Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,390, for John Mayrant, South Carolina

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE | NUMBER
Navy | Mayrant, John | S. 32,390
S.C. Sea Service

CONTENTS

[STAMP]
This Envelope Includes 
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 2

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

Lt.-Secry of War Decr 26 1
Lt. Hon O R Lean's 4 Feb 1
_____
[illegible] Tea - June 11th 1836
_____
Transfd to Mobile from 
Sept 1835 - June 23rd 1836
_____
Let to J.N. Mayrant June 30 45
Paper copies for W. G. Snethan Dec. 2d. 
1845
Papers copies and copies handed 
to Luke Leas present 
April 8, 1850.

[Right panel]

12291 12,291
xMobile Ala
x [struck out: South Carolina]

John Mayrant Senr.
of Fairfield in the State of S. Car.
who was a Lieut Navy [struck out: in the commanded]
[struck out: by Captain] Frig [struck out: of the] Alliance commanded 
by Comm. Gillon in the S. Car 
[struck out: line for] Navy - 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina 
at the rate of 360 Dollars -- Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of April 
1833 and Sent to W. G. 
DeSaussure, Columbia - S.C.

Arrears to the 4th day of March 1833 720.
Semi anl. allowance ending 4 Sept [illegible] 180.
$900.
====

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 6, Page 74

Page 3

South Carolina } 
Fairfield District } In the Court of Equity

On this fourteenth day of July in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally 
appeared in open Court before the Honorable Henry Wm. DeSaussure 
one the Chancellors of the said State in the Court of Equity 
now sitting, Captain John Mayrant Senior a resident of 
the High Hills of Sumter in the District of Sumter and 
State aforesaid, who will during this month attain the age 
of seventy years, and who being duly sworn according to law 
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to 
obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832; 
That he the said John Mayrant Senior was born in the 
year seventeen hundred and sixty two (1762) in the parish 
of St. James Santee, Charleston District; That after the 
death of his parents, he removed to Charleston where he was 
raised by his aunt Mrs Judith Pringle the mother of the former 
Attorney General of South Carolina, John Julius Pringle, 
now alive and residing in Charleston, in whose possession 
deponent believes that the family Bible contains the record 
of his age now is to be found.  That the deponent is the 
brother of William Mayrant member of Congress from South 
Carolina in 1816, who died during the present year. 
That the deponent resided in Charleston till 1778, when 
at the age of about sixteen he entered the naval service 
of South Carolina.  That in the winter 1777, 1778 the 
Legislature of South Carolina passed an act to raise a naval 
force, and appointed Alexander Gillon Commodore and 
three Port Captains William Robertson, John Joyner and 
John McQueen, who were directed to go to France and 
build or buy three frigates and man and equip them; 
That Commodore Gillon was to command the whole 
with power to appoint his officers.  That the deponent 
procured from Commodore Gillon the appointment of 
midshipman through the intervention of his friends 
Thomas Lynch, Elias Horry and William Bull Junior, the 
nephew of the Lieut. Governor Wm. Bull who took the side 
of the British when the Revolution broke out.  This was about 
the month of May 1778, and in August following the

Page 4

deponent sailed with Commodore Gillon for Havanna in the 
sloop Tartar 14 guns which had been purchased by the Commodore 
for the State.  At the Havanna they separated; that deponent 
was sent with Capt. Robertson to France in the French letter of 
Marque the Gustavas, and landed at Nantes.  That Commodore 
Gillon went in a Spanish packet to Spain, and came over 
land to Nantes.  The the Indigo shipped by the State of 
South Carolina to Commodore Gillon as a remittance was for 
the most part captured, and he had to delay fitting out 
his force, until he could negotiate a loan in France.  That 
at this time deponent learnt that Commodore Paul Jones 
was at L'Orient preparing an armament for sea; and 
that the deponent got permission of Commodore Gillon to 
seek service in his squadron.  That accordingly deponent 
set out for L'Orient, and aided by a letter of introduction from 
[struck out: Comm] Dr. Franklin which Commodore Gillon procured for him 
he succeeded in his object.  That Commodore Jones received 
him kindly, and appointed him midshipman & aid. 
This was in June 1779. That they sailed in July or about 
1 August as well as deponent remembers, the following vessels 
composing the squadron The Bon homme Richard, Commodore 
Jones, 44, Frigate Alliance 36 Capt Landais, Pallat 26 
Capt Cuttino, Vengeance Brig 16 guns, Capt Ricault. That 
they sailed up the British Channel and back, went through 
the Irish Channel, passed between Scotland and Ireland 
and went round Scotland into the German Ocean. That 
they would have laid Seith under contribution, but were 
driven off by a gale.  That in a few days afterwards [struck out: the]
Paul Jones fought his battle with the Serapis & Countess 
Scarborough, the particulars of which are matter of history 
& will not be repeated here.  That in boarding the Serapis 
the deponent (who closely followed Lieut. Dale) received 
a pike wound between the knee and ankle, which passed 
entirely through his leg, and after the fight was over gave 
him great pain, and he was unable to put his foot to the 
ground for three months.  That the prizes were carried into the 
Texel, where soon after their arrival, the deponent received orders 
from Commodore Gillon to join him at Amsterdam, where

Page 5

he was fitting out the Frigate South Carolina, which he  
had purchased.  That deponent joined him immediately 
(in October or November 1779) and Commodore Gillon was 
pleased & promote him to a Lieutenancy, and deponent 
was commissioned accordingly.  That the Commodore put to 
sea in the South Carolina, sailed into the German Ocean, 
round Scotland, thence to Spain, went into Corinna, thence 
to Teneriffe, thence to Charleston, off which they cruised, it being 
in possession of the English.  Sailed thence to the West Indies 
captured five Jamaica ships in the Gulph [Gulf] and carried them to 
Havannah, conveyed the Governor of Havannah with 70 
transports to the Bahamas, which they took.  Thence they 
sailed to Philadelphia, refitted there and Commodore 
Gillon dropped down to New Castle.  That at this time it was 
expected daily that Charleston would be evacuated by the 
British, and Commodore Gillon sent deponent and 
Capt. Kaltersen to Philadelphia supplied with money to 
buy a carriage & horses and proceed to Charleston, and if 
evacuated, to open a rendevous [rendezvous] for Maries and seaman 
of whom he wanted about too.  That they reached Charles
ton soon after the evacuation.  That shortly after their 
arrival they learnt that the Frigate South Carolina in 
attempting to get to sea had been captured by three 
British frigates, and the deponent states that his com
mission and papers and all that he owned were taken 
in her, and lost to him forever.  That the deponent 
was then ordered by Commodore Gillon to remain in Charles
ton, and by his direction and that of Governor Guerard 
to receive prisoners, make exchanges &c.  That he continued 
there under the order of Commodore Gillon untill [until] the 
peace in 1783, where by an act of the Legislature of South 
Carolina the naval force was discharged.  That the 
act which discharged them allowed the officers of the 
Frigate South Carolina a twelve months pay, which the 
deponent received, that is to say, he received an indent, 
which he was obliged to sell at what it would bring. It 
brought at the rate of ten pounds for every hundred.

Page 6

that when discharged after the peace of 1783 the 
deponent was a commissioned 3d. Lieutenant of the 
Frigate South Carolina; that his regular pay as such 
was twelve pounds sterling (£12) a month, exclusive 
of rations.  That in the Fall after the deponent 
married, and removed to the High Hills of Santee 
where he has ever since resided.  That he has never 
applied for, or received a pension from this State or 
the United States heretofore.  That of his brother 
officers and even of the crew of the Frigate South Carolina 
not a human being but himself survives to the knowledge 
of the deponent.  That his friends and neighbours [neighbors] the late 
Genl Sumter and Judge Waties (who served with Marion) are 
gone.  That Mr. Thomas Sumter late minister of the 
United States to the Court at Rio, who is his very near 
neighbour [neighbor], can certify to his character and standing, 
and that he has always enjoyed the reputation in his 
neighbourhood [neighborhood] and throughout the State of having served 
as a Lieutenant under Commodore Gillon in the Frigate 
South Carolina, and of having fought under Paul Jones 
the battle of the Bon homme Richard. The same facts 
can be certified by Capt. Reuben Long his neighbour [neighbor], who 
now receives a pension from the U. States for services as Lieu
tenant in the Virginia Line under Genl. Green.  So also 
the Honorable Warner R Dain & the Honorable Senator Miller 
members of Congress.  It must be known also to these latter 
gentlemen that when certain persons presented claims 
to the Legislature of South Carolina for the arrears of pay 
of part of the crew of the Frigate South Carolina,  
claiming under powers of Attorney which were not 
believed to be genuine, the deponent was summoned 
as a witness by the State, and that partly in conse
quence of the testimony furnished by him these claims 
were rejected.  That deponent having omitted to 
state above who were the officers on board the South 
Carolina when she left Amsterdam now adds that 
Commodore Gillon was Commander, Peter Auriel was 
first Lieutenant, Nichola Bartlett 2d Lieutenant 

[Written vertically left margin]
Henry W. DeSaussure 19th July 1832.

Page 7

and Powers 3d. Lieut.  That deponent remained 
at Amsterdam about 18 months, and that depo
nent was promoted to the Lieutenancy in about 
three months before they sailed.  That when the 
Frigate was at Philadelphia just before her capture 
Thomas White was 1st Lieut in place of Peter Auriel 
who had been cashiered for holding a correspondence 
with Sir Joseph York the British Ambassador at the 
Hague, 2 Lieut Nathaniel Marston in place of 
Barlett, who had resigned and left the ship at 
Corinna.  This deponent was the 3d. Lieut, Thos. 
Fitzgerald was the fourth and Robert Crain the 5th.

That the deponent hereby relinquishes all 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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John Mayrant 

I Henry William DeSaussure Presiding Chancellor in the 
Court of Equity now sitting at Winnsborough for the 
District of Fairfield in the State of South Carolina do 
hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the 
matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by 
the War Department that the above named applicant 
John Mayrant was engaged in the service of the State of 
South Carolina as an officer on board of the Frigate South 
Carolina during the Revolutionary War, and served as 
he states both on board that Frigate, and in the Bon 
homme Richard under Paul Jones. And I further 
certify that the Revd. A L Converse who has signed the 
certificate hereunto attached is a clergyman of the Episco
pal Church, resident on the High Hills of Santee, and

Page 8

and to me personally well known; and Thomas Sumter 
who has also signed the same certificate is a resident also 
[struck out: a resident] on the High Hills of Santee in Sumter District 
and is the gentleman who formerly represented this 
government at the Court of Brazil; and that these 
gentlemen are both credible persons, and that their 
statement is entitled to credit.  At the request of the 
applicant I further certify that at the fall of Charleston 
I was taken prisoner, and being sometime after exchanged, 
I was sent to Philadelphia, and while there a student 
of law under Mr. Ingersol.  I met the applicant John 
Mayrant at Philadelphia, then acting as a Lieutenant 
on board the Frigate South Carolina and known to me 
as such.  I further certify that Major Henry Moore whose 
name is signed to the statement annexed hereunto is a credible 
person to me well known, a resident of the District of Fairfield, 
in the State of South Carolina, and that his statement 
is entitled to credit. 
Henry W. DeSaussure 
19 July 1832

South Carolina } 
Fairfield Distr. }

I John Buchanan Commissioner 
of the Court of Equity now sitting at Fairfield Court 
House do hereby certify that this and the preceding 
sheet of paper together with the certificate appended 
signed by the Revd. A L Converse and Honble. Thomas 
Sumter contain the original proceedings of the said Court 
in the matter of the application of John Mayrant for a 
pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and seal of office this 19th July 1832.
Jno. Buchanan
C.E.F.D.

Page 9

[Three panels]
[Left panel]

E

Power of Attorney from 
J. Mayrant to W.G. Snethen
in the matter of balance of 
Pension due his father 
Capt. J. Mayrant Sr.
___

[Middle panel]
[Written vertically]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

[Right panel]
[Written vertically]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 10

Know all men by these presents, that I John Mayrant, a citizen of the 
County of Hinds and State of Mississippi, have nominated, constituted & 
appointed, and by these presents do nominate, constitute and appoint, 
W. G. Snethen, of the City of Washington and District of Columbia, 
my lawful agent and Attorney in law & in fact, to prosecute and 
collect any interest, right or claim, which I the said Mayrant, 
may have either legal or equitable, in & to certain money or 
monies, which may be due & owing from the government of the 
United States of America, for and on account of Pension of 
my father, Captain John Mayrant, (now deceased) from 4 Septem
ber 1835 to November 10th 1834.  The said Snethen is hereby 
fully empowered & authorised [authorized] to prosecute and collect all 
the sum or sums of money, which may be due or of right 
belong to the said John Mayrant, [struck out: as] out of said Pension, 
as one of the lawful heirs and Distributees of the said 
Captain John Mayrant, in as full and ample a manner 
as the said John Mayrant could do in person-by petition 
or bill before the Congress of the United States.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my 
hand & seal this 17th day of October A. D. 1845
J Mayrant [word Seal encircled]

[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 11

State of Mississippi }
Hinds County } This day personally appeared 
before me J H Boyd an 
acting Justice of the Peace in and for the 
county & State aforesaid J. Marant who 
acknowledged that he signed sealed and 
delivered the within power of attorney 
for the purposes therein named on the 
day and year therein written
Given under my hand and 
seal this the 17th day of October 
A D 1845.  J H. Boyd J.P. [word Seal encircled]

Page 12

Record Division.

May 6, 1909.

Miss Mabel L. Webber, 
S. C. Historical Society, 
Charleston, S. C.

Madam:

in reply to your letter dated the 30" ultimo and received the 1" 
instant, you are advised that from the papers in the claim Sur. File No. 
32,390, it appears that John Mayrant was born in the Parish of St. James 
Santee, Charleston District, South Carolina, in 1762, (day and month not 
stated), and lived with his aunt Mrs. Judith Pringle in Charleston until 
May 23, 1778 when he was appointed Midshipman of the South Carolina Navy 
by Commodore Alexander Gillon with whom he sailed August 1778 in the 
sloop "Tartar" to Havana, from that port he was sent with Captain William 
Robertson in the French letter of marque "Gustavus" to Nantes, then with 
permission from said Commodore he was appointed in June 1779 Midshipman 
and Aid to Commodore John Paul Jones, sailed from L'Orient on the "Bon
Homme Richard" and during the battle with the "Serapis" while boarding 
that vessel he received a pike wound between the knee and ankle, and was 
disabled for three months.  In October or November 1779 he joined Commo
dore Gillon at Amsterdam who promoted him to a Lieutenancy; they sailed 
in the Frigate "South Carolina", and after various cruises he was sent to 
Philadelphia with orders to proceed to Charleston, where he arrived soon 
after the evacuation.  He was appointed 5th Lieutenant July 13, 1781

Page 13

Sur. File. No. 32,390.--2

and continued in said city receiving prisoners etc. until discharged 
when peace was declared in 1783.  He was then commissioned 3rd Lieut. of 
the Frigate South Carolina.  He was married (name of wife not stated) 
the following fall, and removed to the High Hills of Santee Sumter Dis
trict, South Carolina, where he was still living when he was allowed 
pension on an application executed July 14, 1832.

His wife died between July 1832 and April 1833.  In 1836 he was 
living with his John in Alabama, and he died in Tennessee in August 
1836.  In 1845 his son James N. who had seven sons, lived in Winston 
County, Mississippi.  [Handwritten note: No further family data.]

The petition of his heirs which was filed in the 39" Congress 1" 
session is not among the papers in this Bureau.

Owing to lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, this 
Bureau is unable to furnish full copies of papers in Revolutionary War 
pension claims, but any one designated by you may examine and copy said 
papers.

Very respectfully,

Commmissioner.

Page 14

[Card]

MAYRANT, John, Jr. 2037
____________________________
NAME  [Handwritten note: charged out]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER RECEIVED FROM 
THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE 

AGENCY OF PAYMENT  Mobile, Alabama
________________________________________
DATE OF ACT June 7, 1832
________________________________________
Under
DATE OF PAYMENT Act of Apr. 6, 1838 (June 1846)
________________________________________
DATE OF DEATH  August 1, 1836
________________________________________
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE NA-286
GSA-WASH DC 54-4891 November 1953

Page 15

John Mayrant Sr. Mobile Ala [illegible], Act 
June 7, 1832, at $360 pr ann.

Be pleased to say to what time 
he was last paid.
Pension Office } pd to 4 Sept. 1835 SC
June 30, 1845 } JH

Page 16

No. 2037
_____
Marrant John 
_____
Children of 
June 1846
Act. 6th April 1838
_____
Mobile, Ala.
_____

Page 17

Left by Wm. Snethen

Claim 
of
the Heirs of Captain 
J. Mayrant Sr.
for balance of Pension 
due him from Sept. 
4th 1835 to Aug 1st 1836
Cert of Court to prove
Capt Mayrant
[illegible]
____
Referred under 3rd 
Section of Act of 7th 
of May 1846
___

Page 18

State of }
} ss.
County, }

BE IT KNOWN, That on the 25th day of June 1846 before the subscriber, 
[struck out: a Justice of the Peace in and for said County] 3d Auditor of the Treasury, 
[struck out: W.G. Snethen] personally appeared W. G. Snethen Esqr
the attorney named in the foregoing powers of attorney, and made oath that the same was not given 
him by reason of any sale, transfer, or mortgage of the pension, or arrears of pension, therein 
authorized to be received by him.
Worthington G. Snethen
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last 
above mentioned, before me,
Peter Hagner 3d Audr Treasury Dept [word struck out]
___
Note.--This affidavit must be signed by the Attorney,
Note.--Any officer duly authorized to administer oaths, may be substituted for a Justice of the Peace.

Page 19

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

INVALID.
Revy [struck out: WIDOW, &c.]
Navy

File No. 32390
John Mayrant Senr.
Lieut in the Navy 
U. S. S. "South Carolina"
Rev War.

Act June 7, 1832
Index: Vol. 6., Page 74

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

[Right panel]

1909 May 6. Hist to 
Miss M. L. Webber
S.C. Historical Society 
Charleston SC aw

Page 20

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

[Address-appears upside down on image]

Louisville Mis
17 June

Honorable....Marcy
Secretary of War
WashingtonCity
D. C.

[Right panel]

Winston Mi.
June 12/45
James N. Mayrant
For arrears of pension 
due his father
M 212. [illegible] Jun 26/45

Pension Office

Jno. Mayrant
Miss & SC

12291

Page 21

Winston County Mississippi
Dear Sir  June 12th 1845

Although personally unknown to you I take 
the liberty of addressing in search of information 
I could not obtains as [illegible] through any other 
source hoping Sir that you will excuse the 
liberty I take believing however humble the station
of the citizen of these States he may respectfully appro
ach those higher in authority with the confidence that 
his petition will not be unheard.

I saw some time hence in a Charleston paper that 
Congress had passed an act granting to Revolutionary 
officers & soldiers certain amts of land as bounty for 
their service in that war and in case of the death of 
the soldier, his heirs may claim the same in his 
stead The information I seek is whether officers of the 
Navy are included in that act and what time of 
service will entitle them to the [illegible].

My father entered the Navy some time in the year 
1799 or 80 he received the commission of midshipman 
and [illegible] on board the Bon Hom Richard 
under Capt John Paul Jones he continued with that 
officer untill [until] after the action between the Richard & Serapis 
After Capt Jones left Europe for America he was 
attached to the South Carolina Frigate commanded

Page 22

by Comadore [Commodore] Gillon and continued as first Lieutenant 
untill [until] the close of the war He entered the service as 
soon as his age would permit he was but seventeen 
years of age when the action was fought between 
those vessels and acted as aid to Capt Jones during 
the action. After the passage of the pension act he 
drew a pension from government untill [until] his death 
At the death of my father Lieutenant John Mayrant, 
he was entitled to twelve month arrears of Pension 
he died in the State of Tennessee August 1836

I was a resident of the State of South Carolina at 
that time when he left my house for the State of 
Tennessee He told me that there was twelve months 
arrear of Pension due him and should he not 
live to see me again I must make application for 
the same I was at that time in affluant [affluent] circum
stances and did not make the application Since 
that time have experienced a great reverse of fortune 
I have through several misfortunes been reduced to 
indigence with a family of seven sons to educate 
and provide for, be so good as to inform me should 
I be entitled to the bounty land through my father 
What steps [words struck out] are necessary for me to take in 
obtaining the same and whether that arrear 
of Pension can be got Your interest in this matter 
is most earnestly solicit & your attention to the 
same will confer a lasting obligation on 
Yours very respectfully 

Honorable ... Marcy } James N Mayrant 
Secretary of War } PS Please direct your answer to
} Louisville, Misssissipps

Page 23

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Washington ss.

On this eleventh day of June 1836, 
before me, the subscriber, a [struck out: Justice of the Peace] Notary Public for the said County of
Washington personally appeared John Mayrant, Junior, 
who, on his oath, declares that he is the son of John Mayrant, Senr. the same 
person who formerly belonged to the [struck out: company commanded by Captain 
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel] 
Navy of the Revolution in the service of the United States; that 
his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of South Carolina 
from whence he was lately removed; that he now resides in the State [struck out: District, 
or Territory,) of Alabama; where he intends to 
remain, and wishes his pension to be [struck out: there] payable at Mobile in future.  The follow
ing are his reasons for removing from South Carolina 
to Alabama.  He emigrated to Alabama, in order to be more 
comfortably situated with his son the undersigned
J Mayrant Jr.

Sworn and subscribed before me, }
the day and year aforesaid. }
Henry Whetcroft 
Notary Public
___

👉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 identify.  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.

I am well acquainted with Major John Mayrant Jr 
above named and know him to be a highly respectable 
man.  His statement is entitled to every confidence.
F S Lyon M C

Page 24

ALBERT G. BROWN,

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS--GREETING:

Be it Known, That James H. Boyd 
whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate, was, on the 17th 
day of October A. D. 1845, and now is 
an acting Justice of the Peace, in 
and for, the County of Hinds 
in the State of Mississippi; that the attestation to the annexed Certificate, of the 
said James H Boyd, is in due form of law, and made
by the proper officer, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts.

In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND, at the City of Jackson, this 17th 
day of October A. D. 1845.

[Seal of Mississippi]
A. G. Brown 

BY THE GOVERNOR, 
Wm. Hemingway SECRETARY OF STATE.

Page 25

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin]

June 23
Mr. [illegible]

[Address]

[Circular mail stamp]
CHARLESTON 
JUN
17
SC

Free

J L Edwards, Esqr,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
DC

Page 26

Planters & Mechanics Bank of S. Car.
Charleston 17th June 1836.

J. L. Edwards Esqr. }
Commissioner of Pensions }

Sir

In reply to your letter of 11th Inst. I have to state 
that John Mayrant Sr. Lieut Navy, a pensioner on the 
Roll of the agency under "Act 7 June 1832" has been paid 
to 4th Sept. 1835.  He stands credited on the books of this 
Agency for stipend due on 4 March 1836 . . $180

I am respectfully 
Your Obedt. Servant 

F. Sanneau
Pension Agt.

Page 27

A certified transcript of the papers relating 
to the pension of John Mayrant of South 
Carolina

The undersigned is admr. on the Estate 
of said Mayrant, who was one of the 
officers attached to the squadron under 
the command of Commodore Paul 
Jones; & the transcript is wanted as 
evidence in the settlement of the 
claim of said Estate under the act 
of Congress for the relief of the 
heirs of Paul Jones &c.

The Commr. will be pleased to 
have the transcript made out as 
soon as convenient.
Luke Lea

April 4/50

Page 28

State of Mississippi }
County of Winston }

I Wm B Smith Judge of the 
Probate Court of Winston County holden at 
Louisville in and for the State and County 
aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory 
evidence has been exhibited to said court that 
John Mayrant Senr was a pensioner of the 
United States at the rate of three hundred and 
sixty dollars a year was a resident of Sumpter 
District of the State of South Carolina and died 
at Silaa the house of Coln Alfred Russell near 
the warm springs in Green County in the State 
of Tennessee on the first day of August in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and thirty six that he left no widow his wife 
Isabella Mayrant having died at her own residence 
in Sumpter District in the State of South Carolina 
on the third day of January AD one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty three that he left two children 
whose names are John Mayrant Jr. of Hinds 
County and Jas. N Mayrant of Winston Cty 
in the State of Mississippi and that they are 
the only lawful heirs and distributees of 
the said John Mayrant Senr.
In testimony whereof I have

Page 29

affixed my seal of office 
at Louisville this 9th day of 
[Blurred seal of office] June in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hund
red and forty six
William B Smith
Judge of Probate 
Winston Cty.

The State of Mississippi}
Winston County } Personally appeared before 
me William B Smith Judge of the Probate 
Court of the County aforesaid James N. Mayrant 
and made oath in due form of law and says 
that the original certificate of Pension of his fa
ther John Mayrant Senr. was left in the hands 
of John Dienovaul of South Carolina (Chester 
District ) for collection and by that means was 
lost or mislayed [mislaid]. Given under my hand 
and seal this 9th day June 1846
William B Smith [word Seal encircled]
Judge of Probate Court 
Winston County & 
State of Mississippi 

[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 30

The State of Mississippi} I, Evastus Huntley 
Winston County } Clerk of the Probate 
Court in and for the County aforesaid do hereby 
certify that William B. Smth whose genuine 
signature appears to the within and foregoing certif
icate and affidavit is and was at the date there
of Judge of said Court (sole and presiding) duly 
qualified and commissioned, and that all 
his acts in the premises, are and ought to 
be entitled to full faith and credit in Judica
[illegible] thereout.
In Testimony Whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and affix
[Blurred seal of Court] ed the seal of said Court at 
office in Louisville this the 
[illegible] date of June A.D. 1846
Evastus Huntley Clerk 
of Probate Court of Winston 
County Mississippi 

[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 31

[Letterhead-Three columns]
[Left column]

HON. JOS. W. BARNWELL, PRES
H. A. M. SMITH, ESQ. 1ST VICE-PRES.
HON F. H. WESTON, 3D VICE-PRES.
HON. JOHN B. CLEVELAND, 4TH VICE-PRES.
MISS MABEL L. WEBBER, 
SEC, TREASON. AND LIBRARIAN 
[illegible initials] Rev

[Middle column]

Seal of the South Carolina Historical Society 
Charleston, S. C. April 20, 1909

[Right column]

CURATORS:
LANGDON CHEVES, ESQ.
D. E. HUGER SMITH, ESQ.
CHAS. W. KOLLOCK, M. D
G. M. PINCKNEY, ESQ.
YATES SNOWDEN, ESQ.
CAPT. THOMS PINCKNEY, 
PROF. C. J. COLCOCK, 
HON. C. A. WOODS, 
HON JAMES ALDRICH.

Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir,

I am trying to collect data relating to 
John Mayrant, of the American Revolution 
(Navy) for a sketch for the magazine 
published by this society.  From infor
mation which comes from the Treasury 
Department, if would seem that there 
are papers on file in the Pension De
partment, which would give me 
the much needed information-the history 
of his naval service, the place and 
date of his death-the names of his 
heirs who claimed his back pension 
or prize money, etc.  I am told 
Mayrant's affidavit was made July 14, 
1832-and that a petition of Captain

Page 32

John Mayrants heirs for allowance of 
a Revolution Pension was filed 
in the 29 Cong. 1 Sess.  I wish to get 
copies of such papers if possible, 
and will appreciate any assistance 
which you may give me.  Please 
let me know what expense attends 
the copying.

Yours very truly

Mabel L. Weber

[Circular stamp]
MAY
3 
1909

[Circular mail receipt stamp]
PENSION 
A 
MAY 
U. 1 S.
1909
OFFICE.

Page 33

Washington May 15th 1846

Sir

I respectfully submit for your considera
tion, under the third Section of the act of May 7th 
1846, the enclosed claim of the heirs of Captain 
John Mayrant Sr., for the balance due to them, of the 
Pension allowed to their father, under the Act of 
7th of June 1832, from the 4th of September 1835, the 
date of his last payment, to the period of his death 
August 1st 1836.

Very respectfully 
Your Obt. St.

W. G. Snethen
Hon.
J. L. Edwards 
Commsr. of Pensions 
Washington 
D.C.

[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 34

By his Excellency Rawlins Lowndes Esquire 
President and Commander in Chief of the State of South Carolina 

To Mr. John Mayrant Gentleman Greeting
Raw[illegible] ondes.

I Reposing special trust and Confidence in the Ability valour patriotism and presence of you the said Mr. John 
Mayrant - Have by virtue of the Powers in me vested Commissionated, Constituted and Appointed and by these 
presents do Commissionate, Constitute and Appoint you the said John Mayrant -- to be a Fifth Lieute
nant in the Navy of this State, now or hereafter to be filled out. You are therefore diligently and faithfully, to execute and per
form the Duty of Fifth Lieutenant of any Ship or other vessel belonging to the said Navy to which you shall or may
be appointed by any your Superiour Officer agreeable to the rules and Articles, which have or may be established in this 
State for the Regulation of the Navy thereof and the Custom and Usuage of nations in that respect, and to perform and 
execute all such matters and things which in the office and duty of Fifth Lieutenant do belong and [illegible]
observing such Orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from me or the Commander in Chief of this 
State for the time being and other your Superior Officers and all Inferiour Officers and others belonging to the said Navy 
are thereby required and commanded to obey you as Fifth Lieutenant thereof according to the rules and Discipline 
of War in such cases established.

By his Excellency's Command | Given under my hand and seal at Charlestown this ___
[illegible] | day of ___ In the year of our Lord One thousand Seven 
hundred and Twenty Eight.

Page 35

In consequence of my orders of the nineteenth day of July 1778 from His Excellency Rawlins Lowndes Esquire 
President and Commander in Chief of the State of South Carolina I now present this Commission to Mr Mayrant [illegible] 
a Fifth Lieutenant on board of this Ship South Carolina which rank commences from the thirteenth day of July last 
the said John Mayrant having been Midshipman in this service from the Twenty third day of Novr One 
thousand seven hundred & seventy eight Texel the first day of August one thousand seven hundred eighty one
[illegible] A. Gillon Commander of the Navy of the State of Carolina
[illegible]

Page 36

State of Mississippi }
Winston County } This day personally appeared before me 
Andrew J Papons an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the 
State & County aforesaid James N Mayrant who acknowledged that 
he signed sealed & delivered the within power of Attorney for the purp
ose therein named on the day & year [illegible] written
Given under my hand & seal 
this 10th day of November AD 1845
Andrew J Papons [word Seal encircled]
Justice of the Peace 

James Phagan Clerk of the Circuit Court of Winston County 
State of Mississippi
To all who shall see these presents greeting

Be it Known that Andrew J Papons whose name is subscribed to the 
above certificate was on the day of the date above stated AD 1845 and now is an acting 
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Winston & State of Mississippi 
that the attestation to the above written certificate of the said James N Mayrant 
is in due form of law & made by the proper officer & that full faith & credit are 
due to all his official acts
In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the Court to be hereunto 
affixed Given under my hand at the Town of Louisville the 12th day of 
[struck out: AD 184] November AD 1845
James Phagan Clerk

Page 37

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

[Stampeddvertically]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

[Right panel]

D.

Power of Attorney from J. 
N. Mayrant to W. G. Snethen 
in the matter of balance of 
Pension due his father 
Captin. J. Mayrant Sr.
___

Page 38

Know all men by these presents that I James N Mayrant of the County 
of Winston & State of Mississippi have nominated constituted 
and appointed & by these presents do nominate & appoint W G 
Snethen of the City of Washington & of the District of Columbia 
my lawful agent & attorney in law & in fact to prosecute & 
collect my interest right or claim which I the said James N 
Mayrant may have whether legal or equitable in and to certain 
money or monies which may be due & owing from the government 
of the United States of America for and on account of Pension 
of my father Capt John Mayrant (now deceased) from 4th 
September 1835 to November 10th 1836 The said Snethen is hereby 
fully empowered & authorised [authorized] to prosecute & collect all the sum or 
sums of money which may be due or of right belonging to this 
said James N Mayrant on account of said Pension as one of the 
lawful heirs & distributees of the said Captain John Mayrant 
in as full & ample a manner as the said James N Mayrant 
could do in person by Petition or Bill before the Congress 
of the United States
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and seal this 7th day of November AD 1845
James N Mayrant [word Seal encircled]

[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 39

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

[Stamped vertically]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

[Right panel]

Ent
No. 2037.
___
Account 
John Mayrant Lt
deceased 
(children of)
last & from now on 
Mobile roll
Act 7th June '32
$328.93/00
========
June 26th 1846
27

Pet 6 April 38

Received 29, June 1846 
of the 3d. Auditor of the 
Treasury Requisition 
No. 8808, dated 27, Instant, 
for three hundred and 
twenty eight dollars 
and ninety three cents, 
in full of the above 
account.
$328.93/100 Worthington G. Snethen
Atty.

Page 40

The United States [illegible]

To John Mayrant Jr & 
James N. Mayrant only 
children of John Mayrant 
Sr. deceased, late a pensioner 
of the Mobile Agency under 
the Act of June 7th 1832.
[illegible] his pension from 4th September 
1835 to 1st August 1836 the day he died 
at $360. per annum, being six months &
151 days [illegible] $328.93/100

Treasury Department 
Third Auditor's Office 
June 20th 1846
Stated by H. R. Bamball

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office, 
June 25, 1846
[illegible] by Wm. Flinn 
[Stamp]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

Page 41

[Envelope with notes]

F
Evidence fixing the 
date of the death of Capt. 
J. Mayrant Sr. to be the 
1st of August 1836
___

[Stamped vertically left margin]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

[Address]

W. G. Snethen Esqr
Washington City 
D C

[Note: Received after Petition
sent to Congress]

[Stamped vertically]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO

[Written vertically right margin]
Mayrant's 
claim 
additional evidence
of fathers death
___

Page 42

Winston County Miss.
Dear Sir | January 14th 1846

I did not untill [until] this morning your letter with one 
from Judge Adams.  I am truly sorry that I omitted to 
sign the affidavit but hope that it will not materially affect 
its validity.  In making out the affidavit I could not swear 
to the exact day for fear that my memory might betray me but 
upon the receipt of your letter I looked over some of my old papers 
& found a letter from Coln [illegible] also an account against my father 
dated 1834 & 1836 the account for 1836 has items which goes to establish 
the time of his death, in one item of that account, I see he is charg
ed with washing up to the first day of August 1836 which satis
fies me of that being the day of his death his burying clothes 
also his coffin is charged in that account At the time the affidavit 
was made I was not in possession of a bible containing [struck out: the] a 
record of the death & births of my family since that time I have 
gotten it and find there his death recorded as taking place on the first day of 
August 1836.  I moved from [illegible] County to this County in 1843 
my wagon being very heavyly [heavily] loaded I left a box of books the bible 
mentioned was one of them containing the record The time of my 
mothers death was easily remembered for I was present at the time 
of that event.  In this account the charges are up to the 30th August 
but the servants & horses remained with Coln Russel untill until [repeated: untill]
the twentieth of September waiting to receive instructions from me 
whether to remain there or return to So Carolina & also enclose 
you a letter from Coln [illegible] requesting payment for this account 
dated Septbr 1839 in the winter of 1836 I moved to Mississippi & 
had an opportunity of conveying the money home but upon the recept [receipt] 
of that letter authorising [authorizing] me to send it by mail I did so in full You 
will see in that letter his address in the year 1839 then was 
a post office kept at Selra but it appears from that letter that 
that office has been removed, Greenville is the office at this time 
The account & letter I shall be qualified to also the [illlegible] I made 
[struck out: in the] of his death at the time I wish the [struck out: the] intelligence

Page 43

I am sorry that I did not receive the your letter sooner 
but my residence is so far from the office that the letters 
remained there some time before I received them

I feel no hesitation now in affirming to the exact day 
of his death the coincidence of the record made by myself and 
the dates of the accounts [words struck out] confirm it in 
my mind if you will notice in the items that he is charged 
with nothing from that date but his burying clothes & coffin 
the other charges are work done to his carriage & for the keep 
of the horses the time the servants remained after his decease 
The indefinite manner in which the affidavit was made at 
first was for want of proper evidence to my own mind but 
the subsequent facts falling in my possession leave no doubt 
on my mind of the exact day month year and place
I shall go before Mr Papons tomorrow and make oath to the 
above facts
I am very respectfully your 
friend &c

James N Mayrant

PS I had my fathers death published in the Columbia 
Telescope in a few days after I received the Intelligence from 
Tennessee the date of his death is there if a file of that 
paper could be seen for Septbr 1836 probably the 
[repeated: the] National Intelligence office may have a file of that 
paper A S Johnston was editor at that time
JNM

Page 44

No. 3214
___
John Mayrant

S. Carol

Page 45

South Carolina }
Sumter District }

We A L Converse a clergyman and Thomas Sumter 
residing on the High Hills of Santee near Stateburg in the 
District of Sumter and State aforesaid hereby certify 
that we are well acquainted with John Mayrant Senr. 
who has subscribed and sworn to the declaration to which 
this certificate is attached; that we believe him to be 
seventy years of age; that he is reputed in the neighbour [neighbor]
hood where he resides to have been in the naval service 
of the State of South Carolina during the Revolutionary 
War, and to have served under Commodore Gillon and 
Paul Jones and that he was a Lieutenant when he 
was discharged; and that we concur in that opinion 
and belief.
16 of July 1832 
Tho. Sumter
Revd A. L. Converse

[Written vertically left margin]
Henry W. DeSaussure
19 July 1832.

Page 46

Certificate [appears upside down on image]

Fairfield District }

Personally appeared Major Henry Moore who 
being duly sworn, testifies that he was an Officer in the 4th 
Artillery Regiment of the South Carolina line of Continental Troops 
during the Revolutionary War, and served to the end of the war.  He 
was captured in Charleston, when it surrendered in May 1780, to 
the British Troops under Sir Henry Clinton, and being detained 
a prisoner many months, he was sent away in a Cartel, and reached 
the city of Philadelphia in the summer or autumn of the year 1781.

This Deponent after the peace, settled in South Carolina, and has 
been for many years a resident of the District of Fairfield, where he 
filled the Offices of Major of Batallion [Battalion] of Militia Artillery, Sheriff, 
& Judge of the County Court.  This Deponent testifies that he is 
personally acquainted with Captain John Mayrant, who is now 
applying for a pension.  The knowing him from information on which he 
relies, that he was sent by the State of South Carolina, as a Mid
shipman with Commodore Gillon who was dispatched to 
Europe to fit out a naval force in Holland and that during the 
time that force was fitting out, Captain John Mayrant served 
as a volunteer with Captain John Paul Jones, who commanded 
the Frigate Bon Homme Richard, and was in the severe action 
with the British Frigate Serapis.  Captain Pearson 
which was captured, Captain Mayrant from information was wounded in the 
action.  This Deponent further testifies that Captain John Mayrant 
afterwards rejoined Commodore Gillon & was appointed and served 
as a Lieutenant on board the Frigate South Carolina in the service 
of the [struck out: United States] State of South Carolina and after a 
successful cruize [cruise] in the West Indies 
came into the port of Philadelphia in the summer or autumn of 
1781.  There this Deponent says I became personally acquainted 
for the first time with Captain Mayrant.  He was then 
serving as a Lieutenant on board the Frigate South Carolina, as 
was universally known, but this Deponent never saw his commission.

This Deponent has ever understood that Captain Mayrant 
has ever since the Revolution, borne the character of a respectable 
man & citizen & has been several times a member of the 
Legislature & borne other Honorable Offices.

At a recent meeting in Winnsboro for the first time since the Revolution 
this Deponent and Captain Mayrant promptly recognized each other, and 
recalled the circumstances of their meeting in Philadelphia.  This De
ponent has himself received a pension from the United States since the 
year 1828 to obtain which he forwarded his commission to Washington.
Sworn in open Court 
July 19, 1832 Jno Buchanan C.E.F.D. | Henry Moore

[Written vertically left margin]
Henry W DeSaussure
19 July 1832.

Page 47

Columbia So. Carolina 
April 6, 1833

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose the 
original Commission given to John Mayrant 
as Fifth Lieutenant in the Navy of this State 
dated 1778, and signed by Rawlins Lowndes the 
President and Commander in Chief.  The 
old Gentleman was unable to find it when he 
forwarded his petition for a pension in July 
last, but upon the death of this wife since that 
period, he found it among her papers.  It would 
be satisfying to the family to have it returned 
when no longer wanted at the pension office.

The old Gentleman is patiently waiting 
the result of his application which was 
made more than eight months ago, and 
was accompanied I believe by very full proof,  
but he supposes that the great number of 
applications has delayed the examination 
of his claim.

I have the honor 
to be with great respect 
Yr. Obt. St.

W. F. DeSaussure

Page 48

[Envelope with note]

[Circular mail stamp]
[illegible]
AUG 
18
S.C. 

Free
Honble. 
Lewis Cass 
Secretary of War
Washington

[Written vertically right margin]

P.O. 
Augt. 24th '32

Page 49

To the Honble. Lewis Cass 
Secretary of War
Washington

Sir- Columbia So. Carolina 
August 14, 1832

I have the honor to transmit to you  
at the request of Capt. John Mayrant his 
application for a pension under the recent 
act of Congress.  The proofs are enclosed. 
They consist of the declaration of the venerable 
applicant, the certificate of the Honble. Chancellor 
DeSaussure, stating his personal knowledge that 
the applicant acted as Lieutenant on board 
the Frigate South Carolina during the Revolution, 
the certificate of Mr. Sumter late minister at 
Rio Janeiro, and Major Henry Moore an officer 
of the Revolution.  The proofs are derived from 
such sources that Capt. Mayrant trusts the 
Department will find no difficulty in recog
nizing the claim. The venerable applicant 
finding a journey to the mountains during 
the summer months necessary to re establish 
his declining health, came to this place soon 
after making the declaration in Court, and 
in anticipation of the funds to be derived from 
his pension procured a loan from the Bank 
of the State to enable him to prosecute his 
journey. Having obtained the loan upon 
the faith of this fund, he left with the

Page 50

President of the Branch Bank at this place 
Col. John G Brown a receipt to be transmitted 
to the Department of War for such monies as 
may be paid to him under this application; 
and he requests that the Department will com
municate either with myself or the President of 
the Bank, if the pension is granted to him.

I have the honor to be 
with great respect Sir
Yr most obt st.

W. F. DeSaussure