Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9432, Charles Ewell, Va War 1812
Page 1

(3─1776)

SERVICE NUMBER
Va. 
War 1812

Ewell, Charles 
Maria  D.

NUMBER
W.9432
B. L. Wt. 1850-300
Va. Half Pay

CONTENTS
B.L. Wt. 17591-160-55
N.  A.  Acc. No. 874
See 050 063 Half Pay
Charles Ewell
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[illegible number]
Kentucky 
====================
Maria D. Ewell.
widow of Charles
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Depty. Commissary and Captain
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
515 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 3d February 1853
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 
27th day of June 18[53]
and sent to
J. E. Heath
Richmond
Va.
====================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
July 28, 1848, Page 173 Vol. A
[some scribble thru above date]

[right side]
John Ewell Dec 29 1[???]
Page 3

139,075 - Act Mar 3 / 55
[???] 17 / 55
------------------------------
Maria D. Ewell widow
of Charles Ewell 
Dept: Commissary
------------------------------
Capt Ewell
Col. - Gibson
Va Mili
Va: State troops
Revolutionary War
Pensioner
------------------------------
No. 1791 iss Feb 22/56
Ad: 160 Acres, Feb: 22d/56
Ky Feby 53 - 798
Boynton
R. M. Heath
Washington 
D.C.

[right side]
Vol. E. 175.
Page 4

1929
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution" approved on the Fifteenth of May 1828 I Maria D Ewell executrix of the estate of Charles Ewell Deceased late of Virginia but now of the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky do hereby declare that he was an officer in the Continental line of the Army of the revolution and served as such to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October 1780 was carried into effect and he was reduced under that arrangement at which period he was a captain in the regiment of the continental line commanded by Col George Gibson.
He received by the act of the Virginia Legislature of 1825 Four years Full pay as a Captain in lieu of half pay for life witness my hand this twentieth day of December in the year 1830
[signature] Maria D Ewell

Before me a justice of the peace in the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky personally appeared this day Archibald W Naylor and Thos. Taylor of the said county who did severally make oath that Charles Ewell in whose name the foregoing declaration was made is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the revolution in manner as therein stated Witness my hand this 21st day of December in the year 1800 [signature] Isaac Lovelace J.P
Page 5

I Braxton Small Clerk of the court of the of the county of McCracken in the state of Kentucky do hereby Certify that Isaac Lovelace before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn was at the time an acting justice of peace and duly empowered to administer oaths In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 23d day of December 1831
[County seal] [signature] J D Martin Depty Clerk For B. Small Clerk

Before me Isaac Lovelace a justice of the peace for the county of McCracken in the state of Kentucky personally appeared this day Thos. Taylor and Mariah D Ewell of the said County who did severally make oath that Charles Ewell mentioned in the Foregoing Declaration Deceased on the First day of April 1830 
Witness my hand this twenty First day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty [signature] Isaac Lovelace

I Braxton Small Clerk of the Court of the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky do hereby Certify that Isaac Lovelace before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn was at the time a justice of the peace for the said County and duly empowered to administer oaths In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court
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this 23rd day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty
[County seal] [signature] J D Martin Depty Clerk for B Small Clerk

I Braxton Small Clerk of the Court of the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky do hereby certify that Maria D Ewell of said County in the County of McCracken in the sate of Kentucky has been duly appointed Executrix of the Last will and Testament of Charles Ewell Deceased in the county of McCracken and in the state of Kentucky
[County seal] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 23d day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty
[signature] Braxton Small
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Charlestown Indiana December 11 AD 1831
Dear Sir I have thought proper to enclose you a copy certain papers which I have in my possession as an authorized attorney to draw a claim for revolutionary services performed by Capt Charles Ewell under an act of Congress approved May 1828 which if you will confer a favor you will examine and will also present the papers to the secretary of the Treasury's office and ascertain whether the facts contained in the papers if certified according to the forms as transmitted to you will be a sufficient authentication and also whether the testimony of which you have a copy and further if there is any thing more wanting to make out the claim. be so good as to inform me immediately Be so good as to examine the power of Attorney and if it should not be sufficient please send me a blank form Please ascertain whether he is entitled to lands and inform me how to procure them Also for your information you will find that Col Gibson's Regt. was transferred to Continental establishment From the Virginia line by an act Virginia empowering statutes yours very Respectfully
[signature] A W Naylor
Page 8

M D Ewell
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 2nd section of the Act of the 3d February 1853

State of Kentucky, McCracken Circuit Court
on the 29th day of April 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of said Court of the State of Kentucky Maria D Ewell a resident of McCracken County and state aforesaid aged nearly sixty five years who first being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d February 1853 - granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of Charles Ewell of Dumfries Va who was a Captain in the 12th Virginia State Regiment in the Revolutionary War - that he was first appointed a Lieutenant and marched with the Regiment in 1777 to join the Continental Army, in 1778 he was appointed a Captain in said Regiment and continued to serve untill 1780 - when the period expired for which the men were enlisted he reinlisted his Men to serve to the end of the War, marched to Virginia and served in various volunteer detachments when Baron Stuben was in Virginia, The said Ewell was appointed Brigade Major, and served in that capacity through the year 1780 - in 1781 he was appointed deputy Commissary of provisions - by General La Fayette after that he retired as a Supernumerary - the services of Major Ewell (for by that Title or mark he was always distinguished,) were as well known and remembered in Virginia, that it is almost unnecessary to refer to the evidence by which they were established - a brief reference will indicate the sources from which it may be
Page 10

obtained - before the passage of the Act of Congress of the 8th July 1832 he petitioned the Legislature of Virginia to grant him the half pay promised by that State - and appended to that Petition may be found a copy of his Commission as Captain, signed by Patrick Henry - Governor of Virginia - 1st June 1778 also the following Certificate from Coln. Dabney dated 4th October 1781 stating his Rank in the line and that he had been Supernumerary - 
2 [left margin]  from Capt. John Nichols stating that Ewell joined the 1st state Regiment early in 1777 and served therein untill the time stated in his petition
3 [left margin] from Chief Justice Marshall verifying Ewell's rank and services at the North to the end of the Campaign of 1779
An Extract from Dunscombes Ledger in the 3d Auditors Office showing that Ewell in addition to all his other services was Deputy Commissary of provisions from the 4th of May to the 4th December 1781 and received two hundred and eighty dollars for that service -
In a Certificate of Major Ewell's 28th January 1785 filed in the case of John Nichols in the Office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates, he states that he ranked as major in the Militia - many of the state and Continental lines, like himself taking higher rank in the Militia than they held in the regular lines, a certified copy of this paper and of the several papers above referred to as well as on the rolls of Gibson's Regiment, to which Major Ewell belonged, may be found in the Pension Office in the volume of Virginia Claims made up chiefly of authentick record, from Richmond the Declaration further states that she was married to the said Charles Ewell in the town of Alexandria by the Revd. Oliver Norris of the Episcopal Church, on the 1st day of October 1818 and that her husband the aforesaid
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Charles Ewell died on the 1st day of April 1830 in McCracken County Kentucky, having removed from Virginia to take possession of his Military Land she further states that she is now a Widow and that she was not married to him prior to the second of January 1800 but at the time above stated and that she never before made any application for a Pension
[signature] Maria D. Ewell

State of Kentucky
McCracken County sct ⎬
At a Circuit Court held for the County aforesaid at the Courthouse in Paducah on the 29th day of April 1853, Maria D. Ewell whose genuine Signature is affixed to the foregoing declaration, personally appeared in open Court, and made oath in due form of law, that the Statements contained in said declaration are true "according to the best of her knowledge or belief."
In testimony whereof I Braxton Small Clerk of Said Court, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at my office in Paducah this 2nd day of May 1853
[signature] B Small CMCC

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
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Commonwealth of Kentucky
McCracken County Sct }
I Maria D. Ewell, widow and Executrix of Charles Ewell Dec'd late an officer in the Army of the revolution, Do upon Oath declare and testify, to the best of my knowledge and belief that Charles Ewell entered in 1776 as a Lieutenant for the term of and during the war, and Served in the regiment Under the Command of Col George Gibson of the Virginia Continental line and Continued in the service to the end of the War in 1780 and was promoted to the rank of Captain.
I further declare that John, Maria & Joseph W Edwin & Lucy Ewell, and Sarah A Naylor late Sarah A Ewell are the children and legal heirs of the Charles Ewell, and further that I never rec'd a warrant for the bounty Land promised to Said Charles Ewell dec'd on the part of the United States nor do I believe that he ever rec'd it or his heirs and representatives or that they or they were transferred his or their claim to it in any manner whatever. Therefore
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Know all men by these presents, that I, Maria D Ewell Executrix aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint Chattenden Lyon of the state of Ky to be my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of Land due to me as aforesaid ; and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or attorneys under him, for the special purposes above expressed.
Attest, [signature] Maria D Ewell

Personally appeared the above named Maria D Ewell Executrix subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and in my presence acknowledged the power of attorney thereto subjoined to be her free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
Attest, [signature] Th G. Flournay Justice of the Peace.

In testimony to the above-written Th. G. Flourney was a magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgements, &c., in the State of Kentucky at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the county seal and subscribed my name and quality at Wilmington this twenty third day of January 1832
[signature] Braxton Small C. Clerk, &c.

[illegible County Seal affixed at left]
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139,015
Bounty Land Claim
Act 3 Mar: 1855
Maria D Ewell
Widow of
Capt: Charles Ewell
War of the revolution
Filed by
R M Heath
Present
Page 15

State of Kentucky
County of [blank] ⎬
On this 8th day of May AD 1855, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and state aforesaid, Maria D. Ewell aged 66 years, a resident of McCracken County near the town of Paducah in the State of Kentucky, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Charles Ewell who was a Captain in one of the Virginia State regiments (subsequently transferred to the Continental line) commanded either by Col: Gibson or Col: Brent, in the war of the revolution; that her said husband served in said war for many years, until he became a supernumerary Officer when his regiment was reduced.
For proof of her husbands services as aforesaid she refers to the evidence on file in Washington upon which his heirs obtained half-pay under the act of Congress of 5 July 1832.
For proof of her marriage, widowhood &c, she refers to the evidence on file in the Pension Office upon which she obtained & still draws a pension under the act of March 1853 giving pensions to the widows of revolutionary soldiers who were married subsequent to 1800.
Your declarant would further state that her said husband was present & actively engaged in the battle of the White House which took place on the banks of the Potomac River in the war of 1812, when the British fleet returning from Washington, was cannonaded by the American troops. If a record of this service exists in Washington and it should become necessary to prove it, she can do so by the testimony of witnesses who were present at the battle.
Page 16

She makes this declaration for the purposes of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 1855.
[signature] Maria D Ewell {Seal}

We Gustavus A Flourney and Braxton Small residents of McCracken County in the State of Kentucky upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Maria D. Ewell in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
[signature] G. A. Flournoy {Seal}
[signature] B Small {Seal}

The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
[signature] D J Craig JP.

State of Kentucky
County of McCracken ⎬ss
I hereby certify that D. J Craig Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit were made, is and was, at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.

[illegible Seal of Office affixed at left]
Page 17

In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office this 8th day of May AD 1855.
[signature] B Small
Clerk
Page 18

Record Proof of Marriage
of Major Charles Ewell & Maria
D. Craik.
Page 19

State of Virginia
County of Alexandria ⎬to wit
I, Benjamin H. Berry, Clerk of Alexandria County Court, do certify that it appears from the records of the said Court, that Maria D. Craik was married to Charles Ewell, by the Revd. O. Norris, on the 1st day of October in the year Eighteen hundred and eighteen.
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and annex the seal of said Court, this 29th day of March in the year 1853, and in the 77th year of the Commonwealth
B. H. Berry Clerk of
[signature] Alex'a C.C.

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
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In the name of God, Amen.
I Charles Ewell of the County of McCracken and State of Kentucky being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory (for which I thank God) and Calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous to dispose of all such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with, I Charles Ewell of the County and State aforesaid do hereby make my last will & Testament in Manner and form as follows towit,
First. I desire and bequeath to my beloved wife, Maria Dorcas Ewell two negro slaves, towit, Jerry & Fanny during her natural life and after her death to be divided equally to the provisions of a deed of trust given by me and recorded in Prince William County Virginia.
Secondly.  It is my wish and desire that the balance of the debts due me from James Craik of Virginia be collected and appropriated to the use and benefit of my beloved and dutiful son John Ewell in providing for his education -- Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my four grand children (namely) Joseph Fry, Edwin Henry Sarah Ann and Lucy Ewell one thousand acres of land lying in McCracken County Kentucky to be taken off the west end of my three thousand acre Survey agreeable to my promise to said childrens father to be equally divided amongst my aforesaid grand children in manner & form, to wit, Joseph Fry Ewell to have his part of said tract of land laid off in the North West corner. Edwin Henry Ewell to have his part laid off in the South West corner, and Sarah Ann Ewell to have her part laid off in the South East corner and Lucy Ewell to have her part laid of [sic] in the North East corner of said tract of land, to have and to hold to them and their heirs forever.
Fourthly, I give and bequeath to Thomas Taylor and Martha his wife fifty acres of land on which
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they now reside bounded by my North line to have and to hold during their natural lives.
Fifthly & further, It is my wish and desire that my executrix hereafter to be appointed either by herself, her agants [sic] or attornies [sic] is hereby fully authorised [sic] to sell and convey all my lands in Virginia to the best advantage namely, My well known tract of land called Milford including the mill and appurtenances thereto belonging.
One Small tract of land on the North side of said Milford farm purchased of one Brown. One tract of land on quantico Creek called youngs tract and one other tract of land on chompawamsick creek purchased of Jesse Ewell. One town lot in Dumfries Virginia on which there is a store house and one other back lot & garden adjoining thereto all of which properly I wish sold to the best advantage and all my debts due, or that may become due I wish collected and after all my just debts are paid ["I wish" lined thru] the balance of the money arising from the sale of said property and the money in the hands of my executrix from the collection of my debts shall be equally divided between my two children John and Maria Virginia Ewell and my four grand children Joseph Fry, Edwin Henry, Sarah Ann, and Lucy Ewell -- and further it is my wish that the money which shall be due to which my four grandchildren will be entitled upon a distribution shall be retained in the hands of my executrix or shall be placed in the hands of some person that she may designate to be held in trust for said children to be applied towards their education while in their infancy and the balance of their several shares if any remaining to be paid to them when they become of age.
And lastly, I do hereby constitute & appoint
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Maria Dorcas Ewell my loving and affectionate wife Executrix of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments heretofore made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal this twenty third day of March eighteen hundred and thirty.
[signature] Chs Ewell {Seal}

(Interlineations before signed)
Signed Sealed published & declared as & for the last will & testament of the above named Charles Ewell in presence of us
[signature] A. W. Naylor
[signature] Lucy F. Taylor

State of Kentucky, McCracken County Sct
I Braxton Small clerk of the County Court for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that at a Court held for the County aforesaid at the courthouse in Wilmington on the 10th day of May 1830 the within and foregoing last will and Testament of Charles Ewell deceased was produced to the Court by the Executrix therein named and proven by the oaths of A W Naylor and Lucy F. Taylor (subscribing witness thereto) to be the true last will & testament of the said decedent and ordered to be recorded.
In Testimony whereof and that the same together with this certificate stands truly recorded in my office I have hereunto set my hand this 11th day of May 1830.  [signature] B Small
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Kentucy McCracken County Sct
I Braxton Small Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing three pages contain a true and Complete copy of the last will & testament of Charles Ewell deceased together with the Certificate of proof and record of the same, as they stand of record, in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this 28th day of April 1832.
[signature] B Small

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]

Kentucky, McCracken County sct
I Philip Williams senior or presiding Justice of the County for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that Braxton Small, whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate, was, at the time of affixing the same, and now is, the Clerk of the said Court, & that his attestation is in due form and by the proper Offices. -- Given under my hand & seal this 26 day of April 1832. 
[signature] Philip Williams Sr. {Seal}

Kentucky, McCracken County Sct.
I Braxton Small Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby Certify that Philip Williams whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate, was at the time of affixing the same, and now is, the senior or presiding Justice of the said County Court he having been duly commissioned and qualified according to the Constitution and laws of this state, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his acts as such. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this 25th day of April 1832
[signature] B Small

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
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Rev. and 1812
War Section
omn

November 8, 1924.

Bessie T. Conkwright,
Lexington,
Ky.

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9432, it appears that Charles Ewell enlisted in 1775, when he was fifteen years old, and in 1777 he was appointed Lieutenant in Colonel George Gibson's First Virginia State Regiment, and on June 1, 1778 was promoted Captain in same regiment and so served until December 1779.  In 1780, he was appointed Brigade Major of the Virginia Militia and from May 4, 1781 to December 4, 1781 was Deputy Commissary General.
He was in the engagement at Washington, when it was invaded during the War of 1812.
In 1824, soldier was living in Prince William County, Virginia. He died April 1, 1830 in McCracken County, Kentucky.
Soldier married October 1, 1818 in Alexandria, Vir-
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[VIr]ginia, Maria Dorcas, widow of Washington Craik; she was allowed pension on account of the services of Charles Ewell, and in 1853 she was a resident of McCracken County, Kentucky, aged sixty five years. She died in 1863.
Children, John, Maria Virginia, Joseph, Edwin, Lucy and Sarah A. Naylor.
Grand children, Joseph Fry Ewell, Edwin Henry Ewell, Sarah Ann Ewell and Lucy Ewell.
Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 26

Copy of a statement in the 3d Auditors Office showing that [???] Ewell in addition to his final rank as Captain in the Revolutionary army also served as Commissary.
See papers in the Pension Office "Virginia state line"
Page 27

Charles Ewell a captain in the 1st Virginia State Regiment commanded by Col George Gibson - marched to the north in June 1777 and returned to Virginia in Dec 1779. That regiment & the 2d Virginia State were taken into Continental Service -  & were engaged in the Northern Campaign

copy
[??] United States [?] account current with Charles Ewell  Cr
1781 To pay as deputy Commissary of 
provisions from May 4 to Dec'r 4 1781  $280
Expenses for the above line - 36.36
[total] 316.36

1785 By goods rec'd at Yorkton $66.60
March 10 Certificate No 87.615 
[illegible] from 1 Jan 1782 -  269.66
[total] 316.36

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an acc't taken from the Ledger of A Dunnert on file in this office

Treasury Dep't
3d Aud'r office
July 22 1823
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud'r
Page 28

Brief in the case of Maria D. Ewell, widow of Charles McCracken County and State of Kentucky
act 3 Jeb 1833.
=================================
Claim, ("original," or ["for increase." lined thru] )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Supported by rolls - Husband was allowed half-pay under Act 3 July 1832, Rec'd proof of marriage

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
[signature] J. E. Heath
Richmond
Va

[signature] S Cole
Examining Clerk.
Page 29

Ewell
Page 30

Pen : Act /53, Ky,
[signature] Boynton
Page 31

State of Kentucky
McCracken County Sct ⎬
At a Circuit Court held for the County aforesaid, at the Courthouse in Paducah on the 29th day of April 1853, the within named B Small & J F Harris personally appeared in open Court & made oath in due form of law, that the statements contained in said affidavit are true according to the best of their knowledge or belief, which is ordered to be certified - In testimony whereof I Braxton Small Clerk of said have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at my office in Paducah this 2nd day of May 1853
[signature] B Small CMCC

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 32

We do hereby certify, that ["I" lined thru] we became acquainted with Major Charles Ewell soon after his removal to Ky and also his wife Mrs Maria D. Ewell, (about the year 1827) & do certify that he died about the 1st April 1830 in this county & that his widow Maria D Ewell is still alive and a resident of this county.
McCracken county Ky April 29th 1853  
[signature] B Small
[signature] J. F. Harris
Page 33

Charles Ewell Decd
Act July 5, 1832

May 5 1845

Recorded Vol 43
page 164
Page 34

Pension Office
March 5, 1845
I certify that I have examined the claim of Maria D. Ewell, Executrix of of [sic] Charles Ewell, who was a Captain in the Virginia State Troops, and I find that half-pay under the act of July 5, 1832, entitled "an act to provide for liquidating and paying certain claims of the State of Virginia," was allowed up to the 3d of March 1826.
The executrix now asks for half-pay from the 3d of March 1826, when the half-pay ceased, up to the first of April 1830, when he died.  The claim should in my opinion be allowed.  I therefore certify that it is due, at the rate of Two Hundred and Forty Dollars per annum, for the period claimed and is payable to S. F. J. Trabue, attorney of Maria D. Ewell, executrix of Charles Ewell, deceased.
Commissioner of Pensions

Approved
Secretary of War

Enter this
Page 35

No. 1152
Maria D. Ewell
widow of Charles
Ky
Act 3 Feb 1853

Active[sp] 7 months Dep Comy [Commissary]  $175.00
Active[sp]  17 months  Capt  340
[total} $515
per annum, comg [commencing]
3 Feb 1853

see Va Rolls for service

J. E. Heath
Richmond
Va
Page 36

Richmond Va 2d June 1853

Hon S. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Accidental causes have prevented my transmitting sooner to the Pension Office the claim of Mrs Maria D. Ewell widow of Major Charles Ewell of Virginia a distinguished officer of the revolutionary war. The papers will speak for themselves, and the large Book of "Virginia Claims" found in the Pension Office will fully sustain the claim both as a captain and as Brigade Major & Commissary.  I knew Major Ewell intimately many years before he removed to Kentucky where he died.  I was also well acquainted with his wife Mrs. Craik, widow of Washington Craik both before and after her last marriage with Major Ewell which occurred in the town of Alexandria.  Mrs Ewell is now nearly sixty five years old & I regret to say besides being an invalid is extremely poor.  In her last letter to me received a few days since, she feelingly urges immediate action on her case, and it is partly my fault that it has not been sooner presented.  I trust it will receive the desired[sp] attention it may be in your power to bestow.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
[signature] J. E. Heath
Attorney in fact for Mrs. M. D. Ewell
Page 37

Paducah Ky December 8th/56
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
In behalf of my mother I desire to know from you if you can give the desired information, what ammount [sic] if any is comin to my mother Mrs M. D. Ewell (a pensioner under act of 3rd Feb 1853) by a recent decision of the court of claims (made I think last summer) Mr Caleb White of Maysvill[e] Ky was her agent he had an attorney or partner in Washington. I wish to know if an allowance or certificate has been granted & for what ammount [sic], & who to, & when, where payable, if not granted when it will be probably.
I also desire to know whether your department or any other branch of the government to your knowledge has within the last 6 months suspended or refused to do business with a certain Jno. T Neeley, a Pension agent of your city on 4 1/2 street, these pension agents are, as a class great scamps & consummate liars this opinion is my excuse for the above enquires.
I send this through my friend R. W.
Page 38

Hambleton a clerk in your office please answer these questions & oblige 
your Obedient Servant
[signature] John Ewell

[illegible] John Ewell
at Paduca [sic]
Ky

Triplett

Ky
M. D. Ewell
av 798
Page 39

✓
17.591
No Ans
Page 40

Virginia Madison County towit.
I Belfield Cave Clerk of the County Court of said County of Madison do hereby certify that Charles R Gibbs who hath signed the within certificate of the oath of and qualification of Churchill Gibbs to the certificate within & signed by said Churchill Gibbs- is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned & qualified- And I do further certified [sic] that a certificate bearing date the 12th day of August 1831, signed by said Churchill Gibbs and in favor of George Triplett and sworn to by said Churchill Gibbs before said Charles R. Gibbs, is genuine.  I further certify that full faith and credit should be given all the official acts of said Charles R. Gibbs.
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my seal of office and subscribe my name this 12th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty one.
[signature] Belfield Cave CMC

[illegible Seal of Office affixed at left]
Page 41

This is to certify that Capt Charles Ewell was an officer in Col. George Gibsons 1st Va State Regt and became a Supry [Supernumerary], I have thought in the year 1780 or 81 - but speak with more certainty as to the precise time when I say that he retired at the same time the Ruck did & I always considered & know that he was in former day, considered upon the same footing with his other brother (Supernumerary) Officials belonging to Gibsons Regt who are receiving the benefits of the act of the 15th May 1828 - Interlined word "Supry" before signed. Given under my hand in Madison Cty this the 12th day August 1831.
[signature] Churchill Gibbs
Formaly [sic] a Lieut in Col. George Gibsons Regiment

State of Virginia
Madison County to wit: ⎬
Personally came before me a Justice of Peace for s'd County Churchill Gibbs who has subscribed to the foregoing Certificate & made oath to be same to the best of his knowledge & belief. Given under my hand this the 12th August 1831
[signature] Chl R Gibbs
Page 42

Maria D. Ewell
widow of James Ewell

to

Jas E. Heath
Power of Attorney
Page 43

State of Kentucky McCraken County 29th April 1853
I do hereby constitute and appoint Mr James E Heath of the City of Richmond Va my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to present and prosecute my claim to Pension as the Widow of Charles Ewell a captain and Brigade Major in the Revolutionary War, and do hereby authorise him to receive my certificate for the same.
[signature] Maria D Ewell

State of Kentucky 
McCracken County Sct ⎬
At a Circuit Court held for the County aforesaid at the Courthouse in Paducah on the 29th day of April 1853 Maria D Ewell whose genuine Signature is affixed to the foregoing power of attorney to James E Heath, personally appeared in open court, and acknowledged the said power of attorney to be her act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned.
In testimony whereof I Braxton Small Clerk of said Court, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at my office in Paducah this 2nd day of May 1853
[signature] B Small
cmcc
Page 44

Rec'd 11 March 1833 (372)  295
Richmond March 7, 1833
Sir
I transmit to you herewith the papers and documents supporting the application of Charles Ewell's case for the balance of the Halfpay due to him. You will find that the will expressly confides the collection of his debts to his executrix and institutes her a trustee for the benefit of his children and grand children.
Capt Ewell (called Major Ewell) removed from the county of Prince William in this State to Kentucky some years since. He was my relative and I know him intimately.  There is no doubt that the period of his death is correctly stated in the affidavits. He was recognized by General LaFayette in my presence at Yorktown in 1824, and was a brave and gallant officer.
I forwarded the application of N. L  Savage's heirs a week ago.
With great respect
Your obedient servant
[signature] Jas E Heath

The Hon Lewis McLane
Page 45

Rec'd 22 March 1833   (404)  312
Richmond Va 20 Mar. 1833

Sir
I was this day favored with a communication from the Treasurer of the United States enclosing your warrants for the halfpay due the Reps of Tho. Armistead and Charles Ewell.
May I ask the favor of you to inform me why the Half pay of Ewell is computed no further than the 3 March 1826. - as he died in 1830.  His widow will probably be desirous to learn the cause.
With great respect
Your obed't Serv
[signature] Jas E Heath
Page 46

Paducah Ky. - May 16th/83
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
My father Capt Charles Ewell of company & Regt not now known by Nos. of the Revolutionary war, & in the continental army from the state of Va Col Gibson was his Col  my fathers estate Rec'd a pension about 1834. he died April 1st 1830. my mother Maria D Ewell received a pension during her life time she died in 1863. she also received a warrant for 160 acres land about 1856. I have quite recently been written to by one James G. Sutton of Richmond Va saying in substance he thought he could secure something for the estate of my father Capt Charles Ewell late of Prince William
Page 47

Co., Va but who died in McCracken co Ky.  Now Question
Does the records show (by act of Congress) any thing due Capt C. E. or his widow M. D. E. if so please explain.
I never heard of James T Sutton of Richmond Va & would not like to be imposed upon by a shark. do you know him by the records as a Pension agant [sic] of good standing.
Respectfully
your Obdt srvt
[signature] John Ewell
Page 48

1929
No of orig Payt - 1108
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
26 Nov 1831
Charles Ewell, late of McCracken ["in the" lined thru] County ["of" lined thru] in the State of Ky. has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such until the reduction of the army under the the [sic] resolve of Congress of the 21st Oct. 1780 at which period he was a Captain in the regiment of the Virginia line ; ["and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March 1783;" lined thru] and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing. ["dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of" lined thru]
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary
[signature] T. A. Dickins

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
28th November 1831
["It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to ___ in the ___ line, amounting to ___ dollars" lined thru] 
It further appears that Charles Ewel is not now on the pension is not now on the pension list of ["the" lined thru] any agency, and has not been since the 8th March 1826 [illegible] ["at the rate of __per month." lined thru]
Page 49

The only evidence of the services of Cap't Charles Ewell is found in the Book of settlements made by Mr Dunscomb, the agent for settling the accounts of the Virginia line in which is his account as Deputy Commissary Genl of Prisoners for pay from 4th May 1781 to 4th December 1781, at the rate of 40 Dollars per month (the pay of a Captain of Infantry).
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud.
Page 50

House of Representatives
April 2nd 1832
Wm Gordon Esqr
Sir
Herewith you will find inclosed the application of Maria D. Ewell Ex'x of Charles Ewell Dec'd. Cap't Ewell has been found entitled to the benefit of the act of May 15 1828 as will be seen on reference to the Treasury Department, and a copy of the last will and testament of Capt Charles Ewell dec'd duly authenticated will be found on file in the office of the Register of the Treasury to which I beg leave to refer you
Very Respectfully
Your obt Ser't
[signature] Chi A Lyon
Page 51

Rec'd 3 June 1831
State of Kentucky
Bullitt County  SS ⎬
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County George Triplett who being duly sworn saith that Charles Ewell was a Captain of Col. Gibsons Regiment of the Virginia State Line afterwards transferred to the Virginia continental Establishment or line of the Army of the Revolution and served as such untill [sic] the Consolidation of Regiments at wich [sic] time the said Ewell Retired as a supernumerary officer, he knows not at this time the period when such Consolidation took place or was to go into opperation [sic], but says that it was the first one general consolidation at which Angus Rucker Charles Ewell and Thomas White himself the deponent and [marked out: the] several others of said Regiment retired as supernumerary officers and further he saith not.
Sworn, and subscribed before me this thirtieth day of April 1831} [signature] George Triplett
[signature] Nat. P Saunders {illegible seal}

State of Kentucky Bullitt County Court Office ss.
I Noah C Summers Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that Nathaniel P. Saunders Esqr whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is now and was when thereto subscribed an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bullitt duly commissioned and qualified and full faith and Credit are due to all his official acts as such as well without as within this Commonwealth. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County at Shepherdsville on the thirtieth day of April One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty One & in the thirty ninth year of the Commonwealth.
Noah C. Summers Cle'n Cou'n
Page 52

House of Representatives
Washington May 11 1832
William Gordon Esquire
Sir
Enclosed you will please find an authenticated copy of the will of the late Major Charles Ewell required before a land warrant would issue to his heirs
Very Respectfully
Your Ob Ser't
[signature] Chitt Lyon
Page 53

Charles Ewell
No. 1850
Page 54

(Copy)
Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
13 March 1832
Sir; In answer to your letter of the 12th inst. I have to inform you that the claim of the late Charles Ewell, under the above mentioned act has been admitted, and that the amount due accordingly ($1958.67) was remitted to Maria Dorcas Ewell, his widow and Executrix.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Louis McLane
Secretary of the Treasury

The Hon.
Chittenden Lyon
Treasury Department
4 April 1832
I certify the above to be a true copy & that Charles Ewell was of the Virginia line.
[signature] Francis A Dickins Clk.
Page 55

Charles Ewell's
petition and
documents
Page 56

Dr The United States in account current with Charles Ewell  Cr

[on Dr side] 
To pay as Deputy Commissary 1781 of provision from May 4th to December 4th 1781  $280
Expenses for the above time  36.36
[total] 316.36

[on Cr side]
1785. By goods received at York Town  $66.60
Mar 18. By certificate No. 87.615 on Interest from January 1st 1782.  244.66
[total] 316.36

I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an account taken from the Ledger of A Dunscomb on file in this office.
Treasury Dept
3d Aud: Office
July 22d 1823
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud'r

Virginia
Richmond City towit:
I George W Munford Clerk of the House of Delegates & Keeper of the Rolls of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of the Petition of Charles Ewell and documents accompanying the same, presented at the session of 1824-5, & filed in my office. Given under my hand this 20th day of August 1832.
[signature] George W. Munford CHD
& Keeper of the Rolls of Virg'a
Page 57

Hon. Samuel D. Ingham
Treasury Dep't
Page 58

W. Hendrick respects to Mr. Ingham encloses the papers of the legal Rep's of Capt. Ewell Dec'd - I request the information desired in the letter of Isaac Naylor
Jan. 25. 

Rec'd 28 January 1831  2393
Page 59

We John Nicholas & Peter Foster hereby certify that we were both Officers in Col. Geo: Gibson's Reg't in which Charles Ewell was a Lieutenant from its commencement, continued in it till 1780 - was promoted to the rank of Captain, & either continued to the and of the war, or retired as Rucker, Broaddus, Triplett & others did.  
[signature] John Nicholas Cap & D. Col. Revol'ry War
[signature] Peter Foster

Washington Sept 14. 1831

Filed Sept 14
Page 60

I, Churchill Gibbs of the County of Madison in the state of Virginia formerly a Lieutenant in Col George Gibson's Regiment at that time known as the First Virginia State Regiment do hereby Certify that Capt. Charles Ewell formerly of the County of Prince William in the state of Virginia and late of the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky was a Captain in the regiment Commanded by Col. George Gibson.  The said Cap't Charles Ewell in the year 1777 was a Lieutenant in said Gibson's Reg't and in the year 1778 he the said Ewell was arranged as a supernumerary Captain after the Reg't Returned to Virginia.
Given under my hand this 29th day of July 1830. [signature] Churchill Gibbs

Va Madison County to wit
This day Churchill Gibbs personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in for said County and made oath on the holy Evangelist that the above Certificate as far as he knows or believes contains a correct statement of Facts.
Given under my hand and seal this eighth day of July 1830.
[signature] Chs. R. Gibbs {seal}
Page 61

Angus Rucker of Madison County Virginia do hereby Certify Charles Ewell formerly of Prince William County of the state of Virginia was appointed a Lieutenant in Col George Gibson's Regiment In the winter 1776 or the first of 1777 raised his men and joined Colo. George Gibson's Reg't at Williamsburg Virginia and as soon as the regiment was organized the said Gibson's Reg't was ordered to join the main Continental army commanded by General Washington and the said Lieutenant Charles Ewell marched with Gibson's Reg't to the north and joined the Grand Army commanded by General Washington and when at the north took rise to the command as a Captain in said Regiment so continued in full command as Capt. in said regiment  In the winter 1779 or 1780 Gibson's Reg't was ordered to Virginia and the said Captain Ewell marched with the Regiment to Alexandria Va there the troops commanded by Col Gibsons Officers and soldiers had furlows [sic] for three months to join the regiment again at Williamsburg and the said Capt. Charles Ewell joined the regiment and continued in command as Capt. in said reg't until the troops were so reduced that there was
Page 62

not men for the officers to command of course an arrangement of the officers took place in 1780 or 1781 and the said Capt Charles Ewell was one of the officers with a good many others arranged a supernumerary Capt. he the said Ewell was considered a good officer I have received letters from Capt. Charles Ewell in the course a few years passed [sic] saying that he was living on his military land in McCracken County Further the deponent saith not
Given under my hand this [blank] day of 1830
[signature] Angus Rucker Formerly
Capt in Col Gibson's Regt.

Va Madison County to wit
This day Capt. Angus Rucker personally before the subscribing a Justice of the peace in and for said County and was duly sworn to the Foregoing Certificate Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of August 1830. 
[signature] Ch's R. Gibbs {seal}

Virginia Madison County towit
I Belfield Cave Clerk of Madison County Court do certify that Charles N. Gibbs who hath signed the certificate [illegible] above and also the certificate of the 29th July 1830 of the affidavit of Churchill Gibbs is an acting Justice of the peace for said County and duly empowered to administer an oath.
In testimony &c
[signature] Belfield Cave CMC

{County Seal}
Page 63

Charleston  Jno           Free
Jany 13

The Hon William Hendricks
City of Washington
D.C.

Mail
Page 64

Charlestown January 12th 1831
Dear Sir,
My Brother A. W. Naylor who has married a grand daughter of Maj Charles Ewell deceased of McCracken County Ky, has herewith sent you a copy of a power of atty, made by the widow and executrix of said Ewell, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the power and other accompanying documents are sufficient to authorize him to receive the money which may be coming to said Ewell's Estate, for services rendered by him as a Captain in the war of the Revolution agreeably to the act of Congress of 1828.  You will please present the papers at the proper Department, and ascertain whether the documents be sufficient to obtain the money, and if not, please point out their defefects [defects], and enclose the proper instructions, as soon as convenient, to me at Charlestown, as my Br. [Brother] is anxious to close the business, as soon as he can.
Page 65

So soon as he can obtain the proper information and get his papers properly arranged he is going to the City of Washington to close the business.
He has written to Col. Lyon [illegible] from Ky. requesting him to confer with and assist you (if necessary,) in obtaining the proper information in relation to this business.
Your early attention to this request, and a communication by mail, as soon as you shall have obtained the desired information will confer a favor on A. W. Naylor, and much oblige.
Yours &c.
[signature] Isaac Naylor

The Hon. W. Hendricks}
Page 66

798
Kentucky
====================
Maria D. Ewell,
widow of Charles Ewell
Va
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Depty Commissary and Captain
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 515 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued
27th day of June 1853
and sent to 
J. E. Heath
Richmond 
Va.
====================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under act
February 3, 1853, Page 173 Vol. A 

right side]
John Ewell, Dec 29. 1856

1853 May 21  Jacob Ewell 
that no law is known that would authorize an additional to be paid (pencil copy within) Pres[sp]
Page 67

No. [illegible]
[lined thru]
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871. 
WAR OF 1812.
3105.
[/lined thru]

Charles Ewell
Capt-
Va Troops
Revolution
Discharged ___, 18 __

4005
REJECTED

H'f Pay --Act. '32

Received ___, 187__
 __________ Attorney.
Page 68

[left side]
1924 Nov. 6. Hist. to Bessie J.
Conkwright. See letter in Leonard Helms S. 38021

[right side]
Revy WIDOW& &c.
File No. 9432
Maria D. Ewell
Wid
Charles Ewell
Capt Rev. War
Act: Feby 3 1853
Index:─Vol. A, Page 224
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 69

(1) (71)
To the Honorable General Assembly of Virginia.
The petition of Charles Ewell of Prince William County respectfully sheweth, that your Petitioner in the year 1775 when only fifteen years of age enlisted as a volunteer in an independent Company raised to support the cause of independence in which the American Colonies were then engaged. He was shortly afterwards appointed a Lieutenant in the 1st Virginia State Regiment. In 1777 the Regiment to which he was attached joined the main Continental army at the north with which he continued in service until 1778 with the exception of two months during which time he was engaged in recruiting.  In the year 1778 he was appointed and Commissioned a "Captain in the first Battalion of regular forces raised for the defence [sic] and protection of this state and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof" (see the Commission herewith) - Your petitioner continued in service to the northward in the rank of Captain until 1780 when the term for which the men of his Regiment were enlisted expired.  He reinlisted [sic] every man of his company to serve to the end of the war and in that year was marched into Virginia where he served in various volunteer detachments, in one of which he had the fortune to attack two British Gallies [sic] in the Appomattox and killed and wounded upwards of one hundred of the enemy with the injury only of two men wounded.  He was appointed when Baron Steuben came to Virginia Major of Brigade and continued to serve through the year 1780 in that capacity under General Lawson, still however retaining his rank in the regular army.  About the year 1781 when acting as town Mayor
Page 70

(2)(72)
for the City of Richmond he was appointed Commissary of provisions by Major General La Fayette (see account & certificate herewith from the Treasury Department). He served in that character until the Regiments of Colonels Dabney and Gibson were consolidated, and the investment of Lord Cornwallis at York Town. - After the capitulation of Cornwallis, he returned home as a supernumerary officer with a constitution materially injured by six years of laborious and faithful service and was never afterwards required again to enter into the service or resume his command, which he was at all times ready and willing to do, if required whilst the war continued (see certificates of Colo: Dabney & General Marshall) By an act of the General Assembly passed in May 1779, entitled "an act concerning officers, soldiers sailors and marines " (10 Hening Stat: at Large 25) it is stipulated on the part of this Commonwealth that the Field Officers, Captains and Subalterns commanding or who should command in the Battalions of this Commonwealth on Continental establishment or raised for the immediate defence [sic] of this state, or for the defence [sic] of the United States & who should serve to the end of the war; and all such officers who should become supernumerary and again enter into the service, if required so to do & continue therein to the end of the war, should be entitled to half pay during life to commence from the determination of their command or service.
Not withstanding this plain and manifest pledge of the faith of the state, your petitioner regrets to say that he
Page 71

(3)(73)
has never been permitted to receive the whole or any part of his half pay or the five years full pay, for which he understood it was to be commuted. He has learned with no less regret that many of his old companions in arms have made repeated and unavailing efforts to obtain a fair adjustment of their claims against the Government. Previous Legislatures, it is true have sometimes taken up the subject with an apparent determination to do justice and on one occasion your petitioner has understood that the meritorious Colonel Campbell received his commutation of five years full pay by an act passed in his favour.  But your petitioner has also been informed that the claims of several officers after receiving the approbation of one branch of the Legislature have been arrested in the other, on the ground that the law had already made ample provisions in their favour, and that the proper mode of redress was by application to the Judiciary; yet when that application has been made, the courts have turned a deaf ear on the subject because of some technical informality or legal nicety which your Petitioner is unable to comprehend.
Your petitioner in conclusion, is well assured that he does not invoke the liberality and justice of the Virginia Legislature in vain.  Having devoted the flower of his youth to the good of his country, does he ask too much now when he is old and poor, that that country should redeem her plighted faith and most sacred promise. To withhold the pittance he claims, can enrich the Treasury but little, but if granted will relieve him in the decline of life with
Page 72

(74)(4)
a dependent family, from extreme embarrassment and distress.
[signature] Charles Ewell of
Prince William County

Aud. Off. Dec. 2d 1824
It does not appear that Capt Charles Ewell ever rec'd his half pay or commutations of five years full pay.
[signature] Js. E. Heath Aud.

Auditors Office Dec. 25. 1824
The claim of Major Charles Ewell a supernumerary officer of the Revolution, for half pay or commutation of five years full pay in lieu thereof, has been disallowed not from any defects of evidence but because the act passed in May 1779 entitled "an act concerning officers, soldiers, sailors and marines" under which the Petitioner claims, has received a Judicial construction adverse to his demand against the Commonwealth (see Wythes Chg Reports & Decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of Roane & others) - whether that construction be right or wrong, it is considered obligatory.
[signature] Ja. E. Heath Aud'r
Pub Accts

The Commonwealth of Virginia, To Charles Ewell Esq'r.
Know you that from the special trust and confidence which is reposed in your patriotism, fidelity, courage and good conduct, you are by these presents, constituted and appointed captain in the first Battalion of regular forces.
Page 73

(5) (75)
raised for the defense and protection of this State, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging, and all officers and soldiers under your command are hereby strictly charged and required to be obedient to your orders as Captain. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from the Executive power of this state or any your superiour officers, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.
Witness Patrick Henry, Esquire, Governour or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth aforesaid, this first day of June in the second year of the Commonwealth, Annoq. Dom. 1778.
[signature] P Henry

Camp Octob'r 4th 1781
This may certify that Capt Charles Ewell formerly rank'd as Capt in the 1st V. State Regim't and is now a supernumerary officer.
[signature] Cha. Dabney Lt Clo
V. S. Regim't

Jany 2d 1823.
Dear Sir,
I have received your letter and do not recollect or believe that the supernumerary officers of the first & second state regiments were required to reenter the service after their return to Virginia.  [signature] J. Marshall
(addressed) James Heath esquire
Page 74

(76)(6)
I hereby certify, that Charles Ewell of Prince William County entered & rec'd a commission as a Lieutenant in the 1st Va State Reg't commanded by Col George Gibson, in which I was a Captain, early in the year 1777, with which he marched & joined the continental army to the north & continued to serve therein till the time stated in his papers & was considered a valuable officer of his rank.  Lt Ewell & myself having separated, & he as well as myself having been transferred to the Southern services as he states, we knew nothing of each other personally afterwards till since the Revolution.
[signature] John Nichols Cap &
Lt Col. Revol War
Dec'r 10th 1824

I was well acquainted with Major Charles Ewell in the years 1777-78 & 79. He was a captain in either the first or second Virginia State regiment and marched with his regiment to join the army in 1777. I saw him frequently and my impression is that he continued in service until all the Virginia troops came to the south which was at the close of the campaign of 1779. The regiments were then broken up & I do not know what became of Captain Ewell afterwards.
[signature] J. Marshall
Dec'r 19th 1823
Page 75

know all men by these presents that I Maria D Ewell of McCracken County and State of Kentucky Executrix of the last will and Testament of Charles Ewell Deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Archibald W. Naylor of the County and state aforesaid as my true and lawfull [sic] attorney with a power of substitution for me and in my name as Executrix aforesaid to receive from the United States of America the am't of pay now due to the estate of [marked out: said] Charles Ewell Deceased under the act of Congress of the United States entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution approved the 16th of May 1828 as a captain in Colonel George Gibson's reg't" of the Continental line of the army of the revolution Witness my hand and seal this 21st day of December in the year 1839.  [signature] Mariah D. Ewell {seal}
Before me a justice of the peace of the County of McCracken and state of Kentucky personally appeared this day Maria D. Ewell whose name is subscribed to the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be her full act and deed and also declared the same was not sworn by reason of any transfer or of any attachment levy or seizure by any process whatever of the pay therein auth[orized]
Page 76

to be received but the said pay is intended to enure wholly to the benefit of the estate of Charles Ewell Deceased or his heirs and legal Representatives Witness my hand this 21st day of December in the year 1830. 
[signature] Isaac Lovelace JP {seal}

I Braxton Small Clerk of the Court of the County of McCracken in the state of Kentucky do hereby Certify, that Isaac Lovelace before whom the foregoing [marked out: affidavit] power of attorney was acknowledged was at the time a Justice of the peace and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23d day of December 1830.
[signature] J. D. Martin Depty Clk
for B Small Clerk

{County Seal} [at left]
Page 77

Maria D. Ewell
1st of July 1831
Page 78

Rec'd 5 June 1831
For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an Act entitled an act for the releif [sic] of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution approved on the fifteenth of May 1828  I Maria D. Ewell of the County of McCracken County and state of Kentucky widow and executrix of the late Major Charles Ewell do hereby declare to the Best of my knowledge and belief that my late husband was a Captain of Col George Gibsons regimint [sic] being the first Virginia State Regiment and transfered [sic] to the Virginia Continental line by act of the Legislature of Virginia in their October session of 1777 and as I believe served as such untill [sic] the consolidating of Corps and Retired as a supernumerary officer on 6th of February 1781 under Resolves or acts of the preceeding [sic] year being then at the time of said arrangement or consolidation a Captain of the said Col Gibsons Rigiment [sic], I also do further declare that I have reason to believe that my said husband did not receive from the United States his Certificate commonly called his commutation certificate and I do further declare that my said husband was not on the United States Pension list on the first Day of April last the day on which he departed this life nor had he been at any time subsequent to the 18 of March 1848, Signed by me this Eleventh of April 1831
[signature] Maria D Ewell

State or Kentucky
McCracken County ss ⎬Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county
Page 79

William H Cowbin [Cowden] and Marthy Tailor [sic] persons of Lawfull age and of known credibility who being duly cautioned and sworn say that they were personally and intimately acquainted and had been for several years with the late Major Charles Ewell who departed this life on the first day of April last and they have at all times understood him to have been a captain of the Virginia line of the army of the Revolution and they say that the land on which the said Ewell resided at the time of his death and on which they the said deponents reside is the land granted him by the state of Virginia for his said Revolutionary services also they further say that Maria D. Ewell who signed the foregoing declaration in their presence is the widow of the said Major Charles Ewell and further they say not
[signature] William D Cowbin [Cowden]
[signature] Martha C Taylo[r]

Sworn and subscribed before me this Eleventh of April 1831 
[signature] James Ashley
Justice of the peace for McCrackin [sic] County ky

I do certify that I was personal acquainted with Charles Ewel [sic] for four years and all ways heard him say that he was an ofecer [sic] in the army of the revelusion [sic] on the land on which he live was that he had for his serveing [sic] and the said Ewel [sic] departed this life about one year go [sic] and Marier [sic] D Ewel [sic] has sind [signed] the fore going declarration [sic] is his wider [widow] this the 11 day Aprile  [sic] 1831
[signature] James Ashley a justice of the peace
for McCrackin [sic] county ky
Page 80

State of Kentucky
McCracken County Sct ⎬
I Braxton Small clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify that James Ashley before whom the foregoing deposition appears to have been taken and who has given the accompanying Certificate was at the time of taking and giving the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned as such, and to all of whose official acts full faith and credit is to be given. And I do further Certify that Maria D. Ewell who appears to have signed the declaration preceding the deposition is the Executrix of the last will and Testament of Charles Ewell late of said County deceased as appears of Record in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 13th day of April 1831.
[signature] Braxton Small

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 81

Rec'd 3 June 1831  [illegible numbers]
Honourable Samuel D Ingham Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Sir
I wou'd [would] again take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you on the subject of my claim against the United States in right of my late husband, Major Charles Ewell. You will confer a favor on the Widow and Fatherless by an early investigation of the claim and in the event of my claim meeting with a favorable decision, I wou'd [would] also request you if convenient to cause a deposit to be made in the branch bank of the United States at Louisville, subject to my order, and advise me of the same by letter directed to Wilmington McCraken [sic] County Kentucky - from the uncertainty of mails in this new country I feel afraid to risk a check to this Office, therefore wish a deposit if practicable.
with respect &c
[signature] Maria D Ewell
Page 82

Rec'd Augt [?] 1831  Kentucky July 1st McCracken

Mr. Northup Sir,
I received your letter with the enclosures and shou'd be much pleas'd to obtain the land on the terms you mention. I have never been regularly appointed guardian in this court if as Executrix I cou'd fill up the papers I wou'd cheerfully do it but I found it difficult to give security when I qualified to the Will - and I have not as yet had it in my power to settle the Estate and relieve my securities - so that I feel unwilling to be appointed guardian on that account. after we can establish our claim to the money I can at some future time give you the requisite papers to obtain the land. I received a letter yesterday from the Secretary of the Treasury which I enclose to you, expecting you will be able to discover any error that may be in the evidence.  I am Sir respectfully your Ser't
[signature] Maria D Ewell
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Rc'd 2 August 1831   3990
Louisville Ky 4th of July 1831
Sir
I have now before me a letter from Mrs Maria D Ewell covering the affidavit of Elliott Rucker and your note to her, or in other words the letter of some clerk with the signature of said D. Ingham to it and its contents are noted and shall be answered.  Sir The department or its head is pleased to say to this woman that an agent is useless and unnecessary. Which in some republican government should be the first in Theory and practice, but it is with regret that I sir [illegible] a refinement in quibble and evasion in false in practice. Sir it is now fifteen months or nearly so since this woman first commenced to obtain the pittance in right of her late husband but forsooth of the eight or ten months trouble and expense in processing and preparing papers. She is informed [illegible] (by marriage) that she is not entitled and this at a time when John Nicholas Angus and Elliott Rucker and (I believe) Churchill Gibbs and Wm Broadus had each obtained the [illegible] of the act of [illegible]th of May 1828. Where [illegible] of those [illegible] to them with George Triplett whose papers were with you.  All retired under the same arrangement and and [illegible] the [illegible] your write this [illegible] that a [illegible] is [illegible] , that [illegible] to write you.  Sir, is it possible that you can believe that any are not familiar with with [sic] the evasions equa[illeible] and [illegible] and arbitrary [illegible] continually adopting could know what to do are how [illegible] to get [illegible] when it was formal or informal. Such a [illegible] constrains [illegible]
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the at the 8 8 part of the who have been conversant with the settling of the department for years are unable to same Land and who could seed In years to the well you are pleased to state that the affidavit of Churchill Gibbs States Ewell to have became a supernumerary in 1780, que halt am not Augus this affidavit as will as . Gibbs dust with Gills also in the 2nd application that of Geo Kellett independent of Elliott whether which the Magistrate in every after hearing he had exacted with out putting his sign and is a but live I would ask how years he was tered by the British together with grand with powder and returned in parole and was exhang ed his regiment should to the man than these enth in the resolve of Congress of the ┃ to was effect on the rest of any it may have many of the of referred to in the mass of before ┃ the act of as also the preach by the had a state it was made in do to of the Feby way and be for both of the other & were there have here on of the Ella 50 but for him and Charles between perform duties as to wit by Hannah warding and all with the honor the duties of 2 --- month in which Capacity, they both ┃ both of them and I believes that of the claim is headed that will worth to $600 by to be that Joseph ┃ his
Download
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Rut Line. In your nice discrimmations relative to this Claim of Mrs. Ewell. I would ask by what section or clause of law the following officers obtained the benefit of the Act of 15th May 1828 to wit Maj. Joseph Crockett. Col Edbm Bowman Capts James Maximus. Thos Cook. & Thos Blackwell subattern. Wm Anderson, Andw McFarlane David Wiliams & John Emerson - Who all retired or became supernumeraries under resolve of 24 Nov 1778. I speak positive with respect to all save Maxwell McFarlane & Emerson
It is not my business to scan the conduct those acting in those departments - But Sir I would inform you that I have rights as well as yourself that [illegible] although cloathed with a "little brief authority" Others rights are not to be troubled with its positivity - Sir I would ask by what section of law or stretch of Power the proper [illegible] due by contract for obtaining Mr Faddons land warrant was retained Sir this was a Claim only in immagination and empowers to the U.S. or the departments, when I made contract for the one third. was it not sufficient that the government was thereby enabled to rescue something which it would never otherwise have without attempting to contain for his use the particular [illegible] - and again when it was communicated to the instrument that it was thought the very due the United States by Maj. Joseph Crockett (nothing to be found in this State) could be made in Virginia. A circumstance unknown at Washington as Crockett was drawing $600 per annum under the act of 15th of May 1828 although he became supernumerary on 24 Nov 1778 and was in 1779 appointed to a Capt, a Va State and direct as due
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because the disbanding of his regt yet [illegible] the proposal was treated with neglect and the person applying with indignity and advantage taken of this situation and the prosecuting attorney at Richmond written to attend to their Claim.  Such Sir is a sample of the treatment I have experienced from this department over which you at present preside
Yours &c
Henry Northrup
Enclosed I send you Chas Ewells letter that you may see my authority in attending to this claim over the money there allowed I have no manner of [illegible].  you will please advise should anything further be wanting.  had this [illegible] on the 9th June last instead of writting [writing] him it might have been probably $1000 advantage to this woman and her children.  it will be the arrears of delaying this woman [illegible] and the estate is un[illegible].  and in all human probability the property will be said sacrificed before her money can be received--  you will please [illegible] Mrs Ewells letter of mail it to me
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Asbury Deakins Esqr  Free
Acting Secretary of the
Treasury of the U.S.
Washington
City

Re. 22 Aug't 1831

[post mark:  LOUISA KY JUL 16]
Page 88

Red'd 2d Augt. 1831

20

Mr. Henry Northup
Louisa Co. Ky.
Page 89

Recd. 23rd Augt.
Page 90

Recd Augt. 23rd 1831
(4009)
Va. Madison C.H. Augst 15 - 1831 -

M A Dickens
Sir
In answer to your letter of the [illegible] on the subject of the copy of my affidavit filed in the Secretary of States office in relation to the revolutionary services of Capt. Chs Ewell. I have to state that such was the uncertainty officer  at the time, that there would be some doubt in saying any of the Officers of Gebrous regiment should be considered super [illegible]  on any particular day - for the following reasons - A great many of the officers returned to Virginia in Jan of 1780, with orders to report themselves at Williamsburg the first day of May following - Many of them did report themselves, and had temporary commands, Some failed to report themselves. Some were sent on the recruiting services. I my myself raised a temporary company to repel [illegible] as it was then called. Some had a change of Hospitals. Some had change of military stores the - From all that I can recollect on the subject
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I would suppose that Cap't Ewell stood on the same footing with Cap't Angus Rucker, Lieu't Elliot Rucker, Lieu't Wm Broadon, Liefut George Triplett, and some others.
Respectfully, sir, your most Obt Serv't
Churchill Gibbs
Page 92

Recd Aug't 23d

Free

Madison Ch
Va
Aug 18th }

A Dickins Esqr
acting Secrtary of Treasury
Washington DC

Revolutionary Claims
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Free

Madison Ch
Va
Aug 18th }

A Dickins Esqr
acting Secetary of Treasury
Washington DC

Revolutionary Claims

Rec'd Augt 23d
Page 94

Recd. Augt. 23d
Page 95

Recd Augt. 23d 1831   4010
Liberty Hall. Culpeper Cty
13th Augst 1831

Sir
At the request of Mr Thomas Green of Richmond I inclose to the Dept. Churchill Gibbs affidavit in favor of Chs. Ewell.
I am very Respectfully
Yr. Ob. St.
A. M. Green

[illegible]
The Honb'l
The Secretary of Treasury
Washington City
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Recd 3 June 1831
Recd Sept 6th 1831.
Shelby County 
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said county, Major Elliott Rucker, who being duly sworn saith that Charles Ewell was an officer of the 1st Virginia ^State Regiment, afterwards transferred to the Virginia continental line commanded by Col. Gibson, and served in the said Regiment until a consolidation took place on the 6th of February 1781 under arrangements of the preceeding year, at which time the said Ewell became a supernumerary  or retiring officer, being then at the time of condolidation a Captain of the said Col Gibsons Regiment and further this deponent saith not
Elliott Rucker
Subscribed and Sworn to before me
this 7th day of May 1831
Geo. P. Miller JPSC.
I omitted my signature through mistake to the above affidavit, at the time that Major Rucker made oath to it.
Geo. P. Miller JPSC
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State of Kentucky
Shelby County

I James S Whitaker clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid do certify that George P. Miller Esquire before whom the written and foregoing affidavit was made now is and was at the time of doing the same are of the Commonwealth Justices of the peace in and for said county commissioned and qualified according to Law and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.

In February whereof I have hereto signed my hand and caused the seal of said county to be affixed at Shelbyville this 15th June 1831 & 40th year of the Commonwealth.

AU Jas. S. Whitaker

In answer to yours of the 5 Inst the within statement is correct to the best of my recollection.

I am with sentiments of respect your obedient servant.
Elliott Rucker
August 27th 1831

A Dickens Esq.
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Middletown Ky
August 28th
Asberry Dickins Esqr
[illegible] acting Secretary of the Treasury
Washington
City
Page 99

Recd 5th Sept 1831.
Sir:
Having business this morning with Major Elliott Rucker of Shelby County Ky circles District to my surprise and astonishment I was again presented with his affidavit taken on 7th of May last touching the the [sic] Claim of Capt Charles Ewell which is again herewith returned enclosed -   [illegible] must all patience be exhausted and must an inquerey [enquiry] into your official conduct be demanded through the representatives of the nation.  You Sir have long since allowed the Claim of four or five officers of that Regt. who retired at the same time with Ewell and Geo Triplett and I would ask how or by what authority these two claims are suspended - and again in my letter to you enclosing this same affidavit of Rucker enclosed the letter of Chas Ewell to me shewing my authority to demand and your duty to apprise me of any further evidence - which was wanting to establish this claim - was this done - The endorsement of the back of this affidavit and the signature of Elliott Rucker were all executed this morning preparatory sending the document back but previous to any arrival - neither did I see the letter from you to him covering that affidavit.  therefore I know not whether his explanation is satisfactory.  I again ask of you if anything further is required to establish the claim of Mrs Ewell that you apprise me of it
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this [illegible] of Delay and evasion in allowing his claim is beyond endurance.
Henry Northrup
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Wilmington Ky}
Novr 11th}
Free
The Honorable Lewis McLane
Secretary of the Treasury.
Washington City
DC

Act 1828 
Letter at Treasury 
Cond with [illegible]
Page 102

Act 1828
Settled at
Treasury
Cons'd with
Ad. O. W Wid
File #9432


The Honorable
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington D. C.
Page 103

Recd 26 Nov 1831
Honourable Louis McLane Secretary of the Treasury-
Your favor of the 11th October was received a few days ago - and I do most sincerely thank you for your prompt attention to my business - enclosed is a Certificate from our Court - I wish the money deposited in the Branch Bank of the United States at Louisville subject to my order; and the letter enclosing the Draft directed as before - Wilmington Mc Cracken County Ky - last fall I engag'd with Mr Naylor, a worthy man who married our Grandaughter & to go on and obtain my claim in person:-
When he went to Indiana - he declin'd going to the District, and sent a copy of his Papers to the Senator of Indiana - our claim was defeated at that time.  I was much discourag'd, and employ'd an Agent to
now I wou'd solicit the favor of you Sir to give me your decided opinion to whom I am endebted [indebted] for the establishment of my Claim.  whether Mr Naylor's papers or to the Agent afterwards employ'd - they may both claim a compensation for their trouble -
I am Sir
your oblig'd Servt.
Maria D Ewell
Nobr. 8th Mc Cracken by Ky