Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7918, for Nathaniel Jones, South Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
S. C.

Jones, Nathaniel
Rebecca

NUMBER
W. 7918
B.L.Wt. 26447-160-55

CONTENTS 
born in Wake Co. N.C. 
res. at enl. S.C. 
In 1833 aged 80 yrs. & res. of Kershaw District S.C. 
d. May 6, 1846
Page 2

23481
South Carolina
Nathaniel Jones
of Lancaster in the State of So Ca
who was a Pr. I. & Cav in the Compny commanded
by Captain McFarlan of the ___ command
by ______  in the So Ca 
line for 15 mo: 10 days. 

Inscribed on the Roll of So Carolina
the rate of 56 Dollars 83 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Feby 34, 
and sent Hon Jas Glive 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833    142.07 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34   28.42 
$170.49 

[Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.] 
Recorded by  Nath Rice  Clerk,
Book E  Vol. 6  Page 70 

order to pay May 16, 1837
Page 4

126762   Act Mar 3/38
May 9/55 
Rebecca Jones
widow 
Nathaniel Jones  pri & 
Pension

W2644  7 of May 1856 
Revolution War
S.C.  Feby 53   3026 

(illegible) 

S P Murchison
Lynchwood 
S.C. 

(illegible) S. P. Murchison, Feb. 5 / 56 

Vol. J.  83
Page 5

J B Kershaw 
agt. 
Camden 
S. C.
Page 6

State of South Carolina
Kershaw District
On this 31st day of October 1853, personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Comnon 
pleas and general sessions in the District
and State aforesaid now sitting, Rebecca Jones
of the said District and State, aged forty-eight
years, who being duly sworn on oath doth make
the following declaration in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress of 1852
allowing pensions to the widows of Revolutionary soldiers who were married after the year 1800. That she is the widow of
Nathaniel Jones of the State of South Carolina
who was a Private in the War of the
Revolution and who drew a Person for
such service, in his lifetime at the rate
fifty six Dollars eighty three cents per annum, at the South 
Carolina Agency, as evidenced by his certificate
number 23,481. recorded in the Pension 
office of the United State in Book E.
Vol. 6.  Page 70, as appears by said Certificate
now in her possession. That she
was married to the said Nathaniel Jones on
the fourth day of September 1828; that no
record exists of her said said marriage;
that the said Nathaniel Jones died on the
Sixth day of May 1846, and that she has remained
a widow ever since. 
Rebecca Jones   her X mark 
Sworn to & subscribed
in open Court before
Thomas W. Glover
31 Oct. 1853.
Page 7

And on the same day aforesaid before 
the Court aforesaid personally
appeared Oliver Mahaffey and Hiram
(illegible), who being duly sworn on oath
did declare that they were personally
present and witnessed the solemnization
of Matrimony between Rebecca Jones the
above declarant and her said Husband
Nathaniel Jones. That they were married
by Allen McCaskill Esquire who was a
Magistrate of the District and State aforesaid, at the residence of said Nathaniel
Jones in Kershaw District in said State
on or about the 4th day of September 1828. 
Oliver Mahaffey 
Hiram (illegible) 
Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court before. 
Thomas W. Glover 

And on the same day and year before the
Court aforesaid personally came Brian 
King and James Turner who on oath declare
that they were present and witnessed 
the death
of the above named Nathaniel Jones  That he
died in Kershaw District in the year 1846, and
that Rebecca Jones has remained his widow
and has not inter married with any one since. 
Brian King 
James Turner 
Sworn to and subscribed 
in open court before
Thomas W. Glover
Page 8

The State of South Carolina
Kershaw District
I M Nandin
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions
for the District and State aforesaid, (in which District
the Office of Clerk is Rept) do hereby certify that the 
Honorable Thomas W Glover whose signature in his
own hand writing is subscribed to the preceeding affidavits,
was at the date thereof one of the Law Judges, of the said 
State and in turn a presiding Judge of the Court aforesaid 
for the District aforesaid duly commissioned, and
qualified; and do further certify that the execution of
the preceeding affidavit was done in open Court
as within Stated. 
In Testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office at Camden this
12th day of November A.D. 1853
and in the 78th year of the Independence
of the United States of America. 
M Nandin
Page 9

28,680
Nathaniel Jones's
Declaration for
a Pension


Blair
Page 10

State of South Carolina
Kershaw District
On this Twenty ninth day of
October A.D. One thousand eight hundred &
thirty three, personally appeared in open Court
before the Honorable Richard Gantt, Presiding
Judge in the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting,
Nathaniel Jones a resident of Kershaw District and State aforesaid, aged Eighty years, who being first 
duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make
the following declaration, in order to obtain the benfit
of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers, and served as herein
stated. Enlisted under & by Capt. James McFarland
in South Carolina for six months, in a Troop of Cavalry,
the Major's name was Marberry; served out his
full term of six months & two weeks over. This was
at the commencement of the Revolutionary war; the
service performed in Georgia, and skirmished with
the Indians at Beard's Bluff upon the Altamaha
River. Lieutenants, in the Company were named
Williams and Dougherty; the names of the General
officers not recollected. 
2nd Tour, drafted or classed, & served in the militia of South Carolina under Capt. John Land, Lieut. 
Blake, & Ensign Ferguson. Served in this tour
four months.  had a skirmish with American
deserters near Purysburg [Purrysburg]. 
3d Tour  was under same officers, last above mentioned, and served same length of time four
months, was severely wounded in the left
Page 11

Shoulder, in an assauth made by the British
upon the lines at Charleston, in which Major
Huger was killed  does not recollect the year. 
4th Tour  Drafted at Rocky Mount So Ca. under
Capt Woodward; Lt. Col. Winn's Regt. of So.. Ca. militia,
served three weeks. Skirmished with Indians
and Tories, and repulsed them from their attack
on Lindsley's Fort, on Waters of Broad River.  
does not recollect particular dates, but was soon
after "the snowey Camps." 
5th Tour  was among the militia under Capt John
Watts.  served five days; had a skirmish with
Tories on Black Creek Chesterfield District, and
killed a good number of them. 
The deponent has no documentary evidence
of his services, except an affidavit, made by Isam
Powell, and presented to the Legislature of So Ca. for 
the purpose of obtaining a pension, which he hopes
to procure, and present herewith; He cannot, without
much inconvenience, and expense procure any person to personally appear in Court to testify of his
services. The Deponent was born in Wake County in
North Carolina, but does not remember in what year,
the record of his age; being in the possession of his
Brother residing in North Carolina; he is confi
dent however, that he is Eighty years old, or upwards. Was living in South Carolina when called
into service, and has continued to reside in said
State, in Kershaw District, since the Revolution. 
He never was a substitute, for any one, and was enlisted the first tour, and, drafted the 2d & 4th tours; 
and was a volunteer for the balance of the service. Does
not recollect the names of General officers; his memory
being very much impared, by infirmaty and old age. He
does not recollect to have received, any other than
Page 12

verbal discharges, nor did he understand that any
other was necessary, except when discharged from the first
tour of service, when it was proposed, if he would go down
to Head quarters at Fort Barrington, he might receive
a written discharge; but not deeming it of any importance
and being anxious to return home, he was unwilling to
travel sixty miles out of his way to obtain that paper.
The deponent is known in his present neighborhood
to Genl James Blair, Member of Congress, Col William Nixon L.
Young, R. G. Hunley, Allen McCaskill, Richard Hunley
Stinger Perkins Esquires. He hereby relinquishes
every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity, except
the present, and declares that his name is not on the
pension roll of the Agency of any State. 
Nathaniel Jones  his X mark 
Sworn to in open Court
before Richard Gantt 
Presiding Judge 

We, Thomas Berry, a Clergyman, and Lovick
Young Esquire, both residing in the District of Kershaw
aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
Nathaniel Jones, who has subscribed and sworn to
the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty
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. 
Thomas Berry, Clergyman 
L. Young 
Sworn to in open Court 
before Richard Gantt 
Presiding Judge 

And the said Court, do hereby declare 
their opinion, after the investigation of the matter,
and after putting the interrogatories prescribed, by the War
Page 14

The State of South Carolina
Kershaw District 
J M Nandin Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas and General Sessions in and for the District of
foresaid, do hereby certify that the fore J. P. Murchison Esq
before whom the preceeding application was was made (as
it appears by his name in his own hand Writing attesting the same
was at the date thereof a magistrate duly appointed & 
qualified and had signed the Roll kept in my office
according to Law   
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed my seal of office at
Camden the 27th April AD 1855. 
M Naudin   C. C. g. u. & G.L. 


124762
Page 16

November 6, 1935

Nathaniel Jones - W. 7918
BA-J/AWF

Miss Anne M. Mims
2161 Greene Street
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request information in regard to Nathaniel Jones,
soldier of the Revolutionary War and drew a pension
while living in Kershaw County, South Carolina.

The date furnished herein were obtained from 
the papers on file in pension claim, W. 7918, based
upon the service of Nathaniel Jones in the War of 
the Revolution.

He was born in Wake County, North Carolina,
date not given nor are the names of his parents
stated.

While residing in the State of South Carolina,
Nathaniel Jones enlisted, when about twenty-three
years of age, and served six months and two weeks
as private in Captain McFarland's company of cavalry
under Major Marberry, and was shot in the leg in an 
engagement with the Indians on the Altamaha River in 
Georgia.  He served four months in Captain John Land's
company, Colonel John Winn's South Carolina regiment,
was in a skirmish near Purisburg.  He served four months
as sergeant in Captain John Land's company, Colonel John
Winn's regiment, was wounded in the left shoulder at
Charleston; at this time Major Huger was killed.  He served
about three weeks in Captain Woodward's company, Colonel
Winn's regiment, was in a skirmish with Indians and 
Tories at Lindley's Fort, and served five days in Captain
Page 17

John Watts' company, was in a skirmish with Tories on
Black Creek.  There are no dates of service given.

The soldier, Nathaniel Jones, was allowed pension
on his application executed, October 29, 1833,
then aged about eighty years and living in Kershaw
District, South Carolina.  He died May 6, 1846.

Nathaniel Jones married September 4, 1828, Rebecca, 
her maiden name is not stated; they were married in Kershaw
District, South Carolina.

The widow, Rebecca Jones, was allowed pension on
her application executed, October 31, 1853, then aged
forty-eight years and living in Kershaw  District,
South Carolina, where she continued to live in 1868.

Reference was made in 1833 to the soldier's 
brother, then living in North Carolina, his name not
shown.

One N. W. Jones was a resident of Kershaw District,
South Carolina in 1866; it is not stated that he was 
related to the family.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 18

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7918
Rebecca Jones
Widow
Nathaniel Jones
Pri. Rev War
Act: Feb 3, 1853
Index: Vol. A, Page 377
[Arrangement of 1870.] 

1906 Jun 10  History to Mr. D.G. 
Thrp  Hon A.F. Lever [letter in 8 
/806 1. Jeremiah Jones] 
1915, Nov 17: history to Mrs
B.W. Hawks 
1925 Sept 4  Mr Dennis os Law Div: fur. data for Sen. Smills of N C. for cl. for pens of (illegible) of sol. 
1925 Sept 29  Hist. to Francis B. Culver 
1925 Sept 30  Hist to J. F. Jones 
1928 Oct 17  "   "  W. Roy Jones 
1935 Nov 6  hist to Miss Anna M. Mims 
1939 Apl 1  Anne M. Mims 
1940 June 24  hist to Harriett B. Sriffin  see her letter in James Barr S.1745
Page 19

3,026
South Carolina   C
Rebecca Jones
widow of Nathaniel
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a priv of Infy & Cavy. 
???cribed on the Roll at the rate of
56 Dollars 83
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the
26th day of November 185? 
and sent to 
J. B. Kershaw
Camden
S. Car. 
paid to Mch 4/61
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 143  Vol. A
Page 20

18/19  Oct 19  Letter to Mrs Myer for (illegible) if cut. 

3026. 
South Carolina 
Rebecca Jones 
widow of
Nathaniel Jones
Catharine Jones
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a prvt of Inf'y & Cav'y 
Washington City 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 56 dollars 83 
cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th Mch 1861.
Certificate of Pension issued
28th day of March 1867 
and sent to J B Kershaw 
Camden 
S. C. 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 344  Vol. H. 
J N Gantt  Clerk
Page 21

Pension Office
Nowler 21 / 53 
Sir  Please report time of
last payment to, or death
of, within named pensioner 
Respectfully & 
F. Burt Saud Esq   Present. 
B.J. Hood   for Commr 

Nathaniel Jones, Act
1832, $56.83 p. annum. 
Paid to 4th March 1846, 
no date of death on our
Books. 
Saml. S. Reind
Actg. Auditor.
Page 23

the Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City 
DC. 

(illegible scribble & notes)
Page 25

Washington  Decr 17. 1869 
35526
Sir
In reply to your commnication 
of Octr 19, 1869, stating that
Mrs Rebecca Jones had not returned
her Pension Certificate as stated
in her declaration for increase
of pension. I beg leave to enclose
affidavit of the loss of said paper, 
and most respectfully ask, that
notwithstanding the loss of said
paper, her pension may be
inceased. 
With great respect & c 
W.W. Boyce 
Hon 
H. Van Sernam 
Commissioner Pensions
Page 26

Washington  July 17. 1869
35526. 
Sir: 
I beg leave respectfully
to lay before you the application
of Mrs Rebecca Jones Widow
of Nathaniel Jones for increase
of pension. 
As Mrs Rebecca Jones
was admitted to (illegible) to
the pension rolls in 1867. I
have not thought it necessary
to introduce new evidence of
loyalty. 
I have felt warranted
in this (illegible) by anology
to the princples of evidence
laid down in the Act approved May
14th 1856, which renders
unnecessary in certain
cases cumulative evidence
Page 27

This lady is very old and
in great need. 
With great respect &c. 
W. W. Boyce
Hon
Commissioner Pensions
Page 28

Restoration   3,026   DC
Brief in the Case of Rebecca Jones, Widow of Nathaniel
Rev War.  Camden
Kershaw District County and State of So Carolina
2' (illegible)   Act Feb. 3. 1853.

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE.
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Rebecca Jones was inscribed on the Roll of So Carolina
at $56.83 per Annum & paid to March 4, 1861  
She makes application for restoration having returned
her old certificate & made the required proof of
loyalty. Continuance of widowhood. Oath &c  

Restored March 23. 1867 to a pension at $56.83.
per Annum commencing March 4 1861

Name and residence of Agent.
J. B. Kershaw
Camden S C

W. E Frank
Examining Clerk.
Page 29

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February
3, 1853,
Rebecca Jones
widow of Nathaniel Jones 
who was a private of Infy. & Cavy. in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of
Fifty six 
dollars and eighty three cents per annum, commencing on the
3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this twenty Sixth day of November
one thousand eight hundred and
fifty three.
R W Clellem 
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 30

Widowed
Page 31

Increase
Brief in the case of Rebecca Jones Widow W of Nathaniel
Priv of Infy & Cavy  Rev War.   Camden
Kershaw County and State of
So Carolina
Act 2 Sec Feb 3, 1853
Inc 13th Sec July 27, 1868
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF ExHIBITED,
A pensioner at $56.83 pr Ann on the roll of
S Carolina. She applies for increase
of pension under 13th Sec Act July 27, 1868 &
alleges loss of certificate.
Identity are continued widowhood thereon
Admitted Jany 15, 1870 to pension at $96.00
pr ann to commence July 27, 1868, deducting
paymt Since.
W. E. Trask
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent.
Claimant
Care Gen J.B. Kershaw
Camden
So Carolina
Page 32

Brief in the case of Rebecca Jones widow of Nathaniel
Kershaw dis. xxxxx and State of South Carolina
act of February 3 1853
Claim, ("original," or " for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private of In. & Cav. in S Car line
15 mos, 10 days
A pensioner of the U.S. under act of June 7, 1832
is paid to the 4th the of March 1846 & paid
on the 6th of May 1846

Allowed $56.83 to com Feb 3, 1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by Oliver Mahaffey and
Hiram Wheat residents of said County &
certified to be credible   
Death and widowhood & identity proved by
credible witnesses  

Name and residence of Agent
J. B. Kershaw
Camden
S. Ca.

Examining Clerk.
J L Gray
Page 33

(stamped, Department of the (illegible)  Pension Office  Jan 5 1870)
Page 34

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington, D.C. (date illegible, 1869.
Sir:
In case of Rebecca Jones you will
give name and service of the soldier,
No. of Pension Certificate and name of
Agency at which payable.
Yours & c
(illegible) Wicks
act for Commr.

W. W. Royce Esq.
Present

In reply to above  Jany 4 1870.

Rebecca Jones Widow of Nathaniel Jones
(illegible) no 3026. Payable at the Agency
in Washington City D.C
Respectfully
W.W. Boyce
Page 35

State of South Carolina   SS
Kershaw District
On this Twenty third day of November AD
one thousand eight hundred and sixty six personally
appeared before me William Clyburn, Clerk
of the court of Common Pleas and general
Sessions in and for the District and State aforesaid 
the same being a Court of Record, Rebecca
Jones a Resident of Kershaw District in said State
who being duly sworn according to law declares
that she is the identical Rebecca Jones who was 
a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Charleston
in said state and whose pension certificate is
herewith returned; That she has resided since
the first day of January A.D. 1861, in Kershaw District 
in said state and during that period her
means of subsistence have been such as she could
make by farming by her own labor and such as
she could hire, and that she has not borne arms
against the government of the United States, and
has not in any manner encouraged the rebels, or
manifested a sympathy with their cause, and
that she was last paid her pension on the fourth
day of March A.D. 1860. This application is made
for the purpose of procuring a restoration of her
name to the pension roll and of obtaining a
new pension certificate, such as she may be entitled
to under existing laws, reference being made to
the evidence heretofore filed in the pension office to
substantiate her original claim. And I hereby appoint J R Kershaw of Camden in said State (illegible)
attorney to present this my application, and to
perform all that is necessary therein as well as to
receive my certificate when issued.
Rebecca Jones  her X mark
Witness, A.L. McDonald
N. W. Jones

Also personally appeared A.L. McDonald
and N. W. Jones
Residents of the District and State
aforesaid, persons whom I certify to be respectable
and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly
sworn say that they were present and saw Rebecca
Jones make her mark to the foregoing declaration
and they further swear that they
have every reason
to believe from the appearance of the applicant
and their acquaintance with her that she is the
identical person whom she represents her to be.
that the said Rebecca Jones has not intermarried but remains the widow of Nathaniel
Page 36

Jones deceased. They further swear that they
have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
A L McDonald
N. W. Jones
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty third day of November A.D. 1866, the content
of the above declaration and affidavit has
been first made known by me to the party's
and witnesses before signing; and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect
in the prosecution of this claim.
W. Clyburn, Clerk
Ct. Com. pleas, for
Kershaw District

I do solemnly swear in the presence of almighty
God that I will henceforth faithfully support
protect and defend the constitution of the United 
States and the union of the states thereunder
and that I will in like manner abide by and
faithfully support all laws and proclamations
which have been made during the late rebellion
with reference to the emancipation of slaves
So help me God. 
Rebecca Jones  her X mark
Witness, A. L. McDonald

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d
day of November A.D. 1866. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of our said Court at Camden in the District
and State aforesaid,, the day and year above
written 
W. Clyburn, Clerk
Ct. Com. pleas for
Kershaw District
Page 37

83

Petition of N.
Jones praying to
be placed on
the pension list.

(math figures)

check Pensions

M C Willie
Page 38

South Carolina
Kershaw District
Personally appeared
Isham Powell before
me who being duly sworn says that
to his personal knowledge Nathaniel
Jones was in actual service in time of
the revolutionary war in behalf of america  
that he (illegible) of his being in the service under
General Winn also Major brown on Rocky
mount   again he knows that he returned
from the fall of Charleston wounded in the
shoulder   also he knew of his being under 
the charge of Capt John Land, who was a
capt in the American services
Isham Powell
Sworn to before me
this 24th November 1831
Jno. Danzey  J.P.

South Carolina
Kershaw District
Personally appeared
Nathaniel Jones before me
who being duly sworn says that he was in
the war. The militia service with General Winn
in the revolution and Major
Brown in the charge of Capt land who was a
militia capt under under the  under under the charge of col. Winn
about three months   also that he was in the of Charleston and got shot in the Shoulder   also
he states of several other engagements he
was in but cannot assertain the necessary
witnesses to prove the facts   also he states
he states he served a lower as a regular
in the State of Georgia.
Nathaniel Jones  his X mark
Sworn to before me
this 24th November 1831
Jno. Danzy  J.P.
Page 39

State of South Carolina   Kershaw District
I Joseph Michle one of the Justices of
the Peace and Quorum for Kershaw District
do certify that I have been acquainted with
Isham Powell whose affidavit is within contained for the last thirty years and that the
said Isham Powell is entitled to credit and I
would place full faith and credit in what he
has sworn to or would swear to.
7th Decr 1832
Jos Mickle
J. P.
for K Dt

I am personally acquainted with Isham
Powell & Joseph Mickle & know them to be
persons of credibility, and the above to be their
Signatures. I also know Nathaniel Jones &
believe his declaration, to be substantially true.
I know, likewise, that Jos. Mickle, & John
Danzy are magistrates, and that the above are
their official signatures.  xxxxx xxxxxx
I also state that, at the request of the applicant Nathaniel
Jones, I have written my part of the country
enquiring for his old camp associates & found that
they were dead or had left the country. I do not
believe he can make better proof of his Services
than he has done. by the affidavit of Powell
& his own declarations, all which I believe to be true,
from what I know of his character, having lived in
his neighbourhood many years.
James Blain.
Ho: of Reps.

Oath of Nathaniel
Jones and Isham
Powell
Page 41

at which latter place he received a wound
in his shoulder which now at times is
so painful as almost to prevent him turning
his body.  he also previous to that
had received a shot is his leg while
under the command of Capt. McFarland
at Fort Barrinton near Altamahaw
in Georgia while fighting against
the Indians, as an evidence of which
a large shot can now be palpably felt
in his leg, having never been extracted, 
which also adds to his pains and decrepitude,
Your Petitioner was
also afterward under the command
of Capt John Watts for a considerable
time during which time they (illegible)
and killed great numbers of Force,
on Black Creek Chesterfield Dist. So. Car. 
Your Petitioner would also state that
his property what little he has consist
of a small tract of sand hill land
to him atogether unavailable even if he
could labor, and a small mill
which formerly made him
Page 43

(stamped, Department of thr Interior  Pension Office  Feb 17 1869)
Page 45

In Matter of
Mrs Rebecca Jones'
Application for
Increase of Pension
Affidavit of loss
Pension Certificate.
Page 46

District of Columbia
County of Washington  SS
Before me
personally appeared William W. Boyce, who being
duly sworn, says on oath that he had in
his possession the Pension
Certificate of Mrs
Rebecca Jones of Kershaw County State of
South Carolina, at the time he forwarded
to the
Pension Office her application for
increase of pension now pending in said
office.  that he intended to enclose said
pension certificate with her said appli
cation, and supposed that he had done
so until receiving a communication from
the Hon the Commissioner of Pensions of
date of Octr 19th 1869 stating that Mrs
Rebecca
Jones had not returned her
pension certificate.  that since receiving
said
communication deponent has twice
made
diligent search among his papers
for said pension certificate, but cannot
find the same. Deponent therefore states
that said pension certificate has been lost
while in his possession or mislaid so that
he cannot produce it.
W.W. Boyce
Sworn to this 17th day of December 1869.
Edm. F. Brown,  Notary Public
Page 47

(stamped, Department of the Interior  Pension Office  Feb 17 1869)
Page 48

State of South Carolina
County of Kershaw   S.S.
On this Thirteenth 13th day of
October AD. 1868, personally appeared
before me W. Clyburn Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid   
Rebecca Jones a resident of the
County and State aforesaid, aged Sixty three
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 provision made by the
thirteenth section of the act of Congress entitled, "An
Act relating to pensions," approved July 27th
1868, by which said thirteenth section it is
enaced that the third section of an act entitled
"An act increasing the pensions of widows
and orphans, and for other purposes," approved
July 25th 1866, shall be so construed as to place
all pensioners whose rights thereto accrued
subsequently to the war of the Revolution, and
prior to the fourth day of March eighteen
hundred and sixty one, on the same fooling as
to rate of pension, from and after the
passage of said act, as those who have
been pensioned under acts passed since
said fourth day of March eighteen hundred
and sixty one; and the widows of revolu
bonary soldiers and sailors now receiving
Page 49

a less sum shall hereafter be paid at the rate
of eight dollars per month."  
that she the said Rebecca Jones
is the widow of Nathaniel Jones who was a
private of Infantry and Cavalry in the Revolutionary war, and that by reason thereof, she
was and is granted a pension at the rate of
Fifty six dollars and eighty three cents per annum, commencing on the fourth of March 1861,
and continuing for life unless the should again
marry, which fully appears by her Restoration
Certificate of Pension herewith returned, numbered 3,026 dated March 28th 1867. and signed
by W.J. Otto Acting Secretary of the Inteior, and
and examined and countersigned by Joseph
H. Barrett Commissioner of Pensions.
She further declares that she
has not remarried since the death of her
said husband.
Rebecca Jones  her X mark
Her post office address
is as follows:
as follows:
Mrs Rebecca Jones
Care of Genl J.B. Kershaw, Camden South Carolina

Also personally appeared
John Webb
and A. L. McDonald
residents of said County of Kershaw and
State aforesaid, persons whom I certify to
be respectable and entitled to credit, and
who being by me duly sworn, say that
Page 51

Rev, Sec,  FDL
Nov. 8, 1915
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen
Will you kindly send
me the Revolutionary
records of Francis Jones,
of Halifax and Wake Counties,
N.C., of Nathaniel Jones,
known as Nathaniel Jones
of Crabtree, of Wake
County, and of Nathaniel
Jones, know as Nathaniel
Page 52

Jones of White Plains, also
residing in Wake County.
Gratefully yours,
Evelyn J. Hawks

Mrs B. W. Hawks
105 Dorchester Rd.
Baltimore, Md.
Page 53

(stamped, Received Feb 20 1939  Mail Sub Div  Vets Adm Reader # 17)
Page 55

2161 Greene Street
Augusta, Georgia
Oct. 28, 1935

Dept of Interior
Washington D.C.
Will you please give me
all information available on
Nathaniel (Nathan) Jones who was
a Rev. Soldier and drew a pension
while living in Kershaw County S.C.
in 1840?
May I have a prompt and
favorable reply.
Thanks
(Miss) Anne M. Mims.
Page 56

121 Forest Ct.
Louisville Ky.
12, 31 - 27

Department of Interior
Washington D.C.
Gentleman,
Will you please send me all
information you have concerning
Nathaniel Jones A Private in Infantry and
Cavalry in the Revelationary war  
I have an old pension paper made
to his Widow Rebecca Jones dated March 28
1867. This record if found in the pension office
on pension hall under acts February 3rd 1853
page 344 Volume H.
This was a "Restoration pension" No 3026
payable at Washington City by Robert Clark Esq.
They were my Great Grand Parents
Resp. Yours
Rev. W Roy Jones
12 Forest Ct.
Louisville Ky.
Page 57

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
ORGANIZED APRIL 30, 1889
PRESIDENT GENERAL
HARVEY F. REMINGTON
WILDER BLDG., ROCHESTER, N.Y.
VICE-PRESIDENTS GENERAL
BURTON H. WIGGIN, LOWELL, MASS.
JOSIAH A. VAN ORSDEL, WASHINGTON, D. C.
FRED W. MILLSPAUGH, NASHVILLE, TENN.
LOUIS A. BOWMAN, CHICAGO, ILL.
CHARLES P. SCHOUTEN, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
JAMES M. BRECKENRIDGE, ST. LOUIS, MO.
GEORGE ALBERT SMITH, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
INCORPORATED BY ACT OF CONGRESS JUNE 9, 1906
OFFICE OF REGISTRAR GENERAL
14 EAST 22ND STREET
REGISTRAR GENERAL
BALTIMORE, MD. Aug. 1925
SECRETARY GENERAL, FRANK B. STEELE
183 ST. JAMES PL. BUFFALO, N.Y
JOHN F. JONES COLUMBIA, S. C.

1 Aug. 1925
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:  Please furnish Revolutionary War record, etc.,
of one Nathaniel Jones, private in N.C., or S.C. troops.
It is understood that a pension certificate was
issued to the widow of said soldier; viz, Rebecca W. (Jones)
on 28 Mch. 1867, and (increase ) on 19 Jany 1870, under
Certif. No. 3026.
Yours truy,
Francis B. Culver
R.G

FRANCIS B. CULVER, BALTIMORE, MD.
TREASURER GENERAL
GEORGE MCK. ROBERTS, NEW YORK, N. Y.
HISTORIAN GENERAL
HENRY A. WILLIAMS, COLUMBUS, OHIO
CHAPLAIN GENERAL
REV. FRANK A. SMITH, ELIZABETH, N. J.
CHANCELLOR GENERAL.
GEORGE C. H. KERNION, NEW ORLEANS, LA.
GENEALOGIST GENERAL
S
Page 58

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
ORGANIZED APRIL 30, 1889.
PRESIDENT
JOHN F. JONES
VICE-PRESIDENTS
THOS. K. JOHNSTONE
B. A. HAGOOD
W. A. CLARK
SECRETARY
O. FRANK HART
REGISTRAR
HARRY CANTEY
TREASURER
JOHN W. BELL
HISITORIAN
ALEX S. BALLEY
CHAPLAIN
REV. G. CROFT WILLIAMS
INCORPORATED BY ACT OF CONGRESS, JUNE 9, 1906
The Sth Carlina Surity
ORGANIZED MARCH 30, 1925
July 31
BOARD OF MANAGERS
W. B. MOORE
ARTHUR KIBLER
R. C. WATTS
W. S. NELSON
IREDELL JONES
L. G. YOUNG
W. P. CONYERS
T. B. BUTLER
J. NELSON FRIERSON
THOS. H. GOSSETT
THOS. J. MAULDIN
W. F. STEVENSON
E. W. ROBERTSON
JAS. B. MURPHY
R. CHARLTON WRIGHT

July 31
To the Com of Pensions,
We recently had application for membership
from Nathaniel W. Jones, born in Kershaw
Co. S.C. in (illegible) 1844, son of Nathaniel (and
Rebecca Jones) who enlisted from Wake Co
N.C. and served as a soldier but later as
a Cavalry man.   during the war as (illegible)
at intervals.
He died in 1845, (illegble) was granted
a pension, which was renewed after the
confederate war, date of original not known, on the 28th of Mar. 1867, No 3026, 
on the 19th of Jany 1870,   "      "     the
allowance was honored, as appear from
papers from the Pension office, in hands of the said N. W. Jones.
The National Soc., D.A.R. Officer
to whom the application was referred
say "In view of the prominance attached
to the case, by reason of Mr Jones being
a "son" of the Revolution. they would
especially like to (illegible) such other data
as was possible" and ask me to see what
Page 59

can be secured from the Pension Office
Records.
Presumably from above you can refer to
the orig grant and if you will be
so kind as to have a copy made of
all the facts available and forward
to me. I will be pleased to remit
what ever charges attach and
greatly obliged.
Yours truly 
J. F. Jones
Collector of Int Riv.
Columbia S.C.
Page 60

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,

In reply to your request of
a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Jones
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
formation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.   W. 7918.

DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Beginning of War
plus 1779
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
6 Mos. 2 wks
4 Mos.
4 mos.
3 wks
5 days
RANK.
Pvt
Sgt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
James McFarland
John Land
John Land
Woodward
John Watts
COLONEL.
Major Marberry
John Winn
JohnWinn
Winn
STATE.
S. C.

Battles engaged in, Charleston where wounded in left shoulder. Fort Barrington where wounded in leg.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, South Carolina
Date of application for pension, Oct 29. 1833. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Kershaw Dist. S.C.
Age at date of application, 80 years, born in Wake Co., N.C.
Remarks:  he Married Sept 4, 1828 Rebecca___,  he died May 6 1846
and she allowed pension on an ap ex. Oct 31 1853 while a resident
of Kershaw Dist. aged 48 years.
(illegible) of 1868
Respectfully, (blank)

plus Major Huger Killed in 1779.

Commissioner.
Page 61

June 24, 1940

BA-J/AWF
James Bass - S. 1745
Nathaniel Jones - S. 7918

Miss Harriett S. Griffin
Longwood
Huntsville, Alabama

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of James Bass,
born in 1761 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and of 
Nathaniel Jones of Wake County, North Carolina.

You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary
War records of James Bass of Virginia, and Nathaniel
Jones of North Carolina.  These are the records of 
the only James Bass and Nathaniel Jones found on file
in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

[note]  see her letter in
James Bass - S 1745
Page 62

April 1, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Nathaniel Jones
W. 7918

Miss Anna M. Mims
2161 Green Street
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of Nathan
Jones of Kershaw County, South Carolina.

The Revolutionary War records of this office
have been searched and no claim for pension or 
bounty land found based upon service of "Nathan"
Jones of Kershaw District (County), South Carolina.

You were furnished November 6, 1935, the 
Revolutionary War record of Nathaniel Jones, pension
claim, W. 7918, who was pensioned in 1833 while a 
resident of Kershaw District, South Carolina, and 
whose widow, Rebecca Jones, was pensioned while a 
resident of said Kershaw District.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 63

June 24, 1940


BA-J/AWF
Nathaniel Jones
W. 7918

Miss Harriett B. Griffin
Longwood
Huntsville, Alabama

Dear Madam:

The date furnished herein were obtained from 
claims for pension and bounty land on file under
W. 7918, based upon service of Nathaniel Jones, in 
the Revolutionary War.

Nathaniel Jones was born in Wake County, North 
Carolina, date not stated, nor were the names of his
parents given.

While residing in South Carolina, Nathaniel
Jones enlisted, when about twenty-three years of age,
served six months and two weeks, as a private in Captain
McFarland's company of cavalry under Major Marberry,
and was shot in the leg in an engagement with 
the Indians on the Altamaha River in Georgia.
He served four months in Captain John Land's company, 
Colonel John Winn's South Carolina regiment, was in a
skirmish near Purisburg.  He served four months as 
sergeant in Captain John Land's company, Colonel John
Winn's regiment, was wounded in the left shoulder at 
Charleston; Major Huger was killed at this time.  He
served about three weeks in Captain Woodward's company, 
Colonel Winn's regiment, was in a skirmish with Indians
and Tories at Lindley's Fort, and served five days in 
Captain John Watts' company, and was in a skirmish with 
Tories on Black Creek.  There are no dates of service 
given.

Nathaniel Jones was allowed pension on his application
Page 64

June 24, 1940


BA-J/AWF
Nathaniel Jones
W. 7918

Miss Harriett B. Griffin
Long wood
Huntsville, Alabama

Dear Madam:

The date furnished herein were obtained from
claims for a pension and bounty land on file under
W. 7918, based upon service of Nathaniel Jones in 
the Revolutionary War.
Page 66

3-

furnish the following data:

Rebecca Jones, widow of Nathaniel Jones
Certificate #3026
Issued January 19, 1870
Rate $96.00 per annum
Commenced July 27, 1868
Act of February 3, 1853
South Carolina Agency.

If you desire information relative to the 
location of the bounty land referred to herein, it is
suggested that you apply to the Commissioner of the 
General Land Office, Interior Department, this city,
and cite the following data:

Warrant #26447-160 acres - Act of 1855.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 69

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

September 30, 1925.

J. F. Jones,
Collector of Internal Revenue,
Columbia, S. C.

Sir:

I have to advise you from the papers in the 
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7918, it 
appears that Nathaniel Jones was born in Wake County,
North Carolina, date not stated.

He enlisted and served in the South Carolina
Troops, as follows - 

In the beginning of the War, six months and two
weeks as private in Captain James McFarland's Company,
under Major Marberry, was in the battle at Fort
Barrington, where wounded in the left leg.

After this, four months in Captain John Land's 
Company, Colonel John Winn's Regiment, no dates given.

In 1779, four months as Sergeant in Captain John
Land's Company, Colonel John Winn's Regiment, and was 
wounded in the left shoulder at Charleston.

Later three weeks in Captain Woodward's Company,
Page 70

Colonel Winn's Regiment, and again five days in Captain
John Watts' Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
October 29, 1833, while a resident of Kershaw
District, South Carolina, aged eighty years, and he
died there May 6, 1846.

Soldier married September 4, 1828, Rebecca (her
maiden name is not stated).  She was allowed pension
on her application executed October 31, 1853, while
a resident of Kershaw District, South Carolina, aged
forty-eight years.

In 1866, one N. W. Jones, a resident of 
Kershaw District, South Carolina, testified in said
claim, but did not state any relationship.

Respectfully,

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

[note added at the bottom of page]
This paragraph only for his letter
ok'd by Miss Wilson
Page 71

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

September 29, 1925.

Francis B. Culver
14 East 22d St.
Baltimore, Md.

Sir:

I have to advise you from the papers in the 
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7918, it 
appears that Nathaniel Jones was born in Wake County,
North Carolina, date not stated.

He enlisted and served in the South Carolina
Troops as follows -

In the beginning of the War, six months and two
weeks as private in Captain James McFarland's Company,
under Major Marberry, was in the battle of Fort
Barrington, where wounded in the leg.

After this he served four months in Captain John
Land's Company, Colonel John Winn's Regiment, and was
wounded in the left shoulder at Charleston.  

Later three weeks in Captain Woodward's Company,
Page 72

Colonel Winn's Regiment and again five days in Captain
John Watts' Company.

He was allowed pension on his application 
executed October 29, 1833, while a resident of Kershaw
District, South Carolina, aged eighty years, and he
died there May 6, 1846.

Soldier married September 4, 1828, Rebecca (her
maiden name is not stated).  She was allowed pension
on her application executed October 31, 1853, while
a resident of Kershaw District, South Carolina, aged
forty-eight years.

There is no data on file relative to children.

Respectfully,


E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 73

September 5, 1925.

Honorable E. D. Smith
United States Senator
Lynchburg, South Carolina.

My dear Senator:

In reply to your letter of the 1st instant, enclosing 
two newspaper clipping in regard to Nathaniel
William Jones, who claims that his own father served
in the War of the Revolution, I have to advise you 
that the records of this Bureau, W. 7918, contain much
that seems to corroborate the newspaper statements in 
regard to the service of Nathaniel Jones in the War of 
the Revolution.
These records show that Nathaniel Jones 
was born in 
Wake County, North Carolina, and he was allowed a 
pension on account of his service in the South Carolina
troops.  His application was executed Oct. 29, 1833,
while a resident of Kershaw District, South Carolina,
and he died there May 6, 1846.  The records show that
he married Rebecca (surname not stated) on Sept. 4,
1828, in Kershaw District, South Carolina.
Pension was allowed also to the widow on her 
application executed Oct. 31, 1853, while she was living in 
Kershaw District, South Carolina.  It is shown that 
she was still living in 1868.  
These records, however, do not make any reference
to Nathaniel William Jones who is referred to in those
Newspaper articles, and do not furnish any information
whatever as to whether or not he is the son of Nathaniel 
and Rebecca Wheat Jones, as claimed.
These newspaper articles indicate that Nathaniel
William Jones appears to have been born in Kershaw County, 
South Carolina, on Dec. 14, 1844, and that he rendered
service in the Confederate army during the Civil War.
In reply to your direct question, i have to advise
you that there is no law under which a pension can be 
granted to the son of a soldier who actually served in 
the war of the Revolution, based on his father's service;
Page 74

neither is there any law of the United States under
which a pension can be granted to a man because of 
his service in the Confederate army during the Civil
War.  Certain States have enacted laws providing for 
the allowance of pension on account of such service
in the Confederate army.
The newspaper clippings which you enclosed are 
returned herewith as requested.

A copy of this letter is enclosed.

Very truly yours,


WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

TFD-maf

-2-

[note added at the bottom of page]
For file in Rev. War Pen - cl.
W. 7918 - by Mr. Dennis
Page 75

[top left edge of paper torn]
and 1812
Section.

September 4, 1925

Re  From the papers in the Revolutionary war
pension claim, W. 7918, it appears that Nathaniel
Jones was born in Wake County, North Carolina, date
not given.

He was allowed pension for his services in the 
South Carolina Troops, on his application executed
October 29, 1833, while a resident of Kershaw
District, South Carolina, aged eighty years, and he 
died there May 6, 1858.

Soldier married September 4, 1828 in Kershaw
District, South Carolina, Rebecca (her maiden name 
is not stated).  She was allowed pension on her
application executed October 31, 1853, while living
in Kershaw District, South Carolina, aged forty-
eight years.  She was alive in 1868.

[note added at the bottom of the page]
The above information furnished 
Mr. Dennis of the Law Division
for reply to Senator Smith of South
Carolina - for pen claim of alleged
son (Nathaniel W. Jones) of soldier - 
Letter returned to Mr. Dennis
AWS
Page 76

Rev  No 28.680
Nat. Jones,
Pvt  33


Adm C
6. 14  Pri Cav'y  (illegible)
8. 26    "  Infy      29.88
                           56.83


Hon. James Blair
H R
Page 77

3 

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated 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 propound 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 was it given, and what has become of it? 
    To an Officer, Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it 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 the 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 opinion 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 applicant cannot, 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 Secretary 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 a 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 effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his 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 reason 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 appears 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 recollection, 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 such 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 stated that they served two years in the militia ,&c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officer, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. 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; that the applicant served 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 makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[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 device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of once, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the office character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany 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 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 pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. 
[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. 
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the case of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If 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.

[note added at the bottom of page]
name not on the roll - proof of service [illegible]