Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2503, Cornelius Wells, Md. Navy
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(3 - 1776) 


SERVICE                                         NUMBER
Md.              Wells, Cornelius.       W.2503
Navy.           Young, Sara Wells.     B.L. Wt. 79521-160-55. 
                     Former widow
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Tucker Lloyd Dec 16 [illegible]
"             "       Jan 22/88

E. [illegible]



[illegible] page 109


284.24    March 3/[illegible]
                 Nov [illegible]

Cornelius & Cordelia Wells, minor
children of
Cornelius Well, par   [illegible]

[Diagonal across above:] 79521 [illegible] 

Capt                         Va
Col                            mil


Revol pensions

[illegible]- 1527

AWL 1600 Mich: 30/58

Boynton (?)

Special
B

Tucker & Lloyd
Present
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6985 
District of Columbia 
Cornelius Wells 
in the [stuck through: State of]  of District of Colon was a Private in the Company commanded Captain Mainard of the Ky commanded Col Smallwood in the Maryland for 3 years in a master at Arms $120.0 

Described on the Roll of District of Columbia the rate of 120 Dollars - Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of March 1833 and sent to Pensioner Present - 

Arrears to 4th of March 1833                $240.00 
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept "         60.00 
                                                                  $300.00 

{ Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by Vinal Luce Clerk, 
Vol. 8, Page 198
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See letter Jan 9
1835 to Hon. G Tomlinson 

The let 15 July 1835_to 6.00

Cornelius Wells applied Sept. 4, 1843 for an Invalid Pension, alleging that he was once an Invalid Pensioner, that he was informed that he never was an Invalid Pensioner, and that the law granting such pensions had expired.

Paper [illegible] for Hon. G. Rathburn, Apr. 8, 1844
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1527

[illegible]

Sarah Wells
widow of Cornelius
who served in the Revolutionary war as a private

MD Line & Navy

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
96 Dollars 0.0 

Cents per annum to commence on 
the [struck out- 4th day of March 1848] [illegible]

Certificate of Pension issued the 
[illegible] day of Aug/53
and sent to

Pensioner
Present
(2503)

Recorded on Role of Pensioners under act
Rebruary 3/53, Page 120, Vol. A


1818
{[illegible]}
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District of Columbia 
County of Washington ⎬ On this 15th day of December 1832 personally appeared in[illegible]court before the Judge of the circuit court of Washington [illegible] Cornelius Wells, a resident of the District and County aforesaid Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States, on one about the 22nd day of March 1776 for three years, in a Town called Port Tobacco was attached to the company commanded by Capt Maynard who was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col Smallwood, was marched to Annapolis from thence to Philadelphia, thence to Germantown, was in the Battle of Trenton which took place on the 26th Dec 1776 was detached as one of the [illegible] to gard the prisoners of war called the Hessians to Philadelphia, from whence I returned to the Encampment at Sunpink creek near Trenton on the day of my arrival there Lord Erskine & Cornwallis arrived with a powerful army, we commenced a commade to prevent their crossing the ford, continued the commade untill dark when we built double our usual quantity of fires, then struck our tents and marched to princeton where we met 5 Regiments of the Enemy. Next morning with whom we had an Engagement-- in which Declarant was wounded) we took 400 prisoners and dispersed the Enemy at that place, we then marched to Germantown which [struck out, illegible] Winter quarter or chief [illegible], in the spring of 1777- was detached under the command of Lt Col. S. Smith to go on Mud Island to prevent the Enemy forcing their way up to Philadelphia in which we were unsuccessful we went into Winter quarters the winter following at Valley forge, after which I was in the Battle of Monmoth where was again wounded. Believing it useless to Recapitulate all the Incidents of my services I pass on to the fall of 1779- when I was Transfered to the Navy on board of the United States Armada and ship the confederacy, commanded by Capt Seth Harding, in consequence of the death of the Master at Arms I was appointed Master at Arms Eleven days after my going on Board of said ship, on our first cruise. Lost a mast and put [illegible] to repair. then returned to Philadelphia at the [illegible] of Delaware
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we made our Winter quarter or chief Rendezvous in the spring of 1777 -was detached  under the command of Lt. Col. S. Smith to go on Mud Island, to prevent the Enemy forcing their way up to Philadelphia in which we were unsuccessful we went into Winter quarters the Winter Following at Valley forge, after which  I was in the Battle of Monmouth, where was again wounded. Believing it useless to Recapitulate all the Incidents of my services, I pass on to the fall of 1779. when I was Transfered to the Navy on Board of the United States armada ship the confederacy, commanded by Capt Seth Harding, in consequence of the death of the Master at Arms I was appointed Master at Armes Eleven days after my going on Board of said ship, on our first cruise.  Lost a mast and put into Martinique to Repair. then returned to Philadelphia, at the capes of Delaware we sent on shore for a pilot, in attempting to Land the Boat was capsized by a and the 1st [illegible] War and some of the men were drowned. on our second [illegible] captured several [illegible] among them. One Genneman with 368 Slaves and some Gold dust. took her into Cape Francis way and there Soldship & barges. Then took in continental Stores and sailed for Philadelphia, on our passage was captured by the Robuck of 44 Guns and the alfees of 38 guns of the Royal Navy. they carried us into New York, where I lay in prison on Board of the ship Jersey the winter of 1780 and 1781. in the spring of 1781 we were distributed on Board the transport vessell. was then put on Board of his Majesties Ship Robust of 14 Guns- Capt Cosby Commander in Nov. 1781 the British fleet Returned to new york, when all that would not enlist in his Majesties service were
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so to prison, of which number I was one. I stay in prison until the spring of 1783 when I was exchanged, and sent to Elizabethtown  prison then to Philadelphia, was then put under the command of the ship Hyder alley mounting the SS [illegible]in the spring. Being [illegible] 1700 people proclaimed. I  Reported myself to the Board of War [illegible] and Received my pay as master at armes at the Rate of $18 pr month in continental money. having served [struck out -thirty] months as private  [left blank] months as corporal and [blank]  months as an Order by Sarg in the Navy as Master at Arms,  and further Declared  that he has no documentary Evidence except such as herewith Exhibited and the certificates of Timothy Crowley and John Hurley, which are now on file in the [illegible] I can [illegible] to prove my services. and further that I as hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except [illegible] and further declare that my name is not on the pension of the agency of any state.

Cornelius Wells

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written

Wm [Illegible]
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Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written 

Wm Brent Clk 

1st Question by court. where and in what year were you born 

Answer, in the year 1757 in St Mary's County in Maryland 

2nd Question by Court have you any Record of your age if so where is it 

Answer No-- none to his knowledge 

3rd Question by court where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where is your home -
[illegible] answer - he was living in Charles County [illegible] when called into service & since the revolutionary war he has lived in Prince [illegible] county  and Fairfax County in Virginia & about [illegible] years ago [illegible] Columbia where he now resides.

4th  how were called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom- answer- He enlisted voluntarily and not as a substitute

5th State the names of of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served such continental and Militia Regiment as you can now recollect and the Genl circumstances of your service

Answer This is answered in his preceeding declaration.

6th did you Ever Receive a discharge if so by whom was signed and what has become of it- answer He further says that never received a [illegible]. He was appointed to master at arms as stated in his declaration aforesaid.
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I hereby certify that I have been intimately acquainted with Captain Cornelius Wells for ten years past, and my knowledge of him as well as from impressions received from others, I believe him to be about Eighty years of age and to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war and a man of blameless character and habits in testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name, this 13th day of December A.D. 1832 

Stephen D. Dubuisson
 Pastor of Trinity Church - 
Georgetown D.C. 

Sworn and subscribed to in the presence of and before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in the County of Washington District of Columbia this 13th day of Decr 1832. 

Lewis Carbery 

I hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Capt Cornelius Wells for many years past and from my knowledge of him believe him to be Eighty years of age as he states and to have served in the revolutionary war as he has declared. and also- believe him to be a man of integrity of character whose declaration is worthy of full credit 

Submitted and subscribed & sworn to this 11th day of December 1832 Sworn to by Mr. Brent before me. George Naylor  Wm Brent
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$120 per ann 

Master at Arms 

Navy
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District of Columbia, County of Washington

Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the  County of Washington, District of Columbia, Cornelius Wells, who first being Sworn, Saith that he served in the army of the United States first in the Land service, as private, corporal & Sergant, at least Two six months, and in the Naval service of the United states in the capacity of master at arms at least Two years and [illegible]   according to the best of his recollection 

Cornelius Wells

Sworn & subscribed to this 6th January 1833 before me

James Ord JP

I certify that  I have been acquainted many years with Cornelius Wells above named and belive him to be a man of good character the strictest integrity and veracity 

James Ord J Peace
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7th  Question by court, State the names of persons to whom known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for Veracity and good [illegible] and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.
Answer. The Revd Stephen L. Dubuipon & William [illegible] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interragatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he [illegible]. the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Stephen L. Dubuisson who has signed the [illegible] [ struck out-is a Clergyman], resident as stated and that [illegible] who has also signs a Concurring Certificate is a resident  of the County of Washington District of Columbia is a Respectable man and their statements are entitled to credit.

 By order - Wm Brent, Clk

District of Columbia

I William Brent Clerk of the Circuit court of the [illegible] of Columbia for the county of Washington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, [illegible] application of Cornelius Wells for a pension.

 In Testimony whereof I have here  to set my hand and affixed the seal of Court on the [illegible] of Washington this 15th day of [Illegible]
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 Extract from the Marriage Register of J L. Matthew's Church Washington City D.C. 

Married November 8th 1839. Cornelius Wells and Sarah Hiller - 

Witnesses Lewis Ratcliffe & Hanna Welsh --- John P. Donlan Pastor 

I certify that the above is a correct extract from the Register kept in this Church 

John P Dolan Pastor S.M.C. 
Washington City D.C. Sept 3 [illegible]
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application for Pension under 2d sect act 3d Feby 1853 
of 
Sarah A. Wells wid of Cornelius Wills decd
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Declaration 

In order to obtain the benefits of the Second Section of the Act of 3d February 1853. 

City County of Washington 
District of Columbia 

On this twentieth day of August, personally appeared before the Orphans Court for the County of Washington, District of Columbia  Sarah Wells a resident of the City of Washington and the District of Columbia aforesaid, aged thirty eight 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 provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the third February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Cornelius Wills who was a soldier of the Revolution, and who served both in the Army and navy, she is unable to specify either the extant or character of his service during said war, further than to say that she has frequently during the lifetime of her said husband  heard him declare that besides his service on land he served in the Capacity of Master at Arms on board the ship Confederacy, in which he was taken prisoner by the enemy. For proof of service, she would respectfully refer to the papers of her said husband on file in the Pension Office, he having been up to the time of his death in the receipt of a pension under the act of June 7th 1832, of ($10.00) Ten dollars a month, payable at the agency in the
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City  of Washington, aforesaid. 

She further declares that she was married to him on the eighth day of November, eighteen hundred and thirty nine (1839) by the Rever John P. Donellan, as will be seen by the ac- Companying Certificate of Marrage. 

That her said husband died on or about the 21st day of July, 1844, that she was not married to him prior to the Second day of January eighteen hundred (as is evident from the fact that she was not then born) but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is still his widow 

Sarah A. Wells 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me Wm F Purcell Judge of the Orphans Court for the County of Washington, D.C. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 20th day of August One thousand eight hundred & fifty three. 

Wm F Purcell 
Orphans Court Washington County DC

I certify that I knew Cornelius Wells late of this city and that he was reputed to have been Revolutionary soldier in the receipt of a pension and that the applicant Mrs Sarah A Wells is his widow this 20 August 1853 Wm F Purcell
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District of Columbia
County of Washington to wit
I Edward N Roach Register of Wills and Ex office clerk of the orphan court of Washington County in the District of Columbia do hereby certify that William F Purcell before whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed and sworn to is sole Judge of the orphan court of the county and district aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 20th day of August Anno Domini 1853
Ed N Roach Reg Wills
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I hereby certify that the following to is truly copied from the Regis kept at St. Matthew's Church, of marriages performed by Revd John P. Donelan while assistant Pastor  of St. Patrick's Church, Wash Co 

Jas. B. Donalen Pastr J. Matthew's 

Nov 8 1839. Married Cornelius Wells, and Sarah Hiller 
Witnesses Lewis Ratcliff and Hannah Welch 

I do further certify that I visited the above named Cornelius Wells during his last illness, and that I performed the formital service over his corpse about the 22nd day of July 1844 

Jas. B. Donelan 

See over
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District of Columbia 
County of Washington 

Be it known that on this Eighth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforsaid personally appeared Revd James B. Donell who is well as to me to be the Pastor of St Matthews Church in the City of Washington, and acknowledged that he had signed and executed the with in certificate 

M. Callan JP (seal)
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Bounty land claim the 3d March 1855 

[illegible]

Boynton Manor of Cornelius Wells, dcd 

U.S. Pension No 284.211 

Tucker & Sleza 
Atty 
Present
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State of Virginia 
Alexandria County 

On the 17 day of March 1858, before me the subscribed a Justice of Peace in and for the County and State and [illegible] personally appeared Sarah Young being being duly record according to law deposes and says, that she is the mother of Cornelia & Cordicia Wells who are the only minor children of Cornelius Wells who was a pensioned under the acts of 1818 & 1st May 1820 and the District of Columbia - That the said Cornelia was born on the 2nd day of January 1842 and the said Cordicia Wells was born on the 28th day of January 1846. 

Sarah Young

witnesses 
J.W. Padgett Son 
Mary A Jaham 

The foregoing affadavit was sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year also written and I certify that I know the affiant be a credible person, and what she [superscript: in that she]  represents herself to be and that I have no entered in this claim. 

Isaac Buckingham 
J.P.
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State of Virginia 
County of Alexandria 


I Benjamin H. Berry Clerk of County Court, in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Isaac Buckingham before when the foregoing affiant was made and he has thereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State also named duly commissioned and sworn  and that his signature thereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 17th day of March --- 1858 & in the 82 year of the Commonwealth 

 B. H. Berry Clerk
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284,211 

Bounty land claim 
Act March 1855 

Original Claim 

Cornelius Wells 
decd [illegible] of 



Tucker & [illegible]

Atty 
Present
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State Coun of Virginia 
County of Alexandria }   SS 

On this 3rd day of November A.D. 1857. personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Young a resident of Alexandria in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the next friend and mother of Cornelia Wells and Cordelia Wells, and [illegible] the only minor children of Cornelius Well decd who died on the [blank] day of 18 [blank] leaving a widow now surviving him (and who [illegible] is now the wife of John Young and the present Sarah Young who makes this declarations and who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the U.S. at the rate of $96. per annum, and this she was also a pensioned under act of 3d Feby 1850. which ceased on her marriage to her said present husband, and she refers to his pension money and there as which her former husband Cornelius Wells was pensioned for most of his served in the Revolutionary War. 

And I the said Sarah Young, the mother and next friend of the said minors heirs make this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the certificate or and for bounty land to which the
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said minor children of Cornelius Wells decd may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3d 1855 and she hereby relinquishes in [illegible]  of said minors all right or title to Bounty land which she may hereto have as a [illegible] of said Cornelius Wells, decd.

 And I hereby authorize and empower Luckes & [illegible] of Washington D.C. to prosecute said claim and ceive the warrant when issued, revoking and countermanding all former authority which may have been given for the above specified purpose 

Sarah Young 

On this 3d day of November 1857. personally appeared before me Buckingham a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Sarah Young who being duly sum declares that she is the mother of the aforesaid minor children and that the statement as set forth in the declaration by her is correct.

J Buckingham 
Justice of the Peace 

[illegible] W. Padgett and Mary Ann Graham residents of Alexandria in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare that the  foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Young in our presence and do hereby certify that the above named Cornelia and Cordelia Bell are the minor children of Cornelius Wells decd to the best of our knowledge and belief and that the facts stated by Sarah Young in the above declaration are substantially true 

John W Padget {seal}
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Mary Ann Graham 

The foregoing affidavit was acknowledged before me this 3rd day of November 1857 and testify that I know the affiants to be credible witness and that I have no interest in this claim 

I Buckingham 
 Justice of the Peace 

State of Virginia 
County of Alexandria} ss

I Benjamin H. Berry Clerk of County Court in and for the County and State afore mentioned do hereby certify that Isaac Buckingham whose genuine signature appears thereto was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit .

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 19" day of Novr. 1857 and in the 82nd year of the Commonwealth. 
B. H. Berry 
Clerk
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Bounty land claim 
Act 3 March 1855

 [illegible]

Cornelius Wells decd 
minors  of 

No 284.211 

Boynton
[illegible]

[illegible]
Jun 20

[illegible] 22/58


 Tucker & [illegible]

Atty's

Present
Page 29

[illegible]
County of Washington 

On this 16th day of Jan 1858 personally appeared before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and District also named Thomas C. Hall and Ann Sophia Graham who being duly sworn according to law [illegible] and say that they were well acquainted Cornelius Wells decd and Sarah Young formerly the widow of said deceased, and know that they lived together as man and wife, that the said Cornelius decd had a former wife the following named children-viz- Harriet J. Kane aged about 17 years. Susannah M. Sear was aged about 12 years and [illegible] 6. Wells [illegible] aged 50 (?)  years [illegible, possibly when married?] that the said Cornelius Wells had by his second wife the said Sarah Young but two children who now survive, viz Cornelia Wells and Cordelia Wells. That Cornelia Wells was born on 2nd January 1842 and that Cordelia Wells was born on the 27th of Jany 1846. Affiants lived in the house at the time of the births of the above named minors. They were born in the 7th ward of the City of Washington, near the [illegible]
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Bridge.- deponents are intimate with the family of the said Cornelius Wells decd and knew that the said Cornelia and Cordelia Wells are the only survivng minor children of the said Cornelius Wells decd..

 They further swear that no public record of the births of said children was made. There was a private or family record, but such records cannot now be permanent --and that they are disinterested n this [illegjble]

 witnesses 
 Thos C. Seza.          Thos Mills
Robt H. Graham       Ann S. Graham


Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16th January 1858 and I certify that the affiants are well know to me as credible witnesses

Frank Darley
Justic of the Peace
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Cornelius Wells Enlisted Some time in the Year 1776 in the States service of a Sargent in the Company of Capt Maynyard Colm Smallwood Regiment and Continued in that situation until some time in Oct 1777. when he was Transfered to Col Saml Smith Regiment in the Character of Gunner headed at Mud Island Fort on the waters of the Delaware. he Continued in the Land Service of the United States until the year 1779 when he was Transfered on Board the United States Ship Confederacy Commanded by Seth Handing. on Board said Ship he recd  the appointment of  Master at Arms and Discharged Said Duty to until he was Captured. he by [illegible]  for upwards of Twenty years has been a Farmer until about the Last Seven years he has resided in the City Washington D. C. Following Different Pursuits until a Five Months since his has found himself reduced to Poverty and by the unrelenting act of an unfealing Creditor thrown into prison; and Forced to avil himself of the Humanity offered by
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Law the act Insolvency which he has taken as will Fully appear by reference to the Clerk office Washington County: he has at this time also Dependant himself for a [illegible] time  Two Daughters and Four Grand Children from Three to Nine Year of ages 

Cornelus Wells 
Dec 11th 1826.
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March 31 1931
Mrs Orlando G Hall 3616 7th Street NW
Washington, DC

Rev & 1812 Wars Section MOS:MLB

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W 2505, that Cornelius Wells was born in 1751 in Saint Marys County, Maryland.
He enlisted in Port Tobacco, Charles County, Maryland, on or about March 22, 1776, and served in Captain Maynard's company in Colonel Smallwood's Maryland regiment.  He was transferred sometime in October, 1777, and served under Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith as gunner at Mud Island Fort.  He served as private, corporal and sergeant and was in the battle of Trenton and was wounded in the battles of Princeton and Monmouth.  In the fall of 1779, at Ready Island, he was transferred and served on board the United States frigate, "Confederacy" Captain Seth Harding [in right margin See Com under in Rev p 593 for Seth Harding] Eleven days later he was appointed master at arms, and served as such until the vessel was captured by the Robuck and another vessel of the Royal Navy.  He was carried to New York and confined on the prison ship, "Jersey" and afterward in prison in New York until the spring of 1782 when he was exchanged.
After the Revolution he lived in Prince William County and Fairfax County, Virginia and in Washington SC. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 11, 1826, at which time he was living in Washington, SC. 
He died on or about July 21 1844.
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The soldier married November 8, 1839 in Washington SC, Sarah A Hiller.
On account of the Revolutionary War services of Cornelius Wells, his widow Sarah was allowed pension on her application executed August 20, 1865 at which time she was thirty-eight years of age and a resident of Washington, DC.
Cornelius Wells had the following children by a former marriage, the date of this marriage and the name of his wife not given:
Harriet R Kane, aged about sixty-seven years in 1858
Susannah M Sears " " sixty-two " " "
Thomas C Wells " " fifty " " "
Cornelia Wells born January 2, 1842, and Cordelia Wells born January 27 1846 were children of Cornelius and Sarah Wells. 
In 1857 said Sarah was the wife of John Young and was living in Alexandria County, Virginia. 
Very truly yours 
EW MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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I hereby Certify that in the year 1730 that I was One the Crew who sailed from the part of Alexandria in the Brig Maryland commanded by Stephen Hopkins and was taken and carried to New York then in the possession of the British, and then was put on Board the prison ship well known by the name of Old Jersey, for safe keeping, and About the same time, the United States Ship Confederacy Commanded by Capt Seth Hardin.  Lieuntenant [illegible], 2nd Lieuntenant Phips, 3d Lieutenant Gregory, all the crew of the confederacy were confined, on board of the Prison Ship Jersey, and while on board I became Acquainted with the most part of the Confederacy Crews, and among the prisoners become particularly, acquainted with a Certain Cornelius Wells, who was said to have acted in the Capacity as Master at Arms, I also became acquainted on board of same Prison Ship with a certain man by name of Molton who having only one [illegible]and who acted as Boatswain on board the ship confederacy, and the Boatswain told me that Wills and himself [illegible] together and had been Shipmates on Board the Ship confency for a than twelve months, some time in the Spring of the year 1781. the British took possession out of the Prison ship of hundred prisoners & put them on board of the British [illegible] of war, and Wells was one of those men and [illegible]more saw him on Board of Prison Ship, Some Time after Wells was Put on board of British Fleet. Shortly after The Ship Washington commanded by Capt Geo. Walker was taken and the whole crew confined on Board the Prison ship Jersey, Then I became acquainted with Cap Walker, and among his Enquiries what had become of the Confederacy Crew
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20,165


Cornelius Wells 
Washington D.C 

Claimant, 
Pensioner

 Recd 15 Dec.1826

Recorded December 13th 1826.- 

Wm Brent Clk 

Allowed
JB
Page 37

 Original Claim

Declaration, in order to be placed on the Pension List, under the Act of the 15th March, 1818. 

County of Washington D C On this 11th day of Dec 1826, personally appeared in open court, (a) being a court of record (b) for the district, circuit County, or corporation, as the case may be) Cornelius Wells resident in said county, aged Seventy Five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration , in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st of May, 1820; that he the said Cornelius Wells enlisted (e) for the term of three years on the [blank] day in the year 1776 in the State of Maryland  in the company (d) commanded by captain Maynyard  in the regiment commanded by Colonel Smallwood in the line of the State of [blank] in the regiment on the [blank]  continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps (or vessel) until the Year 1779 when he was transferred on board the U States Ship Confederacy Capt Seth Harding, Commandant in [blank] in the State of [blank] that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name is not on the roll of any State, except [blank]; and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension: (e) being Capabel of supporting myself until the Present- 
And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. (f) That, since the 18th of March, 1818, the following changes have been made in my property. (g) is nothing 

 Sworn to and declared on the 13th day of Dec 1826 [struck out before]. I William Brent Clerk of the Circuit Court of the Dist [illegible] do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Cornelius Wills did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule  is nothing dollars and [blank] cents. In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 13th day of Dec 1826 

 Seal of 
 the 
Court. 

Wm Brent,  Clk 
Clerk of the Court of the Circuit Court of the District of Col for the City of Wash
Page 38

( a ) or in case of disability, by reason of bodily infirmity, in lieu of "in open court," insert the words " before the Subscriber, a judge, (or justice, as the case may be) of the court of," &c. 

( b ) All are courts of record, within the contemplation of the act of Congress- 1st. Which are expressly made courts of record by the laws of the State which creates them 
2d. Which have been solemnly adjudged, by the tribunals of the several States, to be courts of record; 
3d. Which proceed according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings; 
4th. Which have the power of fine and imprisonment. 
And courts which proceed according to the course of the civil and canon law, having neither of these attributes, are not courts of record, although they may keep a registry of their proceedings, and possess a seal. The court should, in every instance, state, on the face of the proceedings, that it is a court of record, and state why it is such 

( c ) If the claimant was an officer, he must here state what rank he held, and insert the word "entered," in lieu of " enlisted." 

(d) If the claimant served in the Navy, he must here insert the name of the ship or vessel in which he sailed, and give the name of the captain or commander. 

( e ) Here give sufficient reason for not making earlier application for a pension. 

(f) Here enumerate each article of real or personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, and subscribe the same. The declarant must also mention his occupation, his ability to pursue it, the number and names of his family residing with him, their ages, and their capacity to contribute to their support, in order that the Department may be enabled to decide whether the applicant is in such indigent circumstances as to be entitled to the pension. It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that the words of the 3d section of the act of the 1st May, 1820, ""in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country," comprehend those only who are incapable of supporting themselves without the aid of the Government, except by private or public charity. 

(g) If any changes have been made, here insert an account of the property in the applicant's possession on the 18th March, 1818, and not now owned by him, of which that disposed of by sale will be in the following columns: 

|Description of property. |Names of the persons to whom disposed of | Time of sale. | Amount of Money or Description of Property received in return. 

If the property has been sold under execution, the certificate of the sheriff, or officer making the sale, must be produced, and the manner in which the debt originated, on account of which judgment was obtained, and execution issued, should be shown by the testimony of the plaintiff, who is required to swear as to the time at which the debt was contracted, and to state for what articles, the amount of them, and whether he believes that they were applied to the exclusive use and benefit of the defendant, or person claiming admission to the pension roll. In every case where judgment has been obtained, and no execution has been issued, the cause for staying execution should be assigned. In every case where there has been a transfer of real estate, authenticated copies of the deed of conveyance should be exhibited; and where debts have been discharged with the proceeds of the sale of any property, the evidence of the creditors, proving the fact is required. The creditors should state, under oath, the time at which the debts were contracted, for what articles of property, the time when they were paid, and in what way. The application of all money should be clearly shown, in like manner, by disinterested witnesses. The origin of every note, bond, or other obligation, for the payment of money, the fulfilment of a contract, or the discharge of a debt, either to or from the applicant must be clearly shown, as well as the time and manner of discharging the same. The oaths of disinterested persons are required to show for what the obligations were given, for what amount, and at what time; and similar proof is required as to the discharge or cancelling of the same . Similar evidence is required in every case where property has been sold under a mortgage. The testimony of the mortgagee, as well as that of the mortgage, is required. Each should swear as to the manner in which the mortgage originated, showing the time of contracting the debt, for what consideration, and the amount thereof, and the mortgage must show how the money or property for which he became indebted, was applied. in cases where persons have held landed property, and have never had deeds for the same, the affidavits of public officers, competent to give testimony in such cases, are required. The official character and signature of the magistrate before whom the affidavits may be taken, should be certified, under seal of office, by the County Clerk, the Mayor of the city, the Secretary of State, or by such other officer as is required by the laws and usages of the State or Territory where the evidence is taken. The officer should certify that the magistrate is a Judge, Justice of the Peace, Alderman, or other officer, as the case may be duly qualified to administer oaths, and that the signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. 
(h) Persons unable to appear in court, by reason of bodily infirmity, and who are permitted, by the act of March 1, 1823, to take the oath before a Judge or Justice of a court of record, will, in addition to the oath in ordinary cases, swear that they are not able to attend personally in court, by reason of disease, or bodily disbility , as the case may be. Before the words " I [blank] clerk," &c. insert the following: "I [blank] a Judge, (or Justice of the court) of [blank] holden in the county of [blank]where the declarant resides, do hereby certify, that the above named [blank] is, from a disease called the [blank] with which, I am credibly informed, and believe, he has been afflicted, for the space of [blank]unable to attend the court of which I am a Judge or Justice,) and I do not think, from present appearances, that he will be able to attend the court above named, at its next session. I [blank] have, therefore, in pursuance of the act of Congress of the 1st March, 1823, attended at his place of abode, and administered the foregoing oath. A.B. Judge," &c. Then let the clerk, in lieu of the usual certificate write these words: "I [blank] clerk of the court of [blank] certify that before whom the above affidavit of [blank] who is now sick and confined to his house, was made, is Judge as aforesaid. I also certify, that the said schedule and oath have been admitted to the record of said court, and that the same are truly copied therefrom, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is [blank]dollars and [blank] cents. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this [blank] day of [blank] 182_

Clerk of the Court for the [blank] [illegible]
Page 39

[left page] 
184

[right page]
19.730
Columbia
----
Cornelius Wells,

of Washington Co. in the Dist: of Columbia, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Maynard of the regiment commanded by Colonel Smallwood in the Maryland line, for the term of 3 years 
from ------- 1776, to ------- 1779.

------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist: of Columbia, at the rate of 8 dollars per month, to commence on the 13th day of December 1826.
------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th of Feb: 1827. and delivered to Pensioner.
------------
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1827.  $21..93
--------
$ 21..93
--------

{Revolutionary Claim,
{Acts March, 18, 1881,
{and May 1, 1820.
Page 40

79521

160 acd
Page 41

Commissioner of Pensions. - 
Wash. D C

Please furnish me with a Copy of the service of Cornelius Wells in the War of the Revolution - 
XX W. 2503 -
B -L  Wt. 79521-160-55
Respectfully -
Mrs Orlando G. Hall
3813-7 St N W.
Wash., DC

Mar. 5, 1931
Page 42

Papers in the applicatio
under the act June 7. 1832
Page 43

Papers in the applicatin
under the act 
March 18. 1818
Page 44

Mr Edwards
Chief Clerk
Pension Office

Cornelius Wells.
-------
Recd 6 Jan. 1827
Page 45

Mr. Edwards
Wells' papers are before you at this time to be placed on the pensions list for his services on Board the United States Ship Confederacy and in order to see whether his claim is just or not there is a member now in Congress from the State of Delaware that will recollect this circumstances, that in the year of 1779 or 1780 I do not recollect which, but this Ship was from the Islaends of Martinico one of the West India Isleands and Just off a cruise: and Arrived at the Capes of Delaware and wanted a pilot to take her up the Delaware Bay, brought to Anchor off [illegible] 
[?Swirstown?] and sent their Boat Ashore to obtain a pilot with a Leiutennant in her by name of [illegible], and the Boat was upset and all hands Drownd, except two saved, this circumstance, recollected by Mr. Bodney, who is now in Congress
4 Janurary 1827  W. C.
Page 46

[illegible without serious image manipulation]
Page 47

J. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions

W 
Mayo 
Act 1853

Sarah Wells
Washington City DC
Page 48

510  March [illegible] 1853

Appl. of Sarah Wells Widow of Cornelius Wells-
D.C.
------
Act 3d Feby 1853
------
Revy:
------

Aomp. $96.  per annum
Commencing 3d Feb. 1853
Claimant Present.

[written on right edge of paper]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 49

[nothing to see]
Page 50

Wells
Special
Page 51

Brief in the case of Sarah Wells, widow of Cornilius Wells.  Washington County and District of Columbia
act 3d February 1853

Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls ?  If either, state the substance.

Husband was a pensioner under the Act of March 18: 1818. at $96 per annum and subsequently under the act of June 7, 1832 at $120 per annum, including service at Master at Arms in the Navy.  As the Second section of the act of February 3. 1853, does not include service in the Navy as entitling pension to widows therein provided for, the claimant in this case has been allowed only $96. the amount her husband was entitled to, exclusive of his service in the Navy.

Marriage of claimant proved by the Certificate of the officiating Clergyman

Claimant Present
Name and residence of Agent

[signature] R Geddes   Examining Clerk.
Page 52

Washington City
August 22d. 1855

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commr of Pensions,

Sir,
I have the honor to submit in support of my former application for the pension under the Second Section of the Act of Feby 3d. 1853, as the widow of Cornelius Wells deceased, late a Pensioner under the Act of June 7th. 1832, the accompanying Declaration and proof of my marriage and his death, together with evidence of my identity as the widow of said deceased.

Presuming the requirements of the law and the regulations of your office to be now fully satisfied, may I entreat the favor of an early settlement of my claim-

I am with great respect 
Your obt sert
[signature]  Sarah t Wells
Page 53

510.   Mar 9/53

Sarah Wells,
Widow of Cornelius, 
D.C

Act Feb. 3d. 1853

Claimant,
Present
Page 54

availing myself of the second section of the act of congress, passed on the third day of the last month, which removes the bar to my claim for a pension under the act of 1st. July 1848. as the widow of Cornelius Wells, who was a pensioner under the act of June 1832

I now apply, under the act of 1st July 1848, "To be placed upon the pension list, at the same rate that" my deceased husband recieved during his lifetime."

and that she still remains the widow of Cornelius Wells. 
[signature] Sarah Wells

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of March 1858
[signature]  F. S. Myers  J.P.   
[squiggly seal containing] Seal 

[lightly written] 
The above Mr. Wells  }
is a resident of }
Washington D.C. }
Page 55

April 4. 1853
Rel: to case of "Mrs. Wells"

Act 3d Feby 1853
Revy:

Richard Randolph 
Present.

[turn paper 180 degrees]
For/
The Comr of Pensions

[large scripted initials illegible]
Page 56

Washington 2d. April 1855.

Sir,
Mrs Wells has sent me you printed instructions by which she is required to make her claim for her husbands pention, agreeable to the form therein specified.  Mrs Wells presented her claim before she recieved your printed instructions, and, having set forth her claim, in [underline word] substance, though not in the [underlined 2 words] form required, she hopes that she may not be required to present a second edition, for [underline 2 word] forms sake.

Her husband having been a pensioner under the act of June 1832, and she having recieved the money due at the time of his death, makes it unnecessary for her to send again, evidence which is now on file in your office.  There is only one part of your form which she has not in substance stated, and that is "That she was not married to him prior to the first of January eighteen hundred."  The copy of the certificate of her marriage [underline 2 words] proves that  

As the personal friend of Mrs Wells I have presented (gratis) her claim, and ask that she be placed on the rolls, as the widow of Cornelius Wells, and recieve the pension which was allowed to him, from the date of his death.  The second section of the act of 2d. Feby 1853.
Page 57

places her on a par with the most favored widows.
She states in her application, that she is now, the widow of Cornelius Wells.
[illegible words] most respectfully
Richard Randolph

L. P. Waldo.
Page 58

Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington


Apr 5'44
Cors Wells 
shar cew [illegible]
& See

[illegible] 
 
Hon G. Rathburn
HR.
Page 59

House Rep. April 1st. 1844.
Sir,
Will you send me the Declartion, and all other papers in the case of Cornelius Wells (asking for a pension) as they are necessary for the guidance of the committee, where the claim is now awaiting action.  If it is contrary to the rules of your office to allow papers to be withdrawn, please furnish copies for the use of the committee.
Respectfully,
Your Obt. Sert.
[signature]  Geo Rathbun
[illegible] Committee.

Jas. L. Edwards Esq.
Comr. of Pensions
Page 60

The Honble The Secretary at War,
War Department
City of Washinton -

[written upside down at bottom of page]
[black blob ?seal of some sort?]
June 26. 1832
Pension Office }
Page 61

Washington City: June 20th 1832
Honble Secretary of War, 
Sir;
The undersigned, Cornelius Wills claims pay for service as Master at Arms onboard a United States ship of war, in the Revolution, under the late act of Congress, providing for Revolutionary Officers & Soldiers ---
Enclosed is the proof of his having served in the above mentioned capacity; if any thing further be wanting, information may be obtained at the Pension Office --
I have the honour to remain,
Respectfully, &c
Cornelius Wells --
Page 62

1838  16

Cecil County State Maryland  November 6.
I hereby certify that I John McClane, aged about Seventy Four years. was in the United States Services on Board the U. States Frigate Confederacy Command by Capt Seth Handingduring the War of the Revolution  Hardy Sailing Master  [illegible] of 1st. Lieuft    Wann, Second Lieuft who was Drowned at the Capes of Delaware in attempting to go on Shore to Lewis Town. about the Year of 1826.  I met by accident with Cornelius Wells in the Court Room of Washington City District of Columbia who I do believe to have been Master at Arms on Board of the Confederacy his having related the above Circumstances with many others which Streanthen my Firm Belief he was as stated Master at Arms on Board the above Named Ship
Given under my hand and Seal the date above writen
[signature]  John McClain
[drawn circle containing] Seal

Cicel County State Maryland . Nov. 6th. 1832 This day Personally appeared before me the Subscriber as Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid John McClain and in due Form of Law affirmed the Matter and things Set Forth in the above Cirtificate and by him Subscribed Contains the Truth to the best of his Knowledge and Belief so help him God
Affirmed to before me this 6th Nov. 1832
Witness my hand and Seal.
[signature] Geo Benjamin JP
Page 63

I hereby Certify John McClane who has this day Subscribed and Affirmed to the within Cirtificate, before me is at this time is a resident of Cicil County State Maryland.  I believe him to be the age as by him stated.  I have known John McClane for about Thirty Years. and belive him a Man in all respects entitled to Credit.
Witness my had and seal this 6th November 1832
[signature]  Geo. Benjamin
[drawn circular seal containing] Seal

State of Maryland Cecil County SA.
I hereby certify that George Benjamin Esq. Gentleman before whom the aforegoing deposition was made, and who has thereto Subscribed his name, was at the time of So doing one of the State of Maryland's Justices of the Peace. in and for Cecil County. duly Commissioned and Sworn, and to all whose acts as Such, due faith & credit, is and ought to be given as well in courts of Justice as thereout.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto Subscribed My Name and affixed the Seal of My office this sixth day of November 1832
[signature] James Sewall Clk
Cecil County Court
[circular paper covered seal attached]
Page 64

I do hereby certify that James Sewell is the clerk of [illegible] County in the State of Maryland - giving from under my hand in the Seventh Day of Nov 1832 [illegible] Elect in the Sixth Congressional District of Mayland
[signature] Charles S. Sewell

[bottom of page upside down]
120
Page 65

It is hereby Certified, by the subscriber, that there was a vessel called the Confederacy commanded by Seth Hardin Capt., and that she was an [illegible] vessel in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary war with the Country called Great Britain.
[signature] Jno Woodside

Mr. Cornelius Wells or to whomever it may [illegible]

Mr. Wells mentions a circumstance rlative to a conversation had with him twelve years past relative to the above stated fact of which I [illegible] not any recollection as to the said conversation with Mr Wells, but on [illegible words] will such a [illegible] the honir of being a revolutionary Soldier and Sailor and [illegible] a consistent character to this day I believe that what he states is true.
[signature] J Woodside
Page 66

I have known mr Cornelus Wells for more than twelve years, Have always understood that he sustains a fair & irreproachable character - He served, I have reason to believe in the revolutionary war, as a master at arms-

The pay of a Master arms has been Eighteen Dollars [illegible] months, since the year 1797
[illegible] W.  July 14 . 1832
[illegible]]??Jer??] Rodgers
Page 67

District of Columbia }
Washington County  SS }

On this thirteeth day of July eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me the Subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the County of Washington D. C. Salem Hurley of Prince George in the State of Maryland, and deposeth and Sayeth, that in addition to my former Deposition, that I was well acquainted with a Mr. Morton, who was a Boatswain of the U.S. Ship Confederacy, Commanded by Seth Harding, from Mr. Morton a one handed Man, I understood Wells and himself had messed together, aboard the Same Ship, about twelve months and that they both Received the Same pay which I understood to be eighteen dollars [illegible] Month,
Sworn to before 
[signature]  Henry Weetz   J.P.

Washington City July 13th 1832.  That Salem Hurley who has been Sworn to the above depositions and believe him to be a man of respect, and entittled to Credit,
[signature]  Henry Weetz
Page 68

I Salem Hurly Certify that in the fall of the year 1780 I Sailed from the port of Alexandrea, State of Virginia, in the Brog Mayland, Commanded by Capt Stephen Hopkins, on our passage out were Captured and carried in to Newyork, all the Officers and Crew. confined on board of an Old [illegible] four called the Old Jersey in the same year the United States Ship Confederacy Commanded by Seth Hardin and the Officers and Crew put on Board the same prison Ship.  There I became Acquainted with Cornelius Wells who was the Master at Arms of the said United States Ship Confederacy.  While we were all in the prison Ship the British took six or seven Hundred Men out of the said Ship carried them to Sandy Hook and there distributed on Board the British Man of War, and Cornelius was one of the men and I find that I am the only man living who was present being called upon, give the Above statement as witness my hand  and Seal this 3d day January 1832
[signature]  Salem Hurley  
[squiggly circular circle containing] Seal

Witness
Joshua Nelson  J. P.
for the County of Washington, D. C.
Page 69

Prince George County State Maryland.
This day Personally appeared before me the Subscriber. [illegible] Hurley, and in due From of Law. Sworn that the within Certificates singen [signed]. and Contained the Truth. Sown to before me this twelfth Jany. 1832.
[signature] Overton C. Warner  J. P.

[illegible] Salem Hurley is a Man of Great [illegible], in all respects he is entitled to Credit.
[signature]  Overton C. Warner

[left margin]
March  131  Rev Pens
Page 70

Payable semi-annually.  The first payment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March in the year 1827, at Washington City, by [illegible]. S. Br. Bank.

Recorded by WmGoodard
Clerk in Book [scratched out] Vol. 8, page 184.
Page 71

War Department,
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March 1818, 1st of May 1820, and 1st of March 1823, 
Cornelius Wells, late a private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the District of Columbia Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the thirteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and twenty six. 

Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven.
James Barbour
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned:
J. L. Edwards

[paper covered seal on left by signatures]
Page 72

Auditor Generals Office
Annapolis 17th Jany. 1827

Sir,
Herewith you will Receive Certificates in the case of Thomas Keatts and John Lasher and here I must State that the name of John McGlammery does not appear on the Rolls   I have also examined the Rolls for the name of Corneluis Wells and it does not appear, nor does the name of Capt. Maynard appear. either on the Rolls or Army Ledgers Remaining in the Office -
I am very Respectfully
Your obt. Servant
Thos. Karney 

J.L. Edwards Esqr.

N.B.  The name of John Lusher does not appear.  I presume the name spelt Lasher on the Muster Rolls was intended for the applicant
Page 73

[illegible words] Columbia }
[illegible words] } SS

. . Appears before me. a Justice of the Peace John McClain and makes oath in due form of law. that Corneliius Wells Served on board the United States ship Confederacy in the Continetal Service in the years. 1780 & 1781. in capacity of Master at Arms to the best of his Belief.  Seth Harders Marten
Grace first Lieutenant. - [illegible] [illegible] & Gregory third Luts.  & Tanner Sailing Master. Doctr Dawsey Surgion  They are all the Gentlemen Recollected  The above named Ship was Captured and carried into New York. by the British.  Given under my hand & seal this 13th Decr 1826.
[signature] [illegible] 
[squiggly seal containing] Seal

I hereby certify also that this Deponent is
[illegible] Man and worthy of Confidence
[signature] [illegible]
Page 74

[round stamp containing]  NAPS MD  JAN 1
[end stamp]

Pension Office 
War Department 
Washington

[illegible  light writing across message]

20,165
Cornelius Wells,
Washington Co. D.C.
-----------
Claimant,
Present
------------
Recd. from Auditor
General of Maryland
3 Jan: 1827
Page 75

Auditor Generals Office
Annapolis  1st Jany 1828

Sir
I have carefully examined the Rolls Remaining in the Office for the name of Cornelius Wells and it does not appear:  the applicant sets forth in his Declaration that he was transferred to the United States Chip Confederacy Capt. Seth Harding Commandant,  There being no evidence in the office of a transfer in consequence of none of the ships papers being filed,  I cannot say whether the applicant is entitled or not, 
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
[signature]  Thos. Karney

J. L Edwards Esqr. }
Page 76

I hereby Certify that some time in the year 1787  That I lived in a small town in the State of Virginia well known by the name of Colchester, a neighbour to Cornelius Wells
About the same time, there come a Gentleman to the same Town, Inquiring for a certain Cornelius Wells, whom he said was in the United States Service with him, and that they were both taken in the United States Ship Confederacy, such that he himself was 3d Leietenant of said ship by name of Gregory, at the time of those Enquiries Gregory commanded the Ship [illegible] [??Consequence??], there Laying at the Mouth of quanties [??quantico??], and at that time wanted two hands, A Mate and Carpent [carpenter] and knowing [illegible] - Wells. supposd no man [illegible] said him as Well, and when they met it was with that Joy. that Soldeirs Meet, in [illegible] insisted on Wells going the Voyage, but Wells declins & I then agreed to go as Carpenter of the Ship Commence, with Capt Gregory.  On our passage Capt Gregory Spoke often of Wells wishing he had him along
[signature]  Timothy Crowley
Page 77

Certificate of Salem Hurley
Page 78

I informed him that the greater part. of the Crew was put on Board. of the British Man of War, and among his Particular Inquiries, did you know a man by the name of Wells, I informed him he was gone on Board the British fleet, then Capt Walker told me he was a regular soldier, and was turned over from the Land Service, on Board the ship confederacy for some Misconducts, as to the particulars of that conduct, I do not know,  Wells Went on Board the confederacy, at Ready Islelands.
[signature] Salem Hurley

District of Columbia
County of Washington.
The above certificate Sworn and subscribed on the 29th day of July 1826 before 
[signature] James Ord  Justic of the peace.

I consider Salem Hurley to an honest and upright man, and one of caractor he having dealt with me for about fifteen years past. 
[signature]   Gusts Higdon
Page 79

1931. Mar. 31. hist
Mrs. Orlando G. H

WIDOW, &c
Navy
File No. 2503
Sarah Wells,
Widow of [illegible] [??Coens??] line

Private
Md Line

Act __
Index: Vol ___, Page ___
[Arrangement of 1870]