Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1526, William Busby, Continental Va

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[Printed document with handwritten entries]

(3-1776)
SERVICE | NUMBER
Continental | Busby, William | R. 1526
CONTENTS

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9629
William Busby's declaration

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At a Court held for Goochland County 20th August 1832

State of Virginia}
Goochland County} to wit

On this 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the county court of the county of Goochland William Busby a resident of the county of Goochland and state of Virginia age seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to the law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1780 with Colonel Armond and served in the troop of Cavalry Subject to the command of Colonel Armond under the Command first of General Stephens secondly of General Greene and thirdly of General Lafayette as follows with the close of the war (the company officers he cannot now recollect).  That he was a resident of the county of Goochland and state of Virginia but that he enlisted under Colonel Armond at Hillsborough in the State of North Carolina, that from Hillsborough we marched to the Cheraw Hills, at which place a soldier was shot for having deserted, we then marched to Whetsels Mill where we had an engagement a few hour before day and we took twelve prisoners, then on through Salisbury and down to the old training ford on the Yadkin River where we had an engagement and a Colonel Morris commanded.  Then on to Guilford Court House where we had an engagement from which place we marched to Richmond in Virginia from which place under the command of General Lafayette we marched to a place called the Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River in the County of Orange where we were joined by General Wayne’s Army

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from which place we marched to Machuck Creek in Fluvanna County and from there we marched back to Dandridge Hills in Hanover County, and on to Richmond and after remaining in the neighborhood of the city of Richmond (Virginia) at Bottoms bridge and other places for some time we marched down to a place called the Shirley Hundred and from their place we returned to the Holley Springs but before we reached the Holley Springs we fired at a British Vessel which was grounded but without affect, from the Holley Springs we marched for Yorktown, when we got opposite of Old James Town, General Wayne with his army Command attacked the enemy, we then went on to Williamsburg where we remained some time and then on to Yorktown where we remained until Cornwallis surrendered after which we marched with the prisoners on the way to Winchester where he obtained his discharge but the discharge has been lost.   This affiant is unable to produce it.  He enlisted with Colonel Armond for three years or during the war.  Since the the Revolutionary War he has generally resided in this county, with the exception of about ten years when he lived at a part of the time in Louisa County and a part in Buckingham County.  He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.  

William his X mark Busby

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he stated.

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I William Miller Clerk of Court of Goochland County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court on the matter of the application of William Busby for a pension. 

In Testimony whereof, I have to set my hand and seal of office the 29th day of August 1832. 

Wm Miller cc

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The affidavit of William Busby taken at Goochland Court On 20th of August 1832. This deponant saith. 

Abel Fowley

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William Busby Declaration

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State of Virginia
Goochland County} SS

On this 28th day of August 1833 personally appeared in open court before the court of the county aforesaid now sitting William Busby a resident of the said county and State aged Seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth in his oath make the following supplementary Declaration in order to obtain the benefit the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

That when he made is former Declaration he conceived it only it necessary to set forth his service in the regular army, but being now so advised, he will now add his while service in the Militia as well as the regular.  That in the winter of the year 80, he cannot recall the day, he substituted himself for Aaron Parrish in the Goochland Militia as is proven by the testimony of said Parrish and in the company from the same county of Goochland under Captain Ted Curd marched from the Courthouse of the County with the regiment commanded by Colonel Nat Morris to Hillsborough in North Carolina and remain there under the command of General Stevens until he enlisted as formerly stated – recollects one Colonel Bluford and his regiment at Hillsborough who were regulars he supposed, and no other officers or regiments, and served at least four months before his enlistment – that he then enlisted and marched through the county and witnessed the events formerly related and that he cannot recollect any further particulars.   That in the later part of the year 81 when near Winchester with the prisoners as formerly mentioned a militia man named James Whitlock, long since died, being very ill, it was announced that any person who would conduct him home should receive a discharge – he undertook to do so, was discharged he thinks by one Captain Davenport and returned home, and in this enlistment he served at least eighteen months as private in the Cavalry – that he had a written discharge but being entitled to some arrears of pay, he gave his discharge to Captain Thomas

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Underwood then a [illegible] of assembly from Goochland who under took to obtain his money for him but that he never received his pay nor has he ever been able to get his discharge and hasn’t any documentary evidence That he can prove his Militia service by the affidavit of Aaron Parrish as above mentioned and can prove that one Alexander Fowles lately dead, who was in the Militia when he enlisted upon having it said that he could not prove by enlistment observed that he could prove it by honor and that he [unreadable] no other testimony.  That the reason he can obtain a witness is that he enlisted in a foreign state in a troop of which not one member came from the County and upon breaking up of the troop they all went to their own homes and he has had no correspondence with them since.  He 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.  

To Question 1st, he replied I was born in Henrico County, 5 April, 1760.  

To Question 2nd, I have no record of my age.

To Question 3rd, when called into service I lived in Goochland County.  Since the Revolutionary War I have lived in Louisa and Buckingham Counties and now live in Goochland County.

To Question 4th, I first substituted myself for Aaron Parrish and then I enlisted.

To Question 5th, answered to the satisfaction of the court

To Question 6th, I received a discharge signed by Captain Davenport.  I think and disposed of it as stated above

To Question 7th, Reverend Lewis Chaudoin and John Underwood, Esq.  

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 

William his X mark Busby

We Lewis Chaudoin a Clergyman residing in the said County of Goochland and [blank space] residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Busby who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood

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Neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  

Sworn to an subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  

Lewis Chaudion
John Underwood

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after puting the interrogatories present here by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Lewis Chaudoin who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman now residing in the said County of Goochland, and that John Underwood who has also signed the same, is also a resident of the same county and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit.  

I William Miller Clerk of the Court of Goochland County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the official proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Busby for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 21st day of August 1833.

Will Miller co

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W June 14th
Wm Busby

May
J.L Edwards Comm of Pension s
Washington

Hon. J Garland H. R.

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Ho. Reps June 13th 1838
Majr  J.L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Will you be so kind as to furnish me with the forms referred to in the enclosed letter.

With great respect, Your obedient servant,
J. Garland

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[Left side of document]
William Busby
Virginia
Suspended
C.W Dabney
23 September 1834
21st December 1834 Same
27 March 1835 same
22 Jany 1836  do
Honorable JW Garland Feb 7 1837 
same June 14. 1838 
same Jany 10 1838 
same Feby 14 1840.
turn over

[Left margin of document]
Honl W Hubbard June 1. 1846
" " 24 " 

[Right side of document]
Letter to Honorable EW Hubbard  June 24 1845

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[Stamped, round, containing: CITY OF WASHINGTON MAR 29]

JL Edwards
Com of Pensions

[Stamped: FREE]

CW Dabney Esq
Goochland C.H. Virginia

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War Department
Pension Office
March 27, 1835

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 18 with whom the subject of the claim of William Busby I have to state that the claim cannot be submitted without the production of evidence of Service.  Mr. Busby speaks of having been discharged at King William where he had gone to carry a sick soldier by the name of James Whitlock who since died.

There is now living in the County of King William a James Whitlock and now draws a pension for Militia Service in 1780 and 1781, who “marched to Williamsburg where he joined the Army – thence to the neighborhood of Hampton – thence up the James River to Camp Holly.”  There is a coincidence in this with Mr. Busby’s statement.  He says “he returned to Holly Springs, thence toward James River – marched to Williamsburg +c.”

It would seem that this must be the same James Whitlock mentioned by Mr. Busby, if so, he cannot have forgotten the fact of his having been carried home by Mr. Busby.  It would so far confirm Mr. Busby’s Statement as to the fact of his having been at Yorktown at the time.  I would refer to you Mr. Whitlock.
I

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I am respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
J.L Edwards

C.W Dabney 
Goochland C. H. Va.

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[Stamped, round, containing: CITY OF WASHINGTON JAN 3]

J.L Edwards
Com of Pensions

[Stamped: FREE]

C.W Dabney  Eqr
Goochland C.H.
Virginia

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Department of War
Pension Office

December 21st 1832

Sir,

William Busby having failed to furnish any proof of his alleged Service in Armands Corps and as his name, nor that of James Whitlock (his fellow Soldier) are found upon the rolls in this Office, his claim will remain suspended.  The papers are placed in file.

I am Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant,
J. L. Edwards

C.W. Dabney Esq
Goochland C.H. Va.

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State of Virginia   Fluvanna County (to wit)

This day personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for said county John Jaster and made oath that he verily believes William Busby of said County of Fluvanna served in the war of the Revolution that he very well recollects frequently to have seen Mr. Busby while in service to the south and heard his name called often whilst the Roll was being called then said Busby was draped in the Continental Uniform and he supposes he belonged to the regular army – that they witnessed together at Cheraw Hills South Carolina and then they were also together at Hillsborough and at a small engagement at Whites Mill South Carolina that he is now acquainted with Mr. Busby and Verily believes him to be the same man.  Given under my hand and seal this 18th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.

Horatio J. Magruder J. P [seal]

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This day came before me a Justice of the Peace for said county in his Reverand John Pace and John Mosley and made Oath that they have been acquainted with a witness named John Meeks for a number of years and that they consider and believe him to be an honest man and that his oath is entitled to good faith. Sworn under my hand and seal this 36th day of July 1838.

Saml. F. Morris JP [seal]

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State of Virginia Fluvanna County to wit

I Abraham Shepherd, Junior Clerk of the County Court of Fluvanna in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Horatio J. Magruder, whose name is affixed to the within certificate and Samuel F. Morris whose named is affixed to the annexed Certificate of date 26th, instant are both Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, and that all their acts and Deeds as such are entitled to be accredited.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court, the 28th day of July in the year of our Lord 1838, of the Commonwealth the sixty third.

Aba: Shepherd, Jr. Clerk  

[Image of possible seal, illegible]

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Louisa County to with this day the witness named Sirus Harris personally appeared before me Edmund Pendleton one of the Justices of the Peace of the County aforesaid and made with that the within statement is the truth given under my hand this 12th day of April 1838.  

E. Pendleton

State of Virginia 
Louisa County, to wit

I John Hunter of the County Court of the said county in the said state, do certify that Edmund Pendleton whose signature appears to the above certificate now is and was at the time of subscribing the said certificate an acting justice of the peace in and for the said county and judge of said Court, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature to said certificate purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Public seal of said Court to be hereto affixed this 9th day of June 1938.

John Hunter Clerk of Louisa County Court

[Image of possible seal, illegible]

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I Sirus Harris of the County of Louisa and State of Virginia do hereby certify that William Busby now of the County Fluvanna and State of Virginia was a regular soldier in Revolutionary War that I saw him Busby and was well acquainted with him while he was stationed at the Barrox in Albermarl County, Virginia and he was marched from that place to the south given under my hand and seal this the 12 day of April 1838.

Sirus his X mark Harris [The word seal is circled]

Attest Meredith Trice 

Hon. J. Garland Va

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Lgl
J.L Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Washington City

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Goochland Court House Virginia
15 June 1838

Sirs-

From the included affidavits it will appear that the James Whitlock attested to in the letter of the office, in relation to the pension claim if William Busby, as residing in the County of King William and receiving a pension is not the person named in Busby’s Declaration.

Believing as I do, after intimate conversation with the claimant, that he is meritoriously entitled to a pension and that if he fails it will be his misfortune and not his fault.  I feel other anxiety for his success that’s what results from my Character of Agent.  I therefore again take the liberty to crave for the case the favorable consideration of the Office, 

Respectfully
CW Dabney

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State of Virginia}
Goochland County} 

Personally appeared before me Henry Massie a justice of the peace in and for said county, Mitchell Whitlock a resident of the county aforesaid and state aforesaid, age 66 years and as it appears to me a credible person, and being duly sworn [smudged] oath – that his Brother James Whitlock named in the declaration of William Busby, served in the State of South Carolina he thinks about 40 years earlier.

Mitchell Whitlock

Sworn and subscribed this 11th day of December 1835 before me 

Henry Massie J. P.

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State of Virginia}
Goochland County} ss

I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of Goochland aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry Massie before whom the within affidavit of Mitchell Whitlock appears to have been made and who hath subscribed his name thereto was at the time the same was done and still is an acting Justice of the Peace in the said county duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature aforesaid purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office, this 3rd day of July 1835 and in the 59th year of the Commonwealth.

William Miller, CP

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[Left side of document]
Dec. 26
Va

9651
Goochland Co December 24, 1834}
[the word free is circled]
J.L Edwards Esq
Commision of Pension
Washington City
Mail

William Busby Va

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Goochland Courthouse Virginia, 15th December 1834

Sir,

The explanatory Declaration of William Busby, which he was allowed to make by the letter of the department is now forwarded herewith testament.  The delay is one thing, it has been occasioned by unavoidable circumstances not in his control.

The statement of the applicant is considered as evidence, provided it is coherent and probable.  The character of the applicant must undoubtedly influence the weight of that testimony and it was only in that light that I ventured to suggest the importance of procuring testimonials to the character of the applicant.  The Character of the Agent is not meant to be alluded to.  It is hoped that the indulgence already shown to the applicant in allowing him an opportunity to bring himself within the regulations of the department will be still continued to him.  

With respect,
Your Obedient Servant
CW Dabney

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

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Mail VA Mar 23
Goochland CH Free
9 March 1835

J.L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

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Goochland Court House Virginia
18th March 1835

Sir

The enclosed letter in relation to the claim of William Busby has been received and the peculiar hardship of the case induces me to take the liberty of requesting respectfully, the reconsideration of the Office upon the claim.  It is acknowledged that their must be a limit to the importunacy of claimants, and also that we have failed to comply with the regulations of the Department, and therefore have no right to demand further favor from the office – But it is respectfully submitted, whether in a case where the whole circle of acquaintances of the claimant are satisfied of his merit, and the respectability of his character; and when the claimant is in circumstances of little comfort, in the midst of opulent pensions of the Country, on the same score on which he claims and where without any fault of his own, and for a reason satisfactorily accounted for, the claimant cannot bring himself within the conditions of his country’s bounty, established with a view to ordinary cases – he can have no recourse, but must find himself in the attitude of a rejected though meritorious applicant for the bounty awarded to others.  It appears too that the Commissioner of Pensions has misconceived the statement of the applicant in one particular – It was not intended to allege that James Whitlock (the claimant’s fellow soldier) was a regular.  It was a Militiaman, and it was so intended to be expressed.  It is hoped that the circumstances of hardship and misfortune of this case might even tender it’s consideration by the Secretary of War no unreasonable request, in a country where justice and rights is meted out equally to the rich and to the poor, to the highest and low -

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The favorable attention of the Bureau to the claim, and the establishment of any criterion however rigid, to which the applicant could hopefully conform, would be gratefully received, as extending equality of rights and benefits, to an old soldier in the cause of the Revolution, whose merits as a man, and as an applicant no man who knows him doubts.

With respect
Your Very Obedient Servant,
CW Dabney Agt

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State of Virginia
County of Goochland} ss

On this day 13rd day of August 1832 personally appeared before me Henry Massie justice of the peace in and for said county an Aaron Parrish a resident of the County aforesaid and State of Virginia, aged 87 years and appears to me to be a credible person his being first duly sworn according to the law doth on his oath make the following declaration that William Busby a resident of the county aforesaid served a term of six months in the Militia to the South under the command of Captain Ted Curd as a substitute for him the said same Parrish in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of August 1932

Henry Massie JP

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State of Virginia
County of Goochland} ss

I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of the said County do hereby certify that Henry Massie before whom Aaron Parrish appeared to have made the within Affidavit was at the time the same was made before him and still is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly confirmed and qualified, and that the signature hereto purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 16th day of September 1834 and in the year of the Commonwealth, the fifty ninth.

Wm. Miller [seal]

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[Printed document with handwritten entries]

1526
[Stamped: REJECTED]
P.O. William Busby
Service: 1832 printed List of Rejected and Suspended Claims shows following cause of suspension:
Enlisted: ______, 18__
Discharged: ______, 18__
"Period length and grade of service and names of company and field officers required"
Application filed: ______, 18__
Alleges: ______
Re-enlisted: ______
Attorney: ______
P.O. ______
______ Recognized. ______ Contract.
______Cert. of Dis. Searched for ______, 18 __

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House of Representatives June 15th 1846

Dear Sir

Permit me to call your attention to the within letter, and please let me know whether anything can be done for the old man – he writes of his client is a worthy and intelligent gentleman, and as I wish to send him an answer, please return his letter from him now such I oblige.  

Your Obedient Servant
E.W. Hubard

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I Abraham Davis of the County of Louisa and the State of Virginia being now about ninety eight years of age, being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, do solemnly swear that I became acquainted with William Busby of the county of Fluvanna and State aforesaid in the Winter of 17809 and 81 at Cheraw Hills in South Carolina where we took up Winter Quarters – I was under the Command of Colonel William Washington and the said Busby belonged to Colonel Armond or Armong’s Corps of horse, in the War of the Revolution.  I also well recollect seeing the said William Busby again in 1787 at Hillsboro, North Carolina whilst we were stationed there.  I knew the said Busby well, both at Cheraw Hills and at Hillsboro, we were on duty together, and I am now in the presence of the said William Busby, and know him to be the same man that I saw and knew as a soldier in the Revolutionary War at the places aforesaid.  After we left Hillsboro we were separated and I did not see him again whilst engaged in the service.  Given under my hand this 1st day of August in the Year 1838.

Abrahamhis X mark Davis

State of Virginia, Louisa County, to wit
Abraham Davis this day personally appeared before me in the said County, and subscribed the above affidavit, by making his mark, he being unable to write, in my presence, he also made oath before me in due form that the facts contained in the foregoing affidavit are true.  And I do certify that I have been acquainted with the said Abraham Davis for a good many years, and believe him to be a credible person.  Given under my hand this 1st day of August in the year 1838.
J. Todd Quarles a justice of the peace for the county of Louisa aforesaid

State of Virginia
Louisa County to wit:
I John Hunter Clerk of the County Court of the said County, in the said State, do certify that J. Todd Quarles whose signature appears to the certificate next above, now is and was at the time of subscribing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and a judge of said Court, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law and that full faith and credit are given to all his official acts as such.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and annexed the public seal of said Court this 1st day of August in the year 1838.

John Hunter Clerk of Louisa County Court.  [seal]

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Goochland Virginia 16th Sep. 1834
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Sir, 

I forward you the pension application of William Busby for reconsideration.  It is proper perhaps, that I should account for the delay in resending the papers, and also for the incongruities in the dates of the affidavit of Aaron Parrish lest these circumstances should preclude in an for prejudices against the claim.  When the papers were returned last summer, they were put into my hands for the first time.  I directed the applicant as to the evidence it would be necessary for him to procure, and he set about it.  After some Deaths he informed me of the fact that he could procure no other testimony to his regular service, than that produced. This I directed him to procure and that produced some delay.  The affidavit of Aaron Parrish had been taken at the day it bears and date by the subscribing Justice, with a view of being used in the former application, but was not used in consequence [apparent hole in the document] of Busby’s counsel, and was informed wish in the meantime [apparent hole in the document] only resource was to procure from the subscribing Justice a copy [apparent hole in the document] affidavit, with the addition of a Certificate to the affiant [apparent hole in the document], in which particulars, the former affidavit was deficient.  The Justice [apparent hole in the document] in the original affidavit until recently, and this accounts for the [apparent hole in the document]] and want of agreement in the dates of the affidavit and Clerk’s certificate.
In relation to the proof, I fear we can produce nothing more certain.  I take the liberty to hope, that some way, maybe devising, to exempt so respectable a man, as this applicant, from the injurious operation of Cause over which he can have no control.  The most satisfactory testimony of the applicant’s character can be produced if desired.

Respectfully, 
Your Obt Sert

J. L. Edwards, Esq.

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State of Virginia 
Goochland County to wit

On this 18th day of December 1834 personally appeared in open court before the court of the Said County now sitting, William Busby, a resident of the county aforesaid, aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following explanatory declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832.
That in the year 1780 he substituted himself for one Aaron Parrish, a private in the Militia of the said County of Goochland, and in the early part of that year, marched in the Company of Captain Ted Curd, Thomas Miller Lieutenant, from the Court House of Goochland County, to the South.  Nat Morris was Colonel.  Marched to Hillsborough in North Carolina and after remaining there a short time, he was induced to enlist in Colonel Armond’s Corps of Cavalry, for which there were Officers obtaining records from the Militia at Hillsborough, that in the Militia he served at least two months, as private – That according to his understanding, he enlisted in Armand’s Corps for three years provided the War should Continue so long.  That he was a private and thinks his immediate Commander was named Brown.  That from Hillsborough he marched in the Corps under Armand to the Cheraw Hills in South Carolina.  General Stevens commanded at that place, and he remained there some time.  While there a deserter was shot. That in the later part of the summer, they marched from the Cheraw Hills, still under General Stevens, into the upper part of South Carolina, and at a place called Whitesell’s Mill, they had a skirmish with the enemy.  The British came at them about two hours before daybreak and they captured twelve prisoners.  Thus Armand’s Corps made several charges and the enemy retired.  That after remaining some time in the neighbourhood of Whitesell’s Mill, in the fall Season, they marched into North Carolina, and marched backwards and forwards for some time watching the enemy.  That in the latter part of the year they marched forward to Salisbury, and before they reached that place General Green took command of the Army, and he understood that after remaining a day or two about Salisbury, they marched on in pursuit of the enemy and at the Trading Ford on the Yadkin River, they had another engagement with the enemy.  This battle took place about one hour in the night.  There were a few rounds fired, and both parties drew off.  Then he marched to Guilford Court House, and he was in the action at that place.  There was a skirmish in the evening and the next morning the battle commenced.  The battle was fought in open ground.  He made several charges, and the army was compelled to quit the  field.  The battle was hard fought and he saw many men killed on both sides.  That after the Battle of Guilford, the army marched on towards Virginia, keeping always in the neighbourhood

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neighborhood of the enemy and finally in the spring of the following year they formed the Army of the Marquis at Richmond and that after marching about in the neighbourhood of Richmond for some time, the Army marched to the north, as he understood to prevent the British from getting to Winchester where the prisoners were.  At the distance about the Rackoon Ford, the Army formed a junction with General Wayne and returned, the British having turned back.  Marched through the upper end of Louisa where the Army made a road. And then down to Dandridge’s Hills in Henrico.  Got out once to go to Goochland Court House, and returned to Dandridge’s.  Remained two days at that place and marched then to Bacon’s Branch near Richmond.  Marched thence to New Kent’s Court House, then to Holt’s Forge, thence to the White House and Shirley’s Hundred and returned to the Holly Springs.  Marched thence down toward James Town and was hearing of a battle at that place though none of the Marquis’ men were engaged in it, notwithstanding General Wayne, as he understood, repeatedly asked for a reinforcement.  Marched thence to Williamsburg and remained there some time and from that place to York and found the British fortified.  At Williamsburg Washington and the French Army joined them.  Was present at the siege and Surrender of the enemy and after that event he marched with the prisoners towards Winchester.  That in the County of King William, he thinks he obtained a discharge in consequence of the following circumstances.  One James Whittlock who was a regular soldier was Sick with a fever and who was told if he would get someone to take him home, he and that person should be discharged.  Whittlock chose him and they were both discharged and he carried the sick man home, who soon died.  That was the cause of his getting a discharge and a small amount of pay being due him, he sometime after the War gave the discharge to one Thomas Underwood, who was a delegate in the General Assembly from Goochland, upon his undertaking to procure the pay for him.  That said, Underwood, after postponing the business for some time, died without getting the pay for him, or returning his discharge, and that since his death he has been unable to recover the paper though he has made frequent applications to his representative.  And that in this tour he served at least Eighteen months as a private in the calvary.  That in relation to his not claiming a pension under the law of 1818, either in 1819 or 20 he heard of that law and upon reflection concluded that he would be entirely unable to prove his service and that it would be useless for him to trouble himself about it.  That after some time an old acquaintance

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named Alexander Fowler sent him writ to come and see him, for that he could prove his service.  That he made two appointments with a son of Mr. Fowler who lives in his Neighbourhood but before he saw him, said Fowler died.  That he proves his having entered the Militia by the testimony of Aaron Parrish for when he was a substitute, and that to his Service as a regular soldier, after this delinquent search, he even foreswore his testimony, and that this may be accounted for by the most of his comrades being foreigners and having dispersed after the service as well as by the lapse of time.  That since he made his former declaration he heard that one Billey Lawrence a member of the Corps lived in the County of Kenawha but upon sending to that place, he ascertained that he was dead upward of twenty years since.  

Sworn and subscribed in open Court the day and time and year aforesaid

William his X mark Busby

I William Miller, Clerk of the Court of Goochland County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Busby (in his explanatory Declaration) for a pension.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 23rd day of December 1834.
William Miller [seal]

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State of Virginia
Goochland County} ss

Be it it known that before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared Jacob Busby, a resident of the said County as appeared to me a Credible person and being first duly sworn according to law, saith that in the year 1819 or 1820, at the time when many of the Revolutionary Soldiers were getting pensions, Alexander Fowler, who was said to be a Revolutionary Soldier, and who died soon after, came to Sevin Mile in the said County, when said Busby then lived, and enquired of him whether his father, William Busby, who now sues for a pension, had gotten his pension, thus said Busby replied that his father had not got a pension and that he believed said father would not be able to prove his service then said Fowler replied, that his father could prove his service, and that he (Fowler) knew that his father was a regular Soldier in the Revolution, and that he must tell his father to come down and see him that he told his father the following Sunday of the message and that his father said, that Billy Fowler had delivered him the same message and that he and said Fowler would go on the following Sunday to see the old man – thus on the following Sunday his father was informed that old Mr. Fowler was unwell, and postponed going to see him and that soon after Mr. Flower died.  
Jacob Busby
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of March 
1834 before me  Joseph S. Watkins JP}

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State of Virginia
Goochland County} ss

I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of the said County, do hereby certify that Joseph S Watkins before whom Jacob Busby appears to have made the written Affidavit appear was at the time the same was made before him and still is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and this this signature thereto purporting to be his, is genuine.  

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 16th day of September 1834, and in this year of the Commonwealth the fifty ninth.

William Miller [seal]