Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2524, George Catlett, Va. Va. Sea Service
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3-1776
Service Number
Va. Catlett, George W. 2524
Va. Sea Service Lucy B.L. Wt. 3962-160-55
and Va Healf-Pay
Contents
See Acc No. 837-Virginia State Navy
George Catlett, File Y S
Va. Half Pay
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Port Royal

To his Excellency the Governor of Virginia

The memorial of Wm Catlett, George Catlett, Collin Catlett Harrett Catlett and Anna Catlett respectfully represent that they are his children and heirs of the late Geo. Catlett who lived and died in the town of Port Royal in Caroline County Virginia - They further represent that their father as they have always understood was an officer in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war that he entered the service in the the Virginia State Navy a Lieutenant early in said war and served therein till near the close of the war, when the vessel (the Hornet) in which he sailed was captured , after which being destitute of a command he entered into the land service and acted as a Leitenant- The certificates of Thos. R. Miller and John Robinson-gentlemen of [illegible] good character and of high standing for truth and honesty fully prove his service in the Navy for more than three years and the certificate of the Auditor proves that he was a Leut in the land service a short time All of which fully confirms the traditionary acct in the family of the said Go. Catlett's services. Your memorial lists further state they have never rec'd the land bounty allowed by the State of Virginia to her officers in the revolutionary war - and they now ask a consideration of their case and that a warrant may issue for the proper allowance of land-they will further state that their father's notorious carlessness and neglect about pecuniary matters in not attending to interests far more important than this claim accounts for his neglecting to seek his rights in this case. 

Port Royal Jany 20 1832

Wm. Catlett
Geo. Catlett
Collin Catlett
Anna Catlett
Haret Catlett

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Geo: Catlett in the war of the revolution and
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afterwards and afterwards  The said Catlett and myself both resided in the town of Port Royal State of Va. Catlett entered the service with the commission of a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy and continued in services a long time. I could not undertake to say positively at this time how long he served my impression is strong that he served at least three years.

Thomas R. Miller

Washington City
12nd Dec. 1832

Sworn to before Enoch Reynolds  Jus. P. whose 
certifies to witnesses credibility.
District of Columbia

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the late Go. Catlett who resided in the Town of Port Royal at the time of the revolution and afterwards till his death. I lived then and since in the neighborhood of said Town. I know that said Catlett was during the revolution a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy - he was in active service according to my recollection at least three years during said war and probably till the end of the war I recollect his services as Leutenant on board a vessel called the Pocahuntas he was taken prisoner whilst on board this vessel and I believe as such for several years

Jno Robinson

Sworn to before  Eonc C Clark JPeace

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the late George Catlett, who resided in the town of Port Royal at the time of the Revolution and afterwards till his death. I lived then and since in the neighborhood of sd town. I know that said Catlett was during the revolution a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, he was in active service according to my recollection at least three years during said war and probably till the end of the war. I recollect his serving as lieutenant on board
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a vessel called the Poackohontas, he was taken prisoner whilst on  board this vessel and I believe detained as such for several years.

John Robinson

Caroline County, to with
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid John Robinson aged according to his statement and my belief seventy three years, a man of the strictest veracity and of respectability and in my presence  subscribed the above certificate and made oath according to law that the matter of things therein contained are true to the best of his knowledge and belief. Given under my hand & seal this 27th Decbr 1832
Edmund Clark J.P. seal [handwritten]

This certifies that I have been acquainted, from my earliest years, with Mr. Thomas R. Miller, who was born and lived in Port Royal, in the County of Caroline, a great many years, and afterwards removed to the City of Washington, where he now resides, and holds an office - Mr. Miller is a gentleman of great respectability and of excellent sense_ Any statement of facts made by him would be entitled to a very great weight and consideration. Mr. Miller's great moral worth has rendered him peculiarly dear to those who have heretofore had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 

Stafford H. Parker
City of Richmond
Feby 14th 1833.

I have long known Majr. Tho. Miller and cordially subscribe to what is stated by Mr. Parker in the above certificate
Jns. Dickenson
Feby 14th 1833

I am acquainted with Mr. John Robinson of Caroline and take pleasure in saying that he is an honest and respectable man-He is about seventy years of age and I believe has always resided in said County. His veracity has never been questioned. 
S. H. Parker
City of Richmond
Feby 14th 1833

I subscribe to the above, as I have known old Mr Robinson many years
J.Dickinson Delegate from Caroline County
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I Luke Ashburn of the County of Lancaster and State of Virginia, having known George Catlett, of the town of Port Royal, Caroline County, Virginia both before and after the Revolutionary War, do hereby certify that the said George Catlett was in the schooner called the Hornet in the year 1776, and to the best of my knowledge and belief he served as Lientenant, on board the said schooner, under the command of Capt Richard Taylor-I was not myself attached to the said schooner, but was on board of her several times, if whenever I was on board I saw the said Catlett, but whether he served three years or during the war I do not know. 
Given under my hand and seal this 19th April 1833.
Luke Ashburn  X his mark

On this 19 April 1833 Luke Ashburn, who put his mark to the above certificate personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid, and made oath that the same is correct and true, & I further certify that the said Luke Ashburn is a man of veracity, & that what he has stated may and ought to be relied on
Jno Meredith

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 settles their accounts, and received certifications for the balance of their full pay, according to an act of Assembly paid the November Session 1781, that a certificate issued on the 12th day of March 1785, in the name of George Catlett as a Lieutenant of infantry for L39. 19. 8 which certificate appears to have been delivered to himself. 
Given under my hand at the Auditors Office, Richmond, this 9th day of January 1833.
Jas E. Heath Auditor

Executive Department, Richmond Va. April 6. 1949. I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true copies appears filed in this department.
Wm H Richardson dy Comm
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Va.  Catlett, George   W.2524
Va. Sea Service  Lucy  B. L. Wt.3962-160-55
and Va Half-Pay
See Acc No. 837 - Virginia State Navy
George Catlett, File YS
Va. Half Pay
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State of Virginia
Caroline Corn towit.
On this 8th December 1848 person
My appeared before us Justices of the peace for the
County aforesaid in State aforesaid Mrs Lucy Catlett
a resident of said County aged 75 years, who being
duly sworn according to law, makes the following
declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit
of the provisions made by the act of Congress at
their last session entitled an act for the benefit of
certain officers or soldiers in the war of
the
Revolution. That she is the widow of
George Catlett
collect who was an officer in the Virginia State
service in the war of the Revolution, she was
not [illegible] to what particular service he
belonged, his said services being long before
her in the marriage with him but believes he
was a lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy
and also that he was in the land service.
She
says that she has a record or document, evidence
to establish her claim and known unto at this
day
of any living witness by whom his rank and
services can be proven, but doesn't say where
on the evidence to be found in the office at Richmond Virginia and at Washington
city. 
Party was in the Council Chamber at Richmond
when the land County for three years service
was elected and in the office of the Commissioner
of Pensions at Washington City when the half
pay was received. She further declares that she
was married to the said George Catlett on the
11th May 1798. That he has no record
documentary evidence of a marriage and knows
not when such evidence can be found unless
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it
should be found in the Clerks office in
the above named county she have been married
in the sd County, and that her husband the
aforesaid George Catlett died on 15th September
in the year 1814 and that she has remained a
widow ever since that period as will more fully
appear by
the evidence hereto annexed, and
her do further certify that in consequence
of the
credibility of W Lucy Catlett [illegible] count
because of her infirmity of age, one waited
on her in person at her residence and took
this in declaration and that of the
witnesses annexed hereto
Luck Catlett
Sworn to and subscribed this
8th
December 1848 before us
Jno A Miller
JV
Jno B. Lightfoot
J.P.
also at the same time personally appeared before us.
John A Miller & Jn B Lighfort Justices
of
the peace in county & State aforesaid William
Carrick whom do hereby certify to be a
witness of credibility who being duly sworn
according to Law says that he was personally
acquainted with George Catlett and Mrs Lucy Catlett
his wife who made the above declaration and
that he now and at all times understood him to
have been an officer of the [illegible] war of the Revolution and known then as husband & wife prior to and before the year
1800 and up to the death of the sd George Catlett
the having lived in the same village
with them, and knows that they were married before the year 1800, and he has known her
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Mrs Lucy Catlett as widow of Mr George Catlett and since his death she not having married since
death.
Sworn to and subscribed
William Carrick
before us this 8th December
1848
Jno A Miller JV
Tho B. Lightfort J.P


Also at the same time personally appeared before us A Miller & Jon B Lightfoot Justices for the County &
State aforesaid Sarah Brockerbrough who
do hereby certify to be a witness of credibility who
being duly sworn according to law says that she
was personally acquainted with George
Catlett dcd and his wife Lucy Catlett who
has signed the annexed declaration, that Mrs Lucy
Catlett and herself are near even age were born
and have even both lived in the same village
of Port Royal in Caroline County Virginia that
she knows that George Catlett was married to
Lucy Catlett and that they even lived together
in sd village as man & wife, but that she was
on a visit to a neighboring county when the
marriage took place, she knows that it took
place before the year of our Lord 1800 because
one of her own children born December
1798 is she well recollects but a few
months older than Mrs Lucy Catletts first
child by in marriage.
Mrs Lucy Catlett has
never married since the death of her [illegible]
husband
Sarah Brockerbrough
Sworn to and subscribed
before us this 8 December
1848
Jno A. Miller JV
In R. Lightfort J.P.
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Caroline County September 11th 1848
This day William Callawn personally appeared before [illegible] John Parrish & Edwin Grew, Justice of the peace for the County aforementioned in the State of Louisiana, where we do herby certify that a witness of credibility who being duly sworn in [illegible] to hear from [illegible] that he was personally acquainted with George Catlett  and Mrs Lucy Catlett his wife having known him [illegible] and always lived in the same neighborhood with them Mrs. Lucy Catlett being the [illegible] who has [illegible] .... declaration ... he ... all times ... in George Catlett to ... office of the Louisiana State ... in the war of the Revolution.
... and ... personally married them ... 

that from 1800 for he himself was married in ...
...declaration of the father of Lucy Collawn and always had acquaintance with ... integrity of him as ...

[illegible] WIlliam Collawn...this 11th December 1848

JG Parrish (JP)
Edwin Grew JP
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35,101 Act 3 Mar 55, Rec 2 Apl 55

Lucy Catlett, widow of George Cattlett, Lieut. of Marines.

Lieut. in Virginia State Line
Enld.
Disd.
Revolutionary War
Pension dated

Buznton
Adm 160 ac's Aug 20/55
Dodge

3962 Aug 22/55
Francis A Dickens Washington DC
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[left]
[handwritten] 160 acres
CLAIM OF [handwritten] Lucy Catlett

TO BOUNTY LAND.

ACT OF MARCH 3d, 1855.

Original application of a Widow.

[handwritten] Revolutionary War.
[handwritten] 35101

FRANCIS A. DICKINS, 

Attorney


[right]
STATE OF [handwritten] Virginia
[right] }SS.
COUNTY OF [handwritten] Caroline

     I hereby certify, that [handwritten] Muscoe Boulware [print] Esq., before whom the
foregoing declaration and affidavit were made,  is and was at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his sig-
nature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of my office, this [handwritten] Twenty Ninth [print] day of 
[handwritten] March [print] 1855.
[handwritten] John L. Pendleton [print] Clerk [handwritten] of
[handwritten] Caroline County Court.
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FORM OF A DECLARATION
To be made by the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.
State of Virginia
County of Caroline
On this 27th day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Lucy Catlett, aged about 88 years, a resident of Port Royal in the State of Virginia who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of George Catlett deceased, who was a Lieutenant [in the company commander by Captain][crossed out] of Marines in the war of [regiment of][crossed out] the Revolution, [commanded by][crossed out] and is now a pensioner, as [in the war with][crossed out] such at the [illegible] of $365/per annum [that her said husband enlisted or volunteered at][crossed out] under [illegible] 29 July 1848 [on or about the][crossed out] and for [day of][crossed out] evidence this [A.D.][crossed out] refers [for the term of][crossed out] to her pension papers on [and continued in actual service in said war for the term of][crossed out] file which has all the facts [and was honorably discharged at][crossed out] and more than 14 day [the][crossed out] service [day][crossed out], A.D.
She further states that she was married to said George Catlett in Port Royal Va.-on the 11th day of May A.D. 1798, by one Abner Waugh an Episcopal Clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Lucy [illegible] that her said husband died at Port Royal on the 15th day of September, A.D. 1814, and that she is now a widow.*
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 8, 1855;" she further declares that she has not received a Land Warrant under this or any other law; and authorizes Francis A. Dickins to receive her warrant.
Claimant's signature Lucy Catlett
We, Wm. P. Snider and Randolph Peyton resident of Port Royal in the State of Virginia upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lucy Catlett in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of of applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Signature of two witnesses.
Wm. P. Snider
Randolph Peyton

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year written. And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
[illegible] J.P.
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[top]
STATE OF [handwritten] Virginia
[right] }SS.
COUNTY OF [handwritten] Caroline

     I hereby certify, that [handwritten] Muscoe Boulware [print] Esq., before whom the
foregoing declaration and affidavit were made,  is and was at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his sig-
nature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of my office, this [handwritten] Twenty Ninth [print] day of 
[handwritten] March [print] 1855.
[handwritten] John L. Pendleton [print] Clerk [handwritten] of
[handwritten] Caroline County Court.


[bottom]
[handwritten] 160 acres
CLAIM OF [handwritten] Lucy Catlett

TO BOUNTY LAND.

ACT OF MARCH 3d, 1855.

Original application of a Widow.

[handwritten] Revolutionary War.
[handwritten] 35101

FRANCIS A. DICKINS, 

Attorney
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WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2524
Lucy Catlett Widow
George Catlett
Lieut of Claims
Act
Index: Vol ____, Page ____
[Arrangement of 1870]
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Virginia
Lucy Collett
widow of George Collett
who served in the Revolutionary War
[illegible] , as a Liet of Marines

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 360 Dollars
payments per annum, to commence on [illegible] 4th day of March, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the [illegible] day of June 1848
[illegible] sent to
FA Dickens

Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under [illegible]
February 2 [strike out] 9th July, 1848, Page 463 Vol. 1
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Lucy Catlett $363 VA
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3962

Meeting
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George Catlett, dec.
act 5 July 1832
Va. case
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No. 35.101
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 2nd, 1855

Lucy Catlett wid of George Catlett Lieut. of Marines
Va. Stateline Rev. War

Warrant 3962-160-55

Francis A. Dickens
Washington D.C.
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No. 20
ACT OF JULY 14, 1862 [CROSSED OUT]
3053
Heirs of 
Lieut George Catlett
Va Marines Revolution
Discharges _____, 186  .
3053
Admitted
H[illegible] Pay ___ act.'32
Received _______, 187
20
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Acting Sec. War
10 April 1838
Geo. Catlett's Heirs, Admitted

Recorded Vol 43
Page 132
Page 23

Pension Office
April 10. 1838

I certify that I have examined the claim of the Heirs of the late George Catlett, decd. who was a Lieut. of Marines in the service of the State of Virginia during the revolutionary war; That he continued on the service until taken by the enemy at sea, and remained in captivity until some time in 1781, and after the reduction of the Virginia Navy; that he dies on the 15th September 1814; that the case is embraced by the provisions of the act of July 5th 1832, entitled "an act to provide for the liquidating and paying certain claims of the State of Virginia;" that the claim should therefore be allowed at the rate of one hundred and eighty two dollars and fifty-cents per annum, from the twenty second of April seventeen hundred and eighty three, when the war terminated to the fifteenth of September eighteen hundred and fourteen, when he died; and that the amount is payable to the Hon. John Taliaferro, attorney of Lucy Catlett, administratrix of said George Catlett, deceased.

Approved
Commissioner of Pensions
acting Secretary of War.
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To the Honorable the Governor and Council of the State of Virginia

The memorial of Colin B. Catlett, George J. Catlett, Harrett H. Catlett and Anne E. Catlett, all resident of the town of Port Royal in the County of Caroline, and State of Virginia, respectfully represents that they are the only children and only heirs at law of the late George Catlett, who was a Lieutenant in the Va. Navy in the revolutionary war-that said Lieutenant Catlett resided in the said Town until the day of his death, viz: in the year 1815- Your memorialists have no knowledge whatsoever, personally, of their father's services, nor can it be supposed they could have, except by tradition, or from information derived from others, as they were very young at the time if his death - They have long understood that he entered the navel service very early in the war, and continued in service through the whole of it, and that for a considerable time he was in a state of captivity in England - of the truth of all which, they entertain not a doubt_
Some years since your memorialists presented the claim to the consideration of the executive; it was considered and passed for three years service _ The register, through mistake, it is presumed,  issued a warrant for 2666 2/3 instead of 4000 acres, which quantity your memorialists are informed a lieutenant of the navy is entitled to, Your memorialist consider themselves justly entitled to 1333 1/3 acres on this score _ The consider themselves also entitled to additional land for service performed by their father over six years or to the end of the war _ They believe their father entered the service in fall of the year 1775, but of this they can show no positive proof. _ It is clearly proven however, that he was in service in 1776 and continued therein to the end of the war, supposing which to have happened on the 23rd dec 1783, when Genl. Washington resigned the command, will make seven (7) years & 10 months service, shewing 22 month in service for which
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no land bounty has been allowed _ Your memorialists consider themselves entitled to 1222 1/3 acres on this [illegible], which added to 1333 1/3 will make 2555 2/3 acres your memorialists consider themselves justly entitled to and which they respectfully as may be allowed them

Colin B. Catlett
George T. Catlett
Hariet T. Catlett
Ann E. Catlett

State of Virginia
Caroline County_ to wit, Colin B. Carlett personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for said County and made oath that he believes the facts set forth in the foregoing memorial to be true__Given under my hand the 2d day of August 1837
John D Miller

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Geo Catlett in the war of the revolution and afterwards_The [illegible] Catlett nd myself both resided in the town of Port royal in Virginia__Carlett entered the service with the commission of a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy and continued in service a long time_I could not undertake to say positively at this time how ling he served but, my impression is strong that he served at least three years_
Thomas R. Miller
Washington City
12th Dec. 1832

District of Columbia
Washington County

On this 13th day of December 1832_personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Thomas R. Miller, the signer of the above document and made oath in due form of law that every matter of thing therein contained is true to the best of his knowledge and belief_And further certify said Thomas R. Miller is a man of truth and respectability.

Enoch Reynolds Jus. Peace
Page 26

I certify that I was acquainted with George Catlett of Port Royal in Caroline County, in the revolutionary war - Early in the revolution, but at what particular date, I would not now undertake to say. I enlisted in the marine service of Virginia for the term of twelve months, and when the term was nearly expired, I re-enlisted for the term of three years or during the war, and [illegible] after my second enlistment, I think about one month, I was taken into service on board the [illegible] brig
The officers on board of said brig when I entered her, were Capt. John Harris, Lt. Chamberlayne Midshipman Alexander Moore, Alexander Dick Captain of Marines, and George Catlett Lieutenant of Marines; The minor officers were Timothy Laws, and man named Eagle, whose given name I do not recollect, Wm Coleman, John Brock, Robert Hamilton, and some of the privates were Wm Mitchel now living in this county, Tho. Cotrill, Jno. Doad drummer, Wm Dewlins or Dollins, George Spillman, Tom Chandler, Wm, John G Jus Dishman and Larkin Garish _ The musqiuto was at Norfolk when I entered her, and a short time after I went aboard, say about one week, she set sail on a cruize, and [illegible] away for the west Indies, with a crew of about seventy five men, including all the above named, with Charles Dekay, who was sailing master_ We captured the Snow John and afterwards the Noble and carried the last named into Point Peter_The Snow John got away from us_At Point Peter our crew took the small poxm which detained us several weeks_when we were recovered of that we set sail on another cruize, and fell in with the Brittish ship Aariadne, a vessel of superior size to the Musquito. We surrendered to  her, after having made every effort to escape, [illegible] not being able to fight her, and she took us into Barbadoes_The Ariadne was commanded by Capt. Collier_From Barbadoes, all our officers were immediately sent over to Englandm and wem the seamen were put in prison at Bridgetown, Barbadoes. Here
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4
We were kept seven months and fifteen days, and were then sent to England in the Antelope and were confined, some in prison ships & others in Fortune jail - Billy Mitchel afore named was put in jail, - I was put in a ship - Here we soon learned that all of our officers were confined in Fortune Jail - soon after our arrival in England, Ralph Horn another of our seamen received a note from Capt. Dick saying that all of the officers were in Fortune Jail and that we should endeavor to get all the seamen there too - Some time after getting to England I heard that Capt. Dick had made his escape, and that Mitchel and others had escaped also. I and sundry others continues in confinement until the was ended and the treaty of peace was published in England - Two of our men Chas. Pauldin and another died in jail. Given under my hand this 22nd July 1837

Moses Stanley his mark X

State Virginia
Caroline County sec;

Moses Stanley, personally appeared before me & made oath, that the above certificate contains the truth, and nothing but the truth to the best of his recollection, and I do certify the said Stanley to be a near neighbor to me, that he is a   man of character and undoubted credibility - and I do certify that said witness was examined in my presence making the facts stated on the foregoing certificate and in relation to his own service I am fully satisfied, that his evidence is entitled to full credit.

Given under my hand this 22nd July 1837
Wm. J Dickinson (J.P.)

John, James and William Dishman were near relations of mine - They all lived in the same neighborhood with me in this county in the time of the revolution, and all of them enlisted and served in the navy - I have often
Page 28

5

heard them speak of their sufferings whilst they were prisoners - which was a long time - I am not in my eightieth year, & my memory is bad, and I therefore cannot undertake to relate particulars.
James & William moved from this county nearly fifty years ago, to the west and John died in this neighborhood about 14 years ago - I cannot recollect the name of the vessel they were in but Sawney Dick I recollect was one of their officers - I knew Mr. Dick - He was a relation of my neighbor Mrs. Jos. M. Garnett & used to visit her family
Sarah Peasley who now resides in this neighborhood is the sister of the three Dishmans above named & the nearest relation they have in the quarter that I know of

Jane Dishman
Witness
Sarah Dishman
1st Aug 1887

I certify that I was well acquainted with George Catlett of Port Royal in the revolutionary was - I resided then in the neighborhood of that place, and was frequently there - George Catlett went into the marine service early in the war, but at what precise time I cannot say - in the month of March 1776 he was acting as a lieutenant of the Marines, and at that time enlisted my brother Thomas Chandler - Some time after the enlistment of my brother, about ten or twelve months as well as I can remember, Lt Catlett and my brother, with Frank Pickett, Jr., Jas & William Dickman, John Dodd, George Doggett, with sundry others, went on board the Musquito Brig, then being in the Rappahannock - Capt. John Harvis and Sawney Dick, George Catlett and Charles Dekay were officers on the mosquito - She sailed on a cruise in the spring of 1777, - and as to what happened to her afterward I can only speak from information derived from others, principally from Jn. Dodd & the Dishmans,
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6

all of whom returned to this country after the siege of York, and resided near neighbors to me to their deaths many years since, except Willia & Jas. Dishman who moved away many years ago to the west - They told me after their return that the Musquito was captured by a British Ship, and all her crew carried as prisoners to Barbados and thence to England, where they were confined in prison, some of them to the end of the war, and some broke jail and came home before - I have often heard, that Capt. Dick and George Catlett were of the number that made their escape before the war ended, and that they were in service at the seige of York- I recollect that after the seige of York a short time. my father, Thomas Chandler went to Port Royal upon hearing that Catlett had returned to enquire after my brother Tom, and was informed by Catlett that my brother died after getting out of prison - He never returned to this country, & we have always believed that he died abroad.
Reuben Chandler his mark X

Caroline County
State of Virgina towit Reuben Chandler a citizen of this country personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for said county and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing memorial on his own knowledge are true to the best of his knowledge & recollection, and those stated on information derived from others he believes to be true - Given under my hand the 2nd day of August 1837 - I also state that said witness has been long personally known to me & that he is a credible man.
John P Miller
----------------------------
The affidavit of William Coghill aged upwards of seventy taken before me a justice of the peace for the county of Westmoreland states That the said witness resided in the
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7

of the revolution in the upper end of Essex County and about six miles from Port Royal in Caroline County - He states that he was acquainted with George Catlett of Port Royal, who was an officer in the navy of Virginia in the revolution - that his near neighbors John, Jas., Wm Dishman, Wm Thorp, who died many years ago, or left this part of the country, enlisted in the navy service & served under said Catlett on the Musquito Brig - In the time of the revolution it was currently reported & believed, that the Musquito was captured, and that all her crew was carried to England & put in prison.
--My neighbors before named after their return to this country confirmed the rumor before mentioned -- They have often talked with me upon the subject and mentioned the circumstances of Catlett's being taken with them & confined in jail --I have often heard Mourning Richardson say, who lived at Laytons and died there about 1813, that he was captured in the time of the revolution, carried to England and put in jail there, & on entering the jail he found Captain Catlett there, as he called him -- I have also heard him say how he & Catlett with several others made their escape, by bribing the jailor, and taking a little boat across to France whence they got a passage home, to the best of my recollection in the spring of 1787 -- I was at the siege of York in Capt. Bohannan's company, and understood that the Cpt. Catlett was there also -- I cannot say positively that I saw him but I have not a doubt but he was there.  I recollect distinctly that some time  after the siege of York, one of my neighbors who served there, went up to Port Royal & got a certificate from said Catlett of his service there.
Wm. Coghill
State of Virginia
County of Westmoreland to wit
Willam Coghill personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for said county and made oath that the above certificate contains the truth to
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the best of his knowledge and belief -- I also certify that said witness is a citizen of this neighborhood and that his character & credibility are free from suspicion as far as I know or believe -- Given under my hand the 11th August 1837
Thomas R Ditty JP


[line here]

The deposition of William Mitchel of Caroline County, taken before me the subscriber, a justice of the peace for said County -- to be read in evidence in the claim of the late George Catlett's heirs, for compensation for his services in the revolutionary war -- The deponent, being first duly sworn, states, that he enlisted in the latter part of the year 1775 in the naval service of Virginia, for the term of one year, and served out that term in the sloop Defiance, commanded a part of the time by Capt. Callender.
--On the expiration of that term he enlisted again in the marine service for three years of during the war, and joined the company of Capt. Alexander Dick, in which George Catlett was lieutenant --He states that a short time after his second enlistment, and as he thinks in the spring of 1777, that Capt. Dick's company was put on board the brig Musquito, and ordered on a cruize -- the officers of the Musquito were Capt. Harris, Capt. Dick, Lt. Geo. Catlett, Lt. Chamberlayne, Midshipman Moore, Steward Jno. Brock, gunner's mate Robt. Hamilton, and Jos. Warrick pilot or pilot's mate, the last 5 from the Defiance, where I had served with them --Some of the privates were John, Kos. & Wm Dishman, Moses Stansley, Geo. Spillman, Thos. Cotrill, Jno. Dodd, Wm. Dollins, Tom Chandler Jr. -- In the spring of 1777 we sailed from Norfolk on a cruize and bore away for the West Indies -- We captured the Snow John which got away from us --We captured also the ship Noble, both loaded with clothing & provisions for the British Army -- The latter we carried into Point Petre in the Island of Grandtier and sold her. --From the crew of the Noble we took the small pox,, which
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detained us some time at Point Petre - After recovering from the small pox we set sail on another cruise, and soon spread another sail which turned out to be the British ship Ariadne. She was a larger ship than the Musquito, & mounted more guns - We could not escape her, and we were compelled to surrender. She took us into Barbados, where the privates were confined as prisoners for seven months and fifteen days; when we were sent over to England and confine, some in Fortune jail and others in prison ships - After a confinement there of thirty two months or thereabouts, myself and fifteen of the privates made our escape by undermining the jail - We seized a small sloop which was near, & crossed over to France, whence we soon got a passage to the United States - Capt Dick made his escape some time before myself returning to the United States- When I escaped, I left D. Catlett in jail, in another apartment, and he did not escape till some time after me, as I understood - He returned to the United States not long before the surrender at York, and joined the infantry as Capt. Dick did also; there being no naval command for them - On my return, I reported myself to Capt. Dick in Fredericksburg, and was ordered by him to join the infantry, which I did, and served in the company of Capt. Wallace until the surrender at York - Mr. Catlett was with us at the seige of York acting as an officer, and after the seige was over, many of us were permitted to return to our homes, with orders to join the army again when called on - This was the case with Catlett & myself as well as others, and we returned to our homes which were near each other- We did not again go into service, but were always ready to do so if called on - I am confident that Catlett never resigned - If he has, I certainly would have heard of it - He was a brave and meritorious officer, & was fond of military life, and his feelings of hatred towards the English, for the treatment we had received were so violent, that I am certain he
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would never have left the service as long as there was a chance for fighting or an opportunity to be revenged. Such were his feeling as well as my own, and all of those who were confined with us in prison. After our capture before named we were carried into Barbados, & the seamen only, were put in Bridgetown prison. We officers were carried immediately off to England & put in Fortune prison at Gosport, where we found them on our arrival there, and where some of the privates remained to the end of the was as I hear from them after their return.

Wm Mitchell his mark X

State of Virginia, Caroline County towit 
The above deposition was taken & sworn to before me the 21st day of July 1837. I also certify that Wm. Mitchell resides in my neighborhood, & that his character for truth & integrity is free from reproach of any kind. He was examined in my presence in relation to his own service as well as to the facts related in the above certificate. I am faithfully satisfied that his evidence is entitled to full credit.
F. W. Battaile J.P.
The interlineation & erasure in the seventh line of the first page were made before being signed.
F. W. Battaile J.P.

I Francis V. Sutton Cmmdr of Revenue for the County of Caroline certify that Mr. Mitchell resides in my district that he is a man of good character & his service is entitled to the fullest credit. Given under my hand 17th day Sept 1837

Francis V. Sutton
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11
Saturday the 12th October 1776
Ordered that a warrant issue to George Catlett for the use of Captain Alexander Dick for three hundred pounds upon account to purchase necessaries and for pay of his Company of Marines.
From page 76
Thursday 6th February 1777
Ordered that Captain Dick repair immediately with the Marines under his command on Board the Brig Musquito and observe and obey such orders as he may receive from time to time, of Capt. Harris the Commander of the said Brig.
From page 172
The above entities are truly extracted from the naval journal.
Given under my hand as the Auditors Office Richmond this 16th day of Aug 1837.
Jas. E. Heath
Auditor.
-----------------
This is to certify, that it appears from a list in this office of such officers and soldiers of the Virginia State lie, during the revolutionary war, as settled their accounts, and received Certificate for the balance of their full pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the member session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 12th day of March 1785, in the name of George Catlett as lieut. of Infantry for £ 32.19.8 which certificate appears to have been delivered to himself, and was given for services prior to 1st January 1782.

[margin notation] No seal of Office

Given under my hand at the Auditors Office, Richmond this 27th day of Sept. 1837 
A.W. Morton, esq, acting in the absence of Auditor
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I hereby certify that the written certificate, together with the orders of the Navy Board, one bearing date the 12th October 1776 the other the 6th February 10th Oct. 1777 (heretofore copied) are the only evidence found relative to the services of Lt. George Catlett. I further certify that from such examination as we have seen enabled to make - no evidence appears of his having rejoined.
Given under my hand at auditors office Richmond this 28th day of September 1837,
Jas. E. Heath Aud.

----------------------------
Friday October 10th 1777
Present.
Mr. Whiting, Mr. Archer & Mr. Lewis
Letters from Capt. Harris of the Brig Musquito dated, Print Petre 16th May last, and from Robert Smith at Edenton 28th Sept last were received read & filed.
From page 296

The above is truly extracted from the Naval Journal.
Given under my hand at the Auditors Office Richmond this 28th day of Sept. 1837
Jas. E. Heath Aud.

---------------
This is to certify that I was well acquainted with George Catlett of the Town of Port Royal in the revolutionary war.
In the month of February or March 1776, I enlisted in the Company of Marines commanded by Capt. Alexander Dick, then stationed in Fredericksburg. George Catlett was the lieutenant in said company. George Spillman, John Dodd, George [illegible]
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belonging to said company; also Wm. John and James Dishman. About twelve months after I joined Capt. Dicks company, he was ordered on board a public vessel to go on a cruise. Not desiring to go to sea, and the year for which I enlisted expiring about that time, I declined going with the company to sea, and enlisted in the infantry & went to the north. I afterwards heard that the vessel in which Capt. Dick sailed was captured & all the crew made prisoners in a foreign country for a long time. Lt. Catlett entered the brig with Capt. Dick.

Samuel Courtney his mark X

Fauquicer County
State of Virginia To wit
Samuel Courtney personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for said county and made oath that the forgoing affidavit contains the truth to the best of his knowledge and belief. I further state that Courtney resides a near neighbor home and his character is irreproachable. I would place as much reliance on his statements as any means. Given under my hand and seal this 20th day of September 1837.

H. F. Hemper J. P.

----------------
[unknown] Stafford H. Parker   Port Royal Augt. 7th 1834

Dear Sir
I am taking steps to prefer a claim against the government on account of my fathers services in the revolution, and as the question may arise, why has this claim laid dormant so long, I wish to shew what every body who was acquainted with my father knew him; that he was one of the most careless & negligent men about pecuniary matters that ever lived.
As you lived in the same place with him & knew him from infancy. I resume you can speak knowingly
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on the subject, I imagine a simple reply to this will suffice.
I am yours 
Colin B. Catlett

To Colin B. Catlett Esq
Dr Sir
I have just recd. your letter of the 7th Instant and hasten to respond to me enquiring which it embraces.
I knew your father, the late George Catlett, a resident of this my native town, from my earliest recollection to the time of his death, and from my own persona observation and knowledge of his character and habits, I can confidently state that he was a gentleman of extraordinary carelessness with respect to pecuniary matters. Among the many instances of this spirit of supineness and indifference, I recollect that shortly after his decease, I was requested by his widow to investigate a claim which he had to a large estate in Georgia, and which had acceded to him by the death of his nephew, a certain John Catlett, who dies intestate and without lawful issue. Your father in his lifetime, had cognizance of this fact (and although not a wealthy man) had not the energy to seek this claim to which he was legally and equitably entitled, although it amounted to 60,000 or $70,000.

I have the honor to be
Dr. Sir.  Ju. oft. Pc. [Justice of the Peace]
Stafford H. Parker
Port Royal
Aug 8, 1837
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War Department
Pensions Office
August 3rd 1837

Sir
In answer to your letter of the 27th ulto I have to inform that George Catlett was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Proxy during the revolutionary war; but our books do not shew that he served to the period when the navy was laid up, nor that he was a supernumerary officer; one of which facts must be clearly shewn, in order to establish the claim of his legue representatives to half pay under the act of July 5, 1832. I enclose herewith a copy of the law and the rules of evidence for your guidance.

If your mother was married to your father during the time he was in the Navy or before that period, she can on making the necessary proof, obtain a pension under the act of July 4, 1836.  Enclosed is a copy of that law and the rules of evidence under that law.

I am respectfully your obedt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards

Colin B. Catlett Esq.
Port Royal
Virginia

________
Petition of Capt. Alexander Dick
Granted Nov. 22nd 1779.
Gent.
It being by the particular request of the Governance Council that I went on board the armed brig Musquito with part of my company belonging to me of the State Regiments embodied in March 1777, I hope Gentlemen for your interest with the Assembly that reg. pay as Capt. may be made equal to said money, being a prisoner as
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long & making my escape from England has occasioned my contracting a debt in Europe of one hundred & sixty guinias; I rely entirely on your protection, & as it was by your desire that I went to sea so I hope through you to have justice done me; & whereas I embarked on February 1777 (before the Regiments were embodied) with your promise of my not being injured in rank, I ought to have been Major of Col. Gibsons Regiment eighteen months ago, I hope you will order me my commission; Mr. Merriweather who acts at present as Major to that regiment. (I am informed by Col. Gibson) only acts during my absence, & that you were pleased to preserve that post for me, but as it must be, but as it must be disagreable to Mr. Meriweather to act as Capt. in the regiment in which he acted as Major, I hope if the enclosed plan meets with your approbation you will recommend it to the Assembly, & myself as Major of Marines, I am Gentlemen with the greatest respect your obedient 7 very humble servt. Alex Dick
Williamsburg Nov 2nd. 1779

To the hon. Govenor and Council of the State of Virginia.
The above referred to the House of Delegates by the Governor.
Journal of Monday Nov 22nd. 1779.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the petition of Capt. Alexander Dick, praying to be reimbursed his expenses incurred as well while a prisoner in Great Britian as to returning to Virginia is reasonable, & that he ought to be allowed & paid the sum of two thousand and seven hundred & thirty pounds for the same exclusive of his pay.
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State of Virginia
City of Richmond
to wit
I George W. Munford Clerk of the House of Delegates & Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby certify and make known that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution passed by, & of a Petition presented to the General Assembly of Virginia passed on the twenty second day of November 1779. Given under my hand this sixteenth day of August 1837.George W. Munford C. H. D & Keeper of the Rolls of Va.

-----------
22nd Congress
1st Session
S110.
----
In Senate of the United States
February 13, 1832.
-----
Mr. Naudain, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, reported to the following bills, which was read, and passed to a second reading.

A Bill

For the relief of Elizabeth Scott, only surviving child, and heir at law of baptism William Blackwell, deceased.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby authorized, directed, and required to issue to the said Elizabeth Scott a land warrant for three hundred acres of mili-
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military bounty lands, as and for the land to which her father, Captain William Blackwell was entitled, on account of his military services in the war of the revolution; and that the same may be located on any vacant or unlocated lands heretofore appropriated by Congress for that purpose.

------------
20th Congress 1st Session
[Rep No. 146]
Ho. of Reps.

Philip Slaughter
February 15, 1828

Mr. Wolfe, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, to which had been referenced to the petition of Philip Slaughter, make the following 
Report:
The committee on Revolutionary claims who were instructed by a resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 17th December last, to inquire into the propriety of renumerating Captain Philip Slaughter for his services in the Continental army, during the war of Revolution, have duly considered the subject referred to them and report:

That from the facts submitted to the Committee, it appears, that in the month of June or July 1776 the claimant was appointed a Lieutenant in Captain Long's Company, in the 11th Virginia regiment, on Continental establishment, commanded by Colonel Daniel Morgan; that he was afterward appointed a Captain in the same regiment; that he faithfully served through the Northern Campaigns of 1777, 1778 & 1779; that in the two latter years he acted both as Captain and paymaster; and in the year 1779, he performed two additional
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duty of the regimental clothier; that soon after the campaign of 1779, he returned to this home in Virginia, on furlough, got married, remained at his residence in Virginia, and did not afterward join the army; that in the month of November or December, 1778 a portion of the officers of the Virginia line were ordered to the South; Captain Slaughter deeming it inconvenient for him, circumstanced as he then was  to perform a Southern campaign, and supposing it likely that he would receive orders to join the Southern army, authorized his friend, the present Chief Justice Marshall who was an officer in the same regiment, to resign his commission for him in case he (Slaughter) should receive such orders. Judge Marshall, however, says, the impression on his mind is very strong, that he did not give in Slaughter's resignation, and that impression is strengthened, he says, by the fact that Captain Slaughter was not ordered to the South the order being confined to the older officers.
It appears by statements from the Pension and Bounty Land Offices, that Captain Slaughter, on the first of April. 1783, received a certificate for £563,15p. 2d. the balance of his full pay as Captain and paymaster, agreably to an act of the Virginia Assembly, passed in November 1781. And that he also received four thousand acres of land from the State of Virgina. He now asks for commutation of five years full pay, in lieu of half pay for life.
Your committee are of the opinion, that Captain Slaughter did virtually, continue in the service of the United States until the end of the Revolutionary War; that he was a meretious officer, and from the character given him by highly respected witnesses entitled to receive from the Government all the emoluments towhich officers of his grade were, under the resolves of Congress entitled. They, therefore, report a bill in his favor.
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Remarks on the claim of Lt. George Catlett's heirs for additional bounty land for services over six years.
Henning's Statute at large, Vol. XI page 84 latter part of section IX reads thus. "And for every year, which every officer or soldier may have continued, or shall hereafter continue in service beyond the term of six years, to be computed from the time he last went into service, he shall be entitled to one sixth part in addition to the quantity, of the land apportioned to his rank respectively."

The evidence on file in this case proves clearly, the following facts - viz.


1st. That George Catlett was a lieutenant of marines & in actual service as early as Feby. or March 1776.
2nd. That he went to sea on the Mosquito brig in 1777, was captured in that year & imprisoned in England until the Spring of 1781.
3d. That in the spring of 1781, he escaped from prison, returned to the U. States & the navy being then laid up, & of course no duty for him  do in that department, he entered the land service as a Lt. of Infantry & continues in that, until the seige of York ended.
4th. That he then retired as a supernumerary Lt.
The heirs now certified that they are entitled to bounty land for service performed by their father as a lieutenant of the Navy. for seven years & ten months service, deducting therefrom, the allowance, heretofore made of 2666 2/3 acres.

Whether their claim be valid or not, will depend upon the construction to be given to the words "may have continued in service" in the past of the act above recited.

If to "continue in service" be construed to mean, to be actually in the field, & in active discharge of official duty, the claimants must at once abandon their claim for additional bounty land. In fact.
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they would feel themselves bound to return that already received. For as their father was confined to close jail over three years in England; he could not have been at his post during this time, and of the term of his captivity be deducted from the term of actual service, he did not perform three years service, under this construction, & was consequently entitled to no land at all.
Again. If this construction be adopted, a clap of claimants would have been cut off, the legality of whose rights has never been questioned, so far as is known to the subscriber, by any department of the state or federal governments, but has been recognized by all.
The representatives of an officer slain in battle, before he had served three years, would get no land.
The claimants conceive such a construction to be in direct opposition of the act of assembly. They believe that "to be, or to continue in service" means, in the case of an officer, to be in commission, and that an officer was considered to be in service, from the time he was commissioned until he resigned., whether he was in the rank, in capacity, on furlough, or retired as a supernumerary - and in this construction they believe they are supported by decisions of every department of both the State and federal governments, which has cognizance of revolutionary claims.  A reference here to facts will sustain this position, And first as to the action of Virginia.
1st. Capt. Reuben Prideau served in the Va. Continental line until Sept. 1778 & then retired as a supernumerary officer & so continued, without entering the army again, except perhaps on a militia tour. He was not in active service as much as three years, and yet he was allowed on the 26th of Apl. 1800 - 4000 acres for the war, & on the 11th Feby. 1808 - 13333 acres for two years service, making in all 8 years service for which he received pay-
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The following stand is precisely the same situation. They became supernumeraries in the fall of 1778, and if my memory be correct not one of them did a day of service afterwards, except perhaps in the militia. A reference to the ranks in the office of the Secty. of State will shew that fact.
Capt. Tho. Blackwell in 1783 got 4000 acres for 8 years service.
Lt. Saml Cobbs in 1807 " 3630 for 8 years service
Cap. Jno. Peyton in 1782 " 4000, in 1808 - 1220 acres for 7 10/12 years.
Cap. Peter Minor in 1804  " 4000, in 1807 1221
Cap. Jno McAdam in 1784 " 2660, in 1809 2666
Cap. Jno. Montjoy in 1800 " 4000, in 1807 555.
Cap. Rich. Kennon in 1800 " 4000, in 1806 1166
Cap. Abm. Shepperd in 1783 " 4000, in 1807 1610.
Lt. Ino. Tebbs in 1800 " 3111, in 1808 370.
Lt. Hy. Tatem in 1802 " 2666, 1807 444 & in 1808  - 296 acres
Cap. Wm. Callis in 1824 " 4000 for war
Lt. Jas. Barnett in 1809 " 3444 - do.
Lt. Jas. Holloway in 1831 " 3000 do.
Lt. Dav. Williams in 1783 " 2666, in 1809 3071.
Col. Abm. Bowman in 1810 " 7591.
Lt. Luke Cannon in 1783 " 2666, in 1808 148 acres.
Cap. Jas. Craig in 1783 " 4000, in 1810 1166.
Lt. Th. Hungerford in 1800 " 2666, in 1807 1222.

I do not think that one of the above officers was in active service after Sept. 1778 except Luke Cannon except for a short time in the militia, & yet every one was allowed bounty land for service to the end of the war. Cannon became a supernumerary, I think in 1781, & was a case precisely similar to Catlett's. I could add a hundred cases more to the list of officers who became supernumerary at a later period, who did not enter again unto active service, & who yet received land for services to the close of the war. This decision was made, as far back as 1800 (see cases of Lt. Jno. Tebbs & Capt. R. Briscoe) & was acted upon by successive governors, as will be seen by the foregoing cases,
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in 1806 - 7.8.9 10-24 etc. & never questions that I know of, till within form years past, at which time but few claims resting upon it, remained unsatisfied. The tribunals which so constructed the law, were contemporaries with the legislators who passed it. The foregoing shews the construction given by Virginia to the words, "may have continued etc.".

I will refer to the action of the federal tribunals, which will be found to be exactly in unison with that of Virginia.

The resolution of congress of the 16 Sept. 1776, giving land bounty to the continental troops reads as follows viz. "Congress took into consideration the report of the Board of war, etc., & thereupon came to the following resolutions.
"That 88 battalions be enlisted as early as possible to serve during the present war, & that each state furnish etc. New Hampshire 3 - Massachusetts 13 etc..
"That $20 bounty be given to each noncommissioned officer & private soldier who shall enlist to serve during the war, unless sooner discharged by Congress".
"That Congress make provision for granting lands in the following proportions; to the officers and soldiers who shall so engage in the service & continue therein to the close of the war, or until discharged by Congress, & to the representatives of such offices & soldiers as shall be slain by the enemy.
"to a Colonel 500 acres. Lt. Col. 450. Major 400, Capt. 300. Lt. 200. Ens 150. non-commissioned officer & soldier 100 acres".
See journals of Congress Vol 1st. page 476. It is perfectly obvious that an officer to become entitled to the provisions of the above act, must have engaged in the service & continued therein to the close of the war. These are the words of the law. The question here arrives again, what is meant by "Continuing in service"?
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does it mean only to be actually engaged in service in the field; or does it mean, to be in commission? I maintain again that it means either, & by consequence, that an officer duly commissioned, was in the meaning of the law in service, whether he was in the field, in captivity, at home on a furlough, or a supernumerary, ready to engage in active service when ordered. This construction will be abundantly sustained by the decisions of every department of the federal government.

Capt. Reuben Briscoe Capt. Jas. Davis, Lt. Thos Hungerford, Lt. Jas. McAdam, Lt. Jos. Tebbs, retired as supernumerary officers in 1778, and did not again enter the regular army, during the war. Yet every one of these officers got his bounty land promised by Congress in the above act; which none of them could have gotten if the words "to continue in service" be construed to mean only to be in the ranks or on active duty. T. Luke Cannon, Capt. Alexander Case, Capt. Geo. L. Turberville left the army as supernumeraries in 1780 & 81 and did not enter it again. Yet every one received a warrant for his bounty land promised by Congress.

The records of the bounty land office shew that each of the above named officers was supernumerary in '78, '80 & '81, & that they all got their warrants. I refer to Wm. Gordon esqr. commt. of that office in support of the above statement. I refer also to Mr. Gordon to support e in the assertion, that the principle has been long established in his office that a continental officer becoming supernumerary, and not resigning his commission, is entitled to his land to the same extent, as if he had continued in active duty in the field to the end of the war, and that no claimant of this class, has ever been refused his warrant.

The Congress of the U. S. has repeatedly had occasion to act upon this subject and its construction has invariably coincided with that of the commissioner of the land
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office. In fact it has been more liberal to the soldier. of this there is abundant evidence, in the journals. The only evidence I have at this time is a report on the committee on revolutionary claims, of the House, on Capt. Slaughters claim, & a bill reported to the Senate for the relief of Capt. Blackwells representative. Both documents are herewith submitted, & will speak for themselves. The former retired as a supernumerary of '79, the latter as a supernumerary of '78, & under circumstances which precluded them from the provisions of the act in the commissions opinion. The report says, "your committee are of opinion, that Capt. Slaughter did virtually continue in the service of the U.S. until the end of the revolutionary war."

There is no principle better established, or more universally admitted, than that which places a soldier, while in the enemies hands, as a prisoner, on the same footing with one in active duty in the ranks of his country, which secured to the prisoner all the pay & emoluments, due his rank, just as if he were not a prisoner, but at his post. This principle is certainly understood, according to the late Executive's construction of the act of Assembly which gives additional land bounty for service over six years. For the words "to be, or to continue in service" means only to be in the active duties of the camp, then if an officer had been captured in the first battle that was fought in 1775, and kept in prison by the enemy until the treaty of peace was published in 1783, he could have no claim whatever to land bounty. Absurd as such a proposition may appear, it isthe obvious deduction from such a construction of the act of the Assembly. The construction must therefore be a wrong one.

The claimants would only add that if their father was compelled to retire from active service in 1781, as
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a supernumerary officer it was no fault of his. It is well known that the navy of Va. was almost entirely laid up in that, & the preceding year, and that nearly all of the naval officers retired as supernumeraries, and were not afterwards called into active duty. Yet they received additional for service over six years, just as if they continued on active command to the close of the war. A singe glance at the printed list of Commissioner Smith of the officers who received land, will shew this. The claimants will not believe then, that a bounty which has been extended to so many, and under a construction of the act, so long established, & by authority so high too, will be denied to them; and at this late day too, when there is probably hardly another claim of the same kind. 
Which is respectfully submitted by Ros. Hord ally for the heirs
Page 50

Executive Department
Richmond Va. Jany 2. 1849
I hereby certify that the foregoing (on the preceding 26 pages) are true copies of paper on file in this department.
Wm. H. Richardson
Page 51

Virginia,
In Caroline County Court December 11th 1848.
The declaration of Mrs. Lucy Catlett of the County of Caroline in the State aforementioned, made before John A. Miller & John B. Lightfoot Acting Justices of the Peace in the County & State  aforesaid, and the affidavits of William Carrick & Sarah Brockenbrough before same Justices, and of William Collawn before John G. Parrish & Eldred Green acting Justices of the Peace in the County and State aforesaid were this day submitted to the Court. and the Court having examined the same, doth hereby recognize & sanction the acts of the aforementioned Justices of the Peace, and certify that their said acts are entitled to full credence & authority.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office this 12th day of December 1848.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County

Virginia,
Clerks Office of Caroline County Court December 12th 1848. I, John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby verify that many years ago the Clerks Office of this County took fire, and many of the papers, including the marriage Bonds prior to Eighteen Hundred were lost of destroyed. I further certify that the Record of marriages solemnized contain no return of the solemnization of the marriage of George Catlett, the minister having failed to return the same.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 12th day of December 1848.

John L. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County Court.
Page 52

Lucy Catlett
Widow
od George Catlett
Claim under act
29 July 1848

Catlett above was allowed as a State Navy on or about the 10 April 1835 and 18 May 1846 under the act 5th July 1832.
Francis A. Dickins.
Page 53

State of Virginia Caroline County
Personally appeared before us the [something] acting justices of the peace for the aforesaid county in the State of Virgina Lucy Catlett a widow of Port Royal in the said county aged seventy five years which is too infirm to a attend Court, that court house being 15 miles distant, who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress of the 24th July last, providing for the widows of certain officers & widows of the War of the Revolution. She says that her late husband George Catlett was an officer of the Virginia Militia or a Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution as she has always believed and understood.  She knows not when he enlisted, how long he served, what battles he fought, who is superior officers were, when he left the service nor has she any documentary evidence by which his rank and service be known, nor does she know any living witnesses by whom his service can be proved but must rely solely on the evidence found in Richmond Virginia and in the  testimonials at Washington [?]. S
 
She says that her maiden name was Lucy Beckman and that she was married to him  [?] husband George Catlett [?] at her Brother in laws nearPort Royal [?] the Church

Abner Waugh and [?] Clergyman
Page 54

in the year 1778 and that since her husband George Catlett departed this life the 15th of September 1814 and that she has remained a widow ever since, Nor she says that she has written record as documentary evidence to prove his said marriage but must duly certify on proof of witnesses and with evidence if any as may be found in the Clerks Office of said County of Caroline.
Sworn to and [?] before Lucy Catlett
On this 12th day of May 1849
W. A. Buckner J. P.
Peter R. Thornton J. P. 
----------------
State of Virginia Caroline County
Personally appeared before me the [?] Justice of the Peace for aforesaid county at State of Virginia John L Pendleton & Wm. Carrick persons well known to me and appear here certify to the intentions of candidate? who being duly sworn according to Law [?] and say that they have been long and well acquainted with Mrs. Lucy Catlett who has [?] the above declaration and that they also know long & well her deceased husband George Catlett to whom they are certain they were lawfully married though not at the wedding, and have known her as his widow ever since his death. They have always heard the said George Catlett was an officer in the Virginia Navy in the War of the Revolution and his widow and children have some years ago from government [?] pay or confirmation for his marriage & fatherhood[?] ...

John L. Pendleton
William Carrick
Sworn to the subscribed  before us this 12th May 1849
W. A. Buckner, J. P.
PeterR. Thornton J. P.
Page 55

State of Virginia, Caroline County to Wit

Personally appeared before us the Justices of the Peace for the County of Caroline, in the State of Virginia, Richard Buckner & Catherine Buckner persons well known to us, and whom we do hereby certify to be witnesses of undoubted authority, who being duly sworn, according to Law, depose and say that they well know Lucy Catlett of Port Royal, widow of George Catlett Decd. That she is the sister of said Richard Buckner, that they [?] where she was married to said George Catlett, that the said Catherine E Buckner says that she was present at the marriage, which took place at her Brother in Laws near Port Royal and was solemnized by the Regular Episcopal Clergyman of the Parish, the Rev. Parson Waugh Decd. and that both of the affiants [?] as living together as man and wife lawfully married, up to the time of the death of George Catlett, decd. Said George Catlett is the same person who was reputed to have been an officer in the Navy during the war of the Revolution, and for whose service said widow Lucy Catlett and her children, his heirs obtained payment from the Government some years ago through the agency of Robert Hord, but these affiants know nothing of said services they Know
Page 56

the marriage of the said Lucy & George Catlett took place before 1800 because they themselves were married in 1801 and said marriage took place they [?] several years before their own.

Richd. Buckner
Catherine E. Buckner

Sworn to and Subscribed before us this 5th day of April 1849

Peter R. Thornton (seal)
Wm. A. Buckner (seal)
Richd. Buckner (seal)
Catherine E. Buckner (seal)
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State of Virginia to wit:
At a Court of monthly sessions held for Caroline County at the Court house on Monday the 14th of May 1849.
The declaration of Mrs. Lucy Catlett of the County of Caroline in the State aforesaid, sworn to and subscribed before William A. Buckner and Peter R. Thornton acting Justices of the Peaced in the County and State  aforesaid, and the affidavits of John L. Pendleton and William Carrick, and Richard Buckner and Catherine E. Buckner, sworn to and subscribed before the above names Justices, were this day submitted to the Court; and the Court having examined the same, doth hereby recognize and sanctify the acts of the aforenamed Justices of the Peace, lastly certify that their acts are entitled to full credit and authority.
Mr. John L. Pendleton, Clerk for the County of Caroline in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript of the  Justices said county. I further certify that William A. Buckner and Peter R. Thornton are acting justices of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & qualified; that they are legally authorized to act as such and that the signatures herein before written are genuine. I also certify that on or about the year 1804, the Clerks Office of the said County Court of Caroline took fire, and a number of the papers were thrown out in the confusion and lost or destroyed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto, subscribed my name and afixed the Seal of the said county this 15th day of May 1849.

John L. Pendleton, Clerk of Caroline County Court
Page 58

Apr 11. 1846.
Audr. of Va.
Geo Catlett
Capt Skinner

J. L. Edwards esq
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 59

Auditors Office Va.
April 9 1846
Sir

I reply to your letter of 28 ulto and 2d. unit at the earliest convenient moment.
Lt. George Catlett reviewed Land Bounty and settled his acct. for depreciation. There is nothing however to show at what time his services were ended.

The enclosed is the only additional evidence (if evidence it be) representing Capt. Skinner.

Very respectfully
Jas. E. Heath
Page 60

[?]. Washington
January 17 1849.

Com. of Pensions.
Sir.
I enclose you this morning for examination the papers of Mrs. Lucy Catlett's case a lady resident of my district. She is an applicant for a pension - as the widow of George Catlett, an officer of the Virginia State Line or Navy in the Revolutionary War, and under the act of Congress of 26 July 1848 it is presumed the proof of such, and service of George Catlett, is furnished in your files, he having drawn land bounty from Virg. for 3 years service, and also the amount of half pay for life, which was settled and allowed by you. With this exception it is believed his case is sufficiently made out. The same enclosed which would suffice the claim to Bounty Land and half pay concluded conclusively established the lady's claim to the pension. 

Having rarely made applications to you I ask, and expect a speedy disposition of this.
[???]
R L T Beall
Page 61

Wednesday the 11th March 1778

Letters wrote to Capt Skinner & Capt Callender

From Page 362.     Naval Journal

Given under my hand at the Auditm Office
Richmond this 9th day of April 1846.

Jas E Heath Aud
Page 62

George Catlett decd
Act July 5 1832
May 19 1846
Recorded Vol 4 page 181
Page 63

Pension Office
May 19. 1846

I certify that I have examined the claim of the administrator of the late George Catlett, deceased; and I find that under the act of July 9. 1832 half pay has been allocated from the 22nd of April 1783. Half-pay is now claimed from the 1st. of January 1782, and my opinion is that the claim should be allowed. I therefore certify that half-pay is still due for his service as a Lieutenant of the Marines in the service of the State of Virginia at the rate of one hundred and eighty two dollars and fifty cents per Annum from the point of January 1782 to the 22nd. of April 1783, and that the amount is payable to Stafford H. Parker, attorney of Lucy Catlett, administratrix of George Catlett, deceased. It is requested that a draft for the money may be sent to S. H. Parker the said Attorney at Richmond, Virginia.

Commissioner of Pensions
Enter this in Book (which vee)

Approved
Secretary of War.
Page 64

War Department
Pension Office
March 24. 1838

Sir,
I have examined the case of George Catlett,
[illegible] a claim under the act of the 5th July 1832. I cannot find any record evidence of his having been in the service. There is on our book, evidence that there was a Lieutenant of Infantry of that name. If he was ever recognized as a Lieutent of Marines, the fact should be shown from someone of the public offices at Richmond.
Proof as to the heirs or legal representatives
is wanted in this case. I find on a thorough examination of the papers that no attention has been paid to either of the rules in the enclosed printed instructions. The first rule is, however, not applicable to this case.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Svt.
J L Edwards

Hon. John Taliaferro
House of Representatives
Page 65

Apl. 9
Comm.
. Att.

From
John Taliaferro

J. L. Edwards esq.
Page 66

Washington 7th of April 1838-

Dear Sir,

At my last interview with you, on the subject of the claim of Geo: Catlett as a Lieut: of Marines in the Virginia Navy, you required me to show that a Marine Corps was attached to the Virginia : Navy, + by what authority. If you will refer to the [crossed out] ninth Vol: of Henings [Ilalulis?], Page 83, you will find it ordained. "That the Committee of Safety shall, + they are hereby empowered + required from time, to time, to provide such + to many armed Vessels, as they may judge necessary for the protection +c +c +c. And, to that end, to raise + take unto pay, a sufficient number of Officers + men, as well Sailors, as Marines, whose pay shall be settled by the 6 months of Safety, not exceeding the following rates_ to wit_ Commad: $2:50 per day. Master $1:00. 1st Mate $1:25_ +c +c. To Capt: of Marines one Dollar per day_ A Lieut: sixty six, cents + 2 thirds of a cent. This Act passed as early as 1775, + all the Naval operators of Virginia were conducted under its authority. In it you find all you require; + as the testimony is full as to the fact, that
Page 67

Catlett was a Lieut: in that service, you will, thusly find no difficulty in awarding to him the pay claimed. His hardships and sufferings as a Prisoner were severe, to say nothing of his gallant + useful services prior to his capture. These alone give him no claim; but surely they ought [to, caret inserted] balance any deficit in the strict + [rifin?] evidence sometimes required in such cases. All which is respectfully submitted to your consideration, by [dar fin?], yours very truly
John Taliaferro
J: L: Edwards LGL
Page 68

It is respectfully suggested to the Honb: Secretary of War, that, as respects the claim to Half=pay of the Heirs of Ths: Lendrum + Geo: Catlett, now under consideration of J: L: [Gawards?] LSG[L, superscript], the requisition on the claimants to show, that Lendrum + Catlett, did not resign, or die, subsequent to the 21st of October 1780, + prior to the close of the war, is, if not unreasonable, certainly contrary to the rule by which the uniform legislation of Congreſs has been governed, in the allowance of such claims.
By the Resolution of Congreſs of the 21st of October 1780, all officers who served to the end of the war, or who thereafter became Supernumerary were to allowed Half=pay for life.
In all the applications to Congreſs for Half=pay under the foregoing resolution, if the claimant has by record, or other satisfactory evidence shown that he was in service subsequent to the 21st of Oct: 1780, unless it appears by the Army records, or otherwise, that the claimant resigned, was cashierd, or died prior to the close of the war, Half=pay
Page 69

has been allowed; upon the presumption, that in the course of the ensuing reductions of the Army such claimant had become Supernumerary; or that he had retired on leave, by reason of the prospect of peace. It never has been required by the Legislature Tribunal (Congreſs) that the claimant should show the negative, that is, that he neither resigned, [was, caret inserted] cashiered, or died, before the close of the war. And that to presume resignation at such a period of the war would be contrary to the spirit of the then times, and to ordinary prudence on the fact of the claimant. The undersigned has been informed that the negative evidence, above refered to, is the course adopted by the Department heretofore, and the question is, will the Secretary adhere to this rule, or, on a full consideration of the matter, adopt that on which the uniform legislation of Congreſs is based in such cases. Most respectfully submitted by
John Taliaferro
Honb: J: Poinsett
Page 70

[Left page:] [MG?]28.

Con -

Lendrum
Act of July 1882

[Sideways:] Honb: J: R: Poinsett
Secret: of War
Washington

[Right side up:] Hon. J. Taliaferro,
HR

[Right page: a large C and a smaller 6.]
Page 71

[Lee?, smudged underneath] Act of Congreſs, of the 5th of July 1832:

Section, 3: "That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to adjust + settle those Claims for Half=pay of the Officers of the aforesaid Regiments + Corps, which have not been paid, or prosecuted to judgements against the State of Virginia, an for which said State would be bound, on the principles of the Half=pay cases already decided in the Supreme Court of Appeals of that State"; the same to be paid out of any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated.
Leigh's Reports, Vol: 1: Page 516 + 525, exhibit the principles on which the decision, refined to by the foregoing Act, was made. One principle settled by the decision of the Court is, that the promise of the State to pay an officer a specific sum, to wit, Half=pay for life for the service of the Officer to the end [of the, caret inserted] war, was a Contract to pay money for service undued.
2d: That it was no bar to the claim of the Officer to the Half=pay, if he did not actually serve to the end of the war; if such failure to serve was occasioned by an Act of the State, whereby the Officer had no service to perform.
3d,, That if on the application of an Officer, in pursuance of the aforesaid contract, for Half=pay, the state refused payment, on the the ground, that the condition precedent, to wit, service to the end of the war had not been performed by him; the Court held it to be [a, caret inserted] good + available replication for the Officer to say, I was ready + offered to perform, but you prevented the performance. (See the opinion of Judge Goalter, Leigh's Reports).
In the execution of the foregoing Act, upon the prin=
Page 72

ciples adjudicated, + prescribed, as the vote for the adjustment of such claims; it is, respectfully, the opinion of the undersigned, that the cases of Thos: Lendrum, and George Catlett are clearly embrace + provided for. Both of these officers were, as the evidence shows, in service to the period when the Virginia Navy was reduced, whereby they became Supernumerary, + entitled to Half=pay on the expreſs principles of the adjudication above referenced to. Unless there was evidence to show, that either, or both, subsequent to his becoming Supernumerary, resigned, or was cashiered. Upon this point, Tho' one which no Tribunal before which such cases have been decided, was held the claimant bound. To prove a negative, an official return of the officers of the Navy does not show that Lendrum or Catlett, had resigned, or were cashiered, while it does return Lieut: Gray, as unworthy of Half=pay, on account of misbehaviour. All the other officers of the Navy are, in that return, most favorably recommended for Half=pay.
The Virg[superscript]a Navy was reduced in May 1780. (See 10th Vol; [Hening?]. Page 297.) And in 1781, Provision of Half=pay was made for the Navy officers who became Supernumerary, by the reduction under the preceding Act of May 1780. (See 10th [Hening?], Page 462).
It is confidently believed, that Lendrum + Catlett, both intimately known to the undersigned, became Supernumerary by the reduction of the Navy in May 1780, + so remained to the end of the War. And this opinion is rendered certain by the fact that in November 1781, the Virginia Navy, in view of economy, was reduced to a simple Veſsel, the Look=out Boat Liberty. (See 10th [Hening?], Page 499). Most respectfully submitted by
John Taliaferro
Honb: J: R: Poinsett.
Page 73

Payment to be made at
Richmond, by
H. Robinson, Esq,
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Richmond
Virginia:
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March


Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act [February 2d, 1848, crossed out] 1848 Page 265 Vol. 1 book @ 
Th. Lumpkin,
Clerk.
Page 74

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I certify that in conformity with the act of [February 2d, crossed out] 29th July, 1848, Lucy Catlett, of Virginia, widow of George Catlett, who was a Lieutenant of Marines in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Three hundred and [crossed out] sixty five dollars [and ___ cents, crossed out] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unleſs she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. This certificate iſsued in lieu of one iſsued on the 24 May 1849, which has been cancelled.
Given at the Department of the Interior
this [crossed out] Fourth June day of [crossed out],
one thousand eight hundred and
forty-nine.

[crossed out]

Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
[signature, crossed out]
Commissioner of Pensions.