Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5796, Robert Berry, Md. Sea Service
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE | | NUMBER
Md. Sea Service | Berry, Robert | W. 5796
 | Lucy |
CONTENTS
Page 2

465.
Richmond Virginia
Lucy Berry
of Gloucester in the State of Va.
who was a __________ in the _________ commanded
by Captain _________ of the _________ commanded
Md
[illegible] ________ in the __________
widow of Robert Berry
[illegible] late a Captain in the
Navy of the Revolution

Incribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 450 Dollars 40 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Febr.
1837 and sent John
Borum Esq Present

Arrears to the 4th of Sept-1836 $2,477.20
Sem--anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '37 225.20
$2,702.40
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 4 1836.}
Recorded by [illegible] Addison Cler,
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 188

[illegible] 7 Feb. 26, 1842 to Hon
[illegible] Toward, Sec. Treasury
H. G. Fank 21 Dec. 1854.
30 [illegible] March 20/17
Lt E. Tottetageu
March 27/57
Page 3

Lucy Berry
No 686 Z. See.
Page 4

State of Virginia Gloucester County
on this 29th day of October -- 1836 personally Appeared before me a Justice of
the peace Lucy Berry a Resident in the County of Gloucester and State of
Virginia aged Eighty Four years. who being First duly Sworn
according to law doth on her oath Make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision Made by the act
of Congress passed July 4th 1836: that She is the widow of Robert
Berry who was first a [illegible] and then a Captain in the Revolutionary 
war. he entered the service of the United States in 1776 as a
[illegible] in a look out Boat and so Continued until 1780 at
which time he Received a Commission as Capt to take Charge of
the Schooner plates where he Continued until the End of the
Revolution war. She Further declares that she was married to the
foresaid Robert Berry in 1773 by parson Clew in the County
of Middleson in the State of Virginia. Soon after we were
Married and Moved to the State of Maryland to a place Called
annapolis where he entered the Service of the united States and
there Remained untill Some time after the Revolutionary war
and from there we moved to Baltimore where we lived some
time and then we loved back again to Virginia in the
County of Gloucester when my husband the Fore said Robert
Berry died in the year of 1813. and that she has Remained a
widow Ever Since that period as will more fully appear by
Reference to the proof here to annexed. I know of no engagement 
that my husband the aforesaid Robert Berry [illegible]
Revolutionary war
Teste
James Berry
Lucy Berry X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and
I do hereby certify thatLucy Berry who has appeared before me
and subscribed and sworn to the above declaration is a woman
of Character and that She Cannot attend the Court by
Reason of Bodily infirmity given under my hand and seal
Joel Hayes J.P. Coty
Page 5

State of Virginia
Gloucester county to wit
I Arthur L. Davies Clerk of the County
Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Joel
Hayes Esqr. whose hand and seal are affixed to the
within certificate was at the time of affixing the same
one of the Commonwealths Justices of the peace in and
for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified 
and that due faith and credit may and ought
to be given to all his acts as such
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name as clerk aforesaid
and affixed the seal of the said county
this 29th day of October 1836 in the
[illegible] year of the Commonwealth
Arthur L. Davies C. G. C.
Page 6

the Affidavit of James Berry a resident in the County of
Gloucester made in Support of the declaration of Lucy Berry
made in Gloucester County State of Virginia in order to obtain
the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed
July 4th 1836. The affiant being First duly Sworn depose and
say that he was well acquained with Robert Berry before his
death and his wife Lucy he knows that the aforesaid Robert
Berry died in 1813 and that his wife Lucy has Remained a
widow ever since that period
James Berry

State of Virginia Gloucester County
personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and
for the said County James Berry a Resident in the County and
made oath to the foregoing Affidavit and I do hereby Certify
that he is a man who has ever Sustained a Character for [illegible]
given under my hand and seal this the 29th day of October
1836
Joel Hayes J.P Cty
Page 7

Know all men by these presents that We Robert Berry
& Anderson Miller are held and firmly bound unto our
Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of
Great Britain, France & Ireland, King Defender of the faith
& in fifty pounds, current money to be paid unto our Said Lord
the King, his heirs & Successors, to which payment well and
truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors & administrators
jointly and Severally firmly by these presents, Sealed
with our Seals and dated this fourth day of November 1773
Whereas there is a marriage shortly to be
Solemnized between the above bound Robert Berry and Lucy
Rhodes, The Condition of this present obligation is Such
that if that there be no lawful cause to obstruct the Same
then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force
Signed
Sealed & delivered
in the presence of
Wm Beachburn

Robert Berry Seal
Anderson Miller Seal

A Copy
Teste Geo. T. R. Healy DC
State of Virginia
Middlesex County to wit
I George T. R. Healy, D. Clark for the County Court of
Middlesex Do hereby certify that the above is a correct
copy from a bond filed in the Clerks office of the County
Court of Middlesex
Given under my hand with the ┃
Seal of Office affixed this 15th day of
October 1836
Geo. T. R. Healy D.C
Page 8

subscribed my name as Clerk of the
said Court and office in the 
said County this 8th day of November
1854 in the 79th year of the Commonwealth
John R Cary Clk
by E. B. J. Cary Deputy Clerk

Lucy Berry
Va- ad 1836
Cole
H G. Fant
ath
Page 9

Know all men by these presents, that I,
James Berry, of the County of Gloucester and
State of Virginia, do hereby nominate constitute
and appoint John P. Stoakes of the
County of Mathews and State of Virginia my
true and lawful attorney for me and in
my [crossed out] name and stead to prosecute for
me, and in my name for any amount which
may be due to me, from the United States of 
America, as one of the heirs of Robert Berry for
his services as Captain in the navy, during the
Revolutionary war, or for any balance which
may be due my mother, Lucy Berry, as a pension
of the United States of America, under 
the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, or
under any other act which was passed before
or since, either for money due or Land. If
money, my said attorney, is fully authorized
to receive the certificate for said amount, and
is authorized to surrender the same to any person 
or persons who are authorized to pay off
the same, and receive the amount due on
the same. If land my said attorney is fully authorized 
to receive the warrant or scrip, and sell and
assign the same to any person who may
fell disposed to purchase, and I do hereby
agree to ratify and confirm all my said attorney 
may do in the premises, hereby revoking
all former powers, and agree that this shall
be irrevocable as witness my hand and seal
this 6th day of November 1854
James Berry seal
[illegible]
Edward C. Dutton
Page 10

State of Virginia Gloucester County to wit
This day James Berry personally appeared before
me Benjamin Row a Justice of the peace [illegible]
and for said County and acknowledged the
foregoing Power of attorny to be his act and
[illegible] 
Given under my hand and seal
this 6 day of November 1854
Benjamin Row

State of Virginia
Gloucester County
to wit
I John R Cary Clerk of the County
Court of Gloucester County in the State of Virginia hereby
certify that Benjamin Row whose name is signed to the above
certificates was at the time of signing the same and is now a
Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned
and qualified and that his signature thereto is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name as Clerk of the
said Court and affixed the seal of the
said County this 8th day of November
1854 in the 79th par of the Commonwealth
John R Caryl Cur:
by E. B. J Cary Deputy Clerk
Page 11

State of Virginia
Gloucester County Court November Term 1854
Satisfactory evidence was this day adduced in open Court to prove
that Lucy Berry a resident of this County and a pensioner of the United 
States died on the 6th day of September in the year 1842 and left the following
children to wit James Berry and Ann Pitt and they are still
living and are over the age of twenty one years, Ann Pitt who was
Ann Berry before her marriage is now confined in the Lunatic Asylum
of Williamsburg and has been for the last fifteen years, her husband
Richard Pitt is die, they have two children living Darlys and
Richard Pett both of whom are over twenty one years of age and
me her only heir at law
In Testimony that the foregoing is truly copied
from the records in my office I have hereunto
Subscribed my name as Clerk of the said Court
and affixed the seal of the said County this
8th day of November 1854 in the 79th year of
the Commonwealth
John R Cary Clk
By E.B. Cary Deputy Clerk
Page 12

July 31, 1935.

Mr. Ashton Dovell
Williamsburg, Virginia.

BA-J/ILL
Robert Berry
W. 5796

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information 
regarding Robert Berry, whose widow, Lucy Barry, was a
pensioner of Gloucester County, Virginia, in 1840.
the Revolutionary War.
The record of Robert Berry is given herein as shown in the
papers on file in pension claim, W. 5796, based upon his service in
the Revolutionary War.
Robert Berry, while a resident of Annapolis, Maryland,
entered the Revolutionary War in the year 1776 in the Maryland sea
service as a pilot on a lookout boaat, continued to serve as such
until April 5, 1780, on which day he was commissioned Captain of
the schooner "Plater", was in the service as Captain in January 1781,
and continued in service in the navy until the Siege of York. It
was stated that he was on another vessel, but the name is not shown.
Captain Robert Berry lived after the Revolutionary War in
Annapolis, Maryland, for some time moved from there to Baltimore,
Maryland, after some time, moved back to Gloucester County, Virginia.
He died there in the year 1813.
Robert Berry married in Middlesex County, Virginia, Lucy
Rhodes; their marriage bond was dated November 4, 1773. Shortly after
their marriage they moved to Annapolis, Maryland.
Lucy Berry, the widow of the above noted officer, was allowed
pension on her application executed October 20, 1836, at which time
the resided in Gloucester County, Virginia. She was then aged eighty
Page 13

four years; the date and place of her birth and names of her parents
are not shown.
Lucy Berry died September 6, 1842 in Gloucester County, Virginia
She was survived by two children: James Berry of Gloucester County,
Virginia, and Ann Berry Pitt, of Williamsburg, In 1864,
said Ann Pitt was the widow of Richard Pitt Their children, both of age,
were living the Richard Pitt "Douluss" Pitt. --
[handwritten] next time - their children, Richard Pitt and Donluss "Pitt", both of age, now living
In 1958, Robert R. Berry witnessed the signature of soldier's
son, James Berry, in Gloucester County, Virginia; no relationship
between them shown.
In 1837, one William Pitt, aged about seventy years, and a 
resident of Baltimore, Maryland, stated that he was well acquainted with
Captain Robert Berry during the time he served in the Revolutionary
War; he did not state any relationship to the officer's family.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 14

Ray WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5796
Lucy Berry
Wid.
Robt Berry
Capt. Navy Rev.War
Act: June 4th 36
Index:--Vol. A, Page 19
{Arrangement of 1870.}

John Borine

230
Lucy Berry
wid of
Robert Berry
set [crossed out] [illegible]
[crossed out] Nov 29h / 36
Admit 18 mo  23 day
Capt in Mary $450.40
per ann. comp 4th March 1831.

M. Borum Esq
Present
Act 4 July 1836
Page 15

In Comil Annapolis June 26th. 1780
Sir
You are to take on board the Plater the
Stores Mr Randall will deliver you and to proceed to
Peterburgh with them as some Troops are now nearly ready to
depart with the first fair wind, you are directed to convoy
them down. On delivering the [illegible] you are to return with
all possible dispatch
We are [illegible]
Your mo. obedt. Servs.
Tho Simkee
Page 16

In Cormul Annapolis Augt 9th 1780
Captain Berry
You are to be in full readiness to take
the Continental Troops at this place on board early tomorrow
morning. You will proceed with them and the vessel with
you, to such place in Virginia as shall be directed by
the Commanding Officer, taking particular care to keep
out of the way of all the Enemies vessels and as
soon as you have landed the Troops you will return,
convoying the vessel which goes down with you to this
place
We are your  Able Servts
Thos Lee

was taken to Cary [illegible] Corps to the Head of
Elk [illegible] 5th [illegible] called at [illegible] of [illegible] 9th -- [illegible]
The 27 Aug home the 27 Aug
Page 17

Annapolis June 27th 1785
Capt Barry V[?] Middleton
You are to proceed to Portsmouth in Virginia,taking under your care & safely convoying the [ilegible] vessels with stores to that place [crossed out]from whence they may safely proceed to Millenery landing,you will remain at Portsmouth and wait their return to take on board as many of Lee's Corps of light infantry as you can conveniently and safely transport to the Head of  [ilegible] These troops should not be there or in the neighborhood [ilegible] that you cannot transport them without being detained [crossed out] more than ten days after the return of the vessels under your convoy-you will then proceed to Emerson's landing on Wye River and take on board a load of flour from[ilegible] Hemsley's Mile for this place-The object  of the business with which you are charged is to convoy down these vessels & back again, with safety- Tho Sim Lee
Page 18

Informal Annapolis 29 July 1780
Sir
You will proceed immediately
with the State Boat Plater to
Hoogins Streight and there receive
Directions from and act in concert
with Cap John Smoot for the
suppression of the Tories who have
been acting as pirates in [crossed out (capta)]
seizing vessels the property of
the subject of this State
You are to make as much
dispatch as possible and so soon
as the object of this Expedition
is attained you are to return
We are Sir
[illegible]
Tho. S. Lee
Page 19

[ilegible] Annapolis 27th April 1780
Sir. You are to proceed down the Chesapeake in the Plater State Boat and keep a careful and diligent Lookout for the Ships of War and Cruisers of the Enemy,least they are apprised of the Route of our Troops destined for reenforcing the Southern Army and may attempt to intercept them on their Passage down the Bay. If upon a.careful Examination of the Vessels in the Bay, you recieve any Intelligence of the Enemy you are to give immediate Information to this Board and to the Vessels transporting the Troops, which you may fall in with on your Return.  We recommend the greatest Attention and Vigilance in the Execution of ths important Trust and wish you a safe Return.
We are your mo. obedt. Servts.
Capt. Robert Berry    Tho. Sim Lee
Page 20

The State of Maryland to Robert Berry Gentleman of _________
__________ County, __________ Greeting.
BE it known, that We reposing especial trust adn confidence in your patriotism, valour,
conduct and fidelity, do by these presets constitute adn appoint you to be Captain of
the Schooner Boat called the Plater ----------
in the service of this state, fitted out for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, and for the
defence of our liberties. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of
Captain of the [illegible] Boat ----------
by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging, according to the rules and
discipline of war, and the usage of the sea, and the instructions which may from time to time
be given you: And we do strictly charge and require all officers, seamen, marines, and others
under your command, to be obedient to your orders as Captain
And you are to observe and follow all such orders and directions which you shall receive from
the supreme executive power of this State. This commission to be in force until lawfully revoked.
GIVEN at ANNAPOLIS this 5th day of April Anno domini [crossed out (1777)] 1700
Thos [illegible] Lee
Page 21

Robert Berry
Md. Sea Service
W5796
Page 22

Signals for the Platen of Dolphin
To know each other the Platon shall hoist a
Red Flag at the main top mast head, of the Dolphin
a Yellow Pendant at the same place
If in the sight within hail the Vessel hailed
shall answer Lee and she who hailed first shall
answer Maryland
If in case the Vessel which is on the look
-out shall discover the Enemy in the Bay they
are to hoist a checkquered flagg at the main top
mast head, and if near at hand keep Enemy now and
then firing a gun, till taking Notice of by
vessels coming down with troops, which he is
to know by their altering their course
When coming into Annapolis, if the Enemy
is coming up the Bay the Platen is to hoist a
Checkquered flagg at the main top mast head If
near at hand to keep firing guns Every 5 minutes
till within Greenberrys point the Dolphin a
Blue and Red flagg with 13 stars in the Blue part
and act as above by firing guns, which Flagg is
never to be hoisted on any other occation when
coming into this harbour
Page 23

Informal Annapolis 9 Sept 1780
Sir
As Col. Haddaway of Talbot County engaged to
man one Boat with a number of Volunteers in Order to assist
in cleaning the Bay of the Enemy, You are to proceed with
the Boats to the most convenient place for taking in Col
Haddaway and his men and then to proceed down the Bay as
low as the Tangier on the Sound, taking care to procure
what intelligence you can of the Force of the Enemy &
to act accordingly -  Mr [illegible] of Governor Jeffersons
Letter with the Signal agreed on are enclosed for your
Goverment.  You are to give Notice to the Lieutenant
of the County when you may be, that you will be ready
to convoy up any Provisions they may be sending up the
Bay as soon as you find it will be proper to return
J M. Able Servt
Jos. J. Chase Present
Page 24

John Borum
Capt. Jn Borum
Present
Page 25

I James Chambers of City of Baltimore and
State of Maryland aged about seventy five
years do hereby certify and declare that I was well
acquainted with Robert Berry of Annapolis and
State of Maryland who served in the revolutionary war
and had the command of the Schoner Boat Plater
and afterwards was appointed to another vessel
the name not recollected and believe served
to the End of the war
seal this 30th Jany 1837
Given under my hand and seal
J L Chalmers
Witness & Acknowledged
before me this 20 Jany 1837
[illegible]

State of Maryland City of Baltimore
On this 350of January 1837 before me the Seal and be
a Justice of the Peace for said City personally
appeared James Chalmers, and made Oath
that the several facts set forth and
contained in the above Certificate or
Statement are true as they therein
[illegible]
Sworn before
Wm A. Schaffer

I hereby Certify that that the Deponent James
Chalmers, is worthy of belief and full faith
and credit can be given to said Deposition
made by him
Wm. A Schaffer J. Peace
Page 26

State of Maryland
Baltimore County set

I hereby certify that William A Schaffer
Gentleman, before whom the within affidavit
was made and who has thereto signed his name, was at the time of so doing, one
of the Justices of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore
duly commissioned and sworn:
In Testimony whereof I hereunto
subscribe my name and affix the seal
of Baltimore County Court on this 31st day
of January 1837
Tho.  Kellcer  of
Balto. Coty Clk
Page 27

I William Pitt of the City of Baltimore and
State of Maryland aged about Seventy years
do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with
Robert Berry of the city of Annapolis
State of Maryland, and doth believe that he was
employed in the service of the said State navy
in the Revolutionary war in one of the Lookout
Boats from the said City of Annapolis from the
year Seventeen hundred Eighty to seventeen hundred
& Eighty two or there about
Given under my hand and seal this 1st Febr 1937
William Pitt
Seal

State of Maryland City of Baltimore to wit
On this 1st day of February 1837.
Personally appeared before me a Justices of the
peace in and for said City of Baltimore William Pitt and
made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God
that the above affidavid according to law, that that the
facts stated therein are true to the best of his knowledge
and belief. I do hereby certify that the said-
William Pitt is a man worthy of belief and full
faith and credit can be given to the same -
Deposition made by him
Sworn before me
N Bryson
Page 28

State of Maryland Baltimore County, Set
Hereby certify that Nathan G Bryson
Gentleman before whom the within deposition
was made, and who has signed his name thereto
was at the time of so doing a Justice of the
peace of said State, in & for the City of Baltimore
duly commissioned and sworn
In Testimony whereof, I hereto
Subscribe my name affix the
Seal of Baltimore County Court,
this first day of February, Eighteen
hundred and thirty seven
Thos Keel, Clk of
Balto Coty Cot
Page 29

Lucy Berry
adal Prp
[illegible]
Dec 19
Mr. Berry's widow
4 July '36
va
S Edwards Esq
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington

[stamped] free

[stamped] ANNAPOLIS
Page 30

Council Chamber 
Annapolis Dec 16th 1836
Dear Sir, 
I send you the enclosed additional 
evidence in support of the claim of the widow 
of the late Capt Robert Berry for a pension, 
at the request of Francis A Dickens Esq.
And I remain very 
respectively your [illegible]
Serv
Tho: Culbreth Clerk 
of the Executive Council
Page 31

3/7
Mr. John Brown
Washington
(Ca)

F. A. Dickins
Prest
Dec 9
Page 32

Council Chamber
Annapolis Dec 5th 1836
Sir,
Since you left here I continue my
examination of the Records of my Office for
evidence in favour of the late Captain
Robert Berry's Widow's claim. All I have
found is that on the 23d of August 1782
and order on the Treasury was passed by
the Governor & Council in favor of Capt
Berry for £19- 0, due him in Specie [illegible]
amount, but for what is not stated, and
upon the Record of letters from the Governor
& Council, I found two letters of instruction
addressed to Captain Berry after Captain
Middleton had taken command of the
Plater, one dated the 19 the other the 29th
of January 1787. I searched on Records
through to the Proclamation of the Treaty
of Peace &
I send Capt Berry's Commission which
you left on my Table
Respectfully
J. S. Culbreth Clerk
of the Executive Commite
Page 33

F. A. Dickins
Present
29 Nov 1836
OC

Recorded Vol 41, P 173
Page 34

Depart of [illegible]
Pension Office
Nov 29th 1836
Sir
I have examined the declaration and
accompanying papers of Lucy Berry, Widow of
Robert Berry & have paid them or ple.
[illegible] - is alleged that the late Robert Berry enlist
[illegible] in the year 1776 as a pilot of a Lookout
boat and he continued at the year 1780, then
he was commission a Capt of [crossed out 9the Slet)] a Schooner
with that known of Maryland called the Plater, &
that he [crossed out (then)] served in that capacity till the [illegible]
of the war. The service as pilot- of a lookout boat as
not enlisted under the law and is disallowed
From the evidence exhibited, it appear that he
served from the 5th of Apl both 9th of Sept 1780 as
captain Aug less than 6 ms.   If however, ending of
[illegible] of 6 ms and upwards be punished a [illegible]
as pension all be found [crossed out (at the rate of $24 per [illegible])] issued at the rate of the
Samo
F A Dickins Esq
Present
Page 35

Land Office Annapolis, December 2nd 1836,
I hereby Certify, that it appears by the Army Ledgers
of the Revolution, remaining in this office, That Captn
Robert Barry's account, commences upon said Ledger the 28th 
day of March 1780, and stand stated and settled up to the
28th of September 1780, --
Geroge G. Brewer
Regr Land of M.d. Clrk
Page 36

Council Chamber
Annapolis Decr 3rd 1836
I certify that it appears from the Records
of Proceedings of the Governor & Council of
Maryland now remaining in my Office
that Robert Berry was appointed Captain
of the Schooner Boat called the Plater
on the 5th day of April 1780; that I have
not found in my office any resignation
of said Captain Berry, but it appears from
said Records that Captain Gilbert Middleton
took command the State Boat Plater
on the 28th day of October 1780 for six
months, and that after the expiration
that time Captain Daniel Bryan was
appointed the command of said Boat
Plate; that on the 21st day of January 1782
an order on the Treasury was passed in favour
of Captain Robert Berry for twenty six pounds
= due him [illegible] amount passed by the Auditor
General in what said account was for
does not appear, nor have I been able
to find by the researches I have made any
further evidence of the Revolutionary Services
said Captain Berry, but I have not had
time to make a thorough examination of the
Records in my office.
J H S Culbreth Clerk
of the Executive Commit
Page 37

Sec. Treasury
26 Feb 1842
G C
Page 38

466
Pension Office
Feb. 26. 1842
Sir,
The letter of W. D. Pitt to the
Hon. H. A. Wise is herewith returned; and in
reply thereto I have the honor to inform you
that Robert Berry was the Captain of a
Schooner in the service of the State of Maryland
during the war of the revolution. He appears
to have served 18 months and 23 days, and for
such since his widow receives a pension of $450.40
per annum, under the law of July 4, 1836. Neither
the new nor any of Captain Berry's relatives
are entitled by law to any further allowance.
The legatees have no claim whatever on
account of Berry's service.
I have the hon
Hon. Walter Forward
Sec. of the Treasury
Page 39

payment to be made
at
by
ginia
[illegible] for payment Pensioners
on  the Agency of
Virginia
Recorded in the  Pension Office in Book 9 Vol. 1
[illegible] by Addison
Clerk
[this side very light]
For Pension
Capt 
[illegilbe]
Page 40

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the 3d section of the law
of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836,  Lucy
of Virginia
widow of Robert Berry deceased
who was a Captain in the Navy of [illegible]
Revolution
is entitled to receive
Four hundred & fifty dollars and
[illegible] -- cents per annum, during the time she may
remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831,
and payable semi=annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of
September.

Given at the War, Office of the United 
States, this Seventh day of
February one thousand eight
hundred and thirty=Seven
JS F. Butler
Secrety of the War Ad Interm

Examined and
Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 41

Rcd of  of John Borum
6 Sept of 1837 & filed by
F. A. Dickins same
day.
[illegible]
Robt Berry's widow
recd Dec 6th
Page 42

I James Frazier of the City of Annapolis and State of Maryland
aged Seventy nine years do hereby certify and declare that I was
well acquainted with Robert Berry who is named in a Commission
at the City of Annapolis dated the 5th day of April 1780 that
the said Robert Berry served as a Pilot in the War of the Revolution
that he commenced, in service of his Country in the early part of
the War aforesaid and served as Pilot untill he was commissioned
and took charge as Captain, on board of the Schooner called The Plater
and he the said Robert Berry Continued in service as I know
untill the siege of York, and I frequently saw him in the service of
the Navy and I believe served until the end of the war as I was
in the service of the Navy
this 3rd day of Decemr 1836
Given under my hand and seal
Witness
Wm Brower
R Sands

Anne Arundel County State of Maryland to wit
On this 3rd day of December 1836 Personally appeared
James Frazier before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County and made oath in due form of Law
to the above Affidavit. I do Certify that I believe James
Frazier is a man worthy of full credit as a witness,
Given under my hand and seal
Wm Brewer
seal

Anne Arundel County Court
I hereby certify that William
Prester Gentleman who appeared [illegible] taken
and signed the aforegoing [illegible] was [illegible]
time of so doing and of the State of things
James
Page 43

Justices of the peace in and for Anne Arundel
County duly Commissioned
and [illegible]

In Testimony whereof I hereto set
my name on
affix the seal of
Ann Arundel County Court this
3d day of December 1836
"
W J Green Clk AA [illegible]
-
Page 44

The Commissioner of Pensions
will please have the cases refered to
in the accompanying letter
and memoranda, examined into
and furnish the desired information addressed to me at Churchview
Middlesex Co Va.
I neither have nor can have any
personal interest in the matter
while I continue to hold my present
position and therefore only act as a
friend of the parties gratuitous
ys very Respectfully
E. T. Montague
Page 45

H. G. Fant,
Dec 21st [illegible]
Page 46

235
Pension Office.
21st Decr 1854.
Sir.
The claim of Lucy Berry decd widow
of Robert of Virginia, has been examined.
Lucy's claim was admitted under
Act 4th July 1836, for her husband's
services as a Captain in the Maryland
Naval service, at the rate of $450.40 per
annum. This amount was allowed for
his services for Eighteen months and
twenty three days; but it is extremely
doubtful whether she would have
been entitled to so much had he served
in that capacity for two years. The
heirs are entitled to no increase upon
the proof presented.
H. G. Fant Esqr.
Present.
Page 47

Washington March 27 1831
Sir
You will please find herewith
Power of Attoney from James Berry
Son and Administrator of Robert
Berry, and of his widow Lucy Berry
who has been allowed a pension
under the act of 4th July 1836,
I wish to be allowed the
priviledge of Examining the papers
filed in support of her claim
Very Respectfully
Genr OC Sert
Geo C Anies
Page 48

Letter of Authority
James Berry Son of
Lucy Widow of 
Ro Berry.
Page 49

The proper departments in Washington City will
please permit my agent and attorney R Sacusedus, to
examine the papers, and evidence upon which a Pension
was allowed to my Mother Lucy, Berry, under the act
of 4th July 1836, on account of the Revolutionary
service of my Father Robert Berry who was a 
Captain in the Navy in the Revolution
James Berry

Witness
Robert R. Berry

Glaucester County Virginia, April 3d
1850.

Nesus Ames & Wise an hereby authorised
to examine the papers & evidence in the
above named case & to make out enquiries
as they deem proper
[illegible]
Agent
Page 50

In Council 19th January 1781
Sir
You will proceed immediately down the
Bay as for as you can with Security, and should ┃
see or receive any intelligence which you can depend
on of the Enemy making up the Bay you are
to return to this place with all expedition and
give information thereof trus
Capt. Robert Berry

In Council January 29 1781
You are to proceed immediately with the
Army and ammunition for which you have an
order on W Shaw to St Mary's River if
it can be done with any degree of Safety if not
to a place the most convenient to that River
and deliver them with the letter enclosed into
the hands of an Officers under the rank of
a Captain and at the Same time request him to
give immediate information to the Lieutenant of St
Mary's County of the officer next in command of
such deposit. If you should have any information
of the enemies coming up, or you should discover them
yourself
Page 51

yourself, you must with all the expedition possible
return to this place and give information immediately
the Governor and Council
Capt. Robert Berry

Council Chamber
Annapolis Decr 16th 1836
I Certify that the foregoing copies of letters
have been truly taken from one of the letter
Books of the Governor & Council of Maryland
now remaining in this Office
J H S: Fullieth Clerk
of the Executive Council
Page 52

In Council 29th of January 1781
Ordered that the Armoment deliver to
Capt. Robert Berry one C Lt Cannon, fifty muskets
one hundred Cannon cartridges one hundred six pound
shot thirty pound musket powder to be delivered
over to Colo. Barnes Lieut of St Mary's County
for the use of the Militia of said County and sixty
musket Cartridges for the present cruise as a lookout
Boat to be returned if not used
Ordered that the issuing Commissary
deliver to Capt Robert Berry Seven days
provisions for five men to act as look out.
Council Chamber
Annapolis Decr 16. 1836
I certify that the foregoing has been truly
extracted from the Record Book of the proceedings
of the Governor & Council of Maryland now
remaining in this Office
J H S: Culbreth Clerk
the Executive Council
Page 53

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office 
March 26, 1837
Sir.
I return the papers enclosed
in your letter of the 24th inst, & in reply
have to inform you that the pension of
Lucy Berry Richmond Va Agency, under
act of July 4, 1836 at $450.50 per annum,
appears to have been paid to Sept. 9. 1842:
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
[illegible] J [illegible]
Under Sec
Gev: 6 Whiting Esq
C. Whiting Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Page 54

Pension Office
March 27, 1857.
Sir
The pension of Lucy Berry, referred
to in the litte of Douglis Pitt,
Esq and which is hereunto returned as
allowed a the 7" February 1837, under the
Act of July 4, 1836, at the rate of
$450:40 ce per annum for 18 months
23 days service of Captain on the
Schooner Plater in the service of the
State of Maryland. The pension has been
paid by officers by the Bank of the
[illegible] to the 4th of Sept 1847, [illegible] she
died subsequent to that date, cay over
due can be allowed at the said [illegible]
Then I  [illegible] J. R. Atkinson E. He
to law on escrow-as the allowance
[illegible]
Page 55

granted of the bounty her to the
part now before this office.
E. T. Montague
Mh 27

Erater T. Montague EsqMontague to
Church View
[illegible]
Page 56

LAW OFFICES
ASHTON DOVELL
WILLIAMSBURG, VA.
July 19, 1935
U. S. Pension Department
Department of Interior
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
In the United States Census for the County
of Gloucester, Virginia, for the year 1840, is the
following:
James Berry- head of family

Males
2 - 10 to 15 yrs
1 - 15 to 20 yrs.
3 - 20 to 30 yrs.
1 - 30 to 40 yrs.
1 - 50 to 60 yrs.

Females
1 - 10 to 15 yrs18
2 - 15 to 20 yrs.
2 - 40 to 50 yrs.
1 - 80 to 90 yrs
________________
6 slaves

Member of the family employed:
Agriculaure- 1
Commerce- 2
Navigation- 3
Learned Professional engineer- 1

Pensioner for Revolutionary or Military Service - -Lucy Berry,
widow of Robert Berry, aged 88 yrs.
[handwritten] Gloc Co Va

I should like to have any record you may have
in your department on the above mentioned pension.
Yours very truly
John Dovell
AD: MI

[stamped] Received Jul 20 1935 [illegible]