Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 40, Robert Hall, Va. Sea Service
Page 1

Va. Sea Service Hall, Robert. [stamp in black ink] R.40
Va. Half Pay
See Ace. No. 837-Virginia State Navy
Robert Hall Y S File
Va. Half Pay
Page 2

[left side column, in dark black ink]
These two papers
show, that John Powers
& others named, are
the heirs of the identical
Robert Hall, who was
Sailing Master in the
Virginia State Navy & 
who died in April or
May 1802
[end left side]

[right side column, in dark black ink]
"B"
(allowed) Copy
Order relating to
the Revolutionary
Services of Robert Hall, &c &c
on information of 
Thomas Yeatman
Randall Rice
Nancy Yeatman.

X (G)X X 
Death of Rob: Hall
April or May 1802
Also, proof, that John
Powers & other & the heirs of 
R: Hall, Sailing Master
Rev. W. R H. Sedwick
present

[very large name in light grey pencil] T.H. Sedwick
[end right column]
Page 3

State of Virginia, Richmond County
The third day of January A.D. 1842
It appears to the satisfaction of the court, of the county aforesaid now in session, on the evidence on oath, of Thomas Yeatman aged 71 years and Nancy Yeatman aged 78 years, and Randall Pierce aged 76 years, that the said
Thomas Yeatman, Nancy Yeatman, and Randall Pierce knew Robert Hall, who served as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, in the war of the Revolution; that the said Robert Hall died on or about the month of April or May in the year 1802 leaving three children, and that Robert L. Montgomery, John Powers, John F
Morris, Robert H. Montgomery, Frances L. Montgomery, Robert H. Sedwick, John H Gibbs, Adoniram J Sedwick  and Frances V. Sedwick are the only heirs of the said Robert Hall now living which is ordered to be certified by the clerk of this court.
I John F B Jeffries clerk of the county court
aforesaid, certify that the foregoing is a true copy from
the minutes of the court.
[stamp in black ink] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp in black ink]
In testimony of which I subscribe my name and hereto affix the seal of my office the 5th day of
January A D1812.
Jno F B Jeffries clerk of Richmond County Court
Page 4

Heirs of Robt. Hall

Powers & wife
Va Lewis
Power of Attny
Revolutionary Pension

[stamp]  THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]
Page 5

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That we Jno. Powers & Eliza Ann Powers his wife of Westmorland County Virginia have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint, S. L. Lewis, of the City of Washington, our true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, with power of substitution, for us and in our name, place, and stead, to ask and receive of, and from the United States and State of Virginia all back pay, half-pay,  bounty land and land script due us as heirs of Robert Hall for his services as Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy during the war of the Revolution and in our name, to give receipts and other sufficient discharges for the amount found due aforesaid, and to do any and every other act or acts, that we ourselves might or could do, were we personally present at the doing thereof: hereby con-
firming whatsoever our said Attorney shall do in and about premises by virtue thereof.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this day of [the word August has been crossed out] September 1853
Signed, sealed, and delivered,
 in the presence of

W. H. Sanford  J.P. Thomas V Sanford.   - 2 witnesses    John Powers Eliza Ann Powers 

State of Virginia 
County of Westmorland
On this 7th day of (August has been crossed out) September 1853 personally appeared John Powers and Mrs. Eliza Ann Powers his wife 
before me, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be their act and deed for the purposes therein contained. 
W. H. Sanford J.P.

State of Virginia                    
                                                 } to wit:
County of Westmorland

I HEREBY CERTIFY that William H. Sanford --- Esq., before whom the foregoing [crossed out: affidavit and] acknowledgment was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn. 
{There is a seal here, tape has been placed over it, to the right of the seal reads the following}
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of The {illegible} County Court, this 8th day---- of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty three-- in the 77th year of the commonwealth J. Warren Hutt Clerk. of Westnd. county court.
Page 6

F

Copy
of
Administration
Rob. Hall
To Peter G. Foster
Page 7

Virginia.  In Mathews County Court, Monday the 10th day of May 1847.  It has been made to appear to the Satisfaction of the Court that Robert Hall, a Master in the Navy in the revolutionary war, died intestate in the latter part of 1786 or in the early part of the year 1787 leaving Thomas Hall, Betsy Hall, who married Francis Brown, Nancy Hall, who married Peter Foster, Joicy Hall who married Matthias Gayle, and the children of Spencer Hall his sole heirs at Law.  Thomas Hall died in 1840, leaving Sarah Hurst the wife of William Hurst, Mary Gayle the wife of Joseph R. Gayle, Thomas Hall, Sarah Hall who married John Saunders and Thomas Hall the children of Robert Hall and John Hall a minor who was a son of John Hall his sole heirs at Law.  Nancy Foster who died leaving Richard Foster, Peter Foster Jr, William Foster, Susan R. Foster who married William Foster who is since dead leaving two children Harriett & William Foster--Ann Foster who married Robert Dibnam Elizabeth Foster who married Joshua G. Brown who is since dead leaving five children, viz: Peyton J. Ann who married Beverly Waddle, Caroline who married Henry Baker, Selina F. who married Nathan Walker & Wilson R Brown and Polly Foster who married James Brownly her sole heirs at Law:
Joicy Gale who was Joicy Hall died leaving Bartlett Gayle, Joshua Gayle, Nancy Gayle and Betsy Gayle his sole heirs at Law--Betsy Brown who was Betsy Hall died leaving six children, viz: Robert Brown, Spencer Brown, Susan who married [blank] Oliver, Ann who married Joshua Gayle, Elizabeth Brown and Francis Brown who married  [blank] Walden her sole heirs at Law.
   In Mathews County Quarterly Court, May 6, 1847.  On the motion of Peter G. Foster who made oath & together with Richard Foster his security, entered into & acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One thousand dollars conditioned according to Law, certificate is granted the said Peter G. Foster for obtaining letters of administration of the Estate of Robert Hall deceased in due form of Law.
Page 8

Know all men by these presents, that I, Peter G. Foster, Administrator of Robert Hall deceased, who was a Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy of Revolutionary War; do hereby constitute, nominate and appoint Thomas Green of Richmd true & lawful attorney, to prosecute any claims to Land or money that may be due from the State of Virginia & United States, or either, on account of the Revolutionary Services of said Robert Hall; & to demand & receive from the proper offices in Richmond & Washington, any Land warrant or Warrants so due, & to sell & assign the same, or to surrender them at the General Land office, in order to obtain Certificates of Scrip in lieu thereof, which he is authorized to receive, sell & assign.  Or if said warrants be already surrendered, then to demand & access the certificates & to sell & assign the same.
If no scrip can be obtained, he is authorized to receive warrants which may have been surrendered, and to locate or sell the same, as he may think best.  Said attorney is also authorized to prosecute by [?] or petition, & to demand & receive from the State of Virginia & the United States, any half pay or Commutation, & interest that may be due, particularly under the Act of 5th July 1832; and to substitute & appoint one or more attorneys under him, with a general or special authority to do all he is permitted to do, & revoke the same at pleasure.  I hereby ratify & confirm whatever said attorney or his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.  As witness my hand and seal this tenth day of May 1847--
Peter G. Foster
Administrator of Robert Hall Dec..
Page 9

The foregoing certificate of the court furnishes 
not a particle of the evidence prescribed by the 
rules of the Department to show, that Peter Foster was the Administrator of Robert Hall who was a sailing master in the Virginia State Navy-nor is there any evidence to show that Peter Foster took that {illegible} – with the consent of the heirs of the said Robert Hall–such being the case, the half- pay due to the said R: Hall from 1779, to 1786, was paid in manifest in a to Th: green, {illegible}: of P: Foster, I cannot legally or justly be changed to the account of those who are the actual heirs of the said Robert Hall–
Page 10

To.
J. E. Heath [?]
Comr. of Pensions

[vertically]
[equilateral triangle, open at the bottom, with cross inside]
Read this [?]
Page 11

(Washington 20th Septr 1851:)

[ink stamp{ The National Archives of the United States]

   Statement in relation to the claim of John Powers, & others, as heirs of Robert Hall, who was a Sailing Master in the Virg. State Navy--
   By the rules of the Department, the heirs of an Officer, who apply for pay due to him at his death, are required to prove by the evidence on oath of two credible individuals, taken in open Court, or before a Justice of the Peace accompanied in either case by an official certificate of the credibility of those individuals, that the applicants are the heirs of the officer whose pay they claim.
   John Powers & others, as heirs of Robert Hall, have made application to the Department, in exact conformity with the foregoing rules, to be allowed the half-pay due to Robert Hall at his death, for his service, in the Virginia State Navy in the war of the revolution, as Sailing Master.  For compliance with the aforesaid rule of the Department, these claimants prove, not only by two, but by seven very aged & credible individuals, in the manner prescribed by the rule aforesaid, that they, the said claimants, are the heirs of Robert Hall who was a Sailing Master in the State Navy of Virginia in the war of the revolution (See the evidence of R. Pearce, Robert Hall, J. Neale, Wm O. Mohundro, J. Scates, Th. Yeatman, & Nancy his wife) in all seven; who state that they resided near, & were well acquainted with the said Robert Hall.  Such are the grounds of which John Powers & the other heirs of Robert Hall claim the pay due to him at his death.
Page 12

A decision on this claim has been suspended, because sometime in the year 1847, the half-pay then alledged [sic] to be due to a certain Robert Hall from 1779 to 1786, was then allowed & paid by the Department, to Thomas Green, Attorney of Peter Foster, as Administrator of Robert Hall, who was said to be a "Sailing Master in the Navy," but whether in the Virginia, or Continental Navy not mentioned.
  It is only necessary to examine the papers on the faith of which the aforesaid payment was made to T. Green, to see that it was done in derogation, without exception, of all the rules of the Department in such cases.  There is not a particle of the evidence in those papers, which the rule of the Department required, to show that The Robert Hall, whose pay was claimed by Peter Foster as his Administrator, had heirs, or that P. Foster had taken Administration with the consent of the Heirs of said Hall.  Such being the facts, the payment to T. Green was a manifest error & ought in no way to affect the depending claim.  If such be the decision, a question may arise, whether the present claimants are to look to Foster for the amount paid to him.  If Peter Foster was legally the Admr of the R. Hall under whom J. Powers & others claim, it is to him they are to look.  But such is not the case.  And as the govt. owe the money, law & justice require it to be paid to the true claimant.\Very respectfully submitted by
Your friend,
John Taliaferro
In behalf of J. Powers & others

To J. E. Heath esq }
Comr of Pensions }
Page 13

"b"    Copy

Order Certifying heirship
of Robert Hall &c.

Richd Co. Court

[marked through: L]  F

[ink stamp}
The National Archives of the United States
Page 14

Virginia
  [ink stamp: The National Archives of the United States]
  At a Court of Monthly session held for Richmond County at the Court house, on Monday the first day of June 1846.
On the notion of Robert H. Sedwick, It is ordered to be certified that, it appears to the satisfaction of the court of the County aforesaid, now in session, on the evidence on oath of John Neal, aged 79 years, William Omohundro, aged 79 years, and James Scates aged 80 years, that the said John Neal, William Omohundro and James Scates, knew Robert Hall who served as a master Commandant in the Virginia state Navy, in the war of the Revolution, that the said Robert Hall at his death left but three heirs at law and that Robert L. Montgomery, Eliza Ann, wife of John Powers, Sarah, wife of John F. Morris, Robert Hall Montgomery, Robert Hall Sedwick, Elizabeth Ann wife John H Gibbs, Adoniram Judson Sedwick, and Frances V. wife of Thomas S Wilson, are the only heirs at Law of the said Robert Hall, now living, which is ordered to be certified by the clerk of this Court.  And it appears to the satisfaction of this Court, that, the Foregoing affiants Rev. Jno Neal, William Omohundro and James Scates Gent, are men of high respectability and standing, and take pleasure in stating that any statements made by them, are entitled to the utmost credit, which is ordered to be certified by this court.

State of Virginia
Richmond County }  to wit:
I, John F. P Jeffries clerk of the Court of the said County of Richmond in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true transcript from the record of the said Court.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and annex the seal of the said Court this 2nd day of June 1846 and in the 70th year of the Commonwealth.
Jn. F. P. Jeffries clerk of 
Richmond County Court
Page 15

"E'

Copy of the evidence on which Thomas Hall, assigned the claims of Robert Hall to Wm Reynolds.

[vertically]  
Tho [?]
Land Office
Page 16

The allowance was made by the Execution to Wm Reynolds afsd of the Representation of Robert Hall decd.

The following is the only paper on file in the case in this office.
City of Richmond Sc.
   This day Robert Macham proved by making oath to the same that Thomas Hall is brother representative to Robt. Hall decd. who served as Master's Mate & Master in the Navy of this State.
Given under my hand Sept 55' 1787
F. Webb jp.
Copy J Pendleton

J Talman jp 2nd Clk L. Off

[ink stamp] The National Archives of the United States
Page 17

21 April 1857

John Taliaferro

Relative to the Half pay 
claim of Robert Hall
Page 18

Treasury Department 21st of April 1851

My dear Sir,
   As it is my purpose to go home on Saturday next the 26th instant, to be absent about two weeks, if you can, in the midst of other engagements, form an opinion, on the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall to the half-pay for his life as sailing Master in the Virginia navy, between this day & Friday next the 25th instant; I will on that day call on you.  The only difficulty in this case is, that a portion of this claim has been allowed, but on evidence of identity as to Robert Hall, so manifestly inaccurate, as to furnish no ban to the claim as now exhibited.  I ask your particular attention to this case & am, dear Sir, with sincere respect & regard, your friend, 
John Taliaferro

J.C. Heath Esq
Comr of Pensions {
Page 19

Act July 6, 1832
Robert Hall decd.
October 28, 1847

Recorded Vol 43
page 190
Page 20

Pension Office
October 28, 1847

I certify that I have examined the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall, deceased, under the act of July 5, 1832, and I find that he was a Master in the Virginia State Navy; that he left the service upon the reduction of the Navy, and was discharged on the 24th of January 1780.  The case is therefore provided for by law; and it is my opinion that the claim should be allowed at the rate of one hundred and fifty-two dollars and eight cents per annum from the date of his discharge, up to the point of January 1786, in which year or in the succeeding year, he died.  The money is payable to Thomas Green, Esq of Richmond, Virginia, Attorney of Peter G Foster, administrator of Robert Hall, deceased.

Commission of Pensions

Approved

Secretary of War.

Enter this on Book, act 5th July 1832
Page 21

"A"

Claim
of
The Heirs of R. Hall
To the
Half-pay due to him as
Sailing Master on the
Virginia Navy $152:3 a
year from 24th of Jany 1780
to his death in April or
May 1802


Presented
By
John Taliaferro
Page 22

Washington 25th of Feby-1851-

To-
J: C; Heath esqr}
Comr of Pensions}
Sir,
Sometime since, in behalf, & at the request of some of my late constituents who are the heirs of Robert Hall who served as Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy, I made application to your predecessor in office for the half-pay due to Robert Hall for his said service at his death, which by satisfactory evidence on file, occurred in the month of April or May 1802 (See the affidavit of Thomas & Nancy Yeatman, & R: Pearce, all ages, & known by the undersigned to be highly respectable, individuals) And by the affidavits of six aged & credible individuals, that John Powers & others are the heirs of Robert Hall who was a Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy.  That Robert
Hall was Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy appears on the records in the Office of the Auditor of the Treasury, & on the Execution Journal, of Virginia; & that he was, as such, allowed pay from the first of January 1777, to the 31st of Decr 1871-Robt- Hall, & all the aforesaid witnesses were natives & residents of the County of Westmoreland during the war of the revolution-It was on the foregoing evidence, that the undersigned made application to your predecessor in office, in behalf of John Powers & the other heirs of Robert Hall, for the half-pay, due to him at his death in 1802.  In reply to that
Page 23

application, the then Commr of Pensions addressed a note, to the undersigned, in which he stated; that on the 28th of October 1847, the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall had been allowed to Thos. Green, Att. of Peter Foster Admr of R. Hall. So my application remains. In the mean time I have obtained the following information on the subject; which distinctly shows, that a signal mistake, if nothing worse, has attended all which has been done, in relation to this claim viz: A copy of the Administration granted by the County Court of Mathews, to Peter Foster, is in the following words: "It has been made to appear to the satisfaction of the court, that Robert Hall a Master in the Navy in the revolutionary war died intestate in the latter part of the year 1786, or early in 1787, leaving certain named children"  There is nothing definite in this to show that Robert Hall who so died, was the Robert Hall who served as Master in the Virginia Navy.  The Court should have given the names of the individuals, with assurance of their credibility, who certified to the facts, that the Robert Hall on whose estate Administration was to be taken; & who died as stated, was a Master in the Virginia Navy.  The evidence, as certified by the Court, shows, that R. Hall was a master in the Navy; but whether in the State, or Continental Navy is not stated.  All this the regulations of the Department require strictly in analogous cases.  And what shows, that the evidence indicated above should have been required by your predecessor in making the allowance which he did to the Attorney of P. Foster, as Admr. of R. Hall on the 28th of October 1847; is corroborated by what occurred many years since in Rich-
Page 24

-mond Virginia, in relation to this claim-On the 14th of Septr 1787, the balance of pay due to Rob. Hall as Master in the Virginia Navy, say [pound sterling]173:5:2d--was allowed  & paid to Wm Reynolds, Assignee of Thomas Hall And on the 6th of October 1787, Bounty Land warrant for 266 2/3 acres due to the said R. Hall, was allowed & issued to the said Wm Reynolds, as Assignee of the same Thomas Hall.  Under a well founded impression that both of those allowances to Reynolds were unauthorized; I wrote to the Register of our Land Office at Richmond, to furnish me a copy of the authority  on which Thomas Hall has assigned the claims of Rob. Hall, to Wm Reynolds.  And the following affidavit is the sole authority on which those assignments were made. "City of Richmond; Sct: This day Robert Macham proved by making oath, to the same; that Thomas Hall was Brother & representative to Robert Hall deceased who was Master's Mate & Master in the Navy of this State. Given under my hand, Septr 5th 1787.  F. Webb Jr."  A copy J. Pendleton Land Office"  Such is the sole evidence of the authority on which those assignments were made.  It is under these circumstances, that I now submit the claim of the [marked out: heirs of the] actual heirs, of the identical Robert Hall, for the half-pay due to him at his death in April or May 1802; from the time he was discharged by a reduction of the Navy on the 24th of January 1780 (See copy of the decision of Commissioner Edwards). The undersigned knew Robert Hall as one of his constituents in 1801, & knows that he served as Master in the Virginia State Navy.  And he is respectfully
John Taliaferro
Page 25

Pension Office October 25. 1857

Sir
   In the case of Robert Hall presented by you, whose heirs claim half pay for alleged services as sailing master in the Virginia state navy of the Revolutionary war, it appears that a claim for the same service by an individual of the same name was paid to Peter G. Foster in 1847 as administrator acting in behalf of other parties claiming as heirs of Robert Hall who died in 1786 or 87.   It is now urged that the depreciation and Land bounty were both awarded in 1786 to the wrong parties and that the half pay was informally and  improperly paid to the said Peter G. Foster in 1847, and that the present claimants are the real heirs of the Robert Hall who performed the service and died in 1802.  The bounty land and depreciation were settled soon after the close of the war when the services of the officers both of the Army & Navy were comparatively recent in public recollection, and when mistake and imposition would 

not
Page 26

be so likely to occur as at the present time, so long after the events referred to.  Robert Hall through whom the present parties claim, lived in the Northern Neck of Virginia until 1802 & it does not appear that he ever asserted any claim for his own services during his life or that any claim has been urged by his family until now.  The Halfpay was allowed to Peter T. Foster upon letters of administration taken out in conformity to the rules established by the War Department in 1835, as those rules were subsequently amended by an order of the 5 March 1836 dispensing with the assent of the heirs as previously required. (See Computation of Pension laws page 101.)
  In this state of facts there should be conclusive evidence to identify the Robert Hall who died in 1802 as the Sailing master, of whose services there is record proof and which as you contend has been improperly used for the benefit of another individual of the same name.  Some five or six depositions are filed to prove the identity, but they are not deemed satisfactory.  They all state in general terms that they knew a Robert Hall of the Virginia Navy during the revolutionary war.  Three of them
represent
Page 27

his rank as that of Lieutenant whilst the others speak of him as a Master Commandant but they give no particulars in regard to his service.  They all state that they knew of no other Robert Hall in the [marked out, illegible] Navy and that is very likely--for the individual of that name who received [marked out--illegible] depreciation and land bounty died in 1786 and in a different part of the state, when they were [marked out-illegible] comparatively young and not familiar with such services.  Several of the Deponents lived near the Robert Hall of whom they speak, but it does not appear they ever heard any thing personally from himself in regard to his services.  The claim is not satisfactorily established.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
J. E. Heath, Comsr


John taliaferro Esq
Washington City  V
Page 28

Robt Hall's
Affidavit
In the case of
Robert Hall
Page 29

State of Virginia  }
Richmond County }
   The undersigned a resident of the County of Richmond Aforesaid, states on Oath, That he was well acquainted with the family of Robert Hall, of whom it is said, and I verily believe was a Sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution, And he knows That the said Robert Hall had no Brother by the name of Thomas Hall.
  Given by me this 29th day of March 1851
   Rob. Hall

United States Post Master at Warsaw in the County of Richmond, and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Robert Hall, a very respectable Gentleman, made oath in due form before me, that the facts stated in the foregoing Certificate and signed by him are the truth.  Given under my hand at my said office, This 29th day of March 1851.    John C Gibbs

   Robert Hall who has made the above Affidavit is a respectable gentleman, with whom I have been many years intimately acquainted.  He is a relative, tho' distant, of Robert Hall of whom he speaks & with whom I also became well acquainted in the year 1801, when I heard it said by many of his countrymen, that he had served as an officer in the Virg. State Navy.  Given by me the 13th of Nov 1851    John Taliaferro
Page 30

OFFICIAL.
Department of the Interior,
Pension Office, March 22,1851

   The following rules and regulations, approved by the Secretary of the Interior, will be observed in the settlement of such of the Revolutionary half-pay claims of Virginia arising under the act of Congress of the 5th of July 1832, as now remain unsettled:
  1. Sufficient evidence must be exhibited as to the identity of the officer on the part of whom, or of whose representative, the claim is presented; and, if dead, of the time of his death.
  2. If the officer be dead, sufficient proof shall be required of the existence of heirs, and of legal representatives lawfully entitled to receive the amount due.  The names and residence of the heirs shall be stated.
  3. Where claims are present by executors, an authenticated copy of the will and probate must be produced.
  4. Administration on the estate of a deceased officer shall be taken out in the county of the decedent's domicil [sic], or in the county where he died; and the proof of the fact of his domicil [sic] or death having been in said county shall be exhibited.  A full and regular certificate of administration is required; and in all cases the penalty of the administration bond must be sufficient to cover the amount of half-pay claimed.
  5. If, after the death of an officer, the heirs shall have removed from the county of his domicil [sic], administration may be granted in the county and State where the heirs reside.
  6. No claim shall be settled in favor of an assignee of the claimant.
  7. Where the payment is claimed by an attorney, the power of attorney must be subsequent to the passage of the law, and authorize such attorney to act under that law.
  The claims of officers for commutation, or for commutation and interest, will not be examined or allowed without further legislation by Congress.  J. E. HEATH, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 31

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 14th day of September 1787, in the name of Robert Hall as Master in the Navy for [pound sterling]173.5.2, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Wm Reynolds and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.

p90 {No Seal of Office.}  
Given under my hand, at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this
28th day of July 1847.
Jas. E. Heath  AUDITOR.
Page 32

Affidavit of
Com. R. Hall--that
Robert Hall had
no Brother named
Thos. Hall
Page 33

State of Virginia  }
Westmoreland County }

The undersigned a resident of the County of Westmoreland aforesaid states on oath that he was well acquainted with the family of Robert Hall of whom it is said and I believe was a sailing Master in the Virginia State navy in the war of the Revolution and he knows that the said Robert Hall had no Brother by the name of Thomas Hall.  
Given by me this 24th day of
March " 1851
Wm. B. Hall

United States Post Master at the Court House of Westmoreland County Virginia hereby certify that William B Hall a  very Respectable gentleman made Oath in due form before me that the facts stated in the foregoing Certifficate [sic] and signed by him are the truth.  Given under my hand at my said office this 24th day of March 1851
Thaxten Russell  P.M.
Page 34

The undersigned has been many years intimately acquainted with Wm. B. Hall who has made the within Affidavit. He is a very respectable gentleman, & a distant relative of the Robert Hall of whom he speaks.--I also became acquainted with the said Robert Hall in 1801--He was one of my constituents, as his representative in Congress; & during my movements in the County of Westmoreland, in which the said Hall resided, I often heard it said, that he, the said Robert Hall, had served as an officer in the Virginia State Navy, in the war of the revolution.
Given by me, the 13th of Nov. 1851--
John Taliaferro
Page 35

The claim (says Mr Edwards) of the Heirs of Robert Hall had been allowed to Thomas Green Atty of Peter Foster Admin of R. Hall.
   A copy of the administration granted by the County Court of Mathews to Peter Foster is in the following words "it has been made to appear to the satisfaction of the Court that Robert Hall a Master in the Navy in the Revolutionary War died intestate in the latter part of the year 1786 or early in 1787 leaving certain named children."
   There is nothing definite to show that Robert Hall who so died is the Robert 
[remainder is cut off]
Page 36

"D"

Pay due to Robt
Hall, allowed
To
Wm. Reynolds
As Assignee
of Thos. Hall
Page 37

  This is to certify, That it appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assembly, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 14th day of September 1787 in the name of Robert Hall as Master in Navy and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for [pound sterling]173.5.2---delivered to William Reynolds but as the original settlements of copies thereof are not to be found in this office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated.
   Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond, the 6th day of March 1850

Ro Johnston
Auditor

[No Seal of Office]
Page 38

Robert Hall dec
Sailing Master
Va State Navy
Letter Hon. Jno taliaferro
Augt 15/50
[illegible writing underneath]

Colo. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington


JAB

pd. 190--
Page 39

Robert Hall dec
Sailing Master
Va State Navy
Letter Hon. Jno taliaferro
Augt 15/50
[illegible writing underneath]

Colo. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington


JAB

pd. 190--
Page 40

Land warrant
Due Robt Hall
Allowed to Wm Rey-
nolds, as
Assignee of Tho Hall

Allowed on the
inclosed Affi-
davit of a single
witness
Page 41

Council Chambers Septr 28th 1787
  William Reynolds afsd of the Representative of Robert Hall Decd. is entitled to the proportion of land allowed a master of the State navy for three years service.
Beverley Randolph      S.  Meriweather

  A warrant for 2666 2/8 acres issued to Wm. Reynolds assignee of Thomas Hall representative of Thomas Hall Decd  Octbr 5th 1787 (No 4311)

A copy from The Records of the Virginia Land Office
Teste, S. H. Parker  Reg. L. Office

$0.25 cents
Page 42

"G"

Copy of the decision
of 
Comr J. L. Edwards
    Which allows to Robt
Hall $152:8 a year from
the 24th of January 1780,
to the time of his death
Page 43

Copy

Pension Office,
October 28, 1847

I certify that I have examined the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall, deceased, under the act of July 5th 1832 and I find that he was a Master in the Virginia State Navy; that he left the service upon the reduction of the Navy, and was discharged on the 24th of January 1780.  The case is therefore provided for by law; and it is my opinion that the claim should be allowed at the rate of one hundred and fifty two dollars and eighty cents per annum from the date of his discharge, up to the first of January 1786, in which year, or in the succeeding year, he died.  The money is payable to Thos. Green, Esqr of Richmond, Virginia, Attorney of Peter G. Foster, Administrator of Robert Hall, deceased. (Signed)
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Approved,
 W. L. Marcey, 
Ssecretary of War

A true copy.
Jno. S. Gallaher
3d Aud.
[?] Dept
Page 44

6 March 1852

John Taliaferro


J. E. Heath esqr

Comr of Pensions
Page 45

Washington 6th of March 1852-

To.
J. E. Heath esqr }
Comr of Pensions}
   Sir,
     Allow me to solicit your attention to the following statement in relation to the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall of Westmoreland County, Virginia, who was a Sailing Master in the Virg. Navy, in the war of the Revolution, & as such entitled to his half-pay during his life.
   By the established rule of your Department, that pay will not be allowed to any applicant without the exhibit, by such applicant, to the Department, of satisfactory evidence to show, that he is the lawful claimant to it.  In violation of this rule, the half-pay due to Sailing Master Robert Hall was allowed to Peter Foster, from 1779 to 1786; without a particle of evidence exhibitted [sic] to the Department to show, that he Foster was the Administrator of Robert Hall who was Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy. The only evidence, if it can in such a case be deemed evidence, which was offered by P. Foster, to the Department, was the certificate from the Court of Middlesex County, Virga., "That it was made to appear to the satisfaction of that Court, that Robert Hall who was
Page 46

"Sailing Master (in what Navy not mentioned) died Intestate leaving the following children."  It was to this Robert Hall, that the said Court appointed P. Foster Admir.; & without the exhibit of any other evidence to show to the Department, that he Foster was the Admr. of Rob. Hall, who was Sailing Master in the Virga. Navy, the half=pay of said Hall from 1779, to 1786, was in 1848 allowed by the then Commissioner of Pensions, to Th. Green, Att. of Peter Foster, & that without the consent of the heirs of said R. Hall, which an express rule of the Department required.
  When the claim of the heirs of Robert Hall of Westmoreland was presented to your predecessor in office, the aforesaid allowance to Peter Foster was plead in lieu of it.  Tho' he had evidence before him to show, that only one man named Robert Hall had served in the Virg. Navy; who was by the evidence of two Navy officers proven to have served as Sailing Master in that Navy; & one of them stated, that said Hall had so served in the Brig Jefferson; add to which, was the evidence of six aged, intelligent, & credible men, all the immediate neighbors or said Hall during & subsequent to his said service, who all, except one, state on oath that he served as Sailing Master.  One of them states that he served as Lieut:, & in the Brig Jefferson, a mistake as to the office, but true as to the service in which Hall was.  If it can by possibility be considered just & right to sanction the aforesaid payment, to P: Foster; the heirs of R: Hall of Westmorland, J. Powers & other, must be
Page 47

content to take the half=pay from 1786, to the time of the death of the said Hall--And such is the proposal some time since submitted to you by
Yours very respectfully,
John Taliaferro

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARVICES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]


J. E. Heath esqr-    {
Comr of Pensions  {
Page 48

Honl. Mr Taliaferro
care
of Robert Hall
sailing master

Letter of Colo. J: L: Edwards
Which states the
allowance of pay due to
Rob: Hall; & paid to Thos. 
Green, Att. of P: Foster
Page 49

Pension Office
August 15th 1850.

Sir,
   The papers presented by you in the case of Robert Hall, deceased, who was a sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy, have been placed upon file, and in reference thereto, I have the honor to inform  you that the claim of the heirs of said Robert Hall, deceased, was allowed, October 28, 1847, and the amount thereof paid to Thomas Green, Esqr. of Richmond attorney of Peter G. Foster administrator of Hall.  For further information I have respectfully to refer you to the Third Auditor of the Treasury, in whose office the papers are filed.

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

I have the honor to be
very respectfully
your Obt. Sert.
J L Edwards

Hon. John Taliaferro  }
Washington City     }
Page 50

James Scates

Thos Hall was in
service as Commandant

(D.)
Page 51

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

 The affidavit of James Scates, of lawful age taken, subscribed and sworn to this 13th day of May in the year of our Lord 1846 before William G. Walker a Justice of the peace of the county of Westmoreland and State of Virginia.
   The said affiant being first duly sworn deposeth and saith, as follows, to wit: That he was personally acquainted with a certain Robert Hall of the Northern Neck of Virginia, and according to the best of his knowledge he was a Commanding officer in the Virginia State Navy, during the Revolutionary war, and he believes firmly that he was the identical Robert Hall, who was Master Commandant in the Navy.  He tho (said affiant) is of the opinion that he was on board the ship Dragon or Jefferson.
   This affiant cannot say, that the said Robert Hall, went into service at the commencement of the war.
   He further says he knew of no other man, by the name of Robert Hall, [marked out: nor any man] in the Navy, nor any other man, by that name who served in the war from the N. Neck or by that name, at that time whatever.
    This affiant was at that time of about sixteen years of age, He, the said affiant, lived betwixt two and three miles, from the said Robert Hall.  The affiant further states that the said Robert Hall, had but three children that survived him, Namely, Anne, Elizabeth, & Sarah.  Anne intermarried with Andrew Montgomery--Elizabeth, intermarried, with Jas. Montgomery, & Sarah who intermarried, with Geo. C. Sedwick--with all of whom the affiant was intimately & personally acquainted, Ann died leaving R. L Montgomery, Eliza Ann, who intermarried with Jno. Lowery, & Sarah who intermarried with Jno. F. Morriss, Robt L. Montgomery has since died, leaving several children--Elizabeth died leaving two children only, Frances H. Montgomery, and Robert H. Montgomery--Frances H. Montgomery has since died intestate and without issue.  Sarah died, leaving four children, the eldest of whom only Robert H. Sedwick, the affiant is personally acquainted with.
   This affiant says that he is a member of the Baptist Church in full fellowship in that denomination of Christians, And further this affiant saith not.
James Scates

The foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the Peace on the County of Westmoreland and State of Virginia this 13th day of May in the year 1846.
W. G. Walker  J.P.
Page 52

Westmorland County to wit:
   We the undersigned Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid have known the affiant James Scates for many years, and take pleasure in stating, that any statement made by him is entitled to the utmost Credit_
   Given under our hands this 13th day of May, in the year, 1846_  
WG Walker JP
S. B. Atwill J.P.
Jos. S. Lyell, J.P.

State of Virginia
Westmoreland County to wit:
   I William Hutt clerk of the county court of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that William G. Walker, Samuel B. Atwill and Joseph S. Lyell each who have signed the foregoing certificate, are and were at the time of so doing justices of the peace in and for the said county duly commissioned and sworn; I further certify that the signatures above purporting to be the signatures of the said Walker, Atwill and Lyell are their genuine signatures_
   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this 13th day of May, in the year, 1846.

William Hutt cc
Page 53

Thomas Green
May 26th 1831
Page 54

Washington 26 May 1837.

Mr. Jos. E. Heath
Commr. of Pensions
   Sir,
      You informed me today, that another set of heirs have presented a claim for Half-pay, as the true Representatives of the "veritable" Robert Hall, who was a Master in the Va. Navy of the Revolution.
   As the ancestor of the new claimants, is shown to have lived, to about the year 1822, I believe--and as the Records in Richmond show the "veritable" officer died before June 1787, it would seem very clear, the new claim is founded in mistake.
   On the 27th June 1787, Thomas Hall as Rep of Robt Hall, sold to William Reynolds, the Depreciation and Land Bounty deed for Robert Halls services as Master in the Navy.
   On 28 Sept. 1787 the claim of Wm Reynolds as assignee aforesaid to the land bounty was allowed, and he drew the warrant No. 4311 for 2666 1/3 acres of land.
   The vouchers, on which the claim was allowed in 1787 & the land warrant grant are on file in the Executive department at Richd.
   It would thus seem, almost impossible that the man, who died 30 years after 1787 would have been the veritable officer--unless there were two Robert Halls in the Navy--& both Masters, which is rather improbable.
   In the case, in which I recd. the Half-pay, for the veritable officer you will find proof, that Thomas Hall was the older brother & heir of Robert Hall, who died in the latter part of the year 1786 or early 1787.
   The claim, by way of very abundant caution, was paid only to the 1 day of January 1786.  Nearly one year half-pay being left unpaid--I have been often requested, to apply for this small balance, on behalf of the true heirs, and as I am now admonished by the proper representative of the U. S. that there may have been a mistake in the former settlement, I have the honor to request that all mistakes may be corrected, and that you will now pay the balance of Half pay still due.
   I am yrs. very Respectfully
  Thomas Green.

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]
Page 55

Letter from J Taliaferro
(atty) Rec'd June 16th

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

To-
J: E: Heath, esqr_
Comm_ of Pensions-
Page 56

[written sideways on left hand side]
Letter from J. Taliaferro
(aty) Rec'd June 16th

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

To-
J: E: Heath esqr
Comm_ of Pensions-
Page 57

J: E: Heath esqr_
Comr_ of Pensions -
Page 58

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]
  
In the case of Robert Hall, there is no evidence before the Department, as by the regulations of the Department there should have been, that Peter Foster was the Administrator of the Robert Hall who was Sailing Master in the Virginia.  And if there had been such evidence, the allowance of the half=pay due to R: Hall from 1779, to 1786, to the said Adm. was without the sanction of the heirs of the said R: Hall; which sanction the regulations of the Department expressly required_  Such being the case, can it be just to make such an irregular allowance & barr to the claim of the actual heirs of Robert Hall to the half pay due to him as Sailing Master, either in whole, or in part?
   J: Powers & others exhibit satisfactory evidence to show, that but one man named Robert Hall served in the Virg: Navy (See Navy Roll)--and that a man named Rob: Hall served as Sailing Master in that Navy, so as to entitle him to half=pay for life--(See evidence on file)--And J: Powers & others exhibit the evidence of six aged, intelligent, & credible individuals to show, that they, the said Powers & others, are the heirs of the Robert Hall, who was Sailing Master in the Virg. Navy_  Those individuals were, as they state, residents near to, & well acquainted with, the said Robert Hall during, & subsequent to, the war of the revolution.  If a doubt exists as to the allowance of the entire claim to these heirs--It is, respectfully, proposed that it may be allowed from 1786 to 1802.    John Taliaferro
Page 59

John Neale
That Hall served to
the close of the war

(E)
Page 60

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]   

The affidavit of Jno Neal of lawful age taken subscribed & sworn to this 7th day of April in the year of 1846. before William G. Walker, a Justice of the peace for the county of Westmorland in the State of Virginia.
   The said affiant being first, duly sworn, deposeth & saith, as follows to wit:  That he was well acquainted with a certain Robert Hall, who was an officer in the Navy of Virginia, in the Revolutionary war, This affiant is not able to say that the said Hall went into service at the Commencement of the war, but this he does know that every man who was able to bear arms & perform military duty, in his neighbourhood, and as far as his knowledge of the County extended, did go into the service.  He first served as Lieutenant, And afterwards as Master or Commandant until the close of the war.  The affiant says he was acquainted in the Norther Neck of  Virginia, [marked out: during] (The upper part of it) during the Revolutionary war; That he was at the time about twelve or thirteen years of age, and knew of no other man by the name of Robert Hall who served in the Navy during the war from the Northern Neck, nor any man, by that name living at that time.  The said Robert Hall lived not more than a mile & a half from this affiant.  He the said Hall, had three daughters that survived him who were his only heirs at law, And who intermarried with the following persons to wit, The eldest Ann, who was intermarried with Andrew Montgomery, Elizabeth who intermarried with Jos. Montgomery, And Sarah who intermarried with Geo. C. Sedwick, with all of whom the affiant was intimately acquainted for a number of years until the death of the two former, the said Montgomerys, & with Geo. C. Sedwick, until his removal from this county having been associated with him in the Gospel Ministry.
Page 61

Ann died, leaving Robert L. Montgomery Eliza Ann, who intermarried with Jno Powers, and Sarah who intermarried with Jno. F. Morriss_  The latter two, are still living with their husbands, the said Powers, & Morriss_  Robert L. Montgomery has died leaving several children.  Elizabeth, died leaving two children, One of whom has died [marked out: intestate] intestate, & without issue, & the other Robt. H. Montgomery, who is still  living Sarah, died leaving four children, to wit Robt. H. Sedwick, Elizabeth Ann, intermarried with Jno. H. Gibbs, A. J. Sedwick, & Frances P. who intermarried with Thos. S. Wilson. The affiant further states that he, with a servant carried clothing & provision to, his father at Leeds Town, when the troops were at that place,  His father being then in the country's service--He also recollects the names of Major Benj Mazzard, and Col Hungerford, & officers by the names of Hodge & Jett, who were at Leeds Town about that time--He also well recollects the fact of his father making cartouch boxes for the men, & his mother melting up pewter basins into musket balls_
   This affiant further saith that he is a Minister of the Baptist Church in full fellowship in that Denomination of Christians, and further this affiant, saith not.
John Neale

   The foregoing affidavit was subscribed & sworn to before me a Justice of the peace for the county of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia this 7th day of April in the year 1846.
  W. G. Walker, J. P.
Page 62

Westm' County to wit
   We the undersigned Justices of the peace for the County aforesaid, have known the Rev. John Neale for many years, and takes pleasure in stating that any statement made by him is entitled to the utmost credit.
   Given under our hands this 7 day of April, 1846
W. G. Walker J.P.
Jos. S. Lyell J.P.
J. B. Atwill J.P.

State of Virginia
Westmoreland County to wit:
I William Hutt, clerk of the county court of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia do hereby Certify that William G Walker Jos. S Lyell and Samuel B. Atwill Gnt. who have signed the above certificate are and at the time of so doing justices of the peace in and for the said County duly commisioned and sworn, I further certify that the signatures above purporting to be the signatures of the said Walker Lyell and Atwill are their genuine signatu [covered by paper]-

In testimony whereof  I have hereunto [illegible] my hand and affixed the Seal of the said court this 12th day of May 1846.

William Hutt. CC
Page 63

Wm. Omohundro
Proves that Hall was 
in service, as Commander 
"about the close of the war"

(I)
Page 64

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

 

  The affidavit of William O'Mohundro, of lawful age taken, subscribed and sworn to this 12th day of May in the year 1846 before Joseph S. Lyell a Justice of the Peace, for the county of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia.  The said affiant being first duly sworn deposeth and saith, as follows, to wit.  That he was well acquainted with a certain Robert Hall who was an officer in the Navy of Virginia, during the Revolutionary war.  This affiant is not able to say that the said Robert Hall went into the service at the commencement of the war, but he believes firmly from the best of his knowledge that the said Robert Hall was a commanding officer in the Navy about the close of the war.  This affiant further says he was well acquainted in the Northern Neck of Virginia, and has never known any other man by the name of Robert Hall living in the Northern Neck, who served in the navy or who was in the war at that time.
   The affiant further says, he knew the said Robert Hall, well, & personally.  He the said affiant being at that time about 14 years of age.  The said Robert Hall lived about two and a half miles from this affiant.  The affiant has been living at his present residence, seventy seven years.  The said Robert Hall lived & died, 2 1/2 miles from the affiants residence.  The said affiant was intimately acquainted with the said Robert Hall and his family, and knows positively that the said Robert Hall, at his death left but three heirs at Law, namely, Ann who intermarried with Andrew Montgomery, and
Page 65

Elizabeth who intermarried with James Montgomery, And Sarah who intermarried with Geo. C. Sedwick.  The affiant was personally acquainted with Andrew & James Montgomery until their death, and with Geo. C. Sedwick until his removal from this section of the State. Ann died leaving Robt L. Montgomery Eliza Ann, who intermarried with Jno. Powers, and Sarah who intermarried with Jno. C. Morriss_ Robt L. Montgomery, has since died leaving several children.  Elizabeth died leaving two children, One of whom has since died intestate without issue.  The other Robert H. Montgomery, is still living.  Sarah died leaving four children, with one of whom only, the affiant is personally acquainted To wit Robert H. Sedwick.
   This affiant further states, that he has been a school teacher in the neighborhood where he has & still, resides, for 20 years, and further this affiant saith not.
   William Omohundro

   The foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the Peace for the county of Westmoreland and State of Virginia this 12th day of May in the year 1846.  Jos: S. Lyell, J.P.
Page 66

Westmoreland County to wit
   We the undersigned Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid have known the affiant William Omohundro for many years, and take pleasure in stating that any statement made by him is entitled to the utmost credit &c.
   Given under our hands this 12th day of May A.D. 1846 _  
S. B. Atwill  J.P.
W. G. Walker, JB
Jos: S. Lyell, JP.


State of Virginia,
Westmoreland County to wit:
   I, William Hutt, clerk of the county court of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Samuel B. Atwill, William G. Walker, and Joseph S. Lyell, Gnt. who have signed the above certificate, are and were at the time of so doing justices of the peace in and for the said county duly commissioned and sworn.  I further certify that, the signatures above purporting to be the signatures of the said Lyell, Walker, and Atwill are their genuine signatures,
   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said court this 12th day of May 1846-
   William Hutt CC
Page 67

Colo: J: L: Edwards-
Commr. of Pensions-
Washington-
Page 68

Washington 6th of June 1850 - 

Dear Sir,

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

   It appears by the inclosed evidence that Robert Hall of Westmoreland County, Virginia, served as Sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy; for which service he was allowed & paid by that State in June 1787 Bounty Land, & $577 dollars in money--And by the inclosed certificate of the Court of Westmoreland, it is shown that John Powers & Eliza Ann his wife; John Powers, as guardian of the infant children of Sarah Morris, Elizabeth Montgomery, widow & Legatee of Robert Montgomery; & A; J; Sedgwick, are next akin & heirs at law of the aforesaid Robert Hall & who all consent, that John Taliaferro may take Administration on the estate of Robert ^Hall, in order to apply for & to receive whatever may be due to them, as Heirs aforesaid--
   I submit this to your consideration, & ask the favor of you to advise me, whether you can, on the foregoing evidence, pay over to me the half pay for life due to Robert Hall at his death, on the 31st day of May 1802, as stated in the certificate of the Court--  Respectfully your friend--
   John Taliaferro-
Colo: J. L Edwards }
Page 69

Claim of Robert Hall
Page 70

I do certify that Robert Hall enguaged  [sic] on board of the Henry Gally in Jany. 1777 and served as Masters Mate on board till Jany. 1779
    Jos. Singleton


   I do hereby certify that Robt. Hall commanded the boat Liberty in siventy [sic] nine & from hir [sic] was on board the Brig Jefferson, where he contd. till Feby. 1780, how much longer I am not certain.  Given under my hand this 12 day Sepr. 1787

Entitled to depreciation as Masters Mate from Jany 77 to Jany 79 & from thence as Master to Jany. 80.   T. Meriwether

   I do assign to Wm Reynolds a good right to Robert Halls claim of depreciation and the land allowed him for his services in the navy of this state--  June 27, 1787
   Thomas Hall
Test  Jno. Brownley

X note {   Copy.  J Pendleton
   The information desired, was the authority on which Thomas Hall assigned the claims of Robert Hall, to Wm Reynolds.

     Executive Department
   Richmond V. March 26 1830

   The above is a true copy of a paper filed in my department
   Wm. H. Richardson  Secy Comr

1787
Page 71

No. 40

[marked out:  ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871
WAR OF 1812.]
3145
Heirs of 
Robert Hall
Master
Va Navy
Revolution
 Discharged ____________, 18
4045
Admitted

H'f Pay ---Act '32

Received  [blank], 187


[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/round stamp]
Page 72

[Round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

In the case of Robert Hall it appears that an individual of that name became entitled, by an Act of The Virginia Assembly of May 1779, to half=pay during his life, as Sailing Master in The Virginia State Navy in the war of the revolution_ Which half=pay, is to be satisfied out of The Treasury of The U: States, by any money therein not otherwise appropriated; in pursuance of an Act of Congress of The day of     1832_ The said Hall had also a claim at the end of that war for any balance of pay & Bounty Land due to him for his service aforesaid by The State of Virginia.

It was in pursuance of the above, that on the    day of       1787, the pay & Bounty Land due to Robert Hall as Sailing Master was allowed & paid by The Auditor of The Treasury & Register of The Land Office, of Virginia, to Wm Reynolds, designee of Thomas Hall; on the faith of the affidavit of a single witness, taken in Richmond, that the said Thomas Hall was "Brother & representative of Robert Hall who was Sailing Master_" It further appears that on the     day of      1848, The Commissioner of Pensions allowed the half=pay due to Robt
Page 73

 Hall up to 1782, to Thos Green, Att: of Peter Foster, who was executor of Robt Hall, not accompanied by the usual satisfactory proof, that he was heir to the identical Robert Hall, who was Sailing Master as aforesaid - 

It is under the foregoing state of facts, which the [illegible] has on file will verify; that the legal heirs of The Robt Hall, who was the veritable Sailing Master as aforesaid, now appear & claim The half=pay due to him at his death And it is questioned, whether they are to look to the aforesaid Executor, or the govt of The U: States, for so much of that pay as has been received by said heir.  If Peter Foster was the heir of the Identical [crossed out heirs] Robt Hall whose heirs are now claiming, they surely should have recourse to him, for The amount received by him, in their behalf But as the heir is a stranger to them, who has obtained, without authority derived from them, money due to them; it is to The govt he is responsible for The money paid to him by mistake, & not to the heirs of The Robt Hall, to whom it was due And as it is legally imposed on all who owe money, or who are charged with the disbursement of money, to pay it to the legal receiver; a failure to do so can in no way operate on a legal receiver.  It is therefore respectfully claimed, that the half=pay due to Sailing Master Robt Hall at his death
Page 74

ought to be allowed to the present claimants of that pay, in pursuance of the satisfactory evidence exhibitted [sic] by them, that they are his veritable heirs.
There is evidence on file to show; that sailing master Robt Hall, had no brother named Thomas Hall - respectfully submitted by

John Taliaferro

To-
J:E: Heath esqr
Page 75

Certificate as to the
Heirs of Robert Hall, who
was a Sailing Master
in the Virginia State
Navy.  And of the consent
of those heirs, to the Ad-
ministration of those
Heirs-Also as to the time 
when said Hall died--
Page 76

 Virginia

[round stamp in black ink] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES]

At a court of quarterly sessions Continued and held for Westmoreland County on the 28th day of May 1830.

It appears to the Court by Satisfactory evidence on oath that Robert Hall who served it is said as a sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy during the war of the Revolution, was a citizen of and that he died in the County aforesaid on or about the 31st day of May 1802, and John Powers & Eliza Ann his wife, who was Eliza Ann Montgomery One of the grand children & heirs at law of the said Robert Hall, John Powers guardian of the infant children of Sarah Morriss who was Sarah Montgomery another of the grand children & heirs at law of the said Robert Hall, Elizabeth T. Montgomery widow & legalee of Robert L. Montgomery died who was another grand child and heir at law of the said Robert Hall & A.J. Sedwick another grand child & heir at law of the said Robert Hall of the County. Each in open court consent that John Taliaferro may apply for and take administration on the state of the said Robert Hall in order to authorize him to apply for and to receive from the proper officer of the government of the United States for paying the sums, whatever sum of money was due by the State of Virginia to the said Robert Hall at his death in consideration of his aforesaid service all which is ordered to be certified. 

Virginia:
Westmoreland County Sct;
I, William Hutt Clerk of the county court in the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the records of my office.
In testimony whereof,  I,
Page 77

have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of the
Said Court this 29th day of
May 1857 and in the 74th year
of the Commonwealth.
William Hutt, C.C.
Page 78

Robt. Hall allowed
Pay as Sailing
Master in the Vir-
ginia State Navy
Page 79

[round stamp in black ink] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That is appears from a list in this office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line as settled their accounts and received certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an act of assemble, passed the November session 1781, directing the Auditors of Public Accounts to settle and adjust the pay and accounts of the said Officers and Soldiers from the 1st January 1777 to 31st December 1781, (see Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 10, p. 462,) that a settlement was made on the 11th day of Septem 1787 in the name of Robert Hall as Master in Navy and evidence of the indebtedness of the State to him for 173.5.2 delivered to Wm Reynolds but as the original settlements or copies thereof are not to be found in this office, the term of service embraced therein cannot be stated.

Given under my hand at the First Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 13th day of March 1850

Ro Johnston
First Auditor

[No Seal of Office.]
Page 80

Service of Robt Hall
As Sailing Master
Virga Navy
From January 1797 to Janu-
ary 1780-
Page 81

I do certify that Robert Hall engaged on board of the Henry Gally in Jany 1777 and served as master's mate on board till Jany 1779.
Jos. Singleton Lt.

I do hereby certify that Robt Hall commanded the boat Liberty in Seventy nine from his was on board the By Jefferson, where he cont. till Feby 1780 - how much longer I am not certain. Given under my hand this 13 Sep. 1787
Joseph Sanders Lt. N.

entitled to depreciation as masters mate from Jany 77 to Jany 79 from thence as Master to Jany 80.
T. Merriwether

I do assign to Wm Reynolds a good right to Robert Hall's claim of depreciation and the land allowed him for his services in the Navy of this State. June 27. 1787
Thomas Hall

Test
Jno. Brownley

Copy J. Pendleton

[round stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

Executive Department
Richmond Va March 6th 1850
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper filed in this department.

Wm H Richardson Comms