Quarter Master most of perhaps all of the time, those facts afficiant knos as he was intimate with the said Hudgins & his wife's father's family & heared them speak often & much of those things, & of their difficulties on war time and sofourth. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of December 1853 John. M. Wynn J.P
Micajah Brooks

I John M. Wynn a Justice of the Peace in & for the state of Georgia & county of Polk do hereby certify that Micajah Brooks who has this day sworn to & subscribed the foregoing affidavit before me is a highly respectable & creditable old gentleman that he retains his mental faculties well and that he is an intelligent, sensible man & seems to possess a very retentive memory to recollect well the occurrences & residents of the Revolutionary War & speaks of them with much clarity. I further certify that the forgoing declaration or affidavit was read to him aloud. he understood before sworn to and
Page 86

subscribed in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of December 1853. J.M Wynn J.P.

State of Georgia Polk County
Inferior Court Clerk Office
January the 9th day of 1854. William J McGrady
Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for this county aforesaid do hereby certify that J. M. Wynn whose name appears to the forgoing declaration and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the State & county aforesaid, and that the signatures thereto annexed purporting to be his is genuine and is entitled to full faith & credit as such and that full faith is due his official acts. In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at my office in Ceder Town this day & date above written
William J. McGrady
Page 87

Georgia. Habershaw County
Personally came before me Loven J. Heel an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county Philip Hudgins (Hutchings) who being first duly sworn according to the law saith on his oath that the original and primitive mode of spelling and writing the family name of John Hudgins (hutchins) revolutionary Captain Soldier of North Carolina is that of Hutchings instead of the present abbreviated of Hudgins. Despontent further says that the is near of kin to the above named John Hudgins (Hutchings) and of the same family and knowns Hutchins to be the primitive name of the family alluded to. Sworn to and Subscirbed before me this September the 8th 1845. Philip Hudgins. Loven J. Heel

I certify that Philip Hudgins (Hutchins) is a man who may be relied on for truth and honesty and that he was duly sworn to the above deposition and subscribed the name before me this day September 8th 1845  Loven J. Keel J.P.
Page 88

Georgia
Wabashaw County (squiggle line vertically)

I James S. Barr Clerk of the court of Ordinary in the county aforesaid and State of Georgia do hereby certify that Loven L. Heel is an acting justice of the peace as states within and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office subscribed my name This September the 8th 1845
James S Barr C.O.C.

Seal is not clear as to what was written on it.
Page 89

Proof of the case of Ruth Murphy for widow of John Hudgins
Page 90

Ruth Murphy, formerly widow of the John Hudgins or Hutchings claim under the Act of 4th July 1836.
     The claimant, in her declaration asserted that her husband served during the whole of the war, as Captain, living at the time in Chatham County N. Carolina.
     Certificate from the comptroller of North Carolina show:
     1st that payments were made to John Hutchings (underlined), amounting to L31.3.6 for military service, L6.00 of which was paid to him for services as Lieutenant.
     2nd. That payments were made to John Hudgins (underlined), amounting in the aggregate, to L121.19.4 for military services but no work specified.
     3rd. That (not legible) were issued to John Hudgins (underlined) for service as Brigade Quarter Master amounting to L249.00

*Please note the amounts given I used the capital “L” without the two lines showing in the document through the stem of the L. It was either Pounds or Lira, but I was unable to add the horizontal two lines across the vertical part of the L.
Page 91

The only question in the case is us to the identity (underlined) of claimants’ husband, as the man to whom said payments were made.
    The name of Hudgins (underlined) and Hutchings (underlined) are unquestionably the same man. The original orthography of the name was doubtful. Hutchings (underlined) and Hudgins (underlined) is popular compilation of the name. It is a common name to this day, and it is a well known fact  that the same persons having said name, are called widely creditably  Hudgins Hutchins and Hutchings.  But if we exclude all the payments made to John Hutchings, as possibly relating to another man, still the payments made to Hudgins are sufficient to establish the claim.
     The fact that large payments were made to John Hudgins for services as Brigade Quarter Master, does not in any way conflict with the statement of the widow that her husband was a Captain during the whole war.
Page 92

The law required Quarter Masters in the Continental line to be appointed from the Captains and (not legible) of the line. Whether there was, a similar law in North Carolina I do not know, but it is a well known fact that the States followed the same practice. The name John Huggins therefore, who was Brigade Quarther Master, was beyond doubt at the same time a commissioned officer Captain or Lieutenant. He was of course known by the work which his commission in the war gave him, and would naturally be designated by that work, when spoken of by his widow and others.
     That John Huggins the husband of the claimant did serve both as a Captain and Brigade Quarter Master, is clearly proven by the testimony of several witnesses who were personally  acquainted with him while in service.
     Just by their testimony of Jonathan Davis
Page 93

his brother-in-law. Although this witness was but 8 years old at the commencement of the war, he was 15 years old at its close. the particular facts which he testifies to is occurring at the commencement of the war, the facts which would very naturally impress themselves upon the Justice of a bay witnessing the marriage of said Hudgins to his sister, and his leaving the family shortly after to go to the service of war. I do not () it at all remarkable that a boy 8 years of age should distinctly remember such incidents as these. 
By the testimony of Micajah Brooks, who was himself a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He knew Hudgins as a Captain prior to 1779 but from that time till about the close of the war was himself absent from that part of the country. On his return at the close of the war, he received his acquaintances with Capt.
Page 94

Huggins, who had also just returned from the service and often heard him and his family speak of his service both as Captain and Brigade Quarter Master. (This witness has lately obtained bounty land for his own service in the Revolutionary War). He clearly identified the John Huggins to whom he refers, as the husband of the claimant , with whom he was well acquainted with the claimant and her husband during the war, and who knew Hudgings while serving as Brigade Quarter Master at the Barnach, in Orange County. It has been objective that this witness was only 8 years old in 1776, but the events of which he particularly testifies, occurred mu
Page 95

Later in the war, and where he was of a sufficient age to have a distinct recollection of them.
     3rd the testimony of this witness, which is certainly material,(underlined) and which we regard as very important, has been filed since (underlined) the claim was examined and disallowed by Mr. Davis and Mr. Minor.
     the deed from the Sheriff of Chatham County,  to John Hudgins for land of a delinquent soldier sold to him during the war, we also regard as strong evidence of identity.(underlined). It shows that John Hudgins, the claimants’ husband , saw service in Chatham County; that he was a man of substance, and that he spelled his name as we find it spelled in the military records of North Carolina.
     In short, with all this array of hard evidence, showing that
Page 96

John Hudgins, the claimaint's husband, did in fact, render just such service as the said now on file in the comptrollers office were opened for, it seems to see ought to remove all doubt as to his identity with the sworn to whom said resident once knew. 
There is no evidence, or pretension, that there was any other John Hudgins in the service in North Carolina, but the husband of the claimant. And when it is shown, by excellent testimony, that he did in fact render just such service as the records in the comptroller's office evidently have referenced to, is not the case clearly, that he is the identical man to whom said record evidence refers?

John Nicholson, a revolutionary pensioner identifying John Huggings, the husband of Ruth Murphy, as the officer Brigado Quarter Master, certified by the Comptroller of the N.C> and being on the rolls from Chatham Co. N.C. see his affidavits
Page 97

Adair’s I’ll Ga 8th April 1857
Thomas Lumpkin Esq
Dear Sir
Your favor of 3rd August is at hand & contents noticed. I am highly gratified that you are moving in the case of Mrs Ruth Murphy formally widow of Capt. John Hudgins, and allow me to express that my confidence is much increased in our having an early ternicriation, and a favorable one to, of the case, I am aware the claim is an important one and I think you have exercised great prudence and a very wise discretion in the plan you have adopted for the management of the case notwithstanding it is one of the most just claims which has ever been presented for allowance at the Pension Office. But the amount involved naturally has a lending to excite distrust and cause some (not legible) in his action upon its allowance, but the course you have adapted ought and I should think would in a great measure amount all that from his mind and that he having the opinions of our worthy and distinguished statesman the Hon Howell Cobb also of Mr. Combs are able former Clerk in the Pension Office to sustain him should have acted with great ease upon the  subject, but his course had indeed been to me a strange one -  And I must now think if you studiously I have no doubt you will pursue the course you suggest to get my worthy friend the Hon H. Cobb
Page 98

*This document has writing along the left edge vertically and states the following:

PS Say to my dear friend Mr. Cobb that I owe him much gratitude already but that I shall be, if possible, brought under strong obligation for his assistance afforded you in this matter.

Now the document starts horizontally as follows:

To address a letter to Col Thompson the Secreteris of the Interior, and thus take the case up before him that you will succeed in obtaining an allowance. I do not see how you can fail to do so, for the proof is certainly conclusive. You are aware now there are three certificates who identify the soldier with the record though they did not serve with him yet they were in a position to know that he was in the service and know that he occupied the position which they state he did and the last certificate whose affidavit was filed actually saw him often in the service, and saw him discharging the duties of Brigade Quarter Master. I hope you will proceed as fast as you possibly can. I do not see that anything can be gained by delay. Mr. Hudgins the (not legible) is very impatient and thinks that you are not trying to prep the case. He stayed with me the knight before last, and he says he wished me to urge a decision. He says that he would rather know that the claim was forever rejected, than be always held in expectation, of its allowance, his own language is if he gets it, and if he doesn’t,  he wants to know if, as my worthy friend, the Hon. Mr. Cobb, has examined the case,  and is convinced of its merits. I know he will take pleasure in giving you any assistance he can, for I know him to be my friend, and I hope to (not legible) my friendship for him by voting for him for Resident of the United States in 1860 - Very Truly Yours Elisha King
Page 99

*This is a two sided (left and right) looks like a writing journal - the left side states as follows:

43
Davis
Mischief & th underlined twice
Rec Claim Pens first two words lined through

The right side states as follows:

35 Cong
1 Sals 3.  Check mark roman numeral or X
Petition of
James Hudgins, I am & administrating Mrs Ruth Murphy form widow of
John Hudgins, a Brigade Quarter Master in the Revolutionary War praying a pension (heavily underlined)
1857 Dec 17 Referre3d to the Com on Military Affairs and the Militia (underlined)
1858 Jany 6 Com discharged referred to the Com on Pensions
Check mark
April 7 Dischged referred to the Secretary of the Interior
W. Iverson
Page 100

To the Hon. the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in Congress assembled

The petition of James Hudgins, of Georgia, son and administration of Ruth Murphy and who was formerly the widow of John Hudgins or Hutchings who served in the war of the Revolution from North Carolina, as a Lieutenant,  a Captain and a Brigade Quarter Master, respectfully represents. That the said Ruth Murphy, in her lifetime asserted her claim for pension under the Act of 4th July, 1836, alleging in her declaration that her said husband, John Hudgins served as a Captain during the whole of the Revolutionary war, and that she was married to him in the year 1775. that while her said claim was pending before the pension office, he said Ruth Murphy died (some time in the year 1847) leaving your petitioner (with others her children and her’s at law.
   Your petitioner further represents, that although in his opinion, the evidence in support of said claim is clear and conclusive, yet the allowanced of said
Page 101

Claim has been uniformly resisted at the Pension Office, and therefore he applies to your honorable body for relief.
     The evidence in support of said claim on file in the Pension Office consists of Certificates from the Comptroller of North Carolina, showing from the military record of said State, large payments made to the said John Huggins (or Hutchings) on account of Revolutionary services, and of the depositions of witnesses who had a personal knowledge of his services.
     Said Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina show:
     1st that payments were made to John Hutchings, amounting to L31.2.6. For military services - L6 of which was paid for services as a Lieutenant.
     2nd that payments were made to John Hudgins amounting in the aggregate, to L121.19.4 for military services but no rank specific.
     3rd that indents were issued to John Hudgins for services as Brigade Quarter Master, amounting to L249
     In addition to the record widowed above mentioned there are on file in the Pension 

(*Please note amounts indicated above are in pounds. I was unable to place two horizontal lines through the vertical line of the L)
Page 102

Office the depositions of Jonathon Davis, Micajah Brooks, William Pollard, and John Nicholson all of whom had a  personal knowledge of the said John Hudgins, and of his services during the revolutionary war, and which depositions in the opinion of your petitioner, fully and clearly testify John Hudgins the former husband of said Ruth Murphy deceased, as the officer who performed the services for which said payments certified by the Comptroller of North Carolina were made.

     As a full brief of their testimony will be furnished to your Honorable body whom the papers in the case shall be obtained from the Pension Office, your Petitioner deems it unnecessary to come meet upon it in his petition.
James Hudgins
Administrator by his 
Atty TH Lumpkin
Page 103

Raleigh N.C
Benefit Office
I William G. Bolling Comptroller of Public Security in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Hutchings, appears of record in this office as having had issued the following special Certificate, in his name for military service are for seven pounds fifteen shillings (L7.15) see book 14 pg14 also in same book page 82 another for eight pounds fourteen shillings, (L8.14) given under my hand and seal this 22nd day January 1846
Wm F. Collins Compt
Squiggle line underneath 
*
Middle and bottom of page were numbers I cannot ascertain if they were involved with this letter or left from another one they look partially abased or faded but here is what is stated

7-15
     16
_______
16+    9
14        14   6
——————-
31.        3.    6
  2
——
62
15  50
       46
———-
179.56

**please note any L in front of a figure had two horizontal lines running through each one.
Page 104

Raleigh N.C
Dec 7, 1845

Dear Sir
Your letter dated Dec 5 has just been received enclosing one which I addressed you Aug 27th 1845. I should have given you an earlier answer but have been spending much of my time in re-examining the Books of my office for the purpose of seeing how I should have written to you that the names of John Hutchings Capt William Harbin did appear of record - I have made diligent search and cannot find the name of John Hutchings appearing as Captain but have found additional page John Hudgins (underlined) which I think is the same and John Hutchings both appearing in same Book of Certificates which reduces me to believe although spelled difference that it is the same man - I find in making this thorough search the name of William Harbin, also the name of WM Harbinson on which I think were (not legible) for the same name. Although I have looked my eyes nearly cal to establish what I wrote to you about seeing the name
Page 105

Of Captain John Hutchings, I am not stating said that I have not seen the name in (not legible) records, and will for my own curiousity, look again. If you desire a certificate on the case of Wm Harbin (underlined) I will forward it to you. These records are numerous numbering about Fifty Books to be examined and some of them not yet alphabetted. Which appear like an endley task to make a sized examination; some Pension Agents are complaining of my charge, but I assure you (underlined) I am sick and tired of my undertaking and if I had it to do over again they might remain in the case they were found (by me) but I (not legible word) and observe the rule that if I bring upon myself trouble y our Act, never to falter on the way side, so you may be assured that I can find the name of (case written above of) John Hutchings it will be done. 
I am very respectfully
Your abt Serv
Wm Collins
If you have not asked the certificate sent it back and I will include the additional page to.
John Hutchings WM
Page 106

State of North Carolina
{Comptroller’s Office
I William E. Clarke, Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in any office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
John Hudgins
Book Ctd 13 page 91, L9 SH-Specie
“ G “ 16 ‘ 4L18S16- “
“W” 1 “ 79L15 S4- “
“ “ “ 2 “ 63L13S13- “
“ - “ 7 “ 17L10S16- “
“ _ “ 10 “ 7L15S. Dr “
“ - “ 14 “ 14L7 S5- “
Vol. E entry 5077L32-specie
“ A “ 5168L14S8- “ for services as Brigade Quarter Master
“ “ “ 5169L100- “ Ditto
“ “ “ 5170L134S12- “ Ditto
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 6th day of June 1854
We J. Clarke, Compt
Seal on left side of page circular in nature but not legible.
Please note: In the list of payments the L had two straight horizontal lines in the middle of the L.
Page 107

Adairsville Ga 7th June 1856
To the Court of Pensions

Dear Sir
Enclosed please find a certificate copy of letters of Administration and Administrators Bond on the Estate of Ruth Murphy Decst, who is an applicant for a Pension as the widow of Capt John Hudgins Decst under Act 4th July 1836, also a Copy of a Deed made by the Sheriff of Chatham County No. Carolina to the said Hohn Hudgins for lands forfeited as you will see under a certain Act of that state, the legislature of that state & which was bid in by him at the sum of L 5000. This deed is offered as proof of identity in this case. It settles several important facts 1st. That Hudgins was a Resident of Chatham County in time of the war. 2nd that his name was spelt Hudgins as it is in the Record of his payment of Indents. 3rd that Colonial Spurloch who he claims service under was an officer in Command and of the militia of that county and Fourthly, that John Hudgins was a man of property and landing in society, well calculated to fill the important stations which he filled in the army. -
I am very Respectfully
Your Obj Serv
Elisha King

Hon J. Minor - Court of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 108

Adairsville Ga 28th July 1856,
S.P. Waldo Esq

Dear Sir
Enclosed you have the Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina
Showing the payments made to John Hudgins the husband of Ruth Murphy for service rendered in the War of the Revolution, Mrs Murphy is an applicant under Acts of 4th July 1836,
In your report of the case of 11th April last year you made mention of her application as being made under Act of 4thy July 1838, but her application is under Act of 4th July 1836.—
I have been baffled and delayed by the clerk of the county court of Chatham County because as to a copy of the Marriage Bond or License, as if no bond or License on file, his certificate to that effect. I am endeavoring to yes care if and hope to do so soon and have thought I would not delay the proof of service, which I hope will be satisfactory, any longer of that account release report as to proof of service, 
I am very Respectfully 
Your obedient servant
Elisha King

Hon S.P. Waldo
Washington City