Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1595, James Grier, Continental Penn.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental Penn.
Grier, James
or Greir, Mary
or Greer
NUMBER
W. 1595
B.L.Wt. -833 _ 400 _ Major
Issued May 18, 1789. No papers.
CONTENTS
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[illegible]
Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of February 1849
And sent to
J. A. Lawrence Esqr. 
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act of congress 1848, Page 159, Vol. 1
July, Book D
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of August 1848 and of such other acts and resolutions of Congress as are applicable in the premises,

State of New York               }
City & County of New York } ss
On this first day of September A.D. 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Superior Court of the State of New York, Mary Grier a resident of the City and County of New York who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed August 1848
That she is the widow of James Grier who was an officer in the Pensylvania [sic] line in the war of the revolution and served until its close. That the said James Grier held the rank of Major for five years during the revolutionary war and at its close was promoted to the rank of Leutenant [sic] Colonel by brevit. But for full proof of the nature and duration of his services she refers to the papers and documents filed in the proper office at the seat of government about the
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14th of January 1837 upon an application made by her for a pension, which was denied as no law existed at that time meeting his case, and also to the public documents in the custody of the Government showing the rank and services of her husband.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Grier on the 14th day of July A.D. 1794 at the City of Hudson in the State of New York by the Reverend Jeremiah Romeyn then residing in the County of Columbia and State of New York who has been dead for several years, though the precise time of his decease this deponent cannot state. That she was not married prior to his leaving the service but was married prior to the year 1800. She has no certificate of the marriage but the same took place in the presence of Anna Jenkins a widow and sister of deponent now living in the City of New York and other living witnesses.
She further declares the she has not intermarried but continues the widow of the said James Grier.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above
[signed] Mary Grier
Page 5

STATE OF NEW YORK,                      }
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK,} ss

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also CLERK of the Court of Common Pleas for said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Henry P. Edwards Esqr  before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Supreme Court of New York in and for the said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that I believe the signature of said Justice thereunto subscribed is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 5th day of Sept 1848 

James Conner Clerk.
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written before me
Henry P. Edwards
Justice of the Superior Court of the State of New York
I hereby certify that the above declarant is personally known to me; that she is unable from age and infirmity to attend & make the above declaration in open court —
September 1st 1848
Henry P. Edwards
Justice Superior Court of the State of New York
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July 12, 1933.

XXXXXXXXX

BA-J/ADY
James Grier
 W. 1595

John D. Grier
Cheswick
Pennsylvania

Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter relative to one James Grier, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W. 1595, based upon his military service in that war.

James Grier was commissioned June 25, 1775, a first lieutenant in Captain James Chambers' Company, Colonel William Thompson's Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. On March 7, 1776, he was commissioned a Captain of a Rifle Company in Colonel Edward Hand's Pennsylvania Regiment and was in the battle of Brandywine where he was severely wounded by a musket shot through his right thigh. October 23, 1777 he was commissioned Major of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment. On March 22, 1781 he was commissioned Major of the sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, October 10, 1783 he was commissioned Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and served to November 3, 1783.

He died May 9, 1803 and was buried in the cemetery of the Reformed Dutch Church in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. The date and place of his birth are not stated.

Soldier married July 14, 1794 in Hudson, New York, Mary. In 1826 she was living in Kingston, New York. She was allowed pension on her application executed September 1, 1848 while a resident of New York, New York County, New York, aged about eighty years.

In 1848 Samuel A. Laurence (he signed Laurence) a brother of the widow, Mary Grier, and Anna Jenkins, a widow, and a sister of the widow, Mary Grier, were residents of New York City.
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Date of widows death not on A.B. [handwritten at top right-hand corner of page]

It is stated that "The family of David Lawrence, Esq. (one of the founders of the city of Hudson) was one of the most respectable in the county of Columbia." It is not stated whether or not David Lawrence was the father of the widow, Mary Grier. There are no further family data.

This is the history of the only James Grier, all
spellings of the surname searched, who served from Pennsylvania, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Said records fail to show that pension was ever
claimed on account of the services of Thomas Grier or John Grier as described by you, all spellings of the surname searched.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 9

I James Grier Major of the 10th P. Regt.
do acknowledge the UNITED STATES of AMERICA  to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and I declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great Britain, and I renounce refuse and abjure any allegiance or obedience  to him; and I do mean that I will, to the utmost of my power, support, maintain and defend the said United States against the said King George the Third, his heirs and successors, and his or their abettors, assistants and adherents, and will serve the United States in the office of a Major which I now hold, with fidelity, according to the best of my skill and understanding.

Saml. Grier Maj. 10th. P Regt
Sworn before me at 
Mount Joy this 12th day of
May 1778
Anty Wayne
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Dublin Tenn
Major James Grier
Wm Irvine Reg Lebanon
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Lancaster  July 2d, 1701

Dear Sir

The act for filing the Line is at last made + I hope will (in a great degree) have the desired effect.  I brought up the instruction attestations from council - You will see that yourself and Captain Dalton are appointed to approve of and review Recruits at Lebanon.

I have no instructions to give other than what the Low points and is usually as I know your own zeal will prompt you to be attentive to this duty, indeed it is the only chance we have for getting Men.
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The instructions are for the Commissions I ask for - Who it may be necessary for you to elevate a good understanding with & Jogg [sic] their memory frequently.

Several men were got in Phil[raised a] last Saturday - and they are being hard today. A number are Enlisting for the War - as they are exempted from Militia duty during the term of Enlistment, as you and they want to keep their bones whole--
General Grier has taken the Posts of 6  and Augusta - 100 men [Illegible] - the British now only hope is Charlestown in all the Carolinas--
I will expect to hear from you frequently.
I am D[dear] Sir
your obedt servant
Wm Irvine
Major Grier
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Public Service

Major Grier, an Officer
commanding the Infantry of
Penna. in Lancaster
Major Genrl S Ewing

[left margin] [sideways]
James Grier Pa. W 1595
Page 14

Philad[raised a]. Sept 19th 1781

Sir 
On the receipt of this you will immediately put the Troops at Lancaster in motion for Philada. — every man that is able to march. The officers there have been ordered for the Detachment — which of course be with them — but I wish the whole of the officers to come down, and if [illegible] taking command will occasion any difficulty or delay let them be marched as they stand in Regiments. The Exigency is pressing, and I request that not a Moment may be lost. Let arms and accoutrements be put in their Hands, and their Boxes filled with Ammunition if the Siege suits the Musquets [sic] they must take provisions to bring them here; and please to inform the Contractors that the same will be wanted from them for the Troops at York Town
Should you meet any waggons [sic] with Cloathing [sic] they must be turned back, and what has been already sent to Lancaster brought back, unless it
Major Grier
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it can be divided there — if it can offer much better to bring it on the Mens Backs.

I am
Dear Sir 
Your very humble Servt
Ar. St. Clair

After furnishing the Troops at Lancaster with arms & accoutrements you will please to leave an officer to take care of the Remainder untill [sic] the arrival of the Corps from York Town who must be provided in the same manner — and all the rest to be brought with them to this City.

Since I wrote this Genl. Irvine informs me that you armed both at York and Lancaster, so that you will bring the arms with you in the first Waggons [sic]

P. S. You will please to give directions that all the prisoners and or sentenced are to be left behind.
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

IN CONGRESS.

The Delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Suffix on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to James Grier Esq.

We reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Captain of a Company vice James Chambers, of a Rifle Company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Edward Hand in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.  

You are [illegible] diligently to dis[illegible] the duty of a Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto b[illegible]ging.  And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as a Captain.  And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being for the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.  

This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.  

March 7, 1776
Attest Albert Cha Thomson Secy. 

By Order of the Congress. 

John Hancock President
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W 34 

Mary Grier NY 

let to Hon H Nicol Jany 3 49 Same Feb 26 1849 

Admd

Cert: to L. A Lawrence Esq
Present 

act 7 July 1848
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W 34 

Mary Grier
NY 

let to Hon H Nicol Jany 3 49
Same Feb 26 1849 

Admd

Cert: to L. A Lawrence Esq
Present 

act 7 July 1848
Page 19

James Grier
Major ------

[A round, illegible stamp beside the name and various marks (possibly writing on the other side of the paper) are visible]
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James Grier
Not found on N.Y. Inv. list

No rej'd [rejected] claim found-for 
James or
Mary Grier

M Rice
Dec. 22, 1910
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Claims for reimbursement on account of the expenses of the last sickness and burial of deceased pensioners should be mailed to "The AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT, TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., as such claims are settled by the Treasury Department, and not by the Bureau of Pensions or the Interior Department.
Very respectfully, 
[Not signed]
Commissioner.
33861b6m2-08
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March 21, 1934

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MMHF/eel [initialed at right-hand margin]

Mrs. H. M. Rankin
416 East Street
Washington Court House, Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of three pensioners of that war., James Greer, W.1595, Thomas Greer, W.7567, Thomas Greer, S.8553.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it has not been possible to make a series of investigations and reports for one person. The records of James Grier (Greir, Greer) and Thomas Grier or Greir are given herewith as found in the respective claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

March 21, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. H. M. Rankin
416 East Street
Washington Court House, Ohio

BA-J/ady
James Grier
W. 1595

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.1595, based upon the military service in that war of James Grier.

James Grier was commissioned June 25, 1775, first lieutenant in Captain James Chambers' Company, Colonel William Thompson's Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment; was commissioned
March 7, 1776, Captain of a Rifle Company, Colonel Edward Hand's Pennsylvania Regiment, was in the battle of Brandywine where he was severely wounded by a musket shot through his right thigh; was commissioned October 23 1777, Major of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment; was commissioned March 22, 1781, Major of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment; was commissioned October 10, 1783, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army and served to November 3, 1783.

He died May 9, 1803 and was buried in the cemetery of the Reformed Dutch Church in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. The date and place of his birth are not stated.

Soldier married July 14, 1794 in Hudson, New York, Mary. In 1826 she was living in Kingston, New York. She was allowed pension on her application executed September 1, 1848 while a resident of New York, New York County, New York, aged about eighty years.

In 1848 Samuel A. Laurence (he signed Laurence) a brother of the widow, Mary Grier, and Anna Jenkins, a widow, and a sister of the widow, Mary Grier, were residents of New York City.

It is stated that the family of David Lawrence, Esq. (one of the founders of the city of Hudson) was one of the most respectable in the county of Columbia. It is not
Page 24

stated whether or not David Lawrence was the father of the widow, Mary Grier.  There are no further family data.  

Very truly yours, 

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 25

Washington Court House, Ohio
January 13, 1934.

Veterans Administration.,
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen;- 

I would like the records of the following men who served in the Revolutionary War.

   Thomas Greer, W 7567. Mechlinburg Co. S C. 
   Thomas Greer, S 8553   Penn   N. C. 
   James Greer Pa.  W 1595

May I have the Bible records and any other information [“records” crossed out] attached to the records of these men?

Thank you for your courtesy, 
Cordially yours, 

Mrs. H. M. Rankin 

Mrs. H. M. Rankin., 
416 East St., 
Washington Court House, Ohio. 

Ref; XXXX    BA-J/MLB 

[In the lower right-hand corner, a round stamp, with 1-12 (hours) around the edge, then in the center, RECEIVED JAN 17 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM Reader # 28]
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Cheswick, Pa
June 30 1933

[Below the return address, a round stamp, with 1-12 (hours) around the edge, then in the center, RECEIVED JUL 1 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM Reader No. 60]

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir

It has been suggested that I write to you for copies of Application for pensions of Captain Thomas Grier (GRIER)
Major James Grier
and John Grier

Who lived at or near [written underneath] Chambersburg Pa. Lurgan Township Cumberland Co. (now Franklin County) Penna years 1775- 1780 -

Major James Grier was in the First Penna Line Colonel James Chambers Regiment and was
wounded at Brandywine.  The Captain Thomas Grier in 1776 had a pew in the Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church 6 miles from Chambersburg.  John Grier lived in the same neighborhood

Any expense connected with sending these copies of application
Page 27

for pensions    I shall be glad to send you upon advice of amount

Thanking you for this attention. 

Very truly yours
John Grier Cheswick 
Penna.

[A round, illegible stamp of the type used on such papers to document receipt]
Page 28

[A file jacket cover; brackets in the original]

Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1595
Mary Grier
Widow
James Grier
Maj. Rev. War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: Vol. A, Page 285

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 29

[Illegible]
Page 30

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

State of New York, 
City and County of New York Ss:

On this fourth day of December A.D. 1848 personally appeared before me Mary Grier a resident of the City and County of New York, aged Eighty Years, who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed and approved on the 29th day of July 1848, entitled “An act for the relief of certain surviving widows of Officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary Army”. 

That she is the widow of Major James Grier --- That her said husband the said James Grier entered the service of the United States at the commencement of the Revolutionary War as First Lieutenant in Captain Thompson's Company in the Pennsylvania line --- That her said husband continued to serve in the Army of the United States throughout the whole Revolutionary war and until the Army was disbanded in the year 1783.

That he held during said period the respective ranks of Lieutenant, Captain and Major, and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, and was duly commissioned as such - All of which Commissions this deponent in the year 1826 together with other documents forwarded to the Hon. Stephen Van Renseller, then a member of Congress from the State of New York and which were received by him and as appears by the annexed letter were by him presented to the House of Representatives, since which time this deponent hath not seen them but believes that they are still on the files of said House.  

This deponent further saith that in the year 1837,
Page 31

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

supposing that she was entitled to the benefits of the then existing Laws of the United States for the benefit of widows of Officers of the Revolution she made application to the Treasury Department and hereto annexes the reply thereto of Peter Hagner Auditor from which it appears that the Records in the Third Auditors Office show that her said husband Major Grier served to the end of the Revolutionary War----

This deponent further saith that with her said two unsuccessful application for relief under former Acts of Congress she forwarded most of her documents to Washington, and has now but few originals in her possession, two of which she hereto annexed which of themselves shew the rank and service of her said husband ----

This deponent further saith that her said Husband was engaged in many of the Battles during the Revolutionary War particularly at Brandywine where he was severely wounded --- 

She further saith that She was married to the said Major James Grier by the Reverend Jeremiah Romayn on the 14th day of July A.D. 1794, and that her said husband died on the 9th of May A.D. 1803 ---

And she further says that she doth not receive and never has received any pension whatever under an act of Congress or otherwise.

Mary Grier

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above written

Henry P Edwards
Justice Supreme Court of the State of N. York
Page 32

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

State of New York Ulster County ss.

I John Tappen, of the village of Kingston, in the County of Ulster and State of New York, formerly Practitioner at law, now Editor of the “Ulster Plebian” newspaper, aged fifty nine years, being duly sworn , on Oath declare that I was well acquainted with Major James Grier in his lifetime, that for some time previous to his death he was one of my near neighbors and continued so to be during the illness whereof he died and untill the day of his death, 

that I was intimate in his family as a neighbor and watched with him frequently at night in the course of that illness and untill perhaps a day or two before he died, which from an entry in my
day book for the year 1803, my personal examination of his tomb stone now standing in the Cemetery of the Reformed Dutch Church in this Village and other facts in my knowlege, occurred on the ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three. 

And I do further declare as aforesaid that I hesitate not to believe that I at that time attended the funeral of the said Major James Grier and accompanied his remains to the Cemetery before mentioned.  
Jno. Tappen

Sworn this 1st day of March 1826, before me

Henry Tappen one of the Justices of Ulster County
State of New York
Page 33

State of New York Ulster County Clerks office Ss:

I, Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster Do hereby Certify that Henry Tappen Esquire was on the day of the date of the within Deposition a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ulster duly appointed and Sworn as such officer and further that I believe the signature Henry Tappan subscribed to the within affidavit to be his proper handwriting

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this third day of March 1826----

Jacob Snyder
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[An illegible seal or stamp in the upper left hand corner; breaks added for clarity of transcription]

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED

For James Greer Esquire ---- Greeting.  

We, Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Major of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 23 day of October 1777

You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Major by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.  And we do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Major

And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. 

This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.

Witness his Excellency Samuel W Huntington Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 22-- day of March--- 1781, and in the fifth Year of our Independence------

Saml. Huntington President

Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest 
Jos Carleton, Secretary of the Board of War
Page 35

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED

To James Grier, Esquire Greeting:  We Reposing especial trust and confidence in you Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Major of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as [illegible] from the 23 day of October A.D. 1777. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Major by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Major. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency, John Jay Esq President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the [illegible] day of June 1779, and in the third year of Independence.
John Jay
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board. 
Attest
P. Scull Secretary of the Board of War
Page 36

Dis of Col.      }
Wash. County } ss

On this 26 day of Feby 1849 personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Samuel A Lawrence Esq and made Oath in due form of law that Mrs Mary Grier was married to the late Major James Grier on the 14 day of July in the year 1784 at the City of Hudson State of New York
S. A. Lawrence

Subscribe & Sworn to before
Sam Stellinus J Peace
Page 37

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Pension Office
January 8. 1849

Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you, that the papers in the case of Mary Grier, widow of James Grier, have been examined and filed, under the act of 29 July 1848. 

Before any satisfactory adjustment of this claim can be made, the papers of Claimants husband, which it appears from the letter of the Hon S. Van Rensselaer were presented to Congress in 1826, should be withdrawn from the files of the House of Representatives, and transmitted to this office, and the amount of service rendered by him in the several grades of Lieutenant, Captain, Major & Lieutenant Colonel, which it is alleged he held should be shown by the revolutionary records at Harrisburg, and the date of them should be established by record of documentary proof, public or private, if such can be obtained. 

His rank as a Commissioned officer should be shown by the production of his commission, or some instrument in writing tantamount to a Commission. The Certificate of the 3d Auditor, shows that James Grier was a major at the conclusion of the war, but the period of his service in that grade has not been made to appear
Page 38

We cannot grant a Pension to Applicant upon the papers now filed.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
J L Edwards
Hon H Nicoll
House of Representatives.
Page 39

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Treasury Department
3d Auditors Office
14th January 1837

Sir, 

I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 13th instant, enclosing one to the Vice President, from Mrs Mary Grier, in relation to the revolutionary services of her husband, Major James Grier, of the Pennsylvania line.--

In reply I have to state that it appears from the records, in this office, that Major James Grier served to the end of the revolutionary war, in the Pennsylvania line -- and it also appears that he has received his commutation of Five years full pay in lieu of Half-pay for life ---

It appearing from Mrs Grier's letter, that she has made the representation, which her letter contains, in regard to her husbands revolutionary services “in the hope that I (she) may be considered as possessing a title to the benefit of the Act passed in favor of granting Pensions to widows of Officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War,” I have taken the liberty of referring your letter together with Mrs Grier’s to the Vice President, to the Commissioner of Pensions, to whom applications
Page 40

for the benefit of the Act, to which Mrs. Grier adverts, appertains.
With great Respect
Peter Hagner Aud
Hon. N. P. Tallmadge
M. L. Lenate
Page 41

James Grier
"1 Augt 1780 { 175-30
" 1s Jny 1781 310
| 1s Jny 1783 500
Commutation 5 years half
Pay - $2950.00
Page 42

New York Sept 21st 1841

To the Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

A couple of weeks since I forwarded a declaration made by Mary Grier of this City upon an application for a pension as the widow of James Grier a Major in the Revolutionary
army. Not hearing from the department
I am apprehensive that the papers may have miscarried, through misdirection or otherwise.

If the department on acting upon the application the commencement of the result may be communicated to me directly or to Mrs Grier through my care. Below you have my address--

Respectfully Yours &
A. J. Willard
14 Wall St.
New York
Page 43

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Dec 11 48
Mr Ames
Page 44

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

New York, Decr. 4. 1848.  

Dear Sir: 

At the request of Mrs Mary Grier, formerly of Hudson, Columbia Co. I take pleasure in saying, that I have long known her sister Mrs. Jenkins, same of this city, as well as other relatives of her family, and that entire reliance may be placed on any statement which they may make of facts within their knowledge.  

The family of David Lawrence Esq. (one of the founders of the City of Hudson) was one of the most respectable in the County of Columbia and though I never knew Major Grier, I have only recently seen his widow, Mrs. Grier.  I have not the slightest doubt of the perfect accuracy of the representations she has made to you.  

I am, vry respectfully & truly, yours, 
B. J. Butler

James L. Edwards, Esquire
Commr of Pensions
Washington
Page 45

Washington March 13 1826

Dear Madam

I received your Letter & the accompanying papers which I have this day presented to
the House of Reps it has been refered [sic] to the appropriate Comtee [committee] I will with pleasure use my influence in your favor I was well acquainted with your late worthy Husband, and can testify to the truth of your representation

With respect
your obt sr
S. Van Rensselar
Page 46

STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK, ss
I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, being a Court of record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Henry P. Edwards before whom the annexed
depositions were taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Supreme Court for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and that his signatures thereto are genuine, as I verily believe.
TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 8 day of Dec 1848.
James Conner Clerk.
Page 47

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

United States of America
City & County & State of New York

Samuel A Lawrence of the City of New York being duly sworn saith that he is a brother of Mrs. Mary Grier whose name is subscribed to the declaration hereto annexed - 

That this deponent knows that said Mary Grier was married on the 14th day of July A.D. 1794 to Major James Grier formerly an officer in the Army of the Revolution 

That this deponent knew the said James Grier while he was the husband of the said Mary Grier

S. A. Lawrence


City -- County of New York } ss

I do certify that in the City of New York on this fourth day of December A.D. 1848 personally came before and appeared before me Samuel A. Lawrence who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that the statement contained in the aforegoing affidavit -- by him subscribed are true --  And I do further certify that I am well acquainted personally with the said Samuel A. Lawrence and know that his statements are entitled to entire credibility.

[An illegible seal to the left]

Henry P. Edwards
Justice Supreme Court
State of New York
Page 48

3d Dec” 48

Application &c
of
Mrs Mary Grier
for a Pension

act 2d July 1848
Adm. $600 c
per 4 March 1848

---------

Appointed Major 1777
Served to the end of the war

Hon H Nicoll
TA Lawrence Esq
Present
Page 49

Documents relative to Mary Grier’s application for a Pension under the Act of 1848 presented to J. L. Edwards Esq at the Pension Office in the City of Washington by S. A Lawrence the 19” February 1849.--

1.  James Grier Esqr’s Commission of First Lieutenant of a company of Riflemen under Captain James Chambers dated Philadelphia June 25” 1775. By order of Congress.  Signed John Hancock President Charles Thomson Secty --

2  His Commission as Captain of a Company via James Chambers, a Rifle Company in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Edward Hand dated 7th March 1776.  Signed John Hancock, President  Attest. Charles Thomson Secty---

3  His Commission of Major in the Tenth Regiment of Pennsylvania, to take rank from 23 October 1777.  dated 13 May 1778 – signed Henry Laurens President  Attest Charles Thomson, Secy  Also Major Griers Affidavit to abjure the King of Great Britian and be faithful to the United States of America.
Page 50

4.  His Commission to be Major of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment and take rank from the 23d October 1777dated at Philadelphia 30 June 1779.  Signed by John Jay President of Congress. Attest P Scull Secretary of the Board of War.

5.  His Commission to be a Major of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment and take rank from the 23d October 1777dated at Philadelphia, the 22d March 1781.  Signed by Samuel Huntington  President   Attest Jos Carleton, Secretary of the Board of War.

6. His Memorial to the Judge of the District Court of N.Y---- ["in the claim” written above paragraph]

7.  Genl. John Armstrongs Certificate dated 2d March 1826 relative to a wound recd by Major Grier at the Battle of Brandy wine in the year 1777.  ["in claim" written above paragraph]

8. John Tappen Esq Certificate relative to the Death of Major Grier in the year 1803 dated 1st March 1826----  ["in claim" written above paragraph]

9.  Mary Grier’s Power of Attorney to S. A Lawrence dated 12d February 1849.

10.  His Commission of Lieutenant Colonel by brevet dated at Princeton the 10 October 1783.  Signed by Charles Baudinot  Presd.  B. Lincoln---
Page 51

James Greir
Memorial to the Judge of the District Court
Page 52

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

To the Commissioners appointed by the Honourable James Duane Esqr. Judge of the District Court for the State of New York, to consider of the claims of Officers & Soldiers who were wounded in the Service of the United States during the late War. 

The Memorial of James Grier Sheweth-----

That your memorialist Joined the Army of the United States, by entering into a Rifle Regiment (commanded by Col. William Thompson) as early as 26th of June 1775 and continued in the Pennsylvania line, untill [sic] the third day of November 1783, at which time the Army of the United States was discharged. 

That on the Eleventh day of September 1777, he had the misfortune of receiving a wound by a Musket shot through his right thigh, but found little or no inconvenience therefrom after the same was treated (and a cure apparently perfected), for Several years thereafter----

That at the expiration of the War, he received in common with other Officers of the late Army, his commutation, not considering himself at that time, entitled to compensation agreeable to the Law provided in such case, but having for Several years past, laboured [sic] under very great inconveniences in consequence of the wound he received aforesaid, being at times Severely afflicted with excessive pains in the wounded thigh which renders him almost incapable of pursuing his daily avocations with any degree of comfort, or satisfaction, He therefore finds himself under the necessity of applying for such relief of the Law above mentioned entitles him to----

Your memorialist Therefore prays that such measures may be pursued as will afford him the relief his present unfortunate situation appears to claim ---

James Grier late Majr. Pennsy’a. Line
New York 12th Oct. 1793
Page 53

Mary Grier 7-
Filed 27 - Dec. 1826
To Comr [Illegible] Pensions 

[An illegible seal at the bottom right-hand corner]

[Written vertically on the left half of the paper]

Addl documents
Van Rensellaer 9. Pennvani [Pennsylvania]
Page 54


the undersigned was present at the battle of Brandywine in the year 1777, was well acquainted with Major James Grier of the Pennsylvania line,  and soon after the retreat of the American Army, found the said Grier severely, and in the opinion of those in attendance on [illegible] dangerously wounded - the undersigned has therefore no doubt but that Major Grier was so wounded in the afforesaid [sic] battle.

John Armstrong [signature]

Sworn and subscribed
before me this 3d. day
of March 1826 -
John V A Lyle commissioned to take affidavits &c in Dutchess County -

State of New York  }
Dutchess County   } ss

I Clapp Raymond Clerk of the County of Dutchess [faded seal to the left] and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that John V. W. Lyle Esquire before whom the above deposition was made was at the time when the same was taken a commissioner in & for said County duly commissioned and sworn and as such commissioned duly authorized by the laws of said state to take the proof and acknowledgement of deeds & any affidavit to be read in any court of record.
And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said commissioner and verily believe the signature John V. A. Lyle subscribed to the above Certificate to be the proper hand writing of the said commissioner -- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said county this Sixteenth day of March One thousand Eight hundred and twenty six --

Clapp Raymond Clerk
of the County of Dutchess
Page 55

[A printed sheet, with some information written by hand; breaks added for clarity]

IN CONGRESS.

The Delegates of the United STATES of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to James Grier Esquire

WE, reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Major of the tenth Pennsylvania Regiment to take the Rank from the twenty third day of October 1777 and Seventy Seven in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof.  

You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Major by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders, as Major.  And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being, of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you.  

This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.  Dated at
this thirteenth day of May 1778.

Attest Cha Thomson Secy

By Order of the CONGRESS. 

Henry Laurens, President
Page 56

[A printed sheet, with some information written by hand; breaks added for clarity]

IN CONGRESS.

The Delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Suffix on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to James Greir Esquire

We reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be First Lieutenant of a Company of Riflemen under Captain James Chambers in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.  

You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of First Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as First Lieutenant.  And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being fo the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.  

This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.  

Philadelphia June 25, 1775
Attest Cha Thomas Secy

By Order of the Congress. 

John Hancock President
Page 57

[A commission for an officer]

IN PURSUANCE
OF an ACT of
CONGRESS 
Of, the Thirtieth Day of SEPTEMBER, 
A.D. 1783,

James Grier Esquire 
is to Rank as Lieutenant Colonel – by Brevet,
in the ARMY of the UNITED STATES 
of AMERICA.

[To the left, an illegible seal] 

GIVEN under my Hand, 
at Princeton the Tenth 
Day of October --- 1783 ---

B Lincoln  Charles Bondinot Presidt.