Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5171, John Victor, Continental (Va.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Va.)
Victor, John Sarah
N 5171
CONTENTS

W. L. R. H. Gray Sept. 28. 1840 Oct. 10. 1840.
27
2147 Richmond Virginia Sarah Victor widow of John Victor dec?
who died in the January 1817 of Campbell Co in the State of Va who was an Adjutant in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Va line for 15 mos Servt of Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond Va. as the rate of 257 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of June 1838 and Lieut John Victor Present
Arrears to the 14th of March 1838 $1750.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 175.00 $1925.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by M. H. Addison Clerk Book 4 Vol. 20 Page 160
86

2147
Increase
R.
Virginia.
Reported
Sarah Victor dec? widow of John Victor who died on the month of Jan'y 1817 off a mptill in the State of Virginia who was an Adjt. in the Light Artillery by Captain of the Regt commanded by Col. Baylor in the Virginia line for 16 mo. Adj't to Lieut. Beagran
84 N. J. H.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 533 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1831 & end 1st Sept 1831 when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of June 1850 and sent to R. H. Gray. Lynchburg, Va.
Salary & other allowances from $400.00 semi-annual allowance entitling payable to her only sur. Children Maria Victor, Lucy Johnson & John Victor
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by
J. B. Has Clerk
Vol. 2
Page 379
173

Declaration
Van C. Victor: Declaration
A.
3468 $250 per ann. Inst. monthly
H. W. Coles WR

April Court 1839 that his signature above written is genuine Given under my hand as clerk of the said Court of Hustings and the seal of the said Hustings Court this 12 th day of May 1838 and in the 62 nd Year of the Commonwealth James Benagh clk

State of Virginia } Corporation of Lynchburg } 3
Be it known that before me David R. Syman a justice of the peace in and for the Corporation aforesaid personally appeared John Victor and made oath that he is the youngest child of his Mother Sarah Victor who now makes application for a pension under the provisions of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836, that he has a record of his age taken twenty five years ago from the family Register kept by his Father the late John Victor, that he was born the first day of February seventeen hundred & ninety three and that there was six children before him, and that his eldest sister, Maria Victor estimates her age at fifty eight, or fifty nine years old, and that he thinks she cannot be less; that the family register which was a small manuscript book in his Father's hand writing, has been lost for the last twelve years, that he made application by letter to the Clerk of the Court of Records in Caroline County where his Mother was married expecting to find a record of the usual marriage bond, or evidence of issuing of license, and is informed by the Clerk that no record of marriage exist in that office prior to the year seventeen hundred and eighty five.
John Victor
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18 th day of May 1838. David R. Syman J. P.
State of Virginia } Corporation of Lynchburg } 3
I James Benagh clerk of the Court Hastings of the Corporation of Lynchburg and State aforesaid it being a court of record do hereby certify that David R. Syman is a justice in and for the said Corporation duly elected and qualified to serve as such from the 4 th day April 1838 until

April Court 1839 that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand as clerk of the said Court of Hustings and the seal of the said Hustings Court this 12 th day of May 1838 and in the 62 nd Year of the Commonwealth
James Benagh clk

State of Virginia Corporation of Lynchburg } 50th
On this 12 th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before me a justice of the Court of Records of the Corporation of Lynchburg in the State of Virginia Sarah Victor a resident of the town of Lynchburg in the County of Campbell & State of Virginia, Aged Seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July the 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of John Victor who was a Serjeant in the continental line in the army of the Revolution and belonged to Bagley's Corps of Horse, the particular duty and service of her late husband she is unable to state, from the decay of memory and infirmities of age, but is advised that this will be unnecessary since she can refer to the publick records and proofs of service now filed in the proper department of the Government and upon which a bounty of Land has already been granted to the Heirs of her husband the late John Victor
And she further declares that she was married to the said John Victor some time between the years one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven, and eighty but has no record of her marriage, the Family Register which recorded that event, and the ages of her children having been lost, that application has been made to the clerk of the County Court of Caroline in the State of Virginia, in which County she was married for a transcript of the record of her marriage, but is informed that no record of marriages exist in that office further back than the

year seventeen hundred and eighty five, and that therefore the date of her marriage must be established by circumstantial evidence; The only member of her family who has a record of his age is her youngest child who was forty five last February; and she had seven children; and the eldest now computes her age at fifty eight or nine, there are but three of her children now living. —
And she further declares that her husband the aforesaid John Victor died in January eighteen hundred and seventeen, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by the proofs herunto annexed. —
Sarah Victor
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me David R. Lyman a justice of the peace in the Corporation aforesaid. And I David R. Lyman a justice of the peace of the Court or record held in the Corporation of Lynchburg where the declarant resides, do hereby certify that the above named Sarah Victor is, from the information of age unable to attend the Court of which I am a justice I have therefore in pursuance of the act of Congress attending at her place of abode and administered the foregoing Oath, given under my hand this 12th Day May 1838 David R. Lyman J. P.
State of Virginia } Corporation of Lynchburg } At
I James Beragh clerk of the Hustings Court of the Corporation of Lynchburg and State aforesaid it being a court of record do hereby certify that David R. Lyman is a justice in and for the said Corporation duly elected and qualified to serve as such from the 4th day of April 1838 until April Court 1839 that his signature above written is

amire).
Given under my hand as clerk of the said Court of Hastings and seal of the said Hastings Court this 12 th day of May 1838 and in the 62 nd year of the Commonwealth
James Buragh clk

Synchburg May 12 th 1858
Hon. Walter Cole
Dr Sir
Will you please hand the accompanying Declaration and affidavit to the proper department for adjudication, and give the subject your attention, by so doing you will much oblige, The undersigned. -
For presenting this claim, permit me to offer the following explanation. I have prepared these papers myself, not being willing that my Mother should submit to the exorbitant fees charged by those who make a business of prosecuting such claims, they may not therefore be in proper form, and may be imperfect, in that event if they cannot be overlooked, they can be corrected. -
You will perceive there is some difficulty in establishing the precise time when my Mother was married, and I would here remark that the mind, memory, & hearing, of my Mother is much impaired by her advanced age, and I hesitated whether it would not have been best for me to have made the declaration for her; but a year or two ago, and all the incidents of her early life were fresh in her memory, but it is not so now, that she was married some time, at least several years, before the close of the war, and while my Father was in the service, is to her children a fact perfectly familiar, if the traditional details, and incidents which, both my Father and herself have often related to us be regarded sufficient to establish that fact, as all recollect of her frequently relating an incident of her having to fly from Port Royal when it was approached by the British, of the loss of several articles of household ware, and particularly of a remarkable counterpane of patchwork made of the silk dressies of Mothers & Grand Mothers, and that her eldest child, my Sister Maria whom you know (having kept a school at Mrs Brastys, some 7 or 8 years ago, being then an infant) and having to take her with her, I know not

whether such narrations would be admirable as evidence, or that it would be proper for her children to testify to any such traditional circumstances obtained in that way if it be needfull, and proper, it can be done, but as the service of My Father is already proved, and is a matter of record, I presume, in the proper office in Washington, having obtained the bounty I saw for three years services, the only fact to be established is that they were married before the expiration of his service, I am generally of opinion that My Father was in the service to the end of the war, but we have not been able to trace up his service to that period. My Father's papers which would no doubt have been fully satisfactory were destroyed by My Mother in 1817 when she moved from Frederickburg to this place after the death of My Father, not considering them of any value, hence we are left without any records, but I have often listened to his narratives of Revolutionary days and have heard him speak of being at the captures of Cornwallis, and other services -
I must apologise for this long intrusion on your time and patience. I have said this much, that if any matter of the sort would be admirable and it is necessary to throw it in a separate form it can be done,
I remain with Consideration of Respect
Yours.
John Victor

In the name of God Amen. I Edward Dean do make this my last will and testament in manner following Whereas late Thomas Turner did die into last will and testament, among other things give and devise unto me during life, ten lots or half acres of land, in the town of Port Royal No 7 of 14 and after my de- cease the said lots to descend, one of my son Henry and the other to my son Turner, the lot No 14 wherein I now live, I give unto my son Henry, and as I think it will be hurtful to both lots to separate them, therefore, be it known that my son Turner will give up the lot No 7 to his brother Henry, in that case I give him a lot other- wise of land, in the said town of Port Royal No 35 where- on my blacksmith shop stands, and the land I purchased of Mrs. Berryman and her wife, to him and his heirs, but if my son Turner refuse to convey unto my son Henry, the lot No 7 for the above con- sideration, I then give unto my son Henry the lot No 35 & the land I purchased of Mrs. Berryman & wife to him and his heirs forever
I give and bequeath to my natural daughter Sally by Dorcas Dunkerley ten lots of land in the town of Port Royal at No 29 & 30 with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, to her and her heirs forever. I also give unto the said Sally, a Negro woman named Julia, also my cow Woman called Peggy, with all her present & future increase with my French Rose and her daughter Hannah, with their present & future increase; also a Negro woman called I give in the same manner as my other to my said daughter Sally and her heirs forever, reserving to Dorcas Dunker- ley the use of the lot No 42, & Negro Julia, Rose & Lucy dur- ing her natural life. I give to my daughter Sally my Riding Chair & Black horse Popsy & Mrs. Spence formerly purchased for her, also one feather bed & furniture. My desire is that my plate be equally divided between my sons Henry & Turner, and Henry being the eldest to have the first choice. And whereas by a decree of the King in Coun- cil in my suit with the legal heirs of late Turner it was determined that I might see to many of the slaves de- vised to me by said Turner, in his last will, as would be sufficient to satisfy my leg of said will, agreeable thereto I had sold from the different plantations sundry negros mentioned in the following lists, and of which I be- came the purchaser myself, and which is certified by the owners of said slaves viz - At Mattapony in Caroline county forty one; - at the Mount Church Quarter in Saiil County eleven; - and at Port Royal four, and at the latter Mountain Quarter in Gloucester County forty four, making in the whole one hundred, which negros after all my just debts are paid, I would have with the whole remainder of my estate to be equally

divided between my sons Harry & Turner, and their new form. And lastly I appoint my son Harry & Turner with my friend John Skinker, executors to this my last will and Testament to see that said Will be fully complied with. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15 th day of November Anno Domini 1776.
Edward Dixon
Sealed & published by Edward Dixon
J. Skinker John Gray Alvin Waugh
At a Court held for Caroline County on Thursday the day of July 1779
This will was proven by the Oaths of John Skinker & Alvin Waugh Gent. and ordered to be Recorded. And on motion of Harry & Turner Dixon who took the Oath presented before a certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof. Bond acknowledged & ordered to be Recorded.
Will Wm Nelson CC
Virginia
I John S. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of Caroline County within State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing deed from Edward Dixon to Dorcas Tankersley & John & Sally Victor & the last will and Testament of the said Edward Dixon are true copies from the Records of my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office this 6 th day of June in the year 1838
John S. Pendleton

State of Virginia, Corporation of Synclung to wit, on this 3 rd day of June 1844, before me the undersigned Suby a Justice of the peace, in and for said Corporation, personally appeared John Victor a resident of said Corporation, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain - for the heirs of Sarah Victor de- the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836 - granting pensions to widows, whose husbands performed service in the Rev. war, after marriage &c. And to obtain the arrears, and increase of pension, which the said Sarah Victor was entitled to in her life time.
That he the declarant, is the Administrator of Sarah Victor de d . of said Corporation - who was the widow of John Victor de d . (an officer in the Rev. war) was a U. States pensioner at the time of her death, under the Act of Congress, of July 4, 1836, at the rate of $250. - per An. and rec d . her pension as such, from the 4 th of March 1831, to the 1 st day of September 1839 - (the latter being the date of her death -) on the grade and rank of Lieutenant of Cavalry, in the Conti- nental line of service in the Rev. war - from the state of Virginia.
That in addition to what has been rec d . by her the said Sarah Victor, declarant claims further, 1 st the difference between the rank of Lieut. of Cavalry - which she drew on - and the rank and pay of Adjutant of Dragoons - in which capacity he served, from the 18 th of March 1777, to the 18 th of July 1778 - as will be seen by the Certificate of Full pay enclosed.
And 2 nd declarant claims an increase of pay, on the rank of Lieut. for further services

amounting in all to 3 years - and for which, he had a land warrant of 2.666 2 / 3 acres, on the land of Sicut - and the evidence of Genl. John Minor and others - and the settlement of his account of Full pay. No. a copy of which evidence, declarant has written to the Executive of Virginia for - and in failure of getting which - he will endeavor to supply the Def. of said oral testimony, by getting other in its stead, and in default of which will permit the case to be proved upon without it, with the allowance of the difference between the pay of Sicut, and that of Stoughton - the 1 st being $375. per m. and the latter $600. per m. which last rank, is the proper one (as decided by the Attorney Genl. of the U. States) to be drawn upon, in the allowance of pensions to claim- ants - either soldiers or widows. And further declarant prays not.
John Minor
Administrator of said estate
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written
Before me -
Pleasant Lubby J.P.
and pay, Execution, interlined before signed - and sworn to before me -
Pleasant Lubby J.P.

At a court of Husting held for the town of Synchburg, at the Court-house on the 3 rd day of June 1844.
The Declaration of John Victor Administrator of Sarah Victor deceased of this Corporation, was this day read in Court, claiming the arrears and increase of pension due the heirs of the said Sarah Victor deceased, together with the certificate of Pleasant Sabby a justice of the Peace of this Corporation - and the Court being satisfied with the same doth certify to the War Department of the United States that the said John Victor is Administrator of said Sarah Victor, deceased, who was the widow of John Victor dec d and was a pensioner of the United States at the time of her death at two hundred and fifty dollars per annum, under the Act of July 4. 1836, and who died on the 1 st September 1839 leaving three children, to wit: Maria Victor - Lucy Johnson and John Victor, and that said John Victor was appointed Administrator on her estate by this Court on this 3 rd June 1844 and that Pleasant Sabby is an acting justice of the Peace in and for this town, duly elected and qualified as such - and that the signatures purporting to be his, affixed to this case, is genuine.
I James Benagh Clerk of the Synchburg Husting Court do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records order book of the said Husting Court
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of the said Husting Court, and sign my name as Clerk of the said Court, this 5 th day of June 1844 and in the 68 th year of the Commonwealth.
Ja s H Benagh Clk.
certificate of the Court
K
2
9

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Victor a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
W. File 5,171
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ Mch. 18, 77 to July 18, 78 8 mos. Lieut. Adjt. See letter Sec. of War 1838 ✓ Bayliss } 3rd Cont. Dragoons  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓
Date of application for pension, Mar. 12, 1838. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Lynchburg Va. formerly of Port Royal
Age at date of application, 78 yrs.
Remarks: Soldier was a foreigner - nationality not stated - he mar. Caroline Co. Va. while in service in 1770 or 8 Sarah dau. of Dorcas Tankersley. After the war he removed to Fredericksburg & died in Jan'y. 1817 age not stated. Widow died Sept. 1, 1839. They had 7 children. Maria Victor, oldest, born 1779 or 80; Lucy Johnson; & John Victor (youngest) b. Feby. 1, 1793 only survivors in 1839 & 1844 - no other names stated.

The said Edward Dixon for himself his heirs, executors & administrators doth covenant and grant, let & make the said Dorcas Park- er and John & Sally Victor their heirs & assigns by these presents. That he the said Edward Dixon, from all this time hath good power & lawful & absolute authority to give and grant the premises hereby conveyed to the said John Victor & Sally his wife, and also that the said John Victor & Sally his wife their heirs & assigns shall & lawfully may from henceforth, from henceafter, peaceably & quietly have, hold, occupy, possess & enjoy, the said Lands, Tenements Herditaments and hereditaments, formerly named, together with their fixtures thereon, free & clear, of all charges off from, all jointure and other gifts, grants, bargains & sales, jointures, annuities, entails & of & from all other titles, encumbrances, charges and in cumbrances whatsoever, had, made, committed, done or suffered by him the said Edward Dixon or any other person, the life of the said Dorcas Parker in & to the lot & the Negroes, only excepted, And the said Edward Dixon for himself, and his heirs, executors & adminis- trators, the said premises, Lands & Tenements, with the Slaves before mentioned their fixtures, against him and his heirs, and against all and every other person whomsoever, both the said John Victor & Sally his wife their heirs and assigns, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents, And the said Edward Dixon doth by these presents hereby give & grant unto the said John Victor & Sally his wife for the considerations aforesaid One Silver Cup, made by John Brown, also a Silver Tea Set to them and their heirs forever In Witness whereof the said Edward Dixon hath hereunto set his hand & affixed his seal the day & year first above written.
Edward Dixon
Signed Sealed & delivered in our
Robt Gilchrist James Miller Jno Parkhurst
At a Court held for Caroline County on Thursday the 13 th day of May 1777. This deed of Gift was proved by the Oaths of the m en . for the world & ordered to be Recorded here.
William Nelson C lerk

This Indenture made the twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine between Edward Dixon of the Town of Port Royal City of the first part, Dorcas Tankersley of the said Town of the second part, and John Victor and Sally his wife of the third part; Witnesseth that the said Edward Dixon for and in consideration of the many good offices done him by the said Dorcas Tankersley for many years as his house keeper, and for and in con- sideration of the natural love and affection he bears to the said John & Sally Victor as his son in law & daughter Also for the better maintenance & improvement of the said John and Sally Victor, and further for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings paid in hand by the said Dorcas Tankersley, John and Sally Victor and each of them to him the said Edward Dixon the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, he the said Edward Dixon hath given granted, aliened, confessed and confirmed, and by these presents doth give, grant, alien, confess, & confirm unto the said Dorcas Tankersley during her natural life One lot or half acre of land lying in the Town of Port Royal and numbered forty three, with all the improvements thereon; Also two Negroes by name Julia & Rose (the elder) to have and hold the said lot & the Negroes aforesaid during her the said Dorcas Tankersley's natural life & no longer, and the said Edward Dixon for the considera- tion aforesaid doth give, grant, & confirm unto the said John & Sally Victor, one lot in the Town aforesaid numbered fifty, with all improvements thereon, Also eleven Negroes by name Hannah, Peg with five children, Tom, Betty, Dick, Charlotte, James & Bob, Dan- nah, daughter to Rose, Rose & Burwell children of the said Hannah, and Lucy together with the future increase of the females whom the said John Victor & Sally his wife & their heirs forever. and the said Edward Dixon for the consideration aforesaid, doth further give, grant, alien, confess and confirm unto the said John & Sally Victor at the death of the said Dorcas Tankersley the above mentioned lot in Port Royal, numbered forty three together with the improvements thereon, also the negroes Julia, & Rose the elder, with her increase; the whole being the lot or half acre of land in Port Royal, & thirteen negroes with their future increase to them the said John & Sally Victor. To have & to hold the said lands & tenements, also the thirteen Negroes with their increase hereby given & granted or mentioned, or intended to be given & granted, unto the said John Victor & Sally his wife their heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of them the said John & Sally Victor their heirs & assigns forever. And

"Virginia: Caroline County to Wit Personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the County of Caroline in the state of Virginia. Christian Bankhead aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn according to law, saith that she was well acquainted with Sally Fankersley who intermarried with John Victor who was an officer in the war of the revolution, but how long or in what capacity she cannot now recollect, and on being asked when the said John and Sally Victor was married, she can only state that she herself was married on the twenty second of June seventeen hundred and seventy six, and that the said John Victor and Sally Fankersley was married not long afterwards, and from circumstances brought to her recollection thinks it was in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven - Given under my hand this 19 th June 1831. Benjamin Anderson. J.P.
I do hereby certify that Mrs Christian Bankhead who has made oath to the above affidavit is a lady of undoubted credibility, and that her statement is entitled to all credit.
Benjamin Anderson J.P.

State of Virginia
Caroline County s.s:
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the Court of Caroline County, Certify that Benj a Anderson is a Magistrate as within, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name this 18 th day of June
10
1838. —
John L. Pendleton Clk:
C.
2.

Petition of John Victor, Administrator of Sarah Victor, deceased, late wid of John Victor deceased praying for the arrears and increase of pension due the heirs of the said Sarah Victor.
February 4. 1848 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
March 30. 1848 no.
12 M.
1 Baccok

State of Virginia Corporation of Lynchburg
May the 12 th 1838
Be it known, that before me David R. Byman a justice of the peace in and for the Corporation aforesaid, personally appeared Jehu Williams and made oath in due form of Law, that he has been acquainted with the family of John Victor, (who was reputed and officer of the Revolution,) since the year seventeen hundred and ninety nine and that Sarah Victor who now makes application for a pension is the widow of the aforesaid John Victor, who departed this life in January Eighteen hundred and seventeen, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period.
And he further states that at the period when he first became acquainted with the family to wit in the year seventeen hundred and ninety nine, that Maria Victor the eldest child of the family was considered an old maid, and from his knowledge of the incidents of the family and the appearance of the members of the family he thinks she cannot be less than fifty eight or nine years old -
Jehu Williams
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid And I do hereby certify that this affidavit is a true and credible, and his statements of fact, and opinion is entitled to all confidence.
(The interlineation of the words "seventeen hundred and" made before signing.) * given under my hand this 12 th day - May 1838 David R. Byman J. P.

State of Virginia
Corporation of Lynchburg } 3 rd Set
I James Benagh clerk of the Hustings Court of the Corporation of Lynchburg and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David R. Lyman is a Justice in and for the said Corporation duly elected and qualified to serve as such from the 4 th day April 1838 until April Court 1839 that his signature above written is genuine Given under my hand as clerk of the said Court of Hustings and the seal of the said Court of Hustings this 12 th day of May 1838 and in the 62 nd Year of the Commonwealth
James Benagh clerk

3468
Sarah Victor
Va
act 4 July '36.
Att. of Mr England
5
E.
4

State of Virginia Corporation of Fredericksburg } ss
Personally appeared before the undersigned Mayor of the Corporation of Fredericksburg in the State of Virginia John England in the 82 nd year of age who being first duly sworn according to Law, deposes that in the years 1786, 87 and until the year 1780 he worked at the forge and furnace near Fredericksburg and made accoutrements and arms for Col. Taylor's Regiment of Cavalry, that he knew John Victor who was an adjutant in said Regiment and was considered an officer of great merit, and it was always said of him that he rendered great services, when he joined or how long he continued in said Regiment he does not now recollect, but he has always understood and believes that after the year seventeen hundred and eighty that he recruited and trained for the army, in Fredericksburg -
John England and Benjamin Clark Mayors of the Corporation of said do hereby certify that the above deposition of John England was subscribed and sworn to in her Corporation of said, and that the said John England is a man of credit, and that his statements are entitled to credit. Given under my hand this 20 th day of June 1838.
Benj. Clark Mayor

Original
Corporation of Frederickburg, Set.
I John James Chew Clerk of the Hus- tings Court of said Corporation, do hereby Certify that Benjamin Clark, whose signature is affixed to the within Certificate, is Mayor and ex officio Chief Magis- trate of said Corporation, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be paid to all his Acts and deeds as such.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my office to be hereunto af- fixed, this 19 th day of June 1838
J. J. Chew C. C. H. C.

reps. in lot to Col Nov. 23. 1844
Payl to Maria Victor, Lucy Johnson, and John Victor, only sur. children.
Letter to R. H. Gray 1 st Feb 1845
Sub. to Wm. C. W. Heubner Jan'y 1846 let to CLK 17th Feb 3 rd 1848. Papers sent under Rec. of TR of Jan 31. 1848
Dir. to Sec. of the Interior. Jan. 15. 1850
2147. Virginia.
Sarah Victor, Deceased, widow of John Victor who died in the year month Jan. 1817. of Campbell in the State of Va. who was an adj. H. Virginian Co. commanded by Captain of the reg commanded by Col. Bayle. in the Va. line for 1 mo adj H. Dragoons
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 1,000 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day March, 1834. and ending Sept 1. 1839 when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Nov 1844 and sent to R. H. Gray Lynchburg Va.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Increased from $250.00
27 29
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by J. L. Swann Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 173 Deduct former Payments.

Washington Feb y 8, 1848.
Sir,
In the case of Lucy Johnson, daughter of Sarah Victor deed in your hands for report, - I beg leave to make a few remarks by way of bringing your attention to the particular merits - and the grounds on which our claim for additional pension has been rejected by Mr. Edwards the Com r . of pensions - and also the evidence and precedences of high authority - upon which we place it, for all purposes.
176 The claimants Mother - Sarah Victor (widow of M o Victor) - was allowed a pension under the act of July 1836, on the rank of Lieut of Caval y for 16 mo. to wit, from March 1 st 1777, to July, or Aug. 1778 - while he was Adj t of Baylor Reg. - and after the widow's death in 1839, the then living children in 1844, was allowed an increased of said pension on the Staff Rank of Adj t , for the 16 mo. before allowed but refused to allow a pension for her husband's services - M o Victor - previous to March 1777, which is ab- undantly proven by the parole evidence of Hopkins, England privates, and Sledge Brooks, and the Hon M o Talliaferro; who were all contemporaries with Victor, in and about Freder- icksburg, in 1775, and 76, - and proves most conclusively, that said Victor was in the service as an officer in the Caval y - in 1776 - and part of them, as late as 1779 but, because the records do not sustain the whole of his services, owing to their imperfect, and mutilated character - Mr. Edwards refuses to allow the pension only for the times that he Victor settled his age as Adj t . as above - and that too, while we have the letter of Mr. Edwards himself, Mr. Hagner the 3 d aud r . and M m Gordon of the Land Bounty office; all going to show, that the rolls, and records, of the Revolutionary war, are so very defective, that they can not be depended to prove the entire services of the officer!! See Hubards report on V a Land claims page 84.
But in addition the positive proof of services as an officer prior to 1777. by 4 or 5 different witnesses; there is 1 st the fact that he was a Lieut at the time of his being appointed Adj t to the Reg. in March 1777, by

his being Style  Lieut! in the Certificate of pension issued to the widow! But where, and when, did Victor get this title of Lieut, if it did not exist previous to his being appointed adj in March 1777. and upon which rank, his heirs were allowed Land for 3 years services - for W.E. says there were Staff appointments, not taken from the line, and in further proof of his being a Lieut before he was Adj - we will draw the attention of the Committee, to the  1st Resolution of Congress of 76, 78, requiring Staff officers, should be taken from the line of the Army - and afterwards from the supernumerary officers. The object being two fold. 1 st to have well qualified Staff officers in service , and also, to keep as many officers of the line employed as possible, on the reduction of the Reg t . Therefore the presumption is strong, that Victor was an officer, before he was Adj - as is proven by the introduction and from the further fact also, that he Victor was a great military  Petitioner , as a Cavalry officer ; and assisted Col Baylor in recruiting his company, in its infancy - and it is this fact also that obtained for him Victor the appointment of Adj of the Reg t . Col Baylor would not have taken him from private life, and made him an Adj t giving dissatisfaction to the Sub. officers of the Reg t . and in violation of the Resolutions of Congress on the subject.
Then promising that enough has been said to show the probability - independent of the proof that Victor was in service at least 8 Mo as a Lieut, prior to his being Adj. (which is all that is necessary to prove to get full pension) we will next show to the Committee, that notwithstanding W.E. has thought proper, in utter violation of the just, and legal rights of claimants, and in face of the very highest authority, and precedents - to establish arbitrary , and restrictive rules, entirely subversive of all law on the subject, of evidence in proof of service. What right has W.E. to say, that paroled evidence shall not be rec d - in proof of the service of the officers, independent of the Records? The law does not say so!

and that too, where he admits himself their defect in proofs! and where too, there is proof in abundance of the very highest standing, that hundreds of officers who had served 6, or 7 years, and to the end of the war - while the settlement of these cases, and other record evidence, will only show a few months service. See H.W. Rep. of the def d pay list, and Lieut. Estlin's case page 130. 82 a -
But we will now take still higher ground - that of precedents - and of the highest authority - the acts of long rep t - to show the committee, that they stand upon safe, and substantial grounds, in receiving parole evidence in proof of services; not in allowing mere balances of pension to be due - but in allowing claims of the very highest magnitude, both in amt t , and standing - of both comm t pay, for for the husband, and half pay for the widow 82 a .
1 st Tho s Wallace - V a line - was allowed comm t pay on parole evidence. Tho' his name is not found in 3 d aud. office. Allens report 271.
2 nd Tite Stronge. officers of the Navy, all d comm t pay, tho' neither the acts of Oct 21, 1780, or March 1783, provides for them! See the case of W m Banon all rep. 272, and Lieut. Fanning, also of the Navy. all rep. 350.
3 rd - Cornett W m Teas, of V a was allowed comm t pay, on the evidence of H ez Hargrove, and Joseph Royall, both privates - Al. rep. 282.
4 th - En o Grant - Lieut - all d comm t pay on parole ev d do 283
5 th W m Royall, cap - comm t pay all d widow, in 1834, on parole evidence - in consideration of the defectiveness of records! Committee being of opinion, that in such cases! parole evidence "should be rec d - to prevent great injustice being done to claimants. (Analogous to Victors, and Morris) See allens report 295."
6 th Lieut Bunting, of V a Reg. Grand child n all d 79? half pay. Al. rep. 351
7 th Francis Epper Col. 7 years half pay, all d to distant relatives - it being considered a vested right. Al. rep. page 370.
8 th cap W m Gregory. Heirs all d comm t pay - Tho' there was no evidence in 3 d aud. office of his being in service. Al. rep. 378.
9 th Lieut. Tho s Middleton - all d comm t pay - Tho' belonging to an extra Reg - Maryland line. (analogous to Col. Chas. Lewis) Al. rep. 416.

10. Lieut Thos. Wishart. all d com. pay, Sawd - Tho his name is not on the list of officers retained in service. nor Supp d according to reduction in 1778, nor rec d pay since that time. Al. Rep page 422!
This case is analogous to Moores, Victors, and Paylors - Tho stronger.
11. W m Hlayner. cap Par. line - all d com pay as Supp d he being a prisoner at the reduction R d . (analogous to Paylors) Al. Rep. 424. also refer to act of Cong. Jan y 1. 1781.
12. Lieut M c Baines. Heirs all d com. pay, Tho there was no evidence of service in 3 d and off. after Nov. 1779. Al. Rep. 440.
13. Lieut Philip Lightfoot all d com. pay on parole evidence alone. not an atom of record evidence being found, either in Wash n . or Rich d . of his services. The committee being satisfied, that it was not right, to confine themselves to record proof of service alone. Al Rep. 459.
In addition to the above, many more could be cited to show what latitude the Committee have taken in receiving evidence of service, in all classes of cases - even when there was no law to stand upon - being always governed by the merits of the case, whether proven by record, or parole evidence. Indeed as late as 1838, as many as 12, or 15 cases of half pay for widows, and com pay claims were all d by Congress, both on parole, as well as record evidence. Nor can this claim be rejected because the widow is dead, for Mr. Edwards has allowed an increase of pension in this precise case to the children of Sarah Victor as Adjutant - since the death of the widow. and too I have Mr. E s letter stating, that "what ever is due the widow at her death, is payable to the children!"
This case, of Victors and Moores stands on the same footing both before your committee, and will depend upon the sufficiency of the evidence to allow for service prior to March 1777, and subsequent to July 1778 - to the amt of 8 mo. additional so as to make the pension full, instead \frac{2}{3} as have been allowed on 16 mo. while Victor was adj. only. I trust yourself and the Committee will patiently examine the evidence in this case, and the reasons assigned by me also, why the parole evidence in this case should not be rejected - and that the claim for 8 mo. more pension may be allowed on the rank of Lieut of Col l from the 1 st of March 1831, to the time of the widows death in 1839. Yours respectfully No H Gray

Copies for M c Victor
MS of La d Gibson
F.
9
5
H m W. Coles P.R.

Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County of Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia, Thomas Gibson who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he was a soldier and served upwards of five years in the Army of the Revolution in the Regiment of Cavalry which was commanded by Col. Bland, Washington &c. in the Northern and Southern Campaigns. That he was well acquainted with John Victor who acted as Lieutenant and Adjutant in Col. Bairois Regiment of Cavalry from the year 1776 to the year 1779 or 80. The troops having marched to the South, he does not remember what became of the said Victor, but have no doubt, he was honorably discharged from the said service. he was in service upwards of three years and was still in service when he saw him last. Given under my hand and seal this 11 th September 1833
James Hopkins
I do certify that Thomas Gibson who has made oath to the above deposition is a credible man and that his statement is entitled to credit —
James Hopkins.
Virginia to wit
I William Tunstall Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that James Hopkins Esqr. before whom the within Affidavit of James Gibson was made was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly em- powered to administer oaths and that I believe his sign- nature

to be genuine
Seal
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 2 nd day of November 1833
Wm. Tunstall
Virginia to wit
At Pittsylvania County August Court Eighteen hundred and thirty two. It was certified by the Court that Thomas Gibson was a credible person and that his statement was entitled to credit.
Seal
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 2 nd day of November 1833.
Wm. Tunstall
Petition of the heirs of John Victor Lieutenant and Adjutant Continental Line for Bounty Land
John Victor settled his accounts as Adjutant from March 1777 to July 1778. A credible witness has proved, that he was Lieutenant & Adjutant in Col. Baylor's Regiment of Cavalry, from the year 1776 to the year 1779 or 80 - that he knew him in service, more than three years, & that he was still in service, when he last saw him - This claim has been reported good in printed list No. 2. which is referred to.
If Bounty Land should be allowed it ought to be for a service of three years
To His Excellency
Gov. Floyd
Respectfully submitted
John H Smith Comr. &c
March 18 th 1834

Executive Department Richmond Va Jan 16 1838
The foregoing are true copies, first of a paper on file in this department, and second of a report of the Commissioner of Revenue, drawn from a volume of his reports, which is also deposited in this department.
James Richardson Deputy Com re

Additional evidence - early action requested in Sarah Victor case.
19
A.6.
Washington
of Prussian
Jan 26 46
No 362 2147
Ch to No 202 Jan 46
Adal ter scan
Sarah Victor
Wm E. W. Hubbard
112
20

In this case we ask that Sarah Victor's pension be made a full one - having only been allowed a pension during the time that Mrs. Victor's husband was Adjt. - from March 1777, to Aug. 1778 - whereas, from the evidence of Hopkins and England, filed - together with the corroborative certificates of Judge Brooke, and Mr. Talliaferro Victor was in the service as Lieut. of Cavalry as early as 1775, or 76. Mrs. Victor it seems was a good Justice (a Foreigner), of which there were few in the early part of the war - hence the strong probability that he had an early appointment. He had his land a Secret on the aff. of Hopkins in part - (Agent. Mrs. Minors certificate was also obtained, and filed in Rich d but can not now be found. It is hardly probable that Victor (being a Foreigner) would have been appointed Adjt. before having proven himself competent to the discharge of the duties of the office, in a subordinate capacity. As this is not an original case,
I am in hopes that you will give an early re-hearing on it (having filed additional evidence), that should your decision be adverse, we may have time to take it before Congress during the present Session; and with all deference to your decision, as regards oral testimony in such cases, I think there is abundance of evidence, and force enough to show that, owing to the fact that it was quite a practice among the officers of the Continental Line to neglect obtaining their commissions for several years after they had been in service - which added to the fact of the looseness with which things were done in the early part of the war, as regards the correct keeping of records, and also the destruction of the records by fire, in 1800, and 1814 - you should be willing to receive such evidence as we have filed as a sufficient substitute - it being the very next best that could be obtained.
Yours respectfully R. H. Gray att. for Sarah Victor, heirs.

Synch s . Oct r 12 1844.
Sir, ✓ Enclosed I send you the account of Adjt. M o Victor showing that he rec d . £240. or $800. for 16 mo. services as Adjt. of Dragoons - from the 18 th of March 1777, to the 18 th of July 1778 - which is $50. pr. Mo. - or $600. pr. An. and which settles the point as to the deficiency of pension which was due his widow Sarah Victor, now dec d - for the 16 mo. allowed as Supt. at $250. pr. An. instead of $400. pr. An. as Adjt. as it should have been - making a difference of $150 pr. An. due her heirs, for 8½ years or $1275 in the aggregate. I also enclose you the Aff t of Thos. Gibson duly certified &c d proving that said Victor was a Lieut and Adjt. in Col Bland's for Rangers Reg. from 1776, to 1779 or 80. &c d . which Aff t proves services both before, and after the dates included in the settlement of his depreciation pay, and fully sustains the very many cases named in the report of the Hon. E. Hubbard last Session of the H. of Reps. No. 457 - as Chairman of the Com. on public lands to which I refer you - page 130, 31. 32. 570 - including the special cases of Lieut Geo. Eskridge, Lieut Joseph Holliday, Capt. Peter Bernard &c d showing most conclusively that the settlement of the depreciated pay a/c. of the officer, was not considered Prima Facie evidence of either the beginning or ending of the services of the officer: For by reference to the evidence in the above cases, and others - you will see, that they (as in Victor's case) were in service both before and after the dates included in their depreciated pay a/c. I think the Aff t of Thos. Gibson is satisfactory for proof of at least 2 years services if not 3 years - and if it had been properly taken would have proven more than 3 years! It is very evident that the Auditor's books in Virginia does not show the full services of the officer - their ages being kept in the Army in the early part of the war - and then again disbanded as supernumerary officers in 1778 - until called into service.
Again I understand from the report of the Hon E Hubbard - that no depreciation pay was settled until, the 1 st of Jan y 1777. consequently the audi-

Tors books in Va in many cases give but a very imperfect knowledge of the services of the officer. Should you not be satisfied that the Affidavit of Gibson and others sufficiently proves 2 years services - (of which I do not see how you can doubt) you will issue the certificate for the $400 - per An. - deducting former payments - and leave the case open for further evidence. I have been informed by Mr. Victor, that he obtained other evidence in Fredericksburg - and also Judge Brooks certificate - which is filed with Mr. Victor's papers. I am in hopes that upon reading the report of the Hon E. Hubbard above referred to - you will see that in many cases you are doing great injustice to claimants to adhere rigidly to the depreciated pay as of the officer, as the sole criterion of the length of their services - especially when at double that time is proven by as respectable persons as are to be found any where - as in the case of Victor. The 8 months additional, which we claim, you can allow as Lieutenant - as the evidence is not clear that he served more than 16. Mo. as Adjutant. In fact from what I am informed Victor served nearly the whole war through - at least from 1776, to 1780 - for Gibson certifies that he knew Victor in service as Lieut. and Adj. - until he the said Gibson marched to the South in their Bladensburg afterwards Washington - (but originally raised by Baylor) - which was marched from Virginia - as history informs us, the first of the year 1780 - corroborating Gibson's evidence as to the time said leg. left Va. for the South.
Now if Gibson's evidence was all - you might perhaps cavil - but when sustained by both record, and other oral evidence - filed as I am informed - I do not see how you can hesitate to allow the full pay pension; especially since, I am in hopes, upon examination of Hubbard's report, you will find that to adhere to the depreciated pay as of great injustice is done to the party.
Please forward the Certificate as soon as practicable.
Yours respectfully,
Ro. W. Gray Agent.

June 10 1844
on cash for array Sarah Victor acc
FREE Jas H Daniels Esq
John J. Beusines
20 Washington
City
22
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Syracuse June 5- 1844
Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs Victor, Adm o of Sarah Victor dec d . of the compensation of her husband, claiming arrears, and increase of pension, as the widow of Mrs Victor dec d - who was a Lieut, and Adj t of Cavalry in the Mex o war - and had a land Warrant, on the grade of Adjutant - and his widow claimed a pension on said rank - for July 16. Mrs Victor, as per Certificate sent - whereas, she should have had a pension on the rank, and pay of Captain of Cavalry - which was $6.00 per M th - instead of $3.75. for which she is allowed a Lieut - and on which the widow drew. It having been decided by the At ty Gen l that pension are to be allowed on the grade of Adj t - when they held such rank, instead of their rank in line. Should we obtain the further evidence, referred to in the declaration enclosed - it will be sent on, if not, we will have to submit the case as it is - expecting only the difference between the pay of Lieut, and that of Adj t - which for the 8 1/2 years, from March 1831 to Sept th 1839, will amount to $150.00 per M th - to $1275. on the amount.
Yours respectfully No. H. Gray Agent -

Sarah Victor - died widow of John A. Virginia
Interest for $400 per c. to $533.33 from 4 March 1837 to 1 Sept 1839 deducting what has been paid payable to Maria Victor, Lucy John and John Victor children
As of July 31
R. N. Gray, Lyndhurst. Va

Argument in the case of Lucy Johnson daugh- ter of Sarah Victor
In the hands of the Hon M c Cook of Tennessee - Ch m of the Committee on pensions
No 4 Gray ave.
18
Hon W m M. Cochr

Additional. committee The will please be informed that Baylors Reg t to which Victor was Adj. was raised early in 1861, or late in 75 - at which time Victor was Lieut. - but that he was not appointed Adj. until March 1862; he by that time having proven his capacity for the office - and it would be doing violence to reason, or preumption , to suppose that he was taken from private life and appointed to the important military office of Adj. - in time of War - over the heads of well qualified Sub. - altern officers, who had been in service for more than 12. years! doing great injuries to them , and also giving cause of dissatisfaction &c.
2 nd This increase , which we ask for, stands on higher grounds, than the increase allowed since the widows death, which was on the Staff rank, and made a new pension by the after construction of the law, by the act of 1864; and after the widows death - while this increase , asked for - is based on the original act of 1836 - and on the evidence filed in the widows lifetime - and which should have been paid to herself, while alive. so, the committee will observe. That in fact, this is a more balanced for by the children, been asked, that should have been paid to the widow.
Yours respectfully - R. H. Gray att.
83. The settlement of Victor's age is no evidence that he retired from service at that time! or at all! and has shown and the probability is (as argued by his family) that after he was adj t he was placed on the recruiting list of officers - as with others, - at the reduction of the Reg t s in 1862.
R. H. G.

Jan 21 '45
no-2147-38
Adal ter can
for Sarah Victor
for
Edwards Esq
Home of Francis
Washington D.C.
Th E.W. Huband HOR
yr - both servt E.W. Huband
envelope at an early day
Certificate of Judge Brooks -
Col. Edwards Dear Sir. I much favor of you & I am on that share. - etc. etc. etc.

Washington City Jan. 19. 1826
Sir,
Enclosed is the Certificate of Judge Brooks of the Court of Appeals in regard to what he recollected as to the Revd. Services of Mr Victor of Fredericksburg in the year 1776. You will perceive that Judge Brooks gave this certificate with great reluctance - hence its very great stringency. What he says tho' is sufficient to show that Mr Victor entered the Continental service - in the Cavalry - in 1776 - for he recollected distinctly seeing him training the Cavalry to keep one in hand-rail. There were few good Tacticians in the beginning of the war - among the native officers - hence the strong presumption of Victor's being early in the war. With a Foreigner, and a good Tactician. This certificate of Judge Brooks is corroborative of the affidavit of Jas Hopkins, which is filed with Mrs Sarah Victor's papers - which was to the effect that he Jas Hopkins was in the Cavalry service with Victor as early as 1776 or 77 - up to 1778 or 79. This I think should be satisfactory - (together with the time that Victor served as Adjutant of Cavalry to wit from March 1777, to Aug 1778) to allow the additional 8 months pension on the grade of Lieut of Cavalry. I do not think that the mere fact that we can not show that Victor had obtained his Commission as Lieut - ought to militate against us in the face of positive oral proof that he was in the service; and the further fact that numerous officers were in the Contl Service for 2, 3, and 5 years before obtaining their Commissions. We are told further by Victor's Family that after he was Adjutant,

that he was put on the recruiting service - which fact, the old books in Rich's index show (as in Jacob Moore's case), if properly examined into. I am in hopes you will find no difficulty in allowing to the heirs (children) of Sarah Victor the additional 8 mo. pension as Adm. of Ceres yours respectfully -
No. 44 Gray. all?
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

14
Certificate of — Judge — Francis Brooke — in the case of vs Victor. Rev. Services —
L.
10

January 17/1846 I am indebted to you in part for Mr John Lestons military service in the war of the revolution I think in the year 1776 when away at school I saw him in Fredericktown training some company they were trained to leave over a hill and when any of them fell from the road they were whipped by him until they again mounted I never noticed any of them return later comparisons in the South — Francis Brooke I believe they belonged to the contempt of army Francis Brooke

Oct 7. 1844 Resp Sarah Hinton
15-
Miss F. Annas Esqr
Orm. of passions
Washington City
17

Syracuse Oct 2 nd 1844.
Sir,
I have rec d . yours of the 28 th stating that upon the return of Sarah Victor's old pension Certificate, a new one will be issued for $289.09 cts per An m . When the heirs of Mrs and Sarah Victor rec d the balance, at her death, the old certificate of pension of course, was returned to your office - accessible to you, and part of our contract. If I comprehend your statement you make the gross Am t of the bal of pay due on settlement as the criterion of his per An m pay - or $233.64 cts per An m ; while I was informed at the Auditor's office in Rich d - by reference to his accounts that the pay of Mrs Victor, as Adjutant of Cavalry was $600. per An m the same as the Capt of Cavalry. As agent, it is my duty to see that the heirs for whom I act, have all that is due them. Please satisfy yourself thoroughly on this subject before you issue the certificate - by writing to the Auditor in Rich d . I was informed in the Auditor's office that the certificate of Bal of pay was no rule by which to ascertain the pay per An m of the officer. And it is proven further - (by the report of the Hon. E. Hubbard on lands, last Session, that it was no positive evidence of the termination of the officer's services. Yours -
No. 16 Gray Ag t .

War Department Pension Office June 14. 1838
Sir,
I have examined the claim of Sarah Victor, the widow of John Victor dec d . and have placed her papers upon our files. The name of John Victor appears upon the Virginia Continental rolls, and his settled accounts shew a service from March 1777 to July 1778. It only remains for M rs Victor to establish the fact that she was married previous to the termination of his service. The proof already exhibited upon this point is not deemed satisfactory. It seems that M r Victor rec d bounty land from the State of Virginia for three years service, computing it from the year 1775 to 1778; upon what evidence does not appear. His account as mentioned above can be only guide for this Department, as to the length of his actual service, which will amount to about fifteen months as Adjutant
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Yr. Mo. ob d St.
Hon. Walter Coles House of Representatives
J. L. Edwards

War Department Pension Office June 23 d 1838
Sir
I have examined the additional proof in the case of Mrs Sarah Victor, and have placed it upon our files with her original papers.
The Department cannot upon the evidence exhibited, allow for a longer service of the claimants husband, John Victor dec d than 15 months. Should you feel disposed to accept a certificate in her behalf for that amount, it will be immediately issued.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Yr. Mo. Off. St.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. W. Cotes House of Representatives

Adj. M c Niels a/c. on settlement re
3 58
Mr Robert W Gray agent Lynchburg Va
0.
13

Dr The United States In Account with John Victor
C o
  N o 875 To pay as Adj t of Dragoons from 18th March 77 to 18 July 1778 240 " " By Value p Money Rec d Certificates 173 9 2 70 7 6   To retained Rations 3 16 
The above is truly copied from a Book of Settlements made with the Officers of the Revolutionary Army.
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office Richmond. This 8th day of October 1844.
J. E. Heath Auditor
$50 per month

Sir
Andoff: Octo: 9. 1864.
I send you the annexed copy of the settlement with Adjutant Victor showing that he recd $50 per month. As the Lieut's pay was only $33 \frac{33}{100} per month, the $50 was no doubt intended to cover both. He is not particularly named as Lieutenant. I cannot find that additional land bounty was allowed an adjutant as such.
I send you copies of papers handed me by General Richardson
respectfully
Jas R Heath

Virginia Caroline County to Wit
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the said County Court do hereby certify that there are no records of marriages in this office prior to the year 1785 on account of the records of that character having been destroyed by fire —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of the said County this 18 th day of June 1838. —
John L. Pendleton Clk

Department of the Interior June 29 th 1850.
Sir,
I herewith return the papers in the case of Sarah Victor, widow of John Victor deceased who was a Lieutenant and Adjutant of Cavalry, in Col. Baylor's regiment during the War of the Revolution.
A pension has already been allowed for Sixteen Months , and an increase is claimed for eight months additional. I am of the opinion that the increase should be granted for his services as Lieutenant, but not as Adjutant.
I am very respectfully
Your obedt Servant
Signed, T. Ewing Secretary
J. T. Edwards Esq Commr of Pension,

30 th Congress. 1 st Session.
Congress of the United States. In the House of Representatives.
January 30 th 1848.
Resolved. That the leave be given to withdraw from the files of the Pension Office, the papers of Elizabeth Williamson, of Elizabeth Simpson, of Sarah Victor, of Ann Hancock and of Susan Oglesby; and that they be severally referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.
Attest.
Thos J Campbell Clerk.

General Land Office Nov 22 d 1852.
Sir:
Will you please furnish me with the Papers upon which a Pension, under the Act of July 4. 1836, was allowed for the services of John Victor, a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Line, in the War of the Revolution.
It is important that these papers should be examined in connection with a claim for Land Bounty now pending in this Office, under Act of August 31. 1852.
Very Respectfully,
Your obedt servt. J. H. Millard
Commissioner.
L. P. Waldo, Engr. Comm ee of Pensions

In consequence of the press of business in the office, and the limited clerical force, we were compelled to send the original papers in this case, fourteen in number, to the Clerk H. R. Indiana Resolutions of the 31 Jan '48 - on the 3 Feb 1848
J. D. W.
28
29

Carrollton Mo.
Nov. 20, 1909.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly advise me if there is any records in Revolutionary file of John Victor. He served as adjutant of a Va. Organization.
The records in the War Dept. show that he was on a list of officers of a Va. Line on Continental establishment who have received certificates for the balance of their full pay, agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed Nov. Session, 1781. which list shows that on April 3. 1783. he received £ 173, 9. S. 2d.
Any information relative to this soldier, as found in records of your office will be much appreciated
Very Respectfully
Mrs H. A. Gunker Carrollton. Missouri

Increase Sarah Victor decd Maw of John son
act 4 July 1836.
Adms. 16 mo of interest and Semilunant of Drayms $400 per Ann
Commencing on 4 March 1831 and terminating on 1 st September 1839 the day of her death payable to Maria Victor, Lucy Johnson and John Victor only, during their lives - deducting what has been paid at the rate of $250 per Annum -
29 30
R. H. Gray 18 Lynchburg Virginia

R.R. Sec
Dr. Ella M. House Bates, NO. 78 T STREET N. W., Washington, D. C.
Mar. 24, 1921
Pension Bureau:- Washington, D.C.
Several weeks ago I ad- dressed a request to the Commissioner of Pensions for a copy of the Revolutionary Record of John Victor , and of the Pension Certificate of his widow Sarah Tankersley Victor, but have received no reply. As I am very anxious to obtain this data as soon as possible, I am writing to know if there is any way in which the matter may be expedited. Some

year ago I saw the record at the Pension Bureau.
John Victor enlisted in Caroline Co. Va. Mar. 18, 1877, served to July 18, 1878, was Adjt. and Lieut. under Col. Baylor of Va., in a Cavalry organization.
His widow, Sarah (Jankersley) Victor applied for and received pension May 12, 1838.
He died about 1817.
Please send me all the information stated in this record.
Respectfully Ella R. Fales.

Feb 20 - 1901 Dr. S. R. House - c. 5 1909 Dec 6. History to Mrs. H. A. Dunker - $ 1921 Apr. 5 - Hist to Dr. Ella R. Fales. En
5171 Rev WIDOW, & Co. 
File No. 5171  Sarah Victor  Wid.  John Victor  Lieut. & Adjt. Va. line 
Act: _____ Index: — Vol. 16 , Page 300 
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Br. Ella M. House Bates, No. 18 T STREET N. W., Washington, D. C.
Rev 20 Mar. 1, 1921.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir:
Please send me a certified copy of the pension Certificate of Sarah (Tankersley) Victor, widow of John (perhaps John A. W.) Victor, and record of his military service as shown by pension records.
John Victor died in 1817. Sarah Victor died Sept. 1, 1839, at Lynchburg Va., having applied for and received pension May 12, 1838.
John Victor enlisted in the Revolutionary service, Mar. 18,

1777, and served to July 18, 1778; was Adjt. and Lieut. under Col. Baylor, of Va. in a Cavalry organization.
If there is any fee charged for copy of record requested please inform me.
I wish this information for use in connection with application for membership in Daughters of American Revolution.
Respectfully, Ella R. Fales.

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
John (A.W.) Victor
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Va.
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Va.
Date of death (as near as possible):
Christian name of widow:
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
She did and
Remarks:
during the last years of her life resided at Lynchburg Va.
Your name and address:
E. R. House M.D. 915 L St. N.W. Washington D.C.
6-870
(over)

Please give any items of family history contained in the papers. I wish it for genealogical re- search.
R. House.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by Bill
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier John Victor
Service Lt. & adj. cont. Wrag.
Additional Service Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No admitted B.L.
Dec. 6, 1909

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental 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 3 rd day of April 1783. , in the name of John Victor as Adjutant for £ 173. 9. 2 , which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Joel and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
pay as Adj t of Dragoons from 18 March 1777 to 18 July 1778.
{ No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this
2 nd day of April 184 4.
$ 578.19 $ 289.9
J. E. Heath AUDITOR.

173. 9. 2 67 3469 578. 26 172. 72 47 144. 55 $ 433. 65
$600. pr. chn.
61.
8

N.
Col. Edwards See Sir
This contains additional evidence in the case of Rev. Victor & permit me to request an early action on the subject - because if adverse the parties desire to place the matter before Congress - Yrs. &c. E. C. Hubbard
12

The undersigned was long & well acquainted with John Victor, a citizen of Virginia, who for many years resided in the Town of Port Royal in that State. And it is perfectly in the recollection of the undersigned, that the said John Victor entered into the military service at a very early period of the war of the revolution, & the undersigned believes, at, or very near its commencement - And in which service the said Victor continued a very considerable time; how long the undersigned cannot say with any precision; but he expresses the confident opinion, that the term of the said Victor's service was more than two years - given by me this 23 d day of January 1846 -
John Taliaferro - of Virginia -

State of Virginia Corporation of Lynchburg
The affidavit of Mrs Ann Scott aged seventy five years, (and widow of M aj . Samuel Scott late of Campbell County in the State of Virginia,) now residing in our Corporation aforesaid; Taken before me David R Syman a justice of the peace in and for the Corporation of Lynchburg.
This affiant being first duly sworn according to law sayeth,
That she was raised in the County of Caroline in the State of Virginia and in her early days resided in Port Royal, that she was well acquainted with John Victor an Officer in the War of the Revolution, and with Sarah Tankersley with whom he intermarried, that she was not present when they were married, but knew them before and after, that she cannot state the time as to day and date when this event took place, but well recollects when her sister was married which was in the month of March previous to the capture of Cornwallis, and that the said John Victor and Sarah was married some time before, probably in the year seventy seven or seventy eight, and thinks the said Mrs Victor had a child before her sister was married, and that the said Sarah Victor the widow of John Victor now resides in Lynchburg and has never afterwards married -
And this affiant further states that after they were married the said John Victor and Sarah, went to house keeping in Port Royal and that he was then an officer but does not know to what command he belonged, that he wore a uniform

of Green, Turned up or Trained with Buff, and her impression was that he was on Waroll, and that after the War he removed to Fredericksburg. - and that the facts stated, and person of John Victor are impressed upon her memory from the circumstance of his being a great proficient in Musick and that she frequently went to the house of the father of Mrs Victor, said to Mount Church, to hear him play on the Spinnets, and on the Organ -
Ann Scott
And I David R Symon justice of the peace in and for the corporation aforesaid do hereby certify that the aforesaid Affiant Mrs Ann Scott possesses in an eminent degree her faculties of mind and memory and that she is a lady of great respectability,
Given under my hand and seal, in our Corporation aforesaid this Eleventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight David R Symon J.P.
State of Virginia
Corporation of Lynchburg
3/3 Set
I James Benagh Clerk of the Hustings Court of the corporation of Lynchburg in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that David R Symon is a justice of the peace in and for the said corporation duly elected and qualified to serve as such from the 4 th day of April 1838 until April Court 1839 that his signature above written is genuine Given under my hand as clerk of the said court of Hustings and the seal of the said Hustings Court this 12 th day of May 1838 and in the 62 nd year of the commonwealth
James Benagh clk

Washington City Jan. 28 th 1845
Sir,
you will please review the claim of Sarah Victoras heirs of Synchlibuck - claiming that 8 months more pension should have been allowed her, as the widow of Jno Victor dec d of Va - who was a Lieut and Adj t of Cavalry in Col. Baylors Regt. afterwards Bland's and Washington's. Mrs Victor was allowed a pension under the Act of 1836, on the services of her husband for 16 Mo. as Adj t of Cavalry - to wit, from the day of March 1777, to July 1778 - which period is embraced in the settlement of her depreciated pay account. We claim, that there is sufficient evidence filed with Mrs Victoras papers to shew, that Victor was in service both before, and after the period embraced in the settlement of his depreciated account. - particularly before March 1777 when his pay as Adj t commenced. It is not only in proof that he served at least 3 years from 1776, to 79, but also the fact of his having been allowed his laid bounty as Lieut t which fact is proof positive that he was a Lieut previous to March 1777 when he was promoted to the rank of Adj t of the Regt t which fact alone is presumptive, that he had served some time as a Lieut - long enough to prove himself worthy of the post of Adjutant - which office is filled by Superior disciplinarians. It will not any longer be contended by your dept t that the period embraced in the depreciated pay account is all the service that he rendered - or all that himself, or his widow can be allowed a pension on? For to do so, would be to disregard all oral testimony whatever, of however high authority - and if your mind is not already convinced of the injustice, and in propriety, and iniquity - I refer you to the report of E. W. Hubbard on land claims, to shew that when it is in proof that officers who served from 3 to 4, and as high as 7 years, in the last line, their depreciation account only shews a few months service - and further, that no depreciation of money was settled prior to Jan y 1777: at all. Then this being so, we have it proof, by oral testimony, that Victor was in

as a Lieut of Cavalry as early as 1776, and up to 1779. Upon a review of this case, you will be satisfied that the heirs of Sarah Victor are entitled to 8 mo. more pension on the grade of Lieut of Cavalry. Please address your communications - or certificate of pension under my Agency to me in Washington - until further advised.
No. No. Genl. Agent.
83. I have sent you 6 yrs ago additional testimony in Mr. Lucy Gannaway's case - from Campbell - claiming a pension under the act of July 1836
M rs . Mary Gannaway's papers of Nelson Co Va have been returned to your office - improperly returned to me requiring further proof of the credibility of witnesses from Judicial Authority.
I have also sent you additional evidence of the service of Andrew Wright as a driver of a public waggon - detailed to serve a term as such - which exempted him from his militia draft. Filed in the case of M rs Lucy Wright of Nelson County Va.
I have enclosed to you since I came to Washington an (informal) certificate of Valentine Johnson of Orange - showing that to serve as an exempt rider in the New war, was a military appointment, and exempted the rider from a term of duty in the ranks. In many cases, the former being preferred to the latter. To be filed with the papers of Elizabeth Martin of Bedford Co Va.
you will please review the papers in the case of M rs Margaret Sockard of Bedford Co Va - all that is required is proof of Marriage, or Co-habitation as man and wife prior to 1794. which I know is ample - which upon review you will admit. You did not object to the oral testimony of Marriage in this case at first only requiring the certificate of the clerk of Amherst that due search was made &c. and now after a delay of 2 years - requires more oral testimony. Please review