Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2995, James Busby, Continental Va

Page 1

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
Continental
Va
CONTENTS
Busby James
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 2995

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] letter from A. Smith rep to By sd [said] office Augt [August] 25 1835
see letter Sept. 8 1835 to Hon. L. Cass Sec. War 

[right side] 30- 1137
Kentucky 
James Busby
of Bourbon Co in the State of Kentucky who was a Pvt. Con. in the company commanded by Captain Le Brown of the Regt commanded by Col. Armond in the line for two years. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 100 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Augt. [August] 1835 and sent to A. Smith Paris, Ken.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $400.-
Semi=anl. [annual] allowance ending 4 Sept 50
$450.-

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

Recorded by Wm. Allison Clerk, 
Book E. 2 Vol. 1 Page 4

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side]
{Duplicate Certificate issued}
{May 2, 1850 & sent to}
{Hon J R Underwood}
Reported
Dec 23/48

[right side] 2598
Kentucky
Elizabeth Busby 
widow of James Busby
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pri [private] of Dragoon Virginia line
 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Dec. 1848 and sent to Hon. C. S. Morehead
H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, page 220 Vol. 3.

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State of Kentucky} Ss 
Bourbon County} 
On this the second day of March 1835 personally appeared in open Court at the Court House in Paris, Bourbon County & State of Kentucky James Busby a resident of said County & State aged Eighty years old on the second day of May 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 the seventh day of June 1832 – that he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1780 under Capt. LaBrhen [sic, Jerome Le Brun de Bellecour], of the third Troop Troop and Legion of Pulaski who was killed at Savannah who was succeeded by Col. Cowach [Michael Kovats de Fabriczy], and Col. Cowach [Kovats] was killed at the charge near Moncks Corner in South Carolina. The command then devolved on Major Silleral [?] until the arrival of Col. Armond [Armand] who retained the commands of the Legion until their Discharge. 

That his enlistment was during the war[;] the period in service was from June 1780 until November 28, 1783 when he was discharged at Little York Pennsylvania. That Cowach & Armand were the commanders of the Legion during his enlistment and that Genl. Gates [Horatio Gates] was Commander in Chief of the Southern Troops until after the Battle of Campden [Battle of Camden, August 15-16, 1780] when the command was given to Genl. Green [sic, Nathanael Greene] [in] 1780. That Lee [Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee], Morgan [Daniel Morgan] & Washington [William Washington] were in the Army. 
That he enlisted in the Legion in South Carolina while on his way to his place of residence in Goochland County Va [Virginia]. 

That the first Battle he was in (of any importance) was at Camden in S. Carolina where Gates was defeated and DeKalb [Johann de Kalb] killed. The second Battle was with a few of the Legion under Col. Shelby [Isaac Shelby] at Kings Mountain [October 7, 1780]. The next Battle he was in was the Cowpens No. Carolina [sic, South Carolina, Battle of the Cowpens, January 17, 1781] where Genl. Morgan had the command. Here he was first wounded in the Neck by a Sword from a British horsemen while he was in a charge under Col Washington.

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The next Battle was at Guilford Court House N. Carolina [March 15, 1781] where he was wounded the second time by a Ball in the thigh which confined him for 8 weeks to the Hospital which prevented him from Joining his Troop until they arrived in Virginia while the Troop were in pursuit of Cornwallis from N. Carolina to York in Virginia where he surrendered [Cornwallis surrendered October 19, 1781]. After this he marched from York Va. to Little York Pa. where he was discharged on the 28 Nov. 1783 by Col. Armand & his discharge was signed by Genl. Washington & is now on file in the War office. 
Sworn & subscribed to the Day & year aforesaid. 
James [his X mark] Busby
Tho P Smith

And the Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he States 
Clark Dennis 
Joseph J. Amos 
Wm. Barton 

I. Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the County of Bourbon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of this Court in the matter of the application of James Busby for a Pension 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this second day of March AD 1835 
Tho P Smith clk [Clerk]

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we Thomas C Cropper a Clergyman residing in the town of Paris & Wm Parker a clergyman residing in the County of Bourbon hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Busby who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty years of age (as stated by him) 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 to this second day of March 1835 at the Court House in Paris in open Court.

T. C. Cropper
William Parker

And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Thos C Cropper and Wm Parker are clergymen and residents of Bourbon County and are creditable persons and their statements are entitled to credit

Clark Denis
Wm Barton
Joseph J. Amos

I Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the County Court of Bourbon County do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Busby for a pension 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this second day of March AD 1835 
Tho. P Smith clk [Clerk]

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State of Kentucky, Fayette Circuit: 
June Term 1820 

Be it remembered that on the Tenth day of July 1820 James Busby made affidavit in open court, and produced a Schedule of his property amounting to ninety-one dollars agreeably to an act of Congress passed the first day of May 1820 concerning Pensioners, which is ordered to be entered of record in the words & figures following, to wit: 
“District of Kentucky [Ss?] Fayette Circuit. On this Tenth day of July 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a Court of record for the said District and Circuit of Fayette County, James Busby, aged Sixty-four years resident in Fayette County in said District, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: that he served in Captain Lee Brown's [sic, Jerome Le Brun de Bellecour] troop of Horse in Genl. Armstrong's [sic, Armand's] Legion of Cavalry of the Virginia Continental line, or independent Corps, and that the date of his original Declaration is on the 25th day of May 1818, and that the number of his Petition certificate is 5202. 
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not, since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of

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March 1818. And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. One horse worth $50. One cow and calf worth $12. Five head of Hogs $5. One cupboard $10. One table $4. One shovel, plow & hoe $3. One kettle & two ovens $4. Several Dishes & plates worth $3 = $91. 
James [his X mark] Busby

That he has Eight children living with him, to wit: Cynthia, 25 years old, Patsey 23 years old, Gabriela (a daughter) 16 years old, Sophia 14 years old, George Ann 12 years old, Polly 6 years old, James 8 years old and Sarah Jane 4 years old. That said James Busby is a farmer by occupation, and has to rent Land to support his large family (chiefly females). That he labours under great infirmities from old age and wounds received in the revolutionary War, for which he never received any invalid Pension, and that the disability from said wounds seems to increase by old age. 
Sworn to and declared on the 10th day of July 1820 before me. 
W. Warren, Circuit Judge

State of Kentucky 
Fayette Circuit Sct. I Thomas Bodley clerk of the Fayette Circuit Court, do hereby certify that the foregone declaration and Schedule thereto annexed are truly

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Copied from the record of the said court. and I do further certify that it is the Opinion of the said Court, that the total amount on value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Ninety one Dollar.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court at the Court house in Lexington on this 22d day of July 1820 and in the 29th year of the Commonwealth.

Thos Bodley Clk [Clerk]
By N. C. Summers D. C. [Deputy Clerk]

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See No 6411
Priv. Va

Ky

Act 7. July '38.
& 16 Aug '42

Admd [Administered]

2 yrs Dragoon
100 
E

Hon. Garrett Davis
H. R.

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State of Kentucky}
County of Bourbon} Sct

On this 7th day of February eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared in & before the County Court of the County of Bourbon aforesaid, Elizabeth Busby a resident of the s.d [said] County of Bourbon in the State of Kentucky aforesaid, aged sixty eight years - 
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of James Busby, a soldier of the Revolutionary War in the American Army.  The particular service which was rendered by her said Husband, or the Corps in which & the Officers under whom he served, she does not know; but he drew a pension by a certificate bearing date the 22d day of August 1835 for one hundred Dollars per year - his said Certificate being numbered 30127, & to the declaration made by her said husband & filed on his application for said pension, she refers for the detail of all the facts upon these points.  She further declares that she was married to the said James Busby on the 4th day

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of March, seventeen hundred and ninety - in the county of Albemarle in the State of Virginia, that her husband, the aforesaid James Busby, died on the 20th day of July, eighteen hundred & thirty eight; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four - Viz - at the time above stated - and that she has never been married since the death of her husband the aforesaid James Busby - but is still his widow.  

Elizabeth Busby [her x mark]

Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written - before - 

At the February Term of the County Court of Bourbon County Kentucky.  On the 7th day of February 1843.

This declaration of Elizabeth Busby widow & relict of James Busby deceased in order to obtain a pension being sworn to and subscribed in open Court is ordered to be certified.

Commonwealth of Kentucky & County of Bourbon. Sct. 
I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that the foregoing order

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is truly copied from the record in my office.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at Paris this the eighth day of February 1843.

Tho: P. Smith, clk, [Clerk]
By W. O. Hughart. D. C. [Deputy Clerk]

Commonwealth of Kentucky County of Bourbon Sct. 
I Joshua Irvin Presiding Justice of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Thomas P. Smith is Clerk of said County Court, and that his foregoing attestation is in due form of law.  Given under my hand this [blank]  day of [blank] 1843

J. Irvin

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Know all man by these presents that we James Busby and Roger Shackleford are held and freely bound unto the Governor of Virginia in the sum of fifty pounds to which payment well and truly to be made unto the Governor and his successors to the payment whereof we do bind ourselves our heirs exors [executors] admors [administrators] and assign jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated the 4th day of March one thousand seven hundred and ninety.

Whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be solemnized between the above bound James Busby and Elizabeth Shackelford spinster.

The Condition of the above obligation is such that if there is no lawful cause to obstruct the said intended marriage, then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force & virtue.

James[his x mark]  Busby {seal]
Roger Shackelford [seal]

Teste
Joshua Nicholas

State of Virginia
Albemarle County Sct.

I Ira Garrett depose and say that I am the Clerk of the County Court of Albemarle County State of Virginia, and certify that the above bond is a true copy of the original now remaining filed among the records of my office, and that I have examined the records of my said office and find no return of the said intended marriage as mentioned in said bond as solemnized between James Busby and Elizabeth Shackelford.

In Testimony of which I have hereunto
signed my name and affixed the seal of 
my office this twenty first day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty two

Ira Garrett Clerk of
The County Court of Albemarle

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State of Virginia: Albemarle County Court

I John R. Jones one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Albemarle State of Virginia certify that the foregoing was subscribed and sworn to this 21st day of October 1842.

Jno. R. Jones J Peace

State of Virginia:
Albemarle County Sct.

I Ira Garrett Clerk of the County Court of Albemarle County State of Virginia, Certify that John R. Jones is and was at the date of the above certificate one of the justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid.

In Testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 21st day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty two 

Ira Garrett Clerk
of Albemarle County Court

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At the December Term of the County Court of Bourbon County Kentucky.  On the fifth day of December 1842, Elizabeth Busby formerly Elizabeth Shackelford produced into Court a paper purporting to be a certified copy of a marriage Bond executed by James Busby with Roger Shackelford his security, for the marriage of said Busby with Elizabeth Shackelford, executed before the Clerk of Albemarle County Virginia, and being sworn states, that she is the same identical person stated in said marriage bond, and that she was married to said Buzby [Busby] in said County of Albemarle soon after that bond bears date, to wit, March 4th 1790, and that she lived with said Busby as his wife until the day of his death which occurred on the 18th July 1838 in the 85 year of his life.

Robert Busby being also sworn states that he is the Brother of said James Busby dec.d [deceased], that shortly after the 4th March 1790 he, Deponent, was by the said James Busby introduced to Elizabeth Busby who is now in Court as his the said James' wife, and that she is the same identical person who was then introduced to him by said James Buzby [Busby] as his wife, and that they lived together as man and wife until the death of said James Buzby [Busby] in the summer of 1838.

Commonwealth of Kentucky & County of Bourbon, Sct.

I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that the foregoing deposition is truly copied from the record in my office.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Paris this sixth day of December 1842.

Tho: P. smith, Clk.
By W. O. Hughart, D. C.

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

STATEMENT, showing the Service of [blank]

[column heading] Period when the service was rendered.
[written sideways] Between 1780 & 1783

[column heading] Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days.
[written sideways] Three years from 1780 to 1783

[column heading] Rank of the Claimant.
[written sideways] Private Soldier

[column heading] Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
[written sideways] Col Cowach until killed.  then under Major Sebekal until Command fell to Armond.  Lebrown was the Captain who was taken at Gates defeat & after returned - or his parol

[column heading] Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
present age 80
[written sideways] place of abode when entered the Army was Goochland County Virginia

[column heading] Proof by which the declaration is supported.
William Abner Affidavit is filed as proof of Army Service in Armond Corps

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832, 
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as 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, &, Teamsters, Boatmen, &. 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 claiming 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 
County of 
SS. 
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident of (b) of in the county of and State, Territory of District of aged (c) -years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left 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 county 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, &]
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. 
[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 herby 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 & 
If, on examination of the propter record, the names and 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 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) herby 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 that 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 statements 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 &
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 the 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

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the service of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting, the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State Troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. To a soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by 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 become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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 services of any person, who may have died before 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 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 invariable 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, & 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 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 & 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 that 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 not device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has not 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 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.

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[typed form, with handwritten responses]

November 23, 1938

BA-J/AWF Own
James Busby
W. 2995

Mrs. George L. Palmer
818 Upshur Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Madam: 

[Illegible ink smear] furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 2995, based upon the military service of James Busby in the War of the Revolution. 

James Busby was born May 2, 1754 or 1755, place not shown, nor are the names of his parents given.  

James Busby enlisted March 17, 1776, while residing in Goochland County, Virginia, served as private in Captains Nathaniel Morrison's and Tarleton Payne's companies, Colonels Davies' and Burgess Ball's Virginia regiments; he was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, wintered at Valley Forge and in the battle of Monmouth, in the winter of 1779, marched to South Carolina, where he was taken prisoner in the month of May, made his escape from the British, shortly afterward, and while on his way to Virginia, enlisted sometime in June 1780, and served as a private dragoon in Captain LeBrun's company in Pulaski's Legion, and in Armond's Corps; he was in the battles of Camden, King's Mountain, Cowpens, where wounded in the neck by a sword, battle of Guilford Court House, where wounded in the thigh by a ball, and in the Siege of Yorktown, was

Page 21

2- 

discharged November 3, 1783. 

James Busby was allowed pension on his application executed May 25, 1818, at which he was living in Fayette County, Kentucky. He was living in 1835 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. 

He died July 18 or 20, 1838. 

James Busby married in Albemarle County, Virginia, Elizabeth Shackelford. The marriage bond was dated March 4, 1790, and signed by Roger Shackelford; it was not stated that he was related to Elizabeth Shackelford, and the date and place of her birth are not given, nor are the names of her parents designated. 

The widow, Elizabeth Busby, was allowed pension on her application executed February 7, 1843, at which time she was aged sixty-eight years, and living in Bourbon County, Kentucky. She was still living there in 1850. 

Reference was made in 1820 to the following children of James Busby- 

Cynthia aged twenty-five years
Patsey " twenty-three years
Gabriella (daughter) " sixteen years
Sophia " fourteen years
George Ann " twelve years
James " eight years
Polly " six years
Sarah Jane " four years

Robert Busby, brother of the soldier, James Busby, was in 1839 of Bourbon County, Kentucky. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no

Page 22

3- 

further discernible data in regard to family. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possible the date of death of the widow, Elizabeth Busby, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington D. C., and furnish the following data- 

Elizabeth Busby, widow of James Busby
Certificate #2598
Issued December 23, 1848
Rate $100.00 per annum 
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Kentucky Agency. 

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Page 23

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side ] 1917 Feb’y [February] 12 Hist. to  N McCrary 

1929 May 17 “ “ Mrs. Rose N. Wyatt AWF

Her letter sent to Rec. Div. for reply [illegible]

1933 May 23 - hist. to A. M. Vliet AWF

1938 Nov 22 - hist. to Mrs. Geo. L. Palmer WF

[Right side]
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No 2995
Elizabeth Busby, 
Widow
James Busby, 
Priv. Dragoons Rev. War.
Act: Feb’y [February] 2 1848  
Index: - Vol. A, page 100

[Arrangement of 1870]

Page 24

Elizabeth Busby of James Kentucky
Rejected 
See let: 7 Dec. 39.
Hon. G. Davis.
Same Jan’y 11, 1843 -
husband died after passage of Act of July 1838
Act of July 1838

Page 25

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side] Kentucky 7004

Elizabeth Busby
widow of James Busby

who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 20 July 1838 of Bourbon Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a Pr. of Dragoons in the company commanded by Captain Le Brown of the regt. commanded by Col. Arnold [Armand] in the line for 2 years. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 100 Dollars -- per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of February 1843 and sent to Hon. Garret Davis, House of Representatives

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $400

[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, 
Book A. Vol. 2 page 226 

[right side] Reported

Page 26

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[Left-hand side]
let [letter] to Hon G Davis; Jan 15 45.
Reported

[Right-hand side]
Kentucky 4162

Elizabeth Busby
widow of James Busby
who was a Private of Dragoons
in the Kentucky line 
for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
100- Dollars ~
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
3d day of January 1844
and sent to Hon. G. Davis .
House of Representatives

[Act of March 4, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 166

Page 27

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[Left-hand side]
See letter 13 March 1836 
to A. Smith do 
Apl [April] 1834 ditto 15 
Jany [January] 1835.
Let [Letter] to A. Smith 15 May 1835 
do 17 June ‘35...

[Left-hand side, Horizontal] Notification sent October 20 1820 to Daniel M. C. Rayne, Lexington Kentucky

[Right-hand side] 5202
Kentucky
James Busby, private.-
Virginia Line, 1776 3 Years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky.-
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 25th of May 1818.-

Certificate of pension issued the 6th of Jany [January] 1879 and sent to Hon: R: M: Johnson House of Rep. U. S. -

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 3 7/31 & 4/30 mos. [months] $26.8[cut off] 
Semi-anl. all'ce [annual allowance] ending 4 Mar; 1819. $-48.~
$74.86

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818.}

Continued

Page 28

James Busby.-
Jas. Irvine &
Jas. Johnson-

Certificates that the above named applicants are in reduced circumstances and stand in need of the assistance of their country for support & are wanting

Page 29

I hereby certify that the within named James Busby, James Irvine, & James Johnson stand in need of the assistance of their Country for support - 

29th Dec. 7 1818    
Rh M Johnson 
Mem. Congress

Page 30

Pen [Pension] Office May 26th 1818 
Dear Sir
Respectfully I enclose the following application for Pension by Soldiers of the Revolution (viz) James Irvine, James Busby and James Johnson your earlies attention is [Illegible] to those cases our friend the Honble [Honorable] Henry Clay has returned to Lexington and is much flattered for his Church in behalf of the “Patriots”, as it is called, also Dr. Holley from Boston who has been elected President of our College at Lexington with very respect in [both?] your friend &c 

Daniel M C Payne

Page 31

Daniel M. C. Payne 
5202. 
23 July, 1820 
Rec.d [Received] 3 Augt. [August] 1820 
Answered 
20 Octr [October] 1820 

[stamped sideways] LEX JUL 

[written sideways] To the Honble [Honorable]    Free
J. C. Calhoun
War Department
Washington City

Mail}

Page 32

Lexington Office July 23d 1820 
Dear Sir,
I here enclose the Schedule of Property &c of Mr. James Busby a Pensioner of the State of Ky. I beg to be informed of the results of his application. 
Very respectfully 
your ob.t H. Sevt [obedient humble servant]
Daniel M C Payne

To the Honr.l [Honorable]
J. C. Calhoun 
W. [Washington] City

Page 33

[stamp on the left side of page]

To the Honble [Honorable]     Free
John C Calhoun
Secretary at war
mail{ Washington City

Page 34

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

[left side of page] 24
James Busby
Payable semi-annually – the first payment on this certificate will be made the 4th of March next, at the Branch Bank U. States at Lexington Kentucky 
Recorded

Page 35

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM

I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, ~
James Busby late a private ~ in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Kentucky Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the twenty fifth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this sixth day of January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

Page 36

4828
Elizabeth Bush

100$
4162
166

Hon. Garret Davis
H.R.

Page 37

State of Kentucky}
Bourbon County} S S
On this Seventh day of November 1843 personally appeared before James Houston a Justice of the Peace for Said county Elizabeth Busby a Resident of the County of Bourbon and State of Kentucky Aged Sixty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of James Busby who was a private in the Horse Company Commanded by Captain Leebrown in the army of the Revolution the Regiment not Recollected that She received  one Hundred Dollars per anum [annum] for five years under the act of July 7th 1838 She further declares that She is still a widow

Elizabeth [her x mark] Busby
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before James Houston a Justice of the Peace 
attest Hunt H Hall 

States of Kentucky Bourbon County Sct I do hereby certify that Elizabeth Busby who is personally known to me did this day make subscribe and swear to the above declaration before me a Justice of the Peace for said county Given under my hand this 7th day of Nov. 1843 James Houston J. P.

Page 38

State of Kentucky Bourbon County Sct.

I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the Court of Bourbon County certify that James Houston is a magistrate as above and the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office of office and subscribed my name this fourth day of December eighteen hundred and forty three

Thos. P. Smith clk.
By W.O. Hughart.D. C.

Page 39

State of Kentucky} 
Bourbon County} Sct. Be it known that on this 21st day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me Robert Scrogin a Justice of the Peace in and for said County William Abney [pension W.1202] aged 78 years the 12th day of August next who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration (to wit) That he entered the Army of the United States as a private Trooper in Col. Armand's Corps of Horse in the month of January 1782 and that at that time James Busby was a private Trooper in Capt. Le Brown’s [sic, Jerome Le Brun de Bellecour’s] Company belonging to said Legion of horse commanded by Col. Armand, and that said James Busby -- continued in the said service until the close of the war and was discharged with this affiant at Little York in the State of Pennsylvania on the 28th day of November seventeen hundred and Eighty three and that the said James Busby is now present before this affiant at Paris in Bourbon County Kentucky. 
William [his X mark] Abney

Sworn to and subscribed the date above 
State of Kentucky Bourbon County Sct 
I Robert Scrogin a Justice of the peace for said County do hereby certify that the above affidavit of William Abney was taken subscribed and sworn to as the law directs before me at Paris in said County this 21st day of November 1834 and I further Certify that William Abney is entitled to Credit given under my hand and seal the date above 
Robert Scrogin {JP}

Page 40

State of Kentucky Bourbon County S.S.

I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the Court of Bourbon County certify that Robert Scrogin is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature is purporting to be his is genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 21st day of November 1834.

Tho. P Smith clerk 
of the court of 
Bourbon Cty [County] by 
Porter Smith Deputy clerk

Page 41

I James Busby of the County of Bourbon & State of Kentucky now in my 81st year since the second day of May last do depose & swear that I enlisted in the year seventeen hundred and seventy six into the company of Capt. Tarleton Pane [Tarleton Payne] that I was living in Goochland County Virginia at the time of my enlistment, that I enlisted on the 17 day of March of that year. That when we were marched to the Army our company was attached to sixth Regiment of the Virginia Line under the command of Col. Ball (If I recollect Burgess Ball). That we were inspected by General Washington himself near Middlebrook New Jersey and there sworn in, the first engagement was at the surprise of the Hessians at Trenton on the morning of the 26th of December 1776. Our company crossed the Delaware in Jersey with General Washington on the night previous and after the taking of the Hessians we marched with our Regiment back to Philadelphia and marched from thence to Morristown – where all the Virginia line who were there were inoculated for the smallpox. The first Engagement we were in after we left Morristown was at Brandywine [September 11, 1777] my company was still commanded by Capt. T. Paine the Regiment by Col. Ball & the Brigade by General Scott [Charles Scott]. During the action Col. Ball was sent to defend Shads ford which we did until the Army was ordered to retreat. General Washington spoke in the highest terms publicly of our Regiment & sent Col. Knox afterward Gen. Knox to reinforce us. The next action was at Germantown [October 4, 1777] where we were again unsuccessful we went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. In 1778 I was in Battle of Monmouth [June 28, 1778] still under the command of

Page 42

Capt. Tarleton Pane. In the Winter of 1779 we were marched to South Carolina under the command of General Scott and was taken prisoner under General Lincoln [May 12, 1780], which took place in May. I then deserted shortly after from the British and on my way to Virginia fell in with Armand's Corps and enlisted in Capt. Le Brown [sic, Jerome Le Brun de Bellecour’s] Corps for the Ballance [balance] of the war. This shows the reason why I had no discharge from the Virginia line because I was taken prisoner. That I was discharged in Little York Pa. the third day of November 1783 by the command of General Washington whose name & seal was both attached to the discharge – during the war I was twice wounded & twice taken prisoner, the wounds are such that any surgeon can testify are musket & sword wounds and many of my friends can testify that I have had since they have first known me which is more than fifty years and must have been done in the war of the Revolution & if Dr. Prescott, Dr. Warfield (Pratter Warfield), Dr. Morris of Armand Legion are now living, they can testify & if Dr. Morris of Armand's Legion is now living to this day can testify to the wound from a sword on the back of my neck which while I live will be entirely satisfactory to my friends, that my Blood was freely spilt and nearly with the loss of my head. And further that what I have before testified to as to the time & service in Armand's Corps & again testify to the officers. Armand was commander of the Legion, Shafner [George Schaffner] the major raised in Lancaster Pa., Lebert [Claudius de Bert] Capt. of the first Troop, Bedkines [sic, Henry Bedkin] Capt. second Troop, Fontavier Lieut. Ruffin Ensign officers belonging to Lebert Company

Page 43

Head Lieut. – Kilten Ensign to Bedkin’s Troop – 3rd troop Capt. Le brown [sic, Jerome Le Brun de Bellecour], Lieut. Decatier Ensign Murdoch, Grenadier Capt. Sharp, Pennett Lieut. 2nd Lieut. Smith Shafner Ensign nephew of the major. Rangers Le Barron Capt. – Riddle if I recollect was his Lieut. – Infantry Capt. Bress his officers I don't recollect – Quar. Master McDougal Waggon [Wagon] Master Bockett – If on the previous statement sent to the department it is stated that my discharge was on the 28 of Nov. that must be a mistake in the writer & I want to change to 3rd of November 1783 – done in the courthouse in open court this 3rd of June 1835. 
James [his X mark] Busby

Personally Appeared James Busby in open Court & made oath that the statements contained in the foregoing deposition are true this 3rd Day of June 1835. 
John Hedges 
Joseph I, Amos 
Wm. Barton

Page 44

I William Morrow of County of Bourbon State of Kentuck [Kentucky] and Wm Parker of the same County & State do certify that we are well acquainted with the within named James Busby & know him to be a man entitled to credit as he stand a fair as any man in the County and further we do not hesitate to state that in our opinion he was a soldier of the Revolution.
W Morrow
Wm. Parker 

we do hereby certify that the within named William Morrow & William Parker are Clergymen of Respectability and their statement are entitled to credit as sworn to in open Court at Paris this 3rd day of May 1835. 
John Hedges 
Wm. Barton 
Joseph J Amos

State of Kentucky & County of Bourbon Ss
I Thomas P. Smith Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that John Hedges, Wm Barton and Jo: J. Amos are Justices of said Court that their signatures are genuine & their acts entitled to credit. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 1st day of June 1835 
Tho P. Smith clk [Clerk]

[words written on bottom that were from another letter]

Page 45

This is to certify that James Busby a private Dragoon in the First Partisan Legion under my Command, has served faithfully and bravely to this Day, is hereby discharged from the service of the United States, in Pursuance of Orders received from the Commander in Chief, bearing Date the third instant.
I further certify that James Busby a private Dragoon having been enlisted in the State of Virginia is intitled [entitled] by the Resolution of Congress, of the 13th February, 1779, to the benefits that have been, or hereafter shall be, granted by the said State to the Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers of the said Line. 
Given under my Hand and Seal at York Town, this fifteenth day of November, 1783 
Armand Marquis de la Rouerie Brigadier General 
[Charles Armand Tuffin, Marquis de la Rouerie] {Seal}
Entered in the Books of the Legion 
Attest
Godfried Swartz 
Adjutant of the Legion

[Illegible] Department 
Richmond Va [Virginia] July 23 1835 
The above is a true copy of the discharge of James Busby, on file in this department 
Wm Richardson Secty [Secretary] Comr [Commissioner]

Page 46

The Hon.l [Honorable]  J. L. Edwards
Washington City

Page 47

Millersburg April 21 1835

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir we have endeavored to file the papers of James Busby according to your directions & hope they will be sufficient should they not be pleased returning his his Pension Paper. Mr Busby says his discharge signed by Genl. Washington is filed in your office is not that Evidence sufficient to entitle him to the Benefit of the Law of 1832. you will please give the paper a patient investigation for this aged & Honerable [Honorable] Revolutionary Solider.
I have the Honor to be Sir
your very obt & very Huble svt [Obedient & very Humble Servant]
A. Smith

Page 48

Paris June 2nd 1835 
To the Hon.l [Honorable] J L Edwards 
Sir I have the honor to enclose Mr. James Busbys Affidavit as to his further service I regret the trouble Mr. Busby has been to you & I am certain I [neasity?] did not compel that old man he never would have done it. I never saw as much feeling manifested as I did yesterday when the old man hobbled into Court to make his affirmation. I handed your letter to the Clerk & he read it to more than 500 persons & then your first letter & I am satisfied had you seen him & the Electric effect it had on the audience no doubt on Earth would have been left on your mind as to his being a Soldier & when I got him to open his shirt & exhibit the mark of the wound which had nearly severed his head from his body & requested 8 Phisicians [Physicians] to examine it, one of them declared to the Court that Dr Walter Warfield had shown him the same wound in the year 1805 & told him he attended on him (Viz) Busby during the time he was confined, & still farther when the old man took down his overhauls and exhibited a thigh that had been pierced through the one Bone Book & the leg shorter & him Lame -- to this I stated the fact that his wife had been confined to her bed in July 1833, & that I had been her constant attendant during that time

Page 49

and there was no hope for cure and partial relief was the only thing that could be done this I have done with fervor emolument or without the wish of any 
If this paper had been required ten or 20 years since Hundreds then could have been found to testify to it-- but all or nearly all are -- gone Mr. Busby has since I was a child been considered a soldier of the Revolution and on 4th of July Parades he was always put with the Band of soldiers & with those who knew & would have spurned anything sporous -- & when the venerable La Fayette was at Lexington he took his old acquaintance James Busby by the hand and called him by name after more than 40 years absent. This were he now living and James Burley thrown from the List would be appealed to & he summoned as evidence to this old man the fact can & will be established before the next Legislature who will be petitioned to Petition the next congress to have him reinstated. - Sir had you seen the venerable La Fayette clasp him in his arms with the tears in his eyes, the frailties of memory would be passed by if he has forget any thing particular which an [Illegible] of a man for he cannot read) may have done who had nothing but his memory to store away the

Page 50

facts. Dr Prior affidavit will be taken he told me Mr. Busby came to his house in Va. from the army that Mr. Busby had on his uniform sword & Pistoles & says he said his discharge more than 20 times as Mr. Busby staid in his fathers house more than two years. This he stated publickly [publicly] on yesterday in the Courthouse and will be qualified to it & further state that his father knew Mr. Busby well in the army & met him as a friend when he came from the war. I hope you will find the facts stated to correspond with the rolls and have no further trouble than grant him his little portion & thereby relieve his friends from any farther effort on their part as his friend[s] are men who I know will not stop untill [until] the old man receives that which is justly his due[.]
I have the honor to be Sir 
your obt [obedient] Servant 
A Smith

Page 51

[Check mark] 6411
Eliz. Busby
Kentucky

Act 7 July 38 -
& 16 aug [August] - 42

[written sideways] Honl Honorable] Davis
H. R.

Page 52

At the September term of the County Court of Bourbon County Kentucky, on the 3rd day of September 1838.

Satisfactory proof was this day made in open Court by the Oaths of John Prior, Jacob Duncan, Foster Collins, and Squire D. Howell, that James Busby, late a Pensioner of the United States, departed this life on the 20th day of July last (1838) and that the said James Busby was the identical person named in an original certificate, now here shown to Court, bearing date the 22nd day of August 1835, and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of war, granting to the said James Busby, a pension of one hundred Dollars per year, and numbered 30137. And it was further proven to the satisfaction of the Court that Elizabeth Busby, is the widow of the said James Busby, and that she is now living and present in court. 

[lower right corner]
In Testimony that the foregoing is truly copied from the Record in my office I Tho P Smith Clerk of said court do hereunto set my hand & affix my seal of office this 20th day of October 1839.
Tho P Smith Clk [Clerk]

Page 53

Commonwealth of Kentucky & County of Bourbon Ss
The affidavit of Robert Busby taken to be used as evidence at the pension office of the United State on an application of Elizabeth Busby widow and Relict of James Busby dec’d [deceased] for a pension. 
This affiant being of lawful age & first duly sworn says that he is the Brother of the said James, that he was united to attend the widing [wedding] of said James in the State of Virginia & County of Albemarle sometime about the year 1788 or 1789 - that he did not attend the widing [wedding] but that shortly after he saw the said James and Elizabeth & understood that they had been married, that they lived as man and wife up to the time that this deponent last saw them which was shortly before the death of his said Brother & So continued up to his death as this affiant is informed and believes, and that said Elizabeth is still living and unmarried - affiant may be mistakes as to the particular year of the manage but is confident it was about the times above stated. Signed by the said Busby this 21st Oct.1839. 
Robert [his x mark] Busby
Subscribed & sworn to before 
Jesse Kennedy a Justice of the 
peace of said County the date 
above - Jesse Kennedy

Page 54

State of Kentucky Sct.

I Tho P Smith Clerk of the County Court of said County do Certify that Jesse Kennedy is a Justice of the peace as before stated and that his signature is genuine and his acts entitled to credit.

In Testimony where of I have here unto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 21st October 1839.
Tho P Smith Clk [Clerk] 
of Court

Page 55

Feb 15 . 43
Ken
July 7. 1838
Eliz Busby

Jan 32

[vertically written]
John L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
City

Hon. G. Davis
H. R.

Page 56

House of Rep 14th Feby [February] 1843 

Hon Jno. [James] L. Edwards

Sir,

I enclosed you the application of Mrs. Busby for a pension & I hope all is now right.

Yr obt [Your obedient]
Sert [Servant

Garrett Davis

Page 57

House of Reps 15th Jan 1943 

Colo. J. L. Edwards

Sir, 

I send again these papers of Mrs. Busby for a renewal of her certificate of pension under the law of last Session. Will give your attention to it & forward me this certificate.

Respectfully
Yrs.

Garrett Davis

Page 58

State of Kentucky}
County of Bourbon}  Sct

Personally appeared this 7th day of February 1843, before this undersigned a Justice of the peace in & for the County & state aforesaid Squire D. Howell and Foster Collins -- and made oath that they are both acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Busby a resident of same county & state afo.d [aforesaid] and widow of the late James Busby and they further made oath that she, the said Elizabeth Busby is a woman of good credit & entitled to belief - Given under my hand the day & year above written. 

E. Thurston J. P.

Page 59

Busby}
to } Power of Attorney
Davis

Page 60

Know all men by there presents that I, Elisabeth Busby of Bourbon County Kentucky have this day nominated, Constituted & appointed & by these present do nominate, constitute & appoint the Hon. Garrett Davis of same County & state afd [aforesaid] and now a member of Congress in Washington City D.C. my true & lawful attorney for me & in my name to draw such pension money as I may be entitled to by virtue of An act of Congress passed 7th July 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" & I authorize him hereby to receipt for the same in my name - And whatever my said attorney may do in the premises I hereby notify & confirm as fully as though done by me in my own proper person. Witness my hand & seal - this 7th day of February 1843
Attest
John G. Martin  
Thos. S. Martin

Elisabeth [her x mark] Busby {Seal}

Page 61

Dec. 22/48

4162

Return this letter

Hon. C. S. Moreland

[written sideways] Ruddells Mills
Ky Dec 14th 
Free
Mr. C. S. Morehead W.C.
Washington City D C

[written upside down] Cole

Page 62

Ruddells Ruddels] Mills Ky Dec 13th 1848 

Mr C S Morehead

Dear Sir

I forwarded to J. L . Edwards commissioner of Pattents [Pensions] Some time Since the Declaration of Mrs[.] Elizabeth Busby the widow of James Busby Decd. Who was a Revolutionary Soldier. In order to have her name re entered on the list of Pensioners according to the Act of Febr [February] 2d Last. And have not Recd [received] any reply. She is very anxious to hear from the department on the Subject as She is Very Poor and Stands greatly in need of the pension You will confer a great favour on a Poor widow & also on one of your constituents by calling on Mr Edwards & ascertaining the the Situation of of her case
yours Very Respectfully
James Houston

Page 63

State of Kentucky Bourbon County SS
On this 12th of October 1843 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Elisabeth Busby a resident of said county aged Seventy years Who being duly Sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1838 Granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of James Busby who was a private in Armonds corps of calvary to the best of her knowledge. And that She received an annual pension of one Hundred Dollars under the Act of 17th June 1844. She further Declares that She is still a widow.
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
James Houston JP
Witness Isaac Colvin

[to right of above names] Elisabeth [her x mark] Busby

I certify that the above declarant is personally known to me and that She is the Same individual who drew a pension as Stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
James Houston JP

State of Kentucky County of Bourbon Sct
I Thomas P Smith clerk of the [County crossed out] Court of said County certify that James Houston is a magistrate in and for said County duly confirmed and sworn and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine his commission is dated on the 8th day of November 1838 and continues during good

Page 64

Behavior.

In testimony whereof I have hereinto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my [seal of office is crossed out]  name this 19th day of October 1848.
Thos P Smith Clk [Clerk]
By John Smith D. C. [Deputy Clerk]

Page 65

Mr J L Edwards

Dear Sir enclosed I send you the Declaration of Elisabeth Busby In returning an answer you will please Direct it to me Ruddells Mills PO Bourbon County Ky She Says if any further evidence is necessary you will Refer to the papers filed by her in obtaining the benefits of the Law of March 3 1843
Oct 19th 1848
Yours Ot [obedient servant]
James Houston

Page 66

[right side] E Busbys affidavit
2598  48 Ky

for duplicate
Certificate
[Illegible] 
to Cole

Hon. J. R. underwood
U. S. Senate

[left side written sideways]
Mr. Edwards will please renew the within or furnish a duplicate so that I may forward it.
J. R. Underwood

Page 67

State of Kentucky}
Bourbon County} Sct
This day Elisabeth Busby personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the peace for Bourbon County and State aforesaid and made oath that she is the widow and relict of James Busby dec.d [deceased] a soldier of the Revolution and lately resident of said county, that as widow of the said James Busby she some years ago made application to the Government of the United states for a pension under the law of Congress; and a pension was allowed her at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per year & a certificate therefor was issued in her favor Signed by the Secretary of war. That she placed her said certificate in the hands of her friend a certain James Houston since decd. and upon his death, said affiant applied to his widow and his personal representative for said certificate and they represent that it is not among his papers & they cannot find it, nor do they know where it is. Said Elizabeth Busby further makes oath that she applied to the said James Houston in his lifetime for said pension certificates & he told her it was lost or mislaid & he could not find it; and that she the said Elizabeth Busby has not the possession of said certificate, nor does she know where it was; and that in consequence of the loss of her said certificate she has not been able [to] draw her pension for two or three years. 
Sworn to before the undersigned 
Elisabeth her x mark] Busby

Page 68

a justice of the peace for said county this 22 day of February 1850 
Wm M Bowen, J.P.B.C. 

State of Kentucky}
Bourbon County} Sct 
This day Jefferson T. Vimont and Abraham Barton who are personally Known to the undersigned a justice of the peace for the county & state aforesaid & under oath that they are personally acquainted with Elizabeth Busby named in the within affidavit & that they Knew her husband James Busby in his lifetime; and they know that he was a revolutionary pensioner until his death, and after that event She obtained a certificate of pension for [duplicate for] some years & drew the same; and that her said husband in his lifetime & his widow The said Elizabeth Busby since his death resided in the county of Bourbon aforesaid
Jeff T Vimont 
Abraham Barton 
Sworn to before the undersigned a justice of the peace for Bourbon County this 22nd day of Febry [February] 1850 
Wm. W. Bower. J.P.B.C.

Page 69

State of Kentucky}
Bourbon County} Sct 26th Feby [February] 1850 
I Thomas P. Smith clerk of the county court of Bourbon County of which the within named William S. Bowen is in virtue of his commission as a justice of the peace of said county is by law a member of said court, is and was at the time of the signing the within testimonial a duly commissioned & acting Justice of the peace for said county. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Jefferson T. Vimont & Abraham Barton the within named affiants & that they are men of honor & their statements are entitled to full faith & credit. 
In testimony whereof I have hereinto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 26th day of February Eighteen hundred & fifty & in the 69th year of this Commonwealth 
Tho P. Smith Clk [Clerk]

Page 70

James Busby private
Davis Virginia Regt [Regiment]
1776-1779 25 May 1818

See the [illegible] 16 Va
Re Co. [illegible]
See form Hagner office

Cert; of Circumstance [illegible]

Page 71

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

District of Kentucky, SS 
On this 25th day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court for Fayette County for the said district, personally appeared James Busby aged Sixty years, resident in Fayette County in said district, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he, the said James Busby enlisted in the year 1776 in the state of Virginia and County of Goochland in the company commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Morrison of the 14th Regiment of the regulars commanded by Col. Davis for three years and that he served to the End of said term and; that he continued to serve in Col. Armond's [Tuffin Charles Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie] Legion of horse or in the service of the United States until the year of 1783, when he was discharged from the service in the State of Pennsylvania and Town of Little York, that he was in the battles of Brandywine [September 11, 1777], Monmouth [June 28, 1778], Cowpens [January 17, 1781], Gilford [March 15, 1781] and the siege of York [October 19, 17 81] and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. 
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid 
Benj. Johnson, 
Circuit Judge

I Benjamin Johnson Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said James Busby - did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; ^ from the above declaration and a wound he recd [received] in his thigh in battle and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress Given under my hand this -- May 25th – 1818
Bnj [Benjamin] Johnson 
Circuit Judge 

[printed square with a frame around the words] SEAL OF THE COURT.

Page 72

State of Kentucky Fayette Circuit Sct 
I Thomas Bodley clerk of the Court for the Circuit aforenamed do certify that The Honbl [Honorable] Benjamin Johnson who hath subscribed the foregoing writing is Presiding Judge of said Court, and his Official acts are entitled to full faith & credit 
[large white seal] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 26th day of May 1818. and in the 26th year of the Commonwealth. 
Thos Bodley Clk [Clerk]

Page 73

(envelope that has gone through the mail, there is an open window for the receiving address)
(return address) 
(illegible)-1009
Department of the Interior.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. (U OF PE underlined)
If not called for in 15 days, return to
THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.

(illegible) [writing on front}

(There are two return to sender stamps in the shape of hands with the index finger extended and pointing to the return address, both dated FEB 28, 1917)

(Below the rightmost return to sender hand stamp is written)
2/27
Billings
Mont

(Above the rightmost hand stamp is the post mark which reads 
WASHINGTON D C 
FEB 12
7 30 PM
1917)

(To the left of the post mark, and covered by the wavy lines of the post mark there is a stamp with an eagle that says
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE)

(over the bottom of the eagle stamp FEB of FEB 27 1917)

Page 74

(written diagonally in the upper left corner of the typed page is initials V.L.M.)

Rev. War. Section. | (underlined form number) 3-1885
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON | February 12, 1917.

N. McCrary
Park City, Montana.
Madam: In response to your letter dated the 29" ultimo, you are advised that it appears in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. File No. 2,995 that James Busby was born May 3, 1754, and while residing in Goochland County, Virginia, enlisted March 17, 1776, and served as a Private in Captain Nathaniel Morrison's company, Colonel Davies' Fourteenth Virginia Regiment, and in Captain Tarlton Payne's Company, Colonel Burgess Ball's Regiment.

During the winter of 1779 they went to South Carolina and soldier was taken prisoner in May; he deserted from the British shortly after, and while on his way to Virginia enlisted June 1780, as a Private Dragoon in Captain Le Brun's Company, Armand's Partisan Corps. He was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford and in the Siege of York, was wounded in the neck at Cowpens and in the thigh at Guilford, and was discharged November 3, 1783.

He was allowed pension on an application executed May 35, 1818, while a resident of Fayette County, Kentucky.

Page 75

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

He married March 4, 1790, in Albemarle-County, Virginia, Miss Elizabeth Shakelford.

In 1820 he stated that he had eight children "living with him", namely: Cynthia 25 years old, Patsey 23 years, Gabriella 16 years, Sophia 14 years, George Ann 13 years, Polly 6 years, James 8 years, Sarah Jane 4 years.

Soldier died July 20, 1838, and his widow was allowed pension on an application executed February 7, 1843, while a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky, aged sixty-eight years. 

his brother Robert was a resident of Bourbon county, Kentucky in 1839.

Very respectfully, 
G M Saltzgaber

Commissioner.

Page 76

Personal request -
Mrs Geo L. Palmer
818 Upshur St N.W
Wash. D.C.
Oct 17, 1938

Page 77

May 18, 1933
The Veterans' Administration
Interior Dept.

Please furnish me with a record of the service of James Busby W. 2995

A. M. Vliet
524 Alexandria Ave
Clarendon, Va.

Date of last payment for widow

Page 78

Page 78
top right corner: [illegible]- Rev
Park City Montana Jan. 29, 1917
Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Gentlemen: 
My mother 91 years of age tells me that her grandfather James Busby and three or four brothers Robert, Mat, and John lived in Va. and fought during the Rev. War.
James Busby fought most of the time under Gen. La Fayette and was one of the escort or body guards of Gen. La Fayette on one of his return visits to France. Gen. La Fayette gave him a silver watch at the time.
Robert Busby fought under Gen. Marion and was present when Gen. Marion gave the potato dinner to the British officer.
They afterwards moved to Kentucky and she says she has often seen Robert Busby when he would ride horseback from Alton Ill. to Louisville Ky to collect his pension

Page 79

Page 79
2 [centered at top of page]
She does not know whether her grandfather James Busby drew a pension or not.
Wishing to verify these statements please tell [crossed out] inform me whether the names of James and Robert Busby appear upon the pension rolls as soldiers of the Rev. War. and oblige
Yours truly
N. McCrary

Page 80

[typed form]

November 18, 1938.

Mrs. George L. Palmer
818 Upshur Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C.

BA-J/ILL
James Busby
W. 2995
Ebenezer Kent
S. 29940

Dear Madam:

In compliance with you personal request, you are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War records of James Busby-W. 2995, and Ebenezer Kent, S. 29940.

Very truly yours, 

A. D. HILLER, 
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator.

Page 81

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

May 23, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

James Busby-W.2995
BA-J/AWF

Mr. A. M. Vliet
524 Alexandria Avenue
Clarendon, Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for the record of the Revolutionary War pensioner, James Busby.

The data furnished herein were obtained form the papers on file in pension claim, W. 2995, based upon the Revolutionary War service of James Busby.

He was born May 2, 1754 or 1755, place not stated, nor are the names of his parents shown.

James Busby enlisted, March 17, 1776, while residing in Goochland County, Virginia, served as a private in Captains Nathaniel Morrison's  and Turketon Payne's companies, Colonels Davies' and [inserted on side] crossed the Del. with Genl. Wash [Washington] Burgess Ball's Virginia regiments, was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, wintered at Valley Forge, and in the battle of Monmouth; during the winter of 1779 marched to South Carolina, where he was taken prisoner in May, made his escape from the British shortly afterward and while on his way to Virginia, enlisted in June, 1780 and served as a private dragoon in Captain LeBrun's company in Pulaski's Legion and in Armond's Partisan Corps. He was in the battles of Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, where wounded in the neck by a sword, Guilford Court House, where wounded in the thigh by a ball and in the siege of Yorktown, and was discharged November 3, 1783.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 25, 1818, then a resident of Fayette County, Kentucky. In 1835 he was living in Bourbon County,

Page 82

[typed form]

Kentucky. He died July 18 or 20, 1838.

The soldier, James Busby, married in Albemarle County, Virginia, Elizabeth Shackelford. The marriage bond was dated March 4, 1790 and signed by Roger Shackelford, no relationship stated. 

The widow, Elizabeth Busby, was allowed pension on her application executed February 7, 1843, then a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky and aged sixty-eight years; she was still living there in 1850. 

The soldier, James Busby, referred to the following children in 1820- Cynthia, twenty-five years of age; Patsey, twenty-three years old; Gabriella (daughter), sixteen years old; Sophia, fourteen years old; George Ann, twelve years old; James, eight years of age; Polly, six years of age; Sarah Jane, four years of age. 

Robert Busby, brother of the soldier, war in 1839 in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of the widow, Elizabeth Busby, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data-
Elizabeth Busby, widow of James Busby
Certificate No. 2598
Issued December 23, 1848
Rate $100.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Kentucky Agency

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

Page 83

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/eel

May 17, 1929
Mrs. Rose N. Wyatt
Chrisman
Illinois

[handwritten notation] Her letter sent to Rec. Div. for reply relative to George W. Baldwin - born 1828 or later moved to California AWF.

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.2995, it appears that James Busby was born May 2, 1754, place not stated.

While residing in Goochland County, Virginia, he enlisted March 17, 1776, and served as a private in Captain Nathaniel Morrison's Company, Colonel Davies' 14th Virginia Regiment, and in Captain Tarleton Payne's Company, Colonel Burgess Ball's Regiment and was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown in [Illegible] and Monmouth; during the winter of 1779, they went to South Carolina and soldier was taken prisoner in May; [word erased] he escaped from the British shortly afterward and while on his way to Virginia, enlisted in June, 1780, as a private dragoon in Captain Le Brun's Company, Pulaski's Legion Armand's Partisan Corps; he was in the battles of Camden; Kings Mountain; Cowpens, where he was wounded in the neck; Guilford, where he was wounded in the thigh;

Page 84

[typed form]

and siege of York, and was discharged November 3, 1783. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 25, 1818, at which time he was living in Fayette County, Kentucky. He died July 20, 1838.

The solider married March 4, 1790, in Albemarle County, Virginia, Elizabeth Shackelford. She was allowed pension on her application executed February 7, 1843, at which time she was living in Bourbon County, Kentucky, aged sixty-eight years. 

In 1820, the soldier stated that he had eight children living with him:

Cynthia, twenty-five years old; Patsey, twenty-three years old; Gabriella, sixteen years old; Sophia, fourteen years old; George Ann, twelve years old; James, eight years old; Polly, six years old; and Sarah Jane, four years old.
 
The name Hurst appears many times on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau. In order to identify the one in whom you are interested, the full name is essential and as much as possible of the following data pertaining to him: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and

-2-

Page 85

[typed form]

given name of widow. 

Your letter has been forwarded to the proper division for reply relative to the record of George W. Baldwin or Balding, who was born in 1828.

Respectfully,

E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.

-3-

Page 86

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

V. L. M.

Rev. War Section.

February 18, 1917. 

N. McGrary, 
Park City, Montana. 

Madam: 
In response to your letter dated the 29th ultimo, you are advised that it appears in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. File No. 2,995 that James Busby was born May 3, 1754, and while residing in Goochland County, Virginia, enlisted March 17, 1776, and served as a Private in Captain Nathaniel Morrison's Company, Colonel Davies' Fourteenth Virginia Regiment, and in Captain Tarlton Payne's Company, Colonel Burgess Ball's Regiment. 

During the winter of 1779 they went to South Caroline and solider was taken prisoner in May; he deserted from the British shortly after and while on his way to Virginia enlisted June 1780 as a Private Dragoon in Captain Le Brun's Company, Armand's Partisan Corps. He was in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, + Camden, Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford and in the Siege of York, was wounded in the neck at Cowpens and in the thigh at Guilford, and was discharged November 3, 1783. 

He was allowed pension on an application executed May 25, 1818, while a resident of Fayette County, Kentucky.

Page 87

[typed form, with handwritten responses]

He married March 4, 1790, in Albemarle County, Virginia, Miss Elizabeth Shakelford. 

In 1820 he stated that he had eight children "living with him" namely: Cynthia 25 years old, Patsey 23 years, Gabriella 16 years, Sophia 14 years, George Ann 12 years, Polly 6 years, James 8 years, Sarah Jane 4 years. 

Soldier died July 30, 1838, and his widow was allowed pension on an application executed February 7, 1843, while a resident of Bourbon County, Kentucky, aged sixty-eight years. 

His brother Robert was a resident of Bourbon county, Kentucky in 1839. 

Very respectfully, 

GM Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

Kowatz [or Kovats] (referred to as Cowach in his declaration) was killed May 11, 1779, so I have not put him in.