Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,356, William Duke, N.C. Va.

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(8-1776)
SERVICE 
N.C.
Va.
Duke, William
NUMBER S.8.356
carded

CONTENTS

(none)

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[left side]
30999.
North Carolina
William Duke
Of Warren Co in the State of N. Caro [page cut off] who was a private in the Compy com [page cut off] by Captain Lucas of the Regt. Commanded by Col. Reed in the Va [Star symbol] [illegible] for 9 mo.
Va. and N.C. Oct 11/04.
Records completed. [illegible]
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 30 Dollars [strike through mark] . Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day [“Feb.” written above day] of Feby. 1837 and delivered to R. H. Mosby [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 36 	165.00
Semi-anl. Allowance ending 4 Mar. 37.	15.00
====
1.80.00
====
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo. Wm. Crump Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6 ½ Page [illegible mark] 51
[Right side]
[illegible mark]
Date of death not on [illegible] B.

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State of North Carolina Warren County. On this 28th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the County Court of Warren and State aforesaid, William Duke, family of Brunswick County V.A. now a resident of the county and state aforesaid. Aged 75 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 the 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the service of the state of Virginia in the Revolutionary War, in the year 1775. With Aaron Brown, Nathaniel Richardson, and Jessie Merrida, and served in the 6th Regiment of the Virginia line under the following. Officers ss. Lieut John Stith, Cap. James Lucas, Maj. Lawson, Col. Reed, and Col. Harrison, all under the Command of Genl.s Stephens & Nelson. That he enlisted for a term of two years during which time, he marched from brunswick Court-house to Suffolk, from Suffolk he was marched to Portsmouth, and from there to the head of Elizabeth River. Where he was in an engagement at the long causeway in the latter part of Nov. or the first of Decem. 1775 in which engagement Captain Foredice was killed and all his men taken prisoners - after which he was stationed in Portsmouth emploied in building [illegible], there, and in that vicinity nearly 16 months during his stay at Portsmouth. He was ordered out to Craney Island and there was in a skirmish with the enemy - he was then ordered to Little York. And remained a short time - during his stay there the United States declared their

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Independence. - then returned to Portsmouth, and there remained until the term of his enlistment expired. He enlisted in Brunswick V.A. in the spring of 1775. and was Discharged in the spring 1777. - in the Town of Portsmouth by Lieut. John Stith, which he has lost or mislaid
He hereby relinquishes every every claim whatsoever to a pension or anuity, except the [illegible] and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state, only on that of the agency in the state of North Carolina. Sworn to, and subscribed, this day & year aforesaid Caswell Drake MCC  William Duke And this said court is hereby declare their opinion that the above named Duke was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. Henry [illegible] I Caswell Drake, Clerk of the County Court of Warren do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Duke for a pension In testimony whereof, I have hereunto let my hand and [illegible] of office, this 8th day of August, 1832 C Drake MCC

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State of No Carolina Warren County}
I, Henry Fritts [illegible] Justice in the Court of Pleas [illegible] quarter [illegible] for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Caswell Drake whose attestation appears to the foregoing Certificate is now & was at the time of signing the [illegible] Clerk of Said Court and that his Certificate and attestation as such is in [illegible] form of [illegible]. Given from under my hand [illegible] this 3rd day of September 1832	Henry Fritts [illegible]
State of Virginia Dinwiddie County}
I Fredrick Parrish of the County of Dinwiddie do Hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with the herein mentioned William Duke and that the said Duke served with me in the Southern Army in the years 1780 & 1782 – Com.a by Genl.Green - & have always understood the said Duke also performed the Tour of service above mentioned in Virginia line – but being it [illegible] time only about 14 years of age – I am unable to say - } Fredrick X his mark Parish
Dinwiddie County to [illegible]
The above affidavit was this day duly sworn to before William Wynn a Justice of the peace in the county aforesaid by Fredrick Parish – given under my hand and seal, this 28th day of March 1833.	William Wynn [illegible]

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State of Virginia; Diwiddie County [illegible] 
I John P. Crump Clerk of the County Court of Diwiddie County, in the state aforesaid, do certify that William Wynn is a magistrate as above stated, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office,[seal stamped to the left] and subscribed my name this 29th day of March 1833, in the 57th year of the Commonwealth. 
J.P. Crump C.D.C 
26. 462
[sideways text] Dec 16 Wm Duke N.C. 
Hon. Mr. T. Hawkins 
[illegible]

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October 12, 1932 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Mrs. R. W. Duke 490 Chesapeake Avenue Eastport, Maryland WILLIAM DUKE S. 8356 BA-J/MLB Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter relative to William Duke (or William Myrick Duke), a soldier of the Revolutionary War. The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8356, of William Duke, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War (the name does not appear William Myrick Duke). He was born November 10, 1756, in Brunswick County, Virginia, where he was reared. The names of his parents are not stated. While a resident of Brunswick County, Virginia, he enlisted very early in the Revolution, served as a private in Captain James Lucas’ company, Colonel Stephen’s Virginia regiment,  in Colonels Reed’s and Harrison’s Virginia regiments, in Captain Stirling Edmonds’ company, Colonel Frederick Macklin’s Virginia regiment, and in Captain Benjamin Simmons’ Virginia company, was in engagements at the long causeway at the head of Elizabeth River and at Craney Island, length of service about two years. In 1779 he moved from Virginia to Warren County, North Carolina, where he enlisted in 1781 and served three weeks or a month as a private in Captain Dixon Marshall’s company, Colonel Dudley’s North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Guilford. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Warren County, North Carolina There are no family data in the claim. Very truly yours A.D. Hiller Assistant to Administrator

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[left side]
1909 Apl. 20 – Hist to Mrs. H. E. Wall – [illegible mark]
1909 May 17. [illegible] Hon. Minor Wallace H. of R[cut off]
1932 Oct. 12 Hist. to Mrs. R.[cut off] James – MLB.
1935 July 30 – Hist. to Mrs. Virgil[cut off] [illegible] W.5857- [illegible]
1939. Nov. 6 – Hist. to Mrs. Emm[cut off]
[right side]
[illegible sideways writing]
8356
[check mark] INVALID.
File No. 8356
William Duke
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. [illegible], Page 104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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Wm. Duke
Issue a cert. for $30 per anu. & deliver to for[crossed out] R.H. Moxby Eqe [illegible]

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Rev.d Richard Smith as a substitute for William Duke to serve in the Cont.l Service Twelve months
W H [illegible]
May 4th 1781

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May [illegible]  [cut off] of William Duke the [illegible] to John [cut off] [illegible] by me [illegible]
DUKE, WILLIAM (N.C.,VA.) S-83

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The Hble George Drumgoole [bracket sideways] To, J.L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City.

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Brunswick County, Virginia
16th Sept. 1836.
At the request of M. Mosby I state that Major James Blick is an old and highly respectable resident of this County, that I have long known him intimately, and that full credit is due to whatever evidence he may give upon any subject.
Respectfully, 
Your [illegible] Servant
George C. Dromgoole
To/ J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions

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Wm. Duke
W.
Affidavit of Majr: J. Blick [sideways writing]

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State of Virginia
County of Brunswick}
The affidavit of Majr James Blick a citizen of the County of Brunswick Va: aged 81 years: taken for the purpose of proving the services of William Duke of Warren County North Carolina in the War of the Revolution. 
This affiant being duly sworn testifies and says that William Duke now applying for a pension was born and raised in the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia - for some months previous to the declaration of American Independence this affiant was stationed at Portsmouth and serving in the 4th Regiment under the Command of Col: Stevens afterwards Gnl: Stevens; at that time William Duke came and joined the Regiment as a substitute for one Charles Lucas; this affiant will [illegible] the fact and that the said William Duke now applying for a Pension is the same individual. How long the said Duke continued to serve as a substitute for Lucas this affiant is unable to say, as the company to which he was attached was ordered to the North to join gnl Washington; where this affiant continued to serve for two years. This affiant is unable to state therefore with any positive certainty how long the said

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William Duke did serve; but has no doubt he continued as a substitute for Lucas as long as agreed upon by them or [crossed out smudge] said Lucas returned.
In testamony whereof the said James Blick has here unto set his hand and affixed his seal this 16th day of September 1836.
James Blick seal[in circular mark]
State of Virginia County of Brunswick}
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia Majr: James Blick and made oath in due forme of Law that [illegible] matters and things in the foregoing affidavit contains the truth and nothing but the truth.
In testamony whereof [illegible] I have hereunto set my name and seal this 16th day of September 1836
JB Mallory [illegible] Seal[in circular mark]

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State of Virginia, Brunswick County to wit
I Robert Turnbull Clerk of the County Court of Brunswick in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that James B. Mallory who hath given the preceding certificate is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in said County duly Commissioned & qualified and that his signature is genuine,
In Testimony whereof I lunto set my hand & [illegible] the Seal of said County Court this 16th day of September 1836 In the 61st year of our foundation
RTurnbull CC

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[illegible] my letter with the suspended paper of Wm. Duke of N.C.

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Auditors office June 7. 1836.
Sir
Yours of the 2d . inst enclosing the declarations of Thompson and Duke – has been rec.d and its contents duly noticed.
There are various persons of the name of John Thompson on the army Register – but I cannot find the names of the officers under whom he served. He probably served in the militia.
As to Duke, it is evident that Parish speaks of a different service, from [crossed out words] that which is referred to in Duke’s declaration.  Duke’s name is not on the army Register nor are the names of the privates or officers with whom he served.  Their names would not indeed appear there, if their service terminated before the 1. Jan 1777 when the depreciation commenced.
I am respectfully yours
Jas E Meath Aud. Va.
J. L Edwards [illegible]

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The H ble Weldon R. Edwar[cut off]
To.	James L. Edwards [illegible]
Pension Office
Washington City

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Poplar Mount – N.C- 5th Oct. 1836
Dear Sir
At the request of Mr. Moseby I take pleasure in stating to you that I have long known William Duke of the County of Warren – N.C. who is an applicant for a pension – and know him to be very old and infirm – and incapable of leaving home for this purpose of seeking evidence to sustain his declaration – Mr. Duke was doubtless from what I have and [illegible] engaged as a soldier in the War of the Revolution – [illegible] as to the character and length of service I know nothing.
Very Respectfully you servt.	W.H.Edwards

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Affidavit of John D. Hawkins Esqr

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State of NoCarolina Warren County
The affidavit of Jno. D. Hawkings of the county of Franklin & State aforesaid.
This affiant being duly sworn, [illegible] and saith that he has known William Duke of Warren county for upwards of forty years, and has seen his declaration made to obtain a Pension as a Soldier of the Revolution and has also seen the affidavit of Majr Blick. This affiant has confidence in the statement of William Duke, and believes as he has stated that he was a Soldier of the Revolution and under the service he sets forth.
Sworn to and subscribed before me in the county & state aforesaid. This 5th day of October 1836 Jno. D. Hawkins
Sent Jos W Hawkins J.P.

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State of North Carolina
Warren County – I. Edwin D. Drake Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county aforesaid, certify that Joseph H. Hawkins is a magistrate as within, and that the Signature purporting to be his genuine – [seal on left side] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 8th day of October in the year 1836.
E.D. Drake Clerk of the court of Warren County.

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To James L. Edwards Esqr
Comr: of Pensions
[sideways writing] Under the peculiar circumstances of this case, & after full consideration of the [scribbled out word] evidence I think it just to allow nine[underlined] months (9 mos.) service
B. F. Butler
Feby. 25.1837

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Washington City Feby: 23d 1837
Sir, 
In answer to the objections contained in your letter of the 17th of Octr 1836. rejecting the application of William Duke for a Pension; I have the [illeg.]: to submit to your consideration the following statement of facts ~
The 1st objection is the discrepency between the Declaration of Mr. Duke and the 2 evidences of Fredrick Parish -- Mr. Duke claims to have served in VA: and the testimony of Parish you to know that he served in the "Southern army" -- I think the following statement will satisfactorily acount for the varience in the statements. Had the varience been greater it would not have astonished me from my knowledge of the individual who drew up the statement for Mr. Duke and his own mental [illeg.] When Mr. Duke applied for a Pension he considered that it was necessary for him to know that he rendered the requisite service in the state from whence the application was made. In taking the testimony of Parish he thought that he would establish the fact that he served in N: Ca as well as VA - By reference to the testimony of Parish you will find that he speaks of service rendered by Duke in 1780 in the Southern army. Duke did perform service at that time not in VA: but in N. Carolina and it is to that service Parish [illeg. {"refers"?}] In confirmation of this I will state that Duke and Parish were raised in the same County and neighbourhood in VA: and when Duke re-moved to the County

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of Warren in N. Ca: but a short distance from his residence in Va: Parish knew that he was drafted and went to Guildford* Court House. Had he been asked about the services of Duke rendered in 1776 [illeg.{"under"?}] Captn Lucas there is not a doubt in my mind that there would have been a strict coincidence in the statements such in the substance of the explaination given to me by Mr.Duke of the varience in the statements. 
The 2d objection is that Duke in his first declaration says he served in 1775 and in his amended declaration in 1776. This discrepency may with great [illeg.] be attributed to either his want of recollection now much impaired; or the ignorance and inattention of the individual who drew up the statement. The latter I am inclined to believe the fact because Mr. Duke is entirely sustained in his last statement by the evidence of Majr James Blick. who testifies that Duke was in service that year with him at Norfolk.
The 3d and last objection is "that the reasons""be given why Mr. Duke left the company of Captn Lucas before the [illeg.] of the two years. By reference to the declaration you will find that Duke was a substitute for Charles Lucas a brother of Captn. James Lucas~ he was a married man unwilling to leave home implored Duke to take his plae who agreed to do so as long as the company 
remained in VA: and no longer; he did do so as appears per the testimony of Mjr Blick and served from early in the month 4- March to the month of Septr: in 1776. at that time the company was ordered to the North and Duke not being required by his agreement to stay longer was permitted to return home. and Charles Lucas was not required to go by his Brother~ Such is the reason [illeg.] by Mr. Duke; and (cont...)

Notes: *Guildford is now known as Guilford

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believed to be correct by Mjr. Blick; but which he very [ illeg.] declined to have placed in his affidavit as he did not know the fact of his own knowledge.
In conclusion I have to say that I have known Mr. Duke for the last 10 or 11 years; and in that time and prior to his application for a pension I have repeatedly heard him state in substance all he has testified to in his Declaration~ I have no doubt of his having served the requisite time to intitle him to a pension, and my opinion is sustained by the [illeg.] Caswell Drake, Weldon R Edwards and J. D. Hawkins all great gentlemen of heigh standing; two of whom testify that they have known Mr. Duke more than 40 years. and believe him to have served as he has set fourth, and that his statement is intitled to credit.
I conclude sir with the earnest hope that this explination will be satisfactory to you. and that I shall have the pleasure of procuring for Mr. Duke the justice to which I feel will upward that he is intitled and which his situation demands should not be withheld from him.

With sentiments of respect and esteem 
I remain Sir your [illeg.]
NC: VA:
R.H. Mosby

To J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions

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The declaration of William Duke a citizen of the County of Warren and State of North Carolina which he prays may (along with the testimony now on file in the Department) be taken as evidence of his services in the War of the Revolution.
Your Petitioner was born and raised in the County of Brunswick and will be on the 10th day of November coming 80 years of age. In the month of March 1776 after Lord Dunmore had destroyed the town of Norfolk there was a call for men from the County of Brunswick and a Company was raised under the command of Captn James Lucas;  with John Stith and one Rogers as Lieutenants and Nathaniel Lucas as ensign. This company was marched to the town of Portsmouth and there joined the 4th Regiment under the command of Col: Stevins afterwards Gnl Stevins -- This was in the month of March 1776 -- your petitioner took the place in the company of one Charles Lucas who was a married man and did not wish to go and continued to serve in his place from the month of March until the month of October 1776 -- at that time the Regiment was ordered to the North; and the time for which your petitioner agreed to supply the place of Lucas being completed he was discharged and allowed to return home after serving for he space of 7 months and better~ on his return home a call was made for men in February 1777 and your petitioner was drafted and again marched from the County of Brunswick under the command of Captn Stirling Edmonds for the period of three months; which your petitioner served being stationed at Portsmouth a part of the time and at Smithfield and at James River at a place called Cobham. The Troops called one on this occasion were malitia and we were all under the command of Col: Fredrick Macklin ~ In 1778 another draft was made for men to serve  for six months and your petitioner took the place of one John Rose, and was mustered

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into the Company commanded by Captn Benjamin Simmons; we were during this service stationed part of the time a  Yorktown and Hampton; and were finally discharged at Portsmouth. In the year 1779 your petitioner removed from the State of Virginia to the County of Warren North Carolina where he now resides -- and in the year 1781 was drafted into a company commanded by Captn Dixon Marshall in the Regiment commanded by Col: Dudly and marched to the army under the command of Gnl: Green immediately before the battle of Guildford Court House. Your petitioner was in that battle; the malitia were all dispersed and he with the great body of those who went with him returned home. Your petitioner after that time was again called into service; and then imployed one Richard Smith as a substitute; and he took from Col: H. Hains the accompanying receipt which he prays may be taken as evidence of the fact ~ your petitioner has made many enquiries for a number of persons who served with him in the State of Virginia and finds that Majr. James Blick is the only one known to him alive. Majr Blicks testamony establishes the fact that your petitioner was in the service in the year 1776; and in relation to the other tours of duty performed by your petitioner time has deprived him of all means of establishing except by his own most solemn declaration of the [illeg.] of all he has set forth ~ He claims to have served 1st under Captn Lucas 7 months and better under Captn Edmonds 3 months under Captn Simmons 6 months -- and under Captn Marshall 3 weeks or a month up to the Battle of Guildford Court House. 
When the declaration now on file was drawn up for your petitioner he being unable to do it for himself and nearly blind; he imployed an individual who he has since been informed has made him to say what he did not intend; the errors of that statement were caused by the ignorance of the person who drew it up. and also in the taking of the testamony of a man by the name of Parish on file with the papers, your petitioner

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will make a statement which he knows to be true and trusts will be satisfactory about the testamony – Parish knew your petitioner being raised in the same county with him, and knew that he was in the army – and where your petitioner removed from the County of Brunswick Parish considered that he has gon to serve in the Southern Line as his testamony proves. It was the object of your petitioner to show by his evidence his services in Virginia and his testamony speaks of his belief that your petitioner served in the Southern Line and in the way above stated – Your petitioner is old nearly blind and unable to go or send to Parish for a correction of the statement as he resides a considerable distance from him – He in conclusion hopes that this statement with the accompanying evidence will be sufficient to induce you to grant him the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 for the relief of the officers and soldiers of the Revolution.
Given under my hand this 21st day of September 1836
[illegible] Jos W Hawkins	William X his mark Duke
State of North Carolina Warren County} William Duke apeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that the above statement by him made is true to the [illegible]his knowledge [illegible]; Sworn and subscribed to this 21st . Sept. 1836
[illegible] Joseph W Hawkins J.P.	William X his mark Duke

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State of North Carolina Warren County – I Edwin D. Drake Clerk of the Court of pleas quarter sessions for the county aforesaid Certify that Joseph W. Hawkins is a magistrate as within, and that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this 8th day of October in the year 1836.
[seal left side] E.D. Drake clerk of the court of Warren County
Amended Declaration of William Duke of N: Ca:

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To/ James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

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Littleton N. Ca Octr 10th: 1836.
To James L. Edwards Esqr.
Sir
Inclosed you will find an amended declaration of William Duke now an applicant for a Pension; also the affidavits of John D. Hawkins The Reverend Caswell Drake Majr James Blick and the letters of The H ble George C. Drumgoole and The H ble Weldon N. Edwards all [illegible] to you – upon the subject.
In consequence of the ignorance of the individual who drew up the statment now on fileof the services of Mr Duke and his own inability to do it himself; it is due to him us an act of justice ~ and to you who will have to decide on his application that a statment (which I pledge myself is correct and sustained by the evidence) should be made; and to which I now invite your attention ~ 
Majr: Blick’s affidavit establishes beyond doubt that William Duke ^ of Warren county did serve in the year 1776 with him at Portsmouth; and but for the fact that Blick was ordered from this place and marched to the north as he states he could have established the length of his service.  The standing of Majr Blick and the letter of The H ble G. Drumgoole on that subject places his statment beyond question. The amended Declaration of Mr Duke was taken before on: Joseph W. Hawkins who has attested it; by a reference to the one now on file I venture to say that you will find no meterial discrepency between them. The only material ^ objection one is his dating the commencment of his service in 1775. when in fact and is truth it commenced in 1776 – This discrepancy can be accounted for alone from the evidence loss of memory on the part of Mr Duke and the apparent ignorance of the individual who drew up the statment ~ and to rebut the supposition that it was done by him knowingly and with an intention to establish a claim to which he was not intitled; I invite your attention to the accompanying affidavits of The Revd Caswell Drake and John D. Hawkins Esqr both gentlemen of the highest respectability; you will find that they sustain Mr Duke’s statment and [illegible] confidence in his veracity; and that opinion founded upon an aequantance of 35 or 40 years. You will also find that Mr Edwards says that from all he has understood Mr Duke in his opinion did serve. In fact I could have multiplied testamony of the same [illegible] to any ammont as it is I may say universally believed in this section of county that Mr Duke did serve. and at this day [illegible]

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of a Traditionary character must be resorted to where the records of the country are as in these cases silent. [illegible smudge] evidence cor^roberative of his statment is the annexed receipt of Col H. Hayn’s ~ Mr Duke after he performed the service set forth in his statment removed from Virginia to the county of Warren N.Ca: in the year 1779. and was drafted in this state in 1781 and imployed a substitute as the receipt shows. I have called your attention to it as evidence positive of his not only being old enough to serve but that he was required to do so by the State of N. Ca: and not withstanding he imployed a substitute he did go to Guildford Ct House and was in that action ~ You will find that a man by the name of Parish has given testamony in the papers now on file the variance in his statment and that of Mr Duke was occasioned by the ignorance of all the persons engaged in taking it. The fact was that Parish was [illegible] in the same neighbourhood as Mr Duke and when he removed to N. Ca: he concluded that he had gon into the army; and upon that he ventures the opinion that he served to the South. I would if I considered his testamony at all meterial have it taken as this it would involve considerable trouble and expence; I feel fully persuaded he could say nothing on the subject but what would go to explain the descrepincy in his statment when compared with that of Mr Duke. To accompany these papers I intended to get The H ble: M. L. Hawkins the Representative from the Distict to append a letter or statment but he is about and I know not when he will return. I feel confident that he will fully sustain the opinion of the gentlemen who have testafied in this matter.
In conclusion I have to say that I have caused this evidence to be taken from a most sincere conviction on my part that the individual now applying is better intitled to the bounty of the government than a number who have received it ~ If poverty and a good name could be allowed as a plea I am sure [illegible smudge] he would succeed ~ or if tradition mixed with positive evidence can establish conviction in [illegible] mind of a fact I think his statement and the accompanying evidence will do it.
I can but believe upon a full consideration of this case that you will view it as I do; and grant him the benefit of the act of the 2d of June 1832.  I must ask your forgiveness for troubling you with this statement; my only excuse is an [illegible] desire to serve one who is intitled to justice and I trust will receive it at your hands.
I remain very respectfully your [illegible]: [illegible]:
R.H. Mosby

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You will be so good as to send the Pension should one be granted inclosed to me at this P.O. or any other communication you may made on that subject.
R HMosby
Littleton P. Office
Warren County N. Ca.

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State of North Carolina Warren County}  The affidavit of the Rever d: Caswell Drake a citizen of the County of Warren and State aforesaid – This affiant being duly sworn testafies and says – That  he has Known William Duke of the said County for the last 35 or 40 years – This affiant has examined the declaration now made by the said Duke and the accompanying evidence and he feels fully persuaded he did serve in the War of the Revolution as there set fouth – This affiant is persuaded he did serve – First because he has long Known the said Duke and he has no reason to disbelieve any statment he may make.  Secondly he is fully persuaded he must [illegible] served or Majr. Blick would not have as stated it ~ at the time the said Duke first applied for a pension this affiant was the acting clerk of the Court of Warren county; and then felt confident that the individual who drew up the statement of the services of Mr Duke had done him (no doubt unintentionally) great injustice by the statement; as the said individual was incapable of transacting such business. And the said Duke himself is as old and infirm as to be incapable examining or reading at all. 
In testimony where I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 7th day of October 1836.
Caswell Drake [illegible circular mark]
State of North Carolina Warren County} This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid Caswell Drake a clergyman residing in the said county and made oath that [illegible] matters and

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things set fouth in the within affidavit is the truth to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Given under my hand and seal this 7th day of October 1836.
Edm nd. White J.P. [illegible circular mark]
State of North Carolina Warren County – I. Edwin D. Drake Clerk of the court of pleas & quarter sessions for the County aforesaid, Certify that Edmund White is a magistrate as [illegible] and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have here unto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 8th day of October in the year 1836
E D Drake Clerk of the Court of Warren County.
[sideways writing] Affidavit of the Revrd: Caswell Drake

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Cannot identify claim for Rev Rich d Smith who served as substitute for Wm Duke in N.C. troops.
[illegible] made by W. Gill Apl.22.09.
[mark looks like cents symbol]

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RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Briefed by L. D. L.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant *lived in Warren Co N. C.
Soldier Will Duke
Service N. C.
Additional Service Rev. War
REMARKS
No claims except
I.#6808 river in Warren CO
n #8356 this one
*= erased or faint writing

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RECORD DIVISION Congressional
Briefed by LDDL
Claim No
Certificate no
Claimant
Soldier William (Billy) Duke
Service NC
Additional Service Rev War
REMARKS:
No claims except
I. #6808
n #8356

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Congressional
May 14, 1909
U. S. Bureau of Pensions.

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House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.                 May 13th, 1909.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: -
Enclosed please find letter from Mrs. Duke Longino/Haynesville, La., recording the fact of her grandfather's service in the Revolutionary War.  Will you please advise me in the premises in regard to Billy Duke's service with the return of Mrs. Longino's letter.

Yours truly,
Minor Wallace

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Record
Mar 29 1909
Division

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Eve
409 Buffalo Street
Farmville, VA
March 25, 1909

Rec
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
Dear Sir,
Please let me know if there is on file any record of the service of William Duke in the Revolutionary War? William Duke lived in Warren Co, North Carolina. Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. 
Respectfully,
Mrs. H. E. Wall S.

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490 Chesapeake Ave.
Eastport Md., Sept. 26, 1932

The Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

I am writing for information of a Revolutionary pensioner living in 1845. The name is William Duke [Duke underlined] or William Myrick Duke the full name. He lived in Warren County North Carolina.
Any information you can give me of this Revolutionary pensioner will be very much appreciated.
Thanking you, I am, yours Truly
Iris C. James
[Stamp received SEP 27 1932 Illegible]

Mrs. R. W.[?] James
490 Chesapeake Ave.
Eastport Md.

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October 24 1939

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
I shall greatly appreciate any information you can give me relative to William Duke [Duke underlined] of whom the following account has been furnished me.

William Duke [underlined] Revolutionary War pensioner - S 8356
He was born November 10, 1756 in Brunswick County, Virginia; served in the 6th Virginia Regiment, 1775, and later (in 1779) moved to Warren County, North Carolina, and served in the North Carolina troops.

I'd like very much to know the names of his parents, his children, or of any of his family. The least information will be of value to me, since I am preparing a book on the Duke family.

Very truly yours
Jennie D. Morris
Mrs. Emmet Morris
1723 Center St.
Little Rock, Arkansas.

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In reply to your request of [blank line], received [blank line] for a statement of the military history of William Duke [hand written] a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) [crossed out] application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 8356

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT/LENGTH OF SERVICE/RANK/OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED/STATE.

Spring [crossed out] 1775 in the VA troops + was in battle of *
Much. 76/7mos./[blank]/James Lucas/Reed + Harrison [crossed out] Stephen/4 Va
Feby. 77/3 mos./[blank] Sterling Edmonds/Frederick Macklin/Va
78/6 mos./[blank]/Benjamin Simmons/[check mark symbol]/Va
81/3 wks or 1 mo./[blank]/Dixon Marshall/Dudley/N.C.
Battles engaged in, *Great Bridge Croney Is. + Guilford, Mch 15, 81- [hand written]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Brunswick Co., Va. [hand written]
Date of application for pension, Aug 28, 1832 [handwritten]
Residence at date of application, Warren Co., N.C. service 1779 [handwritten]
Age at date of application, Born Nov. 10, 1756 in Brunswick County. (Va)
Remarks: [blank lines]

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May 17, 1909.

Hon. Minor Wallace, 
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Wallace:
In reply to your letter dated the 13th and received the 14th instant, requesting information for Mrs. Tena Duke Longino of Haynesville, Louisiana, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in pension claim Sur. File 3, 35C, it appears that William Duke was born November 10, 1755 in Brunswick County, Virginia, where he resided when he enlisted in the Virginia troops in 1775, and was in the battles of Great Bridge and Craney Island, length of enlistment not stated.
Enlisted in March 1776 in Captain James Lucas' company, Colonel Stephen's 4th Virginia regiment and served seven months.
Enlisted in February, 1777. under Captain Stirling Edmonds and Colonel Frederick Macklin;  three months.
Enlisted in 1778 under Captain Benjamin Simmons and served six months.
In 1779, he removed from Virginia to Warren County, North Carolina, and was drafted in 1781, in Captain Dixon Marshall's company, Colonel Dudley's regiment, was in the battle of Guilford and served three weeks or a month.
He was allowed pension on an application executed August 28, 1832, at which time he was still a resident of Warren County, North Carolina; and he is the only William Duke of that County found on the

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Sur. File No. 8,358,---2

Revolutionary War pension records.
There is no data as to family on file.  For the date of soldier's death and the name of the person to whom the arrears of his pension were pain, apply to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S. Treasury Department, Citing the following data: "William Duke, Certificate No. 30,999. issued February 25, 1837 under the Act of June 7, 1832 at the North Carolina Agency."

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

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July 30, 1935

WILLIAM DUKE
S. 8356
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Virgil Idol
301 North Blount Street
Raleigh, North Carolina

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8356, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of William Duke.
William Duke was born November 10, 1756, in Brunswick County, Virginia, where he was reared.  The names of his parents are not stated.
The soldier while a resident of Brunswick County, Virginia, enlisted very early in the Revolution, served as a private in Captain James Lucas' company, Colonel Stephen's Virginia regiment, in Colonels Reed's and Harrison's Virginia regiments, in Captain Stirling Edmonds' company, Colonel Frederick Macklin's Virginia regiment, and in Captain Benjamin Simmons' Virginia company, was in engagements at the long causeway at the head of Elizabeth River and at Craney Island, length of service about two years.  In 1779 he moved from Virginia to Warren County, North Carolina, where he enlisted in 1781 and served three weeks or a month as private in Captain Dixon Marshall's company, Colonel Dudley's North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Guilford.
William Duke was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Warren County, North Carolina.
There are no family data in the claim.
[illegible handwriting]
Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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July 30, 1935

Thomas Bowles, W. 5657
William Duke, S. 8356
BA-J/MMHF: MLB

Mrs. Virgil Idol 
301 North Blount Street
Raleigh, North Carolina

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Thomas Bowles (two), William Duke, William Bethel or Betheal and Francis Newby.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing date in regard to soldiers of that war, it has not been possible to comply in full with each request which requires such an amount of time and research.

The record of Thomas Bowles of Orange County, North Carolina, and that of William Duke of Warren County, North Carolina, are furnished you herewith.  The age of this William Duke is unlike that quoted by you, however, this is the record of the only William Duke of Warren County, North Carolina, found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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November 6, 1939

WILLIAM DUKE
S. 8356
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Emmet Morris
1723 Center Street
Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of William Duke (S. 8356), who was born November 10, 1756, in Brunswick County, Virginia, served in the Virginia troops, later moved to Warren County, North Carolina, and served in the North Carolina troops.

The data  which follow were obtained from the papers in pension claim, S. 8356, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

William Duke was born November 10, 1756, in Brunswick County, Virginia, where he was reared.  The names of his parents were not given.

While living in Brunswick County, Virginia, William Duke enlisted early in the Revolutionary War, served as private in Captain James Lucas' company, Colonel Stephen's Virginia regiment, in Colonels Reed's and Harrison's Virginia regiments, in Captain Stirling Edmonds' company, Colonel Frederick Macklin's Virginia regiment, and in Captain Benjamin Simmon's Virginia company, was in an engagement at the long causeway at the head of Elizabeth River and at Craney Island, length of service about two years.  In 1779, he moved from Virginia to Warren County, North Carolina, where he enlisted in 1781 and served three weeks or a month as private in Captain Dixon Marshall's company, Colonel Dudley's North Carolina regiment, and was in the battle of Guilford.

The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Warren County, North Carolina.

It is not stated whether William Duke ever married.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name

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and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of William Duke, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and site the following data: 
William Duke
Certificate #50999
Issued February 25, 1837
Rate $50 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1852
North Carolina Agency.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator