Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8428, George Eskridge, Va.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE 
Va.

Eskridge, George
NUMBER
S. 8428

CONTENTS
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31,366.
inia Richmond
ge Eskridge,
ke Co: in the State of Virginia
a Lt: & Capt: in the compy. commanded
tain himself of the regt. commanded
Mason in the
3 months & 17 days Captain
20 " & 13 " Lieut:
creased from act 1818.
on the Roll of Richmond
of 343. Dollars 77. Cents per
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
ate of Pension issued the 12th day of March
1838, and delivered to
sioner Present.
to the 4th of March 1838 $2406.39
allowance ending 4 Sept.  171.88
$2578.27
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
by D. D. Addison, Clerk.
Vol. 6 1/2 Page 11
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JBrochen brough VA 
Robinson Jr March 12 1838 - 
__der to pay & letter to Lewis Hill 27 March 1838 
Thos. A T Reiley Jany 19/55 
_isome Jany 24 18.55- same 
Jany 31 1855 - same Feby 10 1855 - Secy Int Feby 10 1853 
T A T Reiley Mch 2 1855 
same enclosing copy & papers apl 27 1853 - same Jany 12 1856 -
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[page] 1

State of Virginia
Clarke County S.S.

On this 26th day of feby [February] 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Said County, George Eskridge a resident of said in the State of Virginia, aged 80 years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1932 - 

He states that when the affair of Dunmore about the magazine broke out at Williamsburg [Gunpowder Incident, Williamsburg, Virginia April 21, 1775] at the commencement of the Revolution he volunteered as a Lt Dragoon [light dragoon] under Cap. P.P. Thornton [Peter Presley Thornton] of Northumberland County Va [Virginia] 
and entered service that was in 1775- 

after the expiration of that service he volunteered under Cap. Thomas Jones of same Co. [company] as a minuteman and whilst engaged in that service was commissioned an Ensign, in the 15th Regt [regiment] Virginia Troops, on or about the formation of the regular army-
this was in 1776 -

After serving in that capacity for a considerable period he was promoted to a Lieutenant in the same Regiment which was commanded by Col. David Mason and he belonged to the company commanded by Cap. Edwin Hull - That his said service as Lieutenant commenced 1st Jany [January]
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1777 and continued until his appointment as a captain in the militia of said county - During this period he was actively engaged in [Army??] Northern Service till the fall of 1778 when he was sent to being [??] on the recruiting service for the regular Army. And in this service continued actively engaged till comsd. as a Captain as aforesaid . The recruiting service at the period refered [referred] to, when this declarant was engaged in it was a laborious difficulty, expensive, and in some instances a hazardous business - this declarant avers that he now receive a cert from government for his services after his return from the Northern Amy - and as many instances he advanced recruiting money to a large amount which was never reimbursed to him. He further states that whilst he was engaged in said service Cap Edwin Hull was killed at Northumberland Court House by a rioter, who with many others had rebelled against the raising of soldiers by draft from the militia to supply the regular regiments - 
He declares that he was commissioned as a Captain of militia immediately after the 9th August 1779 - and continued to serve as Lieut. up to the time where he qualified as Captain, and then entered on his active duties in that station - that the frequency of the visits of portions of the enemy fleet in the water bordering on the country where decla__ [declaim_? declare_?]
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then was, made it necessary to keep up a continual militia force for the safety of the country - and this declarant when prevailed on to accept of a commission in the militia, was governed in so doing by the necessity under which the country labored for immediate and active defense by experienced officers - He avers that the acceptance of a militia commission was to enable him to be more immediately useful in the defense of that section of his country - All of which he could without difficulty prove by documents which were once in his possession, if he now had them - but he, trusting to an agent employed by him some years since to obtain his pay from Virginia (one Abel Westfall) and of more recent date to another agent of the name of John B. White, to procure an overage of his pension he delivered to them all the papers considered of any importance, such as his Genl. orders - & rolls of the army - or lists of the troops, and many others not now recollected, and they are lost, and this declarant has been thus far entirely baffled in regaining possession of any them - that the exhibition of active & positive proof under the circumstances would therefore be impracticable - and he is conscious of not being able to prove the full extent of his service - He visited the section of country where he performed his recruiting, and his militia service some time since and found
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nearly all his old acquaintances dead or removed to distant places, and but one who could give any account of his service - but he was not with declarant in the militia except at the siege of York - But this declarant has found amongst the remnant of his old papers the receipt of Abel Westfall, for this declarant's account for his last services, and this is the only voucher which he exhibit of the duration of his militia service as Captain - That receipt shews the balance due this declarant on the score of serving to have leave £115.13.4. which of itself proves actual service of 10 months or thereabouts, but his serving as Captain was more that 10 months, and if this declarant had his lost papers he could prove that fact - He further states that for his service in the regular army he has recently been allowed the Virginia land bounty of 2666 2/3 acres for a service of 3 years according to the law, and customs of that state - He herewith exhibits proof of such allowance also a certified copy of the evidence which he presented to the Executive of Virga. - and on the Documents now filed, and his statement, which he has made as full, and
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and at the same time as particular as he could considering the nature of the subject, and the great lapse of time & of memory, he found his present application for a pension under the Act of 1832. and most respectfully begs leave to say that he feels consciencious [conscientious] in praying, that the account of pension now asked for, may be ascertained, first, as for a captain's service in the militia for 10th - and that the remainder of the 2 years may be estimated as for a Lt.'s service, to wit 14 months - this declarant never had knowledge of the fact that he could claim for his service in the militia till lately - He herewith surrenders his old pension certificate. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an accounting, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, except the agency in the State of Virginia - 
Geo. Eckridge 
Clarke County Lct 
I John Hay Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Geo. H. Nariz Esqr. whose signature is attached to the above document before whom it was sworn to is the 
[illegible words] of the Court of the County
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6 
aforesaid & that the signature thereto is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my Name this 26th. Day of February 1838 
Jn. A. Hays
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George Eskridges
Declaration
Admd by Secy [Secretary] of War
22 Nov. 1821.
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2d
Decln
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At a Court continued & held for Hampshire County the 22d of Nov 1820
Present
William Fox George Sharpe John McDonell David Gibson & Frederick Smith Gentn Justices
On the 22d day of November 1820 personally appeared in open Court it being a Court of Record George Eskridge aged Sixty four years in February next resident in Hampshire County Va who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows. That in the year 1776 he was commissioned as an Ensign and served in the 15th Virginia Regiment on the continental establishment Commanded by Col David Mason and afterwards by Colo James that he was attached to a company under the command of Captain Edward Hall Capt George L Turbesville & others that at the time he entered the Service he was a resident in the County of Northumberland Virginia that he continued in said Service after the said Regiment was reduced untill September or October 1777 or 1778 when he resigned his Commission to Genl G Washington at the white plains which will more fully appear by his original declaration filled in the war office dated the 15th day of September 1819 upon which he has obtained a certificate of pension numbered 4725 and he did so solemnly swear that he was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that he has not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of his property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring himself within the provisions of an Act of Congress Entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that he has not nor has any person in trust for him any property or Securities contracts or debts owing to him nor has he any other income or property other than what is contained in the Schedule hereunto annexed and by him subscribed viz one Horse Saddle & Bridle worth about one hundred Dollars. That the debts heard and for which is he bound as Securely well amount to between two & three thousand Dollars. That he has no family and that in consequence of his age is unable to Support himself. And it is indeed to be Certified that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the
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Rev. and 1812 
Wars Section 
MOS/eel 
[initials?] 
October 2, 1929 
Mrs. C. H. Rush 
1222 So. 14th Street 
LIncoln, Nebraska 
Dear Madam: 
I advised you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 8428, it appears that George Eskridge was born in February, 1757, place not stated. 
While a resident of Northumberland County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1773, and served as Light Dragoon under Captain P. P. Thornton of Northumberland County, Virginia. 
He then served as Minute-Man under Captain Thomas Jones of Northumberland County, Virginia. 
In 1775, he was commissioned Ensign and served in Captain Edwin Hall's and George L. Turberville's Companies, Colonel David Mason's Fifteenth Virginia Regiment. 
In August, 1779, he was commissioned Captain of the Militia of Northumberland County, Virginia, was in the
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siege of Yorktown, date of discharge not given. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 12, 1812, at which time he was a resident of Hampshire County, Virginia. 
In 1821, a son (name not given) was referred to and it was then stated that many years ago the soldier had lived near Winchester, Virginia. 
In 1855, Colonel Hecter Bell, a son of the only daughter of George Eckridge, was living in Winchester, Virginia. 
There are no further data as to his family. 
Very truly yours, 
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
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Suspended, Feb. 24. 1821. 
Mr. Eckridge states that he had a negro fello not pd. for & not included in the schedule-
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Mr. Eckridge informed me that he had bought a Negro fellow, and intended to pay for him in March out of his pension money. He is not included in the schedule. T'orth' [the other ?] reason the case was directed by the Sec 17.65 be expended. J. L. E. 24 feb. 1821
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December 9, 1927 
Mrs. Henry L. West 
2710 Connecticut Ave. 
Washington, D.C. 
Madam: 
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8428, it appears that GEORGE ESKRIDGE was born in February, 1757, place not stated. 
While a resident of Northumberland County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1775 and served as LIght Dragoon under Captain P. P. Thornton of Northumberland county, Virginia. 
He then served as Minute-Man under Captain Thomas Jones of Northumberland County, Virginia. 
In 1776 he was commissioned Ensign and served in Captains Edwin Hull's and George L. Turberville's Companies, Colonel David Mason's 15th Virginia Regiment. 
On January 1, 1777, he was commissioned Lieutenant of Captain Edwin Hull's Company, Colonel David Mason's 15th Virginia Regiment. 
In August, 1779, he was commissioned Captain of the MIlitia of Northumberland County, Virginia, was in the siege of Yorktown, date of discharge not given.
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He was allowed pension on his application executed August 18, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Hampshire County, Virginia. 
In 1821 a son (name not given) was referred to and it was then stated that many years ago the soldier had lived near Winchester, Virginia. 
In 1855 Colonel Hector Bell, a son of the only daughter of George Eskridge, was living in Winchester, Virginia. 
There are no further data on file relative to his family. 
Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
February 6, 1925 
Mrs. O. Max Gardner 
303 S. Washington St. 
Shelby, N.C. 
Madam: 
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.8428, it appears that George Eskridge was born in February, 1757, place not stated. 
While a resident of Northumberland County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1775 and served as Light Dragoon unter Captain P. P. Thornton of Northumberland County, Virginia. 
He then served as Minute Man under Captain Thomas Jones of Northumberland County, Virginia. 
In 1776 he was commissioned Ensign and served in Captains Edwin Hull's and George L. Turberville's Companies, Colonel 
Mason's 15th Virginia Regiment. 
January 1, 1777, he was commissioned Lieutenant of Captain Edwin Hull's Company, Colonel David Mason's 15th Virginia Regiment. 
In August, 1779, he was commissioned Captain of the Militia of Northumberland County, Virginia, was at the siege of Yorktown, date of discharge not given.
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He was allowed pension on his application executed August 18, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Hampshire County, Virginia. 
In 1821 a son (name not stated) was referred to and it was then stated that many years ago the soldier had lived near Winchester, Virginia. 
In 1855 Colonel Hector Bell, a son of the only daughter of George Eskridge, was living in Winchester, Virginia. 
There is no further data on file relative to his family. 
Respectfully, 
Acting Commissioner
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. .3-525 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, Washington, D. C. , [blank], 19 [blank] 
S. F. 8428 
In reply to your request of [blank] 
for a statement of the military history of George Eskridege a soldier of fthe REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
[a table follows] 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. / 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. / 
RANK. / 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. / COLONEL. / 
STATE. 

[enlistment] 1775
[length service] ✔
[rank] Light Dragoon 
[captain] P.P. Thornton 
[colonel] of Northumberland Co. 
[state] Va 

[enlistment] ✔
[length service blank] 
[rank] Minute Man 
[captain] Thomas Jones 
[colonel] ✔ of Northumberland Co. 
[state blank] 

[enlistment] 1776 
[length service blank] 
[rank] Ensign 
[captain] Edwin Hall / George L. Turberville 
[colonel] David Mason 15 Regt 
[state] Va. 

[enlistment] Jany. 1. 1777 
[length service blank] ] 
[rank] Lieut. 
[captain] Edwin Hall 
[colonel] David Mason 15 Regt 
[state] Va. 

[enlistment] Aug 1779 
[length service blank] 
[rank] Capt. 
[captain] of the militia of 
[colonel] Northumberland Co 
[state] Va. 
(date of discharge not stated) 
Battles engaged in, Siege of York 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Northumberland County, Va. 
Date of application for pension, Aug. 18. 1818 . His cl. was allowed 
Residence at date of application, Hampshire County, Va. 
Age at date of application, born February 1757 
Remarks: Soldier at one time resided in Winchester, Va. he died prior to Jany 13. 1855, date not stated 
A Son and "only daughter" are referred to, their names are not stated. Hector Bell a grand son No other data as to his family. 
Respectfully 
Commissioner.
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Revo 
Lincoln, Nebraska 
July 16, 1929 
Bureau of Pensions 
Department of Interior 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
I am writing you for information regarding the rank or commission of one George Eskricde, of Virginia, who served in the Revolutionary War. 
According to information which we have, he was commissioned in August, 1770, and he was allowed a pension on his application August 18, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Hampshire County, Virginia. 
According to information which we have, he was commissioned in August, 1779, and he was allowed a pension on his application August 18, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Hampshire County, Virginia. 
Thanking you in advance and also for any additional information as to his Revolutionary services, I remain, 
Sincerely yours, 
Mrs. C. H. Rush 
1222. So - 14th st. 
Lincoln Nebr. 

[circular stamp]  
Pension 
X  
U. Jul 18 1929 S. 
Office
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MRS. HENRY LITCHFIELD WEST 
2701 CONNECTICUT AVENUE 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
June 25, 1927 
To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C., 
Dear Sir: 
Will you please tell me if the soldier, GEORGE ESKRIDGE (on) (Hampshire) S of W 1835; Pen 2,66. was ap pensioner, and if so, will you please let me have a record of his pension? 
The above is copied from a list of soldiers in the Virginia State Library. 
I will be very grateful for a reply. 
Very truly yours, 
(Mrs. Henry L.) Mary Hope West. 
[circular stamp]
Pension
X
U. Jul 18 1929 S.
Office
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Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Mr. Hays Haymaker
acting Commissioner
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JAN 15 1925
Dear Sir:-
I am writing you to give me some information in regard to a george Eskridge, who entered the service of his country at the commencement of the War of the Revolution, volunteering as a Light Waggoon under Capt. Peter Presley Thornton of Northumberland County, serving later as an Ensign in the 15th Regt. of Va. Troops on or
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about the period of the formation of the Continental army.
He drew a pension of $240 annually from the year 1818. He was a brother of Samuel Eskridge
Please send any information about him, the year of his birth, whom he married, or any other information that I could use in D.A.R. work.
Thanking you in advance
I am
Mrs. O. Max Gardner
303 S. Washington St.
Shelby
N.C.
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Denver, Colo. Mar. 19, 1919.
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C. Rev Sec
Dear Sir,
Will you do me the favor to send me any particulars which you have on record about three Pensioners of the Revolution named Eskridge?
*W4192 1. William Eskridge, Lieut, who lived in Frederick Co. Va.
2. George Eskridge, probably a Private, of the same county.
3. Elizabeth Eskridge, widow in 1840 - Augusta Co. (?)
Widow File 4192 of Wm., the Lieut of Frederick Co - see above *
Military records especially desired, but any additional facts or dates very thankfully received.
by Colorado descendants,
Yours very truly
Miss Edith W. Smith
501 East Colfax Ave
Denver, Colo.
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. K
MAR 24 1919
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1919 Mch. 28 Hist. to Edith W. Smith
1925 Feb, 6, Hist
Mrs. O. Max Gardner M.C.S.
1927, Dec. 9. hist
Mrs. Henry L. West
1929 Oct 2, hist. to
C. H. Rusk. MCS

8428
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 8428
George Eskridge
Capt. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 116
Arrangement of 1870.
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14,725
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War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818,
George Eskridge late an Ensign in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Virginia Agency, at the rate of Twenty dollars per month, to commence on the Eighteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
GIVEN at the war Office of the United States, this fifteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and Nineteen
J C  Calhoun
Secretary of War.
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Thomas A. T. Riely
Winchester, Virginia
February 3, 1855
Respecting the refusal of the Pension Office to furnish him with certain information from the rolls.
George Eskridge
Va- act 1832
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions for answer through this Department.
Dept Int
Feby 6/'55
Geo C Whiting
Chief Clerk
Cole
Prichett
6 Feb. 1855
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Winchester Virginia
February 3rd 1855
Hon Robt McClelland
Secretary of the Interior
Sir
Some months ago I was applied to by a Col Hector Bell of this place to investigate the papers on file in the pension office and elsewhere, in regard to the services of his Grandfather Capt George Eskridge of Virginia, and at his request prepared & had executed a power of Attorney to enable me to comply
I sent the power of Attorney to the Commissioner of Pensions and desired him to answer the questions I propounded in my letter in regard to the services of Capt. Eskridge, from the papers filed in his office for the purpose of securing his pension &c. he, much to y surprise, for similar requests have never been refused before, I was told that Col Bell was not entitled, by being one degree removed, to the evidence upon file, that under a recent decision of yours, no one but the children could draw arrearages of pension &c. Now I had not mentioned one word about the objects of my inquiry & was surprised at the answers as  you may well imagine, & feeling there must be some new apprehension, wrote again upon the subject, had disclaimed the object, the inquiry of the Clerk, had been kind enough to oblige as the reason of my inquiry I suggested that altho' such had been your decision in regard to pensions, that if the evidence was such as I supposed to be there were other claims upon
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the Government which Col Bell could claim & hoped he would furnish me the evidence &c - But again I was met with the re-itteration of the same question of refusal & was obliged in justice to Col Bell to submit the matter to you
The power of Attorney states that Col Bell is probably the only heir & the certificate of the magistrate to whom he was well known certifies the fact - so there can be no doubt of the relationship and I desire to know whether I am not entitled to the evidence &c
The following grounds of interest I think are conclusive of the fact that he has such an interest as would entitle him to the evidence
1st That even tho' you have so decided in regard to pensions & I am satisfied of the truth of the statement of the Clerk afores'd upon that point, yet there is a claim for County Court against the United States, if the evidence is such as represented to me, & may also be entitled to commutation of half pay, to either & both of which Col Bell has a claim
2ndly That your decision is not final, but here I must disclaim any intention of inspecting the correctness of your decision to that regard, for I have not thought of the subject, but as the claim even for pension might be taken to Congress, if the applicant so desired, I claim he has a right to the evidence
I hope therefore you will do me the kindness to write - free & allow me to examine the papers, if you have the slightest doubt of my motives in making the request, no one could better disband of me kind of that doubt than the officials of the pension bureau & Col Mason, or Robt Hunter to both of whom both Col Bell & myself are
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well & favorably known, I know would take great pleasure in adding the testimony &c
I am
With great respect
Yours truly
Thos A T Riely
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make copies as soon as practicable
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Winchester Virginia
February 26th 1855
Hon L P Waldo
Dear Sir
Sometime ago I filed in your office a power of Attorney from Col Hector Bell, heir of Capt George Eskridge late a Revolutionary Officer & pensioner, and requested certain information in my letter accompanying my authority, which from records which probably seemed good to the department, were not furnished in the manner & detail in which I desired it, and I am therefore contained to respectfully ask that you will furnish me with a copy of the pension papers of Capt Eskridge, together with any additional evidence which may have been furnished when Col Bell prosecuted a claim for bounty land, agreeable to the act of 1832, assuming to [illegible] military warrants upon Va ship-
Col Bell is satisfied that he is entitled to something for the services of Capt Eskridge as aforesaid, and intends memorializing Congress upon the subject, and his Attorney is unable to prosecute his case properly without a full knowledge of the evidence on file
I hope therefore if the quality of the request is not inconsistent with some of the rules of your department, you will do Col Bell & myself the kindness, to comply with our wish
I a
with great respect
Thos A T Riely
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Geo. Wm Crump 
Acting Comm of Pensions 
__uel Bent. Esqr 
Winchester, Virginia 
Cap. Geo. Eskridge
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War Department,
Pension Office,
October 27-1837.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 26 Septr last upon the subject of an increase of the pension of George Eskridge, to the pay of a Lieutenant under the act of 7 June 1832, I have to state, that at the time Mr. Eskridge received his pension certificate under the act of 18 March 1818, he claimed for the service of one year only as an Ensign in the Virginia Continental Line. He now receives $240 per annum: admitting therefore, that he can establish by satisfactory proof that he was in fact a Lieutenant, during that period, his pay would be only $160 per annum. On the other hand, if he can prove that he was two years as a Lieutenant, in actual service, he will be entitled to the yearly pay of $320 per ann. from 4 March 1831, deducting such sums as he has received since that time, under the act of 18 March 1818.
I am, respectfully,
your obt servt
Geo: Wm. Crump
Lemuel Bent, Esqr
Winchester
Virginia
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Winchester Virginia
January 25th 1855
Hon L P Waldo
Dear Sir
It appears to me very singular when I have complied with all the rules of the department, I am unable to obtain the information I desire in the case of Capt George Eskridge - I am to have my motions first imprayered, and calls decided about the different constructions of law, which have never been submitted by me, & which it was not my desire to have continued - having on none of my letters on the subject, ever suggested the object of my inquiries
I hope therefore you will do me the favor to furnish the evidence to the assignees, to which I am justly entitled and permit me to see whether or not, I desire to prosecute any such claim as you have taken the trouble to decide for me - but I may pray that you are mistaken in the object for which I desire the information
I am
Yours
With respect
Thos A T Riely
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Winchester Virginia
January 5th 56
Hon Josiah Minot
Sir
Some months ago I filed in your office a power of attorney authorizing me to make an investigation of the Claim of Capt George Eskridge, and acting under Said Authority I received a Copy of his pension papers on file at the Department.
I now desire to be informed whether the increase of Pension prayed for and allowed in February 1838, dated back to March 1831 or was it only paid him after that date - in other words, when he received the increase of pension did he get the back pay?
You would confer a favor by an early answer to my application, for I have in course of preparation found papers the completion of which must be suspended until I get the above information &c - Let me also know the date of the last payment of his pension?
I am
with great respect
Yours
Tho A. T. Riely
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Winchester Virginia
January 22nd 55
Hon L P Waldo
Dear Sir
I was much surprised yesterday to receive a Communication from your office, directing me first to notify the department that Hector Bell, whose power of Attorney I had filed in order to investigate the Claim of Capt George Eskridge decd, was himself interested in the claim I then inform you of the object of my investigation
That you have a perfect right, & that it is the duty of the heads of departments to be satisfied the features who desire to [illegible] investigations are properly authorized to do so, these [illegible] but I have yet to learn that any one who applies for such information, has to go to the Confessional & disclose the object & motives of his inquiries
In regard to the relationship between the person who has authorized me to investigate the claim and Capt George Eskridge dec'd It is of the most intimate kind, he being the son of the only daughter of Capt Eskridge, and the magistrate before whom he acknowledged the Authority with which he has invested me, Certifies that he knows him well & that he is probably the only heir of the person whose claim I desire to investigate
As to my motives in making inquiries I could frankly say, without acknowledging your right to inquire, that it is clearly expressed in the power of Attorney - to prosecute a claim I feel satisfied he is entitled to
I hope therefore you will do me the kindness to furnish full ansrs to the inquiries contained in my former letter I feeling assured you will exercise such liberality in furnishing me with information as a convenient discharge of your duties will permit
I am
With great respect
Thos A T Riely
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Winchester Virginia
January 13th 55
Hon Lewis P Waldo
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find a power of Attorney for Col Bell authorizing me to investigate any papers which may be on file at the department of which you are the head that relate to the services of his ancestor Capt George Eskridge - In accordance with the power, with which I have been invested, I will ask you to furnish me with the answers to the following inquiries-
1st Under what Act did Capt George Eskridge draw a pension, whether under the Act of 1832 or 1828?
2ndly What is the nature of the Evidence on file in regard to his services, whether record or proof, the month he [illegible] in the Army, how long he served, and in what service was he, the State line or Continental line?
3rdly What was the nature of the evidence, upon which, some years after the passage of the Act of 1832, his pension was increased from $240. to $360?
4thly Whether he drew the increase from the passage of the Act or only the time the additional evidence was filed - if the latter at what time was it increased?
5thly Some year or two ago Col Bell applied to have Military warrants issued in lieu of Virginia Scripts, and of course under the law of 1852, he had to furnish evidence that he was justly entitled to it, now the law was only allowed to those who became supernumer-
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rary or served until the end of the war, I desire therefore to know what is the nature of said Evidence as to the length of service &c?
I hope you will do me the kindness to furnish full answers to my above inquiries, as only such answers will answer the purpose I have in view-
I am
with great respect
Yours truly
Thos A T Riely
PS. You will please return the power of Attorney to me with the answers to my inquiries &c
Page 43

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissn. Pensions
Page 44

Richmond March 22 1838
Mr. J. L. Edwards
Dr. Sir
The enclosed papers wherein I am appointed attorney to draw Capt. Eskridges pension have been presented by me to the pension agent for payment, and he objects that in the certificate on first page (being a copy of pension certificate) the words seventy five cents are written instead of seventy seven cents as it ought to have been
The mistake was corrected as you will see at foot of certificate, but the agent here prefers that you should authorize him to receive the papers and pay on them as it will save a great deal of trouble and delay, & Capt. Eskridge lives a great distance from this place I hope you will approve of the payment according to the papers enclosed & if so endorse thereon that said papers will be sufficient vouchers and I am with due respect
Your obt Sert. Lewis Hill
Page 45

The Honble John C  
Secretary of War Washington 
Capt. Eskridge 
Recd. 21 Nov. 1821. 
[signature] M Edwards [??]
Page 46

The Honble
John C Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington
Capt. Eskridge

Mr Edwards
Recd. 21 Nov: 1821.
Page 47

Shepherds Town Va. Augt. 17, 1821
Sir,
Capt. Eskridge who as deposited in the War department, his schedule with the view of being continued on the pension list, called this morning and requested me to state to you what I know of his situation in regard to property - as he resides a considerable distance from me, tho' in my district, I can only say that in passing through the part of the county in which he resides, last spring before our election, I heard it remarked by several of his neighbors that he was exceedingly poor and depended entirely upon his son for a support
May years ago he resided
Page 48

near Winchester in this state, he was then in affluent circumstances; I remember to have heard, tho I was then but a youth, of his having been reduced by misfortune and otherwise to a state of dependence - 
I am convinced, from information, that his character did not suffer by his loss of fortune - From all I have heard I feel satisfied of his being such a person as the law contemplated to embrace.
I am Sir sincerely yrs.
Thomas Van Luenringen
The Honble.
John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 49

R on - Warrant
Page 50

The Hon. John C. Calhoun 
Secretary of War 
Washington City 
Recd. 21 Novr. 1821. 
Pension office 266
Page 51

Pension office 266 
John C. Calhoun 
Secretary of War 
Washington City 
Recd. at Novr. 1821.
Page 52

Frederick County Va. Augt. 23rd, 1821
Sir
Captain George Eskridge who is an old acquaintance, and was once a near neighbor of mine; informs me that he has not yet received any notification, respecting the decision of the War department on his application to be retained on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners.
His schedule was left at the Pension Office a short time before the close of the last session of Congress when there was not time to examine it.
I believe that Mr. Eskridge's circumstances, together with his inability to support himself by labour, are such, that he greatly needs the support of his country. He is old, and afflicted with the rheumation pains, probably growing out of the composure of his youth, and requires the aid of a pension to soften and smooth the evening of his life, The beginning of which had much better prospects.
The notification if it has not already been forwarded will be directed to Romney The seat of Justice for Hampshire County
I am very respectfully yours
Jared Williams
The Hon. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 53

Hampshire County
John B. White & James Gibson this day personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for Said County and made Oath that they are acquainted with George Eskridge Jr an applicant for a pension under the law of the United States of March 1818 & that they believe him to be in reduced circumstances & to stand in need of the assistance of his Country for support Given under my hand this 19th August 1819
Isaac Kuykendall CC
Page 54

Certificate for Capt. Geo. Eskridge by Order of the Court of Clarke County Virginia Feby Term 1838
Page 55

7
Virginia
Clarke County To Wit
At a Court held for the County aforesaid on Monday the 26th Day of February 1838 George Eskridge an Officer of the Revolutionary Army of Virginia personally appeared in open Court and presented his Declaration to the Court and being qualified thereto according to Law, the Court doth declare their Opinion that the said George Eskridge was a Revolutionary Officer and served as he states and ordered the same to be certified.
Teste John Hay Clerk
of the Court of Clarke
County.
I John Hay Clerk of the Court of Clarke County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the Application of Captain George Eskridge for a Pension In Testimony Whereof I have hereto set my Hand & Seal of Office this 26th Day of February 1838 and in the 62d Year of the Commonwealth
John Hay
Virginia
Clarke County To wit
I George H. Norris Presiding Justice of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing Attestation of John Hay the Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid is in due Form of Law
Given under my Hand & Seal this 27th Day of February 1838
Geo H. Norris Seal
Page 56

34.420 
Lt. and Captain George Eskridge. 
His Declaration for encrease of pension 
Adm & LIeut - 
20 m. 13 ds 
Capt 3. 7 - 24 
Claimant Prents [??]
Page 57

Ensign - number Co76
Recd. money on Recruiting Off Jan 4. 77
Doc evidence of Lieut from Jany 1, 77 to 14 Sept. 78 20-13
Took oath of Off as Capt Jan 10 80
was in service as appears by the papers at
dift terms, to wit 25 Jany, '81 April 4, 7 10th & Sept. 3d as Capt.
Last seen as Capt in 1781 - could have been many months in that year
He stated that he was an Ensign from 76 to Sept. 77 in [illegible] orgl. decl. 61 years old m 1818, 61 1757 Com in 1776 was - 19 years old
Had a brother, or an uncle in the Va State Navy & that was his name
Land Warrant from Jany 18 1838
See Oath of Jno George, decr 24 1778 to Serve under Lieut E. for 3 yrs. Note Eskridge left the service in Sept '78
Where were the decl papers copies of which are now sent from Richmond, where he applied in 1818
Page 58

Geo: Eskridge
Act of 1832 Va.
Roll
Ex by
R. W. Young
Present
March 1857
Page 59

Winchester Virginia
Feb 18, 1851
To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
You will please to allow Dr. R W Young of Washington DC.. to examine the papers on file in your office upon which a pension was originally granted to George Eskridge
Respectfully
Hector Bell
Sole Heir of George Eskridge
Decd
Page 60

P. Warrant
Geo Eskridge
Power attorney
Mar 4th 1819
Page 61

14725
Virginia
George Eskridge
of Hampshire County in the State of Virginia
who was an Ensign in the regiment commanded by Colonel Mason of the Virginia line, for the term of one year
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 18 of August 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 of Sept. 18
and Sent to John B White
Romney Virginia
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1819 251.88
Semi-anl. all'ce ending Mar 1820 120.00
12 Mo 14/31 4/30 $371.88
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
Continued
Page 62

Notification sent 22nd Novr 1821, to John B. White, Romney, Va
The pension certificate in this case being by mistake filed with the schedule was returned to John B. White, Romney Va. 23 Apl: 1823. Let. to J. B. White Romney Va. April 15 '34
" " Lem Bent Oct 27 1837
Page 63

31,366
Richmond Virginia
George Eskridge
of Clarke Co in the State of Va.
who was a Lt. Capt. in the Company commanded by Captain himself of the Regt. commanded by Col Mason in the Va line for 3 mos & 17 days Captain
20 " & 13" Lieutenant
Increased from act 1818
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond Va.
at the rate of 343 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of March 1838 and delivered to Pensioner Present.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $240.6
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 17
$2,5
Revolu
Act
Recorded by D. D. Addison
Book C Vol 6 1/2
Page 64

See lets to J. Brockenbrough & A. Robinson Jr. March 12, '38
Order to pay & letter to Lewis Hill 27, March 1838.
Thos. A T Riely Jany 19 1833
" " " " " 24 1855
" " " " " 31 1855
" " " " Feby 10 1855
Secy Int " " " 
T. A. T. Riely Mar 2, 1855
Same enclosing copy of papers
Apl. 27, 1855.
Page 65

Served as Ensign,
one year in '76 & '77.
Aged 64 years.
Has no family.
Has 1 horse saddle and bridle worth $100
He however stated to Mr. Edwards that he had bought a negro whom he intended to pay for with his pension money
Admd. by Secretary of War.
Page 66

Know all men by these presents, that I Hector Bell, heir and probable sole heir of George Eskridge dec'd, late an Officer in the Army of the Revolution do hereby Constitute and appoint Thos A T Riely, Attorney at law, Winchester Virginia, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to examine or cause to be examined any and all papers on file at or in any of the departments either in Washington or Richmond Virginia which may in any way relate to the Services of the late Capt George Eskridge, and find out if he has received all that was due him for his services during the revolutionary war: That should there appear to be any claim or claims due me as the heir of Capt George Eskridge, I hereby constitute & appoint the said Riely attorney for me & in my name to prosecute the same and receive any money or moneys coming therefrom
Witness my hand and Seal this 13th day of January 1855
Hector Bell Seal
Attest Ja. R. I
state of Virginia
County of Frederick to wit
On this 13th day of January 1835, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State & County aforesaid, Hector Bell to me well known as the heir of Capt George Eskridge dec'd who was also know to me, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his Act and deed &c
Ja R..I, JP.
State of Virginia
County of Frederick towit
I Thomas Allen Tidball Clerk of the County Court in and for the state and County aforesaid, do hereby certify that James P Riely whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in & for Said County duly commissioned & sworn &c
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 13 day of January 1855 and 79th year of the Commonwealth
Thos. Tidball
by W. L. Bent D.C.
Page 67

George Eskridge 
George Eskridge Jr Ensign
decd 76 to 77
Send the Certificate Mason Virginia
to John B. White Regr.
on Roll
Admitted
S 1st Decln
Page 68

Virginia to wit
At a Court Continued and held for the County of Hampshire the 18 day of August 1818: George Eskridge Jr resident in the Said County Came into court and declared upon Oath in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An at to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval Service of the United States in the revolutionary War" that he the said George Eskridge was commissioned an Ensign sometime in the year 1776 in the 15 Virginia regiment on the continental establishment commanded by Colonel David Mason at that time & afterwards by Colonel James that he was attached to Captain Edward Hulls Company that at the time he entered the service he resided in the County of Northumberland Virginia that he continued in said Service after said regiment was reduced until September or October 1777 when he resigned his commission to General George Washington at the white plains that he is 61 years of age & now resides in Hampshire County Virginia also that he has Sundry orders & certificates showing that he was in said service. that he is now in reduced Circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his person of said Service.
Ordered that it be certified that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said George Eskridge did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the proceeding declaration against the common enemy for upwards of nine months and that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support & that the proceedings & testimony aforesaid be transmitted to the office of the Secretary of War pursuant to the
Page 69

directions of Said act of Congress.
I John B. White Clerk of the Court of the county aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the declaration of George Eskridge Jr as fully and wholly as the same remains in my office of record
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed My name & affixed the seal of the Said County this 5 day July 1819 & in the 44th year of the Commonwealth
John B. White
Virginia Hampshire County sct
I William Fox presiding justice of the Court of Said County do hereby Certify that the foregoing Certificate of John B. White Clerk of the Court of said County is in due form of law
In Witness
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of July 1819
William Fox
Page 70

War Department
Pension Office
27th March 1838.
Sir
The Pension Agent at Richmond has this day been instructed to pay the amount due 
Eskridge a pensioner under the Act
1832. The [illegible]
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
J L Edwards
Lewis Hill Esq
Richmond
Virginia
Page 71

Richmond March 29, 1838
Mr. J. L. Edwards
Dr Sir
Mr. Robinson the pension Agent here objects to paying the money due
the within enclosed papers owing
being a mistake or variance
two cents; and in your instructions to him to pay it he says you ought to have said "pay it notwithstanding the variance", he says you instruct him to pay it on presentation of the proper vouchers, and that it will be improper for him to do so unless your instructions contain some such remark as the above Your early attention to the above will much oblige yours very
Respectfully Lewis Hill