Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39877, Robert Watterson, Va

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Watterson, Robert
S. 39877
CONTENTS

Paid to the time of his death. viz. 21 Sept. 1829.
11,121
Virginia
Robert Watterson.
of Pencraftown in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Grymes of the 15 th commanded by Colonel Virginia in the Regiment line , for the term of 11 years from the Fall of 1775 to the Fall of, 1779.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 nd day of June 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th of May 1816 and sent to Hon. Thos. Newton at Norfolk. Va.
Restored to the Roll on the 21 st day of November 1827. and notification sent to J. J. Burroughs Esq. at Shenandoahville Virginia Pension commencing on the 12 th of November 1827.
Amount due on 4th of March 1827.
$ 30. 09.
{ Revolutionary Claim Acts March 18, 1818 and May 1, 1820. }
off 17 May 1821 on 21 Nov 1827 1 March 1828

Robert Watterson.
No. 11121
NO Mile J.L.E.

At a Superior Court held for the County of Prince Anne the 4 th day of April 1821.
On this fourth day of April One thousand eight hundred and twenty one, personally appeared in open court being a Court of record for the County of Prince Anne Robert Waterson aged sixty five years a resident in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served as a private soldier in the army of the Revolution in a Company of Infantry commanded by Capt n William Davis of the first Regiment Virginia Militia and that he served one year under said Davis, and immediately after enlisted in the three years Virginia Requisition and served the said three years and was marched to Philadelphia and obtained his discharge from Major Webb. That he was inscribed on the Pension list Roll of the Virginia Agency at the rate of eight dollars per month to commence on the 2 d day of June 1818 as will more fully appear by reference to the certificate number (11.121) and dated the 28 th May 1819 and I do solemnly swear that I was a citizen of the United States the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by Gift Sale or in any manner, disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress intitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts

Contracts or Debts due to me no have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed to wit. One negro woman and child worth about $350 - One Horse worth $60 Ten head of Cattle $60. thirteen head of hogs $13. Two old pine chests $2. One loom $2. Six old chains $1. Corn and pork on hand $10. One old safe 25 Cents three crowns etc $1. some few hoes and axes and other trifles (signed) Robert his Watterson. mark
That he is a farmer by trade; and has been for several years and still continues unable except at times to pursue the said trade or business - that he has no white person in family residing with him; sworn to and declared on the same day and year first mentioned before the Superior Court of Prince Anne County by the said Robert Watterson. It is the opinion of the Court that the total amount in value of articles of property annexed on the Schedule of Robert Watterson and this day exhibited in Court is Five hundred and Nine dollars and twenty five Cents.
A Copy Teste
Sherriff Hoggard 66

Alma JB

At a Quarterly Session Court held for Prince George County the 5th day of November 1827
On this fifth day of November 1827. before Lepe Morris, Inc. T. Keeling, Dennis, Mosely Henry Sparrow gentle- man justices of the peace for the County of Prince George, now sitting, being a court of record, proceeding according to the course of the common law, keeping a record of their proceedings and with ju- risdiction unlimited in point of amount, personally appeared Robert Watterson resident in the said County of Prince George, aged seventy one years and some months, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 and the first of May 1820, that he served as a private soldier in the Army of the revolution in a company of infantry commanded by Capt. William Davis of the first regiment Virginia militia and that he served one year under said Davis, and immediately after enlisted in three years Virginia requisitions and served the said three years and was marched to Philadelphia and obtained his discharge from Major Webb, that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropped therefrom on account of his property, and in pur- suance of the act of the first of May 1820. I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolution- ary war passed on the 18 th of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any in- come other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed to wit, One horse five cows 2 Yearlings 2 Calves 3 sows 5 Shoats one bed furniture one pine chest and five Chairs, That since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made

in my property, to wit one cow five head of hogs and one negro woman & child less than I had at that time and one pine chest, one loom one chair, one safe three iron pots and a few old axes and hoes partly broken and partly worn out by use, The negro woman is the daughter of a slave who was hired by me many years ago and was born at my house, she was a little favourite of my wife and at her request I purchased her while an infant to set her free, having made a will in which I gave her and her increase freedom they still remain in the care and service of myself and family, but I never did consider them as property, and finding them lately in the way of my pension I resolved to emancipate them at once and accordingly gave them Bone fide deeds of emancipation and they are now free; that he is a farmer by trade but is & has been for several years unable except at times to pursue his occupation that he has no white person in family residing with him, sworn to and subscribed by the said Robert his Watterson the day and year aforesaid. - Robert his Watterson. mark
A schedule of property belonging to Robert Watterson this first day of November 1827. One horse, five cows, 2 yearlings 2 calves, 3 sows 5 shoats one bed & furniture one pine chest & five chairs. - Robert his Watterson. mark
I John J. Burroughs clerk of the County Court of Prince George the above, Do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the court, that the said Robert Watterson alias Robert Waters did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy. - I also certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Ninety five dollars. - In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, this 12 th day of November 1827, in the 52 nd Year of the Commonwealth. - J. J. Burroughs C.B.

To all persons, whom these presents may concern know ye, that I, Robert Watterson of Princeps Anne County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in conformity to the acts of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth aforesaid regulating the manner of emancipating slaves have and by these presents do emancipate Negro woman slave Mary Mulatto boy Irason and Robert children of the said Mary her future increase. The aforesaid three slaves, to wit Mary and Irason and Robert, to have, hold possess and enjoy all the freedom, rights and privileges which the said Robert Watterson may or can give or grant unto them pursuant to the act, or acts of the Genl Assembly aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my seal this 2 nd day of June 1826
Seal
Ja s M c Alpine } James Johnston }
Robert his Watterson seal mark
In the clerk's office of Princeps Anne County court the 28 th day of November 1826, This deed of emancipation from Robert Watterson to Negro woman Mary and two children Irason and Robert was proved by the oaths of James M c Alpine & James Johnston the witnesses thereto and admitted to record.
Teste J. J. Burroughs Clew.
Princeps Anne County, to wit; I, John J. Burroughs clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid, Do hereby certify that the foregoing deed of emancipation from Robert Watterson to Mary and two children Irason & Robert and the order admitting the same to record, are true copies from the records of the said Court. And In testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County aforesaid this 12 th day of November 1827, in the 52 nd year of the Commonwealth. — J. J. Burroughs B.B

At a Court held for the County of Prince Anne the 2 d day of February one Thousand eight hundred and twenty four.-
On this 2 d day of February 1824, Personally appear- ed in open Court, being a Court of record for the County of Prin- ce Anne, Robert Wallerson aged sixty seven years , a resident in said County, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of the 18 th of March 1818, the 1 st of May 1820 and 1 st March 1823, that he served as a private soldier in the Army of the Revolution in a company of Infantry comman- ded by Capt m William Davis of the 1 st Regiment Vir- ginia Militia and that he served one year under said Davis, and immediately after enlisted in the three years Virginia Requisition and served the said three years and was marched to Philadelphia and obtained his discharge from Major Webb: that he was inscribed on the pension list roll of the Virginia Agency at the rate of Eight dollars per month to commence on the second day of June 1818, as will more fully appear by reference to the Certificate Number 11:121 and dated the 28 th May 1819, and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth of March, 1818, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, so to diminish it as to bring myself within the pro- visions of an Act to provide for certain persons engaged of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any per- son in Trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed To wit; One negro woman and child valued at $350 - One

horse valued at $40. - Six head of cattle large and small valued at $30 - Some household and Kitchen furniture valued at $6 - That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property, to wit; 3 head of cattle valued at $30 stolen or lost - 1 yearling sold by me to pay my taxes &c - 13 head of hogs stolen, or lost, and the other articles mentioned in the first schedule worth nothing and not valued by the appraisers signed Robert his  X Watterson - That the negro woman mentioned and valued in the foregoing schedule at $350, (when a child) was purchased by him, with the money which he got for his bounty land - That he is a farmer by trade, and has been for several years, and still continues unable except at times to pursue the said trade or business - That he has no white person in family residing with him, sworn to and declared on the same day and year first mentioned before the County Court of Princess Anne by the said Robert Watterson - It is the opinion of the court that the total amount in value of articles of property annexed in the schedule Robert Watterson and this day exhibited in court is four hundred and twenty six Dollars.
A Copy Test
J. S. Burroughs C.C.
Virginia, Princess Anne County, to wit;
I, John S. Burroughs clerk of the said County Court of Princess Anne, do certify that the foregoing schedules were duly taken in open court and have been admitted to the record of said court, and that the same are truly copied therefrom; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in

the aforesaid schedule, is four hundred and twenty six dollars and _____ cents.---
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, on this 2 d day of February 1824, in the 48 th year of the Commonwealth.
J. J. Burroughs C. P. A. B. C.

Further evidence of Service granting
Gen. Wells. Admiralty

State of Virginia
Princess Anne County to wit
Robert Watterson aged about sixty three years a resident in the county and State aforesaid declares and makes oath that he served in the Revolutionary War in the Continental establishment four years. He enlisted with Capt William Davis in September 1775 and was attached to the first Virginia Regiment for twelve months, when he was discharged. He again reenlisted on the 26 th Dec r 1776 under Col. William Grymes and was attached to the fifteenth Virginia Regiment and continued in service about three years having been discharged in the latter part of the year 1779 at Philadelphia. He further maketh oath & declares that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country. The said fifteenth was called the fifteenth until the Battle of Brandy Wine, in which this declarant was, when it was called the Seventh Regiment. His discharge has been sent in for the purpose of obtaining his wages and Land Warrant.
Done this second day of June in the year One thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
Robert Watterson
State of Virginia
Princess Anne County to wit
I Richard E. Parker one of the Judges of the General Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid do certify to the Secretary of the War Department that the foregoing declaration was made and sworn to before me on the day of its date. I also certify that it appears

to my satisfaction that the said Robert Watterson did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding decla- ration against the Common Enemy —
Given under my hand this Second day of June 1818 —
Richd Parker
State of Virginia Prince Anne County Court
I Richard Parker one of the judges of the General Court in the State aforesaid do certify to the Secretary of War that it has this day been proved to my satisfaction that the said Robert Watterson is in such reduced circumstances as to need assistance from his Country. Given under my hand this 2 d day of November 1818
Richd Parker
Prince of Anne County to wit
I Thurmer Hoggard Clerk of the Superior Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Richard E Parker Esq. who hath subscribed the foregoing certificate is a judge of the General Court of Virginia and the Judge of this Court — I do also certify that there is no seal of said Court
Given under my hand this Second day of June 1818 —
Thurmer Hoggard C.C.

State of Virginia
Prince Anne County to wit
This day William Knosum appeared before me Limuel Cornick and made oath that he was employ- ed by Robert Watterson several years ago when Genl. Dear- born was Secretary at War, to obtain his Land Warrant that he applied at the War Office & obtained his Land Warrant for military services in the Revolutionary War which he delivered to the said Watterson — The said Watterson is well known to this affiant and he is entirely satisfied that the declaration made by the said Watterson on the other side is wholly true.
This affiant recollects that there was at first some difficulty in finding said Watterson's name, it being spelt Wallerson instead of Watterson — but he had stated that he was discharged at the same time with one Gornito and on looking at the rolls found their names together as he had stated —
Given under my hand this Second day of June 1818 — Limuel Cornick Jr.
The said William Knosum at the same time & place also made oath before me that the said Robert Watterson lives very near him & that he knows the fact of his being reduced in his circumstances so as to need the assistance of his country.
Limuel Cornick Jr.

J. L. Edwards, pension office War Department Washington

Warrenton Feb: 14 1824
Sir.
The enclosed certificates I submit to your consideration. I know Mr Watterson - he is very old and infirm - I know him to be needy - because I have often assisted him. The Storm mentioned in the certificates I have seen - and in my opinion worth little or nothing - No man on the pension list is more deserving of one than he is - He was on the pension list and was struck off under the law amendatory of the first pension law.
I remain very respectfully
Yr: Obed Servt
Thos. Newton

Pinhoe Office Oct r 1 st 1827
Conway White Esq r Norfolk

Sir,
Text"> Re Anne Aug. 15. 1827.
M c Hubard succeeded in obtaining a certificate at the last Court of the valuation of Ro: Wattersang property - The negroes which were in a former schedule he has since Emancipated, in consequence, I understand from D r M c Alpine, of their having become an expense to him and the deed is only recorded - I hope he will be restored on the pension list, for I am satisfied from all I can learn, that he deserves as much from his Country as any private Soldier in the Revolutionary war, having rec d a wound in the first of it, and served during the whole war and never would ask for a pension, while he was able to make a living by his own labour - Should he fail in this application, the patriotick feelings of the Country will have to supply those which should actuate the Government -
I remain yr s . very Respectfully
Canby Whittle Esq:
J. J. Burroughs

Kempville Nov 14 th 1861. James Barbour
General Whittle Esq. Secretary of War Attorney General Washington D.C.
Rev. Ephraim
20 miles

Phila. Nov. 12. 1827.
Dear Sir, I enclose a copy of the Declaration oath, & schedule of Ro: Patterson as amended together with a copy of the Deed of Emancipation. The poor old man is in great distress, it is with difficulty he subsists & could not, I suspect but for the assistance of his friends.
Yrs. very respectfully A. A. Burroughs
6. Little Esq.

Hon. Thos. Jefferson FOLK PR 23
Wentworth J.R.
The Hon John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War Washington
384 J.P. Dec. 26, 1822 J.C.

Norfolk April 23. 1871
The Hon John C. Calhoun.
66
At the request of Mr Waterson I enclose his declaration made in conformity with the Law. He would have sent it sooner but was prevented in consequence of living in the Country at a distance from any per- son who could give him any information as to the course to be pursued by him.
His age & infirmities prevented him coming to me. I remain with great respect & consideration
Yr S er vice
Thos. Newton
○

Recd 15 June 1824
The Hon:
John C Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington, D.C.
Mr. John Calhoun
Mr. St.
and sign -

Norfolk May 11. th 1824
The Hon
John C Calhoun
Sir
The case of Robert Watterson whose petition I presented to you for a renewal of his pension - is a hard one. This old man served four years in the revolutionary army, is now 77 years old and is very infirm - The negro woman he now owns is a cripple - and capable of doing very little service - She was purchased by the sale of the bounty land he received for his services. The property thus acquired I think should form no item in his schedule required by the act of Congress. Had he thrown it away his situation would be at this moment more comfortable - As it is his providence - and can have made his condition every way choicer. Permit me to ask the favor of you to receive his case - I have long known Mr Watterson and I assure you I have frequently contributed my mite

to receive his merits - I have done so since my arrival at Home No person on the pension list in my opinion is better deserving a pen- -sion than he is. He lost an eye in the service of his Country and is utterly incapable of labor from age - and its afflictions.
I am sorry to trouble you - but I never see the poor old man - without feeling for his helpless condition. I am persuaded his case is not known - It is really difficult for the poor and igno- -rant to avail themselves of that assistance of which they stand in so much need. It would afford me, and I know it would you also to make easy & tranquil the last moment of a man whom for some of life was consecrated to the service of his Country in her struggle for independence.
I remain with great respect and consideration Yrs: Oct: Scrol:
Tho: Newton

Pension Office Oct 1 st 1827
The Honorable James Barbour

Norfolk 26th September 1827
Sir,
The enclosed papers were some time since placed in my possession with the request that I would forward them to you. I have hitherto hesitated to comply with this request in the hope that some other person might be selected for the purpose whose name might have more weight with you than that of a total stranger. The great age however of the applicant and his extreme pecuniary distress my yielding to considerations of this sort and I should be sorry indeed if through any such reluctance on my part the benefit he prays for and which he so much requires should be delayed for a single hour.
You will perceive that the applicant Robert Watterson or Waters obtained a certificate on the 28 Mar 1819 (N o 11,121) entitling him to a pension as a revolutionary soldier. That by a valuation made of his property in 1824 it appeared his was not a case contemplated by the provisions of the law as his property amounted to four hundred and twenty six dollars. Of this amount three hundred and fifty dollars were vested in a negro woman and child which were little more than an incumbrance to him. That he regarded them in that light is evinced by his emancipating them without any pecuniary equivalent. A certified copy of the deed of emancipation and of its admission to record I have seen. The papers will show that the applicant is at this time upwards of eighty and is in possession of ninety five dollars.

worth of property being all he has in the world. His poverty is such that he has been exempted from the taxes and levies in his county and to my knowledge lives at this time on charity. There could not exist I humbly conceive a stronger case for several for relief. Permit me to solicit your early attention to the situation of this poor fellow, he can have but few years very probably but a few months to live but they will be years or months either of comfort or misery as you may decide on this application.
With great respect
Your most obedient humble servant
Conway Whittle
The Honourable James Barbour Secretary of War Washington City

See letter to Hon. T. Newton H. R. 2 March
1824
Jan. 8. 1825: Hon. T.
Newton, of H. R. informed verbally by the Rec. of War that the claim could not be allowed on the schedule, but that from his repre- sentation of the case, he was disposed to think differ- ently on the claim from what his first impressions were.
Robert Watterson, Virg. a recd from fall of 1775 to fall of 1779 and 5 years - Schedule dated April 1821, contains a negro woman & child worth $350 - 1 horse 60$ - ten head of cattle 60$ - thirteen head of hogs 13$ Two Chests $2 - loom $2 - 6 Chairs $1 - corn & Pork $10 - old safe 25 cents - Three Iron Pots $1 - & some old hoes & axes. all valued at $509 = 25. No white person in his family -
Schedule dated February 1824, con- tains -
negro woman & child $350 horse 40 cattle 30 household & kitchen furniture 6 Total $426
accounts for the decrease by stating that 3 head of cattle were stolen or lost - 1 yearling sold to pay taxes - 13 head of hogs stolen or lost - and the other articles mentioned in first schedule and not in the last are worth nothing. Says he is a farmer, but is unable, except at times, to work - The Hon. Thos. Newton, M. C. who presents the claim, says that he knows Watterson - he knows him to be needy, very old & in firm - and has often assisted him - The horse mentioned in the schedule he has seen, and he is worth little or nothing in his opinion, and he thinks that there is no man on the Pension list more deserving. This has been disallowed, but Mr. Newton requests that it may be reconsidered. See his
Hon. T. Newton, H. R. Dec. 1824

39 877 Rev INVALID.
File No. 39 877 Robert Patterson Dr. Rev. Pat
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 584
[Arrangement of 1870.]

11. 121
Virginia R
Robert Watterson
of Prince William Co in the state of Virginia who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel of the Virginia line, for the term of 4 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 of May 1819 and sent to the Hon: Thos Newton Norfolk V 2.
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819. 8 mos 29 3/4 / 30 31 72.76 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819. 48 - $120.76
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Robert Watterson was pay'd by the State of Virginia for his services in the War of 1812-1814.

Please inform me to what time Robert Watterson, on Virg a Revolutionary Roll act 1818, last paid —
• Robert Watterson a Revol y Pens n . on the Virg a Roll died 28. Sept r 1829 & was paid to that period (H. Wickeroft) Pension Clerk July 29. 1833.