Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,822, John Deaver, Md.

Page 1

[Document is a form - all capital words are in typeface, and the rest is handwritten.  Top part is three columns as noted.]

[At top left corner, printed in small font]
([illegible]-1776)

[Left column]
SERVICE
Md.

[Middle column]
Deaver, John
Sarah

[Right column]
NUMBER
R. 2.822

CONTENTS.

Page 2

[Document is a mix of printed typeface and handwriting.  Edging with detailed flourishes are on all four sides of the paper.]

THE STATE OF MARYLAND,

Baltimore City, &ct.

I hereby Certify to all whom it doth or may Concern, That on the
Eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and Ninety seven
a License issued from the office of the Clerk of Baltimore county Court, directed to
the Reverend Mr. Couling or any other person qualified
by Law, to celebrate the rites of Marriage between a certain : John
Deaver and Sarah Hunt of
Baltimore County, according to Law ; there appearing to him no lawful cause, or
just impediment, by reason of any consanguinity or affinity to hinder the same, as by
the records of said Court appear, which records are now in my keeping.

In Testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my 
name and affix the Seal of the Superior Court 
of Baltimore City, this Twenty second
day of September, 1852
[Signature] Edward Dowling

Page 3

Orphans Court, for the City of Baltimor
In the State of Maryland, S.S.

Be it hereby certified that on theTwentySixthday of March
1852, Personally appeared in Open Court Margaret Hopkins
Holtzman, of this city aged 49 years, who being duly Sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of
congress passed July 29, 1848 and of all other acts of Congress
relative thereto, being the Arrears of Pension due her Mother, Sarah
Deaver, widow of John Deaver, who was a Lieutenant in the 3rd.
Regiment of The Maryland continental troops in the army of the
United States in the war of the revolution  That she is in
possession of Official proof that he the Said John Deaver
entered the Service as Lieutenant on 10th December 1776 and
resigned his Commission on 8th April 1779 : That he was not a 
Pensioner of the United States; but, that he did receive, after
the close of the war, His quota of the depreciation money
issued to the Maryland Troops in the continental establishment
That he died on 27th August 1813, leaving his Widow Sarah Deaver
to whom he was married January 12th, 1797 : That she the said
Sarah Deaver died October 23 1851, not having married
again since the death of her Said husband, and leaving their
one only surviving child, the above named Margaret Hopkins Holtzman
the wife of George Holtzman of this city, who now makes this
Declaration in order to obtain the Arrears of Pension due her Said
Mother Sarah Deaver who died without having received or 
made application therefor.   [Signature] Margaret Hopkins Holtzman

Sworn to, and Subscribed,
on the day and year first above written,
Before [Signature] James A Reed
[Signature] W.B. Nelson

[Signature] J.J. Grofs

Page 4

Maryland, Ss:
I hereby Certify that James A. Reed,
W. B. Nelson and J. J. Grofs Esquires who have subscribed the
aforegoing Certificate were at the time of so doing Judges of
the Orphans Court for Baltimore City duly commifioned
and qualified according to law.

In Testimony Whereof I hereunto subscribe
my name and affix the seal of said Court [the “t” in “Court” is cut off]
this Twenty Sixth day of March in the
year of our Lord, One thousand Eight
hundred and fifty two.

Test: N. Wickman  Register

[In the left bottom of the paper there is the outline of a large round circleext from the other side of the page can be seen in the circle and elsewhere on the page but cannot be read.]

Page 5

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore } SS

Be it remembered that on this thirtieth Day of March
1852 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace of the
State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore
personally appeared Jefse Hunt a resident of said
City aged fifty eight, who being duly sworn according
to law deposeth and saith, that from his earliest 
boyhood he was acquainted with John Deaver late a 
resident of this City, who intermarried with Sarah
Hunt of Baltimore County. – That he resided in the family
of the said John Deaver during the year 1806 
July of 1809 and that the has herd said John Deaver 
and others tell of his having been a Soldier and Officer
in the Maryland Troops in the war of the revolution
and that he was held and esteemed as such in his family
and neighbourhood. ~ That he Died in this City in the
year 1813 leaving his widow Sarah Deaver who died in
this City October 23rdth 1851 (not having married again since
his death) leaving their only surviving child Margaret
Hopkins Holtzman of this City (wife of George Holtzman)
who is now applying for the pension in arrears due her
said Mother, in which application and the result
thereof, he this deponent is disinterested. ~ This deponent
further saith that he has always believed that the
said John Deaver, was an officer in the Maryland line
and has not the slightest doubt that the John Deaver
whose name appears on the registry roll of the Maryland
line is the identical person hereinfore set forth.~

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me – Witnifs my hand
the day and year Soist above written . ~

[Signature] Edwd G Star
[small “4” underneath signature with small circles to each side of it]

Page 6

I am well & intimately acquainted with the
within mentioned deponent of Jefse Hunt – He is
a man of undoubted character for integrity and 
truth, and is entitled to due faith & credits
in any statement he makes

[Signature] R. B. Taney
Baltimore
April 1. 1852

Page 7

John Deaver and Susanna Talbott were married March 13
1777 ~

Susanna Deaver died Septr 9th 1784  Her last words “Glory to God” [“God” is party cut off page]

John Talbott Deaver was Born Sep. 9th 1787 about Half an
Hour before his mothers departure –

John Deaver and Onorah Writh were Married Aug. 4th 1789

Ann Deaver Daughter of John and Onorah Deaver was
Born Jany 12th 1792 –

Onorah Deaver wife of John Deaver died Oct. 14th 1793
full in afsurance of Faith

John Deaver and Sarah Hunt were married Jany 12th 1797
Emanuel Hunt Deaver Son of John & Sarah Deaver was born 
May 24th 1798

Job Hunt Deaver Son of John and Sarah Deaver [cut off word]
Jany 9th 1801 and died Aug. 18th 1801

Margaretta Hopkins Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah
Deaver was born June 26th 1802

Johns Hunt Deaver Son of John and Sarah Deaver was
Born April 9th 1804 and died Aug. 20th following

Miriam Hunt Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah Deaver
was Born Aug. 22 1805 and died Novm. 4th following

Miriam Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah Deaver
was born October th29 1806 and dyd the day Following

Page 8

[Document has left and right pages.  The left page has only handwriting, but the right side is a mix of printed typeface and handwriting and is a form.]

[Left page – Larger handwriting is between smaller handwriting that appears to have been added afterward.  Smaller handwriting is indicated below by a * mark.  Also writing is difficult to read and transcription may contain errors.]

1883
11-28. Condition W O D. Mc
* To persons entitled – [illegible]
Millan Gettysburg through
* currently, calling of Sept. on to Nov.3.
Honr Ed McHenderson 
*1883-Dec 5 Ed McPherson, that there is no
*law under which the heirs can claim the right
*to a pension after death of widow-[illegible - appears to be a first name] Gruefser

[Right page]
[Crossed out “Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1872”]

[illegible letter] 822
P.O. Sarah Deaver
Service: wid. of John
Enlisted: REJECTED, 18—
Discharged: [blank], 18—
Application filed: [blank], 18—

Alleges: [blank]
Re-enlisted: [blank]

Attorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]

[blank] Recognized.      [blank] Contract.
[blank] Cert. of Dis.     Searched for [blank]

Page 9

[Document is an envelope.]
[Upper right side of envelope printed in typeface]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE. OFFICIAL BUSINESS.

Commissioner.

[Written vertically across the length of the envelope on the long side]

June 4th 1850 [may also be “1856” or “1858”]
Addl. evi. in case of
Mary Deaver dec.
widow of John.

Maryland [underlined]

Feb 29th July 1848

Alexr. Yearly
Baltimore
Maryland [Underlined]

Page 10

[Front of envelope]

[Upper right corner is large “5” crossed out with an “X”]

[Round stamp at top, slightly off-center to left]
[Center illegible]
Georgetown 15. p [around edge of stamp]

[Addressed to:]
L. P. Waldo Esq.re
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[In large handwriting across left side of envelope]
C
C. C

Page 11

[Document is the front of an envelope]

[Top right side of envelope
Official
Fr Busnfs

[Round stamp in center top of envelope]
Nov 3 [in center]
Washington DC FREE [around edge]

[Addressed to:]
Dr. Samuel Clarks
Georgetown D.C.

[Written vertically across left front of envelope]
Sarah Deaver
Me [illegible] 29.8,48

Cole [written in much larger handwriting than anything else on envelope]

[Additional faint illegible writing visible on back flap of envelope sticking upward]

Page 12

[Document a form with a mix of printed typeface and handwriting]
LAND OFFICE, of Maryland
Annapolis, August 26th 1852

I Certify, that it appears by the Muster Rolls remaining in the Office, that John deaver
was appointed [word “enlisted” is crossed out] as a Lieutenant in the third Maryland
Regiment, on the 10th day of December 1776 and [words “was discharged” is crossed out] resigned on the 
8th day of April 1779. ~

[Signature] J. Murray
Court of [illegible] Lo off
[words “Register Land Office, W. S. Md.” crossed out]

[In left corner in small handwriting is “31. ¼”]

Page 13

[Envelope with note written vertically along long side of envelope, with flap to the right]

Rel to claim
Sarah Deaver
widow of John

Maryland [underlined]

Act 29th July 1849.

Alexr Yearley & Son
Baltimore
Md.

Page 14

L. P. Waldo Esq.r

Commissioner of Pensions.
Since Mr. Yearley, in consequence of his advanced age and
increased infirmity, was not able to Visit Washington, and give this case the attention
which his conceives to be his duty as an agent, and hence proposed to give up this
case into other hands --   In September last, being in the City of Baltimore, and Knowing
all the parties in Connection with the Claims – And living in Georgetown D.C. was
to and requested by Mrs. Holtzman, and Mr. Yearley to give it my attention -- Which
at last I consented to do --  My connection with this case is found in the letter
of Mrs. Holtzman to me, and signed by Mr. Yearley, dated Octo-4, 1853.--  I was &
ever have been of a widely different nature & hence I have entered upon this with
this more reluctance --   When a Boy, I knew John Deaver, then as the head
of a Seminary of Learning in the city of Baltimore, where I then resided with my
Parents – I was in often [illegible] intimately acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Deaver, and also
with Mrs. Margaret H. Holtzman, the applicant, in this case – I wish it to be distinct
-ly understood, that I enter this without any charges, or any expectation of any
Renumeration whatever, in any way, or at any time, for any attention I have or may
give the case.--    But from the purest friendship to – and beliefs also in the lawfulnesfs
& Justice of the Claim sought after, and beliefs likewise, that the applicant would not
consent to Receive it on any other conditions.

Commissioner Heath in his letter to Mr. Yearley dated March 8. 1853 – Admits that
we have proved to the satisfaction of the deportant, All the minor points in this case,
& also the “services performed by a man of his name”--  But still Requires the Ideintifi
=cation of her husband John Deaver as the Man.    Commissioner Waldo in his notes
to the same Gentleman, dated July 15. 1853. asks of us the same, and in the notes remarks --
“She (Mrs. Deaver) lived until 1851 without making any effort to obtain a pension, which is
Remarkable, if she was satisfied her husband performed meritorious services.”  One remark
in relation to this point.  Mrs. Deaver was more than once pressed by the late Genl.
Stansbury of Maryland, and who personally Knew John Deaver, and who Knew also of his
services in the Army of the Revolution, to make the application--   But she being at that
time [word is corrected to “time”] aged – and living within his daughter Mrs. Holtzman, and not in want of the provisi
=on made by Congref in 1848 --   Preferred leaving it with her Daughter to act as she might
Judge best in [illegible] life--  These are the Reasons why Mrs. Deaver did not make “an
efforts to obtain this pension”~ and “not in want of Confidence in the Meritorius Services

Page 15

of her Husband.”   This point now in question, is to prove her own John Deaver
was the person who performed the services referenced to above --

It is not, expected of us at this date, that we should produce any living test 
=imony of persons who were with him in the Army of the Revolution of 1776-77-78-&79 ~ at
the time the application was made, not only Genl. Stansbury. But I suppose it was all
those Brave – Noble and Meritorius & good men who served with him in the Maryland
line of the Revolution, have long since passed from this stage of action, to that of an
other and I hope to a better & a happier one above –  This is utterly impossible, . Unless we
could [inserted word “bring”] the dead to life again.

We shall now endeavour to produce “the next best evidence the nature of the case
will allow.” as required by the printed Rules of the Pension office handed to me -
dated August 31. 1848.       We have been & still are of the impression, that the Testimony
of Jessey Huntt.  Elizth. Stansburg & Ann Clark now before You, and whose characters
are properly Vouched as for, and who stand beyond suspicion, prove conclusively,
there our John Deaver was the Commissioned officer of the Maryland line we contiued for. --

We have however, other additional Evidence, now heretofore before You.  Now
in our possession until now, which when examined, and compared with the already
before this deportments, since in our judgment satisfy the Commissioner without a doubt
that we and the parties & then only parties there are justly entitled to the Pension asked for
/_    The first Evidence we have produced, is a Certificate Copy taken from the
“Archives of the Executive Chamber of Maryland, dated Nov. 25. 1853”  Marked  As- ["Marked As" is underlined and A is in Roman font with serifs]
containing two letters & our certificate, from Col. Ben. Ford & Maj. M. Gist of
the first Batt. Maryland Troops dated Brunswick Dec. 1. 1776--  Speaking of him
is the most exalted terms.   One addrefsed to his Father John Deaver – and the other to
“The Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland” – pressing them to present for him a
Commission in the [illegible] establishment–     He entered the army first as a Cadet
on the 7. of August 1776. as witnefes be seen by [crossed out letters] above. 

The first Stories in those letters, refer to the age of John Deaver when
he continued the [inserted word “Continental”] Army--   Col. Ford Staples Line, “a Youth of his age”—Major Gist
“calls him a Young Gentleman”.  from all of which we concluded his age to have
been that of a minor or one but just entiring upon Manhood, and but a Youth indeed --

Let us now compare her with the Testamony of Mrs. Elizth. Stansbbury later the
13 of May 1854.  Marked B.-- ["Marked B" is underlined and "B" is in Roman font with serifs] made on oath to property attistance, ‘She states “that
in or about the Year 1803-  she has repeatedly heard the Late John Deaver say, that
[crossed out word] he married his first wife.  Susanna Talbot, when he was Nineteen Years of
age”--#   From a Family Record Kept in his own handwriting – [two crossed out words]

Page 16

he married this Lady in March. 1777—(which we are prepared to exhibit) This was 7-
months after he entered as Cadet – and between 3. & 4. months after the date of his
Commission as Liut. in [illegible] Regiment.  Hence we perceive that he entered the Army
between the 18 & 19 Year of his age – perfectly corresponding with the statements of Col.
Form & Maj - Gist. from all of which we perceive he was but “a Youth or [two words crossed out] then
as Young Gentlemen”—at the time he entered the Army.  This Mrs. Stansbury is before
You already is an other branch of testimony in this case.
2.  This Second Item we shall produce from these letters, is the date of his recommen
=endations to be commissioned, and the actual date of the same- this one
was on the First day of Decb. 1776. and the Commssion bears date the 10. day of
Decm. 1776— Nine days after.  This requires no comment from me etc. because 
its own weight to every thinking mind-

3- The third Items, Related to his having been in actual engagements- [“in actual engagements” is underlined] Maj.
Dish states: “he has behaved with prudence and courage and acquitted himself
with honour in Two Engagements, [“in Two Engagements” is underlined], having lost {illegible] his Baggage he is now Under
the necessity of Returning to Maryland”—  All this agreed Harmoniously -- 
with the statement of Mrs. Ann Clark now before You dated March 30- 1853-
Eight months before we received this Certified Statement from Annapolis,
Mrs. Clark’s statement is “that she has often heard [inserted word “himself”] (John Deaver tell of his
having been engaged in the war of the Revolution;  of Being in Several Battles – [“of Being in Several Battles” is underlined]
and in eminent exposure & friends with the men under his Command, him
being and officer (Liet.-) in the Army”—

II. [Roman “2”]  The Second branch of Evidence [inserted “we here provide”] is of no ordinary moment-  Having satisfied 
the deposition with that one John Deaver was  in the Army as a Liut. and that
“[illegible] services were performed by a man of his name”--  We are now prepare
=ed to prove,from a Certified Cirtifiicate.  Marked C.—[“Marked C” is underlined and the “C” is in Roman font with serifs] taken from the
Muster Rolls of the 3. Regiment Maryland line, deposited in the Land Offices
in Annapolis dated April 26. 1854- “that there was no more than one John Deaver
a Leut. in the 3. Regiment, or on the Muster Rolls of any other Regiment at any time”--
This branch of evidence admits of no argument,  This is as clear as the noon day Sun.
that if there was not, at any one time [inserted “more”] than one John Deaver a Liet. in the Maryland
line of the Continental Army -  There over John Deaver was the identical person. [“identical person” is underlined]

III [Roman number “3”]  The third Evidence we would produce, we have searched for in vain, mainly
the handwriting of Liut. Deaver in receipts for money paid him at different dates, 
by the Government--  We are fully prepared by living Testimony, and those who
were educated in Mr. Deavers Seminary after the war, as also by a Family

Page 17

Record Kept in his own house, and also letters to his wife at different dates, to prove
that those Receipts were given by him – In order to accomplish this, and to satisfy the
Mind of the Commissioner, we have Visited Annapolis and examined all the Revolutionary
pay Roles &c. &c.  But did in Vain – Moneys were Charged [illegible], But no receipts are to be
found, as will be perceived by a Certified statement from the Commissioner of 
the land office at Annapolis.  Marked E. [“Marked E” underlined, with “E” in Roman font with serifs] dated April 26. 1854- Having failed
in this; [illegible] have applications to the Treasuary department of the General Govvernment, with
the same success—as will be seen by a Notes from its [illegible] Auditors office
datest May 3. 1854--  Marked F.—[“Marked F” underlined with “F” in Roman font with serifs] here was its[illegible] Recommendation “a Liut. in the 3. Maryland
Regiment”—and also in the Revolutionary Books in those offices, will Render dates
of office 1779—Being charged with money Received from William Palfrey and
Col. Gish – for which however was subsequently received & Credited -- -- These
accounts thereby became Closed on the Books”--  But they are unable to find
any “receipts given by him; where by his handwriting could be seen”
It is well Known that the Government is Remarkably tenacious, never to pay out
money to those employed by them, without a Receipt for the same, and have been
at all times performed-- [“performed” underlined] with the same tenacity, to produce those Vouchers in case
of Necessity--    But in this case itself are none to be found on record in the department

It twice now has seen it as it was is an utter failure on this point of Evidence
But the failour is not on all parties, had one fully performed--  The failour
is on the parts of the Government to produce the authority on which those payments
were made by them, and which we have a Right to expect of items on a subject
of so much [illegible] to all Commissioners.--   We shall [crossed out word and “therefore” inserted] expect the whole
weight of evidence to stand in our favour on this point—We have no
fear however from a candid Review of the Whole testament as we have
presented it, that the Discussion [“Discussion” is underlined] of the Commission -- will be  -- That we are
entitled to his Confidence- and in Question will award the Pension asked
for in this Case.—

Very Respectfully,
&c &c
[Signautre] Saml. Clark
Georgetown D.C.   May 29. 1854

#  No. record can be [crossed out word “found” – inserted word “had”] Regarding the Birth of Jn. Deaver can 
be found.

Page 18

Baltimore March 31 – 18 [rest of date cut off]

J. E. Hereth Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Herewith I send you my
Declaration and Application for the Pension arrears due
my Mother, Sarah Deaver, decd. widow of John Deaver & which
together with the accompanying proofs and documents, it is
believed will be found Satisfactory

Be pleased to direct for me to the care of
Mr. Alex Yearley of this city, who is authorized to act as my
Attorney in this case.

Very respectfully
your obt. Servant
[Signature] Margaret Hopkins Holtzman

Page 19

L. P. Waldo Esq
Com. of Pensions

Baltimore June 3. 1853

Sir,
The letter of James E. Heath Esq late Comr
of Pensions date 8 March last relative to to the claim of Sarah Deaver
decd. Widow of John Deaver of Maryland, under act of Congress
of 29 July 1848, was duly recd.- in which he admits all the
points in the case; except as to the identity of the John Deaver
whose Service is proved, as the Same person who is proved
to have been her husband.  Now, as all persons who served
with him, or who personally knew of his service, have
departed this life, It would be unreasonable to require
or expect this kind of testimony.  But with the additional
testimony herewith sent – the point of his identity will clearly [the “l” in “clearly” was inserted]
appear.  Be pleased to review the whole testimony.

The parties to this case are of high moral Standing
and the witnesses the same – their Characters Certified ~
particularly I would refer to Jesse Hunt one of the witnesses
whose character is certified by the Honorable Roger B. Yaney in
his own hand.  Be so good as to examine this case, and
let us hear from You at early convenience.

Very respectfully
Your obt. Servant
[Signature] Alex Yearley.

Page 20

[Document appears to be an envelope  - each of the three sections of handwriting are in a different hand]

[Addressed to:]
James E. Heath, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

[On left, written vertically]
Oct. 7. 56 [may be "58"] [Date is underlined]
Oct 7th 1832
Add. evidence in the 
case of Sarah Dver
wid. of John
[Signature] G. Kirby

[On right, written vertically]
Recd. & Pensions case [phrase underlined]
the letters from
this office -- requisition
completed

Page 21

[Document is front of envelope]

[Addressed to:]

Hon Mr. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Washington

[In lower left corner]
To Introduce
Sl Clarke

Page 22

No 1106
Sarah Deaver dec
wid of John 
MD

[Crossed out text:]
Alexander Yearly June [illegible]
[Illegible] Mch 8, 186[illegible]

[Not crossed out]
Alexander Yearley & son July 13/53

[Crossed out]
(family lack [illegible] 1859

[Not crossed out]
certified copies of evidence
sent to Saml Clarke    Year 14/[illegible]
Act 29 July 1848

Page 23

F. F. C. Tripplet, for Cm of P
June 1852.

Page 24

Pension Office
June 30 1852.

Sir,
The Declaration in the case of Sarah
Deaver for the benefit of the Act 29 July 1848, has
been and filed.  It does not in any manner comply
with the requisitions of the Dept.  Record proof of
Marriage must be furnished, either by the Certificate
of the Clerk of the County where she was married 
or the family record must be produced.  In case
no such evidence, hard testimony may intro-
duced showing the date of that event, but the
Dept. cannot rely very implicitly upon the recol-
lection of persons, who were born about the time
they swear positively the parties were married,

Proof of the service of John Deaver, must
be furnished, Not a particle of sent proof ac-
companies the Declaration,  A claim cannot
be allowed upon the mere statement of the
Declarant.~  The death of Declarants mother must
be shown, and that she is the only heir.~

Very Resfy ~ [illegible]
[Signature] F. F. C. Triplett
for Com. of Pensions

[Lower left corner]
Alex. Yearly Esq
Balto. Md

Page 25

Land Office of Maryland
August 24th. 1852

I certify that it appears by a Depre-
-ciation pay roles remaining in this
office, John Deaver a Lieutenant
in the 3d Regiment Maryland Line
recd £210,,14,,11. depreciations usually
paid to the Maryland Troops an
Continental Establishment.

[Signature] J. Murray
Commr. of the Ld Off

[Lower left corner]
.31.1/4.

Page 26

Family Record to be placed
& examined with document

Marked B-- [underlined]
3

Page 27

State of Maryland City of Baltimore to with
Be it remembered that on this seventh Day of 
June, in the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and
fifty four, before me one of the Justice of the Peace
in and for the City of Baltimore, personally appeared
Jefe Hunt of said City, and made oath according
to law that During the year eighteen hundred
and seven and until November in the year eighteen
hundred and eight, he was an inmate in the 
family of and a pupil in the school of the
late John Deaver, whose Daughter Margaret H 
Holtzman is an applicant for a pension for
revolutionary services performed by her Father.~
This deponent further testifies that he was
familiar with the handwriting of said John
Deaver and more especially so as he completed his
education under his immediate tuition and that
to the best of his knowledge and belief the
instrument of writing hereunto attached (with
the exception of the two last lines) containing a
family record of Marriages, Births and Deaths,
begining with the marriages of the aforesaid John
Deaver to Susanna Talbot March 1777 and
ending with the Death of Miriam Hunt Deaver
Nov 4th 1805, is in the handwriting of the
aforesaid John Deaver.~ He further testifies
that he is not personally interested in the applications
for a pension in the case.~
[Signature] George A Megee

[Mix of printed typeface and handwriting]
STATE OF MARYLAND
Baltimore City, &ct.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that George A Megee ----
Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit ----
was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the 
time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in
and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn.

In Testimony Whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the
Superior Court of Baltimore City, this 8th day of
June A.D. 1854

[Signature] Edwd Dowling

Page 28

Baltimore October 6. 1852

James E. Heath Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Respected Sir
Herewith I send you additional
testimony in support of the application for Margaret Holzman for the
arrears of revolutionary Pension due through her mother Sarah
Deaver, widow of John Deaver, who was a Lieutenant in the
Maryland troops in the war of the revolution.

I have been acquainted with all the parties, and
their well known good character and high moral standing affords
assurance that the case is just and true as by them stated.

Very respectfully
for Mrs Margaret Hopkins Holtzman
I am Your friend & Servant
[Signature – with two small marks like a colon or “=” sign between first and last names] Alex Yearley

Page 29

[Dark “462” written in top right corner in different handwriting and ink, which is very bold]

Pension Office
June 30, 1832 [“30” was originally “20” but corrected to read “30”]

Sir
The Declaration in the case of Sarah Deaver dcd
Per the benefit of the Dates 29 July 1848 has
been received and filed.  It does not in any
Manner comply with the requisitions of the De-
Partment.  Record proof of Marriage must be 
furnished.  either by the certificate of the clerk
of the county Where She was Married, or the
family Record must be produced,  In case no
such evidence is ascitened, paral testimony 
may be introduced showing the date of that event,
but the Department cannot rely very implic-
itly upon the recollection of persons who were
[crossed out “recently”] born about the time they swear positively
the parties were married.  Proof of the service
of John Deaver must be furnished, not a
particle of such proof accompanies the Declara-
tion.  A claim can not be allowed upon the
bare statement of the Declarant without
any kind of testimony confirming that.

Page 30

statement.  The death of the applicants
Mother must be shown and that she
is the only heir.

[Bottom 2/3 of document written out similarly to a letter, with fold visible at the top of the section]

[Written vertically on right of page]
Alexr. Yearley
30, June 1852 [May be “1832”)

[Bottom written in large letters, horizontally]
Alexander Yearley Esq
Baltimore 
Md

Page 31

[First two lines with “}” symbol pointing from them to the date]
Margaret Hopkins Holtzman, Declaration
Sent to Comr of Pensions
April 1. 1852

1.  Proof of Marriage of John Deaver & Sarah Hunt
[indented lines 1&2]
1.  copy of Marriage License
2. Oath of a respectable Witness present

2.  Death of widow
[indented lines 1 &2]
1. Oath of Witnesses
2. Certc. of Court

3.  Identity of Claimants only surviving child
[indented 1&2]
1. Oath of Witnesses
2. Certc. of Court

4.  John Deavers Military Services
[indented 1&2]
1. certified Copy’s of revolutionary records
2. Certificate of Court

[Entire outline has “}” pointing to the following text written vertically on right side of the page]
See the paper’s Sent on with the Declaration-Apl 1.1852
in conjunction with those now Sent,

Page 32

Pension Office
June 1st 1834, [May be 1841]

Sir,
The fact that the Register of the Maryland
Land Office cannot show that there were more
than one John Deaver who served as a Luiet.
in that State during the war of the Revolution,
is by no means conclusive in favor of the case
of Sarah Deaver, decd; of Md; Since it has
not been shown either by witnefes or by
such a train of circumstances, as is satisfactory,
that her husband did serve in the capacity,
I observe that the letter of Ben Ford to John
Deaver is dated Dec 1st 1777, and the recommend-
-dation of Major Gist, is dated Dec. 1st,,1776,
Now if the letter of Ford is properly dated
and if it refers to the father of the applicant,
of course, the Lieut. was not that man, for
his commifion as Lt. is dated 10th,,Dec, 1776,
and it is evident that both these papers re-
-fer to the same man.  I presume some mis-
-take has been made as to the date of one of

Page 33

these letters.  If any explanation can
be given calculated to throw light upon
the case, it shall be re-opened, but as it
now stands, I am compelled to adhere
to the decision heretofore made.  The case
is filed under the Act of July 29th,,1848,

Yours Respectfully
[Signature] LPWaldo
Commifsioner


[In bottom right corner:]
Saml. Clark, Esq,
Georgetown,
D,C,

Page 34

Treasury Departments
Third Auditor’s Office,
May 3, 1854.

Sir:
I herewith return to you the
papers you left with us this morning in
relation to John Deaver as an Officer of the
Revolutionary Army, and have to inform you
that it appears he was a Lieutenant of
the 3 Maryland Regiment; but I have
been unable to find any receipt given by
him whereby [crossed out word] his hand writing could
be seen.  His name is borne on this Re=
=volutionary Book of this Office, and
under date of enlist 1779, he is charged 
with money receipts from William
Palfrey and Col. Gist, for which how=
=ever, He subsequently rescinds a credit
and his accounts thereby became closed
on the Books. ==

Respectfully
Your Obtd, Servt,
[Signature] F Burt
Auditor [“A” has a “3” written inside it]

[Bottom left corner]
Dr. Samuel Clarke
George Town
D.C.

Page 35

Washington D.C.
Hon. JH Barrett. 9th April 1867
Comr.

Sir
As the agent in the case of Sarah Deaver wid of
John of Md,. I request that the
Case be acted upon as the evi
=dence abundantly proves 2
years service of John Deaver, as
Sent     2 more [illegible] that the
Case was presented by Mr Child.
& Made out before [“before” is underlined” the late law
of Congref, restricting the allowance
of Revy. Pensions & Certain Cases
[illegible],

I am respesfr
Yours
[Signature] S.A. Peugh

Page 36

Georgetown, D.C
June 10th/54

To.
Hon Mr-Waldo.

Dear sir:
This
will introduce to you the Rev
Saml-, Clarke [“Rev Saml Clarke” is underlined] of this Town, a
gentleman long personally known
to me.

He informs me, that he
has occasion to see you on 
businefs, and as he is not
known to you, I give him 
this note.

Mr.-C is not an Agent for
claims, but has agreed at the
solicitation of parties in Balti
-more (well known to me) to
attend to the claim of Lieut.-
John, Dever’s heirs, to a Pen-
-sion, on acct- of his Military

Page 37

services in the War of In-
-dependence.

I have the fullest confi
-dence in all those parties,
that they would not set up
a claim for the services
of John Dever, [underlined words follow] without a
full conviction that the
service was rendered, and
that the claim is just. [end underlining]

Mr- Jefse. Hunt (Ex Mayor of
Balte-,), is a gentleman whose
testimony, is entitled to great
consideration—and Mrs-
Holtzman, the daughter of
Mr- Dever, is a Lady of the
highest respectability, and
integrity.

Yours- very truly
& Respfuly-
[Signature] Hy- Slicer [name underlined with flourish]
Chaplain U.S. Senate

Page 38

Law Office of Maryland

I certify that it appears by a pay
roles remaining this this office, [crossed out word] headed, An alphabetical
List of the Maryland Line to whom Depreciation has
been paid thato John Deaver Lieut 3rd Regt. is
entered as having accd. £210,,14,,11. without date, & that
at the end of said alphabetical List is found. the
following acct.  Received of the state of Maryland
this 21st. July 1787 sundry accounts for Depreciation in
pay of the Maryland Troops serving in the Continental 
Army regards to the foregoing List, amounting in
sterl to the sum of Seventy five thousand eight hun-
-dred twenty one pounds, seventeen shillings and eleven
pence Currency of Maryland, which amounts
I am to forward to the Commifsion of Army.
Accounts to be settled agreed to the allowance
of Congref dated May 7th. 1787.

[Signature] (signed) John White
Comisr. of Accounts for
the State of Delaware Pennsylvania & Mary
-land: & I further Certify that there is no record
Known to me in this Office, showing payments
to any of the person’s record in aforesaid Lists
or to their order.

In testimony whereof I
hereto subscribe my name & affix the seal,

Page 39

of the Land office of Maryland this 26th
April 1854.

[Signature] J. Murray
C. L. Of

Page 40

Land Office of Maryland
Annapolis August 24th. 1852

I certify that it appears by a Depre-
-ciation pay role remaining in this
office, that John Deaver, a Lieutenant
in the 3d Regiment, of the Maryland 
Line, received £191,,19,,11. Depreciation
money paid to the Maryland Troops
on Continental Establishment
on the 29th. April 1785.~

[Signature] J. Murray.
Commr. of the Ld Off.


.31 1/4

Page 41

Alex Yearly or Yearley
Mch 8/53

Page 42

[illegible]
Pension Office
March 8 1853

Sir
The additional evidence filed in the
case of Sarah Deaver dec widow of John 
of MD.- rect 29 July 1868.- establishes the
date of the marriage, the date of her death,
and the children surviving, but still her
husband is not identified by witnefes who
Knew of his service, with the service admit-
ted to have been performed by a man of 
his name.  This must be done, as pointed
out in my letter of the 30 June last, to you,

Page 43

Land Office of Maryland

I certify that after careful exa-
-minations of the muster Roles of the
3rd Regt. Maryland Said deposited in
this Office, it does not appear that
there was more than one [“one” is underlined] John Deaver, serving
as Lieut in that Regiment {inserted “or on the Muster Roles of any other Regiment”] at any time.~

In testimony whereof
I hereto subscribe my name & affix the Seal
of the Land Office of Maryland this 26th
April 1854.

[Signature] J: Murray
C. L. O

Page 44

Baltimore  October 4. 1853

Sir
I hereby authorize and employ
you as My Agent in carrying out my Application for
arrears of Pension due my Mother Sarah Deaver
widow of John Deaver who was an officer (Lieutenant)
in the war of the revolution.

My appreciation (with the proofs) was
presented by Mr. Alexr. Yearley of this city – who believes
that my claim has been rejected [“rejected” is underlined] by the Commissioner
of Pensions on very insufficient [“very insufficient” is underlined} grounds – and unites
with me in placing it in your hands

Be pleased to call at the office of the
Commissioner of Pensions and examine all the
documents in this case; and use all lawful means
to bring it to a favorable issue

Very respectfully
[Signature]
M H H
Margaret H Holtzman

[Text below from lower left corner of the document has “}” symbol pointing to the signature]
I write in the above:
Alex Yearley [“Alex Yearley” is underlined]
late Agent in the above
case, for Mrs Holtzman.

Page 45

[Below two lines of text has a “}” symbol pointing to the initials “S.S”]
State of Maryland
City of Baltimore

On this 26th day of March 1852, Before me the subscriber a Justice
of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the city of Baltimore
Personally appears Ann H. Clark a resident of George Town, D.C. aged
60 years, formerly a resident of this city and now in this city, who being
duly sworn according to law – deporeth and saith, That she was
present at the marriage of John Deaver and Sarah Hunt which was
solemnised by the Revd James Cowling [word crossed out] of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Baltimore County, Maryland on the 12th day of January in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety seven (1797), That said John Deaver
was reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Maryland
Troops in actual Service in the War of the revolution: That he died
in the city of Baltimore aforesaid on 27th August 1813: That his widow
the said Sarah died in said city October 23. 1851, leaving their one
only surviving child Margaret Hopkins Holtzman of this city who is now
about applying for the Pension arrears due her said Mother from the United
States: And that she, this deponent, is not interested in the results of
that application

[Signature] Ann H. Clark

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me: -- And I do hereby certify that the above
deponent Ann H Clark is a person of good Character and
entitled to full credit.  As Witness my hand the day and
year first above mentioned.

Page 46

[Below two lines of text has a “}” symbol pointing to the initials “S.S”]
State of Maryland
City of Baltimore

On this 26th day of March 1852, Before me the subscriber a Justice
of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the city of Baltimore
Personally appears Ann H. Clark a resident of George Town, D.C. aged
60 years, formerly a resident of this city and now in this city, who being
duly sworn according to law – deporeth and saith, That she was
present at the marriage of John Deaver and Sarah Hunt which was
solemnised by the Revd James Cowling [word crossed out] of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Baltimore County, Maryland on the 12th day of January in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety seven (1797), That said John Deaver
was reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Maryland
Troops in actual Service in the War of the revolution: That he died
in the city of Baltimore aforesaid on 27th August 1813: That his widow
the said Sarah died in said city October 23. 1851, leaving their one
only surviving child Margaret Hopkins Holtzman of this city who is now
about applying for the Pension arrears due her said Mother from the United
States: And that she, this deponent, is not interested in the results of
that application

[Signature] Ann H. Clark

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me: -- And I do hereby certify that the above
deponent Ann H Clark is a person of good Character and
entitled to full credit.  As Witness my hand the day and
year first above mentioned.

[Signature] W. J. Barry

Page 47

[Document has two pages/columns]

[Left page:]
July 7, 1781 Letter to Gen. Lee
6 aprl 1780 -- 3d [crossed out word "Regt.'] Batalion & Rgmt
Md Militia --

Paid 1785 -- 

[Right page:]
Lutn [inserted "Col"] Ford a strg General
[below writing is a large "A" in Roman font with serifs]

Page 48

Brunswick, Decmer. 1st, 1777

DearSir,
This by your Son John, whose behaviour since he
has joined our Regiment far exceeds [illegible] most Sanguine expect-
ations of a Youth of his Age.  I can with the greatest truth
afsert, that he has behaved with spirit and fortitude that 
would give honour to a Man profefsed of every idea of the Noble 
struggle we are embarked in, your most strenuous efforts, I hope
will be exerted in obtaining a Commifsion suitable to his spirits.

I am Ever, and has yours
affectionately,
[Signature] Ben. Ford [in small print next to signature is “Lt. Coln”]

To 
Wm,, John Deaver, Senr. [underlined]
a True Copy

To the Honorable Councile of Safety of Maryland
Gentlement,
The bearer Mr. John Deaver having served as a 
Cadet in our Batalion since the 7th of August last past, he
has behaved with prudence and courage and acquitted himself with
honor in two engagements, having lost his Baggage he is now 
under the necefsity of Returning to Maryland.

I take the liberty of recommending this young Gentleman, as
truly deserving a Commifsion in the New Establishment, not
doubting that his future conduct will merit your confidenes and
approbation.   == (I am Gentlemen)

Page 49

I am Gentlement with much respect,
Yr. Mo. Obt. & Hb. Servt..
M. Gist.

2-@

I hereby Certify. that the bearer hereof Mr. John Deaver, 
has served as a Cadet in the first Regiment of Maryland
troops, since the 7th of August last past, during which time,
he has behaved with prudence and Courage, & acquitted himself
with honour in two Engagements. – I take the liberty of recomm-
-ending him to the favour and confidence of his Countrymen, as a 
young Gentl[inserted “lm”] who is truly qualified for a Commifsion in the
new Establishment, given under my hand at Brunswick this
first day of December, 1776.

[Signature] M. Gist, Major of the first
Batt. Maryd. 1st Reg. Troops.


I hereby fortify, That the aforegoing is a true copy, taken from
the original on file among the Revolutionary papers, in
the Archives of the Executive Chamber of Maryland, ==

In witnefs whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of the Secretary of State, this 25th day of November,
1853. =-

[Signature] John Randolph Quinn
Secretary of State

Page 50

L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commifioner of Pensions

Sir, in the case of John Deaver, Under act of
Congref. July 29, 1848 -when placed in our hands – no correct copy of the
evidence lifes in the Pension office, was given us by the parties --

Believing as we do in the justice of our Claim - We
intend to bring it before Congrefs at as early a date as possible –

Will the Commissioner be so Kind as to Cause a Copy to be sent
us of All the evidence [“All the evidence” is underlined] now before him  in this case to date –

Very Respectfully
Yours &c &c
{Signature] Saml. Clark

Georgetown Decr. 11. 1854

Page 51

5
Sarah Deaver decd
widow of John
Md.

Page 52

Commifioner Waldo. in his note to me dated Jun 1. 1854 makes
this remark.  “It has not been shown either by witnefes, or by such a train
of circumstances as is satisfactory, that her husband did serve in that
capacity”--  And again in relation to Ford & Gist’s letters – “I presume
some mistake has been made as to the date of one of these letters.  If any
explanation can be given calculated to throw light upon the case,
It shall be reopened”—

The only explanation I can give at this late date- is
purely a matter of Historical Record, which I presume will be altogether
satisfactory –

In the life of Washington by John Marshall. published in Philadelphia
1805.  Vol. 2--  Chapter 8—1776—page 480 “on the 28 of November, the day
lord Conwallis entered Newark, he (Genl. Washington) Retreated from
that place to Brunswick, a small village on the Raritan.  At Brunswick,
the time arrived December the 1st. when the levies drawn from Maryland
and Jersey to compose the flying camp, became entitled to this discharge”-

Vol. 3-Chapter 6th 1777 – page 29th  “Supposing a General 
engagement to be certainly approaching, Washington detached Gist with 
some Maryland militia, and Morgan with his rife corps, to attack the 
flanking and advanced parties of his enemy”- this was between the “4 and
8. of December” see page 289 & 291 – (this is of neighbourhood of Philadelphia--)

Mc,,Henrys History of Washington. published Baltimore
1848 – Capter 9. 1776—page 210—“And the American General, Commanded
his famous retreat towards the Delaware.  He reached the Raritan, on the
1st of December, [illegible] army and which the terms of the Maryland and Delaware flying
Corps [illegible] was compelled to discharge the greater portion in the face
of the enemy—”

Chapter 11. the Campaign of 1777 – page 237—“Early in December, How [sic: Howe] marched
his forces [crossed out word] out of the City. (Philadelphia) as if to attack the American Army, [illegible] fight
skirmished and [illegible] batallion had advanced and the Pennsylvania Militia who was soon
dispensed, on the Seventeenth, [illegible] appears open and—near its Main Army: and Washington, battl
=ing.—opened sections and regiments, then Gist, with his Maryland Militia and
Col. Morgan’s Rifles. forward to attack heir forward & flank.”

Page 53

From the extracts here gives.  It will be formed.  at the dates of {crossed out word “Ford’s”]
Gist letters.  Brunswick Dec. 1. 1776.  The Maryland troops were at Brunswick
on that same day, month, & year -- --

It will also be seen, that early in December 1777 – the date
of Ford’s letter, the Maryland troops were not at Brunswick, or in the State,
But in Pennsylvania, and in the Neighbourhood of Philadelphia, watching 
the movements of the enemy.  How, [“How” is underlined} then in the city ..–  It is concluded then
that the date of Ford’s Letter Brunswick, December 1. 1777—should have been
1776 – and that the errour was in the original, or the transcribing of which I
have no Knowledge—


District [illegible], Washington County, Court

On this fifth day of July 1854, before
me the Subsciber, a Justice of the Peace on
and for Pard County, personally appeard 
Samuel Clark and made oath on the
Holy [illegible] of Almighty God that the 
arrears entreaty from the words named
are truly and faithfully made as they
are therein stated and that he is in no 
case personally interested in the
result of the case to which part
entrents refer –  Sworn before me
[Signature[ H Addison J.P.

M Samuel Clark is most known to
me and say that his statements are 
fully entitled to confidence
[Signature] H. Addison

Page 54

L. P. Waldo Esqr.
Commifioner of Pensions.

Sir, I am fully satisfide with You, that the fact of but one
John Deaver being a Liut. in the Maryland line of the Revolutionary army (abstractly
considered] is not evidence of itself, there our John Deaver was the man—This I knew
from the beginning--  In Your notes to me dated June 1. 1854. You remarked—“It has not been
shown either by witnefes, or by such a train of Circumstances as is satisfactory -- 
that her husband did serve in that capacity”—  What other living witnefes are wanting,
over and above that of Jessey Hunt – Elizth. Stansbury & Ann Clark, now before the
Commifioner, I am utterly at a lof to know—Nothing can be stranger under existing
circumstance—Unlef he could raise the dead—the only evidence that can
be had, must be from those who knew him personally in after life, and who [inserted “know”] of his
general Reputation, as having been a Lieut. in the Army at the time referred to-- All
this we have done—all the parties in this case—Principle & Witnefes are of the
highest moral character, as is abley testafide-  all living in the City of Baltimore
& George Town—and well Known in the different departments of the Final You sent 
and who are willing personally to testify, before the Commission if so desired—

In relation to Ford & Gists letters You Remark—“I presume some mistake has been
made as to the date of [crossed out words] one of these letters.  If any explanations can be given
calculated to throw light upon the case, It shall be reopened”--   I answer -- 
The letters of Ford & Gist were sent to me—I knew at the time I received them
the discrepancy in the date of the Year between them--  That I was inadvertantly
done, either in the original or in the transcribing--  I have not the least shadow
of a doubt—nor had I at the time—Had I been so disposed, I could have
withheld Fords letter from You, of this I have I have no disposition to deceive or lead
You astray—I placed them—Candidly & Honestly before You as I received them--
Believing that whenever You came to review them in all their Items, and compared
these with the Testimony we have presented before You--  You would be satisfide
that this error was in the date of Fords, & not in that of Gists--  [two crossed out words]—

In addition, I would not for one moment presume to doubt, Your entire
Familiarity with the [crossed out word] general history of the prominent events of the Revolutionary
war—filling as You do so important a Relations to the wefare of the County--
And hence—that You would see at one glance, that the date of Fords letter, was not
in accordance with the events of the day in which it was written, and so decided--

The only conclusion I can [illegible], for the doubt up to [illegible] is . That the letters
-- -- papers left in the Pension Office, were never placed in Your hands for

Page 55

examination,  But the simple refusal of the examining Clerk—or a decision
would have been made instantantorium [inserted word “in”] our favour—

Let me now stir up in Your memory, [crossed out word] a five [or “fine”] facts to show. that Maj, Gists letter
and now Ben Fords. contained the true date Oct. 1. 1776--  The history of the American Revolution.
and the life of Genl. Washington, is written by different authors, and at different dates,
(none of which I have now before me, but which I can produce if required) place the
Battle of White Plains about the 28. of October 1776—in which the Maryland troops under
[crossed out word with “Col.” written above it] Smallwood [inserted word “when”] engaged, and lost in [inserted word “the”] Battle several hundred men [illegible word] Killed and
wounded, Amongst the latter the [crossed out word with “Col” written above it]. himself—   On the first of Decr. the same Year
and for some time after, the Maryland & Jersey troops were [begin underlining] at Brunswick and in its
vicinity-- [end underlining] and from there some of the Maryland troops [crossed out word  “went” replaced by inserted “returned”] home, this time having
expired on that day--  Amongst those who returned was our John Deaver—with 
his letters of Recommendation from Gist & Ford--    And no doubt- the Battle of
White Plains was the one reference to in Gists letter in which he was engaged--  Not
10 days of Oct. 1776 he returned with his commission—Nine days after its dates of
Gists letter--    Again, at the date of Fords letter Der. 1. 1777.  Where was he and the Maryland
troops to the front—at Brunswick when his letter is dated.   No Sir, they were in
and about Philadelphia, and Delaware watching the enemy in their different movements,
and then they remained Until the winter blasts compelled them with its—Winds-Rain,
Fresh-Snow & Ice—to serve their almost naked bodys, and bleeding thereof feet
to go into winter quarters in the same month & Year--     Not at Brunswick—no Sir,
but at Valley Forge, a five miles from the City of Philadelphia--   And amongst
that number of almost naked bleeding humanity was found John Deaver, the Father of
the Lady, and only living heir, who now asks of You as the Chanial of Communication
that provision made for him, by its Congref of the United Stated. July 29. 1848.    And
there it be withheld—I hope now for the Honor of my Country—and the gratitude 
of the American people--     One more thought in relation to the date of
Fords letter--  Can any one doubt for a [inserted word “single”] moment— who shall look at the Phraseology of
these letters, and the character of John Deaver as given therein—and compare it with
the wants of the Country and Army—of officers and men at that date,  But that he
would have returned with his commission in his pocket. and taken his past
with his companions in Arms--   I answer there is none—No nor one [crossed out word] to be found
in this wide world!--    If not, where shall we find him, he is no where to be found,
no John Deaver is to be found [inserted word “commissioned”] a Liut. in the Maryland line, after the date of Fords letter, 

When I introduced Fords letter, I had no thoughts from the above Known Facts- of 
its producing in Your mind a Single doubt.  but that an error existed in its date--

Page 56

or I should then have noticed the same— I hope however, if such did exist, that
it has now at present a simple [illegible] in Your mind--  In that case it stands in
perfect harmony with the other testimony before You—That we and the parties left
to therein—

What is the amt of evidence we have lain before the Commission--
to prove the Identity of our John Deaver, as the person, Connected with this claim--

1—That he always borne the Charactor when he resided, and amongst
those who best Knew him, of having been an officer in the Maryland line of the
Revolutionary army--  Gist- Jessey Hunt— Elizbth. Stansburg-- & Ann Clark-- where
characters one Vouched for by Chief Justice Taney and others &c-- -- 

2—His age as a Youth when he entered the army— Test—Col. Ben. Ford & 
Maj. M. Gist of the army of 1776—  Mrs. Elizith. Stansburg of the City of Baltm—and date
of family Register--      3—The [illegible] he entered the army as Lieut.& the 3.  Regmnt.—Testm--
Ford & Gists recommendation, and date of Commission Oct. 10. 1776—Nine days after—as also 
by a certificate from the Commission of the Land office Annapolis Maryland—and Certicate
Third Auditors office.  Washington City—   4—That he had been in Several Battles 
or engagements with the enemy--  See Fords. & Gists Letters dated Brunswick Dcr [may be “Oct.”]. 1. 1776
with the testimony of Ann Clark--      5- That but one John Deaver held a Lieutant
in the 3d Regiment—or any other Regiment, at any time in the Maryland line-- see
cirtificate from the Commission of the Land Office Annapolis Maryland--
6. that he resigned his commission on the 8. day of April 1779—see the
above certificate from Annapolis &c.--

Here is a map of “Evidence and train of Circumstances”—in combination
with each other, that must remove from any doubt that may have been
on the mind of any one of the Identity [“Identity” in larger letters”] of any person--

In a Court of Criminal Jurisprudence—on the Amt of evidence above--
An impartial Jury would unanimously find a Verdict—and [inserted word “the”] Court could
find the highest amt. of penalty upon the Culprit, the nature of the case would admit,

And we hesitate not to say as our honest & candid opinion, that the
same Jury, or any other Jury [illegible]--  setting in a Court of equity, wtih
the same amt. of testimony, find & decide in our favor--   
however, that when You shall have  have examined the “explination, and the light we
have therein” upon Fords letter--  It will be altogether [crossed out words] satisfactory
to Your mind—

I enclose the family record, to be placed with and examined
[inserted “in connection”] with the document Mared B—in my former Note Dated—I think June 1st. or May

Page 57

31st. 1854—as near as I can recollect—

If You require of us living testamony, of those who were with him in the
Maryland line of the Revolution, Then indeed the Act of Congref of July 29. 1854-- was
a perfectly dead letter at the time of its passage – as it is more than likely but find
were then alive who could testafy for each other—And if there were, the laps of 
time was so distant, that the persons could not possibly recognize each other--
and if they could, the difficulty would only be increased—as it would
Require additional living evidence to Identify the party as testafiying—and so
on to the end of time--  until one can be found, well known to the Governmint as being
in the Army at the Time--  which at this date could could not be found--    And hence a
final end to all [crossed out word] Revolutionary Pensions—

Lay down this principal, and then Frauds would be [inserted “practisid to” ] multiplide upon 
the departments--  Now and every where to be found,   Who can be bought for many--
as is perhaps [inserted words “ ‘but two’’] well known to the Pensions office--  I am not surprised at You
great [illegible].  if our conduction beyond the bounds of all human possibility, which
we think should not be when the parties are at hand, and were known to the public--
as in this case--  our {crossed out word “testimony” and inserted “Claim”] is based upon more reliable testimony at this date

The General Character of having been an officer of the Revolutionary Army-- and
never called in question to this day--   So also the strongest Colatoral evidence
of the agent, as stated above—

If the papers & review in this case have not been before You, Be as
good as to call them up for a five moments-- & [begin underlining] deside from a personal review—[end underlining] and 
If any additional testimony is wanting, in favour of the Caracter & standing of the
parties testifying, --  It-- shall be done at once, in the fullest Service of the Word—

Yours
&c. &c.
[Signature] Saml. Clack

Georgetown June 19. 1854

[illegible] The Hon. M. Vansant—a Representative in Congref from Maryland,
has authoresed me to say--  he will see the Commifer in Person on this claim, at
an early date--  perhaps this day--  Being intamitely acquainted with the
leading parties herein named--.

Page 58

1
Mr. Geo: Holtzman.
John Deaver died 1813
Sarah Deaver died
Octo 23 1837
Margaret Hopkins Holtzman
Surviving child
Married 1797

Cost $7[the "5" is in superscript so it might be "$7.5." but could be "75"]

["John" and "Octo", "Surviving child", and "Married 1797" are all underlined]

Page 59

Land Office of Maryland
Annapolis Febry 12 1852,

I certify that it appears by a depreciation
pay roll, remaining in this Office, that John.
Deaver, a Lieutenant of the Maryland Line
[next two lines are written as a table – transcription shows them with a colon that is not in the original text]
recd on the day of: on the 21st. of april 1785. the sum of: £210,,14,,11, and £171,,17,,19 1/2, ~
depreciation money, ifsued to the Maryland Quota
of Troops in Continental Establishment. ~
[Signature] J.Murray
Commr. of the Land Off
Cost 37 ½ [written in small letters]


Land office Annapolis
Febry 12. 1852.

I certify that it appears by the Muster 
Roles, remaining in this office, that John Deaver
entered the Continental Army as Lieutenant
in the 3rd. Regiment of Maryland, on the 10th 
day of December 1776, and resigning his
Commifsion on the 8th. day of april 1779.~
[Signature] J.Murray
Commisr. of the Land Office

Cost 37 ½ [in smaller handwriting

Page 60

[In top center, round postage stamp with "BALTIMORE" written around edge and "APR 13" in the middle, with "APR" and "13" stacked.  Another stamp to the right of it says "FREE" and is circled in ink with a flourish]

L. P. Waldo, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

[Small faded round gray circle at bottom left, with a triangular outline around it.]

Page 61

Baltimore April 14. 1853

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Respected Sir

The letter of the late 
commissioner of Pensions dated March 8 1853 was duly received; in 
which he admits as satisfactory all the points in the case of Sarah
Deaver, decd. widow of John Deaver of Maryland under the act of 
Congress passed 29th July 18[illegible], except as to the identity of John Deaver,
claimants husband as the same person of that name whose Services are
proven.  Now, as to this point, we Say.     1   That our John Deaver had
the character and reputation of having been an Officer = Lieutenant, in the
Maryland line in the war of the revolution (see the testimony on file
of Jesse Hunt, former Mayor of Baltimore, whose character is certified
by Chief Justice Taney, as also the testimony of Mrs Clark herewith
Sent.    2.  That the records of the revolution do not Show any other
person of that name who so served.   3  It was satisfactory proven
before Judge Glenn of the united States District Court “that our
John Deaver performed the alleged Service.  And as all those
who Served with and knew him in the war of the revolution [inserted text “are passed away,”] It is believed 
that the evidence adduced is amply Sufficient to establish his
identity   .   Be so good as [inserted word “to”] look at the case with your usual
kindness and decision  .  

Very respectfully
Your obt. Servants
[Signature] Alex Yearley & Son

Page 62

Sarah Deaver - did not apply for
a pension-. Sheappear [start underlining] not to have been
entitled [end underlining] until pafage of act July 29.1818
having Mard in 1797 & died in 1851
Declaration of the daughter [underlined "daughter"] is dated
March 26 1852 & her ["her" underlined] letter forwarding the
Same dated March 31. 1852
There is a brief elleging application Sent
to Comfsr of Pension April 1. 1852

Page 63

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore S. S.

On this 30th day of March 1853 Before me the subscriber
a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of
Baltimore, personally appeared Ann H. Clark of George Town D.C.
formerly a resident of and now in the city of Baltimore, aged 61. years
and made oath according to law,  That from the time of her earliest 
remembrance She was intimately acquainted with John Deaver
who died in this city Aug. 27. 1813   That she has often heard 
him tell of his being engaged in the war of the revolution and
of being in several engagements, in which he was exposed to
much peril & hardship and in one case being obliged under
orders to retreat a Soldier was shot down near him and he
with the retreating party had to encounter great difficulty.
That he stated that he was a Lieutenant in the Service:
That Margaret [inserted “Hopkins”] Holtzman is his only surviving child by this
wife and widow Sarah Deaver who died October 23. 1851.
And that she is not interested in the application of Said 
Margaret Hopkins Holtzman for a Pension
[Signature] Ann H. Clark

Sworn to and subscribed before me: -- [Signature] Samuel Ringgold
And I do hereby certify that said deponent Ann H Clark is a
person of good character and entitled to credit
[Signature] Samuel Ringgold

Page 64

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore
[Two above lines have “}” symbol going to “S. S.”]

Be it known that on this 26th day of March 1852, before me
the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland in and
for the city of Baltimore, personally appeared Elizabeth H Stansbury, a resident 
of said city, aged 62 years, who being duly sworn according to law
doth on her oath declare, That she was present on the 12th day of January
1797, and did see John Deaver and Sarah Hunt married, in Baltimore
County, Maryland, on that day, by the Revd James Cowling a Minister
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  That she knows Margaret
Hopkins Holtzman of this city, now the wife of George Holtzman,
to be the daughter and only surviving child of them the said
John Deaver and Sarah his wife: That the said John Deaver
died in this city on 27th August 1813; leaving his widow Sarah
Deaver who died in this city October 23. 1857, not having married
again since the death of her said husband: That Margaret Hopkins
Holtzman who Is now about applying for the arrears of Pension
due her said Mother Sarah Deaver is the identical daughter of
them the said John and Sarah Deaver, and their only surviving
child: That she, this deponent is not interested in the results
of said application: And that to her knowledge the said
John Deaver sustained the character and reputation of having
been a Soldier and Officer in the Maryland line in the war
of the revolution
[Signature] Elizabeth H Stansburg

Sworn to and subscribed
Before Me:-- And I do certify that the above 
deponent is a Lady of Good Character and entitled to
full credit.  Witness my hand this 21st of March 1852
[Signature] W. J. Barry

Page 65

[At the top left of the page is a large black dot and some faded writing appears around it saying something about “District Court”]

The United States of America
District of Maryland [illegible]

It is hereby certified that on this fourth
day of October [crossed out word “September”] 1852, satisfactory evidence has been 
exhibited to said Court, That John Deaver who was
reputed and known to have been an Officer in the
United States service in the Maryland line in the war
of the Revolution, died in the City of Baltimore in the summer
of the year 1813, leaving his widow Sarah Deaver, and
two children; viz, Emanuel Kent Deaver who died in this 
city on the 27th July 1844; and Margaret Hopkins Deaver,
who intermarried with George Holtzman, and is still living:
in this city on twenty third day of October in the year
eighteen hundred and fifty on; leaving the said Margaret,
her only surviving child, who is now residing in this city,
and is the identical Margaret Hopkins Holtzman who is now
applying for the arrears of revolutionary Pension due her
said Mother Sarah Deaver widow of said John Deaver 
who was an Officer in the Maryland line in the war of 
the revolution

[Signature] John Glenn Judge
of the United States
for the Maryland District


In Testimony whereof here unto subscribe
my name and affix the seal of the
said District court this fourth day
of October in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.

[Signature] Tho. Spiers [mark after name or may be a flourish]
Dis. C

Page 66

Document has a mix of typed printed text and handwriting filling in the blanks.  There is also a large black mark on the middle left, with what appears to be ribbons and a tassel.

I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the accompanying pages numbered from
One to Nineteen inclusive, are truly copied from the originals
on file in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.

[Signagure] LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions


BE IT REMEMBERED, That [crossed out text] Loren P Waldo, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions, and that to his attesta-
tions full [crossed out word] credit are and ought to be given.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto sub-
scribed my name, and caused the seal of the Depart-
ment to be affixed, on this fourteenth 
day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four

[Signature] R McClelland
Secretary of the Interior

Page 67

State of Maryland Baltimore City, ty wit.~
On this thirteenth day of May in the year of our
Lord eighteen hundred and fifty four before me
the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in for said City
personally appeared Elizabeth H Stansburg and
made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God 
that in or about this year eighteen hundred and three
she repeatedly herd the late John Deaver (whose
Daughter Margaret H Holtzman is now an applicant
for a revolutionary pension / say that he was
married to his first wife Ouannah Talbot
when he was nineteen years of age, and this
Deponent further sayeth that she has no personal 
interest in the claim now pending before the
Commifioner of Pensions in the above case.~

I hereby certify that Elizabeth H Stansburg the above
Deponent is a Lady of excellent character and entitled
to the fullest confidence and believing, having personally 
known her as such for the last thirty years.~

Sworn before
[Signature] J. Meixsell
Justice of the Peace
[To left of signature is the word “Seal” with circle drawn around it]

[The rest of the document is a printed form with handwriting filling in blanks]

STATE OF MARYLAND
Baltimore City, &ct.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that Jacob Meixsell -----
Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit -----
so as made and who has thereto subscribed his name to was at the
time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in 
and for the City of Baltimore, duly commissioned and sworn.

In Testimony Whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the
Superior Court of Baltimore City, this 15th day of May A. D. 1854

[Signature] Edwd. Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court of Baltimore City.

Page 68

[At top are two black shapes with 1 or 2 lines coming out of them on the sides or top]

Petition of
Margaret E. Holtzman
daughter of John & Sarah
Deaver praying for arrears
of Pension due her [inserted word "late"] Mother
for the Services of her late
father in the Revolutionary War
[line under above text]

June 26 1956 Refs. to the
Com on Rev Pensions


Mr. H. Winter Davis

Page 69

(Copy)

Orphans Court, for the City of Baltimore
In the State of Maryland, &&.

Be it hereby certified that on this Twenty sixth day of 
March 1852, Personally appeared in Open Court, Margaret
Hopkins Holtzman, of this City aged 49 years, who being
duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the
following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
provision of the Act of Congress passed July 29th 1848 and of
all other acts of Congress relative thereto, being the Arrears of
Pension due her Mother, Sarah Deaver, widow of John
Deaver, who was a Lieutenant in the 3d Regiment of the
Maryland Continental Troops in the army of the United 
States in the war of the Revolution.  That she is in pos-
sesion of official proof that he the said John Deaver en-
tered the service as Lieutenant on 10th December 1776 and
resigned his commifsion on 8th of April 1779: That he was
not a Pensioner of the United States: but, that he did re-
ceive, after the close of the war, His quota of the depreciation
money issued to the Maryland Troops in the Continental
establishment  That he died on 27th August 1818, leaving his
widow Sarah Deaver to whom he was married January 12th
1797: That the said Sarah Deaver died October 23d 1851,
not having married again since the death of her said husband,
and leaving their one only surviving child the above named
Margaret Hopkins Holtzman the wife of George Holtzman
of this city, who now makes this Declaration in order to obtain
the arrears of Pension due her said Mother Sarah Deaver who died
without having received or made applications therefor
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day
and year first above written, Before
(over.)

Page 70

James A Reed
W. B. Nelson
J. J. Grofs

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore 
[swirling line going from above two lines to “ss”]

On this 26th day of March
1852, Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the
state of Maryland, in and for the city of Baltimore Person-
ally appeared Ann H Clar a resident of Georgetown, D. C.
aged 60 years, formerly a resident of this city and now in this
city, who being duly sworn according to law – deposeth and saith
That she was present at the marriage of John Deaver and
Sarah Hunt which was solemmised by the Revd James
Cowling of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore
County, Maryland on the 12th day of January in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety seven (1797).  That said
John deaver was reputed and believed to have been an 
Officer in the Maryland Troops in actual service in the war
of the revolution: That he died in the City of Baltimore
aforesaid on the 27th August 1813: That his widow the said
Sarah died in said city October 23d 1853: leaving their one
only surviving child Margaret Hopkins Holtzman of this city
who is now about applying for the Pension arrears due her said
mother from the United States: And that she, this deponent, is not
interested in the result of that application.
[Signature] Ann H. Clark [handwriting is similar to the rest of the document, though]

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me – And I do hereby certify that the above 
deponent Ann H Clark is a person of good character
… (over)

Page 71

and entitled to full credit.  As witnefs my hand the day and 
year first above mentioned.
[Signature] W. J. Barry

State of Maryland
Baltimore City &ct.
I Hereby Certify that W. J. Barry and Edward G. 
Starr Esquires before me whom the annexed Affidavits were
made and who have thereto subscribed their names were at the
time of so doing two Justices of the Peace of the State of
Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore, duly commifsioned
and sworn.

In Testimony, Whereof I hereto set my hand and 
affix the seal of the Superior Cour of Baltimore City, this
first day of April  A. D. 1852

[Signature] Edward Dowling
Clerk of the Superior court of 
Baltimore City

[To the left of Dowling’s signature is the word “Seal” with swirled circle around it]

Page 72

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore
[Swirled line from the above two lines to “ss.”]

Be it known that on this
26th day of March 1852, before me the subscriber a Justice of 
the Peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of
Baltimore, personally appeared Elizabeth H Stansbury, a
resident of said city, aged 62 years, who being duly sworn ac-
cording to law doth on her oath declare, That she was present
on the 12th day of January 1797, and did see John Deaver and
Sarah Hunt married, in Baltimore County, Maryland, on
that day, by the Revd James Cowling a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church.  That she knows Margaret Hopkins
Holtzman of this city, now the wife of George Holtzman, to
be the daughter and only surviving child of them the said
John Deaver and Sarah his wife: That the said John
Deaver died in this city on 27th August 1813, leaving his widow
Sarah Deaver who died in this City, October 23, 1851, not having
married again since the death of her said husband: That
Margaret Hopkins Holtzman who is now about applying for
the arrears of pension due her said Mother Sarah Deaver is
the identical daughter of them the said John and Sarah
Deaver, and their only surviving child: That she, this deponent
is not interested in the results of said application: And that to
her knowledge the said John Deaver sustained the character
and reputation of having been a soldier and officer in the 
Maryland line in the war of the revolution.

[Signature] Elizabeth H Stansbury.

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me:-- And I do certify that the above de-
ponent is a Lady of good character and entitled to full
(over)

Page 73

credit.  Witness my hand this 26th of March 1852
[Signature] W. J. Barry

State of Maryland
City of Baltimore
[Two above lines have a “}” symbol to “ss”]

Be it remembered that on this thirtieth day of 
March 1852 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace
of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Balti-
more personally appeared Jefse Hunt a resident of said
City, aged fifty eight, who being duly sworn according to law, 
deposeth and saith, that from his earliest boyhood he was
acquainted with John Deaver late a resident of this City,
who intermarried with Sarah Hunt of Baltimore County—
That he resided in the family of the said John Deaver
during the year 1808 and until the fall of 1809 and that he
has heard said John Deaver and others tell of his having
been a soldier and officer in the Maryland Troops in the war 
of the revolution and that he was held and esteemed as
such in his family and neighbourhood. – That he died in
this City in the year 1818 leaving his widow Sarah Deaver
who died in this City October 23d 1857 (not having married [inserted word “again”] since
his death) leaving their only surviving child Margaret Hop-
kins Holtzman of this city (wife of George Holtzman) who
is now applying for the pension in arrears due her said
Mother, in which application and the result thereof, he this
deponent is disinterested.~  This deponent further saith that
he has always believed that the said John Deaver was an
officer in the Maryland line and has not the slightest
doubt that the John Deaver whose name appears on
the muster roll of the Maryland line is the identical

Page 74

person hereinbefore setforth.___
Jefse Hunt
Sworn to and subscribed
Before one Witnefs my hand
the day and year first above written

[Signature] Edwd. G. Starr


Land Office of Maryland
Annapolis Feby 12th 1852

I certify that it appears by a depreciation pay roll re-
maining in this office, that John Deaver, a Lieutenant of 
the Maryland Line recd. on the – day of £210,,14,,11p
on the 20st of April 1785, the sum of £191,,19,,11½  ~ depreciation
money ifsued to the Maryland Quota of Troops on Con-
tinental Establishment.~

[Signature] J. Murray
Commr of the Land Off

Cost 37 ½ [this is written in small letters to the far left of the page parallel to the “Commr of Land Off” line]


Land Office Annapolis
Feby 12th 1852

I certify that it appears by the muster Rolls, remaining in
this office, that John Deaver entered the Continental Army
as Lieutenant in the 3d Regiment of Maryland, on the 10th
day of December 1776, and, resigned his Commifsion on the
8 day of April 1779.~

[Signature] J Murray
Commr of the Land Office

Cost 37 ½ [This is written in smaller letters along the left side of the page, under the signature]

Page 75

The State of Maryland
Baltimore City, Set.

I hereby certify to all whom it doth or may concern,
That on the Eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven a License
issued from the office of the Clerk of Baltimore County
Court, directed to the Reverend Mr Cowling or any
other person qualified by Law, to celebrate the rites of
Marriage between a certain John Deaver and
Sarah Hunt of Baltimore County, according to Law,
there appearing to him no lawful cause, or just impediment,
by reason of any consanguinity, or affinity to hinder the same,
as by the records of said Court appears which records are now
in my keeping

For Testimony where of I hereto
subscribe my name and affix the seal of the Superior Court of Balti-
more City, this Twenty second day
of September 1852.
[Signature] Edward Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court of Baltimore City.
[The word “Seal” is to the left of the “For Testimony…” line through the signature, with lines around it in the shape of a rectangle.]



The United States of America
District of Maryland, towit
District Court,
It is hereby certified that on this fourth 
day of October 1852, satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to
said Court, That John Deaver who was reputed and known
to have been an officer in the United States service in the
Maryland line in the war of the Revolution, died in the
(over)

Page 76

city of Baltimore in the summer of the year 1813, leaving his
widow Sarah Deaver, and two children, viz. Emanuel Kent
Deaver who died in this city on the 27th July 1844; and 
Margaret Hopkins Deaver, who intermarried with George
Holtzman, and is still living.  That the said Sarah Dea-
ver, did not marry again but died in this City on the twen-
ty third day of October in the year eighteen hundred and 
fifty one leaving the said Margaret, her only surviving child, 
who is now residing in this City, and is the identical Margaret
Hopkins Holtzman who is now applying for the arrears of
revolutionary Pension due her said Mother Sarah Deaver
widow of said john Deaver who was an officer in the
Maryland line in the war of the revolution.

[Signature] John Glenn Judge
of the United States
for the Maryland District

[On left side of the page is the word “Seal” with an oval drawn around it, next to the text that follows]
In testimony whereof I here unto subscribe my name
and affix the seal of the said District Court this
fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
[Signature] Tho Spiers
Dis Ct.


State of Maryland
City of Baltimore. ss
On this 30th day of March 1853 Before me the sub
scriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland
in and for the City of Baltimore, personally appeared Ann
H. Clark of Georgetown D.C. formerly a resident of and

Page 77

now in the city of Baltimore, aged 61 years and made 
oath according to law;  That from the time of her earliest
remembrance she was intimately acquainted with John
Deaver who died in this city Aug 27: 1818  That she has
often heard him tell of his being engaged in the war of the
revolution and of being in several engagements, in which he
was exposed to much peril & hardship and in one case being 
obliged under orders to retreat a soldier was shot down near
him and he with the retreating party had to encounter great
difficulty.  That he stated that he was a Lieutenant in the
service:  That Margaret Hopkins Holtzman is his only
surviving child by his wife and widow Sarah Deaver who
died October 28. 1851.  And that she is not interested in the
application of said Margaret Hopkins Holtzman for a Pension
[Signature] Ann H. Clark

Sworn to and subscribed before me.—Samuel Ringgold
And I do hereby certify that said deponent Ann H Clark
is a person of good character and entitled to credit.
[Signature] Samuel Ringgold


State of Maryland,
Baltimore City, sct.
I Hereby Certify that Samuel Ringgold Esquire before whom
the annexed affidavit was made and who has there to subscribed
his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of
the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the
City of Baltimore, duly commifsioned and sworn.

City of Baltimore, duly commifsioned and sworn.
In Testimony Where of I here to set my hand and
affix the seal of the Superior court of Baltimore
city, this 30th Day of March A.D. 1853.
[Signature] Edwd Dowling, Clerk of the
Superior Court of Baltimore City

[On the left side of the page next to the line beginning with “his name was at the time of so doing…” is the word “Seal” with a circle drawn around it.]

Page 78

State of Maryland    Baltimore City to wit.~
On this thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred and fifty four before one the subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in for said City personally appeared Elizabeth H Stansbury and
made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that in or
about the year eighteen hundred and three she repeatedly
heard the late John Deaver (whose daughter Margaret H
Holtzman is now an applicant for a revolutionary pension) say 
that he was married to his first wife Susannah Talbot
when he was nineteen years of age, and this deponent further
sayeth that she has no personal interest in the claim now
pending before the Commifsioner of Pensions in the above case.

I hereby certify that Elizabeth H Stansbury the above deponent is
a Lady of excellent character and entitled to the fullest confidence
and beleive , having personally known her as such for the last
thirty years.~

Sworn before
[Signature] J. Meixsell {word “Seal” with box around it to the right of the signature]
Justice of the Peace

State of Maryland, Baltimore City Set.
I Hereby Certify that Jacob Meixsell Esquire before
whom the annexed affidavit was made and who has thereto
subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice
of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City
of Baltimore, duly commifsioned and sworn.

[The word “Seal” with a circle around it to the left of the following line]   For Testimony Whereof I hereto set my [start underlining] hand
and affix [end underlining] the seal of the Superior Court of Baltimore City this
15 day of May A.D. 1854.

[Signature] Edwd. Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court of
Baltimore City.

Page 79

State of Maryland City of Baltimore to wit.__
Be it remembered that on this seventh day of June in 
the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty four, before
me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the City of
Baltimore, personally appeared Jesse Hunt of said City,
and made oath according to law that during the year eighteen
hundred and seven and until November in the year eighteen 
hundred and eight, he was an inmate in the family of and a
pupil in the school of the late John Deaver, whose daugh-
ter Margaret H. Hotlzman is an applicant for a pension
for revolutionary services performed by her Father.~  This de-
ponent further testifies that he was familiar with the hand
writing of said John Deaver and more especially so as
he completed his education under his immediate tuition and
that to the best of his knowledge and beleif the instrument of 
writing here unto attached (with the exception of the two last 
lines) containing a family record of Marriage, Births and Deaths,
beginning with the marriage of the aforesaid John Deaver
to Susannah Talbot March 1777 and ending with the death 
of Miriam Hunt Deaver Nov 4th 1808, is in the hand
writing of the aforesaid John Deaver.~  He further testifies
that he is not personally interested in the application for a
pension in this case.-----
[Signature] George A. Megee

State of Maryland
Baltimore City Set.
I Hereby certify that George A Megee Esquire before whom
the annexed affidavit was made and who has thereto subscribed
his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace
of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore.
(over)

Page 80

duly commifsioned and sworn

[The word “Seal” with a circle around it is to the left of the next three lines]
In Testimony Whereof I hereto set my hand and 
affix the seal of the Superior Court of Baltimore City
this 8th day of June A.D. 1854
[Signature] Edwd. Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court of 
Baltimore City

[The following is in a different handwriting than the above text]
John Deaver and Susanna Talbot were married March 11.1777.
Susanna Deaver died Septr. 9th 1787 – Her last word’s Glory to God
John Talbot Deaver was born Sepr 9th 1787 about Half an Hour before
his Mothers departure ~

John Deaver and Onorah Wroth were married Augt 4th 1789
Ann Deaver Daughter of John an Onorah Deaver was Born Jany 12th 1792 –
Onorah Deaver wife of John Deaver died Oct. 14th 1793 in full afsurance
of Faith ~
John Deaver and Sarah Hunt were married Jany 12th 1797.
Emanuel Kent Deaver son of John & Sarah Deaver was born May 24th 1798.
Job. Hunt Deaver son of John & Sarah Deaver was born Jany 9th 1801
and died Augt 18th 1801~
Maragetta Hopkins Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah Deaver
was born June 26th 1802 ~
Johns Hunt Deaver son of John and Sarah Deaver was Born
April 9th 1804 and died Augt 20th,, following ~
Miriam Hunt Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah Deaver was
Born Augt 22d 1805 and died Novr. 4th following ~
Miriam Deaver Daughter of John and Sarah Deaver was 
Born October 23d 1806 and died the day following

Page 81

Brunswich, Decr. 1st,, 1777.

Dear Sir:
This by your Son John, whose behaviour since
he has joined our Regiment far exceeds your most sanguine
expectations of a youth of his Age.  I can with the greatest truth
afsert, that he has behaved with spirit and fortitude that
would give honour to a man possefsed of every idea of the
noble struggle we are embarked in.  Your most strenuous efforts,
I hope will be exerted in obtaining a Commifsion suitable to
his merits.

I am Obt Sir, in has yours
affectionately
[Signature] Ben Ford



To Mr,, John Deaver, fens
a true copy.

To the Honorable Councill of Safety of Maryland.
Gentlemen,
The bearer Mr. John Deaver having served as a 
Cadet in our Batalion since the 7th of August last past, he
has behaved with prudence and courage and acquitted himself
with honor in two engagements, having lost his Baggage he is now
under the necefsity of Returning to Maryland.

I take the liberty of recommending this young Gentleman, as
truly deserving a Commifsion in the New Establishment not
Doubting that his future conduct with merit your confidence and
approbation

(I am Gentlement)
I am Gentlemen with much respect,
Your mo obt H. Servt  [Signature] M Gist

Page 82

[The number 14 is written in the top left corner of the page in different handwriting.]

I hereby Certify that the bearer hereof Mr John Deaver,
has served as a Cadet in the first Regiment of Maryland
troops, since the 7th of August last past, during which time
he has behaved with prudence and courage, & aequitten himself
with honor in two Engagements. = I take the liberty of re-
commending him to the favour and confidence of his Country-
men, as a young Gentleman who is truly qualified for a Com-
mifsion in the New Establishment, given under my hand
at Brunswick this first day of December [may be “1776. or “‘77th.”]
[Signature] M Gist, Major of the first
Batt. Maryd,, set,, Reg. Troops

I hereby Certify, That the aforegoing is a true copy, taken
from the original letters on file among the Revolutionary papers
in the Archives of the Executive Chamber of Maryland.=

In witnefs whereof, I have hereunto set my hand 
and affixed the Seal of the Secretary of State, this 26th,, day of 
November 1853.=
[Signature] John Randolph Quinn
Secretary of State—
Land Office, of Maryland
Annapolis August 24th 1852
[To the left of Quinn’s signature is the word “Seal” with a square drawn around it.]

I certify that it appears by the Muster Rolls remaining in 
the office, that John Deaver was appointed as a Lieutenant in the 
Third Maryland Regiment the 10th day of December 1776 and
resigned on the 8 day of April 1779.~
[Signature] J. Murray
Commr. of the Ld. Off

[“31 1/11” is written in very small numbers on the lowest left side of the page]

Page 83

[The number “15” is written at the top right corner in what appears to be different handwriting.]

Land Office of Maryland
Annapolis August 24th 1852
I certify that it appears by a Depreciation pay roll remaining
in this office, that John Deaver a Lieutenant in the 3d
Regiment. of the Maryland Line, received £191,,19,,11 Dep-
recitation money ifsued to the Maryland Troops on Continen-
tal Establishment on the 21st April 1875.
[Signature] J. Murray
Commr of the Ld Off.
[Small handwriting on left side says “31 ½,”]


Land Office of Maryland. Augt 24 1852
I certify that it appears by a Depreciation pay roll remain-
ing in this Office, John Deaver a Lieutenant in the 3dREg-
iment Maryland Line recd £210,,14,,11 depreciation money
ifsued to the Maryland Troops on Continental Establishment.
{Signature] J. Murray
Commr. of the Ld. Off.

[Small handwriting on left side says “31 ¼”]


Land Office of Maryland
[The word “Seal” is written to the left of the first two lines below, with a rectangle around it.]
I certify that after careful examination of
the muster Rolls of the 3d Regt Maryland Line
deposited in this office, it does not appear that there was more
than one John Deaver, serving, as Lieut in that Regiment or on
the muster Rolls of any other Regiment at any time.~

In Testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my
name & affix the seal of the Land Office of Maryland this
26th April 1854.
[Signature] J Murray
C.L.O

[A faint “X” is drawn through the middle of the remainder of the page.]

Page 84

[The number “16” is written in the upper left-hand corner of the page in what appears to be different handwriting than the rest of the document.]

Land Office of Maryland
I certify that it appears by a pay roll remaining
in this office, headed. An Alphabetical List of the
Maryland Line to whom Depreciation has been ifsued,
that John Deaver Lieut 3d Regt is entered as having
recd £210,,14,,11 without date, & that at the end of said 
alphabetical List is found the following rect Received
of the State of Maryland this 21st July 1787 sundry ac-
counts for Depreciation on pay of the Maryland Troops
serving in the Continental Army agreeably to the foregoing
List, amounting in specie to the sum of seventy five thou-
sand eight hundred & ninety one pounds, seventeen shillings
and eleven pence Currency of Maryland, which amounts
I am to forward to the Commifsioner of Army accounts
to be settled equally to the ordinance of Congrefs dated
May 7th 1787.
[Signature] (Signed) John White
Commr of accounts for the 
State of Delaware Pennsylvania & Maryland: & I further
Certify that there is no record known to me in this office,
showing payments to any of the persons named in aforesaid
Lists, or to their order.

In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my
name & affix the seal of the Land Office of Maryland this
26th April 1856.
[Signature] J Murray
C. L. O.
[The word “Seal” is written to the left of the signature with a rectangle drawn around it.  Across the bottom of the page is a large “X” taking up the space at the end of the document.]

Page 85

Treasury Department
Third Auditor’s Office,
May 3d 1854.

Sir;
I herewith return to you the paper you
left with me this morning in relation to John Dea-
ver as an Officer of the Revolutionary Army, and have
to inform you that it appears he was a Lieutenant of 
the 3d Maryland Regiment: but I have been unable
to find any receipt given by him whereby his hand
writing could be seen.  His name is borne on the Re-
volutionary Book of this Office, and under date of April
1779, he is charged with moneys received from William
Palfrey, and Col. Gist, for which however, he subsequently
received a credit and his accounts thereby became closed 
on the Books.~
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt..
[Signature] F Bart
3d Auditor


Dr. Samuel Clarke
Georgetown
D.C.

[A large “X” is drawn across the space at the bottom of the document.]

Page 86

[The number “18” is written in the upper left-hand corner, in handwriting that appears different from the rest of the page.]

Commifsioner Waldo, in his note to me dated June 1. 1854
makes this remark.  “It has not been shown either by witnefses, or by
such a train of circumstances as is satisfactory, that her husband
did serve in that capacity”--   And again in relation to Ford &
Gist’s letters—“I presume some mistake has been made as to the 
date of one of these letters,  If any explanation can be given calcu-
lated to throw light upon the case.  It shall be reopened –

The only explanation I can give at this late date is
purely a matter of Historical record, which I presume will be alto-
gether satisfactory –

In the life of Washington by John Marshall published
in Philadelphia 1805. Vol 2- Chapter 8-1776-page 680 “on the 28 of November,
the day Lord Cornwallis entered Newark, he (Genl. Washington) retreated
from that place to Brunswick, a small village on the Ruritan. At
Brunswick, the time arrived December 4st when the levies drawn from
Maryland and Jersey to compose the flying camp became entitled to
their discharge.”

Vol. 3- Chapter 6th- 1777- page 290 “Supposing a General
engagement tobe certainly approaching, Washington detached Gist with
some Maryland Militia, and Morgan with his Rifle Corps. to attack the
flanking and advanced parties of the enemy”—this was between the “4 and
8. of December” see page 289&291-  (then in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia.)

Mc Sherrys History of Maryland. published in Baltimore
1868- Chapter 9. 1776- page 210- “And the American General, commenced
his famous retreat towards the Delaware.  He reached the Raritan on the 1st
of December, the day on which the term of the Maryland and Delaware flying
camp expired, and was compelled to discharge the greater portion in the 
face of the enemy”

Chapter 11. the campaign of 1777-page 237- “Early in December, Howe
marched is [illegible] out of the city. (Philadelphia) as if to attack the American

Page 87

Army, and a slight skirmish ensued between his advance and the
Pennsylvania militia who were soon dispersed, on the seventh, he approched
near the main army: and Washington blieving a general action at hand,
threw Gist, with his Maryland Militia and Col. Morgan’s rifles, forward to
attack their front & flank.”

From the extracts here given.  It willbe found, at
the date of Ford’s Gist’s letters.  Brunswick Dec 1st 1776 – The Mary-
land troops were at Brunswick on that same day, month & year –

It will also be seen, that early in December 1777—the
date of Ford’s letter, the Maryland troops were not at Brunswick, or in
the State   But in Pennsylvania, and in the neighbourhood of Phil-
adelphia, watching the movements of the enemy.   Howe, [“Howe” is underlined] then in the
city—It is conclusive then that the date of Ford’s letter Bruns-
wick December 1777—should have been 1776—and that the
error was in the original, or the transcribing, of which I have no 
knowledge—

District of Columbia, Washington County, towit
On this fifth day of July 1854, before me the
subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, person-
ally appeared Samuel Clark and made oath on the Holy
Evangely of Almighty God that the annexed extracts from
the works named are truly and faithfully made as they are
therein stated and that he is in no wise personally interested
in the result of the case to which said extracts refer
[Signature] H. Addison JP.

Mr Samuel Clark is well known to me and say that his
statements are fully entitled to confidence.
[Signature] H Addison