Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,550, Benjamin Goodson, S.C.
Page 1

S.C.
Number
Goodson, Benjamin
W. 7550
Dorothy
BL. Wt.28637-160-56

Bernice S.C.
Contents
Page 2

22.468
Louisiana
[Mississippi]
Benjamin Goodson
[illegible] in the State of Mispi
and a private in the Camp commanded
[illegible[ Blood of the [illegible] commanded
[illegible] Horry in the 36
[illegible] 18 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Mis[illegible]
at the rate of 60 dollars - cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Oct
1833 and daith R. W. Webber Meadville

Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33            $150
Semi-anl allowand ending 4 M '34       30
$180
{Revolutionary Claim,
{Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk
Book E, Vol. 8 Page 69
Page 3

See letter to J and J on 31
Aug. 1836 - [illegible] 26
July 1838.

Paid at the Treas[???] under the
Act of 6 April [??], from
4 Sep 1842 to 4 March 1843
Agent notified 11 Dec 1844

Letter to Hon J. E. Morse 19 Feb '49
[??] to Pen Ag 20 Au 1847

Letter to [??] [??] Cope of [illegible] to
Pen. Agt. 29 April 1848

Letter to [illegible] J. E Morse &
[illegible] to Paid [illegible] 9 [illegible]'
1849

To Louisian fr 4 Sept 1846
- May 5, 1849

Let. to Wm A Drake
Nov. 21 1849 birth [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] June 8, 1850
Page 4

Dorothy Goodson
[illegible] Benjamin Goodson
Served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

[illegible] on the Roll at the rate
[illegible] 60 Dollars [illegible]0-
[illegible] per annum, to commence
[illegible] the 3d February, 1853

Certificate of Pension, issued
20th day of Sept. 1854
and sent to
V Ellis
Present.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 8, 1853, Page 159 Vol A
Page 5

143571 Acct [illegible] 3d/55

May 22d/55

Dorothy Goodson
[illegible]
Benjamin Goodson

[rest of document is too dark to transcribe]
Page 6

State of Mississippi
Franklin County

On this 7th day of December ad 1832
personally appeared in open court before the judge now sitting Benjamin Goodson a resident of the county of Franklin and state of Mississippi
age about eighty years who being first duly sworn _______to cause oath on his oath make 
the following narrative in order to obtain the ___ of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer [illegible] as _____ in the stated some time previous to the capture of Charlestown ( the month and year not recollected) say about one year in the State of South Carolina (the name of the county not recollected) he joined the Army as a substitute under one Captain Zeak whose Company was attached to the fourth Regiment to the best of this affiants belief and that said Regiment was under the command of General Moultrie or General Lincoln (under the latter he believes) that he was in Charlestown when it was captured was then taken a prisoner and remained a prisoner __ upon being released _____________
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attached to the Army of Marion and that he served under General Marion during the continuous of the Revolutionary war and front line received his discharge which is now lost that he was engaged in a battle against the Tories on Little Peedee near Smiths mill at the time of this engagement was attached to the company under command of Captain Youngblood that he was in a battle against the British on big Santee River in South Carolina that he was in the most if not all the _______ and marches made by Marion from the time he entered the Army under his command until he was discharged as foresaid
2 where and what year were you born?
In the State of South Carolin a on big Lynches creek born in the year 1750 or 1752 
Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?  I have no record of my age that I can prove
Where were you living when called in the service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
answer: I was living in South Carolina between big Peedee and big Santee shortly after the ____  of the Revolutionary War I moved to Georgia where I resided a few years
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and from time removed to the now state of Mississippi and I am now living in Franklin County in the State last aforesaid
How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom
answer: I was at first until the capture of Charlestown a substitute for one Jesse Mercer and after the capture of Charlestown I joined the Army under General Marion 
State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer: Col Horry Captain Youngblood and Sergeant Mcdonald were officers I well knew my memory is too defective to state with certainty further particulars.  
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it signed what has become of it 
Answer I received a discharge by whom signed I do not recollect. I know that it was by the command of Genl Marion, it is now lost 

State the names of persons to whom you are
know in your present neighborhood
and who can testify as to your character
for veracity and good be [illegible]
[illegible] as a soldier of this revolution
Page 9

I know of no person in my neighborhood but John Ratcliff by ____ can prove my services in the Revolution he's also acquainted with my repution for viracity
sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid            Ben Goodson

State of Mississippi}
Franklin County}
ss
On this 7th day of December AD 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judge, now sitting John Ratcliff a resident of the county and state upon said who being first duly sworn according to laws doth on his oath make the following declaration to wit I know that Benjamin Goodson whose name is above subscribed was a soldier of the Revolution that he joined the United States Army as a substitute for one Jesse Mercer before the fall or capture of Charlestown.  I know that said Goodson was there taken a prisoner and after he was released he joined the army under General Marion and
Page 10

that said Goodson continued in the army of Marion until the close of the Revolution said Goodson is a preacher of the Gospel of a good moral character and viracity.  

Sworn subscribed the _ day and year of said   
John Ratcliff
State of Mississippi 
Franklin county
 
County of Probate court Jany term of 1833

Appeared in open court in case of David Hughes clergyman who being sworn state that Benjamin Goodson whose name is subscribed to the forgoing application for a pension is a man of truth and veracity and is believed to 
be a soldier, in which opinion we answer  of the Revolutionary war and stated and sworn to by said Goodson in the foregoing application for a pension that he is about eighty years of age sworn 21th day of Jany 1833 
Jas Cain
David Hughes

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the ______ _________ prescribed by the war department that the above named applicate was a revolutionary soldier
Page 11

and served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to these that James Cain and David Hughes who have signed and of the preceding certificates are ____ resident in the county of Franklin and that John Ratcliff who has signed the first preceding certificate is a resident in the county of Franklin and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.  State of Mississippi/ Franklin County I John Witherspoon register of the Orphans Court o Franklin County and Clerk of the County and Probate Court of Franklin county do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the matter of the application of Benjamin Goodson for a pension.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 21st day of January ad 1833 Jno F Witherspoon
Page 12

State of Louisiana
Parish of Claiborne
ss
On this the 16th day of May AD 1854 personally appeared before the seventeenth judicial district court now in session in and for the parish of Claiborne and state of Louisiana.  Dorothy Goodson a resident of the Parish of Claiborne and state aforesaid, aged sixty nine years who first being 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 on the 3rd February 1853 granting  pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the widow of Benjamin Goodson who was a private in the Revolutionary War in the State of South Carolina and a pensioner of United States under the laws of the United States of 7th June 1832 and he the said Benjamin Goodson received his pension from the agencies of the United States for paying pensions at Natches and Jackson Mississippi that she is unable to state the particulars of his said service but would respectfully refer the department to the evidence on record in the Department in Washington  to prove the service of said Benjamin Goodson that he received a pension at the rate of sixty dollars pension commencing the 4th day of March 1831.  She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Goodson March 21, 1809 that she has no family record of her marriage and that her said husband died may 26, 1851 and that she was not married to him prior to the second January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated
Page 13

She further declares that she is now a widow
sworn to and subscribed before me in the open court this 16th day of May ad 1854
Dorothy Goodman X her mark
Harmon A Drew
Judge of the 17the Dist
State of Louisiana
Parish of Claiborne
I Dickson Henry Dyars clerk of the 17th judicial District and for the parish of Claiborne and State of Louisiana do hereby certify that Harmon A Drew whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing instrument is and was at the time of signing the same presiding judge of the 17th Judicial District Court in and for the state of Louisiana and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit 
In testimony where of I have hereunto attached my official signature and seal of our said court at Homer this 16th May 1854
D. Henry Dyer 
Clerk Dist Court 

The State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborne}
I Harmon A. Drew sole presiding Judge of
the Seventeenth Judicial District of the said State, in which District is
included the said Parish of Claiborne, do hereby certify that Dixon
Henry Dyer, whose genuine signature appears to the forgoing certificate is, and was at the time of signing the same, Clerk of the
said District Court in and for the said Parish of Claiborn, that
all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and
that his attestation is in due form of law.
Given under my hand officially at the
town of Homer in said Parish & state,
this 16th day of May A. D. 1854.
H. H. Drew
Judge of 17th Dist.
Page 14

143-571
Bounty Land
Act of March 8th1853

Dorothy Goodson
widow of Benjamin Goodson


[illegible]

atty
[illegible]
LA
Page 15

State of Louisiana
Parish of Claiborne
On this 30th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me James A Millican a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths with and for the parish and that aforesaid Dorothy Goodson aged sixty nine years a resident of Claiborne Parish in the state of Louisiana who being first duly sworn according to law declares that she is the identical Dorothy Goodson who received a certificate of pension from the government of the United States of America dated twentieth day of September AD 1855 for sixty dollars per annum during life unless she should again marry for the service of her husband Benjamin Goodson as a private in the Revolutionary War that she is still a widow and has never intermarried since the death of said husband. That she is still the widow of Benjamin Goodson who was a pensioner of the United States. She [illegible] refers to the 
evidence on file with his application for a pension [illegible] the act of Congress passed 3 Feb 1854 establishing her identity and claims as evidence in this application for Bounty land, her certificate of pension can be found on the records of the pension office on the roll of pensioners under the act of Feb 3 1853 page 159 vol A.  She makes this declaration in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of
Page 16

Congress approved March 3rd, 1855, entitled an act granting assistance bounty land to certain officers and soldiers & their widows 
Sworn to subscribe
this 30th March 1855
James A Millican
Justice of the Peace

Dorothy Goodson  X her mark

The commissioner of pensions is authorized
to [illegible] the warrant to which I may be entitled
to Wm. Standliuetis Homer Ga.

Dorothy X Goodson
her mark
Page 17

We John Wilson and William J Sterling 
residents of Claiborne Parish in the State 
of Louisiana upon our oaths declare that 
the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged 
by Dorothy Goodson in the presence and 
state we believe from the appearance and statements 
of the applicant that she is the identical 
person she represents herself to be.
Jno Wilson
W J Sterling

[illegible] foregoing [illegible] and declaration
was sworn [illegible] [illegible] subscribe before  me 
this day & year first [illegible] written and I certify
that I know the officials to be [illegible] persons
That the clamiant is the person she [illegible]
to be and that I have no interest in this
claim.
James A. Millican
Justice of the Peace

State of Louisiana }
Parish of Claiborne }

I Dickson Henry Dyer Clerk of the seventeenth [illegible]
district Court in and for the Parish as [illegible]
mentoined do hereby certify that James A Millican
whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing declaration
and affidavit is and was [illegible]
of signing the same and acting Justice of the Peace
in and for the the Parish and state aforesiad
[illegible] [illegible] and sworn that one of
his offical acts as such as entitled to full
faith and credit and that the said 17th [illegible]
District Court is a [illegible] of [illegible] having 
[illegible] jurisdiction
Given under my hand and seal
of office in and [illegible] this 28th
day of April 1856
D Henry Dyer
Clk Dist Court
Page 18

Benjn. Goodson
Meadville Mis

a.f. authents


Adm 1 year &
6 months

R. W. Webber
Meadville
Missi
Page 19

War Department
Pension Office
183

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with ha brace, (thus: }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement shewing the service of Benjn Goodson Franklin Co Missi  

Period [illegible] |  Duration of the       |  Rank of  | 
the [illegible]      |  claimants service.    |  the         |
[illegible]            |  Years  Months  Days|  claimant |

Name and Rank  |  Names and Rank  |  Battles in which   |
of the Company  |  of the General      |   the applicant was|
officers under      |   and Field officers |  engaged              |
whom he served. |

Country through    |  Place of abode        |   Evidence by
which he marched. | when he entered     |   which the declaration
                                 the service, and age |   is supported.
                                 at the present period|

abt 1 year previous to captain of Charlestown joined army 
Capt. Zeak 
Genl Moultrie or 
Gl Lincoln
S. Carolina
ca not recollected
80 years 
was taken prisoner at siege of Charleston and remained several months & upon being released 
joined army and served during the conclusion of the war  
Captain Young blood 
Genl Marion
Col Horry 
Smith Mills
Big Santee

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 20

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
	This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms “Continental Line,” “State troops,” “militia,” and “volunteers,” all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as person who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
	1. The Regular Troops.
	2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
	3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
	4. Indian Spies.

	As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.


DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of
County of			ss.

	On this		day of		personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of		in the county of 	and State, Territory or District of 	aged (c)	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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)	, with 	and served in the	(e) regiment of the	line, under the following named officers:

	[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
	
	He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
	Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.	 A.B.
	[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
	And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
			of the Court of		do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of	for a pension.
	In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this	day of	&c.
	If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
	Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
	(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in that	and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with	, who subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be	years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
	And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed 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 A.B.	who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the		, and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the	and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
	I,	Clerk of the Court of		, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of		for a pension.
	In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this	day of		
&c.
	Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
	If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and is the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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8 [centered at head of page]
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.   The Facts state I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propund the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1.Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service' where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier.{Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commision, and if so, by whom was is signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opnion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the appicant cannon, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Scretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking affect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

--------------------------------------
[a]The declarant must appear in open Court unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reson for not conforming to the rule. 
[c]The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned
[d]The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e]Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeard before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollective, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____________year_____________months, and _____________________days, I served as a _______. For ______months and ____________days, I served as a ________________; and for each service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &e. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionalbe. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; the applicant seved with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law [unintelligible due to fold in scan]
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h]The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i]The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no devise or Inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifiying officer, should accompany the papers. 
[centered] Mode of authenticating papers. [/centered]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[centered]Proof of Service[/centered]
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by [intelligible] in not [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 22

January 27, 1936
Benjamin Goodson -W.7550
EA-J AWJ

Mr. W. D. Goodson
936 Daisy Avenue
c/o Mrs. B. G. Freeman
Long Beach, California

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Goodson who died about 1850 in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.  
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim W. 7550 based upon the service of Benjamin Goodson in the War of the Revolution.  
Benjamin Goodson was born in the year 1750 or 1752 in the State of South Carolina about 30 miles below Camden on Big Lynch's Creek, names of parents are not stated.  
While residing in South Carolina between the Big Pedee and the Big Santee, he enlisted "sometime previous to the capture of Charlestown", South Carolina, served as a private in Captain Zeak's Company, was taken prisoner at the surrender of Charlestown, held about five months and released, he then volunteered under General Marion, was in a engagement against the Tories on the Little Pedee near Smiths Mill under Captain Youngblood, was in a battle against the British on Big Santee, he also served under Captain King and continued in the service until the close of the war.  
Shortly after the close of the Revolution he moved Georgia, where he resided a few years and
Page 23

moved to Mississippi.

The soldier, Benjamin Goodson was allowed pension on his application executed December 7, 1832, at which time he was living in Franklin County, Mississippi.  He was then referred to as a " Preacher of the Gospel".

In 1847 he had moved with his children to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, names of children not shown.  He died May 16, 1851.

Benjamin Goodson married March 21, 1809, Dorothy; her maiden name is not stated.  She was allowed pension on her application executed May 16, 1854 then aged about sixty-nine years and living in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. 

Benjamin Goodson, a grandson of the soldier, was living in 1847 in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.

The papers in this claim contain no further reference to the soldier's family.  

If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C. and cite the following:
Dorothy Goodson, widow of Benjamin Goodson
Certificate # 4521
Issued September 20, 1854
Rate $60 per annum
to commence February 3, 1853
Act of Feb 3, 1853
Louisiana Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

State of Louisiana SS
Parish of Claiborne 
On this 17th day of May AD1854 by personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the Parish and state aforesaid William Bishop and WIlliam R Bishop residents of the Parish of Claiborne and State of Louisiana who being first-duly sworn according to law do upon this oath depose and say that they have been well acquaintd with Benjamin Goodson a Pensioner of the United States and Dorothy his wife for the last twenty five years, that they live together as man and wife and long reputed as such in their neighborhood that said Benjamin Goodson died some time in May AD 1851 and that Dorothy Goodson is his widow still having never intermarried since the death of her husband.
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me the day and year 
first above written    
Wm Bishop
W. R Bishop
James A Millican
Justice of the Peace 

State of Louisiana ]SS
Parish of Claiborne
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Bishop and William R. Bishop who have made the above affidavit and that they are respectable and credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand officially at Honor this 17th day of May AD1854
James A Millican
Justice of the Peace
Page 25

 
State of Louisiana }    
Parish of Claiborne}
I Dickson Henry Dyar Clerk
of the 17th Judicial District
Court in said for the parish of
Claiborne and State of Louisiana do hereby certify
that James A. Millican whose genuine Signature
appeares to the within and foregoing instrument
is and was at the time of Signing the Same an
acting Justice of the peace and that all his
official acts are entitled to full faith and credit
as such

Given under my hand and 
seal of office at the Town of
Hamer State and parish 
aforesaid this 17th day of 
May 1854
D Henry Dyer
Clerk Dist Court
Page 26

Mississippi Roll, Act of Act of 7 June 1832,
Benjamin Goodson. Pri. $60 per annum

To what time last paid?
Pd to 4th Sept. 1846
BJB.
Pension Office
May 2, 49
C.

Third Auditor's Office
Page 27

October 20, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jethro Butler - S.30908
Benjamin Goodson W. 7550
RA-J/EEL

Mr. Robert Floyd Kennon
Minden
Louisiana

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to the burial place of Jethro Butler and Benjamin Goodson, Revolutionary War pensioners.

In the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension, claim, S. 30908, based on the military servcie of Jethro Butler in that war, the places of death and burial are not shown.  The last place of residence given is Russelville, Louisiana, in 1835, at the time he made his application for pension.  He died April 9, 1841.

In the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7550, based upon the military servcie of Benjamin Goodson, the places of his death and burial are not given.  The date of death is May 26, 1851, and the last place of residence shown is 1847, at which time he moved to Claiborne Parish. Louisiana.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Assistnat to Administrator.
Page 28

June 11, [????]

W. D. Goodson,
R. R. S.
Gilmer, Texas

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7550, it appears that Benjamin Goodson was born in 1730 or 1732 about thirty miles below Camden on Big Lynch's Creek in South Carolina.
While residing between the Big Pedee and Big Santee in South Carolina he volunteered about six months before Charleston, South Carolina was captured and served as a private under Captains Zeak, Youngblood and King with the South Carolina Troops.  He was taken prisoner at teh surrender of Charelston and help about  five months, when he ws released and joined the army under General Marion, was in an engagement against the Tories on Little Pedee near Smith's Mill and an engagement against the British on Big Santee and served to close of the war.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 7, 1838, while a reisdent of Frnakling County, Mississippi, at which time he was referred to as a "preacher of
Page 29

the Gospel".

In 1847 he had moved with his children to Claiborne
Parish, Louisiana, no names of children stated.  He died
May 28, 1851.

The soldier married March 21, 1808, Dorothy, her
maiden name not given.

She was allowed pension on her application executed
May 16m 1854, while a resident of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, aged sixty-nine years.

Soldier's grandson is referred to in 1947, his name not stated, and there are no further family data.

Respectfully,

Winfield Scott,
Commissioner.

Copied by ADY
Page 30

938 Daisy Ave
1/8 - 36
Long Beach
Calif
Mrs. B. G. Freeman

Rev. War [illegible]
Washington D. C.
(over)
Dear Sirs
Kindly mail me Benjamin Goodsons Rev War record as given by his application for Pension of said war in about 1832, while living in Franklin co, Mississippi, wife name was Dorthy.  He served precincably under Gen Francis Marion in S Carolina was a prisoner about 5 months when charleston s car fell in to the hands of the British, when he was releas he re entered the service under Gen Francis Marion and served to the of said war.  He died about 1850 in Claiborne Parrish LA near Homer.  His wife later also was granted pension too.
Thanking you in advance for [illegible]
Your cincerly 
W. D. Goodson
Page 31

P. S. 
The aforesaid Benjamin Goodson was my gr grandfather.  He was borned in about 1753-57 in S Car near where the Town of Sumpter now stands.  was living in S Car 1790 with a wife and three children at the time of the 1st census also in 1790.  .  He was given a land grant of 2200 acres in S. Car an the record in Charleston still show.  (was about 100 years old [at time] when he died. ) 
I handed the information that I'm asking your office for today, stolened from me among other valuable private papers.  Hence I am asking your office for them again, i was living at Gilmer Tex route 6 1928 when I received them before as your records may show 
W. D. Goodson
Page 32

Gilmer Tex 
Route 6 
5/16-28

already ans. 6/11/28

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

Dear Sir, Do your records show any information concerning Benj Goodson in revolutionary War as I understand he served in said war? If so kindly give me all of the main facts, his fathers mothers maiden name,  bro's & sisters or any place of birth age, time of service, if married name of wife wifes maiden name too if record shows it
Page 33

2 (his nationality?)

Did he have any bros in said war? if so, kindly give me the same information about them.  
Also kindly give me David Goodson record in war of 1812 He enlisted from the state of Mississippi, as completely as your records may show, and oblige 
Yours Truly
W. D. Goodson

PS do you have any Goodsons in your records from the southern state in the Revolutionary or war of 1812,
Page 34

Thanking you in advance
for the above, or any 
other information 
you may see fit 
to give me.
And Oblige,
Yours Truly
W. D. Goodson
Page 35

Rev. and 1812
wars section
United States

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions

Dear Sirs:  I have only the following facts about 
Benjamin Goodson to wit:

1st-That came to Miss about 1800 or just before from GA or SC lived in the Franklin Co MIss until about 1860 and moved to Claiborne Parish La about the same year (1860)  and died.  2nd was borned about 1765 in [illegible] S. C.
3rd The David Goodson of Miss who served in war of 1812 was his (Benj Goodson's) son,  and several other boys to wit:
Page 36

Wesley, Jas, Wm, Caleb, Joshua, Moses and Arter bout 8 in all - most all of them moved to La I understand but I have not the mothers name, Hoping I may not weary you, and I may hear from you again,  I am ever your friend

W. D. Goodson
Gilmer Tex
(Route #6)
Page 37

Revy WIDOW, &c.
⎯⎯⎯⎯♦︎⎯⎯⎯⎯
File No 7550
Dorothy Goodson
Wid
Benjamin Goodson
Privt Rev War
⎯⎯♦︎⎯⎯♦︎⎯⎯♦︎⎯⎯
Act July 3rd 1853
Index:- Vol. A, Page 277

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 38

1928 [illegible] W. D. Goodson
1930 - Oct 20 - Ad. Mr. Robt. Floyd Kennon
that places of death [illegible] - age not
in papers or this claim - see letters
in case of Jethro Butler, S. 30908 [illegible]
1936- Jan 27 [illegible] W. D. Goodson
Page 39

Additional declaration of Benjamin Goodson made in order to obtain the benefit of this pronouncement passed June 7th 1832.  He states  that as he cannot be positive as to the length of time he was in service previous to the taking of  Charleston by the British he will not use the [illegible] about one year as he [illegible] used [illegible] mile and does say that he is certain that it was not [illegible] [illegible]  six months.  He knows that General Lincoln and General Moultrie is [illegible] both at Charleston [but] at the time of its surrender [illegible] did not [illegible]  know which commanded him or which was highest in command but he is today for the first time as [illegible] as he recollects told that General Lincoln was highest in command  By way of amending his statement [illegible]  to the [illegible]  at which he joined the army under Marion and continued to serve under him until after the surrender of Cornwallis H ewa s and does say with certainty and safety that the period he served after the captive of Charleston, under the command of Marian was not [illegible]  [illegible] [illegible]  months [illegible]  longer he believes [illegible]  he joined the army of Marian at first - he thought that [illegible]  was highest in command At the time the matter of the [illegible]  [illegible] springs was fought - he was on a farm [illegible]
Page 40

to join the ["army" crossed out] United States Troops not morer than ten miles distant from the field  of action at that time,
all the time he served he was a private
He hereby relinquishes any claim to whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present; and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State
Ben Goodson

Sworn to & subscribed
in open court this
18th day of June 1833
in the Probate Court
of the County of Franklin
State of Mississippi

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter contained in the additional declaration as well as the Original Declaration made on this 7th day of December 1832 and the Interrogatories  then past and answered that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Jno Russell
Judge Probates

I Needom Lee Clerk of the Probate Court of the county of Franklin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Goodson for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 18th day of June 1833
N. Lee Clk
Page 41

State of Mississippi
Franklin County

Personally appeared before
and Dabney A Stuart a
Justice of the Peace in and for said county
Benjamin Goodson, who being duly sworn
deposeth and saith, that by reason of old
age and the consequent loss of memory of
he cannot swear positively as to the length
of his service but according to the best of
his recollection not less than the periods
stated in his additional declaration made
this day and in this capacity therein stated
and for such service I claim a pension
Ben Goodson

Sworn to subscribed
upon me this 18th June 1833
D A Stuart J P

I Needom Lee Jr Clerk of the Probate
Court of the County of Franklin do
hereby certify that Dabney A Stuart
before whom the foregoing affidavit
was made was at the time of subscribing
the same an acting justice of the peace
in and for the County of Franklin duly
commissioned and qualified acorrding
to Law and as such due faith and credit
is and ought to be given to all his official
acts ["as such" crossed out] and the signature annexed is his genuine signature - I further certify that on the 7th day of December 1832
Johathan Russell was Judge of the
Orphans Court of the County of Franklin
and John F. Witherspoon was the Registor
thereof and that since the first Monday
Page 42

in May last the style of the Court has
been changed to the Probate Court of
the County of Franklin and there is
now no [illegible] of said Court but a 
Clerk of said Court and that Jonathan
Russell is now under the Title of
Judge Probate the Judge [illegible] and
that the seal of Orphan court of
the County of Franklin the seal 
at this time by the said Probate Court
no other seal having as yet been
provided

In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set
my hand and seal
of office this 18th day
of June 1833
N. Lee Clk

Note:  There is the imprint of a round seal that has been covered by a small piece of paper.
Page 43

Com. Pensions

Sir 
Please let the [illegible]
W. S. Curtis Esq see the papers
of *Dorothy Goodson under
Act of 3 July/53, on Louisiana
roll, as he wishes to see
the date of her husbands death.
[illegible] [illegible]
Vespasian Ellis 

*"Dorothy Goodson" is underlined
Page 44

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

Parish ["County" crossed out] of Claiborne La:  ss.

On this third day of April 1847, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said Parish ["County" crossed out] of Claiborne La:  personally appeared Benjamin Goodson who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain King in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Orca in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Mississippi from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State ("District or territory" crossed out] of Louisiana where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future.  The following are his reasons for removing from Mississippi to Louisiana, that he had become old and helpless & his children being about to move to this state he thought it would better his condition to go with them.

Ben Goodson

Sworn and subscribed to before me,}
the day and year aforesaid.}
Arthur McFarland  Justice of the peace
__________________________________________________

The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.  The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person as to the pensioner's identity.  He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath, is the person described in the affidavit.  The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

In every case where the Clerk of the court or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.—In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 45

State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborne}

Before me Arthur McFarland, a Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish and State aforesaid, personally came and appeared Francis Lyman, a person of Veracity, who after being duly sworn, declares under oath that he is acquainted with Benjamin Goodson, that he is the only man in said Parish by that name except a grandson of his, that he is a very old man and known here generally as a revolutionary pensioner & believes him to be the same person described in the within affidavit.

Francis Lyman

Sworn to & subscribed before me this 3d day of April 1847
Arthur McFarland  Justice of the peace

State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborne}

I William Custis Copes Clerk of the District Court in & for said Parish & State do hereby certify that Arthur McFarland whose name appears to the above and foregoing affidavits of Ben. Goodson and Francis Lyman, as well as the above and foregoing Certificate, is now, and was at the time of signing his name to the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the Parish of Claiborne and State of Louisiana, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit is due to his official acts as such.

Given under my hand and Seal of the
Page 46

Note:  There is a large sun-shaped stamp, upper left corner, illegible 

District Court, at Athens in said Parish & State, this 31st day of July A. D. 1817.

W. C. Copes
Clerk Dist. Court
Page 47

Athens La.  Apl. 7 1818.

J. S. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington D. C.

My D Sir—

I am requested by Mr Benj. Goodson, U. S. Pensioner, to call your attention to an application for a transfer of his name from the Mississippi to the Louisiana agency—  Some time last summer, if I mistake not, He forwarded to your address, a form, filled up in accordance with the instructions—  He asking you to be so Kind as to inform him, or not. of this, whether or not, your instructions were properly Complied with, and if so, whether or not his name has been transfered from the Miss. to the Louisiana agency, as applied for.

I am with great respect
Your obt. Servt.
W. C. Copes
Page 48

J. L. Edwards Esqr.   Com of Pensions

D Sir

The enclosed letter is from a gentleman of high standing in my district and every credit is due to it—

Will it be in your power to make the order for the transfer & oblige and old soldier

I am your very respectfully
Isaac E. Morse
Page 49

Gen. Cass requests the attention of Mr Edwards to the enclosed letter, and will feel obliged to him if he will decide upon the application, & then cause this letter to be answered accordingly— 

Washington
March. 3. 1847.
Page 50

Breif  in the case of Dorothy Goodson, widow of Benjamin.
Parish of Claiborne {"County" crossed out] and State of Louisiana
act 3d Feby. 1853.

Claim, ("original," (only for increase" crossed out))

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Husband was pensioned under the act of 7" June, 1832. at the rate of $60.00 per An.  Two credible witnesses testify to General reputation of marriage & to the parties living & Cohabiting together.  Pensioner died 26" May 1851. as per the affidavits of two credible witnesses & report of the Third Auditor.  Two Credible Affiants testify to the widowhood & identity of the Applicant.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

V. Ellis. Esqr, Present
Name and residence of Agent

S C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.
Page 51

Athens Claiborne Parish La
Decr 4th  48

Hon. S. N. Downs

Dear Sir

Permit me to call your attention a moment to an act of Charity to one of the Soldiers of the Revolution Benjamin Goodson [illegible] of this parish [word crossed out] formerly of the state of Miss. has been for two years past trying to have his name transfered[sic] by the pension agent at the City of Washington from the agent of Mississippi to the agent of Louisiana—  The proper vouchers of character & authority have all been made out in this parish & forwarded on by mail to the pension agent at the City of Washington two years ago but owing to some oversight or neglect the transfer has not been yet made—  Mr Goodsons friends have asked me to write to you & ask as a particular kindness to an old soldier to see the pension agent at Washington & have the transfer made immediately as the old man is in a great pecunialy [sic] want— 

I am requested for this to say we have got up a petition to Congress to have his pension increased to twelve Dollars per month instead of $5 per mo. as now—
Page 52

The petition to increase Mr. Goodsons pension J N Leitch has been forwarded by one of our representatives of our State Legislature to Mr. J. E. Morse—  Should Mr. Morse succeed in having a bill passed through the House for his benefit we urge as a favor that you see to having it passed through the senate—  We are aware that such [illegible] acts are frequently a great annoyance to a member of Congress—  but we are assured could hope be made acquainted with the facts of this case we know a man possessed of as many kind & benevolent sentiments as we know you to be possessed of would  shrink from no obstacle to aid "old Father Goodson" on behalf of a soldier of the Revolution

permit me sir to subscribe myself your most obedient humble servant—  
J N Leitch

Hon S[illegible] Da[illegible]
U. S. Senate

P.S.  Mr Goodson in whose behalf I write this letter is at this time upwards of ninety years  old—  see the petition—
Page 53

Athens Parish of Claiborne La. 
Dec. 11th 1848

D. Sir—

About ten months ago, I addressed a letter to you in behalf of Mr. Benj. Goodson, a Revolutionary pensioner, requesting some information relation to the transfer of his name from the Mississippi to the Louisiana agency—  to which letter I rec.d a reply, dated 29th April 1848, in which you stated that on the 20th of Augst.[sic] preceding, you addressed a letter to the Pension agents at Jackson, Miss, requesting to be informed when Mr. Goodson was last paid, & to which you had recd. no reply—  that you had written to him again on the day of your reply to my letter, & that as soon as you recd. an answer, the transfer would be made, but since the rect. of your letter, neither Mr. Goodson nor myself have recd. any communication from you, or from any other since informing us of any transfer having been made—  *Mr. T. is a very poor man & stands much in need of the allowance made by the Government as a pensioner"—  he has not recd. a cent from the agent for the last two years, or thereabouts, —  *You will releave[sic] his sufferings and add to his comfort" by having the transfer made as soon as practicable—

You will please advise me of the transfer, when made—

I am with great respect
Your obt. Servt.
W. C. Copes

*The marked passages were underlined.
Page 54

2 rep: & Co:  2 to death 23" May. 51.  2 [illegible]


Boynton"
Page 55

28.637

[Illegible] Any
Page 56

Note:  Torn paper with the following handwriting:

No. 4760

Dorothy Goodson
wife of
Benjamin

Set:  to V. Ellis [illegible] 10/54

ACT 153
Page 57

Note:  Appears to be an envelope with a round stamp:
HOMER C. H
LA
MAY 7

official business

To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C

Left hand side:

143-571
3
Page 58

Pension Office
Sept. 20" 1854.

Sir:

Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death.

Very Respectfully.

L. P. Waldo
Commissioner.

R. J. Atkinson Esqr}
[Illegible] Auditor Treasury}

Note:  Written sideways on page:

"Boynton"
Page 59

Benjamin Goodson, paid to 4 March 1850.

Robt J. Atkinson
Auditor
Page 60

State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborne} ss
Be it Known that on the 1st day of August. AD 1854 personally came and appeared before me James A. Millican a Justice of the Peace within and for the Parish and State aforesaid  William Bishop and William R Bishop who being first duly sworn according to law do on their oaths depose and say that Dorethy Goodson is the widow of the identical Benjamin Goodson who was a pensioner of the United States and resides in the Parish of Claiborne and State of Louisiana   that they knew well, her the identical Benjamin Goodson who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and the said Dorethy Goodson his wife when they lived together as man and wife.  that they know positively that Dorethy Goodson is the widow of the identical Benjamin Goodson who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States and resides in the Parish of Claiborne and State of Louisiana   that they lived in the same nighborhood[sic] with the identical Benjamin Goodson who was a revolutionary pensioner and the said Dorethy Goodson for many years when they lived together as man and wife.  that the said Dorethy Goodson widow of the identical Benjamin Goodson who was a Revolutionary pensioner and resides in said Parish and State still lives near them and they know said Dorethy Goodson to be the widow of the identical Benjamin who was a revolutionary pensioner
Wm Bishop
W. R. Bishop

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 1st day of August AD 1854
James A. Millican
Justice of the Peace
Page 61

State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborne}  ss.

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Bishop and William R. Bishop who made oath to the facts stated in the within and foregoing affidavit and that they are respectable and credible persons and that their testimony is in hand officially this first day of August—AD 1854.

James A. Millican
Justice of the Peace

State of Louisiana}
Parish of Claiborn}

I Dickson Henry Dyer Clerk of the District Court 17th Judicial District of the State of Louisiana, in and for the parish of Claiborne do hereby certify that James A. Millican whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate or instrument is now and was at the time of Signing the Same [illegible] acting Justice of the peace in and for Claiborne parish duly Commissioned and Sworn and that all his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit

Given under my hand and Sent of office this 1st day of August A. D. 1854
D Henry Dyer
Clk, Dist Court
Page 62

Note:  The following is from an envelope, the first part written on the end:

Aug 20 '47

Rev War

Note:  Return address and sent to:

Athens La
August 1st

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington
D.C.
Page 63

Athens, Parish of Claiborne La.
July 31st 1847—

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir—

I am instructed by Mr. Benjamin Goodson to forward you the inclosed[sic] application for a transfer from the Miss. to the Louis'ia. agency

I am with great respect
Your obt. Servt.
W. C. Copes
Page 64

Handwritten note:


Give this man the necessary in [illegible] [word struck through] to obtain a transfer—  and then [illegible] to Gen. Cass. returning the previous letter to him & informing him that the man has been in [illegible] on the Subject.—  Address the last thus:

Hon. Lewis Cass
Senator U. States.   

Note:  The following is written upside down at bottom:

260+55 =315-110=205
Page 65

Note:  This was an article regarding pensions to certain widows.  It is only partially viewable and torn off near the bottom.
Page 66

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLERS'S OFFICE,
October 30th, 1844.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorixing[sic] the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Benjamin Goodson, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Mississippi— Agency, at the rate of Sixty— Dollars and — Cents[marked through] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1842, to the 4th March 1843.

Respectfully, yours,
Albion E. Parris
Comptroller.
Page 67

Athens, La.   May 23d 1849

Dr. Sir-

I regret that I am under the necessity of calling on you at this time {"again" inserted] to the case of Mr. Benjamin Goodson, a revolutionary pensioner.  More than two years ago, Mr. Goodson applied to your office to have his name transferred from the Mississippi to the Louisiana agency.  He promptly complied with all the requirements of the Pension Office, related to the transfer, & through his solicitations, I have repeatedly addressed the Com. of Pensions on the subject, but so far, without any effect whatever.  I again repeat, that Mr. G. is a very poor man & stands greatly in need of the amt. allowed him by the Government.  He has not rec'd. a dollar since his application for the transfer of his name as aforesaid, *more than two years ago.  Your Early attention to this matter will afford great relief to an old soldier, and a poor, but worthy old man.

With great regard
Your obt. Servt.
W. C. Copes

To the Com. of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

*"more than two years ago" is underlined.
Page 68

Washington   March 8th

J. L. Edward(sic)-
Com. of Pensions & [illegible]

Will you have the kindness to attend to the request contained in the enclosed letter—

  I think I written to you once or twice and Mr Goodson is a very old & infirm man, a revolutionary pensioner who asks to have his pension paid some where else.  I hope you will be able to comply with his request & inform his presd. Judge Peel of Minden La

I am very respectfully
{signature illegible]
Page 69

Minden La
February 12th AD 1849

Dear Sir

I write you in behalf of Benjamin Goodson of this Parish, an old revolutionary soldier who receives  a pension,   Mr. Goodson some two years since applied to the Pension office in Washington City to have his pension payable in New Orleans and he has not been able to ascertain what has been done.  Mr. Goodson has received a letter from his agent in Mississippi stating that the fault was caused by the General Pensions office in Washington City but has not been able to ascertain the cause of the delay of  receiving his pension—  Mr. Goodson is actually in distress for want of means not having drawn his pension for two years or more—  You will do him a great favour if you will examine the matter and ascertain the difficulty and arrange it so that he will receive his pension regular in the city of New Orleans.  Mr. Goodson is very old and needy.  You will please write to me on the subject

Respectfully
Geo W Peets

N B You will have to win again in my opinion for Congress or we will be defeated in our District.  Write me on this subject.
Page 70

Note:  Appears on back of handwritten letter




Hon J. E Manse
H Reps.
Page 71

Minden Louisiana    29th Oct 1849

Mr J L Edwards

Sir

I presented the ("document" crossed out") ("Power of Attorney" inserted) enclosed to the Pension agent in N Orleans & I was informed by him that he could not pay the amount due Mr Goodson  [illegible] it had been called for Sooner & refered[sic] me to your department at Washington City   You will therefore please Send me a check for the amount due him   If the power of attorney enclosed is not in due form you will please draw the draft in his favor & forward to me without delay as he is in distress for this pension  A draft [illegible] on N Orleans N York or Boston will answer

Very Respectfully
[illegible]
C A/ Drale