Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9279, John Bishop, S.C.

Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Bishop, John
NUMBER
S. 9279
carded
CONTENTS

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[first column]
Original papers and of. filed and cannot be found.
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Letter to Pens. Agt. 22 April 1845.
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Same person, 21 March 1846.
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Same person May 13 1848
do to same May 14. 1849.

[second column]
23.800
South Carolina
---
John Bishop of [blank] in the State of [blank] who was a Pri in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the S.C. line for [blank]
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Inscribed on the Roll of South Carolina at the rate of 56 Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March 1834 and
---
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 63.

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State of South Carolina
Chester District
On this 24th day of November 1832, Personally appeared before me Peter Wylie Judge of the court of Ordinary in open court John Bishop of the District & State aforesd. aged about 67 or 8 years; who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress pass the 7th of June 1832. That he resided in the time of the Revolutionary war, in that part of the Country where he now lives, called the district of Chester.
That when the British Troops overrun the Country after the fall of Charleston in May 1780. He was then he thinks about 15 or 16 years of age; but well grown. That himself & four other Brothers, (two of them haveing familys,) retreated from home towards North Carolina. It was on the morning he thinks before Hooks defeat, as they met the Troops near Old Nation Ground on the Catawba River, going on the persuit of the Enemy. That his older Brother Henry Bishop, (who was a Captain,) returned with the Troops to the attack. That he with the others went on with the Women & children, & left them with some friends near Charlott North Carolina; & then returned & Joined Gen. Sumter in the Indian Land. Col. Lacys Regiment. That he continued in the service untill after the Battle of the Hanging Rock. At which his Brother the sd. Henry Bishop was wounded. That he then went with the wounded to Charlott, where his Brother died of his wound. That when the Troops collected again after Gates & Sumters defeats, he joined he thinks in Capt. Mill's Company. That some time after the commencement of could weather, he got leave to come home to get some clothing. Got home between midnight & day & was taken prisoner - him & his father the next day by a Band of Tories commanded by a Capt. Elder, and carried tied to Carys fort near Camden, & was kept a prisoner, he thinks for better than two months. And when about to be removed to Camden Jail with

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his father & others, he made his escape by the friendship of a British soldier before he crossed the River Traviled all that night till he got to a friends house; lay out the next day in the Creek Swamp; & then traviled on the next night home. Lay out the next day, & the third night went on & crossed the Catawba River at Lands found & got to Sumters Troops the next day. That he thinks he was next under Capt. Whitsides & others: and that most of the duty that was then done for some time was principly in scouting parties, untill about the time the British left Camden, he went under the command of Col. Henry Hampton to the takeing of the British Fort at Col. Thompsons. How long he was out at this time he cannot recollect. All the services previous to this time, he believes was volunteer. After this he was drafted two or three tours he is not certain which.
Was with Genl. Greens Army & guarded the Baggage at Williams Branch, on the day of the Battle at the Eutaw [Springs] Saw Leiut. Barnet of the State troops when he was brought wounded out of the action, saw him die & helped to bury him. Was next at the scirmish [skirmish] Biggin Church, & on the pursute of the British the next day. And stayed out his tour untill the troop was dismissed.
The next & last campaign was at Oringburgh [Orangeburg] under Capt. Cooper still in Col. Lacys Regt. This was in the winter of 1782, & continued untill Summer, as he remembers he got home just in harvest time, & must at least have been a four months tour. And make it about two years from the time he commenced the service. During which time he thinks he could not have been more that six months at home. Leaving him 18 months in the service or thereabouts.
And that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present. and declairs that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State, or of the United States,
John Bishop
Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open Court
Peter Wylie
(Judge of the Court of Ordinary of Chester District)

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State of South Carolina
Chester District
Personally appeared in open Court before me Peter Wylie Judge of the Court of Ordinary for said District, John Bishop an applicant for the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 in order to amend his declaration, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory and the great lenghth of time since his services were performed, and no Records being kept that he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his services. That he has given a fair & true statement in his Declaration of his services according to the best of his memory & the names of his officers. That he remembers perfectly well the time of his entering the service in joining General Sumpter from the circumstance of its being a few days after the memorable Hook's defeat, which was in the latter end of June or the first of July 1780 & which was the first repulse the British had met with after they had overrun the country, but even with respect to this date particulary there is not an agreement among the people the oldest being nearly all dead. That he can only Recollect from events that took place, but with respect to particular days or lenghth of time he cannot Recollect. That he can be more particular with respect to his last tour of duty. That he left home in February and did

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not return untill in Harvest which must have made it a four months tour and this was in 1782, and that Hooks defeat was in 1780 there is no doubt which makes it about (if the word about can be admitted for particulars, cannot be stated) two years since he entered the service. And as he has stated in his Declaration he still thinks he was not more than six months at home during that period but was engaged in the service of his country & prisoner with the Enemy. He therefore claims for Eighteen months service and being prisoner and trusts that he has given sufficient circumstances (although not precise dates which should not be required of any honest man at this great lenghth of time) to satisfy the Department of the validity of his claim, and is certified by the best men in the Country; which is all that he can do with a good conscience and must rest satisfied with whatever sum may be thought proper to allow him.
John Bishop
Sworn to & Signed in open court this 2nd day of September 1833 before
Peter Wylie J.C.O.C.D.

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South Carolina
Chester District
I Peter Wylie Judge & Clerk of the court of ordinary of Chester District do hereby certify that John Bishop within named him into open Court and made oath to the within amendment & further do certify that Samuel McCreary whose affidavit is hereunto attached is a man of credit and is respectable clergyman
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused to be affixed my seal of office this 9th day September 1833
Peter Wylie J&CCOCD

South Carolina 
Chester District
Personally appeared before me Peter Wylie Judge of the Court of ordinary in open court John Buship who being duly sworn saith upon oath that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recolection he served not less then the periods mentioned below Tour first when he Joined Sumpter & Lacy in Indian Land served at least three months. Tour second in Mill's Company at least two months Tour three in Whitesides company at least three months And further saith that when a prisoner was such at least two months the foregoing service was as a volunteer The next Drafter Tour fourth when at Battle Eutaw with Coopers company at least three months fifth and last Tour in Coopers company at least four months which in all makes Seventeen months & for such I claim a pension
John Bishop
Sworn to & signed in open Court this 2nd day of December 1833
Peter Wylie JCOCD

certificate on fourth leaf inward

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To the 1st Interrogatory he answers
I had it from my Parents that I was born in the City of Philadelphia, & was brought to South Carolina when a sucking child. I suppose I was born about the year 1763 or 4.
2d. An. I have understood the Record of my age was distroyed by the British or Tories when they distroyed & carried away every thing of value in my Fathers House, except, as I was informed what my Mothers [illegible] by siting on it. I made a Record of my age after I was Married, & have it by me at home.
3d. An. I was living with my Father at what is now called Bishops old fields & Chester District, and have lived in the same district ever since.
4th. An. I was at first a volunteer & was afterwards drafted, as I have stated in my declaration.
5th An. I was not aquainted with any regular Officers, or Continental Regiments, (I being but a raw Boy at that time,) But I knew Genl. Sumter very well. Cols. Lacy, Bratton, McGriff & Major Adare, now Genl. Adare of Kentucky. Captins Nixon Mills, Cooper, Whiteside, Steel, & McClure who fell at the Hanging Rock Battle. And Col. Henry Hampton of the State Troops. All of which I believe is now dead, except Genl. Adare.
6th An. It was not the practice to discharge the Militia or volunteers in writing but only to dismiss them when their time of service was out.
7th An. I am so well known in my neighbourhood haveing lived here from Infancy, that I can get any number that may be necessary to testify to the varacity of my of Character. But I will mention the names of Joseph Guston Esqr. the Revd. Samuel McCreary & John McCreary Esqr. who knew me in the Revolutionary war. Also Col. George Gili & William McGarrity
John Bishop
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year set forth in the declaration in open court
Peter Wylie (Judge of the court of ordinary Chester District)

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And the court do hereby declare their opinion that the within named John Bishop applicant was a revolutionary sodier & served as he states & further that the annexed witnesses are men of respectability in their neighbourhood
Peter Wylie JCOCD

I Peter Wylie clerk of the court of ordinary of Chester District South Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing and attached [illegible] original documents of said court in the matter of John Bishop for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 24 day November 1832
Peter Wylie CCOCD

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[first column - cut off on right side]
Oct. 19.
13. Oct. 18
Treasury under the 6 April 4 Sept 1837 to
Agt. Notified
---
13 April 1839.
April 1840
April 1841.
" [April] 1842.
April 1843.
19. April 1847.

[second column]
South Carolina 23800
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John Bishop of Chester in the State of So Ca who was a pri in the [blank] commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by Col Sumter in the So Ca line for 17 months
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Inscribed on the Roll of South Car. at the rate of 56. Dollars 66 Cents to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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[Cert]ificate of Pension issued the 8 day and send James [illegible] Chesterville So Ca.
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Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 169.98
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 28.33
[total] $198.[31]
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
[Recorded by] N. Rice Clerk,
[Book] Vol. 6 Page 65

[third column - cut off on left side]
[illegible first couple of lines]
from March 1838.
25th Jany 1839.
---
Order to pay
Same 25th
Same 3d
Same 22
Same 7
Same
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

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9279
INVALID.
File No. 9279
John Bishop
Priv. Rev. war
Act: June 7th /32
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 32
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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23761
John Bishop
Direct the Isue To
John Bishop
South Carolina
Chesterville
PO

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State of South Carolina
Chester District
Personally appeared before me Peter Wylie Judge of the Court of Ordinary, in open Court, the Revd. Samuel McCreary, & being duly sworn according to Law on his oath sayeth, that he has known John Bishop (the present applicant for the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832,) & the family, for nearly the space of three score years and that they resided in the sd. District now called Chester. And that as far as his acquaintance reaches, the sd. Bishop has always been considered a Man of truth & varacity & what is generally termed a good citizen. And also that he knew him in the year 1780, at a time which tayed mens souls. And has every reason to believe his declaration, that he took up arms in defense of his Country, about the time of memorable event called Hooks defeat in the month of Harvest. And that he bore arms under Genl. Sumter from thence forward untill the year 1782, as frequent as there was a call for troops, which was all most constant. Being myself attached to Genl. Sumters Bregade, & well acquainted with the events of the times, & the Campaign through which he passed as stated in his declaration. I well remember to have recognized sd. Bishop as one amoungs the Troops who came to relieve us, at the station of Oringburgh in the month of February 1782. As to his Brother Capt. Henry Bishop, I knew him; & verily beleive he was wounded at the Battle at the Hanging Rock. And altho I was in the Engagement myself, I did see him afterwards, but understood he was taken immediately to Charlott, & died before I got to that place with other wounded men.
Saml. McCreary
Sworn to & signed in open Court this 24th Nov 1832
Peter Wylie J.C.O.C.D

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State of South Carolina
Chester District
Personally appeared John in open court McCreary (formerly a Member of Congress from this District) and being duly sworn, on his Oath sayeth, that he has been well acquainted with John Bishop the present applicant for the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832. And has been ever since in the latter part of the Revolutionary War. That he believes they were two tours together in the service. The one at Biggin Church, the other at Oringburgh.
That the sd. Bishop is a Man of good Character, truth & varacity; & has no doubt but that his statements in his declaration is true & correct as far as ever his memmory would serve him; & ought to be relied on as such.
Sworn to & subscribed this 24 day of Nov. 1832 in said court
Peter Wylie (Judge of Court of Ordinary of Chester District)
Jno McCreary

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South Carolina
Chester District
I Peter Wylie Judge & Clerk of the court of Ordinary of Chester District Do hereby certify that I have this Sworn John Bishop on the inside page to an amendment of his declaration & further do certify that said Bishop is a man of truth & am of opinion entitled to a pension
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 9th day of Decr. 1833
Peter Wylie J.&C.C.O.C.D.

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South Carolina
Chester District
Personally appeared Joseph Gaston of sd District before the court court of ordinary of sd District and made oath in due form of law that he has been well acquainted with the applicant John Bishop and the family for the most of his lifetime perhaps as much as sixty years, that the family suffered much by the British in Revolution war by plundering, imprisonment and death and have deserved well of their country
And further sayeth he is conviced that this applicant was with him in two campaignes that one was under Genl Sumter when they fought together in the Battle at hanging rock on the Seventh of Augt. 1780 where sd. Bishop had a brother Capt. Henry Bishop mortally wounded who died shortly after of his wound. The other tour was under Col. H. Hamton

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when they ware employed in colecting provisions for Genl. Greens army and guarding to his camp where they arrived three days after his Battle at Camden about 25th Apl. 1781 ware then sent under Capt Gaston to guard one of G. Greens Aids Majr. Hairn to wharn Genrals Sumter and Marian ware at the Seige of Fort Motte at Col Thomsons, from thence they returned home
Sworn to and subscribed the 24th day of Nov. 1832 in open Court
Joseph Gaston
Peter Wylie
(Judge of Court of ordinary of Chester District)

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Pension Agency
Charleston 18 April 1848
Sir
I herewith forward the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832 for authority to pay the same.
I am Sir Respy
Your obsert.
Jno. C Cochran

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

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Pension Agency
Charleston 16 April 1847
Sir
I herewith forward the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832 for permission to pay the same.
I am respectfully
Your obsert.
Jno. C Cochran
agent

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

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Pension Agency
Charleston 16 April 1847
Sir
I herewith forward the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832 for permission to pay the same.
I am respectfully
Your obsert.
Jno. C Cochran
agent

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

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Mar 20 1846
Mr. Evans

[stamp] CHARLESTON S.C. MAR 17

20
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

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Pension Agency
Charleston S.C. 17 June 1846
Sir
I herewith forward for authority to pay the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832.
I am Sir respectfully
Your obsert.
Jno. C Cochran
agent

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

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23,761
John Bishop
Chester District
So. Ca.

Rev
admit as private
17 mos. $56.66

Jas F Goods
Chesterville
So. Ca

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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 15, 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

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

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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 26

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier, Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer, Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
---
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For - year - months, and - days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which such applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three of four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under the seal of office.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

The applicant must specify his services as above or no [illegible] can be [illegible] in his claim

Page 27

Pension Agency
Charleston So Carolina
17th July 1850
Sir
I herewith forward the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner on the Rolls of this Agency under Act 7 June 1832, for authority to pay the same.
I am Sir Respectfully
Your observt
Jno. C Cochran
agent

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 28

Pension Agency
Charleston 5 April 1849
Sir
I herewith forward the vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under act 7 June 1832, for authority to pay the same.
I am Sir Respectfully
Your observt
Jno. C Cochran

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Page 29

Planters & Mechanics Bank of So Ca
Charleston 6 October 1837
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Sir
I forward herewith for your authority to pay, Vouchers of John Bishop and Thomas Mackey having 12 & 18 month's pay due.
I am very respectfully
Your Ob Servt.
A Spears
Pension Agent

Page 30

Charleston 20 April 1840
Sir
I forward herewith for authority to pay voucher of John Bishop.
I am very respectfully
Your Ob Sert.
A Spears
Pension Agent.

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 31

SOUTH WESTERN RAILROAD BANK,
Charleston, S.C. 18 April 1842.
Sir
I herewith forward for authority to pay, the Vouchers of John Bishop a Pensioner under act 7th June 1832.
I am Sir
Respectfully
Your Obsert
Jno. C. Cochran
P.A.

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 32

Letter to Pension Agt 22. April 1845

13.00
800
[total] 21.00
1200

Page 33

Pension Agency
Charleston 16 April 1845
Sir
I herewith forward for authority to pay the Vouchers of John Bishop and John McDill Pensioners under act 7 June 1832
I am Sir Respectfully
Your Observt.
Jno. C Cochran
agent

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 34

Pension Agency
Charleston 10 Apl 1851
Sir
I herewith forward the Vouchers of John Bishop a pensioner under act 7 June 1832 for authority to pay the same.
I am Sir Respectfully
Your Obst
Jno. C Cochran
agt

James E Heath Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 35

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 17th, 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Bishop, a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at the rate of Fifty six Dollars and sixty six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept., 1837 to the 4th March, 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Page 36

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
July 16, 1853.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents, The Admr. of John Bishop, decd., a Pensioner on the Roll of the Charleston Agency, at the rate of Fifty Six Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7" June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4" of March 1851 to the 21 March 1852.
Respectfully, yours
J.M. Brodhead
Comptroller.
23800

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.