Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 102, Alexander Wheatley, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
W6
Wheatley, Alexander Peggy
W.102
CONTENTS

See letter to Hon. D. Boyd, July 5, 1842, " " " C. Etheredge Jan'y 12, 1843.
13.563.
West Tennessee
Alexander Wheatley
of Weakly Co in the State of Tennessee who was a P. C. and D. Sgt. in the company command by Captain Stafford of the regt command by Col — in the N. C. Mils time for 2 years, from 1776
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 97 Dollars 82 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of May 1833, — and sent to Hon. W. Fitzgerald, Dresden, Tenn.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $195.64 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 48.91
$244.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Allison Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 7 Page 101.

Mrs. Wheatley
application for
a Pension
Signature
12.833

State of Tennessee Dorsey County 3. 25
On the 28 th day of August A.D. 1832, you personally appeared before me, Jesse M. Russell, one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for said county, Alexander D. Hardy, a coadjutor of said county, a justice of the peace, and the 28 th of the current month, who, being first sworn, in the presence of law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of an act of "leisure", authorizing persons to become soldiers, passed 7 th June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, during the war of the Revolution, under the following named officers and men, as follows:—
He was drafted for three months by Captain Ashford, when he was quite young and under the government of his father; with whom he resided, in county of Martin in the State of North Carolina, the place of his nativity. He did not inform the Division in person, being restrained by his father, who sent a substitute in his place. This was early in the year 1775. In this year he went personally for the, as a volunteer, under the command of Captain Abraham Hardy, who had raised a volunteer company of horsemen, to go against the Tories, that were collected in considerable numbers in that part of the State. On their march against the Tories, they were joined by Major Griffith , who was said to be a recruiting officer of the Continental Army. He does not recollect the time for which he volunteered under Captain Hardy, but was in actual service in company with him.

in Wats. - About the year 1776, he moved to Pitt county N. Carolina. - His next service was as a volun- teer, under Captain Richard  William Davis, who went against the British, then at Wilmington - the day not now remem- bered the time, for which, in the instance, he volunteered but was in actual service about three weeks. His next service was with Captain Samuel Stafford who was Commandant of a company of volun- teers hereabouts. - With Captain Stafford he was in various skirmishes against the Tories and British - He served under Stafford, in all, one year. - Both before and after his service under Capt. Stafford, he had frequently joined other companies, in his and adjoining coun- ties, to go on sudden expeditions, but when called and was performed, he usually retired, so that he was not long in any one company. - When preparations were making by the American forces to march against the British, who had occupied South Carolina, he went under Captain Austin Spain, from Pitt County, N. Carolina to Kingston, where his company went under the Command of General Lord Cornwallis, who took Command also of several other companies of North Carolina militia and directed his course south with a view to join Gen. Gates, by whom the main army was commanded. - Capt. Spain's company was yet, with many other companies under Gen. Gates, who named in direct order to command - Mr. Whiting here states that he was an early bargeant in Capt. Spain's company, during the whole of their service.

He was in the battle of Camden, and the battle with Wham he fought, was the last to retreat as that area is now at Col. Allen's house where he (Wheatley) was. He returned home after that action having been out in the service of his country for the war. He states he got a discharge after this service, which, after preserving it a great while, he unfortunately lost. Some time after his return home he went with a small party under William Cowell against some of the British at Queney's Mill, a place of some celebrity at that time, some of the enemy were taken, together with a British commissary - From avaricious age, a broken constitution and in a somewhat impaired by those and other causes, he cannot state, with unerring certainty, dates of years concerning this matter, but he believes, that, in concluding all his services, he served, perhaps, near three years. He says he is not able at this time of time & in his full state of health to give positive proof of the fact of his services - In this service he won out two valuable horses - He has never received a pension in reward of his services - He says Capt. Stafford, Wm Wheatley & Dury Progers, with whom he served, can bear an- ple testimony to the truth of the foregoing statement but he thinks not now, when they are, and his personal influence is in a great measure restrain him from going in search of them - sworn to & in the presence of the day & year aforesaid Jesse M. Marshall S.P. Alexander Wheatley -

State of Tennessee } Shelby County }
We Benjamin Lockhart clergyman residing in the vicinity of the above-named applicant, and Amos Hill, residing in said county of Shelby, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Wheatley the said applicant, who has been sworn and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be some four or five years of age, that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
B. Lockhart M.A.
Subscribed to and sworn to the day & year aforesaid
Amos Hill
Before Me Marshall L. P.
Subscribed to and sworn to
State of Tennessee
I, Lefer M. Paskell, a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Shelby. do hereby certify & declare, that after investigation of the matter, and of the petition to the above- named applicant, the interrogatories proposed by the War Department, I have no doubt of the giving of as my opinion

that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary - any soldier, and served as he, in his forgoing declaration states: and I do further certify that Benjamin Lockhart - who signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman, in good repute, resident in the vicinity of the above - named applicant; and that Amos Hill who has also signed the same, is resident in said vicinity, and is a credible person, & that this statement is entitled to credit - and I do further certify that the above named applicant is not, from bodily infirmity, able to attend the Court of Common Pleas at the in the face of the court the applicant declaration -
Given under my hand and seal, this 28 th day of August A.D. 1832
Debea M. Paschall - Trustee of the Estate of Mary etc.

State of - New York
I, William H. Johnson
Clerk of the court of P. & D. ... Deputy of the county of ... do hereby certify that Miss M. Washburn who has appeared to the foregoing cer- tificate, is & was, at the time of making the same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for ... and that full faith & credit are and ought to be given to his official acts as such
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this sixth day of September A.D. 1838
Wm H Johnson Clerk of ... County Court

State of Tennessee
I, Perry Vincent
Chairman of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the county of Weakly, do hereby certify, that William H. Johnson, whose name appears to the foregoing certificate, is & was at the time of making the same, Clerk of said court - and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given his official acts as such
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the court in which I serve - this 6th day of September
A.D. 1852
(Seal)
Perry Vincent Chairman of Weakly County Court

109 8505 St. Tennessee
Peggy Wheatley widow of Alexander Wheatley Capt Stafford N.C. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 97 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of April 1850 and sent to
Hon J. G. Harris Minister of War
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 315 Vol. 3
3 15 20 1

no 5711. Peggy Wheatley Ten act 4 July 36
of Congress, no any sign.

In the matter of Peggy Wheatley, widow and Sole relic of Alexander Wheatley, who was "a Private of Infantry & Cavalry, and Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution" for the benefit of the act of Congress passed 4th of July 1836 entitled "An act granting half pay to widows or orphans when their husbands and fathers have died of wounds received in the Military Service of the United States, in Certain Cases, and for other purposes," and also of the act approved 3 March 1837. Explanatory of the above specified act passed 4th July 1836. State of Tennessee } October Term, A. D. 1842 Weakley County } On this the 30th day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty two, personally appeared Peggy Wheatley a resident of the County of Weakley, State of Tennessee, aged seventy five years, who first being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and the act Explanatory of said act passed 3rd March 1837; That she was married to Alexander Wheatley, in the month of July in the year of 1782. in the County of Pitt in the State of North Carolina. who was "a Private of Infantry and Cavalry, and Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution" as will more fully appear by reference to the accompanying document from the War Department signed by "Lewis Cass," which is herewith filed and marked "Exhibit A". She further states, that her husband the said Alexander Wheatley, died in Weakley County, Tennessee, on the last day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty four. That she was a widow on the 4th of July, 1836, and still remains a widow as will more fully

affirmed by reference to the proof annexed - sworn to and subscribed in Open Court, on the 3rd day of October 1842.
Peggy Wheatley
Silas Bennett, aged twenty three years, being solemnly sworn in Open Court, deposes as follows. "That he the deponent lived with Alexander Wheatley, in the State of North Carolina, prior to his marriage with Peggy Wheatley, who is now the widow and sole relic of the said Alexander Wheatley, who died in Hickley County, Tennessee in October 1834. That he also lived with the said Alexander Wheatley subsequent to his marriage with his present wife Peggy Wheatley, knows them to have been married legally according to the laws of the State of North Car- olina, as far as he at that time, knows also that the widow of the said Alexander Wheatley, the said Peggy Wheatley, has not married since her husband's death in Hickley County in the year 1834. Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this the 3rd day of October 1842.
Silas Bennett
United States of America State of Tennessee - Hickley County,
At a Court begun and held for the County of Hickley, at the Court house in the Town of Dresden, Present Worshipful John Henry Moore. Chairman. also Worshipful William Mathews Stephen Gouldby, H. B. Blackmore. Thos. S. Edwards, Robert J. Gleason. John H. Reavis, and others, all Commissioned by his Excellency James C. Jones as Governor of the State of Tennessee, as the Justices of the peace, for said County of Hickley personally appeared in open Court the above Peggy Wheatley, and Silas Bennett the above deponents, who solemnly swore that the above facts by them subscribed and

be true to an Correct and True - The Testimony of which I John P. Fodd Clerk of said County hereunto, by order of said Court, affixed hereunto my seal of office. Given at Astoria A. D. 1842
John P. Fodd Clk

United States of America State of Tennessee - Weakley County
October Term 1842 -
This day personally appeared in Open Court Emerson Etheridge Attorney for Peggy Wheatley, who being duly sworn deposes and says that he has not received any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment or transfer, of any Claim, right or interest, in any money which the said Peggy Wheatley has ever received as a pensioner under any of the Laws of Congress, nor any right, Claim or interest to any money which the said Peggy Wheatley, may hereafter receive by virtue of any law of Congress, granting pay to any person or pensioner, whomsoever Sworn to and subscribed in open Court.
Emerson Etheridge attorney for Peggy Wheatley
John L. Dods Clerk

102 Rev WIDOW, &c. } cur
File No. 102
Peggy Wheatley Widow of Alexander Wheatley Sgt. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 2 nd 1848.
Index: —Vol. M. , Page 328.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

N 5711 Peggy Wheatley Trn
Set to E. Ethridge Jany 12 '43 " " Hon M. Brown Jany 6 '46 " " R. H. Hawthorn Oct 12 '46 " " Same Jany 15 '47 " " to Hon L. B. Chase " 28/48
act 4 July 1836

✓ Let to Emerson Etheridge ✓ Jan: 12: 1843 } Mrs William Brown Jan 6 } 1846 }

8805 N. Tennessee Peggy Wheatley widow of Alexander who was a Rev. Sergt in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 97 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Apr 58 and sent to
M m . J. G. Harris House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 199

10885
N.
Tennessee
Peggy Wheatley
Widow of Alexander Wheatley who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 31 October 1834 of Wheatley Co in the State of Tennessee who was a Pr. Dist in the Company commanded by Captain of the the line for in
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 97 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of April 1850 and sent to Mrs. J. G. Harris, N.R.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book
Vol. 1
Page 359
J. P. Chase Clerk,

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr. Sir,
Will you be so kind as to forward me the information requested in the letter herewith enclosed -
Most respectfully
Yours
Milton Brown

Frederick Wrobley County Tennessee November 10th 1842
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find the papers which have been drawn up before the County Court to enable Peggy Wheatley to receive a pension under the act of 1834. The document herewith filed, marked "Exhibit A" I presume will satisfy you that her husband was a pensioner, and the deposition of Silas Bennett, that she has not been married since the death of Alexander Wheatley, her said husband. There is no other evidence of a documentary character, that Alexander Wheatley, was "a private of Infantry, and Cavalry, and Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution" except the exhibit, herewith filed, and I presume that it would be impossible to prove the services of the said Alexander, at this remote period. I presume the proof herewith enclosed and marked Exhibit A " will be considered as "proof from the records of the War department"
The petitioner in this case is beyond a doubt entitled to a pension and I shall be very happy to be informed of any omission of proof, which can possibly exclude her from the pension bill.
James L. Edwards Comr of Pensions.
Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Servant Emerson Etheridge Also for Peggy Wheatley.

St. Peggy Wheatley widow of Alexander O Tennessee Wheatly Co.
b. d. 31 Oct 1834,
admitted
P 28 Sept — $97. 82 100 P an con 4 month 1836 to 41 funds 3 to 48, for 48 full life.
Stat of July 1838,
Hon. D. G. Harris N. R.

Yrs. affec. Pps Feby 13 th 1850
Sir I herewith send you the letter of Mr. Howthorn, his Object you will learn from his letter. If attainable please attend to it. & advise me as to the progress you may make in it.
Very Respectfully J. H. Harris

Alex Wheatley Seniper
from 1776 Pa. Cavalry & Inf & Light, 2 yrs
Pa. Cavalry Sept 1st to 12th 55.82 Pa Inf 6 mos. 18 " 22.- Light 4 mos. 20. $97.82
Wm W Fitzgerald Dresden. Pa

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Alexander Wheatley, which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? No. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ?
No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Darwin. May. 1 st 1833.
Dr. Lin
I herewith send you the annexed declaration of Alexander Wheatly. This man is one of my high boys & I believe there is no doubt of his service as stated. please send me his certificate as soon as convenient.
Respectfully
W. FitzGerald
J. L. Edwards esq.

Home of Representation January 13/48
Sir
A Gentleman residing in Benton County Tennessee addresses to me the enclosed letter, which I submit to you for your consideration
I will be under obligations to you for information relating to the cases he mentions in his letter at your earliest convenience respectfully your Obed servant
Col J P Edwards
J B Chase

Camden Feb 6th 1847
Dear Sir
I this day received Your kind favor dated Jan 15. Ultimo Which insists upon the proof required by Your letter dated October the 12th 1846 before Mrs Wheatley's claim can be allowed. In compliance with that letter I have addressed a letter in the name of Mrs Peggy Wheatley to the Secretary and Comptroller of North Carolina at Raleigh Which if complied with Will be forwarded to You as early as practicable though it should have done so but I fully believed that the proof that I last forwarded to You would be satisfactory and should the Comptroller or Secretary fail to comply I shall insist upon the present proof to refer the case to the Attorney general Not that I doubt Your sincerity to do ample justice but that it appears that the present proof clearly establishes her claim as the law is and the construction of that law by the decision of the Attorney general. Yet I may be wrong from the fact so well known to me that I could prove the disputed services by many And at the same time I know that he is spoken of a high minded & honorable man therefore I firmly believe that he would not have set forth any thing false in his declaration Yours Obt Servt Robert H. Hawthorn J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

P.S. Mrs. Wheatley is poor that she is unable to pay any person to go to Raleigh for her therefore if her claim is never admitted she must become a charge to the county or upon the charity of her friends which last I believe for her friends well knows her to be a woman of good character which I hope is satisfactorily proved to you J. L. Edwards Esq. R. S. Hawthorn

State of Tennessee Weakly County, } Amended declaration of. Alexander Wheatly.
This declarant states that he served as a private volunteer under Capt. Keary as stated in his declaration six weeks. That he served as a private under Capt. Richard Burns as also stated in his declaration three weeks. That he served as a private under Capt. Stapp as also stated in his declaration twelve months. That he served under Capt. Spain four months as orderly sergeant.
He states that in the various campaigns mentioned in his declaration as having joined others, companies and the exact length of each term of service having been forgotten, he states that he can positively say that services in all amounted to more than six months.
Alexander Wheatly
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 1 st day of May 1833.
E. D. Dickson one of the Justices of } Weakly County

State of Tennessee Weakly County
I William H Johnson Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions for said County do Certify that Ephraim D Dickson whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate as and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that all faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all of his official acts and that the signature in his own hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office
The 1st Day of May 1833
Wm H Johnson Clerk

Jan. 5, 1847.
Heads to care of Mr. Wheaton
Comde Lenox N. 10. 1847
J. L. Odum Commissioner of Pensions Washington City. D. C.

Vanden Township Nov. 5 th 1846
Sir
I received Your communication dated Oct. 12 th 1846
Which communication censors Mrs. Peggy Wheatley for filing a second declaration and showing a discrepancy in that act in order to come under the Act of 1834. In answer to the charge I know that Mrs. Wheatley is entirely innocent because she cannot read or write. And did not have Your letter. I drew up her last declaration in form. And carefully examined her on every date and action that she had set forth in her first declaration. And after carefully deducting and adding her several calculations I was thoroughly convinced of her right to a pension under the Act of 1834 that I believe beyond a doubt she was married in 1781. After I made out her declaration I saw a letter from You of which You mention in Your communication to me. It also stated that she had not inserted the last term of her husband's service which in formal declaration could not be allowed. I then could have proved her marriage by two other witnesses (J.E.) just as the enclosed testimony of two highly respectable ladies residents of Benton County. Now I will point out the error that I can see plainly that Mr. Ethridge who drew Mrs. Wheatley's declaration made the miscalculation of the date of her marriage with Alexander Wheatley. The department must be well acquainted with the inability of any person to point out dates with precision especially one of so advanced an age as Mrs. Peggy Wheatley. And a liberal

construction ought to be put on such claims I have Written the above for the vindication of M rs Wheatley As I have made special enquiry of the general character of M rs Wheatley in the days of her Youth up which here with enclosed as evidence in her behalf. I Am Well informed that her character stands high and untarnished. I pledge myself I would not have farther troubled the department if I had learned aught against her but on the contrary I Am more convinced of her just claim upon the Government If M r Etheridge had understood the rules he would have inserted the last term of M rs Wheatleys hus- bands service but if her claim is again refused the blame must fall on the awkwardness of the first drawer of her declaration and not to any design on the part of M rs Wheatley or any body else. The incomplete Rolls of North Carolina may deprive M rs Wheatley of her claim if the department imposes stronger evidence upon the services of Alexander Wheatley than was required of M r Wheatley himself in his life time. I have not Written to the Comptroller or Secretary of North Carolina but I presume the department knows that the Rolls of the Southern States are all incomplete therefore if parol testimony is inadmissible the Southern claimants may in a great measure cease to lay their claims before the department. Now I wish the department to carefully calculate the statements of M rs Cherry which I hope will fairly show that M rs Wheatleys marriage took place in 1781 or by her last stated. I could obtain a great number of highly respectable witnesses who would testify to the unclouded veracity of M rs Peggy Wheatley but believing that this evidence is additional proof in her favor that her claim will be allowed. I wish the department to understand that I do not charge error upon

it - upon the contrary I am happy to think that the vigilance of the Department is a great safeguard to the treasury. I have no interest by any means in Mrs. Wheatley's claim or any body else but she has a large and highly respectable connection that would be sorry to see or hear of censure on that old lady's character And therefore I have taken some pains to remove the (apparent) discrepancy in the two declarations by introducing the enclosed testimony
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Your Obedt Servt Robert H. Hawthorn
In consequence of bad health I have delayed mailing the evidence until this day

Garrison Yrs Jan the 31 st 5
Dear G. Harris by Free Washington City C.D.

Camelot Jan 2nd 1868
I am compelled to call on you for a favor that is to attend to the case of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley... I am compelled to call on you for a favor that is to attend to the case of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley... I am compelled to call on you for a favor that is to attend to the case of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley... I am compelled to call on you for a favor that is to attend to the case of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley...

You will please call on the Pension office in Person and read your influence as I wrote to the Office of N. C. and received an answer from the Sec. that he would not examine the office unless he received four dollars in advance and said that if you to introduce a special act in Congress requiring the Sec. to grant Mrs. Peggy Wheatley's Pension As I am fully convinced that she is justly entitled to it from hereditary evidence of her relations in this Council and I have heard from her for if I thought she was not entitled to a Pension there is no consideration that would induce me to use my single exertion in her favor. The old lady has no means to raise $4.00 to send to the Secretary of P. & C. and if she did so I think it would be doubtful for the loss of it, & in any case And it would be uncertain for her to depend on such uncertain evidence for the evidence claimed by the department does not contain even half of all the facts. Mr. J. J. Baucus has published a general agency for such claims at Washington. If he is a reliable man of ability can cause him and he thought he can obtain the certificate and forward the same to me payable at Jackson. I am he should be personally paid for his attention to her case as I am her agent here please make the inquiry and learn the facts for I would rather she should pay a reasonable fee to Mr. Baucus than to wait so long on Congress unless you think you can get it through the system at present hand that she should have to pay more than her interest had to send you. Let me know soon.  Robert N. Hawthorn  Mary G. Sharpe - N. C.

Camden June 19th 1846
Sir
Enclosed I send to you the supplemental declaration of Mrs. Peggy Wheatley. You may perhaps find some difference in the last and the first declaration with regard to the date of the marriage which I did inform the Applicant for a pension. She then stated that she never told you to the date of her marriage only to her age and also her age the time of her marriage because she was not a scholar. I asked if she informed the court of her husband's last term of service she answered that the court never asked her any thing about her husband's service. I inform you of these facts knowing that many persons are very careless in calculating the date therefore I chose to insert the facts in her own language. Also to insert the language of the witness in his own language so that you may be able to come to a proper conclusion. With regard to the fact though I do not know that it is necessary to give this explanation only I know the carelessness that prevailed when they were married. I am well acquainted with the general character of the Applicant and the witness and their character and unspotted therefore I have no doubt of a favorable consideration of the claim. You will see that it would be impracticable to take a second declaration in court because it is so far that she cannot get to court. Give early attention to this which will give relief to the needy. Yours
J. S. Edwards Esq. Robert N. Hawthorne Commissioner of Pensions

State of Tennessee Benton County Personally appeared Sarah Wheatley aged about eighty years before me David W. Benton an Acting justice of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that she is acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the widow of Alexander Wheatley that she Peggy Wheatley is a woman of good character for truth and undoubted veracity. That she was married to William Wheatley a younger brother of Alexander Wheatley. That she was married to William Wheatley not long after the end of the Revolutionary War that in some short time after that time she was visited by Alexander Wheatley and Peggy Wheatley his wife. As to the precise date she cannot remember neither did she see her marriage with Alexander Wheatley. Also that she heard Alexander Wheatley say that he had served about two years or more in the Revolutionary War. Also she heard her husband and her husband's mother say that Alexander Wheatley served in the Revolutionary War that she believes the hearsay to be true because she never heard any contradictory reports about his services. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 24th day of November 1846. Sarah Wheatley mark
I. D. W. Benton an Acting justice of the peace do certify that Sarah Wheatley was duly sworn and did subscribe as is above stated this 24th day of November 1846. David W. Benton justice of the peace for Benton County

State of Tennessee Benton County
Personally Appeared Re Katharine Cherry before me David W. Benton On Oathing justice of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that she is acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the widow of Alexander Wheatley that she did not see the marriage between Alexander Wheatley and Peggy Wheatley because she did not reside in the same neighbourhood where she believes it took place she states that she does not precisely know her age because by some chance it has been lost she knows that she was acquainted with Alexander Wheatley before his marriage because she resided in Martin County in the State of North Carolina in about three miles of Samuel Wheatley a brother of Alexander Wheatley that Alexander Wheatley she believes resided in Edgecombe N.C. that in visiting his brother Samuel Wheatley she became acquainted with him the said Alexander Wheatley she believes her own marriage to have been solemnized in 1780 in the Month of December from the following reasons that she well remembers that her youngest son Henry Cherry will be fortyseven years of age the 26th day of this month November that her daughter Milia was four years of age because their ages have been kept she also knows that her eldest son Saml. Cherry was thirteen years of age when her daughter Milia was born that she knows that she was married near two years before her first child was born that she was informed by her parents that she would be eighteen years of age the March after she was married that she heard of the marriage the summer following after her own marriage that is the marriage of Alexander Wheatley with Peggy Wheatley formerly Peggy Stokes that her information she believes to be true because she has been acquainted with Alexander Wheatley and

his Wife Peggy Wheatley ever since (that is) to near the end of his life time And never heard a contradictory report that as to Alexander Wheatleys services in the Revolutionary War she only knows from information that she always heard that he served in the Revolutionary War a considerable time that she never heard it disputed that she knows that Alexander Wheatley and his Wife were of good character for truth and veracity that she has good cause from a long acquaintance with them that either of them ought to be believed sworn to and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of November 1846
Katharine W Cherry mark
I David W. Benton An Acting justice of the peace do certify that Katharine Cherry was duly sworn And did subscribe to the above deposition this 3rd day of November 1846
State of Tennessee Benton County
David W. Benton J.P.
I David W. Benton An Acting justice of the peace in and for the county of Benton and State aforesaid do certify that I am personally acquainted with Sarah Wheatley and Katharine Cherry the subscribers to the two foregoing depositions that they are ladies of good character and considering their advanced age have good minds And especially Katharine Cherry is very remarkable for precision of memory And an unimpaired mind that both the subscribing deponents are ladies of undoubted truth given under my hand and seal this 3rd day of November 1846
David W. Benton For Benton County
J.P.

State of Tennessee Benton County } I Wm P Morris Clerk of the court of the County aforesaid do certify that David W. Benton is an Acting justice of the peace and was such at the date of the foregoing certificates purporting to certify that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine given under my hand at office this the 26 th of December 1846 Wm P Morris Clerk
{ S.S. } no Public Seal provided Wm P Morris Clk
State of Tennessee, Benton County, I Ephraim Perkins Chairman and presiding magistrate do certify that William P. Morris is the clerk of the County Court of said County that his certificate is in due and legal form that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine given under my hand this 26 th day of December 1846 Ephraim Perkins Chairman of the County Court of Benton County

United States of America
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the Act of Congress of the 11th of July 1836 and the joint resolution of July 7 1838
State of Tennessee
Weakly County } SS
On the 22 nd day of September eighteen hundred and fortysix Personally Appeared before me B. Underwood a justice of the peace in and for said County Peggy Wheatley a Resident of the State of Tennessee in the County of Weakly aged eighty Years on the 5 th day of September 1846 Who being first duly sworn According to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 11 th 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7 th 1838: That she is the widow of Alexander Wheatley Who was a private in the Revolutionary War and Who drew a pension of eighty dollars per Annum She further declares that she was married to the said Alexander Wheatley on the day of July seventeen hundred and eightyone that her husband the aforesaid Alexander Wheatley died on the 31 st day of October 1834 that she has remained a widow ever since that period As will more fully

Appear by referred to the proof herunto annexed She further declares that as to the date and day of her marriage by reason of old age and loss of memory she does not positively remember but the she positively remembers that she was married in July and was fifteen years of age the September following that she will be eighty years of age the 5th day of the present month. From the best information of her parents that she positively and distinctly remembers that her husband the aforesaid Alexander Wheatly served two terms of service after her marriage with her husband that he left her in three weeks after her marriage to enter the first term of service she has forgotten whether he volunteered or was drafted She further declares that the last term of service was under Captain Austin Spain which was his last term of service. Also that this is the second declaration that she is informed that the former declaration her marriage should have been in 1782 which she did not make any other statement agreeably to her understanding only that which is contained and set forth in this Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written
Chapman Anderson E. Peggy Wheatly mark

State of Tennessee Weakly County } I Chapman Underwood one of the Acting justices of the peace in and for said County do certify that the subscriber to the foregoing declaration Peggy Wheatley was duly sworn and and did subscribe her own hand to the same Also that she is a woman of fair character and is to be relied on for truth and veracity Also by reason of old age and bodily infirmity she is unable to appear in open court that she is of good mind considering her advanced age given under my hand and Seal this 2nd day of September A.D. 1846. Chapman Underwood Justice of the peace for Weakly County
State of Tennessee Weakly County } Personally appeared Sabrina Wheatley aged about forty five years and George Davis before me Chapman Underwood a justice of the peace in and for said County Who first being duly sworn According to law do on their oaths say that they are acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the subscriber to the foregoing declaration and have been acquainted with her for the term of twenty years last past that she is a woman of good character for unblotted truth and veracity that her husband Alexander Wheatley died on the 31st day of October 1834 that she is a woman of excellent mind considering advanced age and that she has remained a widow ever since that period and is now a widow sworn to and subscribed to before me this 2nd day of September 1846 Chapman Underwood Justice of the peace for Weakly County

State of Tennessee Weakly County      Personally Appeared Silas Bennett before me Chapman Underwood an Acting justice of the peace in and for said County who is about Seventyseven Years of age Who first being duly sworn According to law says that he is Personally Acquainted with Peggy Wheatley the subscriber to the foregoing declaration and was personally Acquainted with her husband Alex- ander Wheatley who drew a pension of eighty dollars per Annum that she the aforesaid Peggy was married to Alexander Wheatley in the Summer and in the Year 1788 the precise day by reason of the long lapse of time he cannot recollect and the reason why he recollects is from his own age and the age of the said Peggy Wheatley there being three Years difference in their age which would make the age of said Peggy about eighty Years of age that he states that he was about twelve Years of age when she was married. That from information the said Alexander Wheatley served a term or two of three months after her marriage though he does not know it of his own knowledge because he was too young to serve in the Army therefore it was hearsay in the neighborhood that he was in the service after their marriage but he believes that he did serve as reported and always understood it as above stated Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 3rd day of September 1846 Chapman Underwood      Silas Bennett Justice of the peace for Weakly County

Peggy Wheeler wid. of Alex Pennefer Waukesha Co.
AT 7 July 1838

State of Tennessee I John H Ethridge - Wartley County Clerk of the county Court for said County do certify that Chapman Underwood is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and was at the time of the date of his signature to the foregoing declaration and the different signatures purporting to be his or genuine given under my hand and have affixed my Seal of Office This the 4 th September 1846
John H Ethridge Clerk By Andrew Malone DCL
State of Tennessee Wartley County I W. B. Blakemore chair- man and presiding magistrate of the County Court of said County do certify that John H Ethridge is Clerk of the County Court of said County and his certificate is in due and legal form given under my hand and Seal this 4 th day of September 1846. W. B. Blakemore Chairman and presiding Justice of said County