Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5948, John Butler, Va.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Va

Butler, John
Molly

NUMBER
W. 5948

CONTENTS
Page 2

335 [? illeg.]
Virginia
Molly Butler
widow of John Butler
Va
who served in the Revolutionary 
war as a Sergt. Major of Artillery
for two years.
_______________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
135 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
_______________
Certificate of Pension issued the 
12th day of Febry. 1850
and sent to
Hon. R. Holladay
House of Reps.
_______________
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under
Act February 2, 1848, Page 134 Vol. 3

[on right side of page:]
Reported

Certificate 
returned corrected
March 25, 1850
Left T. D. Wheelwright
27 Sept 1851
Page 3


Council Chamber
April 28th 1783

I do Certify that Mr John Butler is entitled
to the proportion of land allowed a Sergeant Major
of Artillery in the State Line, inlisted [enlisted] for the War
who has Served three years, and is discharged
by Order of Government

Benjamin Harrison
			Thos Meriwether

A Warrant for 400 acres, issued to Jno Butler April
28th/83 – No. 464.

A Copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office

Teste,
         S. H. Parker Reg. S. Office
Page 4

This is to Certify that I am now Sixty two Years
of age. That I married the Daughter of Mrs
Molly Butler, widow of John Butler,
by her former husband Samuel Muse
and that I knew all the children she
had by her last husband Butler; And I 
am positive that Charles who was the
oldest living child they had, if now alive,
would be fifty four years of age, and
that Nancy, who was the Youngest would
be, if alive, forty three years old. Given
under my hand this 24th day of 
November, 1849. 
                   William Bley [signature crossed out]
		  William Berkley [signature]
State of Virginia
  County of Westmoreland towit
      Be it Known that on this 24th day
of November 1849, before me, the
subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, duly authorized by law, to
administer oaths, personally appeared
William Berkely, above named, and
made oath in due form of law, to the 
truth of the foregoing certificate. And
I, Certify, that the said Berkeley is well
known to me, and that he is a respectable
and credible person. Given under my 
hand on the day and Year last above
mentioned.
	
F. D. Wheelwright J. P.

And I further Certify that the said Berkley
Page 5

In signing his name left out the letters, E. R. K.
& consequently made the erasure & signed below.
		F. D. Wheelwright J.P.


Washington} 
City}
The undersigned has known intimately
Doctor F: D: Wheelwright of Westmoreland
County Virginia during many years — And he knows
that Doct: Wheelwright has been long a Justice of the Peace
in the County of Westmoreland, & that he was so at the 
time he signed the foregoing two certificates. And his
signature to both is genuine. Sworn by me this 8th day of
February 1850. 
			
John Taliaferro 
of Virginia
Page 6

The within named
affiant is now dead
R. Saunders
Page 7

This is to Certify that I was born and raised in 
the County of King George in this State, and was intimately
acquainted with John Butler, deceased,
late of the County of Westmoreland, the last husband
of Mrs. Molly Butler of that County; I further
Certify that the said John was a Sergeant
Majr. in Captain Roans [Roane’s] Company of Artillery
in the Revolution. He enlisted from the County of
King George about the Year, 1776, or 1777, for
the war and Served to the close to my knowledge
Mrs. Butler was first Molly Arnold, and she married
Sam Muse of King George, who was also a Revolutionary
Soldier and served two years in the Regular Army, after
his death, she married John Butler and they were 
married I know in the winter of 1793, but I cannot
recollect the day, or month. Given under
my hand this 28th day of February 1848
                his			
Benjamin  X  Truslow
               mark

State of Virginia
Stafford County towit.

	This day personally appeared 
before me a Justice of peace for the County
aforesaid, Benjamin Tuslow, a Revolutionary 
pensioner and made oath that the facts set 
forth in the foregoing certificate are true
to the best of his Knowledge and belief. Given
under my hand this 28th day of February 1848.
A. H. Mason J. P.

State of Virginia Stafford County
I John M. Conway, Clerk of the Court of Stafford County, certify, that
Alexander H. Mason is a magistrate as above, that the foregoing signature purporting to be
	his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office / subscribed my name
this 29th day of February 1848.  J.M. Conway Clerk 
of the Court of Stafford County
Page 8

[written along the left side:]
William [illegible]

10,508
Molly Butler
Virginia
widow of John
h. d. 28 Augt 1820
Act 7 July 1838
Admitted
Serg: Maj: artillery
2 years
Page 9

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled “an act
granting pensions to certain widows: And
also for the purpose of obtaining the benefits
of the acts of Congress passed March 3d 1843,
17th June, 1844, and 2nd February, 1848.

State of Virginia
County of Westmoreland towit.

On this 24th day of November 1849, personally
appeared before the subscriber, a Justice 
of the peace in and for said County, duly
authorized by law to administer oaths
Molly Butler a resident of said County
of Westmoreland, aged eighty years
who being duly sworn according to 
law, doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the provisions made by acts of 
Congress, passed July 7, 1838, 3rd
March, 1843, 17th June, 1844, and 2nd
February, 1848.
	That she is the widow of John Butler
who was a Sergeant Major in Capt. Christopher
Roanes [Roane’s] Company of artillery in the Army
of the Revolution. That she has no 
documentary evidence of her husbands services
nor does she know of any person now living
who can testify to his rank and service. Nor
does she know anything of his own knowledge
when he entered or left the service, all she
Page 10

she knows in relation to the matter, she learned from her 
husband and others during his life, and distinctly
recollects to have heard him repeatedly say, that
he was in Captain Roans [Roane’s] Company as before 
stated, and that he was in service the greater
part of the War, and that he continued in service
to the close of the same. That she well remembers
to have heard him say that he was entitled to receive,
or had received, she does not recollect which, a 
Land Warrant for his services.
She further states that she has no record 
evidence of her marriage, nor does she know of any
person now living who was at her marriage.
That her marriage, together with the ages 
of their children was recorded, but that the 
page of the Book in which said record was
made was torn out, and destroyed, or mislaid
so that it cannot now be found. She declares
however, that she was lawfully married
to the aforesaid John Butler on old Christmas
day, it being the 6th day of January
Seventeen hundred ninety three. That
they were married in the County of King George
by Parson Son, and that her husband died
the 28th day of August 1820.
And in order to satisfy the department that
she was married at the above named time,
she would here state, that about eight
months after their marriage, she gave a
premature birth to two children (Twins)
and just sixteen months thereafter she gave
birth to a son whom they named Charles
Page 11

and who may now be alive, but she has not seen or 
heard from him for a considerable length of time.
And she well recollects that it was on the 16th day of
February in the Year 1795, that her son Charles was
born, and if now alive, is Fifty four years of age.
That after the birth of Charles, she continued having
children at regular intervals of two Years, untill [sic]
she had five others, namely, Alexander, George,
James, and one who died before receiving a name,
and Nancy, who if now alive would be forty
three years of age.  
                                         
                                            Molly Butler [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed
on the day and Year 
above mentioned

Before me
J. D. Wheelwright J. P.

And I Certify, that the declarant is personally &
well known to me, and that she appears
to be unable from bodily infirmity, and 
excessive old age to attend Court for the
purpose of making a declaration. I
further Certify that she is a respectable,
intelligent, and credible person, whose statement
is entitled to full faith and credit.

Given under my hand on the same
day and date as above.

	F. D. Wheelwright J. P.  [signature]
Page 12

State of Virginia

I William Hutt, Clerk of the County Court
of Westmoreland County in the State aforesaid,
do hereby Certify that Fred. D. Wheelwright is an 
acting Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid
duly Commissioned and qualified to act as such
That full faith and credit is due to all his
acts as such, and that the forgoing signatures
purporting to be his, are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand, and 
affixed the seal of my said 
office this 26th day of
[illegible] 1849
William Hutt [illegible] [signature]
Page 13

8756   R
Virginia
_______________
Molly Butler
widow of John Butler
who was a Sergt Maj of Artillery
in the Revolution
for two years
_______________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of   135 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
_______________
Certificate of Pension issued
the 12th of Feby 1850
and sent to 
Hon. R. Holladay
House of Reps
_______________
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June
17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2     Page 154
Page 14

10.508.
Molly Butler
Widow John
                Virginia
     Suspended
Letter to R. Saunders 29th July
1844.
Act 7th July 1838.
Page 15

10.508.
Let. to Hon. R. M. T.
Hunter, Nov. 21, 1846.
R. Saunders, March 5/47.
do to Hon R. M. T. Hunter Mar
19, 1847 to R Saunders Jr
March 24th, 1847.
to same April 7, 1847
to same July 7, 47
Let. to D. S. Marcy August 2nd 47
   “   to R. Saunders  1st Nov 1849
   “        “          “          26 Jany 1850
Page 16

10840   R
Virginia.
_______________
Molly Butler
Widow of John Butler
who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank]
and who died on the 28th Augt 1820,
of  [blank] in the State of Virginia
who was a {Segt. Major of Artillery} in the  [blank]
commanded by Captain [blank] of the
[blank] commanded by [blank] in 
the [blank] line for 2 years
_______________
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 135 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March 1836.
_______________
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of
February 1850 and Sent to 
Hon R. Holladay House of Reps
_______________
Total Amount,     $ [blank]
		   Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by  J P Chase Clerk.
Book D    Vol. 1    Page [illegible]
Page 17

Fleetwood, King & Queen Co. Va.  March 3, 1848
Honl. Wm. L. Marcy
Secretary of War
                     Sir
                            In my appeal from the decisions
of the Commissioner of Pensions in the care of
Mrs Molly Butler, widow of John Butler to you 
on the 13th of July last. You were pleased to 
sustain the Commissioner in his decision, but 
at the same time you gave me to understand if any
additional evidence could be adduced in relation
to the marriage of Mrs Butler before the 1st Jany
1794, and also in regard to her husbands [husband's] services
in the Revolution the claim should be reconsidered.
I now have the honour to enclose you this certificate
of Benjamin Truslow, a Revolutionary Pensioner
who states that he knew John Butler well that he enlisted
from the County of King George for the term of during
the war in Capt Roans [Roane’s] Company. He also
states that Mrs Butler & Mr Butler were married 
in the winter of 1793 to his knowledge. This evidence
I hope Sir will be sufficient to authorize the allowance
of Mrs. Butlers [Butler's] claim.

				Very Respectfully
				[illegible] obt, Servt.
				G. Saunders
Page 18

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Richmond
Va.
Page 19

Westmoreland County Sept. 17/51 [1851]
J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir:
According to Dr. Thos. 
Disty’s instructions (who is absent from the county}
I enclose for you the declaration of Molly
Butler U. S. pensioner with the request from 
her that you will be so kind as to have the
blank in power of attorney filled with the
name of Cashier of one of your banks so as
to empower him to draw the money for her
& to forward it to her address Oakegrove [Oakgrove]
Westmoreland Co Va in a draft on one of the
Fredericksburg banks.
By attending to this at your earliest convenience
you will confer a favor on a very
infirm and worthy old lady and who is in need
of her pension.

		Yours Very Respectfully
		F. D. Wheelwright
Page 20

[written sideways on left side of page:]
10.508
Molly Butler
Virginia
 Feb 7th  July 1838

[center of page:]
10.508     Feby 5 1844
Va
Molly Butler
7 July 1838

[circle stamp:]
RICHMOND
FEB
  3
 VA

[written sideways:]
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C
Page 21

Aylett  January 31st 1844  
Col James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

	Sir
Enclosed you will receive
the Declaration of Mrs Molly Butler claiming the
benefit of the act of 7th July 1838 on account of the 
services of her husband John Butler as a Sergeant Majr.
in Captain Roans [Roane’s] Company of Artillery as soon as 
the marriage return, or marriage Bond can be obtained
from the Office of the Clerk of the County of Westmoreland
(if however it can be found at all, it will be forwarded
in the mean time you will please to place the 
declaration in your files

Very Respectfully
Yr Very Obt. Servt.
R Saunders Jr.
Page 22

Mrs. Butler states in her declaration 
that she is the widow of John Butler,
who was a Sergeant Major in Captain
Christopher Roanes [Roane’s] Company of Artillery & served
to the end of the war.

Benjamin Truslow states that he was
well acquainted both before & after
the war, with John Butler
That he entered in 1777 or 1778 in Capt.
C. Roanes [Roane's] Company, was a Sergeant
Major. Knew him from his [illegible]
& knows that he married Molly Muse
widow of Samuel Muse who was 
also a Revolutionary soldier.

William Rawlings states, that he 
knew him well, & knows, that he was
in Capt. Roanes [Roane's] Company & served
to the end of the war.

Stafford H. Parkers [Parker’s] certificate
shows that he received Sword as  
a Sergeant Major of artillery for 
the tour.
    
Captain Christopher Roane certifies that
Butler enlisted for the war as a Sergeant
Majr. on the 16th Sept. 1777, & served during
the war. All corroborating with his declaration.
			
R. Saunders
Page 23

Claimant alledges [alleges] that she was married
in the County of King George in 1793
The clerk certifies that he cannot find
the marriage bans. [banns]
Truslow states that the parties were 
married before 1794.
Berkeley evidence proves the fact
Mrs Thompson certifies that she
knew the parties well & that they
were married in 1793.
Wm Rawlings states same thing
See Declaration of Wm Rawlings for [illegible]
signature

See certificate of Wheelwright to the
declaration of Mrs Butler
Page 24

March 17/47
Recd. of Molly Butler

[written sideways:]
Fleetwood Acdy [Academy] Va
[illegible]

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 25

Fleetwood, King and Queen, March, 14th, 1847
Col. Jas. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

	Sir
		
                 I received by the last mail
addressed to me at Aylett a copy of your note of the 21st Nov.
last to the Honl. Mr Hunter in relation to the claim of Mrs.
Molly Butler for a Pension. You say in that note that the
depositions then filed are altogether insufficient to establish
satisfactorily the date of the marriage before the 1st of
January 1794. Now permit me to call your attention to a 
letter addressed to me on the 29th July, 1844, in which you then
stated that as she alleged that she was married to John Butler
in Westmoreland County Virginia, it was presumed that the
records of that County might furnish some evidence on that
point, and as the family record had been lost, or destroyed, and if
there was no proof in the clerk's office – that the number and 
ages of her children should be given – which requisition I
complied with by forwarding to you through Mr. Hunter
the affidavit of Mr Barttele, alias: Berkly giving the names and ages
of all her children, in addition to which I sent you the
affidavits of two other respectable individuals going to
show conclusively that Mrs. B. was married before the 1st
of January, 1794; indeed she has alleged in her declaration
that she was married in 1793, and a number of acquaintances
have certified to her respectability – & I cannot for my life
Page 26

see how her claim can be refuted in the face of so much &
such strong testimony. I made sure after your forwarding
all this testimony that it would be satisfactory, and
that her claim would have been allowed. As the Clerks
office does not furnish any evidence of her marriage
and as there are no persons living, (at least none known of)
who was present & saw her married and who could state with
precision the exact time of her marriage I do not see any
chance for her to comply [to comply crossed out] especially if you adhere to your
last decision in her case; but I am really in hopes Sir,
that you will reconsider her case, and reverse that decision.

     As the family record has been destroyed, how is it possible for
her to prove the exact ages of her children, her own statement
will not be taken as evidence and the only chance she has of
doing it is by the testimony of those who may be well
acquainted with them. This testimony she has already furnished,
and I really think you should allow the claim.
                                 
                                 Very Respectfully
                                 Yr Obt Servt.
                                  R. Saunders
Page 27

John Butler. Serg. Major Arty. Virginia
State line. On Roll. Rec’d L129.0.5.
Entitled to $120.
			Roll examined by
			F. S. E.   27. July 1844.
Page 28

Richmond, March 23rd 1850.
Dear Sir

     I enclose you a certificate issued from the Department
of the Interior, on the 12th day of Feby. last in
the name of Molly Butler, widow of John Butler, granting
a Pension under the act of 3rd March, 1843, Commencing
on the 4th March of that year, & terminating on the 4th
Mach, [March] 1848. As the act of 3rd March 1843, only gave
one year Pension, ending on the 4th March, 1844. I 
presume that there was an error in the issuing of 
this certificate, because under the act refered [referred] to, she
could only draw the one years Pension; And therefore
it seems to me that there should have been a 
certificate issued under the act of 3rd March, & 17th 
June 1844. As the present certificate altered and 
made to read “as follows-” I Certify that in Conformity
with the acts of 3rd March, 1843, and 17th June, 1844,
&c. If it be necessary, as I suppose it will be, 
to have the certificate altered, or another issued,
I will thank you to have attend to it, at your earliest
convenience, and enclose them to me at Carlten’s
Store, King & Queen County.
		
                 Very Respectfully
		Yr Obd. Servt
		R. Saunders [signature]

P. S. Should it deemed
unnecessary to issue another
certificate, or make any alteration
in the present one, please endorse [?]
the fact in the back of the paper.
Page 29

Molly Butler
Wid John
Va

[Written sideways to the address below it:]
Jan 20/56

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

[Lightly written & overwritten by the above:]
Mr. Allison
Molly Butler Va
Changed to Mr Allison
Page 30

Washington City. Jany. 26th, 1850

Sir,
     I called at the P. office very
late this evening, to get your report
in the case of Mrs. Molly Butler
widow of John, which your clerk,
Mr. Allison promised should it suit
thus sometime during the evening
     I presume, however that it was not
signed in time in as much as it was
late in the day before the case was
disposed of. I will thank you now
to send it to me at my Post office
Carltons Store, King & Queen County,
Virginia. 
	
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
R.Saunders [signature]
Page 31

Near Carltons Store, King & Queen County Virginia
Decem. 22d, 1845.

Dear Sir

After receiving your letter of the 1st Nov
last, and one of a subsequent date from the
Department of the Interior in relation to the
loss of Mrs. Molly Butlers papers / I concluded
as far as practicable, to get the papers in said
case renewed. I have only been able however,
to get her Declaration, and the testimony of 
one of her witnesses, renewed. Which you
will now find enclosed. The other witness Richard [crossed out]
John Burgess being dead, his evidence of course is
lost to the Applicant. That evidence however, was
only in relation to the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Butler,
and did not specify anything about his services.
Consequently, the absence of that now, is not very
material, in as much, as the testimony, contained in,
the Certificates of Benjamin Truslow, and Mrs
Elizabeth Thomson already on your files, more
than makes up the deficientcy [deficiency]. In fact the testimony
now, is I conceive, full & complete and no longer admits
of a doubt as to the validity of Mrs Butlers [Butler’s] claim.
          In as much as the papers in this case were lost [underlined]
or mislaid by the department, [by the department underlined]  and could not be
acted on in regular turn, I deem it but right
now, that this case should be at once taken up
Page 32

and examined.

I am Sir Very Respectfully 
Yr Obt Servt [Your Obedient Servant]
R. Saunders

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
Page 33

August 4 / 49
Respy Mrs. Molly Butler
___________________
Important
___________________
very


Carlton’s Store Va
July 29th

James L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
                      D.C.
Page 34

Near Carltons store King & Queen Co. Va. July 28th, 1849

Dear Sir

	It has become necessary for me to make some inquiries
of your department touching the claim of Mrs Molly Butler,
widow of John Butler, under the act 7th July, 1838; and
you will readily see the necessity of inquiry after I shall
have given you a short history of the ground upon which this
call is made.
	
      After this claim of Mrs Butler was rejected by you
in 1847, believing that you had erred in your decision, I was
induced to take an appeal (tho I regretted to do so) to the
Secretary of War – who, after a considerable lapse of time
found it convenient to examine the case, and after giving it a full
and thorough examination as he said, was satisfied that
your decision was correct – and I must confess, that
after reading his argument, & seeing the objections more
fully and clearly pointed out, I was satisfied myself, that the
claim was not so clearly made out as I had thought. That
is, as to the proof of marriage, but as to the proof of Service
I am yet of the opinion that was sufficiently proved.
However, I cheerfully acquiesced in Mr. Marcy’s decision
and determined if possible to obtain additional testimony,
and in traveling through the County of Stafford I accidentally
fell in with an old Revolutionary Soldier, who 
gave me some important evidence, both in regard
to the marriage of the parties, & the service of Mr. Butler
which evidence, I enclosed to Mr. Marcy on the 3d of
Page 35

March, 1848, (without knowing such was not the 
practice, and requested him to give the case his
attention again. He, as you will perceive [illeg.]
his letter of the 22d last February, which I now enclose,
resend this additional testimony to your department
together, as he says, with my letters upon the subject.
       
       Not hearing from Mr. Marcy, altho [although], I addressed him
some two or three times, I was at a loss to know what 
to do, or what to think, I concluded however to
await with patience, his pleasure & finally I
received this letter under date of 22d February.
In the mean time however, in passing through
the County of Spotsylvania, I fell in with a very old
& respectable Lady, who once resided in Mrs Butlers
neighbourhood, & who I found could give me
some important evidence in regard to the 
marriage of Mrs. Butler. I accordingly took
her affidavit, and meeting with Mr. Thomas
Green, in Washington in the month of December
last, I handed him the same, with the request
on my part, & the assurance on his, that
he would call at the office & cause this
evidence to be filed with the other papers in
the case – but I have never heard one word, either
from your department in relation to this
evidence referred to it by Mr. Marcy,
or from Mr. Green, notwithstanding I have
written him several times upon the subject.
Now, this affidavit which was intrusted to his care
Page 36

as well as that sent to Mr. Marcy, was of the utmost
importance, that which I gave Mr. Green clearly proved
the marriage of Mrs Butler before Jany 1794 &
those sent Mr Marcy, clearly, I thought proved
Butlers services &c. It is therefore highly important
that I should know whether these two
affidavits are on file with the other papers,
as in case they or not, & they should be
lost, I may be able to get the witnesses to
renew them. The names of these two witnesses
are Benjamin Truslow and Elizabeth
Thomson. The evidence of the former made
before a Mr. Brule of Stafford, and the
latter before a Mr. Alsop of Spotsylvania.
Will you, under these circumstances of the case,
be good enough just to turn to the papers
in this case & see wether [whether] these two affidavits
have been filed, so that in case they have not,
I may proceed to have them reviewed at once.
			
                         Very Respectfully
			Yr Mo Obt. Servt [Your Most Obedient Servant]
                          R. Saunders [signature]
Page 37

Revy WIDOW, &c.
_______________

File No. 5948
Molly Butler
Widow
John Butler
Sergt. Major Rev: War
_______________
Act: Feby. 2nd
Index:--Vol. A , Page 101

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 38

Feby 9/50

W Alli

Hon
Alex R. Holladay
HR
Page 39

This is to certifie [certify] that Jno. Butler Sergt. Majr. in The
Legion Artillery, Inlisted [enlisted] the 16th. Sept. 1777 – & has served
During the war

			Christopher Roane Capt.  [signature]
			Artillery
_______________
			Executive Department
			Richmond Va  February 4. 1850.

	I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy
of a paper filed in this department.
		
Wm. H. Richardson Com.
Page 40

Virginia:
King George County, to wit;
	I, William J. Brown, Clerk of the
County Court of King George, in the state aforesaid,
do hereby certify, that I have examined the files
of marriage Bonds in my office from the year
1790 to the year 1800, and that the marriage
Bond of John Butler and Molly Muse is not
found on file in said office.

In testimony whereof, I have
hereto set my hand, and affixed 
the seal of my said office this 
24th day of December A. D. 1849.

Wm. S. Brown
Page 41

The affidavit of Elizabeth Thomson of the County
of Spotsylvania in the State of Virginia, taken on
the 21st day of Sept. 1848.
This affiant being duly sworn according to
law, doth on her oath, state that she is now about
Seventy three years of age. That she was born &
raised in the County of King George in this State
and was intimately acquainted with Mrs Molly
Butler of that County, the widow of John Butler
deceased. That the said Mrs Butler & herself lived
but a short distance apart. The one lived in 
Westmoreland, & the other in King George. This
affiant became acquainted with Mrs Butler 
at a very early age; she was then Molly 
Arnold, and about the year 1790 or 91 
intermarried with a man by the name of Samuel 
Muse, who lived but a short time, and she then
intermarried with her last husband, Butler.
As to the day of the month, or in what particular
month this latter marriage took place
this affiant is unable to state, but this
affiant well recollects that it was sometime
in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred
and ninety three, perhaps just after Christmas
or thereabouts; And this affiant is the
more confident of this fact, because she,
herself was married to her late husband
in the month of February Seventeen hundred
and ninety four, and she distinctly remembers
that Mr & Mrs Butler were married the 
winter before, and further this affiant saith
not.
		  
                        her
	Elizabeth  X  Thomson
		      mark
Page 42

State of Virginia
Spotsylvania County SS..

Be it known that on this
21st day of Sept. 1848,
Personally appeared before
me a Justice of the peace
In and for Said County
Elizabeth Thomson, whose name
appears to the foregoing affidavit,
and made oath in due
form of law to the truth of
the statement therein Contained.
And I certify that the said
Elizabeth Thomson is a respectable
and credible person. Given
under my hand this 21st day 
of September 1848

Joseph Alsop J.P. [signature]

State of Virginia
Spotsylvania County Court towit: }  I Stapleton Crutchfield, clerk
of the County Court aforesaid, in the Said State, do hereby certify
that Joseph Alsop Esqr. whose name is signed to the foregoing
certificate, is now and was at the time of signing the same, a
Justice of the Peace in said County duly commissioned and 
Sworn, that the signature aforesaid purporting to be his is
genuine, and that full faith and credit are due and 
ought to be given to all his official acts.
	
        In testimony whereof I have hereunto
	set my hand and caused the seal of
	Office, to be hereto affixed. Done at office
	this 5th day of October A.D. 1848, and
	in the 73.3 year of our foundation
		
                 Stap. Crutchfield clk. [signature]
		Said County
Page 43

Faucetts Va. Aug 31/48
R. Saunders.
Ashs action on Molly
Butlers pension claim.
S.370. Rec Sept. 4. ‘48,
Pension Office

Ames
Charged to Mr Ames
Sep 1848

[upside down on the bottom of the page:]

Fleetwood Acdy. V.a }			free    Free
Sept. 2nd 1848        }

Honl. W S. Marcy        
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 44

Faucetts, near Fleetwood Academy King & Queen Co. Va. Aug. 31st, 1848
Honl. William S. Marcy
Secretary of War

Sir
Permit me once more
to call your attention respectfully to a communication
I had the honour to address you in the month 
of March last, upon the subject of Mrs.
Molly Butlers claim for a Pension under the
act of 7th July 1838. I [illegible] at that 
time additional testimony in her case and [illegible]
that you would reconsider the claim. Not
having received any communication from you
in reply to that testimony, I again addressed
you upon the subject about the month
of May as well as I recollect, but I [illegible]
from the great press of business on your 
hands growing out of the calls of Congress
& you were unable to attend to this
claim. I hope however, that you may 
now find time to give the claim your
attention   

Very Respectfully, 
I am ever Sir
Yr Very Obt Servt.
R. Saunders
Page 45

Near Fleetwood Academy, King & Queen, Va. May
Honl. W S. Marcy
Secretary of War
Sir
About the 3rd of March
last I had the honour to enclose the you some
additional evidence in the case of Molly
Butler, widow, of John Butler, claiming a
Pension under the act of 7th July 1838, and
under your consideration. Not having had
any answer from either yourself or the Pension 
department upon the subject, I have thought it
probable that my letter covering this evidence has
either in the press & hurry of business, been 
overlooked or that the papers of that month have not 
as yet been reached. As soon as it may be convenient 
to your honour, I should be pleased to receive
a report. 

With very great Respect
Yr Mo Obt. Servt  [Your Most Obedient Servant]
R. Saunders

Permit me to add by way of a Postscript, that if this
poor old Lady – should not be so fortunate as to obtain
a Pension, and that too shortly, I fear she will not live
to enjoy any of its benefits – for she is now very old and feeble.     
R.S
Page 46

W. L. Marcy’s letter
In relation to Mrs. Molly
Butlers [Butler’s] claim
		Feb. 22d. 1849

Molly Butler
wid [widow] of John
in case

Have you the papers
in this case? If so, please 
send them to me by the
[illegible]   [illegible signature]
Act 1848
War Dept.

J.D. Mc Pherson Esq.
We have them not
I have before looked
for them. They must 
have been sent over
Page 47

War Department,
Washington Feby 22, 1849

Sir,
The presence of public business has prevented
an earlier reply to your letter of the 5
 of November last on the subject of Mrs. Molly
Butler’s pension claim.

	This claim was rejected by me on the 16
of October 1847, after full consideration, and on
that day you were advised, at length, of my
views on the subject.

	Your letter of the 3d. of March 1848, inclosing
[enclosing] further evidence was received here on 
the 6: and referred to the Pension Office, as was
your subsequent letter of 31: August asking
early action on your case. All new cases, and 
all new evidence in cases once decided, are by
law first cognizable by the Commissioner of
Pensions. There has been no appeal in Mrs.
Butlers [Butler’s] case so far as I am advised, since that
decided by me in October 1847, and consequently
there is nothing before me for my action in 
relation to the above claim.

		Very Respectfully
		Your Obedt. Serv.
		W. L. Marcy
		Secretary of War

R. Saunders Esq
Fleetwood, Virginia
Page 48

John Butler’s widow - Pensioned under Act 1848

Com–or)    Wid. at Missouri, Va – 2nd Feb 1848
C. C       )    L. G. Brandeburry – to exd [?]
Page 49

Fleetwood, June 26th, 1847.
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed you will receive
the Certificate of John Burgess in relation to the marriage
of Mrs Molly Butler which I think clearly
establishes the fact that she was married about the
time stated in her declaration or the year previous,
at any rate it seems to be conclusive that she was
married before 94 – thus can be no stronger evidence
of the fact obtained than this, unless there could 
be some person found alive who was at
this wedding, and even then, such person
might not recollect as to the precise
date. Taking all the testimony in connection
(together with her own declaration which is certainly
entitled to be fully relied upon) I think you must arrive 
at the conclusion that her case is now 
clearly made out.
		
			Very Respectfully
			Yr Mo Obt Servt. [Your Most Obedient Servant]
			R. Saunders
Page 50

Ayletts, January 31st, 1847.

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Some time before Congress convened
I placed in the care of the Honl. R. M. T. Hunter some
additional evidence and other papers in the case of Mrs
Molly Butler of Westmoreland County, and requested him to
forward them to your department to be filed and examined.
	I received a letter from him under date of the 27th inst. for
the first time, stating that this claim had been again rejected
but as your letter to him upon the subject was at his residence
in Essex he could not give me the grounds upon which this 
claim had been rejected. I must therefore ask the favour
of you to send me a copy of your letter to him, that I may
know what further is wanting.

			Very Respectfully
			Yr Mo Obt Servt, [Your Most Obedient Servant]
			R. Saunders
Page 51

Mar 19  47
Lloyds, Va }         [illeg.]     [illeg.]
17 March  }                            RMT Hunter

To the 
Commissioner of Pensions
Penn office
Washington DC
Mrs Butler Va

HmR. M. T. Hunter
Page 52

March 16th 1847. Loyd Epey [or Ebey]

To the Comm. of Pensions
D. Sir
		Last autumn I sent
you the papers relating to a claim of Mrs
Butler of Westmoreland County, for a pension.
[illegible] came I have both and the pension
agent has applied to me for it – will you
do me the favor & send me a copy of that
letter or if you resend the copy or statement
of the [illegible].

			Very Respectfully
			RMT Hunter
Page 53

Washington D. C.
Nov. 12th 1849.

Sir,
     I enclose herewith, the affidavit
of Mrs. Elizabeth Thomson, as additional
evidence of marriage in the case of
Mrs. Molly Butler, widow of John Butler,
Act 7th July, 1838, Virginia.

I am requested by Mr. R. Saunders
of Virga. [Virginia], Agent in this case, to ask
that you cause another search 
for the papers in the case referred to, which were sent
over to the War Depart. upon appeal
and mislaid.

		I am, Sir,
		Most Resby. [Respectfully]
		Your Obt. Serv.
		Th. Lumpkin

Col. J. L. Edwards,
Comm. of Pensions.
Page 54

Nov. 13, 1846
[illegible]
can
Mary Butler

[writing sideways on the right:]
Loyd, Va 
11th Nov
		
        Comm of
Page 55

The Comm. of Pensions  Nov. 8, 1846 [illegible]
& attending to this either as at his 
earliest convenience.

[illegible] Respectfully

RMT [?] Hunter [signature]
Page 56

James Rawlings,
Certificate for Butler.
Page 57

State of Virginia
    Westmoreland County Towit

Be it known that on this 29th day of
Novem. 1849 before me, the subscriber
a Justice of the peace, in and for said
County personally appeared, James Rawlings
and made oath in due form of
law to the truth of the foregoing
certificate. And I certify that the
said Rawlings appears to be about
the age he states, and is a credible
person, in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand the day & date last above

Chas. G. Jett J.P.

I am intimately acquainted with Chas G. Jett, & with
his hand writing – and I certify that he was a Justice of 
the Peace in the County of Westmoreland at the time he 
gave the above certificate & that his signature thereto is
genuine –Given by me this 8th day of February 1850.

				John Taliaferro

I liken the above to be Mr. Jetts signature, 
I am not intimately acquainted with his handwriting
but I have seen it and think that I recognize 
the above signature as his.  Feby. 1850
				
                                 R.M.T. Hunter
Page 58

State of Virginia
Westmoreland County Towit

Be it known that on this 29th day of
Novem. 1849 before me, the subscriber
a Justice of the peace, in and for said
County personally appeared, James Rawlings
and made oath in due form of
law to the truth of the foregoing
certificate. And I certify that the
said Rawlings appears to be about
the age he states, and is a credible
person, in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand the day & date last above
Chas. G. Jett J.P.

I am intimately acquainted with Chas G. Jett, & with
his hand writing – and I certify that he was a Justice of 
the Peace in the County of Westmoreland at the time he 
gave the above certificate & that his signature thereto is
genuine –Given by me this 8th day of February 1850.
				John Taliaferro

I liken the above to be Mr. Jetts signature, 
I am not intimately acquainted with his handwriting
but I have seen it and think that I recognize 
the above signature as his.  Feby. 1850
				R.M.T. Hunter
Page 59

This is to certify that I am now Eighty eight
years of age, and I was personally
and well acquainted with John Butler 
deceased, the late husband of Mrs. Molly
Butler of this County, Westmoreland, and
I know that the said Butler, enlisted
in the Revolutionary war. for the war,
and was in Capt Christopher Roane’s
Company of Regular Soldiers. I
donot  [do not] recollect when he entered 
the service, but I know he did 
did enlist, & never left the service
until the end. I frequently heard 
him talk of his service, but I donot [do not]
recollect to have heard him say
what rank or office he held.
I further certify that the said
Butler married the said Molly,
his widow, to the best of my memory
before the year 1794: I am the 
more convinced of this by the age of
one of my own children.
Given under my hand this 29th
day of Novem. 1849.

            his
James  X   Rawlings
           mark