Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6381, Thomas Wash, Va.
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(3—1776)
SERVICE Va.
Wash, Thomas
Susanna S. 
NUMBER W 6381
CONTENTS
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2101.
Virginia Richmond
Susanna S. Wash widow of Thomas Wash who was a Private in the Va. line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Pensioner Long Creek. Va.
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 7 Page 154.

Let to J Thornberry Dec. 13 ws
Same Jan 16. 1845
Refer [illegible]
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V 6117
Va
Susanna S. Wash
wido of Thomas
Act 7th July, 1838
Adm'd 2 yrs pri.
80$
No deduction

Wm Nelson Esq'r
Long creek
Louisa Co
Va
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State of Virginia Louisa County } Sct.
On this 30th day of August in the year
1839, personally appeared before me, William V. Harrisa Justice of the Peace, in and for the county of Louisa, in the 
state of Virginia, Susanna Smith Wash, a resident of the county and state aforesaid, aged seventy two years on the 30th day of february last, who, being 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 July 7th, 1838,
entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."  That she is the widow of Thomas Wash, who was a commissary in the Revolutionary army, drafted from the militia of Louisa county aforesaid, for six months and marched from Louisa county aforesaid 
on the first of May 1780, in Captain Byars's company and Colonel Stubblefield's Regiment to North Carolina and served in that section until the first day of November following, when he was discharged and returned home to Louisa county aforesaid, he the s'd Wash was at Gates's Defeat, while in service as above stated, all 
of which she verily believes. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Wash on the fourth day of January in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-five; that her 
husband the aforesaid Thomas Wash, died on the 6th day of June eighteen hundred and eleven; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety-four, Viz: at the the time above stated; and that she was married in Louisa county aforesaid. Name before marriage was Susanna Smith Fox.
Susanna S Wash

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, Will. O. Harris  J.P.
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I certify that from old age and bodily infirmity, the said Susanna Smith Wash cannot conveniently attend the court of Louisa county aforesaid. 
Will. O. Harris  J.P.

I certify that the writer of the declaration of
Susanna Smith Wash, and the deposition of Joel Walton, hereto annexed, made a mistake for spelling the name of the Captain, named in said declaration and deposition and that the correction was made before signed, to Byers .
Will. O. Harris  J.P.

Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Wash and John Michie are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency Patrick Henry our current Governor, in the sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia to be paid unto the said Patrick Henry and his successors.  to the payment whereof well and truly to be made, We bind ourselves and each of us, our and each, of our heirs, Executors, and administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated the third day of January 1785.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound Thomas Wash and Susanna Fox. If therefore there be no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then the above obligation to be void, or else to remain in full force & virtue 
sealed and delivered in presence of 
Thomas Wash {seal}
John Michie {seal}

State of Virginia, Louisa County, to wit:
I John Hunter clerk of the court of said county do certify that David Richardson & William O. Harris esq'rs whose signatures appear to the foregoing certificates, are Justices of the Peace in and for the said county and that the said signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. and I do further certify that the marriage bond next above is a true copy of the original, which is filed in my office. 
[Seal affixed] 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Public seal of said court to be hereto affixed this 7th day of September 1839 
John Hunter
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The deposition of Joel Walton aged seventy nine years on the 30th day of September last, who testifying that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wash, and knows that the said Thomas Wash was drafted from the militia of Louisa county in the state of Virginia, to serve in the Revolutionary War, for six months, and that said Thomas Wash did serve said tour; (four months and a half of the time as commissary;) that said Thomas Wash marched from Louisa county aforesaid on the first day of May, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty, in Captain Byars's company and colonel stubblefield's regiment, on to North Carolina, and served in that section until the first day of November following.  When said Thomas Wash with the rest of said company were discharged, and returned home to Louisa county aforesaid, affiant states that said company and regiment were at Gates's defeat; affiant states he served with said Thomas Wash in said company and regiment.
Joel Walton

State of Virginia Louisa County} Sct.
This day personally appeared before me, William O. Harris, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Louisa, in the state of Virginia aforesaid, Joel Walton, who has subscribed his name to the above deposition, and made oath that the facts therein contained and set forth are true. I certify that the said Joel Walton is a man of truth, and entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of August in the year 1839.
Will. O. Harris 
{seal drawn}

State of Virginia
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At a Court of Monthly Session held for Louisa County at the Courthouse thereof on Monday the 9th day of September 1839. 
The declaration of Susanna S. Wash made under the provisions of an act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an "Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" bearing date the 30th day of August 1839 and hereto annexed, together with the certificates of William O. Harris and David Richardson magistrates in and for the County of Louisa in the State of Virginia were produced in open Court and upon an examination of the said declaration and certificates, it is ordered to be certified to the War Department at Washington City, that the said declaration, certificates and proceedings about the same are approved of by the Court.—
[seal affixed]
In testimony that the foregoing is a True Copy from the Minutes of the proceedings of said Court I John Hunter Clerk of said Court have hereunto set my hand and caused the Public Seal of said Court to be hereto affixed this 9th day of September 1839.
John Hunter  clerk of said Court
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The deposition of Thomas Badget aged about eighty years, who testifies that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wash, and knows that the said Thomas Wash, was drafted from the militia of Louisa county, in the state of Virginia, to serve in the Revolutionary War, a term of six months; That said Thomas Wash marched from Louisa county aforesaid on the first of May in the year 1780 in Captain Byars's company and colonel stubblefield's regiment, on to North Carolina and served in that section until the first of November following, when said Thomas Wash, with the rest of said company were discharged and returned home to Louisa county aforesaid: affiant further states that the said Thomas Wash was appointed commissary, and served as such from the time said company and regiment left Hillsborough in North Carolina aforesaid, (on the 15th of June) until he was discharged on the first of November as aforesaid, affiant further state that he served with said Thomas Wash, in said company and regiment, and that they were at Gates's defeat about the middle of August, in said year: affiant further testifies that he was not personally present at the intermarriage of said Thomas Wash with Susanna Smith Fox; but knows that they lived together, and were reputed man and wife, and acknowledged each other as such from the early part of the year 1785, until the death of the said Thomas Wash, which took place in the month of June in the year 1811; and that Susanna Smith Wash has not married since; but has remained the widow of said Thomas Wash ever since that period.
Thomas his x mark Badget

Louisa county, to wit:
This day personally appeared before me, David Richardson, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Louisa, in the state of Virginia aforesaid, Thomas Badget, who has subscribed his name to the above deposition and made oath that the facts therein contained and set forth are true. I certify that the said Thomas Badget is a man of truth and entitled to full confidence.
Given under my hand and seal this 3rd day of September in the year 1839. 
David Richardson {seal}
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M.E.E.
aur
Rev. & 1812 Wars Sectiion
July 30, 1928

Mrs. Oscar L. Herbert
2606 Washington avenue
Cairo, Illinois
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7381, it appears that Thomas Wash was born in Louisa County, Virginia, date not stated.
While a resident of Louisa County, Virginia, he enlisted early in 1779, served as a private in Captain Benjamin Timberlake's Company, Colonel Francis Taylor's Virginia Regiment, and was discharged in April, 1780.
He enlisted about May 1, 1780, served in Captain Byars' Company, Colonel Stubblefield's Virginia Regiment, on June 15, was appointed commissary, was in the battle of Camden, where he was wounded (nature of wound not stated) and was discharged November 1, 1780.
He also served in 1781, officers names and details of service not stated.
He died June 6, 1811, in Louisa County, Virginia.
Soldier married January 4, 1785, in Louisa County, Virginia, Susanna Smith Fox who was born February 20, 1767.  She was allowed pension on account of his services, on her application executed
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August 30, 1839, while a resident of Louisa County, Virginia.
There are no further family data on file.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to James Wash.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
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6523
Richmond Virginia
Susanna S. Wash
widow of Thomas Wash dec'd
[crossed out: who was a pensioner under the Act of]
and who died on the 6th of June 1811
of Louisa Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the Comp'y commanded
by Captain Byers of the Reg't commanded
by Colo. Stubblefield in the Va.
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond Va.
at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of Jan'y
1842 & sent to Wm. Nelson,
Long Creek Louisa Co. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $400.00
[Crossed out: Semi-annual allowance ending]
$400.00
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by D. D. Addison  Clerk,
Book A  Vol. 2d  Page 185

2
Let to Hon T. W. Gilmer  mar
11.1842
Letter to Wm Nelson 27 June '43
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Long Creek, Louisa Co. Va.
Dec. 4th. 1841.
Sir, I am sorry to hear, through Gov. Gilmer that you still hesitate to grant Mrs. Susanna S. Wash a certificate of pension for the military services of her late husband Thomas Wash of Louisa.  All your scruples have been caused by the extreme ignorance and simplicity of Mrs. Wash, (Poor woman! she is as guileless as an infant) and the want of due diligence, in Mr. Thornbury, in collecting testimony to sustain her claim for a pension.  As I do in my conscience believe Mrs. Wash entitled to a pension; and as I also think the testimony, which I have forwarded to you, establishes her claim, beyond all reasonable doubt or cavil, I hope you will bear with me for a moment, while I give you a few comments upon her case; and a history of my connection with it.  In what I do, I am activated solely by motives of humanity. "Homo sum; nil humano a me alienum puto." ——
Mrs. Wash earns a livelihood by knitting stockings for old fashioned folks like myself.  About a year ago, I rode to her cabin, to pay her for knitting, which she had done for me.  While there, she
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informed me of her having employed Mr. Thornbury (an utter stranger, whose name she had forgotten) to collect testimony, and procure a pension for her.  She had neither seen, nor heard from Mr. T. from the day she made her declaration; and expressed fears that he had obtained her pension, and appropriated it to his own use.  At her earnest request, I promised to inquire into the matter, for her, and accordingly wrote to you for information.  As soon as I received your answer, I felt satisfied, that no testimony as to much the larger portion of Thomas Wash's military services had been laid before you.  Upon making the necessary inquiries of the Revolutionary officers and soldiers, in my neighbourhood, I found two, of most unimpeachable characters, who had served with Thomas Wash while, as a soldier in Taylors Regiment, he was guarding Burgoyne's troops at the Barracks, in Albemarle.  Hardon Duke, Esqr. who was, in 1779, a sergeant, in Taylor's Regiment, well remembered that Thomas Wash was a soldier, in the same Regiment, and was detailed (with other hatters) by order of Colonel Taylor to make hats for the soldiers.  Nathaniel Snelson was also in service at
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at the Barracks, in 1779, and recollected perfectly, that Thomas Wash was at that time in Taylor's Regiment.  In June 1780 after Thomas Wash's discharge from Taylor's Regiment, Nathaniel Snelson marched in the same militia company with T. Wash to the Carolinas, and Camden.  After the termination of the War, Messrs. Duke, Snelson and Wash all married and seated themselves in my immediate neighbourhood, and have never resided any where else, to this day.  Thomas Wash now lies buried three miles from me, and Harden Duke and Nathaniel Snelson are still living, almost in sight of me in the enjoyment of a green old age and no man, who knows them, will doubt their bare word, much less their oath.  Mr. Duke stated to me that there was a list of the names of himself and others, belonging to Taylor's Regiment, in the War Office, when he applied for his pension, and he had no doubt, Thomas Wash's name would be found upon it.  You stated to me, in reply to an enquiry to that effect, that T. Wash's name was found among those who received depreciated pay in 1783.  At your instance I obtained from the Auditor of Virginia a certificate that Thomas Wash had received
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pay as a soldier in Taylor's Regiment, and by the auditor's advice, I sent you a similar certificate relative to Harden Duke's services, as he had testified positively as to the identity of Thomas Wash and his services.
Sixty years have elapsed, since the services, for which Mrs. Wash claims a pension, were performed by her late husband. Can you expect her to produce stronger testimony than the positive evidence of two most respectable fellow soldiers, (Messrs. Duke & Snelson) who both swear unequivocally that he was a soldier in Taylor's Regiment; and also fully identify him as the husband of Susanna S. Wash The applicant for a pension.  Mr. Snelson also testifies fully as to Thomas Wash's services, in 1780, and I am informed that Messrs. Joel Walton & Thomas badget testify to the last mentioned services, and identify Thomas Wash as the husband of Susanna S. Wash.  But most unfortunately, Mrs. Wash employed an agent (Mr. Thornbury) who knew nothing of her husband's military career.  Within a mile of her house Mr. T. found two witnesses (Walton & Badget) and put into her declaration what they could prove and nothing
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nothing more than they would swear to.  Let me ask you if this ought to prejudice Mrs. Wash's claim!  How long has ignorance been a crime?  You think, "services in the continental line, would oftener have been the subject of conversation between Mrs. Wash and her husband, than services in the militia."  Permit me to set you right upon that point.  From the day Col. Taylor's Regiment commenced military duty till the hour it was disbanded, it did nothing but guard Burgoyne's troops in Albemarle county Virginia.  It fought no battles, made no long and tiresome marches, never beheld an enemy with arms in his hands, and never knew the want of abundant and wholesome rations.  I assert this upon the word of Col. Fontaine, David Bullock Esqr, Lewis Turner Esqr, and other members of the Regiment, now dead, and Harden Duke Esqr. now living.  But in his tour to the Carolinas and Camden, in the militia, Thomas Wash underwent hardships, suffered privations, encountered dangers, and endured the pains of a wound so grievous, as to afford him most abundant topics of conversation while he retained memory and consciousness.
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I am no friend to the pension system, and had my wishes prevailed the law under which Mrs. Wash claims a pension would not have passed.  But the law did pass; and as I feel morally certain that Mrs. Wash is entitled a pension under it, I wish her to obtain it.  Let me intreat you therefore, to read over again all the testimony in the case, with a mind free from prepossession or bias; and let not the negligence or ignorance of myself or Mr. Thornbury, injure a poor, a weak, a guileless, and (I had almost written) a friendless widow.  In the name of that Justice, which you have (unconsciously I have no doubt) hitherto withheld from Mrs. Wash, let me ask you, not to permit yourself to suspect fraud, where none exists.  I understand you doubt whether the Thomas Wash of Taylor's Regiment, was the husband of Susanna S. Wash.  If human testimony can prove anything, that fact is irrefutably established by the evidence of Harden Duke and Nathaniel Snelson.  And William Meredith and David Richardson the two magistrates who took their testimony certifying that they believe it to be true.  They are both men of distinction and most
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unsullied reputation.  And can you believe that two eminently respectable men, who have lived 80 years in the enjoyment of unimpeached characters, surrounded by large families of children, grand children and Great grand children, have deliberately and wilfully perjured themselves, for the benefit of a poor and powerless woman, in no wise related to them? Can you believe that William Meredith the most distinguished physician of his county, and David Richardson the ablest Astronomer in America, would certify, they believe the evidence of Messrs. Duke and Snelson if it were not worthy of belief?
And yet you must believe all this, and more, if you refuse Mrs. Wash a pension.  In conclusion, permit me in frankness, and sincerity to add, that, if after a thorough and unprejudiced re-examination of the evidence in this case, with the accompanying explanations, which I have made, you shall still doubt the justice of Mrs. Wash's claim, all further resort to human testimony in her behalf, will be vain and nugatory.
I am, Sir, your obt. servt, 
Wm Nelson

James L. Edwards, Esqr.
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J L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington City D.C.

Dec 9 '44
Sus. S Wash 
Va [illegible]

2102 Va
9: [illegible] 43
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Washington City D.C.  Decr. 5th 1844
Sir I will esteem it as a favour, if you will, as soon as it may suit your convenience, inform me the name of the Attorney who established the Pension claim of Mrs. Susannah S. Wash, of Louisa Cty, Va, the widow of Thos. Wash: also the amount he obtained for her, and the time he drew the money.
Very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
John Thornberry

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of pensions
Washington City D. C.
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Badget ___ as to 6 mos militia service after 1780. Comm'y [Commissary] & pri [private]. Served with him.

Joel Walton ___ knows that W. was drafted for 6 and svd 41/2 of them comm'y [commissary]. 1782

Harden Duke ___ was himself a sergt. in Col Francis Taylor's.  Regt. Albemal [Albemarle] Barracks __ was was a (2ys 10ms[)] private __ a hatter & made hats for soldiers

Nat Snelson, was in the Militia [illegible] guardg. prs. [prisoners] at Al. [Albemarle] Barracks in 1779.  Thos Wash was in the state Rgt Col. Tr. Taylor. up to Novr 1780, then mar'd south.
dec. 1832. "fall" 79 2 o. militia Abl. Barracks. Sub for Jho. Smith  Capt Wilson __ then march'd south, 10 mo up to Oct '81
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Joel Walton
Jan 79. 1/2 mo. Alb. Bks [Albemarle Barracks] Capt Harris  _remembers no off [officer] there except Cap Timberlake   and no event. _ After that was drafted marched to the south in Cap Byars Co. 6 mos

Tho Badget.
Jan 79 . 2 mo at Alb Bks [Albemarle Barracks] Cap Timberlake
June 80. 6. In: Byars to the South
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[Post Office Stamp:]
RICHMOND JAN 20 U.S.

Mr. John Thornberry
Manassas Gap P.O.
Warren County
Va. 

1 pr
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Auditor's Office 
Jan: 20 1840
Sir 
I have received yours of the 5 inst.  We have no rolls of the militia of the revolution in this office and therefore can give you no information respecting the Thomas Wash who was in that service.
Yours very respectfully
Jas. E Heath
Page 25

[Illegible]

Free

Long Creek Va 
May 26

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Tho. Wash

May 29, 1841
Private Va.
Page 26

Long Creek Va. May 26: 1841
Sir, I have received your letter of the 20th. Instant, relative to a "supplemental declaration" from Mrs Susanna S. Wash, who claims a pension for the military services (of her late husband, Thomas Wash) in the war of the Revolution.  I have never seen the declaration of Mrs Wash, which is on file in your office, and will therefore thank you to forward me a copy of it; so that Mrs Wash's supplemental declaration may embrace every thing material to her claim, which, was omitted in her original declaration.
I am, Sir, your Obt. Sert.
Wm Nelson
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P.S. Should any thing more than a supplemental declaration from Mrs Wash be necessary for the elucidation of her claim to a pension be pleased to mention it in your reply.
W. N.
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Thomas Wash.  d. 1811
Susanna  m. 1785

6 mo. Commissary of the drafted militia of Louisa Co. 1780
no documentary proof of service produced

New evidence.
Harden Duke. wit. states, that Wash and himself were in the guard at the Albe.  [Albemarle] Barracks, Col Taylor Regt.  That Wash being a Hatter was detailed to make hats.

Nat. Snelson. states that Wash was under Col Taylor, and that in 1780 was marched to the South & was in Camden battle.
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J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Present.

Jan 11. 45
Sus. S. Wash 
Pension act

Act 43
2101
Page 30

Washington City D.C. Jan'y 8th 1845
Sir,
I wish to be informed the name of the witnesses, in the case of Mrs Susan Wash, the dates of their depositions, and the facts proven by them, also the date of her declaration, and the facts therein set forth.
I am respectfully
your obt. Servt.
John Thornberry

J.L. Edwards, Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions.
Present.
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Free

Long Creek Va
April 13

For James L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Apl. 17. 1841.
Va.
[Illegible]
Susanna Bash [Wash]
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Long Creek Louisa Co. Va.
April 13. 1841
Sir,
Accompanying this, you will receive the testimony of Messrs. Duke and Snelson, relative to the military services of Thomas Wash in the War of the Revolution. Their evidence in support of Mrs. Susanna Wash's title to a pension is to my mind conclusive.
I have known them for 45 years; and residing, as I do, within two miles of them, I have had ample opportunity of knowing what credit ought to be given to their evidence; and I assure you, I do not entertain a shadow of doubt, of the facts they swear to.  I have in my possession 800 manuscript pages of annals of the Revolution, written by an eyewitness of the events of those days, whose reputation for veracity was unquestionable.
I have often tested the accuracy of Messrs. Duke and Snelson's recollection of the events of those times, by referring to the annals aforesaid; and was surprised what an indelible impression the incidents of the war had made upon them.  I will mention a conversation I had with Mr. Snelson a few days past.  We
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We were speaking of the extraordinary backwardness of the present Spring, when Mr. Snelson remarked that while he was guarding Burgoyne's troops, at the Barracks in Albemarle the first of February 1779, the peach orchards were in full bloom.
I immediately examined the Annals above mentioned, and found the same fact, recorded in them.
Let me hear from you, as soon as you decide upon the testimony now sent you.
I am, Sir
your Obt. Sevt.
Wm Nelson
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Free

Long Creek Va.
May 12.

For James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

May 15. 1841
Va.
[Illegible]
Susanna Wash
Page 35

May 12. 1841.
Sir, I have received your letter of the 25 ult. commenting upon the testimony in support of Mrs Susanna Wash's application for a pension.
So many fraudulent claims have been set up under these pension laws; I am not surprised at your incredulity in relation to such testimony generally. But, for my life, I cannot find, in the testimony relative to Thomas Wash's military services, "the conflicting character" which your letter speaks of.  To me, who know all the witnesses, and what credit is due to their evidence, the whole matter is as clear as a sunbeam.
Soon after the passage of the act of 1838 passed, pensioning soldiers widows, many adventurers travelled into every nook and corner of this state, seeking employment, as agents to procure pensions.  Mr. Thornbury, who had never heard of Susanna Wash's before, (being himself an utter stranger in this part of Virginia) learning she was a soldier's widow, undertook to obtain a pension for her.  Her nearest neighbours, Joel Walton and Thomas Badget, were fellow soldiers, of her late husband, Thomas Wash's, in S. Carolina in 1780.  I am informed (for I have never seen their depositions,) that they certify as to Thomas Wash's services in the year 1780 only; and for this plain reason — they personally witnessed no other.  Mrs. Wash, as she herself told me, supposed their testimony would be sufficient, and feared (because she could get no tidings of Mr. Thornbury,) some fraud had been practiced upon her.
As soon as I learned from you, why a pension had not been granted her, I determined to enquire of the old soldiers in my neighbourhood what
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what they knew of Thomas Wash's military services, and was so fortunate as to find, almost, in sight of my door, two Revolutionary soldiers, who knew Thomas Wash from his boyhood to his death.  Nathaniel Snelson, a militiaman, saw Thomas Wash, as a soldier in Taylor's Regiment, guarding Burgoyne's troops in 1779; and in 1780, after said Wash had been discharged from Taylor's Regiment, the said Snelson accompanied him to S. Carolina and fought the battle of Camden.  Harden Duke, who was a sergeant in Taylor's Regiment, confirms Snelson's evidence as to Thomas Wash's service in 1779, but says nothing of his tour to South Carolina in 1780, because he, Duke continued in Taylor's Regiment guarding Burgoyne's troops upwards of a year after Thomas Wash was discharged in the Spring of 1780.  In all this testimony, instead of "conflict," I find perfect congruity.  Snelson and Duke prove Wash's services in Taylor's Regiment in 1779; Walton, Badget and Snelson prove his services in S. Carolina in 1780, and Snelson identifies him as the soldier, who served in Taylor's Regiment in 1779, and in S. Carolina in 1780.  all prove Susanna Wash to be his widow.  Mr. Thornbury obtained proof of Wash's last military services, only; I who knew his Lieut. Col, William Fontaine, 50 years ago, and have lived among his fellow soldiers ever since found no difficulty in obtaining proof of other services, and confirmation of his last.  If you will read the certificates of the magistrates who took Messrs. Snelson and Duke's depositions, you will find they place full faith in their testimony.
It appears by auditor Heath's certificate herewith sent you, that the certificate for [crossed out: pay] the balance
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of Thomas Wash's Full Pay, as a soldier of Infantry was delivered to George Pickett, the sutler to Col. Taylor's Regiment.  There is no master Roll of Col. Taylor's Regiment in the Auditor's offices, which embraces the time when Thomas Wash was in the regiment.
There is no other evidence in the auditor's office relative to Wash's previous except that which I enclose.  Harden Duke, your will find was as he states, in his deposition, a Sergeant of Infantry.  Joel Walton, Thomas Badget, Nathaniel Snelson, and Harden Duke Esquire all obtained pensions under the act of Congress passed in 1832.  Hoping you will find (upon a reconsideration) Mrs Wash's claim most satisfactorily proved.
I am Sir
Your Obt. Sent.
Wm Nelson
 
Long Creek Va.
Page 38

Free

Manassas Gap Va
Jan'y 31

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C. 

Feb. 10 1840
Va
file with papers of
Susannah S.. Wash
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Manassas Gap  Warren Cty Va.  Jany. 31st 1840
Sir,
Your communication in relation to the application of Mrs Susanna S. Wash for a Pension, for militia service rendered by her husband, Thomas Wash, in the Revolutionary War, has been received; you therein require documentary evidence of said Thomas Wash's services as commissary of militia;- I have endeavoured to procure that evidence; but the auditor at Richmond Va. informs me that there are no rolls of the militia in his office, and therefore can give me no information respecting the Thomas Wash who was in that service; see his letter enclosed:_
So I know of nothing more which I can do for Mrs. Wash, than to rely upon the evidence filed, of the two soldiers who served with her husband:- if you require any thing further on the part of Mrs. Wash please inform me.
Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
John Thornberry

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
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Free

Long Creek Va
June 30

For James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

July 2. 1841
Pri at 
Va

Wash
Page 41

Long Creek Va.  June 1. 1841.
Sir,
Accompanying this note, you will receive the amended Declaration of Mrs Susanna S. Wash, which you required.  I hope you will now find no difficulty in granting her a certificate of pension.  She is a most pious and conscientious woman and would not (though in needy circumstances) do any thing reprehensible for the sake of money.  From my birth to this hour, I have never heard any thing to her disparagement.  Her poverty and exemplary life added to a thorough conviction that her claim to a pension is rightful and just, have alone interested me in her behalf, and induced me to collect the testimony to establish it.  Mrs Wash fully believes her husband was in service in Gen. Lafayette's army, in the Summer & Autumn of 1781, when Lord Cornwallis invaded Virginia; but she is unable to find any of his fellow soldiers, now living, who recollect that he was with the army at that time.
I am Sir,
Your Obt. Sevt.
Wm Nelson

P.S. Col William O. Harris, before whom Mrs Wash made her amended declaration, informs me, her former declaration was made before him; I have therefore thought it unnecessary to subject Mrs Wash to the expense of our County Court Clerk's certificate to show Col. H. is an acting magistrate, as you have the evidence of it on file in your office. W.N.
Page 42

State of Virginia: Louisa County to wit:
On this 29th day of June 1841 personally appeared before me William O. Harris a Justice of the peace for said county Susanna S. Wash, widow of Thomas Wash deceased, a resident of said county, aged 74 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838: That this deponent, intermarried with the said Thomas Wash a soldier of the Revolution on the 4th day of January 1785 after the expiration of the last period of his service: that the said Thomas Wash informed her he enlisted in the army of the United States, as a soldier, in Col. Francis Taylor's Regiment, when it was first raised in the year [blank]: That he served in said Regiment, with Harden Duke, Lewis Turner, Thornton Mead and others: that his officers were Benjamin Timberlake, Captain, John Roberts, Major, and William Fontaine, Lieutenant Colonel, and others; That the said Thomas Wash having served out the full term for which he enlisted; was regularly and honorably discharged from the said Francis Taylor's Regiment, in the month of April 1780: That he returned to Louisa, the county of his birth; and soon afterwards, viz: the first of June 1780, he the said Thomas Wash marched from the said county of Louisa, with Joel Walton, Thomas Badget, Thomas Poindexter, Nathaniel Snelson, John Byars and others. to South Carolina, in the army of General Gates, and was at the battle of Camden in August 1780: That the said Thomas Wash received a most grievous wound, which disabled him for a long time: and that after his recovery, she does not believe he entered the army again.
Page 43

except, when Lord Cornwallis was in Virginia in the year 1781.  This Deponent well remembers hearing from the said Thomas Wash, how many acquaintances he made, while he was guarding British Troops at the Barracks in Albemarle County and she also recollects the names of those who hospitable entertained him, when travelling on furlough, from his camp to the place of his birth in Louisa.  This Deponent, does not remember hearing her said husband say whether he obtained bounty land for his services, or not.  This Deponent is informed, that neither Lieutenant. Col. Fontaine nor Capt. Timberlake under whom he served; nor his fellow soldiers who lived near him, obtained their bounty lands in their lifetime; but the lands to which they were entitled, have been granted to their heirs since their deaths.  This deponent in conclusion says that the facts stated in the foregoing declaration which come within her own knowledge, she knows to be true, and those stated from the information of her said husband and others she believes to be true. 
Susanna S. Wash

Duly subscribed and sworn to on the day and in the year aforesaid.
Will. O. Harris  J.P.
Page 44

Revy. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6381
Susanna Wash
Wid:
Tho: Wash
Pri. Va. line.
Act: Mch. 3: 43
Index:— Vol. M, Page 306
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1928- July 30, Hist to Mrs O.L. Herbert.  M.E.E.
Page 45

[Letterhead:]
MRS. OSCAR L. HERBERT
2606 WASHINGTON AVENUE
CAIRO, ILLINOIS

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
F SEP 8 1927

September 5th
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Could you give me any information of the soldiers named below.  They are listed in the Revolutionary Soldiers of Viginia - Ra State Library. 
over_
Page 46

William Wash, War, 4, 390
James Wash, H.D. 1833–4 Doc. 34, 3
Thomas Wash, Aud Act XVIII 461
B.W. War 4, 397-
Would much appreciate any information given.
Yours sincerely
Alberta Bradford Herbert
(Mrs O.H. Herbert)
Page 47

Virginia
Susanna S. Wash
widow of Thomas
Sec let. to John Thornberry,
Oct. 24, 1839 & 27 Apl '40
W. Nelson 4 Decr '40
do. [ditto] 23 April, 1841.
do. 20. May 1841.
do. 29  " "
let Hon T.W. Gil on Octr 24. 41
Act 7th July, 1838.
Page 48

Free

Long Creek Va.
Dcr. 4
For James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 

Dec 6 1841
Va.
Mump
Susanna Wash
Page 49

Free

Long Creek Va.
April 22.
To James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

601
Apl 24. 1843
Va.
Mar 30 1843
Sus: Wash.
Page 50

Long Creek Louisa Co. Va.  April 22. 1843
Sir 
I enclose you the declaration of Susanna Wash a pensioner under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838.  I do not think it necessary to put Mrs Wash to the expense of a Clerk's certificate and county seal to prove that I am a Justice of the County Court of Louisa.  You have both in the evidence accompanying Sarah Snelson's Declaration, which I forwarded to you, three days ago. —
I am, Sir
your Obt. Srvt.
Wm Nelson
Page 51

601
Sus. S. Wash
$80 per ann
Pensioner at Long Creek Virga.
Page 52

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 3d. March 1843, Granting pensions for one year, to certain widows who have received pensions, under the act of July 7th 1838.

State of Virginia, Louisa County to wit:
On this 21st day of April 1843, personally appeared before me William Nelson a Justice of the County Court of Louisa in the State of Virginia Susanna Wash a resident of said county aged 77 years, 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 made by the Act of Congress passed, on the 3d of March 1843, Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the Widow of Thomas Wash who was a Soldier in Col. Francis Taylor's Regiment of the Virginia Line which guarded Burgoyne's captured Soldiers at the Barracks in Albemarle County Va.  That
Page 53

That after being regularly discharged from the said Regiment in the Spring of the year 1780, the said Thomas Wash marched in a militia company to the Carolinas, and participated in the Battle of Camden, in the month of August 1780; That she received the sum of Eighty Dollars, per annum, for five years, under the act, July 7th 1838, as a pension: She further declares that she is still a widow.
Susanna Wash

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and in the year above written, before me
Wm Nelson a Justice 
of the County Court 
of Louisa in the State 
of Virginia
Page 54

I William Nelson do further certify that; Susanna Wash, the Declarant, who has made, Sworn to, and Subbscribed the foregoing declaration is personally known to me and that she is the identical person to whom was granted the pension, mentioned in the declaration aforesaid. 
Given under my hand this 21st day of April 1843.
Wr Nelson a Justice
of the county court
of Louisa in the 
State of Virginia

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit}
I John Hunter Clerk of the Court of Louisa County hereby certify that William Nelson is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
[Seal affixed]
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 10th day of July 1843 in the 68th year of our foundation.
John Hunter  Clerk of the
Court of Louisa County.
Page 55

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 6th day of June 1783, in the name of 
Harden Duke as a Sergeant of Infantry for £77.18.10, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Mr. Dyer and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782.
p 129 {No Seal of Office.}
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 7th day of May 1841.
Jas E. Heath  AUDITOR.
Page 56

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session, 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 9th day of July 1783, in the name of  Thomas Wash as a Soldier of Infantry for £22.6.6, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Geo Pickett and was given for services prior to the 1st January, 1782. p 313 {No Seal of Office.} Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 7th day of May 1841. Jas E. Heath AUDITOR.
Page 57

The Deposition of Hardin Duke of the County of Louisa in the state of Virginia. taken this 3d day of April 1841: This Deponent being first duly sworn, declareth and saith that he was a Sergeant in Col. Frances Taylor's Virginia State Regiment, in the War of the Revolution, and was employed for two years and ten months, in guarding, at the Barracks in Albemarle County, Virginia and elsewhere, the British Troops which were captured under Gen. Burgoyne: That this Deponent was well acquainted with Thomas Wash, the husband of Susanna Wash, who survived him and is still living: That the said Thomas Wash was a private soldier in the same Regiment with this Deponent; and that he well remembers that the said Thomas Wash being a hatter by trade was detailed by the orders of Col. Taylor to make hats for the soldiers of his Regiment: That the said Thomas Wash intermarried with his first and only wife Susanna Wash about the year 1783 or 1784 and lived within six miles of this Deponents residence from his marriage till his death: That the said Susanna Wash, the widow of the said Thomas Wash is now and has been all her life a resident of the same neighbourhood, with this Deponent, and that this Deponent cannot be mistaken as to the identity of herself and her husband the late Thomas Wash who was the fellow soldier of this Deponent as aforesaid.  and further this deponent saith not.
Hardin Duke
State of Virginia Louisa County to wit
The foregoing deposition of Hardin Duke Esqr was duly taken, subscribed and sworn to before Mr. William Meredith a justice of the peace for the said County of Louisa and I do certify that I place full confidence in the truth of all the facts therein stated, as the said Hardin Duke possesses a vigorous mind and a most retentive memory. 
Given under my hand and seal this 3d day of April 1841
William Meredith  {seal drawn}
Page 58

The Deposition of Nathaniel Snelson taken this 8th day of April in the year 1841.  This deponent being first duly sworn Saith, That in the year 1779 during the War of the Revolution this Deponent Performed a tour of duty as a private Soldier in a Militia Company in guarding British Prisoners of war confined at the Barracks in Albemarle County Virginia: That Thomas Wash was at that time a Soldier in Colonel Francis Taylor's Virginia State Regiment: That the said Thomas Wash, afterwards, to wit: in June 1780, marched with this Deponent from the County of Louisa in Virginia to South Carolina and was present in the Battle of Camden, faught [sic] in August 1780: That the said Thomas Wash about the year 1784 was married to Susanna Wash and lived from that time till his death in the immediate Vicinity of this deponent; their Dwelling houses being less than three miles apart.  That the said Susanna Wash is still living and remains the widow of the said Thomas Wash.  That this deponent was so thoroughly acquainted with the said Thomas Wash, it is utterly impossible he can be mistaken as to the Military Services of the said Thomas Wash and the fact of his marriage with the said Susanna Wash as aforesaid. 
and further this Deponent saith not.
Nat. Snelson
State of Virginia Louisa County, to wit.
The foregoing Deposition of Nathaniel Snelson was duly taken subscribed and sworn to before me David Richardson a Justice of the peace for the said County of Louisa; and I do hereby certify that I place the utmost confidence in the truth of the facts contained in the said Deposition as the said Snelson has always been considered a man of strict Veracity and integrity; and I also know of my own knowledge that a portion of the facts set forth in the said deposition are true. 
Given under my hand and seal this 8th day of april in the year 1841.
David Richardson  {Seal drawn}
Page 59

State of Virginia Louisa County to wit}
I John Hunter Clerk of the Court of Louisa County do hereby certify that William Meredith and David Richardson, before whom the foregoing Depositions of Hardin Duke and Nat. Snelson were taken and subscribed, are now, and were at the time of taking the said depositions, acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that full faith and credit are, and ought to be given to all their official acts as such; and that the said signatures purporting to be theirs, are their genuine signatures.
[Seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the Public Seal of the said Court to be affixed, this 17th day of April 1841 in the 65th year of our foundation.
John Hunter  Clerk
of Louisa County Court