Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,904, Robert Busby, Continental Va.

Page 1

SERVICE
Continental Va.

Busby, Robert
or Robart

NUMBER
S.30904

CONTENTS

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(left panel)
let 15 March 1839
J.L. Hickman

(right panel)
23326
Kentucky
Robert Busby
of Adair Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Dandridge of the regt commanding by Col Washington in the Virginia line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of April 1834 and Wm Owens Columbia

Arrears to the 4th of March                    240.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept           40.00
                    $280.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E   Vol. 7   Page 36

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Robert Busby's
Declaration for Pension

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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.

State of Kentucky  Adair County  SS
     On this 7 day of January 1833 personally appeared before the Justices of the Adair County Court in open Court being a Court of record Robert Busby being a resident of the said County of Adair and State aforesaid Robert Busby 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 7 1832. That he entered the army of the United States in October 1776 being enrolled by his father in Hanover County Virginia with Capt Dandride and Maj’r. Wm. Spotswood who were officers in the regular service but whether of the Virginia or Continental line he does not know he being only 17 years of age

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the July preceeding; they Dandridge and Spotswood were engaged in the recruiting service  he was retained with them to aid in enlistments to guard their baggage and papers & to perform the duties of a Bowman to them  for that purpose he drew uniform arms (sword
& pistols) rations & pay as a private soldier  attended to them in the above capacity in all their travels in the recruiting service in the north & south & in taking in their recruits to head quarters; being from time to time enrolled by said Dandridge & Spotswood as he understood to enable him to draw rations & pay but as they were not actually attached to the army he does not know to what regiment or line they belonged. he remained with those officers being permitted only once to visit his home or parents

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but once and that for a few days, all the time until some time after the taking of Stony Point 
Bomans were ordered to fall into the ranks and this applicant was accordingly given up by Capt. Dandridge to Captain Caffrey or Caffree of the light Dragoons of Washingtons legion of horse  Major Richard Watts Commanded his battalion  he cannot recollect the date but knows that he served in that line being marched to the south and engaged with the British at Georgetown South Carolina being Commanded by Colo. Washington,  He states that he served and was in the same time regiment & company of horse at the battle of the Cowpens and shortly after the battle of the Cowpens he was informed that his term of service had expired for

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which he had been previously enrolled or engaged by his father or himself in the service (for of the nature of his previous engagement in the service from his then youthful and uninformed situation and his present age and deficiency of memory he cannot give a satisfactory account) he then enlisted for and during the term of three years or during the war as a light Dragoon in Washingtons legion under the same Captain Cafferry  this was early in the year 1781  was marched toward Guilford but was not in that action owing to having been sent out to guard a foraging party  he continued & served in the same legion and was in the Battle of the Eutaw Springs

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and was from thence marched to Virginia and was in the service and assisted in the Seige of York and Capture of Cornwallis and the British
army. The legion of horse being then dispersed and those who from their enlistments had the longest term to serve were ordered to guard the prisoners. He states that he was ordered to Winchester Virginia to guard the prisoners where he remained in service guarding the prisoners until some time in the Spring
of 1782  The guard was reduced in number and so far as there was the means of paying off the soldiers they were paid and discharged and who those

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could not pay were discharged on parole to be called in & paid when funds could be procured. He states that he was of this last number and was parolled by Col Hunter but was never after called for or paid nor has he ever rec’d. his bounty land promised him when
he enlisted he states that he was born in July 1759  entered the service in Hanover or Goochland Counties (he is not
certain being situated near the line) in Virginia in October 1776 and was as above described constantly in the service (with the exception of about one week when he was permitted to visit his father until March or Ap’l. 1782 when he was discharged in the manner

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above described.
     He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & he
declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state
                      Robert X Busby
                       (X his mark)
     And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.

State of Kentucky Adair County Sct
     I William Caldwell Clerk of the county Court for the County of Adair do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Robert Busby for a pension.
(seal)
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8th day of January 1833.
                  Wm. Caldwell Clerk
                  Adair County Court

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Robert Busby
Adair Co
Kentucky

for - pri
52   $80.

Wm. Owens
Columbia

Kentucky

Page 12


WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183

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 Robert Busby, Adair Co. Kentucky

Period which the service was rendered.
1776
1781

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
About 5
About 1

Months.
"
"

Days.
"
"

Rank of the claimant.
Private
"

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Maj. W. Spotswood
Capt. Dandridge
Col. Washington
Maj. Warrs
Capt Caffrey
Capt Caffrey

Age at present and the place of abode when he entered the service.
74 years
Hanover Co. Virginia

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary.

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 offices, musicians 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 

     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 first being 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, if 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 or any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____.                         A.B.
     Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
     [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

     And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
     I_____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ________for a pension.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ____day of ____ &c.

     If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
     Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
     (k) We, A.B., a clergyman, residing in the _____ and C.D. residing in (the same) herby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____years of age;  that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
     Sworn and subscribed 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. 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 product such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person 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 or 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 ex-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?
     How were you called into service;  were you drafted, did you volution, 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
     Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the court.
     Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of the 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.

(The following are small type footnotes at the bottom of the page.)

[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 claim cannot be had.  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 Just of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that, by reason of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  _____For_____year_____months, and_____days, I served as a _____, For _____months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension." 
     It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase "about three or four months" is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served;  the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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 ribbons, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
 
                         Proof of Service.
     [j]  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department , he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses , and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
     [j]  The notes from [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
     [k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
     [l]  If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
     [m]  The answers to the interrogatories must all be written and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Joseph Rowan  Exe clk

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
V.L.M.
S.F. 30904
Re War
N. McCrary
Park City, Montana

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C., February 12, 1917.

Madam:
     In reply to your request of Jany 29, received February 2 for a statement of the military history of Robert Busby, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Oct. 1776
Then guarded prisoners at Winchester Va. and was discharged in March or April 1782.

LENGTH OF SERVICE.

RANK.
Pvt.

OFFERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Dandridge
Caffree or Caffery

COLONEL.
Major William Spotswood
William Washington
Light Dragoons

STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in in, Cowpens, Eutaw Springs, Siege of York.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Hanover or Goochland Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, Jany 7, 1833.  His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Adair Co. Ky.
Age at date of application, born in July 1759 in Hanover County, Va.
Remarks:  In 1839 soldier was living in Morgan County, Illinois.  His brother James is referred to; there is no other data as to his family.
  Respectfully,
  GM Saltzgaber
  Commissioner.

Not at above address.
Returned Mch 6 1917

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(left panel)
30904
Revy
INVALID.
File No. 30,904
Robert Busby
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7 32

Index: - Vol. 2, Page 98
[Arrangement of 1870.]

(right panel)
1911 Dec 9 Mrs. Lucy D. Hayes furnished tombstone data.  Letters in W.F. 3603 Joshua Richardson VLM
1917 Feby 12 Hist to N. McClary
Letter in W.F.29905 James Busby

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25326
West Tennessee
Robart Busby
of Adair Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Dandridge of the regt commanded by Col Washington in the Virginia line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Jany 1839 and Wm. Owens Columbia

Arrears to the 4th of Sept                200.00
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 March 40.00
                   $240.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk
Book #  Vol. 7  Page 73

(right panel)
See letter 1 Apr 1834 to W. Tennessee Agt. reports to Ken Agt, 1 Apl 
See report book

Page 18

Jas L Hickman
15 Mar 1839
GC

Record 48 Page 133

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War Dept Pen Offer
March 15 1839

Sir
     I reply to your enquiries in the case of Robert Busby I have to inform you that the testimony in this case does not show that he has satisfactorily met his war service when in a regt of Cavalry, nor is there any documentary or record proof of his service.  Captain Caffron under whom he alleges to have served as such did not belong to the Virginia line.  His claim was therefore allowed at the rate of the pay of a private.  The service of James Busby was as an enlisted soldier in a company of Cavalry of which there is documentary proof.  He was formerly a pensioner under act March 11, 1818, for service as a regular soldier.

James L. Hickman Esq
Lexington
Ken

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(stamp)
LEXINGTON KY

In at Mar 12 Ky

Free

James L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

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Jas. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions

Lexington Ky.   March 4, 1839

Sir,
     A Revolutionary Pensioner by the name of Robert Busby, late of Adair County Ky, and now of Morgan County Illinois, has this morning made a request that I would like to address you on the subject of an increase of his pension - he now draws $80.00 per annum - he says, that he enlisted first for 2 years; at the expiration of which, he enlisted again, and afterwards renewed his enlistment during the war - under the two last enlistments he served in Col. Washingtons troop of Horse - his Brother James Busby, who performed the same service that he did himself received a Pension for $100 - and that he cannot see any reason why he should not be entitled to as much as his brother, who performed no more service than himself.  He further says, that at each enlistment, he was promised land - he has never received any portion of it - and wished me to make the inquiry whether he is not entitled to it and if so, what steps will be necessary to obtain whatever lands he may be entitled to - will you be so obliging as to make the necessary inquiry and advise me on both points submitted - viz:  an increase of his pension, and the steps he must take in order to get what land he may be entitled to.
                 Respectfully Yr. Mo Obt. Servt
                   James S. Hickman

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Payments to be made at Nashville by Pres't. of Union Bank, Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of West Tennessee.

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E  Vol. 7  Page 73 by Danl Boyd Clerk.

Page 23

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

     I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Robert Busby of the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and -- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
(seal)
           Given at the War Office of the United States, this 28th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
                        Lew Cass
                        Secretary of War

Examined and
Countersigned.
JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Canseled (sic)

Page 24

State of Kentucky }  SS
Adair County
     This day came Robert Busby before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and made oath that on the 7 of January 1833 he made his declaration in the worshipful County Court of Adair County for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 1832 to which Declaration he offers this as an
amendment he furthur states that by way of explanation of his first tour charged in his original declaration that he regularly enlisted as a private soldier he was then Just entering his 17 year and he was enlisted by the consent of his father and he states most positively that he served in that enlistment from October 1776 untill after the battle of the Cowpens in January 1781 he states that the visit he made
to see his parents mentioned in his original Declaration did not stop his service in that enlistment  it was a priviledge granted him by his officers as was usual in the army and he now states that under that enlistment he served as a private malitiaman more than four years his term of service then having expired
as he was informed he without leaving the army or removing from the place after he was informed by his officers that the time of his enlistment had expired he immediately

Page 25

under Capt Caffery for three years or during the war as stated in his original Declaration and served as therein stated  he states that at
the time he made his original Declaration he did not know of any person, who could prove his service he having moved to Kentucky remote from his native Country nor does he now know certainly that he can prove his services but understands that Ledford Payne  Jordin George S Prewitt & J Scott can prove his service and if they can be procured he will do so and attach the same hereto. he furthur
states that all the aforesaid services was done and performed by him during the war of the revolution in an embodied Corps called into service by competant 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 and for which service he claims a pension
1 Where and in what year were you Born
Answer  I was born in Hanover County State of virginia in the month of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine agreeable to the information of my Parents which I believe to be true
2 Have you any record of your age  if so where is it
Answer  I have none nor never had any
3 where you living when called into service  where have you lived and where have you lived since the revolution

Page 26

nary war and where do you now live
Answer  I lived in Hanover County state of virginia when I entered the service  during the time I was in service my father moved to goochland County virginia  his house I considered my home  a few years after the close of the war I moved to and settled in Amelia County virga where I lived several
years  I then moved to Bedford County vig’a. where I lived untill the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen when I moved to Kentucky Adair County where I now live
4. How were you called into service  were you drafted  did you volenteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Answer  I enlisted each time the first time I enlisted I cannot positively state the length of time as the business was arranged by my father but so it is I served under that enlistment from the month of October one thousand seven hundred and seventy six untill the early part of the year one thousand
seven hundred and eighty one my time then being out as I was informed I then again enlisted for three years or during the war and faithfully served as stated in this and my original

Page 27

l Declaration untill the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served  such Continental and malitia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Answer  I was mostly while in service under the command of Colo William Washington  I was
attached to Gen’l. Greene’s division most of the time But was often as before stated out on
recruiting parties  still I believe I belonged to Gen’l. Greene’s division  I do not at this time recollect any particular malitia regiments as I belonged to the dragoons and did not mix with the malitia and the general circumstances of my service I have stated in the body of my Declaration
6. did you ever receive a discharge from the service  if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
Answer  the first time my service expired I was informed of the same  I was in service and
immediately enlisted for three years or during the war as before stated and I took no discharge  When I was discharged the second and last time Colo. Hunter gave me a Certificate of Parole or furlow which I have long since

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lost as I believe by the burning of my fathers house where I had left it  so I have no documentary evidence of service
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Answer  I am acquainted with the Rev’d. Chasteen H. Trabue, Capt Benjamin Bell merchant of Columbia  Doct Nathan Garther and many others and all of whom I believe would speak well of my character for veracity & their belief of my service as a soldier of the revolution
Subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County afs’d this fifteenth Day of November 1833
                 Robert S Busby
                   (X his mark)

We Chasteen H Trabue a clergyman residing in the County of Adair State of Kentucky and Benjamin Bell & John Smith residing in the same certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Busby who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration we believe him to be seventy five years of age that he is reputed and believed

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in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.  Subscribed and sworn to the day and year afd.
                       Chasteen H. Trabue
                       Ben Bell
                       John Smith        

State of Kentucky
Adair County
     I Daniel Suddarth a Justice of the peace in and for the County afd certify that on the day & year above Robert Busby subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration before me and I further certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the said applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states and I furthur certify that the above named Chasteen H. Trabue who has signed the above certificate is a clergyman residing in Adair County and that Benjamin Bell & John Smith who has signed the same is resident of said county and that they signed said certificate and were duly sworn to the same before me

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and that they are credible persons and their statements are entitled to credit.
Given under my hand as Justice afd this 15th day of November 1833
                   Daniel Suddarth J. P AC

State of Kentucky
Adair County Sct
      I William Caldwell Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do certify that Daniel Suddarth Esq whose name is affixed to the foregoing certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and that his said signature is genuine.
(seal)
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of County Court this 15th day of November 1833.
               Wm Caldwell

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State of Kentucky
Cumberland County SS
     On this 3rd day of January 1834 personally came before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county afd John Scott a resident of the County of Cumberland afd state of Kentucky aged 74 years who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Robert Busby of Adair County State of Kentucky.  He states that he was well acquainted with said Busby in early life and does know that said Busby enlisted when young he thinks in 1776 in Capt Dandridges Company - he knows that said Busby served the time he enlisted for which he thinks was four years he furthur states that after said Busby's term expired the said Busby again enlisted in Capt Caffreys Company - for three years or during the war he states that he frequently saw said Busby in service in Each of his engagements the first time he said Busby acted as Bowman for Maj Spotswood & he frequently as before stated saw said Busby - and has no doubt he faithfully served the two tours as before stated in the revolutionary war, but whether he was on states or Continental line he cannot state - in his last engagement he saw him in the dragoon corps - he again saw said Busby soon after the

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final close of the war and thinks he saw his discharges but is confident he was reputed to have been discharged and this affiant has no doubt such was the fact this affiant thinks said Busby is 70 years of age it no more - this affiant furthur states that he is now so infirm and so much afflicted that he cannot attend the Adair County Court.  Sworn to and subscribed the day & year before me.
                       John X Scott
                         (X his mark)

     Also the affidavit of Solomon Prewitte Senr. a resident of Cumberland County State of Kentucky aged 86 years who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he  now is and has long been well acquainted with Robert Busby of Adair County Ky, the same Busby spoken of by John Scott in the above deposition - he well knew said Busby while he was in the service of the United States in the Army of the Revolution  he knows said Busby was an enlisted soldier in said army but he does not know what he was in Continental (smudged) line But knows he was first in

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Capt Dandridges Company and for a long time acted as Bowman for Mjr Spotswood and after his term expired the said Busby again inlisted in Capt Caffrey Company - he frequently saw said Busby in the army in the two engagements before mentioned he thinks his first engagement was in 1776.  So it is he knows he the said Busby did serve two tours he thinks the first was three or four years and his second inlistment was for three years or during the war and he is confident said Busby did serve his tours according to his engagements, and was honorably discharged - he furthur states that he believes said Busby is over 70 years of age - he furthur states that he this affiant is from old age and infirmity unable to attend Adair Court he living near 50 miles from that place.
Subscribed and sworn to this 3d day of January 1834.
                    Solomon X Prewitte Sr.
                        (X his mark)

State of Kentucky Cumberland County
to wit I John Coe a Justice of the Peace in and for the County afd certify that John Scott and

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Solomon Prewitte Sr. this day signed their depositions and was duly sworn to the same before me and I furthur certify that they and each of them are residents of Cumberland county Kentucky and believe they are the age they state and I furthur certify that they are credible persons and their statements are intitled to credit.  Given under my hand as Justice afd the day & year afd.
                           John Coe JP

     Kentucky Cumberland County Sct.
     I James Haggard a deputy Clerk for Milton King Clerk of said County Court do certify that John Coe whose signature is assigned to the above affidavits of John Scott & Solomon Prewitte is and was at the time of assigning the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County & that full faith and credit is and aught to be Given to his official acts & such & his signature is Genuine.  Given under my hand this 4th of January 1834.
                               James Haggard DC
                               for M. King Clk
(seal)

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State of Kentucky  Russell County Sct
     This day personnally came before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County afd Ledford Payne aged 71 years past a resident of the County afd who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Robert Busby now of Adair County Kentucky, when said Busby was in the army of the Revolution he knows that said Busby was a Regular inlisted soldier and does not know whether he was on the Sate of Continental establishment - he saw him under Spotswood acting as Bowman or Cook.  He was dressed as a soldier and was acting as such he saw him often, and knows he was Regular Soldier and has no doubt he served more than two years tho he cannot now state the precise length of time he after that time saw him said Busby in the dragoon Corps.  Subscribed and sworn to this 9th day of Decr 1833.
                   Ledford Payne

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Also Jorden Gorge a resident of said County age 69 years who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was with said Ledford Payne who has signed & sworn to the annexed Deposition in the Army of the Revolution that he recollects Robert Busby and believes that he was a soldier of the Revolution and believes that he served as stated by said Payne.
                 Jorden Gorge

State of Kentucky Russell County Sct
I John Vaughan a Justice of the Peace for said County do certify that Ledford Payne & Jorden Gorge this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Deposition before me.  I furthur certify that they are residents of the County of Russel State of Kentucky.  I believe them to be the age they state and that they are credible persons and their statements are entitled to credit.  Given under my hand Decr 9th 1833
                              John Vaughan  JPRC

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State of Kentucky Russell County Sct
     I William S Patterson clerk of the County Court for the County of Russell aforesaid do hereby certify that John Vaughan whose name is affixed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace is now and was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Russell duly qualified and commissioned as Such and that his signature founded to said certificate is his genuine Signature.  In Testimony whereof I have set my name and affixed the seal of office  Given under my hand this 10th day of December 1833 & 42nd year of the Commonwealth.
                  Will S Patterson
                  Clerk of the Russell County
                  Court Ky

(seal)

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C., ___ 19

AWN
S.F. 30904

     In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Robert Busby a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for a pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OF APPOINTMENT.
Oct. 1776, then guarded prisoners at Winchester and was discharged in Mch or Apr 1782

LENGTH OF SERVICE.

RANK.
Pvt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Dandridge
Caffery

COLONEL.
Major William Spotswood
William Washington's Light Dragoons

Battles engaged in, Cowpens, Eutaw Springs, Siege of York.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Hanover of Goochland County
Date of application for pension, Jany 7, 1833.  His cl. was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Adair Co., Ky.
Age at date of application, b. July 1759 in Hanover Co. Va.
     Remarks:  In 1839 soldier was living in Morgan Co, Illinois.  His brother James is referred to - there is no other family data.
                               Respectfully,
                                     Commissioner.