Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,016, for Benjamin Thompson, Georgia
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SERVICE | NUMBER
Ga. | Thompson, Benjamin | S 32016
CONTENTS
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Georgia 27.802
Benjamin Thompson of Sparta in the state of Geo. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ottery of the Rgt Comanded by Col. Dooly in the Georgia line for 

Reduced from  $56.66.

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 34 Dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Feb. 1837 and sent Hon 0 E Haynes HR

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $188.81
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar 37 17.16
$205.97

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by DD Addison Clerk
Book E | Vol 6. | Page 104.

[Right Side]
today 20th Sept 1837
David R Wilds Aug 18/55
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Benjamin Thompson
Ga- [illegible] 1832
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Sparta Ga August 8th 1855
Dear Sir
Benjamin Thompson of this; Hancock, County was a private in the Revolutionary war in what  company & Regiment his heirs do not recollect he recd. 80 or 90 dollars so they say per year and recd. no pension for two years before his death he died in the Spring (March) of 1841.. his widow, Lustacia, survived him and died [underlined] Sept 1849.  N.C. Sayree [underlined] who acted as his agent died [underlined] in this place a few years past:  and the two surviving children heirs of the decd. are anxious to know if there is any thing coming to them by right of their decd. father or mother. If so please send me proper instructions by which I may be able to present properly their claims
Very Respectfully &c
David G. Wilds

To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
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State of Georgia
County of Hancock

On this 4th day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Inferior Court of said County [crossed out: while sitting of a court of ordinary] Benjamin Thompson a resident of Hancock County and said state aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed of June 1832. 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated

In 1778 he was classed and called into service under the command of Capt. John Ottery of Wilkes County Georgia, under the command of Col. Dooly of Georgia fought the Indians and tories near Newsoms Ponds thus Wilks now Warren County served in this year between three and four months.

In 1779 he was called into service under the same commanders attacked the Brittish [sic]and tories of Carrs Fort in Wilkes   he was under the command of Col. Dooly and Genl. Pickens- after that an engagement against the British and  tories for several hours   Genl. Pickens from intelligence received of a body of the enemy crossing Savannah River returned from the Fort.  This was a few days thereafter in a battle under Genl. Pickens at Kettle Creek, was in service the greater part of this year if not the whole perhaps sometime all through the war a few days or weeks at home but subject to the  [end of page]
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called out at any moment, marched this year under Colo. Dooly below Augusta when Genl Nash was defeated but reached them after the engagement in time to bury the dead marched from from there to Moblys Ponds and remained there till about the seige of Savannah   he was in the action with Count D. Easting under the command of Lieut David Phelps being a part of Capt Ottery's company- Capt Ottery was not in this action

Soon after the seige of Savannah he volunteered under Captain White and had to return a refugee  into So. Ca. was at the first seige at Augusta under Capt White against Colonels Brown and Grayson, abandoned the seige on account of the reinforcements by Col Crager a Brittish officer returned into S. & N. Carolina as refugees joined the American Army in N. Carloina-  was in an engagement with Brittish and torries in the Black Stocks and Tiger Rivers So. Car.   Colo. Clark of Georgia and Colo. Williamson of So. Car was in command in this engagment   continued in service until the last seige in Augusta against Brown & Grayson when he was in a scouting party taken a prisoner and kept a prisoner about 2 months till retaken by the American army-   afterwards and after the seige of Augusta he volunteered under Capt Chas Williamson commanded by Colo Williamson against the tories and Indians

He states that he was for about five years almost constantly in service or returned from home as a refugee, and that during the five years he was at no time at home so as to stay long enough to profit by a cessation of his services. 
That he was home in Bute County North Carolina, has no record of his age receives his  knowledge thereof from the declarations of his parents in early life.      [end of page]
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that he is a reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to know him a soldier of the revolution and that can concur in that opinion and the said Floyd Kelly further certifies that he knows that the said Benjamin Thompson did serve as a soldier in Captain Otting's Company and that he was in service at the Battles fought at Carr's fort and Kettle Creek
Joseph Roberts MG
Lloyd Kelley
Sworn to and subscribed this 4th day of Feby in open Court
Henry Rogers Clerk

And the said Court to wit Joel Crawford John S Swinne, Wilkins Smith and Wilson Bind Esquire Justices of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby declair their opinion after the interrogation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary war soldier and served as he states-  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph Roberts who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in said County and that Lloyd Kelly , who has also signed the same is a resident in said County and is a credible person and that this statement is entitled to credit.

I Henry Rogers Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County of Hancock do hearby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Bejamin Thompson for a pension
 In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office on this 4th day of February 1830
Henry Rogers Clk
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\     (unclear what this mark represents)

That he does not recollect ever to have received a formal written discharge

That he does not recollect the name of any officer by whom formal discharge s were given him if any

Has lived in Georgia upwards of sixty years

(Following words are scribbled out)
Sworn to ??? in open Court this 4th day of February 1832

(Following at bottom of page)

He humbly relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court - signed Benj Thompson

We Joseph Roberts a clergyman residing in the county of Hancock and State aforesaid and Lloyd Kelly of the same place hereby certify that they are well acquainted with Benjamin Thompson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and believe him to be seventy ??? years old
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Georgia. Hancock County. On the 3.d day of March eighteen hundred & thirty four personally ally appeared in open court before the justice of the Inferior Court, ( [illegible], David, John L. Swinney, Wilkins, Smith, Esquire, Justices, Presiding Benjamin Thompson, resident of said county of state who being duly sworn doth make this additional declaration & affidavit for the purpose of entitling himself to the benefit of the Pension act passed by the Congress of the United States on the 7th day of June 1832. That Lloyd Kelly now of the county of Hancock & state of Georgia is the only living witness now known to the deponent who had any acquaintance with his revolutionary services. He further deposed before the said court, that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he can not swear positively as to the percive[?]  length of his service; but according to the best of his recollections, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades, the year 1778 in the grade if private soldier not less than three months to wit from the middle of March to the middle of July. He again entered the service in December 1778 and con.
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times in service until the siege of Savannah acting as a sergeant - this period of service was not less than nine months. Shortly after the siege of Savannah he volunteered under Captain White, as a private soldier and remained in service not less than three months - at the close of which period he was taken prisoner as heretofore stated, and retained as a prisoner for the term of two months until retaken by the American army - afterwards he entered the service under the command of Captain Charles Williamson and continued in service not less than eight months. During this tour of service he had no regular commission but acted throughout the whole period as Lieutenant, it frequently happening at that period that the men chose their own officers and obeyed them without requiring commissions.  These several periods, including the time he was prisoner amounting to two years and one month, to which he might add, if specifications were necessary, his subsequent services for more than twelve months. He further states that, he is known to Captain Thomas Barnes, Samuel Ewing, Esquire, Philip Turner, Dr. William
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Terrell, Major Joel Crawford, and Charles E. [illegible], with many others, who live in his present neighborhood, and can testify, as some of them have already testified, to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The deponent further states that he was born in the County of Bute in the State of North Carolina in or about the year seventeen hundred and fifty eight as he has been informed by his parents when they were in life. He also states that he has a family record which his mother informed him was not correct it having been made from memory after the close of the Revolutionary War.  That he was living in Wilkes County in the State of Georgia when he entered the service and has lived ever since in the said County of Wilkes or the County of Hancock his present place of residence. that he was called into service originally by draft or rotation, and afterwards acted as a volunteer. that he served with General Lincoln at Savannah as a regular officer. That he does not recollect ever having received a discharge.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declared that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid.

Henry Rogers Clk.
Benj Thompson
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And the said Lloyd Kelly having appeared in open court [deponeth?] and saith that he was acquainted with the said declarant Benjamin Thompson at the time he entered the service under the command of Captain John [illegible], and that to the best of declarant's recollection said Thompson went into the service about the last of November 1778 and continued in service until the close of the month of August 1779, making to the best of deponent's recollection a period of nine months. That this is all the knowledge deponent [illegible] of the revolutionary services of said Thompson, although deponent believes that such services were faithfully performed as stated by said applicant. Sworn to in open court this [30?] day of March 1834.

Henry Rogers, Clk

Lloyd Kelley

And the said Court, to wit, William Bird, John S.  [Sevireney?] Wilkins Smith, Esquire
do declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after [illegible] the interrogatories [illegible] as required, which one substantially answered in the declaration, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the said court further certifies Lloyd Kelly whose declaration is included in the above and foregoing is a resident of said County and a credible witness whose testimony is entitled to full faith.

I Henry Rogers, Clerk of the Superior Court of said county do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the additional declaration of Benjamin Thompson for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 30 March 1834.

Henry Rogers Clk
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February 1, 1940
BA-J/MCS
Benjamin Thompson, S. 32016

Mr. Guy H. Wells
Georgia State College for Women
Milledgeville, Georgia

Dear sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Benjamin Thompson, a Revolutionary War pensioner who died in Hancock County, Georgia, about 1840.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.32016, based on the Revolutionary War service of Benjamin Thompson.

This soldier was born in Bute County, North Carolina. He stated that he was born in 1758 or about that date, as he was informed by his parents (their names not given).

While a resident of Wilkes County, Georgia, he enlisted in March, 1778, and served at various times amounting to over three years in all, as private, sergeant, and lieutenant (served as lieutenant but was not commissioned as such) with the Georgia troops under Captains John Ottery, White and Charles Williamson, Colonels Dooley and Micajah Williamson. He was in the battles of Carr's Fort, Kettle Creek, and in the siege of Savannah, in the first siege of Augusta, and in the battle of Blackstocks, and while on a scouting expedition was taken prisoner and two months later was retaken by the American Army. 

Benjamin Thompson was allowed pension on his application executed February 4, 1833, at which time he was living in Hancock County, Georgia. He moved to Hancock County from Wilkes County and in 1835 he stated that he had lived in Georgia over sixty years.

It was stated that Benjamin Thompson died in March, 1841. It was stated in 1855 that his widow, Lustacia died in September, 1849, and that there were two children then (in 1855) surviving, but their names are not shown.
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In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of Benjamin Thompson, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the exact date of death of this soldier, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:

Benjamin Thompson, Certificate #2780, issued February 8, 1837, rate $34.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832,, Georgia Agency. 

Very truly yours, 

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
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32016
[illegible] INVALID.

File No. 32016
Benjamin Thompson
[illegible] Rev War

Act: June 7th 32
Index: --Vol. 2, Page 431

[Arrangement of 1870] 

July 3 Hist. [many words on this part of the image are blocked out by margin or copy quality and difficult to read]
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Service | Number
Ga| Thompson, Benjamin | S.32016

Georgia 27.80 [illegible]
Benjamin Thompson of Sparta in the State of Georgia who was a [illegible] in the ____________ commanded by Captain ________ of the [Regiment?] commanded by Col Dooly in the N.C. line for 17 months
Redue to $34.33 per ann. from [illegible] certificate
________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
__________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of March ______ and [illegible] I am Thomas Sparta, Geo:
__________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March: 34 169.[02]
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 28.33
$198.31
{Revolutionary Claim.}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Nath. Rice - clerk
Book [?] Vol. 6 Page 104

[right portion of document is difficult to read due to vertical text]
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Dead - Pen [illegible words]
Sparta Georgia
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Papers in the case or Benjamin Thompson -no 1 to 8
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Pension Office Aug 17 1855

The third auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner
Very respectfully S. Cole
Chief Clerk

[illegible signature]

Benjamin Thompson paid to 4 March 1840

Aug 18/55
[illegible]
Acting Auditor
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Benjamin Thompson - Georgia roll - act 7th June 1832. To what period was this man last paid?

Pension Office
Apl 13. 1836.

Benjamin Thompson. Geo. Roll - Act of June 1832, was last paid to 4th September 1834, as approved from the Books of this office.

Third Act. Office
Apl. 13. 1836
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Benj. Thompson

Payments to be made at Savannah Georgia by [illegible] Planters Bank 
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Georgia
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War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Thompson of the State of Georgia who was a Private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty Four dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of march, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. [pencil] This certificate is issued in the above dated May 20. 1834 for $56.66 to such has been cancelled
[ink] Given at the War Office of the United States, this 8th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven
[removed seal]
B.J. [illegible]
Examined and countersigned,
J.L Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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James L Edwards Eq.
Commissioner of Pensioners,
Washington City
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House of Reps. April 8, 1836
James L. Edwards, Esq.

Sir,
Upon an examination of this declaration of Benjamin Thompson, it appears by his own statement that he entered the service early in December 1778 & remained until the siege of Savannah. That siege closed with the attempt by the combined French & American force to storm the British line on the 9th of October 1779.  Lloyd Kelly testifies that declarant entered that term of service about the close of November 1778 & remained until the close of August 1779. It is strongly impressed on my mind & I drew up that declaration, that Mr. Kelly could & would have testified to petitioning [illegible] remained in service until
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the siege of Savannah, which closed on the 9th of October, as shown by Marshall's life of Washington + M Call's history of [illegible]
But, there was no historical document at hand to refer to + he stated the time specifically as delayed memory enabled him. But, the concerning evidence of history sustains Mr. Thompson's will to something more than few months for that term of service.
This term would entitle him to a fraction (area) forty dollars, per annum, [illegible] is submitted, whether his other statements of service at other times + peaces, considering the difficulty existing in the military of the Southern sentry of furnishing any documentary evidence of their services, sustained as it is by the [illegible]
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of respectable witnesses, + the certificate of a court of record to his general such + credit as a revolutionary soldier, whether I say, it is asking anything unreasonable on my part to request that he may be restored to the roll at the rate originally allowed.
Very respectfully
your obt. serv.
CE Haynes
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To James L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensioners
War Department 
Washington City
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No 1. Sparta, Georgia, 4th March, 1834.
James L Edwards Esq.
Sir,
It gives me pleasure, after an acquaintance of more than twenty years, to certify to the high respectability of Benjamin Thompson whose pension papers accompany this, and to hear similar testimony to the character of his witness Major Lloyd Kelly. Believing that Mr. Thompson is justly entitled to relief under the act of 1832, it will afford me the highest pleasure to hear of the success of his application.
With high respect,
your obt. servt.
Charles Eaton Haynes
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Payments to be made at Savannah by the Casing [illegible] agent for paying pensioners in the Agency of Geo.
Recorded in the Pension office in Book E Vol. 6 Pay 10? by Nath. Rice -Clerk
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[Written vertically across body of text] Cancelled

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Thompson of the State of Georgia who was a Private in the War of the Revolution 
is entitled to receive Fifty-Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of march, and 4th of September in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 20th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four.
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

[covered seal]
Examined and Countersigned.
JL. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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[envelope]
(5) H150
[pencil] Benj. Thompsons
s cric

[ink] 26 Jan, 1836,
Pension Office
Report.
reed 24 feb.

[pencil] 27802
Sco.

[ink, upside down] Hon. Lewis Cass,
Secretary of War,
Washington City.

Ansd unofficially [illegible] Fery 27. 36.
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House of Reps. January 23, 1836.
No 5
Hon. Lewis Eap,
Sir,
I am aware that the pressure of high public duties has, of late, necessarily withdrawn your attention from subjects of a private nature - yet, my solicitude for my worthy red neighbor Benjamin Thompson is so great, I hope you will excuse me for asking you to re-examine his papers as early as your convenience may permit. I take great pleasure in expressing my entire confidence in the substantial correctness of his account of his revolutionary services.
With great respect,
Your obt. serv.
CE Haynes
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Pension Agency Planters Bank
Savannah 16 Sept 1837

Sir,
The enclosed application of Benjamin Thompson for his pension to the [illegible] 1837, with your statement of the amount due him, to the Hon. C E Haynes, has been prescuted for payment, upon examining examining the same and our registry, there appears to be the [illegible] -ference [perhaps difference], The certificate for the reduced amount per your letters of this 10 Feby ults. states it as $34.33 and not $34.32 as per your letter to Mr. Harpres, and the amount paid Mr. Thompson upon his former certificate is by our books $198.01 not $197.31 as per your statement, leaving the amount due Thompson on March 1837 $7.67 and not $8.61 as the result of your calculation be pleased to say whether I am correct and whether Mr Thompson can be paid on the enclosed vouchers.
I enclose also for your approval and authority to pay James Suttup Pension vouchers whose application is for Eighteen month pensions.
Respectfully
Yr Ob Serv
J L Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Washington City

 [illegible] Cashier
+ Pens Agent
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Jan 4
James L Edwards Eq. 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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James L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir,
Suffering that in the multiplicity of your engagement, it might be possible that the subject of our conversation on Saturday might escape your recollection, I hope leave to renew my request that you will cause a thorough search to be made for the papers of John Denton of Hancock County Georgia, + give me the [illegible] information of the result which your  convenience may permit. That you will do me the favor to furnish me with a copy of the instructions to applicants for pensions under
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under the act of 1832, + that you will be pleased to review the declarations of Benjamin Thompson, and [illegible], to compare his third declaration with the spirit of those instructions or reputations. 
Respectfully,
Your obt. serv.
CEHaynes
Page 37

Hon. Lewis Cass.
Secretary of War, 
Washington City
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Reed 14 apl Sparta, Georgia, 6th April, 1835.
Hon. Lewis Cass,
Sir,
Your communication of the 20th ult. is before me. In ordinary judicious proceedings the appellate court may safely enter upon a review of the decision below upon the report of the inferior tribunal, because the litigants of the case will be able to correct that report should it be erroneous. But such is not the case when the Secretary of War rejudges the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, solely on the report of the latter, as in the case of Benjamin Thompson, or of any other applicant for a pension who is not present to press an examination of the fact contained in his own declaration. I am aware that it would be impracticable for you to re-examine every decision made by the commissioner upon such application, yet, I cannot suppose
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that the appeals are so numerous as to prevent an examination of each case upon the original papers in the possession of the commissioner. I believe that Mr. Edwards has decided erroneously in the case of Mr. Thompson, and without imparting criminal intent, I may be permitted to express the opinion, that it is very natural, when the case is referred to your re-examination, that he should endeavor to sustain his own decision. I would therefore respectfully ask, as a matter of justice to Mr. Thompson, that you will examine his several applications, now in the Commissioners office, and make up your judgement on them and not on any report from the Commissioner. I am the more desirous this course shall be pursued inasmuch as the suspension has, in its circumstances, very much the appearance of an act of punishment on the part of Mr. Edwards towards Mr. Thompson, for daring to appeal
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to Congress from his decision. With highest respect,
I have the honor to be your obt serv.
COHaynes

[written sideways on the middle of the sheet:]
(3) Haynes
14 April 1835
Pension offer
Mr. Edwards will please send over all [illegible] [illegible, perhaps pension; person] the will survived case
G ct. H
Copy of Mr. Edwards letters [illegible]
Page 41

James S. Edwards [illegible]
[illegible]
Washington 
D.C.
Page 42

No 2
House of Reparations,
Dec 9. 1834

Dear Sir:
Benjamin Thompson of Georgia has applied for an increase of his Pension. He states "that he performed various terms of military service for the United States in the War of the Revolution, amounting in all to the aggregate period of two years  the proof of which service is now in file in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions."
That in consequence of representation from the hereafter at he was induced to relinquish all then + further claims in the Government by securing a Certificate for $ 55.66 from [illegible]. He claims that his proof clearly shows two years service + that he is entitled to a full pension. Will you please furnish me with the evidence above alluded to + your opinion in regard to its sufficiency to establish the [illegible] two years service + send the same directed to me.
By order of the Committee
Ja. S. Edward Esq. George W. Say
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State of Georgia County of Hancock
I Thomas J Trawick an acting Justice of the Peace in + for the County + State aforesaid do certify that Benjamin Thompson of said County is now in life and now present before me and that he is the identical Benjamin Thompson named in a pension certificate issued him on the 20.th day of May 1834 and number twenty seven thousand eight hundred and two (27802)
Given under my hand this 31.st day of January 1837
Thomas J Trawick TP [signature]
Georgia Hancock County
Clerks Office Inferior Court
I Henry Rogers Clerk or said court do certify that Thomas J. Trawick who has subscribed (the) above certificate is and was at the time of doing so an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County + State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified.
In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this 31.st day of January 1837.
Henry Rogers Clk [signature]
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James Thomas 
Sparta - Ga
Page 45

Georgia
Hancock County
No 4

Whereas I Benjamin Thompson a revolutionary soldier residing in the County + State aforesaid have heretofore made application in the usual mode at the [scratched out] department at Washington City for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th day of June 1832, and whereas I have received notice from James L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions under date of the 10th instant that a pension certificate will be issued to me for fifty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum on condition that I shall waive all other claims to a pension whatsoever. Now know ye that I do entirely and absolutely waive all and every other claim to pension whatsoever in consideration that there shall be issued to me a pension for the said sum of fifty six dollars + sixty six cents per annum. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 23rd day of April 1836.

Done in the presence of

One of the presiding Justices of the Inferior Court for the county and state aforesaid
Wilim Biall,
John S. Swinney J.S.S.

Benjamin Thompson [Initials LS encircled and written over the end of the signature]
Page 46

Georgia
Hancock County

I Henry Rogers Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that John L. Swinney Esquire who has attested the within + fore-going relinquishment is one of the presiding Justices of the Inferior Court for said county + State, + that due faith + credit are due to his official act, In testimony wherof I have hereunto set my hand + affixed the seal of said court this 23.d April 1834.
Henry Rogers Clerk [signature]
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No 2
State of Georgia
Court of Hancock

On this second day of September, Eighteen hundred and thirty there personally appeared in afore court Inferior John S. Swinney, John W. Rulim + Wilkins Smith.
Esquires Justices of the Inferior Court of said County Benjamin Thompson, a resident of Hancock County and said state, aged seventy four years who being first duly [illegible]ascending to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain to benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832
that he entered the service of the united states under the following named officers and served as herein stated
In 1778 he was classed and called ^ as a private soldier into service under the command of Captain John Ottery of Wilkes County Georgia, under the command of Colo. Dooly of Georgia, fought the Indians and tories [illegible]s Pond, then Wilkes now Warren County served in this year [illegible] and four months
In 1779 he was called into service under the same commanders during this year attacked the British + Tories at Car's Fort in Wilkes County, Ga, commanded this action by Colo. Dooly and Genl. Pickens, after engagement against the British and Tories for several hours, from intelligence received by General Pickens that a body of the enemy was crossing Savannah River, his army retired from the fort,  Was a few days then after in a battle under Genl Pickens at Kettle Creek; he cannot state with pprecision how long he served, but can state positively he served more than half the year, he was from the commencement of this year till after the Forts at Augusta of Colonel Braum and Grayson constantly in active service or retired from his home as a refugee.
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a few weeks at intervals occasionally which he was permitted to return home, but such returns being of such short duration as to prelude the posability [sic] of turning these intervals to any use or profit to himself; he would have remark that the section of state in which he resided was surrounded with Indians and Tories; that he being more safe in the army than at home, he considers that although some intervals as above mentioned that he had by him, that he may be said to house him from the commencement of this appear to the Captain of said Forts the date of which is not recollected in service and as a refugee was held at all times subject to be called at any moment marched this year under Colo. Dooly below. Augusta when General Nash was defeated did not reach them till the engagement was ended, helped to bury the dead marched from there to Mobby's Ponds and remained there till about the siege of Savannah + was in the action of Count De Easting, under the command of Liut David Philps, being a part of Capt Ottery's company, Captain Ottery was not in this action
Soon after the siege of Savannah, time not recollected volunteered under Captain White and shortly afterwards with Captain White's company had to retire as a refugee into So. Carolina, was at the first siege at Augusta as a private under Capt. White against Colonels Brown + Grayson, abandoned the siege an account of reinforcements of Colo. [illegible, perhaps Couges] a British officer retired ^ in S. + N. Carolina as refugees joined the American army in N. Carolina was in an engagement under the command of Captain White against the British and Tories on the Black Stocks on Tiger River So. Car Colo. Clark of Ga + Colo. Williams of So. Car was in command at this engagement, continued from the time of retiring from the first siege at
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Augusta in constant service until the last siege in Augusta against Brown + [illegible], was under the command of Captain White was of a scouting party taken as prisoner by the ^ Tories and [illegible] prisoner at Augusta about two months till retaken by the American Army under the command of Colonel Sy + Shelby who took Brown fort.

Afterwards and after the siege of Augusta he volunteered ^ as a private under Captain Charles Williamson Commanded by Col. Mi Williamson against the Tories + Indians was right [illegible] months in service under the command of Captain Williamson.

He states that from the commencement of this par. 1779 he was constantly in service or retired from home as a refugee and that the final of the spar 1779 till after his services rendered aside by Captain Williamson against the Indians and Tories he was at no time at home so as to profit by a cessation of his services.

That he was born in Bates County North Carolina has no record of his age derives his knowledge of his age from declarations of his parents in early life was born in the year 1758.

Was living in Wilkes County County Georgia when called in service.

Has lived in Wilkes + Hancock since the Revolutionary war, lives now in Hancock County. He was called into service at first by being drafted into sections. After the time he has already stated as he volunteered, he served as a volunteer from then on to the end of his service.

[Illegible] Wayne + [Illegible] commanded the troops when he served at the siege of Savannah, Colonel Thompson's Regiment was at Savannah. Colonel Su's Regiment was at the siege of Augusta under his command. The circumstances of his service are
Page 50

already stated - [illegible] to know [illegible] a [illegible]
[Illegible] is known [illegible] by every [illegible] man in the County of Hancock who has lived in the County of H great length of time, [illegible] can testify to his [illegible] in part, Doctor William Terrell + the Humble Charles E Harper can testify as to his character for [illegible] of their belief of his services as a [illegible] of the Revolution.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity in apt the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the [illegible] of any state, [iillegible] the day I afar aforsaid in [illegible] Court.
Henry Rogers Clerk
Benj. Thompson

We James Barnes, a clergyman residing in said County of Hancock + said state and Charles E  Harper + William Ferrell residing in the village of Sparta in said County + state hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Thompson who has subscribed and sworn to the 
[illegible - ink smeared across paper crease] 
years old that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that [illegible] in that opinion sworn to + subscribed the day + year aforesaid

[A curly vertical line separates the signatures, which are each underlined]
James Barnes Minaster
Will Ferrell
C. E. (Harper)
Page 51

Henry Rogers CIR.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after [illegible] of the matter and after putting the interrogations provided by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that James [illegible] who has [illegible] the presiding certificate is a clergyman, resident in Hancock County and that Doctor William Terrell and the Honorable Charles E Hayne, who have also [illegible] the same are residents of Sparta in said County of Hancock, State of Georgia and are Credible persons and that every of their statements are entitled to credit.
I Henry Rogers Clerk of this [illegible] Court of Hancock County State of Georgia do hereby certify that the foregoing [illegible] is the original proceeding of this said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Thompson for a pension.

In testimony [illegible] of I have [illegible] put my hand and affixed this seal of affairs this 2nd day of Sept. 1883
Henry Rogers Clark
3
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1339 Arabe;;a, New [illegible] Pensions
American Revolution
Washington, D. C.
[Stamp to the right of the address reads U. S. PENSION OFFICE SEP 12 1928
Dear Sir:- Kindly let me know if anything in your records identifies
with their age, origin, County, marriage, or other clues
Benjamin Thompson and Benjamin Thompson, Jr [Thompson is underlined and a check mark is to the left of Benjamin]
Recorded in Georgia's [illegible ] of American Revolution which on [illegible] suffer one Benjamin Thompson - District 113 - Hancock County
Certified List of Ga A. R. Troops
Pensioner Hancock County.
I am seeking a clue to their origin or descendants - please reply as soon as possible!
Yours [illegible - appreciatively],
Maria Thompson

Did either or any Benjamin Thompson have wife Charlotte? [last two words underlined; note offset from main message with a wavy line]

/2339 393 447 [numbers written in the left margin of main message across three lines]
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Rev Sec
New Orleans, La
1416 Josephine St.
March 4th 1917

Department of Old War Records,
Pension Building
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: Will you kindly supply me with information concerning the following:
Benjamin Thompson, Sr. was born in Ireland, but who came to this country and lived in Hancock County, Georgia during
Page 54

2
the American Revolution
Desired, the date of his birth, marriage, death, name of wife, date of her birth and death; names of children, dates of birth, to whom each was married.
In what capacity the said Benjamin Thompson served during the American Revolution and in what battles he fought.
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3
Will appreciate an early reply as these facts are necessary for my filing application for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Respectfully yours
Lucy M. Prowell

(Mrs. J.J. Prowell
1416 Josephine St.)
M. O. La.
Page 56

GEORGIA STATE COLLEGE
FOR WOMEN
MILLEDGEVILLE

[Seal of the college above GUY H WELLS, President]
Jan 15- 1948

Veterans Bureau
Washington - D. C.

[Upside-down stamp that reads RECEIVED Jan 17 1949 Mail Sub.DW Reader no. 12 VETS ADM. An arrow at the top of the stamp points to a line between 2 and 3 on the numbers circling the words.]

Dear Sir!-
Will you mail me
Revolutionary record one Benjamin Thompson [underlined with note added above OK MCS.] Hancock Co Ga who was drawing pension I think when he died about 1840-
Sincerely
Guy H Wells-

[Dark image, presumably of the college campus. Some pillars, trees, and water are visible.]
Page 57

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-595
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. , ___, 19__

S. F. 32016

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Thompson a soldier of the 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.

[Column headings] Dates of enlistment of appointment. Length of service. Rank. Officers under whom service was rendered. [Sub-columns: Captain. Colonel. ] State.

March 1778. bet 3+4 mos. Pvt. John Ottery. Dooley. Ga.
Dec 1778. 9 mos. Sgt. Ottery. Dooley.
[check mark]. 3 mos. pvt. White.
[Written across multiple columns: While on a Scouting Party he was taken prisoner + kept 1 mos + then was [illegible] by American Army.]
[check mark] 8 or 9 mos. Chai Williamson. Macajah Williamson.

Battles engaged in, [illegible] Fort Feb 14 1779 Kittle Creek Siege of Savannah / Jany. 19 , 1779 Siege of Augusta ^ Nov 1780 Blackstocks
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wilkes Ga.
Date of application for pension, Feby. 4, 1833
Residence at date of application, Hancock Ga.
Age at date of application, [{ bracket across both lines of text] born in Bate Ga. S. 6. in 1738. died Mch. 1841
Remarks: IN 1855 soldier's widow, Iustacia is referred to as having died Sept. 1849 leaving two children their names are not stated.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

6-2856
Page 58

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/eel
April 29, 1929
Mrs. H.G. Patterson
1339 Arabella
New Orleans, Louisiana
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary
war pension claim, s.32016, it appears that Benjamin Thomp-
son was born in Bute County, North Carolina, in 1758. 
While a resident of Wilkes County, Georgia, he en-
listed in March, 1778, and served at various times amount-
ing to over three years in all, as a private, sergeant, and
lieutenant (served as lieutenant but was not commissioned 
as such) with the Georgie Troops under  Captains Johnrottery 
White and Charles Williamson, Colonels Dooley, and Micajah
Williamson. He was in the battles of Carr's Fort, Kettle 
Creek, in the Siege of Savannah, in the first Siege of
Augusta and in the battle of Blackstocks, and while on a 
scouting expedition was taken prisoner and two months
later was re-taken by the American Army.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
February 4, 1833, at which time he was living in Hancock
County, Georgia. He died in March, 1841.
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^It was stated In 1855 the soldier's widow, Lustasia, [struck out: was referred to as having] died in September, 1849, ^ on 1855 there were two children ^then surviving their names not stated.

The above mentioned is the only soldier from Georgia by the name of Benjamin Thompson that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.