Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18448, Robert Wilson, Cont. Pa.

Cont. Pa-
Robert Wilson - W. 1844 8
His Journal

Tuesday morning. 9 Nov. 1778
I have some of the above forage from our farm & warehouse. Johnson
sole at Col. West with other Sats & measured some of it by me - some of which I bought at 24¢ per bushel That one when I was talking with Col West concerning Mr. Wilson's Disposition with the Q. Masters & D. Wilson saying their wants went with private property - I West said it was no matter if it was private Property - That the could credit the Continent with the Expense - That while I was stationed at Hackett's Town in 1778 as forage Master, Mr. Wilson the Q. Purchaser, did every thing in his power to upset me in procuring forage & gave me a list of the people names who had Wheat which he had bought. That I might get the flour of seeds. Then the flour I found desirous of keeping up a good supply with the forage & Q. Master Dept Col. West gave orders to me not supply any flour to any in the Com't. Dept under said Wilson with forage etc.

This is to certify that in the years 1777 & 1778 - when I lived with Col. Jacob West H.D.L.M. G under Col. Hooper - That requisition came from Carters from Col. Hooper or Col. Dean for a Brigade of Continental Troops to go to Boston, which I understood was to to Boston Carey. I went to Boston with Hospital Stores - Con. Property which means draw rations forage pay - receipts for which was taken in the Genl Books as for Publick Service - nor did I ever know of any alteration being made in Col. Wests Books, between those & other Genl Books - That Paul Shipman - Arthur Murray Abraham McKinney & Captain Gwynn - went off near the same time. That Warner Brigade went for Col Dean - loaded with Iron & Flour for Boston as I thought which I understood was all Con. Property & kept all the accounts against the Troops as such - That while I lived with Col West in the year 1777 & 1778 in the fall there was a lot of Salt brought there by Barmett as I believe which was afterwards

From Aaron T. Swain
□
29 Aug 1879
Death of R. Wilson
No 1 3
Slated
Aug. 31 Since sealing this and your favour of the 29 th The Bearer Mr. Sargent will inform you That Mr. Wilson departed suddenly in day Evening, which I did not hear of before I left home
Yours sincerely,
Yours sincerely,
Col: Charles Stewart - Esq.
Wendell Phillips

Pitts-Town Aug. 29. the 1799
Dr Sir
In my last I was as full and particular as possible. Mr Burnside goes to Morris Town tomorrow, and I think Josiah also be there in two or three days - Quarrels runn high there, they all seem readier to find out faults, then to assist each other in mending them, and matters are gone so far as that it seems as if it is necessary to carry them further, Col. Cox has passed thro' there lately and can give you a more perfect Account of the matter then I can, but to business for State Quarrelling -
Not a Barrel Stour at Trenton last Friday night. what is here now will move on in a few days believe very little on this side of Sussex and Morris Town - Yesterday I recd a letter from Col. Flint dated at Trenton 25 th Inst wherein he tells me Mr Dunham had now in his care in this County, five or six hundred Barrels, which he desired I would forward immediately to New Windsor, I sent immediately to Mr Dunham to know in what Secret place such a Quantity Stour lay hid in this County - I saw him today, he says about three weeks ago he informed Col. Blane at Phil. that he had three or four hundred Barrels ready - more then that has been forwarded since, and Yesterday he had went to several Mills and found among them about fifty barrels now ready, and about as many more that will be ready in a few days. these will also move on speedily, I mention these Circumstances that you may not expect more then is here, or on the way, I took the Liberty to write a line today to Mr. S. Lowry informing him in what manner the Stour came to this Port from Trenton, Mr Burnside

Burnside writes you particularly - its a pity so much extra Carting should be Sunk by Carting Barrels. Flour so much wanting, and that there is so much Plundering somewhere and by sombody but where, or who, I know not, nor can I guess, Trenton I think a proper Post, for inspection of every thing, from thence all should come full and in good order, if that were  is once set it might  there May be some chance of its going safe, or detecting the offender, I mention this to you that you may give what orders you think proper about it, but not by way of an informer to create ill will, — Mr Dunlop writes me he has a Quantity Flour at Court House which cannot go untill till Coopered That he has no Nails - I have none nor know where there is any - will enquire at Mr Town & if any there get some forwarded To him, tho I suppose my doing a good thing there will be taken ill . I sincerely wish Flour would come forwarded faster from Southw d the Roads will get bad will get bad in a Month more and the Army must be supplied,
Well what think you of our Governors Proclamation, can we stand it when every — in the State is evoked to Complain, I think it a Master piece, and yet it may be of use, if there be any of us that do wrong, we ought now to be call'd on, if they dont call on us now, dont it look as if they have nothing to Charge us with. I will not be so presumptuous as to say there is none of us that does wrong, but I declare I believe there is not many in this State that wrongs the public wilfully, some may do it eventually for want of Skill and industry in the Business they are appointed to, but Charity pleads for the Lame & the Lasy, and Good nature overlooks the Lapses arising from those Causes.

I confess I have no objection to continue in place, if a person of my rank in the Department did but rank among honest Men, but that not being the case, if no change for the better at the close of this present campaign, rather than rank with with  bad Men I quit and return to the Port of Honor, a Private Station, which I have more pleasure in than any other.
W. Hanna tells me this Evening Poor Mr. Wilson cannot hold it long, as he thinks; I am sorry for it, he was an honest Man, and had put himself in Fortunes way to do something Gentel for his Family. but, but, — I may write you again soon.
Am y rs most Ob t Servant
J. M. Thurman,
D.
Morris Town Aug 31 - I find all is moved on from here that Can be spared from the Post. I hope will soon reach you.
In 8 or 10 days expect a Compleat Commissary Store will be built here to cover every thing at the Post. The owner of the House where the Cont. Army stand is preparing to have them removed - can they be
spared, I shall try to prevail on him to let them continue.
see P.S. on the outside
Death of R. Wilson

From Dr. Lockhart Sept. 12. 1879
alludes to the death of Mr. Wilson
James G. [?] [?]
Charles Stewart [?]
any [?]
Yours truly

Murder Creek, September 12 th 1879
Dear Charles,
I received both of your favors one from Junction & the other from your own house. Mr. Schron & myself more sincerely condole with you & your Daughter on her loss. I am exceedingly sorry about her eye, but hope you are more alarmed than necessary. You are gone or going to a place where she can have every possible assistance which I pray may prove successful. Poor Gibson leaving his affairs in so unsettled a state must involve you in much trouble & will no doubt take up a great deal of your time.
Faith is returned, and as you justly observe, has been doing every thing for every body else and nothing for himself. He is positively too good a man to live in this World of Deceit. He thinks the old Hospital arrangement is the most likely to take place. I had a very friendly letter from Sudderby him. He gives me the strongest assurances that Congress will put us on the most respectable footing. Harris is now with me. I mentioned Grail to him. He has the highest opinion

Opinion of him & advises me by all means to mention him to Scudder. He says they can make a place for him to keep him constantly with the General. I propose writing to him in the morning if I do shall enclose it under cover to you. I wish you would speak to him yourself —
By Coakley's Account it is uncertain whether the Old Hospital Establishment or Arrangement rather will not be fixed, in that case, if the Deputy Directors will be intitled to all the Emoluments and Advantages of the Hospital Physicians &c, then he is as well nearly, where he is, as if put into a different state. But if Plan of a Physician and Surgeon in Chief are to be appointed to the Army, Sec. of all things wish him to hold one of these Commissions as that would be securing him to the General; I suppose I need not tell you that my Desire would be to continue with the Army also.
I had a few Days ago the most Affectionate & kind letter from the Marquis Dider Sayette, where among many pretty things which he is pleased to say to me, is the following Paragraph. "As during my visit of illness, the watch I had was of great use to you in feeling the Pulse, I thought such a one might be convenient for you

which I have intended to the Carolina Delalusome and I beg Leave to present you with. — I did fancy adorning it with my heroic Friends Picture would make it acceptable. No bad hint. I expect the Novelist here to Day or to morrow on his way to Congress.
I shall be glad to hear from you on Friday. Mrs. Lockran is recovered most amazingly & I hope before the cold weather sets in; will lay in such a stock of Health as will guard her against that infernal complaint the Rheumatism. Doctor Shippen sets out this Day
for Philad a with General Schuyler who will deliver my Mrs. Lockran presents her most tender regard to Mrs. Willson & best wishes for your Health & wife being. She has too good a heart not to do both. We are happy to hear from our Friends the Parkers. Genl. Schuyler will give you any news we have.
I am Yours sincerely John Lockran

20 May 13 25 June 10 July 1852

Washington
Jan y . 27. 1853
J. C. Heath Esq
Com r of Pensions
Sir
In the case of Martha Wilson widow of Robert Wilson act 36 Stat Book. She has been pensioned for various services performed by her husband from 1775 to 1779 when he died.
4 mo. - days as a private in 1775
19 " - as Q.M. Com r of Pensions , and as Commissary in the Hospital Dept.
Making an allowance for 26 mo. at p 491, 66 and for this I received a pension certificate for the widow in 1850. But it was alleged also, by the widow, that her husband served as a Mustering Master in 1775; as that service was not proved, an allowance was not made for it.
I have just discovered, and annex below an Extract from a work entitled The Women of the American Revolution by C. F. ELLIOTT Vol 2.
xxxviii at p. 370. in a Biographical Sketch of M rs Martha Wilson widow of Robert Wilson , Officer in the Revolution, daughter of Col. Charles Stewart of New Jersey. Commissary Gen l in said revolution.
"The first intelligence of the battle of Lexington had stirred his (Robert Wilson) warm blood into immediate personal action in the cause. He was one of the volunteers who went out with his friend Col. Reed. accompanied Gen l Washington from Philadelphia to the camp at Cambridge . A brief journal kept by him at that time, shows, that for six months

" He was at head quarters as Minister Master General , honored by the " confidence of the commands in chief, and often a guest at his table - " During the year 1877 he was again in Public Service as Assistant Commissary " Genl of Purchases &c. &c. "
That evidence of this character has heretofore been received, and allowed to be held known at the Department. Also I ask is that the time of the allowance now made as private, be computed as Minister Master Genl. at 25¢ per mile, thus making an allowance of $600. per annum.
The work from which the extract is taken will be shown if necessary.
I remain very
respectfully Your Ord. Ser.
Alv. N.ay

Washington
June 24 /53.
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Com d of Pensions
Sir
On the 24 th of Dec r 52. I filed additional evidence in the case of Jacob Young ad d June 7. 1832. of New Jersey.
and on the 27 Jan y last, I filed additional evidence in the case of Martha Wilson ad d ad d 36 New York.
Being in your examining room on or about the first of this month. Mr. Rhetts orally informed me, the original papers in the case of Jacob Young , could not be found, on the day after Mr. Anderson found the original application and they were placed with the additional evidence filed on the 24 Dec r last.
In the case of Martha Wilson . I made an extract of a book in the application in her case (the book being too large to file) Mr. Rhetts after an examination of the case on or about the 2 nd of this month very properly wrote me, it was necessary the original should be produced, the morning after, I handed in the book from which the extract was taken, since which I have heard nothing

from either case.
As there was no additional paper filed in either case the one being laid over simply because the original paper could not be found. the other only for an exhibit of the book, from which the exhibit was taken.
and these facts, I am sure will be concurred in by Mr. Rhet, as and I hope sufficient ground to let the cases lay over for several months; for there order in time
With this explanation. hope the case; will rec d . immediate attention
I have the honor to be Your Hon. Sir Sir Alex. Ray

House of Representatives Feb 21. 1855
Hon L. P. Waldo. Comm. of Pensions.
Sir,
I herewith enclose, evidence, in addition to that which has been heretofore laid before the Department in the case of Mrs Martha Wilson of Robert, of New York - a pensioner on the N.Y. Roll, in proof that the said Robert (Wilson) was a Commissionary in the service of the U States, for two full years viz: from the 2 nd December 1776 to the 8 th December 1778 - and I ask, respectfully, that full pension be allowed this lady. These papers, though known before to have been in existence, have only lately come to light
very Respectfully,
Your Obt Servt J. W. Cumming. of N.Y.

Washington Apr 20/50
James L. Edward Esq. Comr of Pension
Sir,
I enclose herewith, a letter from Giles F. Gates Esq. engaging my services in the prosecution of Martha Wilson's claim to an income of the pension she enjoys under act 4 July 1836. Always agency.
Mr Gates informs me her husband Robert Wilson served as a commissary, but for that period of service as commissary has been allowed I do not know.
If service as commissary was claimed as early as 1776 and no evidence on allowance, then I must request the favor of an application to the Department of State. The Washington papers vol 59, page 49. show that Robert Wilson was then in service and paid as a commissary at 60 p per m. In asking and examination please give the reference as above.
I remain Sir Yours. Sir Alex. Vay
Note
Since writing the above I have recd a letter from Mr Gates stating that Robert Wilson served as a commissary from 1776 to Nov 18.

Martha Wilson Widow of Robert Wilson
Claim of widow for Pension on acct of her husband's services in the Revolution as follows -
From June 1775 to Dec 1775 as a private & D. Muster Master General - 5 months
For July & August 1775 as private — 2 mo 28 ds
As D. Muster Master General for Sept.
October & Nov 1775 — 3 mo
From June 1776  1777 to Sept 1778 as assistant to Ephraim Blair Deputy Commissary General of Purchs
22 months — 2 years 2 mo
As private in Company of Dragoons commanded by Capt. Dunlap in Philadelphia - from June till Aug 1779 when he died - 2 months active service — 2 mo
In all 3 years 7 mos
Washington Oct 4 - 1848
J. P. Ward

House of Reps
May 10. 1850
James L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions,
Sir, In the case of Martha Wilson of New York, widow of Robert, under act July 1834, and claiming an increase, May I ask early examination and report to the Agent in the case,
And oblige Your
Hble Servt
H. Pitcairn

Albany, N.Y. July 12 th 1848.
Sir,
In continuation I send enclosed to be filed with her declaration sent yesterday, the affidavit of
Henry Scott—a resident of Cooperstown & the certificates of the Hon Samuel Nelson U.S. Judge & of the Hon: Geo: A. Starkweather M.C., in the matter of the application of Martha widow of Robert Wilson died under the act of 4 th July 1836.
Mr Scott testifies that he has known Mrs Wilson over 40 years—that she is the reputed widow of Robert Wilson a revolutionary Deputy Commissary General &c.—that she is esteemed as possessing great moral worth and integrity. That he is assured she is over 90 years of age & the daughter of Charles Stewart of Philadelphia &c. That the widow Margaret Bowers with whom she lives is her daughter & that said daughter is over 69 years of age & that Mrs Wilson is still a widow. Judge Nelson before whom Mr Scott is sworn, certifies that he has had frequent conversations with her (Mrs Wilson) respecting her husband's revolutionary services & concurs in the facts and opinions and opinions of Mr Scott.
Col. J. L. Edwards (Commander of Russian)
respectfully your Oblt Servt
Giles H. Yates Solicitor for Appellee

End 12 th July 1852.

In the Matter of Martha Wilson of the State of New York for a pension — }
J. George A. Washburne
do further certify, in addition to my former certificate in this case, that I believe Mrs. Martha Wilson is over ninety years of age, and that Mrs. Mar- garet Bowers is about seventy years of age, and that Mrs. Wilson is the widow of Robert Wilson of the resi- lution as set forth in the papers of the said Martha Wilson Washington 18 th July 1848
Geo. A. Washburne

Albany April 6 th 1850.
Col. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
Having engaged Alex Ray Esq. of Washington City, to aid me in the prosecution of the claim of Martha Wilson widow of Robert Wilson under the act of 4 th July 1836, I solicit the favor that he may be permitted to examine the papers on file in that case.
Your compliance will much oblige
Your Ob t Servant
Giles F. Yates.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Martha Wilson of New-York, widow of Robert Wilson, who was a Private, and an Assistant Deputy Commissary of Purchases, and who died in 1779, is entitled to receive Two hundred and sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th day of March, 1831, ————— and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office, of the United States, this 6th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
H. L. Marcy.
Secretary of War.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Examined and Countersigned. §

Washington 18 th July 1848
Dear Mr. L. Edwards Sir,
I am requested to forward to you the enclosed letters as evidence to be put on file in the case of the application of Mrs. Martha Wilson for a pension. You will also file my additional certificate herewith enclosed
Respectfully Yours
Geo. A. Washburne

In the matter of Martha Wilson wid e of Rob t app e for microfilm
Brief.
Presented July W th 1853.
G. H. Morton Secy
for microfilm in consideration of her husband's services

In the matter of the application of Martha Wilson widow of Robert Wilson deceased - for a full pension as a D.C.G. & D. M. M. G. &c
On the assumption that this claim for increase is made solely in consideration of the services of Robert Wilson as a Dep: Muster Master Genl. & with the evidence as cited in the Commissioner's letter of the 25 th ult o , his objections to allowing increase are well founded.
If a rejoinder is permitted, I would say in answer to the objection, that "none of Mrs W's witnesses aid her in this matter" - that the alleged service in 1775 as D. M. M. G. having been rendered between 70 and 80 years ago, at Cambridge where at the time such a comparatively small number of troops were stationed, in the course of nature these could not be expected to survive for so long a period. To bring forward therefore at this late day living witnesses would be a moral impossibility. "To require from the applicants positive proof of service from a contemporary survivor would after the lapse of so many years be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the law", and "on the other hand to receive the declaration of the parties as a sufficient ground for placing them upon the pension Roll without corroborating circumstances, would be to open the Treasury to great frauds" * &c
Such corroborating circumstances are not wanting in this case.
So far as parole testimony is con- -cerned, we rest upon the deposition of Mrs Wilson herself, and the traditional account of the service fortified by the affidavits and certificates of the Hon. Saml Nelson U. S. Judge, Geo: A. Starkweather M.C. Henry Scott, Judge Warehouse, Genl John A. Dix & others. Judge Nelson certifies that he had frequent conversations with Mrs Wilson respecting her husband's revolutionary services, and before any pension laws for widows had been passed. —
* See rules of evidence of Pension Office under act of 7 th June 1832.

The widow states, that many duplicates of Muster Rolls made by her husband as M. M. were in existence not many years ago, & being deemed useless were scattered about, given to children to play with, & so became lost.
2 d As to the objection, that there is no allusion made to this service in the ancient documents accompanying her application, I would observe that
These documents I found among the papers of her father Charles Stewart Commissary General, whose Deputy Robert Wilson was in 1777 & 1778. These docs. related only to the Commissary service under Mr. Stewart, & not to any service rendered by Robert Wilson previously.
3 d Obj: in regard to Mrs. Ellett's history. of this I have no personal knowledge, yet think it probable that Mrs. Ellett obtained her information from Mrs. Wilson herself. Mrs. Wilson having been made the subject of a special memoir in connection with other distinguished women of the revolution, is per se evidence of her high character & the truth of her statements. Such statements now confessedly stand in the place of documentary proof.
Mrs. Wilson declares that her husband served with the Grand Army in 1775 at Cambridge (near Boston) for 5 or 6 months, but does not say that he served for the whole of that period as a D. Muster Master Genl. Her statement is proved conclusively by the Small MS. Journal he kept at the time. (This Journal may be the one alluded to by Mrs. Ellett). It will be found on file with the papers. Under date of Oct r 1775 he states that he had been engaged "for 6 weeks on the 1 st Muster as D. M. M. G. and on the 1 st Muster only. It would be no violent presumption that he was engaged on the 2 d Muster for the remainder of the term of his service at Cambridge. I claimed therefor as will be seen by reference to a mem o : I filed with the papers in the first instance only 3 months service as M. M.
So much for "the claim of Mrs. Martha Wilson for increase in consideration of her husband's services"

as a Muster Master." But this does not cover the whole ground on which her claim is founded.
When first presented, the claim was asserted for the following services, as will be seen by a special mem: filed at the time.
In 1775, Sep r Oct r & Nov r as Depy M.M. Genl. 3 Months [Note - Mrs Wilson was married in Feb: 1776, and in the fall after her marriage when he moved his family to Hackettstown N.J. he was there actively engaged as a Commissary] The claim for service as Commy asserted from Sep r 1776 & previously, till the last of Nov r 1778 (when he was taken sick & died in Aug t 1779) Commy Service at least 26 Months
When this claim was first allowed C. Edwards the then Commy held me rigidly to the documentary proof of R.W.'s service in the Commy Dept. & took the ground (no longer adhered to in similar cases) that R.W.'s service in that Department, commenced at the date of the first doc t adduced, & ended at the date of the last doc t ; while these documents prove simply the fact that R.W. was actively in service at the dates of these documents, giving no clue to the time of the commencement or termination of his service. The first doc t was dated in Nov: 1777, the last in October 1778. The declaration of the widow is to the effect that her husband served from the fall of 1776 till Dec r 1778 as a f t to Charles Stewart Commissary Genl: of Purchases (Ephraim Blair Deputy etc). Having ruined his health and worn himself out in the service of his Country, he intermitted his labors as Commy being too unwell to attend to its duties. He died in Aug t 1779. His widow remained such till her death which occurred last year, aged over 90 years.
Convinced of the justice & highly meritorious character of the claim of Mrs W. for full pay, at the highest rate, & that his service as Commissary alone , was over two years ,

to say nothing of his service for 3 months as D. Master Master Genl (made out by the highest grade of proof) Confidently submit this claim to a reëxamination, in the light of the facts & proofs referred to in this brief, with the assurance that the widow's stipend will be raised to $600. It now stands at $491 67 / 100 .
Washington D.C. July 11. 1853. Giles F. Hays.

Department of State, Washington, 7 th June, 1850.
Sir;
In compliance with your request, I have to state, that, in a paper in this Department, entitled, "Abstract for six months pay to the officers on actual duty in the Hospitals of the Southern Army", Robert Wilson is named as a "Commissary", at sixty dollars per month. The paper is not dated.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J. M. Clayton
J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions.

Albany, N.Y., July 11 th 1848.
Sir,
I commence proceedings in the matter of the application of Martha Wilson widow of Robert Wilson deceased, for a pension under the Act of 4 th July 1836, by forwarding her declaration with proof of Court annexed in ample form.
M rs Wilson was married on 1 st Feby 1776 - M r Wilson died 28 th August 1779. She survives, his widow in the 91 st year of her age. He served in 1775, as a private and Assistant Muster Master General - In 1776, 1777 & 1778, as a Deputy Commissary General of Purchases, & in 1779 until he died, as private in a Company of Dragoons at Philadelphia &c.
The Hon Geo: A. Starkweather M.C. (to whom M rs Wilson is well known) will present papers in her case.
I am very respectfully, Your mo: ob d Serv t
Giles F. Yates
Solicitor for app t
To Col. J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions.

Martha Wilson - widow of Robt
The additional evidence filed in this case, consisting of accounts and letters (in the enclosure with the letter of Hon T. W. Canning, of Feby 21. 1855-) shows that Robert Wilson was in service as Asst Commissary of Purchases Decr 20th 1776 and continued in service until in the month of Oct 1778 - the accounting having been for that month. (The widow alleged that he continued in that service until Nov 78 and it is apparent from the letters that he went out of the office about Nov '78-) It appears from the letter in the Mrs book marked "Camp at Cambridge" - that Wilson was Muster Master before the date of that letter (Oct 16. 1776). I therefore think the proof clear that Wilson served as much as 22 mos as Asst Deputy Comy Genl of Purchases and 2 mos as Muster Master -
Dodge Mar 1. 1855-
22 Comy 550 2 Mr Mth 35 $585-

Martha Wilson widow of Robert N.Y. Albany
Act of July 4. 1836 Admitted
22 Mos At Dept Comry Gent of Purchases - $550. Mustar Master 2 mos 35 at - $585 per annum from March 4th 1831. deducting former payts at $491.66 per annum.
Certificate payable to the Claimant.
to be addressed to the Hon. T. W. Canning House of Reps
or handed to F. F. C. Triplett the Agent
"

Breit in the case of Meertha Wilson, widow of Robert Atsey County and State of New York act July 4, 1836
Claim, (" original " or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Pensioned as Deputy Commiss'y of Purchases and private, under act of 1836 at $491.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Yes - It consists of original accounts, vouchers and letters, which show that Robt Wilson was Asst Commiss'y of Purchases as early as Decr 20, 1776. and so continued until in- and probably through the month of Oct 1778. and an original memorandum showing that as early as Oct 16, 1776 he was Muster Master. I allow for 22 months Asst Commiss'y and 2 mos Muster Mr
Certig to Hon J. W. Cummings Ho of Reps
Name and residence of Agent
F. F. C. Triplett
Present.
S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

Brief case Martha Wilson wid; Robt. Martha Wilson, (11 th Augt. 1847 Before Justice Supreme Court), declares she is daughter of Chas Stewart Comm d G d Genl. Spence - Mar. wid Robt. Wilson 1 st Feby. 1776 - first child born March 1777 & died - 2 d Child (only one) born 15 th Apr. 1778. 3 d Child Robt. was born March 1780 - has no record of Marriage - Robt. appt d Dep: Com: Genl. Purchaser in lat- ter part 1776. - In Nov r 1778 resigned his office - went to Phil a & was enrolled as a private in 1 st Troop of "City L t Horse" & continued a member of V d Co. till his death on 28 th Augt. 1799. - Robt. served as Dep: Com: Genl. under Com: Genl. Blair from time of his appt m t in latter part 1776 to Nov r 1778 - He was at Boston in 1775 from June to Nov r . assisting Col. Mylan in Revising army Rolls . Remained Robt s widow & unmarried.
V no Certif. of Comt d Penn a Magaz e Feb: 1777 shows marriage of Robt. & Mary M rs . M rs . S. Bowers (8 th Sept r 1848), says she was born 15 th Apr. 1778 - that small M s . book is in Robt s hand writing.
Martha Wilson (8 th Sept r 1848), says Robt. served at Cambridge in 1775 - says in her 1 st deposition that V d Robt. assisted Col. Moylan in making out Army muster rolls , but on reflection is very sure he made out V d Rolls under some appt m t at Com- -mission.

Henry Scott. (11 th Aug h 1847 aged 55 years), says for 40 yrs he has been acquainted with Martha uputis widow of Robt.
Giles F. Yates. (25 th Nov r 1848), says Martha is uputis daughter W o Certificate of of Chas s Stewart - Robt s uputis to have been Ap l te Com g . of Court. Gen l Burcham
G. A. Starkweather (18 th July 1848) says Martha is over 90 years old.
same. Mrs Bowers her daughter about 70 yrs old - Martha is Robt s widow
Dept t of State. (7 th June 1850), says in a paper entitled 'Ab- "stracts for six months pay to officers on actual duty in the Hospital of the Southern Army" - Robt s is named as Commissary at $60. - pr month. Paper not dated
Hy. Scott in above Aff ft says Mary s Br. Bowers is re- -putis I was always been considered the Daugh- ter of Marshall Wilson - 69 yrs old.

1 st Nov (28 th ) 1777 R. Wilson is admitted as Ap l Com te Gent l Spence - 1 st " 27 " " " writer in same capacity - 2 nd Dec r 6 " " " admitted " " " 1 st Nov r 26 " " " writer as " " " 4 June 12 1778 " " " " " " 11 " " " spoken of in list " " " 4/5 purchases 2 nd Dec r 5 th 1777 " writer " " " " 8 th " 8 1778 " writer " " " " 25 th Oct r 28 1778 " admitted " " " " 2 Dec r 9 1777 " " " " " " 3 Jany 15 1778 " " " " " " 2 nd Dec r 4 th 1777 " writer - In 1777 — Nov r 26. 27. 28 — Dec r 4. 5. 8 th + 9 th In 1778 — D Jany 15 th June 11 & 12 th Oct r 28 Dec r 8 th In 1775 — 6 weeks as minister Master — 1779 26 th July Wilson is described in a letter as being very well

FORWARDED
Giles F. Yates Esq co Syracuse Albany New York
Martha Wilson Letter to Governor Dana P.
ms

De Martha Wilson & daughter's age &c Letter of Commodore Stewart (U.S.N.)
RECORDED DEC 23 Yates Esq co Syracuse New York
ms

Philad. a Decb. r 23. d 1847
Sir
I have received your note of the 20 th inst, and in reply to your enquiries, I can only state; That my first knowledge & acquaintance with Mrs Martha Wilson, was about the year 1790 - I first saw Mrs Wilson at her Fathers / at that time / at his residence (the Union farm) in New Jersey - Her Father took me there from Philad. a and placed me at a school a few miles from his residence, her Daughter Margaret (now Mrs Bowers) and myself went to the same school and all our Sundays and other holidays were spent with the family at their residence as long as I remained at that school.
I was too young to know any of Mrs Wilsons history prior to that period, and I do not remember ever having heard her or any other persons speak of Mr Wilson, her husband; he must have died about the time I was born - After I had followed the sea several years, my intercourse was again renewed with the family about 1800 at which time I visited them again, at their (Colonel Charles Stewarts) residence in Flemington New Jersey - where I found

Mrs Wilson as on the other occasion, presiding at the head of her Father's family - Should any of the above facts be deemed usefull or important to the claims of Mrs Wilson, I can verify them for you, when you place them in such shape as you may deem proper
I remain - very Respectfully Sir
Your Obedt Servt.
Chs. Stewart U. S. Navy
Giles L. Yates Esq.
Albany New York
P.S From the reminiscences of my Mother who I understood was or lived in the neighbourhood of Mrs Wilson when her daughter Margaret (now Mrs Bowers) was born she must have been of the age of between thirteen & fourteen years in 1799 at the time we went to school together to Mr Nesbitt's in New Jersey Chs. Stewart

Copy of a Letter to Col. B. H. on Blaine H. G. of Spence —
July 24. 1779
From Ch s Stewart about sickness of his son in law Rob t Wilson & his wife
No 2E

Dear Sir
Pitts Town July 24. 1779
Hearing that Robt Wilson was got cooped at the show I went to see him and returned last night my ride yesterday upward of Sixty miles has tired me much as I was not well before poor Wilson it is certainly almost over with him his Wife is not a little distressed and yet I could make no tarry with them as the place they are at is by no means safe quarters for people in my way. Mrs Blaine is quite recovered and Miss Lubin they are all Mrs Bunkin got into one House on my way from found my son Sam seized with a very violent Fever and have got him to Lebanon our late encampment is unhealthy I think as Blair and all his People are now sick
I have Letters of 18 th Instant from Col. Wadsworth & M c Intosh , Wadsworth writes Meat & Fish is very plenty and Flour very scarce this country is all in motion to carry on Flour and I hope we shall keep up the supply as M c Intosh always active is now doubly so and all his People and mine are notified of the present urgent necessity, Col. Wadsworth has ordered One hundred cattle from Camp for Genl Sullivan's Army — your letters to Mrs Bunkin were sent with dispatch to them and I suppose they are sending on the cattle you ordered The Flour sent from here must now be near Wyoming and I hope Genl Sullivan will find himself at last in capacity to proceed — Mrs Blaine expects you for her in a few days you must be careful of yourself at night it is a severe country but devilish people as poor Wilson will be quite certain what he has to depend on in a week longer I wish you would advise him if he is not a great deal better to set out for this place mean by place at Lebanon as soon as he can I really was afraid to tell him what I thought — The moment Charles returns I shall go for Camp. I have been detained here at a strange rate, If I was hasty I could bear any thing but I am not You will write probably by Charles after this dirt for me at Camp send all the good news
Your most Obedient
Chas Stuart
Col. B Blaine

Col. Newark McLochly To Gen Wayne Sept. 1799
Mention of the death of Mr. Wilson his son- in-law.

Dear General
W. Ellison Sept. 1779
When the light Infantry were about  was forming, under y r command I was not a little anxious, that a proper person should be appointed, as Assistant Commissary of Issues; And from what I had heard, of Mr. Lovely, concluded he would do very well, I mentioned him to Col s Butler & Treliger, & they with my self were so desirous to get him, that pains were taken, to obtain permission for him to join that Corps in the character of Comm y and I was quite pleased happy, in finding he was likely, to give general satisfaction.
I was therefore not a little surprized, on receiving from Mr. Fitch, enclosed the enclosed letter from Mr. Lovely to him, and can't help thinking  that it a studied piece of impoliteness, I have signified my opinion by superceding Mr. Lovely, and not certainly be expected to do so if
would, were he the Eldest son of Saint Patrick, himself, on his treating the Board of War, myself, or the D r G y , with so much such unmerited disrespect.
I can see no reason, why any honest man can have to make a secret of his former Occupation  Residence and very sufficient reasons might be given for the inquiry. Previous to y r removal of Mr. Lovely, Mr. Fitch has to superceding

taken care pains, to get another, to do the duty. If he prove unequal to it, I shall be much obliged to  thank you,  to nominate  for nomination another, who Mr. Fitch will  immediately  instantly appoint. I intended a visit to You, & my good friends under your command. But the sudden death of Mr. Wilson my son in Law, the dangerous situation of my latter for family, added to our  my present ill state of health, hurry me away, advancing and for the present prevent me that pleasure. I am Dear General, in every possible situation, with sincere regard. Your most Obedient Servant
Humble Servant Chas Stewart Commdy Genl of Forces
P.S. have inclosed a copy of Mr. Lovely's letter to Mr. Fitch  for information and have taken the liberty of addressing mine to Mr. Lovely to your Care to forward Seal and forward

From Robert Wilson
8 Dec 1778
7
Philadelphia Decem r 8. 1778. from Robert Wilson. —
to Col. Ch s Stewart Com Genl. Issues.
No 20
No 12. private

Enclosure
a private
Colonel Charles Stewart. C. G. of Forces

D. L.
Phila. 8 Decemb: 1778
I received yours of the 4 th Instant. Mr. Reuberg have sent you a good Map of Virginia as I could procure in. It will be out of my power to go to Virginia this Winter or from home as I do not feel by any means hearty - The Hackett Town Air & Commissary Department has made a small impression on my Constitution
Colonel Blaine has not been in Town since I came here, he is expected to be instant. I am told he has appointed Commissary of Purchases for Supper County R. Lillis Hooper . This is inquiring me well for my little Services - I am well informed it's Blaine's Doings. independent of Wadsworth
General Reed was chosen Governor of this State last Thursday & gives general satisfaction Hooper , Matter & main  Office Congress at present stands still, in Case . Congress neglects it is it will be taken up as a State matter & properly handled
Silas Dean is here publishing against Congress has many friends I think a large majority There has been Vessels come in almost daily since I came here - But good still Miss Reed is off  Phila  on  Lydia  of  them

- I have got eleven whds. on hand which I would like to get a manifest for in Jersey - also some coarse salt
We have got our dingy well settled - Charles is with Mr. Hubbell & I believe doing very well - he lives there & lodges with Mr. Billy is also in town with Mr. Resica. If well They all give their love to you
Chas. Stewart Esq.
I am your very n. & c. Robert Wilson

26 July 1823 from Miss Fanny L. Stewart No 1. No 23
Col Chas Stewart Lebanon

D r S r
Y r favour was handed to me last Evening, am very sorry that M r Wilson is yet so low , & then he ought to come up to the High Lands - hope to forward all the Letters from this place in a few days, and that the Your Family will not wait before it reaches you them, I shall be glad see you, if you don't come here will go to you - Now but what you must have heard of
am
Y r most Ob t J. M. Inman
Monday Morning

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Wilson, Robert GRADE Private LINE Hazen's Regiment
WARRANT NUMBER 13886 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 29, 1789 To Matt. McConnell, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.