Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27589, Thomas Wilson, Va. In British Service In 1762, 1763 & 1764

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Wilson, Thomas
N 27589
Wilson, Mary
In British service in 1762, 1763 & 1764
CONTENTS

5.176 Indiana
Mary Wilson widow of Thos Wilson who died on the
of Va in the State of who was a Rivalein the by Captain of the by in the time for
commanded commanded
Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Evansville at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 1st day March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Jany 1853 and sent
Advances to the 14th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Revolutionary Claims Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by Book
Vol.
Page

No 5561 Elizabeth Mary Wilson of Thomas Indiana Act 4 July 1836
( 201 )
Adm d 2 yrs for $80 per annum. Saver 11 March 1831.
Evansville Agency
Hon. S. M. Roberts, Senate U.S. J. J. Coombs Present

State of Indiana } S ts . Sullivan county. } 3
On this nineteenth the day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and forty two, personally appeared before me Silas Osburn one of the associate judges of the circuit court, in and for the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana, (said court being a court of record, having a clerk and official seal and so declared by the laws of the state of Indiana) Mary Wilson, a resident of said county, aged ninety years, on the 24th day of July last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836: That she is the widow of Thomas Wilson, who was a soldier in the army of the Revolutionary war. She further declares, that the said Thomas Wilson resided on or near the Potomac River either on the Maryland or Virginia side, (but cannot state with certainty which) at the time he entered the service. That the said Thomas Wilson served she thinks in the regular troops of the United States in the Revolutionary war, under an enlistment in the regular army; she believes he enlisted for five years or during the war, but does not recollect certain as to which, but recollects distinctly that said Wilson always told her that he had enlisted and she is very certain in the regular service. That she cannot state with certainty, the day, month or year, nor the place where living at the time, who was in the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war with the said Thomas Wilson, by whom she came from his actual service in the Revolutionary war as aforesaid, or of the length of time he served therein.

State of Indiana } Sullivan county, } ss
On this nineteenth day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and forty two, personally appeared before me Silas Osburn one of the associate judges of the circuit court, in and for the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana, (said court being a court of record, having a clerk and official seal and so declared by the laws of the state of Indiana.) Mary Wilson, a resident of said county, aged ninety years, on the 14th day of July last, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 15, 1836: That she is the widow of Thomas Wilson, who was a soldier in the army of the Revolutionary war. She further declares, that the said Thomas Wilson resided on or near the Potomac River either on the Maryland or Virginia side, (but cannot state with certainty which) at the time he entered the services. That the said Thomas Wilson, caused she thinks, in the regular troops of the United States, in the Revolutionary war, under an enlistment, in the regular army; she believes he enlisted for five years or during the war, but does not recollect certain as to which, but recollects distinctly that said Wilson always told her that he had enlisted and she is very certain in the regular services. That she cannot state with certainty, the day, month or year, nor the place where

he entered the service, nor can she state, the names of the officers under whom he served, nor the country through which he marched, nor the time  time  and place of his being discharged: nor can she relate now the battles and engagements he was in, she has often heard him tell them once; and also heard one John Sellers, who was in the Revolutionary war with the said Thomas Wilson, tell over the same story about their service together, & how they had been together in that war: That the said Thomas Wilson, served under his said enlistment some two or three years, until he got injured, in his right leg, by a bruise or wound occasioned by a log falling on it, while engaged in building some Fort or station, (not now recollected by name or place,) which bruise or wound in his leg, rendered him unable to serve, perform duty in the lines for some time, and that he was taken to some Hospital, & under a Surgeons attention & care, while his leg was sore, that the surgeon extracted some of the bones from his leg, that it was greatly swollen & inflamed; and the injury so great that he was discharged from the lines, before he served his time out, under his said enlistment. That the said Thomas Wilson, was at the taking or burning of what was then called Ft. of Duguesne, in the Western part of Pennsylvania, she thinks, or was marched there immediately after the taking or burning of the Fort, as he always said he was the third man that entered the fort, after it was burnt, & that he took some of the burnt nails to the American Dept. as evidence

of the burning.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Thomas Wilson, on the _____ day of December, in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, in the Western part of Pennsylvania, by one Robert Hovey, then a Presbyterian Preacher, in the Monongahela county about twelve miles from (then) Ft. Duquesne, now Pittsburgh. That the said Thomas Wilson, her husband, after their said marriage, about the year seventeen hundred and eighty, and after his leg got mace of the limb (and wound aforesaid), volunteered in the service, of the United States, in the Revolutionary war and served a term of duty in the line; eight months, she thinks, at least, he was gone from home eight months, during the time, when he returned home, and was out in one or two other short terms in the war afterwards, but the lengths of time in each she does not now well recollect, but it was during their residence in the Western part of Pennsylvania as aforesaid.
That the said Thomas Wilson, had a discharge in writing from his officers and Surgeon, that he received, when discharged under his said enlistment, on account of his disability from the wound - limb & sore leg as aforesaid, which discharge was destroyed since his death, a number of years ago, by a worm or moth getting in the roll of papers where it was, & destroying the roll of papers, including the discharge.
She further declares, that she does not know of any living witness at this time, who was in the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war with the said Thomas Wilson, by whom she can prove his actual service in the Revolutionary war as aforesaid, or of the length of time he served therein.

She further declares, that the reason she did not make an earlier application for a Pension on account of the Revolutionary services of her said husband, the said Thomas Wilson, who is now deceased, is, that she was ignorant that Congress had made any provision for widows in such cases, until recently. — She further declares, that she
cannot recollect, correctly the day of the month she was married to the said Thomas Wilson, as aforesaid, but recollects, it was just before Christmas day. that there was not any license got for their marriage, nor was there any law requiring a license for that purpose at the time in that county, nor was there any record kept of their said marriage by the said Hrey, the Priest who married them; that she knew of, nor was there any organized county, or any law at the time, requiring a record of marriages to be kept in that county; nor was there ever any family record kept of their said marriage either by her said husband or herself, or any other person connection or member of the family, ever known or heard of by this declarant.
She further declares, that her said husband Thomas Wilson removed from Pennsylvania to Woodford county, Kentucky about the year 1788, where they resided until the death of the said Thomas Wilson her husband. That her husband, the aforesaid Thomas Wilson, died on the 25 th day of June in the year eighteen hundred and eleven; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period; and that she has since the death of her said husband as aforesaid, removed from Kentucky, to Sullivan county Indiana, where she now resides.
She further declares, that she had been in Medlock, with

the said Thomas Wilson, her said husband, seven children, viz, Alexander, who is now dead, who was born in May November 1779: Margaret, who was born in April 1781. William, who was born in May 1783: who is now living. Sarah, who was born in May 1785 and is now living: Mary who was born in April 1789 and is now living: Thomas, who was born in November 1791: And Anna, who was born in November 1793 and is now living. She further declares, that there never was kept any family Record of her said marriage, or of the births of her said children. She further declares, that her said husband Thomas Wilson, never drew a Pension, nor any compensation for his said service in the Revolutionary war, nor was he ever placed on the Pension Roll, or Pension list or agency, in the United States, or of any of the states, or Territories of the United States. All of which will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 19 th day of March A.D. (1842).
Silas Osborn Associate judge
for Mary X Wilson Mark

State of Indiana
Sullivan county. } I Silas Osburn, the associate judge before whom the foregoing declaration of Mary Wilson, widow of Thomas Wilson, deceased, was made do certify, that the said declaration was made before me at said county, at the residence of the said widow. And I do further certify, that it is my opinion that the said Mary Wilson, is unable to attend in person at and before the circuit court or other court of record in and for said county, from her advanced age, and consequent bodily infirmity and weakness, and from her remote residence from the county seat of said county. And that I believe the said Mary Wilson the deponent, to be of the age of ninety years, as she states. Given under my hand and seal at said county this 19th day of March 1842.
Silas Osburn Associate judge

State of Indiana Set. Sullivan county, ss. I Benjamin Wolf, Clerk of the circuit court in and for the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana, do certify, that Silas Osburn, whose official signatures appear to the foregoing declaration of Mary Wilson and to the above certificate of infirmity and age of the said Mary Wilson before whom the above declaration of the said Mary Wilson, appears to have been made, sworn & subscribed to, was on the day of the dates thereof respectively, one of the associate judges of the circuit court in and for the said county of Sullivan, duly commissioned and qualified as such judge, that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such judge, and that his said signatures as above thereto appear are genuine: And I do further certify, that the said circuit court is a court of Records.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said court at my office in Newbern this 21 st day of March Anno Domini 1842.
Payson Woodger Clerk

State of Indiana } }
Sullivan county } On this 19 th day of March A.D. (1842).
personally appeared before me Ezekiah Riggs, one of the justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, Ann Armstrong of said county aged seventy nine years past, who being first by me duly sworn, upon her oath, says, that about the year 1775, she was acquainted with one Thomas Wilson, near Hagerstown in Maryland, who was then a young man, that the said Thomas Wilson, she understood, shortly afterwards, perhaps in the fore part of the year 1776 enlisted in the service of the United States, or went into the service, in the troop, at or near Hagerstown, that she did not see said Wilson for a number of years afterwards; sometime about the year 1798, she again became acquainted with said Wilson, in Bradford county, Kentucky, where he had a family, and resided with them there, after this affair. Removed to Kentucky.

This affiant further states, that she was familiarly acquainted with said Thomas Wilson in Woodford county Kentucky, and often heard him state over how he had served in the Revolutionary war; and that he had served under an enlistment, and she thinks in the Regular service; that she always understood said Wilson to say he had enlisted for five years or during the war, and that he had served until he got his leg hurt, by a log or plough while fixing some of their encampment posts while in duty, which hurt or wound on the leg deprived him of further service, and that he had to be taken to a Hospital, or some place where he was under a surgeon, that some of the bones pieces was taken out of his leg, and that he was discharged from the service on account of his injured leg, which said Wilson often showed to this affiant, which was yet plain to be seen, and often would break out, and run corruption, and be sore for a long time. That she has frequently heard the said Wilson and one John Sellay, talking over their Revolutionary services together, and that said Wilson and Sellay stated that they had been in Battle in the Revolutionary war together, and that they served over three years, as they stated that said Wilson and Sellay were always defeated and

believed to have been in the Revolutionary war while they lived in Kentucky, as the belief that said Solley was a man of respectability, truth, and such, sustained a good character. (and that said Solley was in Woodford county Kentucky, about thirty years ago, and that said Thomas Wilson died in the same county about the year 1811, or 1812, she cannot state precisely which - That the said Wilson died leaving a widow, viz, Mary Wilson and seven children, viz, Alexander, Margaret, William, Sarah, Mary, Thomas, and Anna - that Alexander died about 15, or 16 years ago, (and Margaret died about 29 years ago, (and the remainder of the children are all living, as this affiant believes. This affiant further says, that she has often heard heard the said Wilson say he had a discharge, (and that he showed a paper which he called his discharge, but don't recollect of having read it, nor of having heard it read, but believes it was a discharge.
This affiant further states that the said Thomas Wilson and Mary his wife lived together as husband and wife from the time she first knew them in Kentucky until

the death of said Wilson as aforesaid. And that his widow the said Mary Wilson, has removed from Kentucky, to the county of Sullivan (and) state of Indiana, where she now resides, and is living, and has never intermarried with any person since the death of the said Thomas Wilson. And the said Mary is the identical widow and further saith not. Affirming in the declaration hereto annexed. Sworn to & subscribed to before me this 19th day of March A.D. 1842. Ann Armstrong Mary
I, Hozekiah Riggs the Justice of the Peace before whom the above Deposition of Ann Armstrong was taken, sworn and subscribed to, do certify that from the affidavits of Abraham Cooper and persons of lawful age, the said Ann Armstrong, the above deponent, is a person of truth, respectability and credibility. Given under my hand this 19th day of March 1842. Hozekiah Riggs J.P.

State of Indiana S t . Sullivan county, S t . I Benjamin Wolf Clerk of the circuit court, in and for the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana, do certify, that Ezekiah Riggs, whose official signatures appear to the foregoing deposition of Ann Armstrong, and to the certificate of credibility thereof, was on the day of the dates thereof respectively, one of the acting justices of the Peace in and for the said county of Sullivan, duly commissioned and qualified, that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such justice of the Peace, and that his said signatures thereto are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said court at my office in Morone this 21 st day of March Anno Domini (1842).
Benj Wolf Clerk

State of Indiana } ss. Sullivan county } On this 19 th day of March A. D. (1842). person- ally appeared before me James D. Gardner a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, James Anderson, of said county, aged eighty two years, past, who having by me duly sworn upon his oath, says, that, about sixty five years ago, in the year 1777, he became acquainted with one Thomas Wilson, in the western part of Pennsylvania, near what was then called Ft. Duquesne; that said Wilson, had then just left for returned home from the Revolutionary war; and that said Wilson, then told this affiant, that he then had served two, or three years, under an enlistment, and was discharged on account of having a sore on his right leg, which rendered him unable for service; That said Wilson, about a year after his Return, married Mary Anderson a sister of this affiant, in the Western part of Pennsylvania, in the same neighborhood, where this affiant then lived; that said Wilson and Mary were married at his father's house, by one Robert Hovey, a Presbyterian preacher, according to the then usual forms of matrimony in that country; that this affiant was present and seen the marriage take place; that said Wilson was at in that war, one term certain after his said marriage, and he thinks a second term, but does not recollect certain as to the second; that this affiant cannot state with certainty what troop said Wilson belonged to, but recollects that said Wilson frequently told him that but he had enlisted during the war, and his present belief is, that he resided in Maryland when he enlisted, & belonged to the Regular army; that this affiant has frequently heard one James Hoglan, say that he (Hoglan) had been out in the Revolutionary war with said Wilson, & that he has heard them both repeatedly speaking of their having served together; that said Hoglan

died in the state of Kentucky about thirty five years ago: that said Wilson and Hogley were always reported and known while they lived, to have been soldiers of the Revolutionary war: That said Wilson died in the state of Kentucky, in Woodford county, in the year 1810 or 1811: That he has frequently heard said Wilson say, that he had a discharge from the service but, does not recollect of having seen it: That said Wilson resided after his said marriage, in Pennsylvania & Kentucky: That said Wilson & wife Mary had seven children, the eldest of which Alexander Wilson, died about fifteen years since, then aged about forty eight years, and would have now been 63 years old, if he had yet continued to live: That said Wilson and Mary lived together as husband & wife, from the time of their said marriage, until the death of said Wilson as aforesaid, excepting the time of Wilson having been out in the war as aforesaid, after their marriage: that this affiant further says, that he has always heretofore been acquainted and familiar with the family of the said Wilson & wife, & knows that there never was any family record of their said marriage or of the births of their children: that the said Mary, wife and widow of the said Thomas Wilson, removed from the state of Kentucky about ten years ago, to the state of Indiana; that the said Mary, widow of the said Thomas Wilson as aforesaid, is now living in the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana; and that she has never as yet intermarried with any other person, since the death of the said Thomas Wilson as aforesaid, but yet remains his widow, and that she is the same identical widow as person, who is an applicant for a pension as per the hereto annexed declaration for that purpose.

as the wisdom of the said Thomas Wilson had further with not.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 19 th day of March A. D. 1842. Jas. D. Gardner J.P.
his James Anderson mark.
I James D. Gardner the Justice of the Peace before whom the above deposition of James Anderson was taken, sworn to and subscribed on this day, do certify that from the testimony or affidavits of Preston B. Armstrong and Mary Anderson respectable persons of said county, that the said James Anderson the above deponent, is a person of credibility, truth and veracity. Given under my hand this 19 th day of March 1842. Jas. D. Gardner J.P.
State of Indiana } S ct . Sullivan county. } S
I Benjamin Wolf Clerk of the circuit court, in and for the county of Sullivan and state of Indiana do certify that James D. Gardner, whose official signature appear to the above deposition of James Anderson, and to the certificate of credibility thereof, was on the day of the dates thereof respectively, one of the acting Justices of the Peace

in and for the said county of Sullivan, duly commissioned and qualified as such, that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such justice of the Peace, and that his said signatures thereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said court at my office in Moroni, this 21 st day of March Anno Domini 1872.
Reg d W. Cope Clerk

State of Illinois, Be it Remembered Clark County ss. that on this 28th day of December A.D. 1842 before the Subscriber the Probate Justice of the Peace in and for said County and a justice of the Probate Court personally came Preston B Armstrong who being first duly sworn upon his oath says that he is twenty nine years of age - that he is a grandson of Thomas and Mary Wilson - that he has always understood from the family that a portion of the Revolutionary Service of said Thomas Wilson was performed after his marriage to the said Mary - this deponent believes that his mother who is a daughter of said Thomas and Mary is upwards of fifty years of age and that the said Thomas and Mary had six children older than the deponent's mother. Subscribed and Preston B. Armstrong sworn to before me This 28th day of December A.D. 1842 Uri Mauls Probate Justice

Verity that Preston B. Armstrong who has day subscribed in sworn to the foregoing Deposition before me is a credible witness Given under my hand the 21. day of December A.D. 1842
Thos Mancy Notariate J.P.
State of Illinois Clark County ss I Darius Phillips Clerk of the County Commission certify and for said County do hereby that the Mancy in the Probate Justice of the Peace in and for said County was a officer Judge of the Probate Court of said County and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official Seal of said Court at Marshall the 21. day of December A.D. 1842. Darius Phillips C.P.

Elizabeth Wilson Affidavit " " " "
Ap 3
(No. 3)
H. J. Gacy H 22

Elizabeth Wilson of Woodford county Kentucky aged eighty six or seven years. Who after having been duly sworn according to law does upon her oath make the following statement in addition to a statement made by her some little time back in relation to the marriage of Thomas Wilson now dec d and his wife Mary Wilson who as she understands is an applicant for a Pension under the laws of the United States as well as the military services rendered by said Thomas Wilson dec d . In addition to the statement heretofore given she states upon her oath. That after the marriage of said Thomas and Mary Wilson. that said Thomas Wilson went out on military service several times to her knowledge how long he remained in the service she is unable to state but she knows he went frequently as a Soldier and she believes his service would include many months. She cannot now rem- ember the names of the Officers under whom he went. tho she thinks she knew the names of several of them which she has now forgotten.
Elizabeth Wilson

Commonwealth of Kentucky Woodford County to wit J. Fielding Davis one of the commonwealths Justices of the peace in and for the county of Woodford do hereby certify that the foregoing statement was duly sworn to and signed by Elizabeth Wilson the deponent in my presence and I further certify that said Elizabeth is a credible person given under my hand and seal this 16 th day of January 1843 Fielding Davis Seal

Commonwealth of Kentucky Woodford County To wit I Herman Bowman Clerk of the County Courts for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Fulford Davis whose name is annexed to the foregoing Certificate is one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit either in or out of this State and I do further certify that Henry Watkins and Lewis Young were two of the Common- wealth's Justices of the peace for said County during the year 1811 In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office the 19 th day of January 1843 and in the 51 st year of the Commonwealth — Herman Bowman Clerk

Elizabeth Wilson of the county of Woodford and State of Kentucky after having been duly sworn according to law on her oath makes the following statement That she is now upwards of Eighty years old she thinks eighty six or seven that she was born and raised in the State of Maryland that she is the widow of John Wilson now dec d who was the brother of Thomas Wilson also dec d whose widow Mary Wilson as she is informed and believes now resides in the State of Indiana and is as she is informed an applicant for the benefit of the laws of Congress giving remuneration for services rendered by her husband in the War of the Revolution That she was present at the marriage of said Thomas Wilson and said Mary Wilson which took place in the county of Montgomery in the state of Maryland more than sixty years ago the precise date she does not remember she lived in the neighborhood of said Thomas Wilson during the war of the Revolution and she recollects of his going out on military duty as a soldier in said War several times but she cannot now recollect how long he was absent at a time but she knows it must have been several months That said Thomas Wilson afterwards removed to the state of Kentucky and some years after she and her husband followed and both the Mr Wilsons lived in the county of Woodford and state of Kentucky up to the time of their death That she has frequently heard said Thomas Wilson speak of a great deal of service he had rendered as a soldier besides her own knowledge of service rendered by him That said Thomas Wilson has been dead many years given under my hand this 31 st day of October 1842 — Elizabeth Wilson mark
The foregoing statement of Elizabeth Wilson was taken subscribed and sworn to before the undersigned one of the Commonwealth's justices of the peace in and for the county of Woodford. Given under my hand and seal this 31 st day of October 1842 J. P. McAfford J. P. McAfford and said Elizabeth Wilson is a credible person

This day before the undersigned one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the county of Woodford personally appeared Thomas Wilson who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath say That the annexed papers marked A and B are the memorial and affidavit to which he alluded in the deposition made by him in this matter on the 12 th day of October A D 1842 and the signature to each of them of his father's name is in his father's hand writing viz the name Thomas Wilson. And this affiant further states that the memorial and affidavit has been in his possession ever since the death of his father. He further states that he is unable to say in whose hand writing the memorial and affidavit is
Thomas Wilson
This day Thomas Wilson personally appeared before the undersigned One of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the county of Woodford and made oath to the above statement and signed his name thereto in my presence. And I certify that the said Thomas Wilson is a credible person.
Given under my hand and seal this 9 th day of November 1842
J. M. Lite J.P.
State of Kentucky
Woodford County 3 rd Dist
I, Herman Bowman 3 rd  Dist of the Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Thomas McSaffry and James White Egan whose names are annexed to the foregoing Certificates are two of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said Office this 9 th day of November 1842
Herman Bowman J.P.

State of Indiana } Before the Subscriber a Vigo County }
Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared William Wilson who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is 63 years of age that he is a son of Thomas Wilson and Mary Wilson. The said Mary his mother who being a resident of Sullivan County in the State of Indiana and an applicant for a pension that he has often heard his said father speak of having descended the Ohio and Mississippi River in 1776 & 1777 to New Orleans for munitions of war that he has also heard his father the said Thomas Wilson and husband of the said Mary Wilson say in his lifetime that he had been a Lieutenant or Ensign (and of which office he said he held this deponent does not recollect) under general G. H. Clark in 1780 and that he had drawn land from the United States for that service that he has verbally understood from his father and the family that his father and mother lived in the State of Maryland in the forepart of the Revolution that his father owned a tract of land that is near Woodford County Kentucky that in 1778 he came out to look at or make some arrangement about it and while absent from home joined the troops of General Clark that his father was an old man when he died and he understood from him that he had been a soldier

in 1755 under Washington and Braddock previous to the war of the Revolution that this deponent has no recent doubt that his father was a Lieutenant or Ensign Under General Clark in the year aforesaid and that he has formed this opinion from his said fathers Statements in his lifetime
Sworn to before me this 24 day of July 1845
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Simpson Stark I believe him to be a man of veracity and a creditable witness Simpson Stark J.P.
State of Indiana
County of Vigo
I Charles T. Noble Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court do hereby certify that Simp- son Stark whose name is signed to the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the date of the foregoing Certificate an Acting Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are due and right to be given to all his official acts as such - And that his signature thereto I believe to be genuine
In witness whereof I hereto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at Terre Haute this 29th day of August A.D. 1845
(C. T. Noble Clerk)

Thomas Wilson of the county of Woodford and State of Kentucky under oath makes the following statement. That he is now in the Fifty fifth year of his age. That he is the son of Thomas Wilson now deceased who died in said county in the year 1812 and of Mary Wilson who now resides in the state of Indiana. That his father at his death had three several written discharges for Military services rendered by him to the United States or the State of Virginia. That one of those discharges was for Two years service One discharge for One years service and the other for service in descending the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and returning. The time it took he does not recollect nor the names signed to those discharges. He has often seen his father show those discharges to his friends and speak of the services rendered by him as a common Soldier. At the death of his father his papers fell into this affiants hands and he recollects of seeing the discharges frequently for twelve or fourteen years after his fathers death. But supposing them to be of no value he took little care of them and they are now so lost or mislaid that they cannot be found. This affiant has now in his possession a memorial to Congress to which is attached the names of John Smith and Thomas Wilson the name Thomas Wilson he knows to be in his fathers hand writing said memorial asks Congress to give them 1000 acres of land each as they alledge had been promised them for the trip to New Orleans. There is also in possession of this affiant an affidavit signed by his father and by two Justices of the peace for Woodford county taken a few months previous to his fathers death setting forth the facts of the trip to New Orleans and back to Wheeling with a cargo of Powder in the year 1777 and this affiant supposes the purposes of the memorial and affidavit were not prosecuted in consequence of his fathers death. 15 October 1842 Yours as ever Wilson

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Woodford county set This day Thomas Wilson personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the county of Woodford and made oath that the facts contained in the within affidavit were true to the best of his knowledge and belief and acknowledged the signature thereto to be his Given under my hand and seal this 13 th day of October 1842
J. White J.P. (seal)
State of Kentucky Woodford County } set
I Herman Roumer by Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do Certify that James White whose name is annexed to the foregoing Certificate is one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit either in or out of this State.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of my said Office this 11 th day of October 1842 and of the Commonwealth the 57 th year Herman Roumer by Clerk
State of Kentucky Woodford County Set
I Goodloe Carter presiding Justice of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid do Certify that Herman Roumer by whose name is annexed to the foregoing Certificate is Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid duly appointed and qualified as such and that his Certificate and attestation are in due form of law
Given under my hand and seal this 13 th day of October 1842. Goodloe Carter J.P. (seal)
5 3

a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Thos. Wilson name also spelled Wallson
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1 1762 Henry Burkhardt in the 1st regt. Royal American   2 1763 Armstrong   3 1764 Blayton   5 1780 Gen. Geo. R. Clarke   4 1776 & 1777 { Geo. Gibson in an expedition to New Orleans under authority of the State of Va.  
over
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, on Potomac River
Date of application for pension, Mar. 19 1842. Her claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Sullivan Co. Ind
Age at date of application, now July 4, 1751.
Remarks: Her name Mary Anderson in Dec. 1778. She died in Woodford Co. Ky. about 1812. She had the following children Alexander born Nov. 1779, Margaret born Apr. 1781, William born May 1783, Sarah born May 1785, Mary born Apr. 1789, Thomas born Nov. 1791, Anna born Nov. 1793. Patsy B. Armstrong son of Anna 29 yrs in 1822

There were so many discrepancies in the statements in this case that I only used Soldiers' Statement as to service.
omitted place of marriage (two given " date of death of Soldier June 25 1811, as he signed an affidavit in Nov. 7. 1811.
A. Wilson

1907. Apr. 20. Hist. to O. J. Field. Dept. of Justice Letter in Mid. File 4007 can Thos Wilson 1908. Mar. 25 Hist. to Stearns Wilson Mrs Amos G. Drake and
Rev WIDOW, &c.
27589
Mary Wilson Widow
Thos. Wilson
Brn. Rev. War
July 1836
Vol. A. Page 347
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Evidence of the service of Thomas Wilson, a Lieutenant in the Illinois Regt It does not relate to the case of Mrs Elizabeth Mary Wilson
The papers may be found in Mich. File 9007 Mary Widow of Lt. Chas Wilson

Depreciation Certificate
No 7

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 21 th day of July 1783 , in the name of Thomas Wilson as a Soldier of Infantry for £ 60. 14. 11 , which Certificate appears to have been delivered to himself and was given for services prior to the 1 st January 1782.
p 210.
{ No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 11 th day of February 184 3 .

Mr. Chaplin, of the more recent letter from Mr. Manly than the one now enclosed. I have somewhere in my papers. In that letter I know he says Mrs. Wilson is alive &c. Very truly Thos. D. D. D. Jan. 6th 1853

91
Washington June 29/52
Thos Lempkin
Rel. to the suspension of the claim of Mrs Mary Wilson by the Com. of Pensions &c
Chas. C. [unclear]
Ref'd to the Committee of Pensions for a Report. kept into July 2/52
Rec'd June 30/52
122

Washington, D.C. June 29th, '32
Sir, I have the honor to state that by direction from Mrs. Mary Wilson, of Indiana, widow of Thomas Wilson, who asserted her claim for a pension under the act of 4th July, 1836, and which has been suspended  registered for the reason that her husband's service was not fully established as Military, that she desires me to appeal from the decision of the Pension Office, and I have the honor to state that I have very carefully examined her case and am, with all due respect to the opinion of the Officer who exam d her case, fully convinced that the corps to which the said Thomas Wilson was attached  attached was one of a military character and not civil . This old lady is upwards of 100 years of age, and I trust that she may yet survive your decision giving her a pension.
I have the honor to be Sir, Very resp y , Your O bt Serv t Th. Lumpkin
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secy of the Dept. of the Interior

J. Cole Esq.
I enclose you the last letter from Mr. Manly to me. The one in which he states that she Mrs Wilson is upwards of 100 years old and alive rec d by me this Winter, ar- guing me to get the case acted upon, and asking me to telegraph him the result. I cannot lay my hand upon it. I do hope you will cause the certificate to be issued to day, for I should dislike very much to have to wait some weeks to get such testimony from her long or distant home. I shall pray you there- fore to rely upon this letter. Mr. Manly is a gentleman of high stan- ding.
In haste
Very truly
Th. D. Dromfkin
Jan 9 th 53

Department of the Interior Washington Jan'y 4 th 1832
Sir,
I have examined the testimony in the case of Mary Wilson an applicant for a pension under the Act of July 7 th 1835, and am of opinion that a service of two years at least, is sufficiently established and that therefore the claim should be allowed. You will please issue the certificate accordingly - the papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servant Alex D. A. Stuart
James C. Heath Esq. Commissioner Of Pensions
Secretary
* Should be 4 July 1836, says Mr. Cary, who wrote the above letter

Marshall Ills Dec. 16 th 1852
Dad w,
2 or 3 weeks I have been Confined to my room - you will of course be balanced due you - it shall be remitted the moment I can get out - In the name of common decency is that case of Wilson never to be allowed, never to be examined ?
You told me you was trying to find a MS. of manuscript book for Eliza Lunsford husband of Rev. M. of Mo., did you find it?
You have another case of mine a new one from Alabama, Crane I think it is - can you do any thing post. Write me.
Yours W. M. Crain

Washington, Aug. 30 th 1887.
Sir:
The claim of Elizabeth Wilson, for a Pension on account of the Revolutionary services of her late husband, Thomas Wilson, dec d , will, as I am informed, be submitted, specially, to your consideration. I beg leave to submit a few remarks in support of said claim.
It will be seen by an examination of the official correspondence in the case, that a part of the service claimed, to wit: the service in 1776 & 77, under Capt. Gibson and Lieutenant Lynn, in an expedition from Fort Pitt to New Orleans and back, has been admitted by the Pension Office to have been performed. (See Copy of letter of 4 th Aug. 1843, marked A.)
This service, however, has been rejected upon the ground that it was not " military service ." In the letter above referred to, it is affirmed , that Capt. Gibson and Lt. Lynn, were " Commissioners " on the part of Virginia, "dispatched to New Orleans to open a communication with that city and to obtain munitions of war and supplies for the western posts." In other words,

that the expedition was not of a military , but of a civil character. This I apprehend to be an error.
I have examined Hening's Statutes, and can find no authority for the appointment of "Commissioners" to go to New Orleans on any such expedition. If Virginia appointed any such Commissioners, the appointment must have been made by virtue of some law, or some authority given by the legislature, authority . I am totally at loss to conceive, upon what authority the former Commissioners of Pensions affirmed that Gibson & Sime acted as Civil Commissioners, and not as military officers in said expedition. All the facts known, in relation to said service, clearly conflict with any such hypothesis.
Gibson & Sime were both military officers, and in the military service of Virginia at the time. Fort Pitt was at the time head quarters of the Western forces, from which point many military expeditions down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers were fitted out. The officer in command at Fort Pitt had the supreme authority and control over all the military posts

below, by virtue of an act of the Legislature, to which I will furnish you a reference. (I have not Jennings Statutes now before me).
Said Thomas Wilson and John Smith, in their petition to Congress in 1811-(on file) clearly describe their service as military service , performed under an enlistment . They had no interest, at that time , in misrepresenting the character of their service.
Said Thomas Wilson, in his deposition (attached to said petition) also describes said service as military service .
In short, I feel satisfied that on an examination of the case you will be convinced, that the objection that said service was not of a military character, rests alone on a bare assumption of yours of years predecessor, unsupported by any evidence, and in direct conflict with all the known facts relating to the subject.
Mrs. Wilson is still living, and very old and infirm, as I am informed. Under these circumstances, please excuse me for being as sketchy and

examination of her case as practica- ble.
I am, very respectfully &c.
A. V. Coombs
J. E. Heath Esq.
Comm r of Pensions,
1 C

Jas. E. Heath, Esq.
born of Penniens.

(Copy)
Pension Office August 4 th 1843
Gentlemen.
In reply to your enquiry respecting the Condition of the Claim of Mary Wilson of Indiana, I would inform you that it is based upon the service of her late husband as a hand on board a Boat which descended the Mississippi in 1776 under Gibson and Linn, who were despatched to New Orleans to open a Communication with that City and to obtain Munitions of War and supplies for the Western ports.
In 1811 her husband and John Smith (another hand in the boat) petitioned Congress for Land in Consideration of the said Service, and set forth all the important facts necessary to determine the Character of their engagement and Service. These facts are Confirmed (as far as such a publication is evidence) by Butler's history of Kentucky in 1834 lately transmitted to this office by Mr. Manly.
The Pension laws contemplate a service under Military obligations and the penalties of the Law Martial in an authorised and embodied Corps. From the foregoing statement you will readily perceive that there is no ground whatever for a Claim of Pension

based upon her husband's employment on board the boat which conveyed the Virginia Commissioners to New Orleans.
It is proper to remark that this claim has been the subject of repeated correspond- ence with Mr. Manly and others and notwithstanding the repeated and decided rejection of it upon the known facts of that enterprise, confirmed by her husband's own statement in 1811, Mr. Manly perseveres in pressing it upon the Department.
I am Gentlemen,
Very respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant, J. L. Edwards.
(Signed)
Messrs A. & J. E. Wendell, Present.

FREE
Hon. G. A. Wright A.R. Washington City D.C.

Marshall Ga
Feb 16 th 1844
Sir: Although not personally known to you I trust you will excuse me for disturbing you -
Dr. Odom of the House has presented the petition of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson of Sullivan Co. Ind. for a Pension. The claim was rejected by the Pension office on the grounds that the service was not performed in a military capacity . It is unnecessary for me to direct your attention to memorable services performed by Col. Linn of Virginia in 1776-7 in going down the Mississippi for munitions of war and would only say that Thomas Wilson the claimants husband was one of his company -

It does seem to me Sir that if ever a meritorious claim was presented to Congress that of Mrs. Wilson is one - I was employed by her to prosecute her claim before the Pension office as she lives in the adjoining County to this -
I shall feel much gratified if the case should meet your approbation as I doubt not it will after your examination
Very Respectfully Yours sincerely W. Manly
Hon. J. A. Myhre

Washington D.C. March 8th, 1850
Sir,
Mrs Mary Wilson of Indiana, widow of Thomas Wilson, made an application for a pension under the Act of 4th July, 1836. Her case was not allowed, and the objections to its admission, I understand from my constituent Mr. Manly of Ill., were certainly untenable. The service is objected to as not Military, i.e. a part of the said service, but there are witnesses sustaining Mr. Wilson's allegation  assertion that he had served in other capacities sufficient to entitle her to a pension. You will please cause a review of this case and the report of the result made to me.
I have the honor to be, Hon. J. D. Edwards, Sir, Very resp'y, Commr. of Pensions. Your Ob. Servt. J. R. Manning

Sept 8. 1896.
Admiral for care
Mary Wilson.
Miss
Love
J. L. Edwards Esq
2
Court of Sessions

Sir,
Washington D.C. 7 Sept 1846
We have the honor to present the enclosed additional testimony in the case of Mrs Mary Wilson of Thomas Wilson of Illinois, and to request an early examination of the claim.
We are very resp s
Jr M c Girt J L & A H c Smith
J L Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

no papers on file
The papers are here enclosed.
L. Esmond
Esq.
Ad. to H. Smith Esq.
Present

Sir
We enclose additional evidence in the case of Mary Wilson of 1107.
Most respectfully
T. L. & A. P. Smith
15 th July 1846
J. L. Edwards Esq

Mary Wilson
filia 1, 7d & a 2 Smith
Offences. • Marshall W. Maudy Esq.

Richmond, June 17 th 1826
W. Mauley Esq:
Dear Sir:
I regret to inform you that as yet, I can find no evidence, to identify Tho s Wilson. You say, that there is indubitable testimony to show that he went, in 1776-7, down the Mississippi, under Cap t Sigm d & S t Gibson, for munitions of war. Will you inform me where that evidence is to be found? I have carefully examined "Hennings's Statutes at Large" which contain an accurate transcript of every act & Resolution of the General Assembly from 1775 to 1783, but cannot find any law or resolution on the subject. I find in those Statutes, that the Legislature, in 1778, created the County of Illinois, and directed that a military force of 500 men, consisting of volunteers & detachments from the Militia, should be sent there to protect the Inhabitants. In the same, I find also that an act passed in 1780, directing the Governor & Council to settle the accounts with the Officers and men. I have examined the Executive Journal, and find no order concerning Tho s Wilson. There was a S t Geo e Wilson of the Illinois Regiment. I have also examined in the Auditor's Office, all the accounts under the head of the Illinois Regiment, and find no such name. It is possible, if you can refer me to the evidence referred to above, relative to the trip down the Mississippi, it may furnish me with a clue to further investigation —

I have carefully examined a report made by John Smith, who was appointed a Commissioner to investigate the claims of all the Officers and privates of the V th State & Continental line. In that report he sets forth all the names of the Officers & Soldiers of the Illinois Regiment, who had received Bounty Land, or were entitled to Bounty land per service, in that Regiment. But no such name as Tho s Wilson appears in that Regiment. In a Book, entitled "Illinois papers" I have found several Rolls of Militia, who were called out to aid Genl. Clarke, and in the Rolls of Militia from Lincoln County , now in Ky, then in Virginia. I find the names of Tho s Geo. Jr o John s , Henry & W m Wilson. I have no doubt they were all brothers or nearly related. In the roll of Cap t . John Boyle's Co. of Militia of Lincoln County , who were called out to perform a tour of duty at the falls of Ohio, under the command of Maj r . Hugh Magary, pursuant to Col l Benjamin Logan's order, I find the name of Tho s Wilson. He entered on 28 th May, 1782 & was discharged on 18 June. I find Tho s Wilson's name also in Roll of Militia from same County, under Cap t . Simon Canton in expedition against the Indians. He and Henry Wilson entered that Company on 23 Oct 1782 and were discharged 23 Nov. 31 days in service for which each recd. $21.00. I have no doubt therefore, that Tho s & Tho s Wilson was near akin to the others. It was a numerous family then

living in Lincoln County , and having thus ascertained his residence , it is possible you may finally be able to identify her.
I shall continue to investigate the subject and if I succeed, will certainly inform you, without delay.
I have laboured hard in this case, and regret that I have not been able to succeed. It has cost me nearly
4 days hard work.
Yours most respectfully, S. H. Parker.

Nov 21 45
Sir I hand you an informal paper in relation to the claim of the widow of M c Wilson a Lieut. in Col. Col. Rgt. of the Va. State Line. The case is attended by some mystery, but yet I believe it may be made clear. It has husband rec d land from Va. in 1811. as Lieut. in that Rgt. As no other person of that name is found upon the rolls, it will go far favourably for the present claim.
Yours Truly Respectfully H. H. Lybrand
See Wad File 9007
Le Escrow Mary and Lt Thos Wilson

Marshall Ill. Nov. 19. 1857
My Sir.
I do not yet hear from Mr. Wilson can - I suppose you are waiting to hear from Genl. Butler.
Mr. W. has now lived over 100 years and she can not afford to wait much longer, for her claim -
Her claim had only the merits of a Galpin it would go through - but her husband was on our side of controversy -
This pension business is rather unapplied affair - I have at present no prospect of getting hold of any of the claims named in your lists - send me through Col. Sickels, the printed lists when out
Yours Respectfully

I am well & acquainted with Mr. Manly Eng. of Marshall Clark & Co. He is a gentleman of high standing & is now a member of the Ohio's Legislature Tenn. Jan 5. 1852
O.B. Fitch
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

A Manly End

Marshall 266 Jan. 17. 1844
Dear Sir. I take the liberty to enclose you the Petition of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson of your County and to request that you will present it to the House. I thought it should be presented as by you because she is a resident of your district & your County - I wrote a few days ago to Judge Breese of the Senate in relation to this claim - Mr. Lickel of the House to whom I have written on the subject will render you all the assistance in his power. If Judge Breese has not presented the papers or with as soon they come from the Pension office - I wish you to obtain them in order to present them with the Petition. I hope you will excuse me for putting you to do

much trouble but I do assure you Sir that this claim ought to be allowed - no more meritorious claim was ever presented to your body -
Respectfully J. H. S. D.
W. M. G.
Hon. John W. Davis H. R.

Aug 8 43.
Mr. J. P. Edwards Esqr Court of Sessions

Washington Aug 2 d 1843
Dear Sir,
Mr U Manly requests us to enquire into the claim of Mrs Mary Wilson, widow of S. Wilson, of Indiana. He says the papers are all on file in the Pension Office.
Will you please inform us how the claim of Mrs Wilson stands? What is necessary in the evidence?
We are requested also by John M McCaleb Esqr of Lexington Ky to respectfully call your attention to the claims of Mrs Young, Jenkins, Craig, Andrews , and one other, for pensions. He says the papers in these cases were sent you some months since, and it will be a favor to him if you will attend to them immediately.
Very respectfully Your Ob dt Serv t A & J E Kendall
J L Edwards Esqr Comm r of Pensions

Elizabeth Wilson widow of Thomas
Brief
J. V. Gault

Claim of Elizabeth Wilson, widow of Thomas Wilson, decd. for Pension under Act of 4 th July 1836
Brief.
In this case three declarations have been made by the claimant (N o 1, 2 & 3) which do not, however, materially differ from each other.
It will be seen, as well by the widow's declarations, as by other papers in the case, that said Thomas Wilson served in the French war prior to the Revolution, and in the Indian wars afterwards. It is possible, therefore, that in the various accounts given by the widow, in her extreme old age (she is now living and over a century old) - she may have confounded some of his services before the commencement of the Revolution, with service during that war. I have no doubt that his first enlistment, on the Potomac River, of which she speaks in declaration N o 1, was previous to the commencement of the Revolutionary war.
She however distinctly claims for a good deal of service rendered during the war of the revolution, all of which was rendered on the Western frontiers.
She distinctly sets forth and claims for service in 1776 & 1777, under Capt. Geo. Gilson & Lieutenant Sim, in an expedition for military supplies, from Fort Pitt to New Orleans and back - which was before her marriage.

She also distinctly claims for one tour of service in 1780, under Genl. George Rogers Clarke at the Falls of the Ohio, and in that vicinity, which was after her marriage. Also, for other tours of duty after her marriage but which are not specifically described.
I claim that a pension ought to be allowed, for the following service, at least .
1 st For the service claimed to have been performed in 1776 & 1777 under Capt. Gibson & St. Sim.
2 d For at least one tour of duty under Genl. Clark, in 1780.
The service in 1776 & 1777, under Gibson & Sim, has been uniformly been admitted by the Pension Office to have been performed, but its military character has been disputed. (See copy of a letter from the Pension Office of 4 th August 1843, marked A.)
In the letter above referred to, it is affirmed that Capt. Gibson and St. Sim were commissioners on the part of Virginia, "despatched to New Orleans to open a communication with that City, to obtain munitions of war, and supplies for the Western ports." In other words, that the expedition was of a civil and not of a military character.
Now if Gibson and Sim were acting as mere commissioners , and in a civil capacity, they must have acted under the authority of some law or resolution of the Legislative branch of the Government. It is impossible to conceive of such an expedition having

been performed under civil authority merely, without being in some manner authorized or provided for by the Legislature. Fortunately we have in that very comprehensive work, "Hennings Statutes at large," a full and complete re- cord of all the acts and resolutions of the Legis- lative body of that date. I have examined this work thoroughly, and can find no authority for the appointment of " Commissioners " to go upon any such expedition, nor any act or resolu- tion providing for any such expedition, or ma- king the remotest allusion to it. This fact alone, I regard as conclusive, that the expedition was not of a civil character.
But this is not all. The hypothesis that Gibson & Sims, were Commissioners , and in the perform- ance of civil duties, is in direct conflict with the evidence upon which the performance of this tour of duty has been admitted .
The only direct evidence of the performance of this tour of duty, is the petition to Congress, signed by said Thomas Wilson and John Smith, in 1811, and the affidavit of said Thomas Wilson attached to the same.
In said petition they clearly describe the service to have been military , and performed under an enlistment . They had no interest at that time , long before the passage of any pension laws under which they could claim, in misrepresenting the character of their services.
Capt. Gibson and St. Sims are well known to have been military officers , acting under the authority of the State of Virginia, on the Western frontier.

In the account given of this expedition in Batters History of Kentucky (pages 155 & 156) there surely is nothing to indicate that it was a civil rather than a military expedition.
If, therefore, you should be satisfied that this service was military (as I doubt not you will be) - it follows that the claimant is entitled to a pension; for the fact of its performance is not contravened. I admit the evidence does not show how long the parties were engaged in this expedition. We only know that they started down the river in 1776, and returned in 1777. The time could not, in the nature of things, have been less than six months .
The marriage in 1778 I believe has never been disputed by the Pension Office. It is proved by the positive testimony of James Armstrong, who was present at the marriage. (See his deposition attached to declaration N o 1)
This witness testifies positively that said Wilson was out in the revolutionary war one tour - (and he thinks a second) after the marriage. This was the tour under Genl. Clark in 1780. The witness does not state how long the tour was - but I believe there were no enlistments in the state line for less than one year . The depreciation certificate , given for service as a soldier of Infantry in the state line - (Genl. Clark's Regt. was of the state line) - was doubtless given for this service. The amount £60.4.11 would pay for nearly two years service. I think it highly probable that he served in Genl. Clark's

Regiment one term before , and another after the marriage, and that the pay for both terms is embraced in the same certificate. Mrs. Wilson in her declaration No. 2, alleges that he served under Gen. Clark in 1780, and also speaks of his having participated in events which occurred as early as the Fall of 1777.
The other evidence in the case which I have not above referred to, is principally of a traditional character, which although it does not amount to positive evidence of service, is important as corroborating evidence, and to identify the husband of the plaintiff claimant with the soldier whose services are proved by the record evidence.
Before concluding I would remark, that some evidence has been filed in the case, relating to the services of a Thomas Wilson who served as a Lieutenant under Genl. Clark, and received land in the Illinois grant. I admit that this evidence clearly refers to another man, and is in no way applicable to this case. I have thereupon selected out such evidence as relates to the service of said Lieutenant Thomas Wilson , and enclosed them in a separate envelope, that they may not produce confusion in the examination of the case.
I claim that the evidence of service under Gibson & Sime, (which has heretofore been admitted ), and the service in Gen. Clark's
see claim No. 12-907 St. Moe Wilson - papers there

Moved by the Marol testimony of Armstrong and others, and by the disprecat o ns Certificate of the Auditor of Virginia, establish more than two years service, and consequently that the claimant is entitled to a full pension of $8 00 per annum.
Very respectfully submitted J. L. Coombs

Feb 2 o 43
Mr.
Mary Wilson
Edward Ely
Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Hon. G. G. Bailey W.D.

House of Reps
Feb 1 st 1843
Sir
Please examine the enclosed paper and inform me of the result.
Yam most att Servt
J. Clegg
J. L. Edwards Esq Commit. of Pensions }

Feb 16 1848 H M FEB 14
Mr. Cane
Mary Wilson Nephew
Edwards Esq Pension agent War Department Washington
Edwards Esq

Auditors Office V a .
Sir
I enclose you the within Certificate at the request of Mr J. Harlan of the State of Illinois.
Very respectfully
J. E. Heath

Marshall Ill. 23 d Febr y 1843
Sir. We have the honor to enclose an additional affidavit of Mrs. Wilson in the case of Mrs. Mary Wilson widow of Thomas Wilson of Ind. We hope this proof with that already adduced may be conclusive
Very Respectfully M. B. Roberts Gorham & Wm. Wm.
Hon. J. L. Edwards

No. 8.
55
J. Harlan Ely Marshall Illinois

Auditors Office Va
14 Feb. 1843
Sir
James Thomas Wilson was a soldier in the Virginia state line, and settled his account at this office in person - of which fact I shall immediately transmit an official certificate to Mr Edwards.
Very resp'y
Yrs J. H. Heath

5 Sep 1842
Mr. Allison
Mail
FREE
J. L. Edwards, Esq u , Comm te of Pensions, Washington City, D. C.
9.4

Land Office, Annapolis, 2 nd Sept r , 1842.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30 th ultimo, I have to inform you, that I have very carefully examined the muster and pay rolls of the Revolution in this office, and they afford no evidence of the service of Thomas Willson, - His name does not appear upon any of the rolls of the Maryland Continental troops.
I am very respectfully, Y r obed t Serv t , G. G. Brown,
J. L. Edwards, Esq d ,

No 5561 Mar 31. 1842
India
July 4. 1836
Stanley
James L Edwards Comr. Pension
Washington City
Hon. J. M c Roberts Senate

Washington City March 30. 1842
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm. Pensions
Sir Please examine the inclosed application of a pension, and let me know the result Yours obt Sam. M c Roberts

Eliza Wilson Papers
Petition of Eliza Leeth Wilson of Indiana asking a pension in right of her late husband Thomas Wilson
with "Butler's Kentucky"
Feb 6. 1844 referred to com on matter on revolutionary Pen
signs — March 18. 1844 — Mr. to lie 1210 be particular in journalizing this to mention the book!
J. W. Davis

Pension Office, February 2. 1844.
Sir,
I have the Honor to enclose herewith the original papers of Mrs Mary Wilson, widow of Thomas Wilson, deceased, and also Butler's History of Kentucky. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the Book, as well as the papers, which are numbered from 1 to 8 inclusive.
My letter of the 4 th of August last to Messrs A. & J. E. Kendall, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, will shew why the claim has not been admitted at this Office.
I have the Honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Ob t Servant, J L Edwards
Hon. Sidney Breese, Senate U States.

Jan 24 1844
Lianey Bruce
The W h ilamite Indians of the Cowlitz River Washington City
St. Helens Creek Columbia R.

Senate Chamber
Wash g City
Jan. 23. 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions -
Sir. I am requested to apply at your office to withdraw the papers filed therein by Thomas Wilson of Indiana for a Pension, with a view of presenting his case to Congress. I wish also to withdraw the "History of Kentucky" files with them. Will you please send them to me at your earliest convenience with a note, stating the grounds on which you decided he was not entitled to a pension.
Very respect l y,
Henry Breese

Senate chamber
Wash. city
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Jan. 29. 1844
Sir.
I received your letter this evening with a copy of the letter you addressed to the Hon. Mr. Raper on the subject of Thomas Wilson's claim to a Pension - They are not the papers I enclose - nor the case - The Thomas Wilson whom I am asking for, transported powder from New-aleans to Louisville or Pittsburgh during the Revolutionary war for which he claims compensation. The petition is ready to be presented and only awaits the papers from you to mean -
Yrs. copy.
Henry Breese
(over)

P.S. To avoid mistake I enclose you the the letter of Mr. Manly, which gives a full view of the case of Wilson - It seems he is dead & his widow Elizabeth Wilson applies - Please
return this enclosed letter to me.
I will thank you to hasten a decision in the case of Mrs. Murphy of Missouri, for a certificate - she will die before she gets it, if much longer delay intervenes -
Respy.
L.B.

Hon. J. L. Edwards. Cont. of Pension Washington D. C.

Marshall Ill. 17. Aug. 42.
Sir. I have the honor to enclose you the letter of P. B. Armstrong Gov. of Ill. - place In case the Department refuse to recognize him as agent for pensioners he Mr. Armstrong wishes that I may be informed of the situation of Mrs. Wilson's claim and of what proof is wanting if any - Mr. A. is a man totally unacquainted with business but a very honest upright man. I have to ask that his request may be complied with. I know nothing of the justice of Mr. Wilson's claim but if she has a meritorious one it would be unfortunate that she should be deprived of its benefit by having been imposed on by any one - I do not suppose Congress intended to give Mr. C. an annuity for life or for the life of another. Resp. Wm. Muncy

Chas. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Delegates Washington City D.C.

Marshall Ill. 17. Aug. 1912
Sir - Some months ago I employed Joshua P. Cooper of this place to prosecute the claim of my Grandmother Mary Wilson of Sullivan County Ind for a pension under the act of 4. July '36. It was the agreement that Mr. Cooper was to have one half the amount that she might be allowed and to continue for her life if such a claim should be allowed her. My Grandmother is over 90 years of age - was one of the first settlers of Kentucky and is I think entitled to a pension. I wish to be informed whether the Department will or does recognize Mr. Cooper as attorney or agent for her or not or whether any attention will be paid to communication from him on the subject of her claim -

I wish this information in order that if no attention is paid to Mrs. Communication that she may employ some other person to complete the proof. I wish to be written to at Mon hall etc
Very Respectfully Yr. obed Servt
P. B. Armstrong

H. Knapp Wed Jan. 28 th Sent to Com. of Pleasures for the paper of Wilson same day -
H. Knapp Jan. 28 - paper of Wilson for - Wilson U.S. Wilson -

Marshall Dec. 13. Jan. 1862
Dear Sir. Your kind favor of 31. Dec. is received - I shall be glad to avail myself of your kindness & aid in the matter of a Mr. Wilson of Indiana -
The case is this. Thomas Wilson was a soldier of the Revolution - in 1776-7. he went to St. Orleans by authority of the State of Virginia to purchase powder of the Spanish - said to have promised 2,000 acres of land for the 2 trips & to obtain the land he in 1812 petitioned or made out a petition to present to Congress but died before its presentation This Petition confirmed by the statement of a Mr. John Smith is on file in the Pension office. You will find all the papers on file in that office together with a History of Kentucky in which the very trip & John Smith's agency in it is referred to. The commissioners of Pensions say that he is not authorized to claim a pension for this service - as it is not of such a character as was contemplated by Law - In the Petition Wilson alleges he had under general

G. R. Clark in 1780 while it was into factory period. so it is clear that the hazard of a trip to N. Orleans at that period was very great and regarded with astonishment by the historian. It was for many years of war for the defense of our borders and suffering frontiers.
I do not wish you to use its allowance at the Pension office but simply to write down the papers from the files & examine them if you can spare the time & if you think the case is meritorious on present it to Congress. hundreds of such cases are allowed every year & I feel well assured that no case has or had stronger claims than the - Congress should order her name to be placed at the pension Roley Indiana at $80 a year from 4 March 1831 until the 4 July 1836. The only earthly objection raised by the Commissioners of Pensions is that the claim was not in a military capacity . As all events in a fighting capacity

and it seems to me precisely such a case as should be provided for by act of Congress.
Your attention to the enclosed paper on me a favour not soon to be forgotten
Very Resp.
Yours
(Chas. M. Kelly)
Please with draw the Lib. Int. & T. J. & keep it if you negotiate now the keeping. O.K.M.
The widow's name is Elizabeth Wilson

Act 4 July 36.

J. L. Edwards Esq Coun. of Burians cty of Washington DC

Marshall No. 23 d May 1943
Sir, I am not disposed to be troublesome in Mr. Wilson's case but believing as I firmly do that She has a meritorious claim and that She has a right to make such suggestions by her attorney to the Department as she may deem expedient I am induced to her request again to write you and to send you Butts' History of Ky. and refer you to pages 155 & 156. It seems to me that the expedition might or might not have been in the military. I suppose the understanding of the Government of Virginia would shed some light on the subject and for that purpose I have written to the Secretary Mr. Heath. Does not the estate of Wilson in 1841 so far to prove her claim under Genl. Clark especially to the interest in her claim with other strong corroborating proof? I was made to at a time when she could not have known the use of it. Respectfully J. B. McCreary 2 L Edm. S. G.

Luc O'Brien M c Lyhede
Washington City

Marshall M.
11. Feb. 45
Dear Sir,
I have no doubt but you are heartily now out with my frequent letters. I know I trouble you too much - in two instances - I then & you a letter in relation to Thomas Watson - or perhaps it was no relation to the claim of his mother. There is something outrageous about it. Thomas the husband of the applicant was healthy & quite respectable. He swore in 1821 that he had been under claim in 1780.
and he swore the truth. He is clearly identified with the claimant - but he did not state his claim . Is not the same who received these lands? In 1821 he was not asking for land for services under claim but for services to N. Orleans in 1776-7 and seems to have mentioned the services in 80 incidentally & to enhance the value of his claim generally -

If the Patented of these Lands can be shown to have been at the time a citizens of Woodford Co. Ky (as he was) and that no other Shornes written than the widow of the applicant resided there a mile or so far to show the identity. Perhaps these speculators for such they are as having her yet living in Phil a & can shed some light on the matter. If the old woman is entitled to any pensions for her services has not otherwise.
Yours
W. Minig
H. H. Sylvester Esq.

Elizabeth Mary Wilson widow of Thomas Wilson Act 1838. Indiana
Filed by J. L. & A. H. Smith
(No 2.)

State of Indiana } f. Sullivan County }
Be it remembered that on this 29 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mary Wilson a resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Statement - That she claims the benefit of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7. 1838, March 3 rd 1843, June 17- 1844. and the joint Resolution of the 23 rd January 1845. - That in the year of 1842, one Joshua P. Cooper of Marshall Illinois, made out for her a Declaration, which was read to her by him, but whether he read it correctly to her or not, she is unable to say - she can neither read nor write - That she is ninety seven or ninety eight years old, that her memory is quite frail and she finds it impossible to give a very exact account of events which took place so long ago - and that she is the widow of Thomas Wilson who was a soldier of the War of the Revolution - That she cannot give a full history of her husband's service in the war prior to 1780 - That had her husband lived to this time, he would have been over one hundred years old - he was a soldier under Washington and Braddock in the war of 1755. - That he was in the service of the United States nearly all the time of the Revolutionary War. - That she is very confident that her husband was a soldier under General Clark in 1780 - That he often told her so during his lifetime - That he has often told her that in the year 1783 or 1784 she and her husband removed to the state of Kentucky

when her husband died in 1811 or 1812 - That she has often understood and heard him distinctly say, that he was a recruiting officer and engaged in the recruiting service - and has par- ticularly heard him speak of enlisting two Irish- men who were servants to a story - but she is not able to say at what particular period he was thus engaged, - That he did not join Clark's Regiment in the state of Maryland last that he was at the falls of the Ohio and there joined General Clark as she has often heard him say - That he had come out to Kentucky to look at some land he had previously obtained - That her said husband also per- formed two trips down the Mississippi river for Munitions of War under Col. Gibson & Lieutenant Lynn in 1776 and 1777. - That shortly before he died he had some papers prepared in order to obtain a grant of land, which had been promised him as he said - That he started to go to the City of Washington, but for some cause or other returned without going to the City - That she is very poor, old and frail of body and mind, and looks upon it as a great hardship that after buffeting the storms of life for near a century, - her husband having spent twenty years of the prime of his life in the service of his Country, before, during and after the Revolution - that her Country should refuse her a small pension - She is able to speak with certainty and positiveness when she says that her husband was under General Clark in 1780 in the Illinois expedition, has heard him tell of the taking of Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Post Vincent from the French and Indians in that year she verily believes that her hus- band was an officer of some kind in that expedition -

Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year first above written —
her Mary Wilson mark
Ishmael Dilley J.P.
I certify that I have very carefully read the foregoing statement of the above named Mary Wilson before me was sworn to it and signed it — that I personally ac- quainted with her, that she is old and frail of mind, but of unimpeach- able character for truth and veracity that she seems fully to understand the above statement
Ishmael Dilley J.P.
State of Indiana County of Sullivan ss 3 Det.
I Henry H Wilson Clerk
of the Sullivan Circuit Court do hereby certify, that Ishmael Dilley Esquire, is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court hereto affixed, this 8 th day of January A.D. 1846,
Henry H Wilson (Clerk) Sullivan Circuit Court

The Affidavit of Thomas Wilson given before us two of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Woodford and State of Kentucky as to the Identity of a certain John Smith's Person and a claim which the Said Smith has against the United States for Services rendered in the years 1776 and 1777 taken this 7 th day of November 1811 —
This affiant states that the above Said John Smith volunteered himself in the Service of the United States of America under the Command of Captain George Gibson and Lieutenant William Lynn in an expedition down the Rivers Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans under the authority of the State of Virginia to commence a trade with Spain, and this Affiant states that John Smith's Person he can safely identify that there is no earthly doubt as to his Serving in

5th. Above mentioned Company at the same time and under the same orders and that he moreover rendered active and faithful services during our tour down and up the Rivers aforesaid to his Country under the sanguine expectation of Receiving for a compensation one thou- -sand acres of Land above his com- -mon pay, as this affiant, believing from the repeated promises of Capt Gibson and Lieut. Dymn. This affiant further States that he returned with the Said John Smith in the year 1777 to Wheeling on the Ohio River at which place the  they deposited a Cargo of Powder purchased by Capt Gibson of the Spaniards for the benefit of the United States. and this affiant firmly believes and declares that the as John Smith from the arduous servi- ces rendered was and still is

entitled from Government in Justice to the exclusive reward of an 1000 acres of Land as above Stated by this Affiant for the faith- ful discharge of his duty as a Soldier in the years 1776 & 1777
Thomas Wilson
The above Affidavit was duly Subscri- bed and Sworn to before us this 7th day of November 1831
Henry Watkins Lewis Young
Jas Lee Pools 12/1 Paul

To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives In Congress of the United States of America assembled The petition of Thomas Wilson and John Smith Citizens of the State of Kentucky, County of Woodford Humbly complaining sheweth to your Honors that from late publications your petitioners are induced to hope that the honorable Congress have not lost sight of that justice due to the unfortunate Veterans who have sacrificed their youth full lives to constitutions in the service of their country & for which they have received no kind of remun- eration or sort of adequate compensation, we your humble petitioners are therefore induced to lay be- fore your Honorable body the following statement of facts which will be accompanied
with documents, (to wit) that your petitioner Wilson In the about the year 1762. served in the American war under the command of Col o Henry Bouquet & in the 60 th Regiment of the Royal Americans. Also under the command of Col o Armstrong in the year 1763 against the Indians. — Also under Col o Clayton in the year 1764. in the service against the Indians, — Also under General George A. Clark. In the year 1780. in a similar service — Moreover your petitioner, as aforesaid, & your petitioner John Smith beg leave to humbly represent that in the the dates of 1776 & 1777. they were enlisted to defend the river Ohio & Mississippi, to Orleans on the purpose of government. & by the authority of the State of Virginia & under the command of the States George Gibson. & Col o  Stearns , that after a long &

Parsons Journey the great object of this Tour was effected. A large quantity of powder brought to whaling which in a good degree proved the sincerity & intention of that dangerous frontier for which services they were most solemnly promised a bounty of one thousand acres of Western Lands. for each individual but such has been the fate that a course of events has produced to the injury of your petitioners that they have never been able to receive an acre of bounty lands for those various & arduous services which consumed the flower of their Lives, but they are now encouraged to hope, that the Justice of this cause will excite the consideration of your Honorable body, & as The means of effect are now amiss that they
simple justice will be in their power Petitioners, as in duty bound they will remain
Thomas Wilson
John Smith mark
no 2
A

Lee M
FREE
Job 33:43 J. L.
Mary Nelson
Ms.
Edwards Esq. Covt of Pensions Washington City
7

Marshall No. 25 th January 1843
Sir: We had the honor to transmit on the 38 th inst. some proofs in the case of Mrs. Mary Wilson widow of Thomas Wilson of Ind. he as not since what proof had been produced when we had been employed to prosecute the claim. In your letter to Mr. Hunt on the subject of date Sept 6. 1842 you say. "The testimony on file as to his service is not sufficient. nor is the period of the marriage established to the satisfaction of the department as having taken place before the last period of his service ."
The ancient document & deposition of Thomas Wilson and John Smith were sent to you on 16 th November as we forwarded on the 24 th inst. a certificate showing that the justices who administered the oaths to Wilson & Smith were such justices during the year 1841 makes the proof of Smith so to substantiate the claim of the widow. Elizabeth Wilson whose statements have been forwarded speaks positively not only of his service but of its having taken place after the marriage .

he would suppose there documents having been executed more than 32 years ago at a time when the widow's claim could not of course have been in contemplation would have great weight not only as traditional but as positive proof we hope the proofs already admitted may be sufficient to entitle the widow under the Act of 4 July 1836 for will be obvious that as the old Lady can not be as that she was married after the Service was performed that she is in effect barred from the benefits of the Act of 7 July 1838
Very Respectfully
Alan & Manly
J. S. Edwards Esq.

aff Mary Miller
FREE
Edward S. 8 Cust. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Marshall No 28. March 43
Sir. In your letter of 18 th inst you say I have offered the proof of a man who served more than 6 years in support of a claim where it is only alleged that he served two trips as a Boatman & against the Indians in 1780 I have nothing more to say as to Mr. Wilson's claim - I only wrote to correct a mistake into which you have fallen in relation to my offering such proof - You referred me to proof from the Auditor of Va. I wrote him and stated that Wilson alleged service under General Clark in 1780. He wrote me the letter which I had the honor to enclose you I did not then and  what  proof the Auditor's certificate showed had supposed it was applicable to the claim submitted. I hope to be excused for writing this explanation as it needs no answer as I do not wish to be considered as offering proof of the man's service in support of the claim of an

other man of the same name
Respectfully
Wm Mundy
J. L. Edwards

J. L. Edwards Esq. Att. of Pension

Marshall Ill. 26 th Feb 43
Sir. I hope I may not be considered troublesome but I must be permitted to say that I think the inferences to be drawn from the Memo- rial of Thomas Wilson to Congress are rather favorable to the supposition that he did leave after after his trip to N. Orleans then against him - It must be recollected that at the time of the making the Petition in 1844 there was no Law providing for Mr. Wilson's pension - he did not even ask for a pension. he placed his claim upon the ground of a special contract with officers of the U. States, who were, as he supposed, authorized to make it. For the 2 trips to N. Orleans he claims an allowance of Land as had been promised him. In that Memorial he places no reliance upon the fact that he served in 1780 under Seal Cloak but seems clearly to have mentioned that fact incidentally

If Mr. Wilson had been claiming a pension for the services rendered by him he would probably have been as explicit as he was in stating an account of his two trips to St. Croix for which he is claiming the performance of a contract. Mr. Wilson could not have thought it necessary to give a statement of services for which he was not asking compensation.
Respectfully
A. M. May
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Mar. 3 rd 1843
Mr.
John Brown Mary
FREE
Edwards Esq. Clerk of Reception Washington City D.C.

Marshall Ill. 24 th Feb. 1845
Sir. In your letter to me of the 4 th ultimo you say in speaking of Mrs. Wilson's case 20 is incumbent on her to establish her husband's service for proof from the Auditor of Virginia. I enclose the note of Mr. Heath the Auditor of this State. I hope the Certificate forwarded by him may be satisfactory I think the marriage took place before any Records of Marriage were kept in Virginia - if so I suppose no record evidence will be taken as otherwise the operation would be no Record, no pension.
Very Respectfully Chas. Mung
L. L. Saunders Esq

3581
Mary Wilson
Indiana
at 4 July 36

Marshall 20. St. Feb. 1. 1843
Sir. The anxious solicitude and the objectionary of Mr. May Wilson of Ind. widow of Thomas Wilson induces to ask that her case if consistent with the rules of the Department may be reexamined we wish to refer to the whole proof in file - the deposition of Mr. Anderson - the deposition of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson - the Statement of her son that he has seen the discharge - the Affidavit of Mrs. Wilson and John Smith and the Memorial of Thomas Wilson to Congress - If the statements in the memorial are to be taken against her where they are against her it is of course right that she should have the benefit those that are in her favor. The memorial states that he served in 1780 under General G. R. Clark

It is as fair to presume that he served all of that year as that he served any portion of it. It is hardly probable that he would have stated in 1811 that he had served it 1780 if it had not been so. Only 31 years had elapsed from the time of his alleged service to the time of his making the statement in relation to it. With one year pay the wife is satisfied and for all the proof it does seem that the husband performed some service for the United States and for the Service she should have the benefit of the Act to the extent of his services. We forwarded some time since a certificate of majority showing that the persons who swore Thomas Wilson and John Smith in 1811 were justices of the Peace we do not wish to be troublesome in this matter and we think a rule of our Department allows a re-examination

We have therefore respectfully to request that the whole proof may be received and if it is found to be satisfactorily shown that her husband performed some service for the U. States that a certificate may be sent us for such service as may be deemed right from the proof. With any amount short of a rejection of her claim she will be content. Even all we have seen and can learn of the proof on file it seems to us that one year is satisfactorily proved. We hope no objection exists on account of any improper evidence from the part of the person who originally sent you the claim Very Respectfully Yr. obedient Servt.
Harlan M. Craig
D. L. Cannon Esq.

Feb 15. 43. MARSHALL FEB 5 Mary Parsons
FREE
Edwards Esq. Comr of Pension Washington D.C.

Marshall Ill 3 d Feb. 1823
Si. I have never seen the proof in the case of Mr Mary Wilson but I understand that there is much evidence besides the Memorial and deposition I had the honor to forward on the 16 th Nov. I hope all the evidence was taken into consideration when you wrote me on the 24 th ultimo. I had thought that the bringing of Munition from N. Orleans to the Upper country was under the direction of the U.S. Government or at least that of Virginia. The proof must be clear I think that Wilson did render some service in the year 1781 and it seems to me that some amount should be allowed upon the proof advanced if as strong as I have been told it is. The deposition of Smith is very proof of Wilson's service. The widow is old and cannot possibly serve long

She is willing to take an allowance for such time as the Department is willing to allow her. In fact a small pension during her advanced age and ill health would be of much benefit to her as a comfort.
I hope it may be allowed for some amount and without wishing to anticipate the decision of the Department I must be permitted to say that it seems to me from what I am told of the proofs which I have seen myself that it shall have to be cutted to something.
There were several reports sent with the original application
Very respectfully
Yours truly
H. M. [?]
J. L. Saxon Esq.

P. S. I would like to know if the proof is deemed sufficient to justify an allowance over the sum of 7. July 1838

Marshall Ill. 21 Jan. '43
Sir. I have just read your letter of the 12 th inst and dropped to Mr. Casey. I owe you an apology Sir for the language into which I was betrayed by a fancy a neglect. And permit to state the reasons of my warmth of expression I took it for granted that a charge or charges of some kind existed against me from the fact that heretofore I had invariably received answers from my letters in from 18 to 20 days from the time they were written but shortly previous to my letter I had received none at all though 40 & 50 days had elapsed. I on the 16 th Nov. 42 sent what I hoped was complete and what certainly was very strong positive and testimonial evidence in the case of Mr. Mary Wilson and to the time have received no answer contrary to the usual practice of the department with me. Some old papers of date 1811 or 12 were sent at the time.

one was a Memorial to Congress by Thomas Wilson the husband of the applicant made and signed by him more than 30 years ago. The other an affidavit signed by Wilson & John Smith - In the latter which accompanied the application of Mr. Clem I stated explicitly that we had no proof of service and could not prosecute the claim for the unless the Records afforded such proof. thinking that the Department would say whether such proof existed or not after filing her declaration - Another and prime reason for my suspicions that an attempt was making to injure me in the estimation of the Department and my consequent language was that a story had been in circulation in one portion of country for months that I had received the pension of one Thomas Layton for whom I had been agent and had not paid him over his money accompanied with a threat the Department had been or was about to be informed by the facts. You may recollect

Two more Horla myself wrote you upon the subject of the same Sayton pension in 1841 - It is true I have been agent for a great number of persons but I am conscious of having presented no fraudulent or fictitious claim unless I have been greatly duped by the applicant It is true too that ten years residence in the county and a pretty general acquaintance in all the counties of Illinois and some parts of Ind. may have given me the advantage of proper care of employment as agent in many cases -
I hope these facts will excuse this long letter and the language used in my letter (addressed however to Mr. Carey) In the mean time permit me to say that for more than ten years till quite lately my communications have been kindly and promptly answered and my treatment by your department such as no man however high his station could possibly complain. I am glad the difficulty or rather my misapprehension is adjusted and hope hereafter

while I continue to act honestly and fairly, an amicable business correspondence may be had on all claims before you.
I should be pleased to hear from Mrs. Wilson's case. I feel much interest in the matter as she is very old frail and poor. It is probable however that before the receipt of this it will have been attended to.
Very Respectfully
I have the honor to be your brother
Wm. Manly
Hon. J. L. Edwards
P.S. I am satisfied that some of your letters have not come to hand. W.

Dec 31 1842
Ms. A. Woodroof Mary Arden
Con.
FREE J. J. Edwards Asst. of Justices Washington City D.C.

Muskegon No. 21 st Dec r 42
Sir. I have the honor to enclose the deposition of R. B. Armstrong which is I am aware only valuable as traditional evidence
We should be glad to hear from Mrs Wilson soon
Very Respectfully
Uri Mundy

Dec 31 1842 MARSHALL DEC 21 ILL.
FREE
Am. J. L. Edmund Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Many Wilson 1st Nov 42

Marshall Ill. 21. Decr 1842.
Sir. On the 16 th ultimo Mr. Manly of the firm of Harlan & Manly forwarded to your office the deposition of Sum Person in Kentucky together with same ancient documents in support of the claim of Mrs. Mary Wilson widow of Thomas Wilson of Ind. We should be pleased to hear the result of the examination of the claim upon these additional proofs & to have the certificate forwarded in case the claim is allowed. Very Respectfully Yr obed Servt
Harlan & Manly
Hon J. L. Edwards
P.S. Also we sent above the 23 rd ult. the claim of Mrs. Charity or Charlie of Ind.
H. V. V.

Jan 2 1843
Gen.
Mary
M rs J. L. Edwards
Amr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
FREE

Marshall 2 nd Decr 1842
Sir. I have to request that if the Pension of Mr: May Wilson has not been allowed the Depositions of Thomas Wilson & John Smith which I had the honor to transmit to your office on the 16 th Nov. 1842 may be returned to me then I may have a certificate of Magistrate attached to it which I had forgotten to attach to _____
Very Respectfully Yrs. Afft Soon W Mundy
Hon. J. S. Edwards

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Marshall Ill. 16 Nov. 1842
Sir. I have the honor to enclose certain Depositions and Documents in the case of Mrs. Mary Wilson of Indiana - I have never seen the Declaration of Mrs. Wilson having been employed by her after it had been forwarded to Washington City. I have understood from her that she claims under the act of 1836 as that a portion of her husband services were performed after the marriage -
I hope the enclosed may be with the proof or file sufficient to establish her claim under the Act of 4 July 1836 -
She has I suppose given a very imperfect account of her husband's services in her Declaration for the most of all reasons - she knew but little about it except from hearsay - Very Respectfully
I have the honor to be Sir Truly

Wilson
EB
Oct 3
Hus
N Helen
Hon. J. L. Edwards Amr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Marshall 266 30 th Sept. 1862
Sir. On conversing with Mrs. Mary Wilson widow of Thorne. Wilson & her paper are on file. She is of opinion that her husband was under the following officers - viz. a Col. Dunlop or Danmore - or Dunbar an officer either Capt. or Major or Col. She is confident that he was under General G. B. Clark that the Service under Col. Clark was performed after the Marriage I do not know whether there are any Records of Clark's troops Perhaps the Records in Virginia will afford the desired information. She says she understood that he was in the regular Army for a number of years prior to the commencement of the war - but can not say with certainty who was his Colonel or any term of engagement She has often heard him speak of officer called Matthews or Mathews has not known what his rank was -
Respectfully
Wm. Young
Hon. J. S. Edwards

Sept 24. 42 FREE
MS
Hon. V. L. Evans Court of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Marshall Ill. 16 th Sept r 42
Sir. Your letter in relation to the case of Mrs. Nelson mid wif of Thomas Wilson is at hand. I have sent to Ky where I am told by the mid wif the dis charge given to her husband was a few years ago. If that dis charge is lost will not the deposition of persons who have seen it be very strong testimony?
If Mrs. W. can not make proof of her husband's services after the marriage can she still claim under the Act of 7. July 1838 & if so is it requisit that she make a new Declaration ?
Respectfully
W. O. O'Brien
Wm Mauley
Hon. J. L. Edwards

Bureau of Pensions.
Reports relative to service and land warrant of Lieut. Thos. Wilson of the Illinois regt. have been removed from this claim and placed in Wid. File 9007 of Mary wid. of Lt. Thos. Wilson.
Claim Wid. File 27589 full of discrepancies.
Soldier said to have died June 25, 1811 and to have received a large grant of land in Ky. - whereas in an affidavit executed by him Nov. 7, 1811, he states that he never received any land.
Son says he died about 1812. Widow says she was married in Monongahela Co. Pa. while her sister in law states it was in Montgomery Co. Md.
Nobody stated that Soldier was an officer until after reports of service (removed to Wid. File 9007) had been obtained from Richmond Va.
Widow named Mary and the lawyers often refer to this as claim of widow Elizabeth which was sister in law name A. Wilson Apr. 20, 1907

Rev
Enc
MRS. AMOS G. DRAPER, REGISTRAR GENERAL 902 F STREET WASHINGTON, D. C.
March 20, 1908.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir:-
May I trouble you to give us a copy of the Pension record of Thomas Willson, whose widow, Mary Anderson Willson, received a pension. ( See Wid. File, 27589. ) He had Va. service, but died in Ky. and I do not know from which state he was pensioned.
Very Sincerely,
Belmonica S. Draper
( Mrs. Amos G. Draper) Registrar General.