Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,222, George Dowell, N.C. S.C. Va.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N. C.
S. C.
Va.

Dowell, George

NUMBER
S. 32, 222
.

CONTENTS

Page 2

[pages torn and discolored]

 dent to pay 3 Oct 1838.

Let to Hon. J.W. Davis May 31
  "   to Reuben Coffey Aug '10 - '4
  "   Hon J. W Davis Feb 28 1845
________
[right side]

Indiana 31.400
=====================
George Dowell
of Monroe in the State of Indian
who was a Pr. of Cavy. in the company comman
by Captain Marks of the Regt. command 
by Col.            in the VA
line for 10 months
================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana
at the rate of 41 Dollars 67 Cents per ann
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of July
1838 and sent Hon
W.Herod   M. C.
================================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838        $291.67
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept         20 83
                                                                        ======
                                                                       $312.50
                                                                        ======
Revolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7, 1832.       }
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk
Book E. Vpl. 7th  Page [illegible]

Page 3

State of North Carolina
Burke County 1830
on this 23rd day of October Personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the County Court of pleas and quarter Sessions held for the County aforesaid now in session. George Dowell a resident of the State and County aforsd now about to remove to the State of Indiana aged seventy three years 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 the 7th June 1832

That he enlisted into the army of the United States with John Marks Captain in the 14th Virginia 
Regiment of the United States troops Col Lewis commanded the regiment and Gen. Weaden the
brigade in the year of 1777 in the spring of the year in the County of Albemarle in the said State of
Virginia he joined the army at Middlebrook under General Washington in the State of New Jersey
was at the battle of Brandywine in the year 1777 from thence towards Philadelphia and thence to Chestnut Hill and thence to Germantown where the battle was fought I was not in the battle of Germantown I was on the baggage guard, we went to winter quarters at Valley Forge so ended the company of that year

The Campaign of 1778 Commenced in the spring I was in the battle of Monmouth and I remained in the service until the army went into winter quarters I think at Bonbrook, I think in the State of New Jersey or near the state. In December in the year 78 I received a furlow to go home to the State of Virginia I found my friends about to remove to North Carolina and Came on with them and never again Joined that army. In the year 1780. I enlisted for the term of

Page 4

ten months service under Captain John Sumpter as he was then called and was transferred to Captain William McKenney General Sumter's Command was near the battle of the Eutaw Spring that I was not in as most of the ten months men was but was on a Scouting party served out the whole of my time and was regularly discharged by General Sumter; Which said discharge was burnt together with my house upwards of forty years ago; that he has no record of his age but thinks he was born in the year 1759 or 1760 in Albemarle County Virginia where he first enlisted about the age of 17 he thinks,

He herby 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 sworn to and Subscribed the day and date above written
[signed] George Dowell
Sworn to in open Court 23d Oct 1832
Tate J Irwin JP

We Wm Dickson and Wm Greenway residing in the same County and state aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Dowell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 73 years of age that he is believed and respected in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution as he has stated above and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and Subscribed the day and date aforesaid
[signed] Wm Dickson
Wm Greenway

Tate J Irwin JP

Page 5

State of Tennessee
Jackson County
this day personally appeared before the Rowland C. Dill an acting Justice of the Peace for said County John Dowell Citizen of said County with whom I am personally acquainted, who being first duly sworn deposeth and Saith that he was acquainted with George Dowell (now of Monroe County Indiana) in Albemarle County Virginia at the commencement of the Revolutionary War that the said George was his Elder brother are that he the said George entered the Service of the United States as a volunteer Soldier in said County of Albemarle viz precise time recollected but thinks it was previous to the Battle of Brandywine - The said George was absent from the neighbourhood and his mothers house for one year and nine months during which time the Deponent has always understood that he was in the army to the North under the command of General Washington

After the return of George Dowell from the Northern army my mothers family including George Dowell and myself removed to Burke County North Carolina in which County and State the said
George Dowell and this Deponent entered the service of United states as volunteers in Capt. John Sumpters Company the dates not recollected but thinks it was the year previous to the Battle at Guilford Court House. The said George and the Deponent Marched into South Carolina and joined
General Thomas Sumpter with whom

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they remained Ten Months being engaged in keeping down the Tories after which time they were discharged and further the Deponent Saith not
[signed] John Dowell
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 25th day of January 1838
Rowland C. Dill JP

State of Tennessee
Jackson County
I, Rowland C. Dill, an acting Justice of the Peace for said County before whom the above deposition of John Dowell was taken do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Dowell and have been for ten years past. that I have always consider him a Respectable and  credible person, and that such has always been his character in the neighborhood I have known him
Rowland C Dill JP

State of Tennessee Set
Jackson County ⎬ 
I, John S. Turner Clerk of the said Jackson County, hereby certify that Rowland C. Dill a Justice of the
Peace as above, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are Genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 25th day of January 1838
John Turner Clerk
of Jackson County Court

Page 7

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MMHF
April 6, 1927

Summers Hardy
705 Sinclair Bldg.,
Tulsa, Okla.
Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 32322 it appears that George Dowell was born in 1759 or 1760 in Albemarle County, Virginia. While a resident of Albemarle County, Virginia he enlisted in February or March 1777 as a private in Captain John Marks' Company, Colonel Charles Lewis' Virginia Regiment, was in the battle of Brandywine, wintered at Valley Forge 1777-1778, was in the battle of Monmouth, was furloughed in December 1778, returned to his home and found the family prepared to move to Burke County, North Carolina which they did,
his brother John Dowell one of the number.

He then enlisted in said Burke County and served two tours of one week each in the North Carolina Militia, one under Captain John Sumter and General McDowell.

He enlisted in the spring of 1781 as a private under Captain John Sumter, was placed in Captain William McKinzie's Company, and served under Colonels Henderson and Hill, General

Page 8

Sumter's Brigade, South Carolina Troops and served ten months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 23, 1832 while a resident of Burke County, North Carolina . In 1834 he was living in Monroe County, Indiana, and his brother John was living in Jackson County, Tennessee.
---
One Reverend Reuben Coffey of Monroe County, Indiana in 1834 stated that he was the son-in-law of said George Dowell but did not give the name of his wife, and the name of soldier's wife is not given.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

[handwritten in reference to the brother John in Jackson Co. Tn]
This inquirer was furnished with the history of John, also & I did not say John was a soldier in this history because it was a rej. claim & I did want to expand on service

Page 9

for a statement of the military history of   George Dowell                                   
 a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his application for pen-
son on file in this Bureau. S. F. 32,222
==================================================
DATES OF  ENLISTMENT OR  APPOINTMENT.                                            
Feb or Mar 1777
√
Spring 1781 

LENGTH OF    SERVICE   

Feb or Mar 1777 to Dec 1778
Spring 1781              10 mos

RANK. 
Feb or Mar 1777              Priv.
Spring 1781                          "

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM    SERVICE  WAS RENDERED.  
                 Captain            Colonel
1777     John Marks        Chas Lewis

1781      John Sumter       Henderson
                W. McKenzie.      see S. C. Regiment
                                                        Hill
STATE
1777   Va
1781    S.C.

√  2 short tours in [illegible] N.C. Neil-

Battles engaged in, Brandywine    Wintered at Vally For 1777-1778 Monmouth

Residence of soldier at enlistment,   {Albemarle Co. Va. at 1" enl.
                                                                     {Burke Co, N.C.         at 2" enl.

Date of application for pension,  Oct. 23, 1832. His cl. was al

Residence at date of application,  Burke Co N.C.; Monroe Co, Ind in 1834.

Age at date of application,  B. in 1759 or 1760,  Albemarle Co. Va

Remarks:  A daughter of Soldier married Reuben Coffee,
There is no other data relative to family
Younger bro.  John who
serv, with him - 



Respectfully,


Commissioner

Page 10

[this is the back side of a letter with only 1 abbreviated word]


Rev.

Page 11

Summers Hardy
Attorney at Law
Tulsa, Okla.
Mar 29 1927

The Commissioner of Pension
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
I desire to learn whether the records of your office disclose the name of the wife and children of
John Dowal or Dowell who was a private in Giles troop Hills Regiment Sumters Brigade during the revolutionary war; 

Also whether your records disclose the names of the wife and children of George Dowell who was a private in Mckenzie troop Hills Regiment, Sumters Brigade of revolutionary soldiers

also would like to ascertain whether your record disclose any information as relative to the family of
John Underwood who was a private in Lieut Col Samuel Hammond Regiment of South Carolina Troop during the revolution
Respectfully
705 Sinclair Bed
Summers Hardy

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
R MAR 31 1927

Page 12

3-871.
_____
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by W T Conboye
Claim No.March 5, 1910
Certificate No.
Claimant . Enlisted from N.C.
Soldier George Dowell
Service  N.C. Rev. War
Additional Service.  

No claim, State records, 190..
No claim, combination records, 190....
REMARKS:
No claim as above
Try [illegible] File
32,222 (Va.)
Enlisted in Abbemarle
Co Va  Ten  NC


0-8.          Chief Division

Page 13

FEB 15 1[illegible]
Commissioner of Pension
Old War Records'
Pension Bureau
Washington
D. C.
Gentlemen-:
Will you kindly
furnish me with all the
information you have
concerning George Dowell
a Revolutionary soldier
who enlisted from
North Carolina
Very Respectfully
Mrs. Edward Showers
# 430 N. Washington St. Bloomington Ind

Page 14

[page is black.. nothing legible on the page to transcribe]

Page 15

[illegible]
[illegible]
H John W. Davice Rep
Washington City D

Page 16

Indiana Monroe County March 29th 1844
Attn John W Davice 

Dear sir this is to request your attention to the case of George Dowell one of the veterans of the Revolution who is now receiving $41 and some cents annually from the Government. He thinks and so does many others that he is justly entitled to a full pension say $96 a year since the date 31. It appears that he is allowed is for a short tour of some 10 months in the South when he served near 2 years at the North under Washington which was admitted by the department but for some cause they did not think proper to allow him a full pension. The reason assigned at that time by the secretary was
the old man was honest to State in his application that he had enlisted for three years and becoming
sickly he had obtained furlow to go home to see his friends who persuaded him on to North Carolina
he never returned again to the army. The old man says when he had rested and measurably gained
his health again he started to return to Gen Washington but falling in with a party who demanded
his papers and destroyed them he being young became discouraged turned back and after some time he enlisted under general Sumpter of the South and served the term above named.

Now sir this is to ask you to go to the war office and if possible get the department to reconsider
the case of George Dowell and see if they cannot

Page 17

make him some additional allowance and if you fail there be so good as to introduce a special bill before the house in the old man behalf. I think when you examine the papers of the old man that is filed away in the office you will be convinced of the justice of his claim the old man has maintained in
unspotted character to the present day and a concern for the few that remain of those old virtuous and especially the one above named induces me a stranger to you to trouble you with these lines

When you write to me direct your letter to Ellettsville Monroe County It yours &c
[signed] Reuben Coffey

Hon John W Davis
Rep

Page 18

War Dept. Pen: Office
April 4. 1838

Sir,
The affidavit of John Dowell in support of the claim of George Dowell has been examined and filed with his other papers George Dowell alleges to have enlisted for three years in Captain John Marks company and Col. Charles Lewis reg being the 14th reg of the Virginia line in the spring of 1777, which statement is corroborated by the rolls here. He states also that after serving one year and nine month he was allowed a furlough for three month and on his return to Virginia finding his family about removing to N. Carolina went with them and did not again return to the army. By his not having fulfilled his engagement to serve three years, he forfeit all claim to the bounty of his country for his
service in Col. Lewis Regt cannot therefore be allowed a pension thereto. He also allege that after his removal to N. Carlina he enlisted in the South Carolina State troops for ten month,

Page 19

under Captain William Kenzey
Col. Thomas Sumpter W. E. Hayne Esq
Comptroller Genl of S. Carolina at
Columbian has second proof in his office
of those who served in the troop of [illegible]
State Application should therefore be
made to him for such proof of the
applicant alleged service on the records
in his  office may afford

[illegible]  W Herod
Apr 4 1838
[illegible]

Hon Wm Herod
H. R.

Page 20

George Dowel
___________
April 9 1838
Refd to the Committee
on Revy Pensions
============


Herod of Indiana

Page 21

War Department
Pension Office
April 5. 1838

Sir,

Agreeably to your request
I herewith enclose to you the
papers of George Dowell the
receipt of which I will thank
you to acknowledge

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J L. Edwards

Hon W. Heard
House of Representatives,

Page 22

Single
23

Mr Reubin Coffey
Bloomington
Indiana

Mail

[postal stamp top left corner]
Columbia
MAY
15
S.C.

Page 23

Indent Book. M.
No. 151.
Issued the first October 1784 to Mr George Dowell late a private in McKinzie" Troop, Hill Regiment Sumter Brigade &c for Ninety four pounds Sterling being amount of pay and County due him for services in that Troop together with the Interest thereon from the fourth of April 1782 to date hereof. Agreeable to resolution of General Assembly of the Eleventh of March last
Principal [pounds] L94.0.0
Ann. Interest 6.11.7

Comptroller Genl Office
Columbia 14 April 1838
I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy taken from a memorandum entered on the margin of Indent Book M. No. 151 deposited in this Office
William Ed Hayne
Comptroller Genl
Benj. Hart
Clerk

H. Reps
30 January 1838
I am well acquainted with Benj Hart the Clerk of the Comp Gen of So. Car. & am also familiar with his hand writing. I have no doubt that the whole of the above certificate & the signature of Benj Hart is genuine
F H Amon

Page 24



J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
War Dept


April 2
Allison
[illegible]

Hon W. Herod

Page 25

House of Reps  2nd  April 1838

J L Edwards Esqr

Sir

I here enclose some ad
ditional testimony in the case of George
Dowell of Monroe County which with other
additional testimony which I am informed
has been forwarded I hope will 
be sufficient please inform me

Yours very respectfully
William Herod

Page 26

Commr [illegible] June 22nd '38

Sir,

I am instructed to
submit the case inclosed
on behalf of Geo. Dowel,
for review. the testimony all 
things considered, is thought 
to render  no further legislation necessary.

Respy Yours obts
Jno  Ewing

J. L. Edwards Esq

Page 27

Hon W. Herod
April 5. 1838
Ind

Page 28

War Dept P - Office
Apl 5.  1838

Sir

Agreeably to your request
I herewith enclose to you the
papers of George Dowell the
receipt of which I will thank
you to acknowledge



H - W. Herod
H.R

Page 29

War Dept. Pens Office
June 26 183826

Sir,
The papers of George Dowell transmitted by you to this office have been placed on file with suspended cases. His claim for one year and nine months service in the Virginia line from 1777 
cannot be allowed because he enlisted for three years, and having left the army on furlough after serving as above did not again return to the army after his furlough had expired. By not doing so he forfeited all claim to the bounty of his county for the above mentioned service. In 1780 be alleges to have enlisted in the South Carolina State Troops for ten months. In all cases when there is record proof to be held of service on account of which a pension is claimed the regulations require that such proof
should be exhibited In In the office of the Comptroller General

Page 30

of S. Carolina there is  new proof of the
service of those who belonged to the troops
of that state, Application should be
made for such proof as said record,
may afford of W Dowell service to Wm
Edward Hayne Esq the present Compt Genl
at Columbia, S. C


Hon John Ewing
H. R.   


H--- J Ewing
June 26.  1838


___
Inde case
___

Page 31

House of Reps
April 16. 1844

Sir

Permit me to call your attention
to the enclosed application for an increase
of pension.When you have examined the
case please return the letter of Mr Coffey with
your reply

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Jno. W. Davis


J L Edwards  Esqr}
Comr of Pensions }

Page 32

Suspended
See letter to
Hon G. L. Kinnard
30 Jan. 1835 (not found)

(Nov James)
Let. 12 Dec 1776 

W Herod

[3 lines of text crossed out - not transcribed]

Page 33

30.256
George Dowell
Indiana


Admitted
Pr Cavy 10 mos
$68.66
Hon W Herod

H R 

[several lines of text marked out.. not transcribed]

Page 34

Declaration
Pension
George Dowell

Page 35

State of North Carolina
Burke County
I James Reid presiding Justice of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid do hereby declare that my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interrogatories presented by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I further certify that it appears to me that Col William Dickson and Col William Greenway who signed the preceding certificate are residents in the County of Burke and that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of October 1832
Jas Reid Justice  Just

I James Erwin Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Burke do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the George Dowell for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office in Morganton this 24th day of
October AD 1832
[illegible] J. Erwin Clerk

Page 36

Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
City of Washington
D. C.

Page 37

Bloomington In Feb 28th 1838.
Hon. J L Edwards
Sir,
Some months ago I recd yours containing objections to the claim of George Dowal. An explanatory amendment was immediately forwarded by way of N Carolina for the purpose of procuring testimony on the [illegible] The papers are all lost.

Another Amendment is now for forwarded

The objections presented by you are two

1st The omission to State why application was not earlier made
2d The fact of Mr Dowal having left the troops where his first engagement was upon furlough, and not returning

Both these objections I hope are removed,

1st As to this, the fact of the Act of 1818 being in its nature charitable & the fact of his not being in need of the Charity of government is a sufficient reason
2d As to his quitting the service in the North and being noted as a deserter, his entering and serving
in another with the circumstances, will be satisfactory

Page 38

suppose for argument & example the government
be personified, and yourself stated to be that
person; would not the circumstances I ask
related with the cander and sacred regard for
truth which characterize his statement satisfy
your mind. that he was not a willful or in
tentional deserter?  Would not the presumption
raised by a noting of his desertion upon the
Roll be entirely removed and can you have
any doubt of their truth
Mr Dowalls character for withe and especially
would place him far above suspicion; he indeed
in that respect commands the highest admiration
of those who know him

The case is contained in a few lines. True
he did not comply with or if you please violated
the form of his engagement, but was it not necessary 
to present his life from unselfish  expenditure
and to promote the spirit and object of
his enlistment.   His situation amounted so
nearly to impossibility as ought perhaps of itself
to excuse him for the now performance of his
engagement, had he remained out of the 
service.

Page 39

But he comes as near to the spirit and object of
his engagement as in his power.  Had he
concealed the fact of his case or shunned
the service in the south, it would have been proof
of a widely different sort of thing. But it was
otherwise      He consulted his friends, being young
and adhered to their counsel fell into the ranks
and faithfully continued in the country service
He had the confidence of the troops in the south
so far that Gen Sumpter selected him as
one to guard his private and public property.
He used the language in his amendment that he
was pressed into service in the South which might
be construed to mean a disinclination to serve
any where.    He means that it was his wish
to serve in the north, and that he unpressed
to some in the south

Further proof might perhaps if required
yet he obtained

Respectfully
J B Lowe


Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Page 40

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pen
Pension Office
War Dept

Apl 5

W. Herod

Page 41

House of Reps 5th April 1838
J L Edwards

Sir

I have to request the
favour of you to permit me to withdraw
the papers in the case of George Dowell
or to be furnished with certified copies
as your practice may be so that I may
introduce them in the house   please
forward them to me as soon as your
convenience will allow

Very respectfully
yours [illegible]
William Herod

Page 42


J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pension
Dept of War

Private June 30

[illegible]

Hon W. Heron
HR

Page 43

House of Reps
30th June 1838.
J L Edwards Esq

Sir

I herewith in-
close the copy from the [illegible]
of South Carolina with the
certificate of Hon F H Elsmore
as to the genuineness of [illegible]
certifcate  in [illegible] of
the claim of Geo. Dowell
for a pension I trust this
in addition to the affidavits
in the case will be sufficent

very respectfully

William Herod

Page 44

Dec 11
Geo Dowell

Hon W Herod
H R


J L Edwards Esq
Com Pensions
Washington

Page 45

House of Repts 17th Decr 1837
J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir

Enclose the letter of
Mr  Reuben Coffey in relation of the claim
of George Dowell for a revolutionary
pension in the hope that you will give
the information asked for by him & whatever
further may be necessary to the favourable
consideration of his application I know to
request as early an answer as may consist
with your convenience

With much respec
your obt servt
William Herod

Page 46

Branch at Bedford
 of the
State Bk of Indiana
July 24th 1838

J.L. Edwards Esq Com of Pensions,

Sir,

I have
your letter of the 12th instant con- taining the name of George Dowell to
be placed on the Roll of the Pension Agency
at this place, which is accordingly done
agreeably to your directions

Respectfully,
D R Dunihue
Cashier

for S. Merrill, Pen Agt

Page 47

Indiana Monroe County July 19 1844
Dear Sir your letter to Mr Davis in the case of George Dowell was forwarded to me, as George Dowell's applicant you state that if satisfactory evidence can be had of the service an additional allowance can be made. He says he joined Washington's army at Middle Brook in the spring of 1777 under Captain Charles was at the Battle of Brandywine and wintered the next winter at Valley forge in 1779 at the Battle at Monmouth left late in the fall on a furlow. The army was at Bandbrook all this time under
Capt Parker if the muster rolls is to be seen perhaps George Dowell's name may be found I would be glad if search could he made and if the rolls are not on file. I wish to enquire if any of the following persons are alive and drawing pensions and if so what is there post office [illegible] the old man says they were all soldiers with him under Captain Parker and Lieutenant Haney viz Simpson Foster Edmond Foster, Thomas Brock, Lewis Hensley, William Riley, Edward Lee, George Bruce or Ross Gabriel, Coleman George Fry, Benjamin Ross, Thomas Ross, William Ross should any of the above be living perhaps they may recollect the old man if you can let us know where to direct letter to them - and should the

Page 48

above fail we would ask if the old man's oath and certificates from various individuals
of standing in society all testifying to the old man character that he is a man of undoubted veracity. If this will not satisfy be be good as to write to me at Ellettsville Monroe County Indiana
I have the honor to be Sir your Obedient servant
Reuben Coffey

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 49

[envelope]
Ellicottville Ind   25
July 19

J.L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City

[sideways]
[illegible] July 30
Geo Dowell 
[illegible]

Page 50

House of Rep
July 1845

Dr Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the enclosed letter from Mr Coffey of Monroe Co and and to ask that you will furnish him through me with the information he desires if it is compatible with rules of your office. Please return Coffey's letter with your answer

Very Respectfully
Your obt Sevt
J. W. Davis


J L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Page 51

30.256

George Donell
Indian
Admitted $4.66
Pr Car 10m


[Struck through - Suspended]

on roll at state
Dept enlist 22nd May
1777 for three yers
no mention to time of his
leaving the service
M
Hon W. Harod
H. R

H. R

Page 52

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office 

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and 
the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
__________________________________________________________________
A STATEMENT, showing the service of George  Dowell
========================================================
Period when the  service was  rendered.   
                                                                                                                                              
Duration of the  claimant's service. Year. Months. Days.
      
Rank of the Claimant.   
 
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.   

Age at present,  and place of abode when he entered the service.

Proof by which  the declaration is supported.


Should state for what  time he enlisted in
[illegible] and to which regt he belonged and the
Colonel's name in his inlistment at the  at the [illegible].
The  statement is not explicit,     See  regulation                                                                                                                           


I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 53

THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

                                                                  DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory or District of} ss.
County of                                 }

On this______day of_____personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of______in the county of _______and State, Territory or District
of_____aged_______years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)____, with  and
served in the_____ (e) regiment of the_____ line, under the following named officers:

(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. ☞This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid._______________A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.

I _____________of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of__________________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
________ day of _____________& c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out ___________

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:______________

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____________ and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we   _____________      are well acquainted with ___________ , who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___________
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the___________
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __________
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, ____________-Clerk of the Court of ____________ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ____________
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ______ day of      ____________ & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 54

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 Solder.     } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, 
and what has become of it?
To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has be come 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 appeared 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 state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, 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 place 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 office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official 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 must
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 cases 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 a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m]The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 55

State of Indiana
Monroe County
On this the seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me the undersigned John W Lee One of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and in the State aforesaid George Dowell who being by me first duly sworn according to law upon his Oath states that he is the identical person who made and sworn to the foregoing Declaration for a pension dated State of North Carolina Burke County on the 22 day of October 1832 before the Justice of the County Court of pleas and Quarter sessions for said County of Burke. He states as will be inferred from the hand writing of said Declaration that the person by whom it was drawn any probably unskilled in such business. He states that the additional matters now stated in this his amendment to said Declaration are no less true and were omitted because they were thought by himself and the person writing said Declaration unnecessary or were forgotten. He [illegible] declares that nothing is stated knowingly in this amendment that is not strictly true. All of which he could have stated at the time of making said Declaration has he been advised that it may material

He enlisted as a private soldier of Infantry living in the County of Albemarle in the State of Virginia in the mouth of February or March he best thinks the former in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven in the company of and under the command of Captain John Marks in the 14th Regiment of Virginia line of the United State Troops said Regiment was commanded by Colonel Lewis whose first name he thinks was Charles. The Major's name in which Regt was Bluford, in the Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Weeden in the division of General Greene, & during a part of the service in this enlistment in under the chief

Page 56

command of General Washington. He enlisted for three years, and rendezvoused at the Court House of said County then residing therein, and was marched first to Fredericksburg - then to Dumfries where they were inoculated for the small pox then to Alexandria 25 Miles formerly Belhaven, Then having the small pox stayed untill he was well thence to Philadelphia where he stayed in barracks untill furnished with gun and Knapsack other equipage. Thence to Washington Head Quarters at Middlebrook. he does not recollect how long he stayed at the latter place nor where he next marched. the British being in the Country they were marched and maneuvered (the us troops with this declarant), in many directions. The British about this time embarked on board their shipping and re-landed at the head of Elk or Elk Head or some such name. Upon information of which they marched into Philadelphia and thence to meet the British & give them the Battle at Brandywine. The Battle of Brandywine was fought in September of 1777. The River at that place and of that name is a fordable stream at that season of the year. The enemy after landing must have marched part of the time nearly a north course untill they struck a leading road to Philadelphia crossing the river nearly at right angles the British posted themselves up & down the stream on the West side, the center of their army resting in or about the road. The American Army was posted on the east side with its center of the road & wings thrown up and down the River. Our ranks further or nearer as circumstances required to the bank. Howe was said to be the commander in chief of the British & posted on the right wing & Cornwallis on the left the Battle began early in the day at the crossing of the Road or ford. The Americans

Page 57

had arrived on the ground the day before & thrown a temporary fort or breast work near the road on rising ground suited to the purpose of playing with artillery upon the crossing. It and said that the British attempted to cross two or three times in said Column, & each time repulsed. the Battle continued by cannon and at times with small arms untill evening. Whilst the American Army  fought the British Army all before them Cornwallis having been originally posted up the River or having disengaged from whatever position that first [illegible] marched with a detachment in a Northern
direction and struck across the River above our right flank, and without opposition as I understood & believe. As many of our corps as could be spared from the right wing and centre were marched to engage Cornwallis this applicant belonged to Wedens Brigade stationed perhaps three miles at first from the seat of the contest being down the River on the left wing under the direction of General Greave we received orders & marched between three & four miles forty minutes. As we approached the ground when[illegible] us (our troops) first engaged with him retreating then pursuing . Green fell Artfully into the rear of our retreating troops and falling back himself with them to a Suitable place
made a stand in a narrow pass having sent his Artillery into the rear of our retreating troops further back, for fear of having to make a hasty retreat and losing them (the Artillery) relying upon mainly upon his small army with which they fought severely firing first by platoons Green retreated from this defile. Wallis [illegible] it with his men and encamped upon it during the night. This [illegible] by Willis & stand, by Greene was the last fighting that day. Our Army along the river having retreated along the main road toward Philadelphia

Page 58

and the British having crossed. We with difficulty retreated about ten miles along the Philadelphia Road (it being full of wagons, wounded men light horses &c) and encamped in great confusion. It is not improbable that the enemy if they had then acquainted with the face of the country might intercepted us & totally defeated us such was the irregularity in our retreat and encampment that
many of our men knew not where they nor their command nor their officers was. In the Brigade of General Weeden he recollects Col Stewart called the [illegible] he I think commanded a Pennsylvania  Regiment. Here General Lafayette an wounded this applicant believes in the evening of the Battle. It required some days to repair our confusion difficulties

We still moved onward the British pursuing and we retreating and reinforcing. Whilst on the Lancaster Road then fell a remarkable heaving rain and for two or three days and with the armies were near together but their ammunition and arms so wet that no fighting of consequence could be done unless with the bayonet After maneuvering by both parties the British went to Philadelphia without opposition we toward White Marsh

Shortly after this was the Battle of Germantown. This Applicant being sick was left with the Baggage wagons and was not in that engagement. After this, Battle (of Germantown) our army including this applicant went into Winter Quarters at Valley Forge and remained their untill in April or May. They then marched in various directions as well for health as defence

This applicant was in the Battle of Monmouth The British were marching on to New York and we in
pursuit- General Lee was ordered to the attack by Washington, designing that the whole Army would then follow and engage. Lee began the Battle as Ordered but retreated unexpectedly and contrary to order. The Brigade to which this applicant belonged was in the rear in the order of March, and was getting on eating their Breakfast as the Battle began, and had to throw out of their Kettle what they had prepared to eat and go to work with empty stomach - they had not even time drink of the creek as they crossed - when the Brigade

Page 59

of this applicant came up it took station near the meeting House. the Battle lasted but a short time after I got up each Army kept its ground.  Wedens Brigade to which I belonged moved back a little after the battle for camping ground the British that night moved off to New York. This applicant as his best impression states that the Battle of Monmouth was in June 1778. He well recollects that it was one of the hottest days he ever felt and that many died with over heat as was then said, and believed by him. At any rate he saw a number dead who appeared to have died in consequence of heat, & perhaps in part of fatigue. Nothing of consequence is within his recollection untill they went
into winter quarters at a place which he thinks was called Bonbrook, or (the highlands of Hudson). This applicant and his troops remained there untill about the 20th of December when he got a furlough and went home. When he got home his family and connections were about to remove to North Carolina, and this applicant removed with them to Burke County in North Carolina - under the said foregoing engagement he served at least one year and nine months as a private soldier of Infantry in the Continental Army of the Revolutionary War. Had he remained in the army during his furlough of three months he would have served under said enlistment two years. During the period
which he served it was the hardest part of the War upon the soldiers. The winter during which he was quartered at Valley Forge one sufferings were such do almost to defy description

In the Spring of the year of the Battle of Eutaw Springs he entered the service of the United States
again as a private soldier of Infantry in the State Troops of South Carolina for a period of ten months. A request came to North Carolina from South Carolina and Officers to recruit for State troops for
that State - General Sumpter had a Brother residing near me and sent up a nephew of his & others for the above purpose. This applicant enlisted under John Sumpter who was to have

Page 60

been appointed a Captain upon his raising a company of a certain number of men to make up the number he did get the commission of Captain, and consequently this applicant was transferred to another captain as hereinafter mentioned. Several squads were received in Burke County North Carolina where he lived when entering this service, Recruits were also raised in Lincoln & other Counties around. This applicant was marched in one of said Squads from Burke County down to South Carolina to Congaree River: There it was that John Sumpter who had been called Captain & commanded untill we reached that place having failed to raise the sum required to entitle him to a Commission of Captain we fell (this applicant and others) under the command of William McKenzie
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Henderson. Colonel Henderson first name he does not recollect. under the higher command of General Sumpter who was sometimes personally present and sometimes not. We then marched, and moved about the high hills of Santee near, a part of the time, to Fort ninety six and back to Congaree, and about Camden, and the water, much of the time
they were marched about the country below the forks of the Wateree and Congaree, where they form the Santee guarding and protecting the state and its Whig inhabitants against the British and Tories. During this service General Greene laid siege to 96. Rawdon after the Battle of Camden having spent some time me that portion of the County as well as I recollect being informed had gone to Charleston 
At any rate it was said he received at the latter place a reinforcement of three Regiment of appears to relieve Ninety six and he marched to 96 with this reinforcement & other troops. Greene gave way upon Rawdon's Approach Rawdon

Page 61

relieved the garrison and returned to Charlestown 
Greene followed on his heels.  Rowdon 
having divided into two detachments 
Greene attacked one party at the Eutaw 
Springs.  I was near the Battle but did 
not get up in time not belonging [illegible] 
(if at all) to Greenes troops.  During the 
winter after entering [illegible] in this service 
we were quartered at Orangeburgh apart of 
the time & part of the time moved about the 
winter being mild.  Our time was out or 
about the first of March or some time in 
the spring.  Sumpter about this time has to re
moved his property up to Salisbury in Rowan 
County North Carolina a great Whig neigh
bourhood [neighborhood]. I went to General Sumpter being 
unwell and asked him to give me a furlough 
to go home.  I continued sick I can not 
now state how long having received a fur
lough for thirty days.  As soon as my 
sickness was over and I was able to, I

Page 62

more than ten months from home, [illegible] was in the regu 
larly constituted corps in the field and camp in actual 
service at least nine months without the time of 
his said sickness.

In answer to the Questions prescribed by the War De
partment he states as to the 

1st Question. That he ws born in Albermarle County 
Virginia about the year 1760.

2d. He has no record of his age here. If any when 
which is uncertain it is in Virginia among his commissions.

3d. When called into service in the Continental troops 
he lived in said last named county and State. 
Since the Revolutionary War he has lived in Burke 
County North Carolina untill [until] two years ago, when 
he removed to this Monroe County Indiana where 
he now lives.

4th. He has already stated that when called into his said first service 
he enlisted, and so with regard to the second 
and last.

5th.  He has answered in the body of his Declaration & 
amendment as fully as recollected.

6th.  He received a Discharge from General 
Sumpter, which was he believes burnt at the time 
shortly after his marriage he had his house 
destroyed by fire & almost or quite everything in 
it.   He never had a commission. 

As to the 7th,  he states that he is known to Revd. Reuben 
Coffee John Moore Elijah Chambers & others 
who can testify as to my character for veracity 
and their belief of my services as a soldier 
of the Revolution.

In the said service in the State troops of South 
Carolina I had a brother John Dowell who 
lives in Jackson County Tennessee if alive.  My 
said brother was with me during nearly all 
of the time I was in said ten months service 
except whilst at General Sumpters plan
tation.  I have written to the place a letter directed 
to my said brother for the purpose of procuring 
his testimony, but have received no reply from

Page 63

him, and know not whether he be alive or not now. He states that he served at tenss. as long as he has claimed for, to this he swears unhesitatingly and positively however he may have in some degree erred in regard to dates & circumstances.
He states that he can not be now apprehends conveniently obtain the testimony of his said brother. His other connexions and acquaintances to whom by the help of his memory he is at this time able to ofer are as he believes dead or removed he Knows not where. Although there may yet be, still living in his old neighbourhoods in Virginia and North Carolina acquaintances whom he can not think of but whom he might recognize if there, and to see them.
He states that he served not less than said year and nine months on said Continental Service; - And not less than said nine months in said service in said State Troops, and that he served faithfully ad to the acceptince of his Officers, That he served during said periods in regularly embodied corps either in the field or garrison and was not employed in a civil pursuit
George Dowell

We Reuben Coffey a Clergyman residing in the County of Monroe State of Indiana aforsaid and John Moore residing in the same both residing in the same neighbourhood with the said George Dowall who has sworn to the foregoing Declaration and Amendment hereby certify that we are well acquainted with him, that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. I the said Reuben Coffee certify that I am the son in law to the said George Dowall, that I have lived and was raised in about six miles of him, that for about forty years I have been familiarly acquainted with him, for forty years and upwards. During all This time the said George Dowall testament.

Page 64

an excellent reputation for veracity and had the undisputed reputation of having been a faithful soldier of the revolution. He recollect that his services and character as a Revolution were much subjects of the neighborhood conversation during all said time, and that in no instance did he ever hear it disputed or doubtly expressed as to his character and services 

The said George Dowell had as he understands (from his earliest recollection) his house burnt at a time and under circumstances agreeing with his statement accounting for the loss of his discharge

The said John Moore State that I have had been raised in about seven Miles of the said George Dowell and have been intimately acquainted with him for twenty five years. During all this time the said George Dowell had the reputation without a single instance of any expression to the contrary of
having been a soldier of the Revolution. frequently the subject of conversation in the neighborhood
and taken and believed as unequivocally and completely as any matter of history in relation to the events of the time
[signed] John Moore
Sworn to the day and year aforesaid
Reuben Coffey

After the foregoing amendment and certificates were sworn to and subscribed to as well as from
my personal knowledge of the character of the claimant and certifies I do certify that I believe confidently that the said George Dowell was a Revolutionary solder as he has stated and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department I also certify that Reuben Coffey who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the same neighborhood with the said George

Page 65

Dowall and highly respectable, and that said
John Moore is a resident in the same and
is a credible person, and that their statements
are entitled to the fullest credit - that the
said applicant and said Witnesses have all
this day sworn to and subscribed their said
statements before me - the date aforesaid
and that the foregoing contains the true
proceedings - before me amendatory to
said Declaration, and which is attached
thereto
John W Lee
Justice of the Peace    SEAL


State of Indiana}
Monroe County} Ss

I Jacob B Lowe  Clerk of
Circuit Court of said County of Monroe in said
State of Indiana do hereby certify that
John W Lee Esq is a Justice of the Peace
[illegible] of said County as above
and that the foregoing signature purport
ing to be his is genuine

SEAL

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed my seal of
Office and subscribed my
name this 29th day of
December in the year of
our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty
four.
J B Lowe Clerk of the
County Court of
Monroe  County Indiana
I

Page 66

State of Indiana
Monroe County
This day before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & State personally appeared George Dowal a resident of said County and being by me duly Sworn according to law state, that he is the identical George Dowal who made his Declaration for a pension in the month of October 1832 at the County Court of Burke County North Carolina and who in the latter part of the fall of 1834 made his Amendatory Statement to said original Declaration which Amendment he made in said County of Monroe.
He state, that his reason for not applying for a pension under the Act of March 1818 is as follows: He was living in a remote part of the Country and had no knowledge of the passage of that Act for some years after it. Upon hearing that some provision was made by General Government he shortly after wrote to the Hon Samuel Carson then Representation in Congress enquiring of him the nature of the Act, and was by him informed that no person could draw a pension except those who served in need of the charitable aid of government, he having property, at that time and being able to maintain himself without a pension. He was early apprised of the Act of June 1832 and prepared to make his declaration in the Superior Court, but the Court consisting of but one person who was crippled by the upsetting of the stage no session was held and it was consequently that his application was not then, made, and was defered.
In his formal statement he stated the facts of his enlistment to serve three years, and after having served One year and nine months of said time, of his obtaining a furlough, and that on his arriving in Virginia his family were about to remove to North Carolina; and of his going with them, and not returning to the troops in which he had served. It did not occur to him at the time of making this candid statement that it would be noted as a desertion on the muster roll. If he had, he would nevertheless

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have made the statement.
He states that he had never contemplated himself as a deserter from the Service of his country. It was his intention to go back to the Army or troops with which he had enlisted to Serve, under General Washington. But it is well known that in the Sections of country thro which he would have had to pass in his way from North Carolina to Virginia owing to the sleepless violence of Whig and Tory party own Warfare it would have been extremely perilous, if not impracticable  It was necessary to have a pass and much discrimination as to the persons who should be permitted to see it. For frequently, when citizens met each other there was no chance for life with those who were the weakest or disadvantageously provided with the means of defence, but to deceive those having the advantage by pretending to be upon the same side. The Whigs having the upper hand they found it necessary to prevent these impositions to require of their travelling brethren a pass in writing signed by an Officer or Whig of note. I obtained a pass from Captain Sumpter brother to General Sumpter and started to return to Washington's troops, then perhaps in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. In passing the Home of one Captain Guess he was first detained but after suffering considerable uneasiness and suspense was permitted to pursue his journey. He was detained a second time and finally stopped by Cols. Cleveland and his troops, and his pass wrested from him, for no other reason known to him but the men suspicion of being an imposter and using a forged pass for the purpose of running away from North Carolina. Being without a pass and knowing that the Whigs are fierce at that portion of the Country and period, and that they were in the practice of killing those who happened to be suspected or charging without a

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written pap. Seeing these difficulties and being young and having no acquaintances along the war he became discouraged, and he hurried back to his friends. The facts of his case not being concealed and, the Whigs seeing him so far from his troops, his friends advised him to fall into the Army in the south, and those who were not his friends threatened to arrest him, if he did not join the North Carolina troops. It was still his wish to join the troops with whom he had engaged to serve & such had been his intention, but finding it a matter of necessity to remain where he was; on account of the advice and threats mentioned, and believing it to be his duty on account of having engaged in the service elsewhere, he entered the service in the South. He is at some loss how to describe the manner of entering the service here. it would perhaps be proper to say he was terified.- He left it to his friends, and officers to say what he should do and he was put in the place of another, who was drafted.
This declarant was then advised to let a brother take his place, so that he might stay at home and tend a crop. and such was the arrangement. His brother John Dowal served in his place three months. After which it was that this applicant served ten months as before stated in his declaration and amendment.
He expressly swears that he was not disaffected or disparaged toward his country or the Whig Cause and that he never for a moment intended to depart the cause. He did not desert in the sense of the word in which he always understood desertion. Being upon furlough and absent at a great distance from his detachment it was rendered impracticable to return, and the best that he could, do, was that which he did.

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Instead of desertion in the meaning and spirit of that crime, in his case it was only from necessary being transfered from one part of the country or scene of war to another. Men were as much needed in the South and he was as useful there as he would have been elsewhere.
He relied upon the advice of his friends and officers who were acquainted with the facts: and who if alive would testify in his behalf. The suspense and uneasiness which he suffered at the time, the logs of his bounty in land, and the greater danger of serving in the South on account of the disaffection of the neutrals, and [crossed out] the division made by toryism, and the having to operate on one side in small bands, less at any rate than in the north. All these he thinks are missfortune enough to suffer without the imputation of deserter, and the rejection of his claim for the small pittance he asks, small to the government, but otherwise to him.
He does not recollect whether he stated in his former statements and therefore now states that he had his house destroyed by fire some five or six years after the Revolution, and that his Discharge was burnt with it.
He perhaps forgot in his former statements to mention two small tours which now occur to him.
He served prior to his said ten months tour in South Carolina as a private called out in the manner of a draft in the Militia of North Carolina was ordered to a fort on the head of the Catawba, near Yellow Mountain his impression is it was called Fort Montgomery. A whole company was not organized. This applicant and squad marched to the Fort expecting to be placed under the Officers previously stationed there. But there being a force at the fort before the arrival of applicant

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and Squad sufficient to protect it they remained but a short time and returned home. He has forgotten how long this tour was, it was probably longer; but for safety he will say it was at least one week.
He served in another short tour not before stated, to wit.
Being in the bounds of the same company in which he resided at the time of the foregoing tour, he was called upon and volunteered in a company commanded by Captain Sumpter under Genl McDowal in the North Carolina Militia. He has forgotten the particular object of the expedition, but recollects they were to have marched a considerable distance, but owing as is his best impression to some turn in our affairs after rendezvousing and being embodied and marching toward Salisbury, receiving news or orders which authorized it as he supposes they marched back to Burke County, and were disbanded. This was, previous to his ten months tour. In this tour under Genl McDowal he served probably longer, but at least one week, for which tours and services he has never received any pay and for which he relinquishes all claim except the present
George Dowel

Sworn to, and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace aforesaid this 28th day of February AD 1838.
I further certify that my opinion is that the above named George Dowal is a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he has stated
John W Lee  J. Peace

I Jacob B Lowe Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County certify that John W. Lee Esqr is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine.

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In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this 28th day of February AD 1838.
J B Lowe Clerk of Circuit Court of Monroe County Indiana.
[seal: text illegible]