Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7426, for Robert Mc Millen, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
or McMillen, Robert McMillan
N 7426
Mary
CONTENTS

Virginia 2-5-30
Robert McC. Miller
of Preston Co. in the State of Virginia who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ramsey of the regt. commanded by Col. Hannon in the Virginia line for 12 months and 5 days
Dead
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 40 - Dollars 66 - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of May 1833 and sent to H. Gussmeyer Kingwood Preston Co - Va -
  Arrears to the 4th of March 33  81. 32    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 - Sept.  20. 33     101. 65  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Rush Newman Clerk Book C - Vol. 8 Page 17
del 25 March 1835 H. Gussmeyer

2458.
Virginia. Wheeling Mary M c Millan widow of Robert M c Millan Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Reported Dec r 18/48
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Dec r 18/48 and sent to
Hon. M c G. Brown Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 164 Vol. 3,

State of Virginia Preston County ss.
On this twelfth day of December A.D. 1845, personally appeared before the Subscriber a justice of the County Court of Preston County at her house, Mary McMillon, a resident of said Preston County and State of Virginia, aged Seventy Nine 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 4 th 1836 th That she is the widow of Robert McMillon, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, she does not recollect the regiment or company to which he belonged, she supposes all his papers containing that fact are filed at Washington as her husband obtained a pension in his lifetime. She has heard him say that in the battle of Brandywine she further declared that she was married to the said Robert McMillon, on the 22 nd day of August in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty five; that her husband the aforesaid Robert McMillon died on the 16 th day of October one thousand eight hundred thirty four, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
Mary her McMillon mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me an acting justice of the County Court of Preston County Virginia, at the house of the said Mary McMillon. And I do further certify that in consequence of the bodily infirmity of the said Mary McMillon she is not able to attend at the courthouse of said county to make her said Declaration, And I do further certify that the said Mary McMillon is a woman of credibility. Given under my hand and seal This 12 th day of December 1845
Daniel Graham A justice of the county court of Preston County

Virginia } to wit Preston County }
Personally appeared before the Subscriber an acting justice of the County court of Preston County Sabina McMillen, and after being duly sworn according to law saith that Robert McMillen, the husband of Mary McMillen the within petitioner, died on the 16 th day of October A D 1834 (one thousand Eight hundred & thirty four) that she resided with the said Robert McMillen at the time of his death. And further this deponent saith not
Samuel Fisher
Salina her + N c Millen mar
Samuel Graham justice as afore said mar do further certify the said affiant, Sabina McMillen is a witness of full age and that full confidence is to be placed in her as a witness when under Oath. Given under my hand this 13 th day of December 1845-
General Pickens
Isaac Coburn being sworn according to law saith, That he was acquainted with Robert McMillen and Mary his wife for many years before the death of the said Robert, that Robert McMillen the Petitioner is the the wife of Robert McMillen who was a pensioner of Preston County & the holder of nothing died he thinks ten or eleven years ago, that Mary McMillen has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband Robert McMillen. Witness further saith that it is he thinks above forty five years since he became acquainted with Robert & Mary McMillen. that they came to his fathers house in (now) Preston County with their children, he does not now recollect how many they had when they first came to the County, three or four he thinks, they had one boy then about his age, as he supposed from his size and what he heard them say, Witness is now past sixty (60) years old Witness never doubted, nor did he ever hear any body else doubt but that they were legally married. He had heard Robert McMillen talk about him and his wife Mary getting married supposed from the age of their children that they must have been married sixty years ago. Witness has lived within a few miles of the said Mary McMillen ever since his first acquaintance with her and he

husband Robert McMillen. (Understood that Robert McMillen drew a pension before his death. Robert and Mary McMillen always bore a good character for truth. And further, does not recollect know where they said they lived before they came to this part of Virginia. And further this deponent saith not
Isaac Coburn
I Samuel Graham an acting justice and Member of the County court of Preston County do hereby certify that the above deposition of Isaac Coburn was taken before me this day. And I do further certify that the said affiant Isaac Coburn is a man of credibility, and to be believed under Oath. Given under my hand this 12 th day of December AD 1845
Samuel Graham L
Virginia
I John P. Byrne clerk of the County court of Preston do certify that Samuel Graham Esq. is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County and is a Justice of the County court of said County duly commissioned and qualified as such and that the foregoing are his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 13 th day of December in the year 1845
John P. Byrne

In a monthly term of the County Court of Preston County held at the Courthouse thereof, in and for said County on Monday the 9 th day of February in the year 1846. Present, John Elliott, John S. Munderock, Samuel Graham and John Heathens, Justices of the Peace in and for said County. - - - - -
The sworn declaration of Mrs. Mary M c Millen, widow of Robert M c Millen, was this day produced before the County Court of Preston being a Court of Record, and the proceedings of Samuel Graham Esq. the magistrate before whom the same was taken, was examined by the Court and approved, and the court doth further certify that Donna Coburn is a credible witness and entitled to full credit, which is ordered to be certified to the Commissioners of Pensions.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the County Court of Preston, at Kingwood on the 10 th day of February in the year 1846. 3
John P. Byrne clerk
12456.
Recd Dec 26, 1845

12456. Dec 26 m Patapsco Hill Road 16 Dec 87 b6 Re Mary McMillan July 1. 1888
Free
Wm William G Brown N.C. Washington City D.C.
W. G. Brown N.C.

Fairmont December 18 th 1845-
Dear Sir,
Here in send you the Declaration of Mrs Mary McMillan of Your County. in order to obtain a pension on account of her being the widow of Robert McMillan deceased who was a pensioner. The Law requires that the Widow (and applicant) should have been married before the 1 st day of Jan. 1794. Mrs McMillan was married to Robert McMillan in 1785. They have no family record. There were but two persons present when they were married the Priest a Presbyterian Minister near Pittsburgh. that married them is dead. one of her brothers that was present is dead, the other one who resided in the western country some place about 18 years ago. she has not seen him since, I expect he is dead. I found a witness near Cheat River in the Mountain who knew Robert & Mary McMillan, in 1787 says they lived together then as man and wife. That they came to this country from Western Pennsylvania and was married before they came here. He was about eight miles from a justice and his feet was so frost bitten I could not get him away from home to take his deposition. Please Present the Petition to A. L. Edwards the Commissioner of Pensions. and if the testimony is not sufficient, let me know if anything short of Actual proof of marriage will do. If Proof that they lived together as man and wife as early as 1787 and from that time up will not do. This ought to be sufficient. Her Declaration had to be taken at her house. Both of her hips are out of place and it will be impossible for her even to get out of the house. You also

her Dec. is made before an acting justice of the County court of Preston which is a court of Record. The old Lady is in quite a suffering condition, and if any thing can be done it ought to be done, you know her condition and the fact of the old Mand drawing a pension. If you get her name enrolled among the Pensioners send me the vouchers & I can get the money at Wheeling. She will be entitled to above $40 per year since 1834, the time her husband died.
Please write to me as soon as practicable of the result if unfavorable what will be wanting - I have already lost some weeks ten days in the matter I do not want to lose any more time unless I can get the Pension - with what proof I tell you can get.
I was at your house in Kingwood on Sunday last all the friends were
Yours Very Respectfully
J. H. Penpurn
Hon W. G. Browne

There is a register at Washington containing all the Pensioners of each state and of each county in the state. You will find Root McMillen under the head of Preston Co. at $40 or upwards.
Whatever the difficulties are in form now immediately -
Do not forget me when you are sending Public Documents to your friends Engrave me on your list Y Y o D

In the county court of Preston County in the State of Virginia
On the 14 th day of August A.D. 1832. personally appeared in open court, it being a court of record, Robert W. Miller, resident of said County in the State of Virginia, aged 74 years who being first sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to attain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed June the 7 th A.D. 1832. That he was drafted as a private Military soldier for the term of two months and entered the service of the United States, and served as his individual sometimes in July 1797 immediately after dis- charged as aforesaid, with one William Moss, the only private soldier he now recollects, in Logansmanna Township in Chester County in the State of Penn- sylvania, and served in the first Regiment of Militia of the Pennsylvania Line, under the following officers viz General Potter, Colonel Hannah, Major Neuman, Captain John Ramsey, Lieutenant Mathew Wiley and Ensign John Lohman was paraded in Logansmanna aforesaid, and marched to the town of Chester in the State of Pennsylvania, and was there put aboard of a vessel and taken up the River to Billings port, and after serving out his term of two months therein, returned to Chester aforesaid and discharged by his Captain Ramsey aforesaid. He was then about 29 years of age, and being young he rather distracted, or lost his discharge. And on the same day of his discharge aforesaid, he was hired as a substitute for the term of two months by Captain Allen Cunningham to serve in the place of some other man, whose name he does not know nor

did he then, as the Captain last of all was there in the habit of hiring substitutes for men who would not fight against the common enemy. he was then immediately marched to Wilmington - town in the state of Delaware. from there to Newport, there staid under arms 5 or 6 days. then to the Battle of Brandywine. but was not in the actu- al Battle but at a short distance as a skulking party in sight - from St. Georges Creek then to Chester of course from there to Darby, thence across the Schuylkill into the corners of Philadelphia thence to Red Bank thence to Barren Hill. Church - thence to Potts Grove. thence in a dark night to Chestnut Hill near Germantown. there they attacked some of the British forces and ran them out of the field. thence to Potts Grove again. and when General Wash- ington marched to White Marsh, on the way was he discharged by one Captain Blackburn of the 3 d Regiment of Matilda after having served out his term last afore- said. and moving from place to place he lost his discharge, but at some time in the summer of 1778 he was again drafted under Captain John Romney of said for two months more. but does not now recollect his other or any other of his officers and was marched from Chester of course to the waters of Brandywine and I suppose as a scouting party to disturb the Tories. and there he did not happen to turn of two months. and was again discharged by Cap- tain John Romney. He then moved into West Maryland County in the state of Pennsylvania, there a frontier settlement. and in April 1781 he volunteered with a number of others whose names he can not now recollect. to fight the Indians and was out 6. or 8 days. and returned home. and in May follow- ing in the year last of all he joined a company of Rangers for 6 months and served out balance of

6 months after was on the Fortune petticoat and was commanded by Captain John Thorne, Lieutenant John Gibson. and Joseph Bellinger and discharged by said Captain Thorne sometime in December in the year 1781 which discharge he has long since lost. Making in all about 12 months service. That he knows of no living witness who can testify to his service of forsook. and knows other evidence of historic proven but what is here given. He hereby relinquishes every claim what soever to a pension or annuity. & left the present affidavit that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. That he was born in Clark County in the state of Kentucky various, but has no record of his age & left an indenture by which he was bound a Brother and that is all of record, as he supposes in the Clerk's office of the Superior court in the county, and state that of record. That since the Revolution ary war he lived a part of his time in Western Kentucky in the state last of record, and the balance of the time of 45 years he has lived in the county of Pulaski and state of Virginia where he now lives. Signed to and subscribed the day and year first above written. Robert M c Millan
The above  copy  of  the  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  James  Clegg  man , Lease  to  be  known and James  Matthew  residing  in  the  county  of  Boston and state  of  Virginia  do  hereby  certify  that  he  one was  born  with  the  Rabbot  Mr.  Miller  who  has declared  an  oath  to  the  above  declaration and that we believe him to be of 74 years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a bolder of the Asso- -ciation and that we concur in that opinion

sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written
David Knowlidge James Mathew Isaac Balum
Then the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the said complainant that the above named application was a Revolutionary war pension and as such entitled to all the benefits further certifies that it appears to them that David Knowlidge who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman residing in the County of Preston in the State of Virginia and that Isaac Balum and James Mathew are residents in the county and state last aforesaid and are credible persons and that their state- ments are entitled to credit
I Charles Byrne Clerk of the County Court of Preston County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert M c Millen for a pension —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 19 th day of September in the year 1832 and 57 th year of the Commonwealth —
Charles Byrne

Robert W. Miller
Preston 6:
N o
Adm'd for 12 mo and 8 days as a pirate $40.00

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Robert W m Miller
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     July 1777 2 Private Capt Brandy Capt Warren Mch 7 th Wilmington 74 years Chester Co Pennsylv a Tract of land   June 1778. 2 " Capt Cunningham near Brandy wine La Brandy wine Chesapeake   1781 6 23 days " Capt Shaeffer   1 8   12. 5  
+ 2 mo only can be allowed for this tour -
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about two or four months," is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

September 28, 1933.
Mrs. Mary Latham Norton 2559 Polk Street San Francisco, California.
BA-J/ILL Robert McMillen W. 7426
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Robert McMillan.
The record of Robert McMillen, as he signed his name, is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 7426, based upon his service in that war.
Robert McMillen was born in York County, Pennsylvania; the date of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted in July 1777, in Toughkenamon Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, served two months as private in Captain John Ramsey's company, Colonel Hannum's Pennsylvania regiment, re-enlisted immediately and served two months in Captains Allen Cunningham and Blackburn's companies during which service he was in the battle of Germantown; he enlisted sometime in the summer of 1778 and served two months in Captain John Ramsey's Pennsylvania company. He moved then to York County, Pennsylvania, thence in 1781 to Westmoreland County, that state, where in April, 1781, he was out eight days against the Indians; in May, 1781, he enlisted in Captain John Shearer's company of Rangers and served six months.
After the war, the soldier remained in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, until he moved to Preston County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, at which time he resided in Preston County, Virginia, having lived in that county about forty-five years. He was then seventy-four years of age.
The soldier died October 16, 1834.

Robert McMillen married near Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, on August 22, 1785, Mary, whose maiden name is not stated.
Mary McMillen, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed December 12, 1845, at which time she resided in Preston County, Virginia; she was then seventy-nine years of age. In 1848, she was living in said Preston County.
In 1845, when the soldier's widow made application for pension, Salina, or Sabina, McMillen stated that she resided in the home of the soldier, Robert McMillen, at the time of his death; no relationship between them was stated.
In 1845, a neighbor of Robert and Mary McMillen stated that at the time they came from western Pennsylvania to Virginia, they had children, one a boy; he did not give any names.
The widow, Mary McMillen, stated that her two brothers were present at her marriage to Robert McMillen, but she did not give their names; one of these brothers was deceased in 1845, the other had not then been heard from by said widow for about sixteen years.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the widow, Mary, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following:
Mary McMillen (McMillan) widow of Robert McMillen, Certificate 2458, Issued December 18, 1848, Rate $27.33 Commenced March 4, 1848. Act of February 2, 1848. Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

1920 Jan. 23. History to Hon.elay Stone Buggs. and 1922 Jan. 31. Hist. to M. S. Norton and 1933 - Sept. 28 - Hist. to Mrs. M. L. Norton - I.L.L. 1936 - Nov. 10 - Hist. to Mayme Hamrick - letter in Rec. Ch. of Siars Hamrick - 51800
Rev. WIDOW, & Co.
File No. 7426
Mary McMillan Wid.
Robert McMillan Port. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 28/18
Index: - Vol. 16 , Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870.]

9889.
Virginia.
Mary McMillen, Widow of Robert McMillen, who was a pensioner under the Act of '32, and who died on the 16th: October, 1834, of Preston (in the State of Virginia), who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ramsey — of the Regt. commanded by Col. Mann — in the Virginia line for 8 mos. (6 days).
Inscribed on the Roll of Wheeling at the rate of 27 Dollars 53 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th: day of Feb'y: 1846 — and sent to Hon: W. G. Brown, H. R.
Total amount, $136.65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W. H. Stewart Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 — Page 273 —

Letter to Pension Agt. 27. Apr. 1847. Same "pension" May 10. 1848. " " July 5. 1848. Same "pension" Oct 5. 1848.
Recd 28.
7601. Virginia.
Mary McMillan, widow of Robert McMillan, who was a private, in the Virginia line
W.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of February 1846. and sent to Hon. W. G. Brown, H. R.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
17 June, 1844
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 143

Mary McMillan — Widow Robert

Pension Office
Wheeling 11 th April 1843
J. S. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I enclose for examination, the order of Mary M c Millan act 3 rd March 1843 & 17 th June 1844 - 12 Months $27.33 3/4
I am
Very Respectfully
Your obedt Servt
A. Freeman
Pension Agent

Capital July 20th 1846
Dr Sir
Incland you will find the papers of Mrs M c Millin authenticated according to your requirements I believe
I remain your obedient servant Thos B Brown

No 12456
Mary McMillen Maw of Robert son
act 7 July 1838
Adm o 8 mo 16 ds per #27 33 per ann
Adm o acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 #27 33 per ann
Rev W. L. Brown House of Reps

J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pension
Pension Agency
Wheeling August 29 1848
Dear Sir
I enclose Voucher of Mrs
Mrs Mullon for 12 Mos due under acts 3 Mar 1843 & 17 June 1844 - this voucher is in lieu of one sent from this agency to you on April 21 1848 last with her certificate - please examine if it is properly drawn and state if said voucher will be a sufficient one and return it to me.
I am
Yours very respectfully
Alexander Newman
Pension Agent
per G. Thompson

Pension Agency Wheeling June 8 th 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
On 22 d of April, I enclosed to you for examination, Voucher of Mary McMillan, act 3 Mar 1843 & 17 th of June 1844 12 months $27.33 Not having heard from you on the subject, I am fearful it has been mislaid. If it has been received please inform me, that Mrs McMillan may know if it is drawn up correctly
I am
Very Respectfully, Your obedt Servt A Newman
Pension Agent

Pension Agency
Whulies June 17 th 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
(Yours of 10 th inst was duly received, informing me that the Voucher of Mrs McMillans has not been received. It was drawn up properly and correctly, and only wanted your direction for its payment, as it was for 12 months Pension)
It being the last payment due Mary McMillan $27.33 under acts, 3 rd March 1843 & 17 th June 1844, her Certificate of Pension accompanying the Voucher, and has been also lost.
As the Certificate of Pension is lost, can you send a duplicate, or is there any mode of proceeding in a case of this kind? The Letter containing said papers left the Whulies Post office on the morning of 23 rd of April, and must have been mislaid. Please let me hear from you on this subject as early as convenient.
I am
Very Respectfully
Your obedt
A. Nauman
Pension Agent

Know all men by these presents That I Mary McMellon of the county of Preston and state of Virginia have made and constituted and for good reasons hereby do make & constitute William G. Brown M.C. my true and lawful attor- ney to pursue and prosecute any claim I may have against the United States for pay pension or otherwise as the widow of Robert McMellon late of the Revolutionary Army and I do hereby authorize and empower my said Attorney to sign and endorse any papers or certificates which may be awarded to me and receive the money therefor at Washington Wheeler Richmond or elsewhere hereby ratifying & confirming all that my said Attorney may do in the premises. Given under my hand and seal This 12 th day of December 1845
Mary McMellon
I Samuel Graham an acting justice of the and member of the county court of Preston county do hereby certify that the said Mary McMellon acknowledged the above power of Attorney before me this day. Given under my hand and seal this 12 th day of December 1845 Samuel Graham

Virginia. I John P Byrne Clerk of the County Court of Preston do certify that Samuel Graham Esq is one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County, and is a Justice of the County Court of said County, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that the foregoing is his genuine signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court. This the 13 th day of December in the year A D 1845.
John P Byrne
No 12456 Mary McMullen Widow of Robert for act 7 July 1838 married before 1794 husband died 1834

Will John O Byrne have this can submitted to the county court at its next ses- sion and approved according to the directions of the within letter of Mr Edwards
M c G
send it back to me

Paym t Office, January 26th 1846.
Sir,
I have the honor to return, herewith, the letter of your correspondent and to enclose the declaration of Mrs Mary McMillen, widow of Robert McMillen that the proceedings before the single Magistrate may be submitted to and approved by a Court of record during its session. Claimant's husband was allowed a pension for three tours of service of two months each, in the Militia of Pennsylvania, and one of six months. No objection will be made to the three tours as above, but as the Militia tours of that State were limited to two months, that amount only can be allowed for the last tour unless some special Act authorizing a longer term be produced. The only evidence of the date of the marriage is the testimony of Isaac Roburn. This, unless his credibility be certified by some one known to the Department, is not of itself sufficient. If he is known to you as being a respectable man and a competent witness, your Certificate to that effect will be satisfactory.

I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Dear Mr. (W.) (Sent.) J. L. Edwards
Rev. Mr. G. Brown,
House of Representatives

State of Virginia  Preston COUNTY, ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That before me, Samuel Grayham a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Mary McMillan and made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical person named in an original pension certificate in her possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy, on the 1st of April last a copy of which and the original she surrendered to the Pension Agent at Wheeling and which was lost in the Mail between Wheeling and Washington City and by which she was placed on the Pension Roll under the acts of Congress passed 3rd of March 1843 & 17 June 1844 at the rate of twenty seven dollars and thirty three cents per annum - she was the Widow of Robert McMillan a private in the Army of the revolution -
that she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the above mentioned Robert McMillan ; and that she now resides in Preston county, Virginia and has resided therein for the space of 30 years past, and that previous thereto she resided in Morgania county; with the truth of which statements I am fully satisfied.
Sworn and subscribed this 4 day of August 1848 before me, Mary M c Millan Pensioner. Samuel Grayham J. P.
Daniel Grahams
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Mary McMillan of Preston Co. Virginia a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Rev. Thompson my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Wheeling, State of Virginia, my Pension from the 4th day of March 1847 to the 4th day of March 1848
Witness my hand and seal this 4 day of August 1848
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Daniel Grahams Selvina M c Millan
Mary M c Millan 
State of Virginia COUNTY, ss.
Be it known, That before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Mary McMillan the above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 4 th day of August 1848
Daniel Grahams J. P.
State of Virginia COUNTY, ss.
Be it known, That on the 4 th day of August 1848, before me a duly authorized by the laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared Rev. Thompson the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that he has no interest whatever, in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of attorney, either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above written, before me
J. P.

Virginia I John P Byrne Clerk of the County Court of Frederick County do certify that Samuel Grayham Esqr is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County that his Commission is dated the 23 day of May 1843 and that the within are his genuine signatures In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court. this 22 day of August 1848 John P Byrne

Kingwood Va Sept 22
Sept 28 Application for pension
Free
Washington City Secretary of War War Office
12.10.6 A.M. Miller

Any communication concerning the within application from the Department can be made to H. Cunningham at Ringwood Preston Co. - Virginia.
Robert M. Miller
Ed
18 11 10
6 9 10

Plant of Melon — Pen
Phlox etc —
enletta

Robert M c Millon $40 66-
I the undersigned do hereby certify that at the organization of the Company of the  the Pennsylvania Key Stone Battery of Artillery there were only six men and four officers in the field in the war of the Rebellion - I am about 78 yrs. old and am a native of York County Pennsylvania - during the war. I was attached to the above Battery and marched from Chain- Bridge to Bull Run - first battle - I was wounded and captured and was a prisoner for two months - and marched with Capt. Allen to Manassas - to Washington - I was wounded at the latter place and had an engagement with the Rebels Genl. Early - Col. Evans was in command there - after the Battles, we marched to Manassas Station, then to Chain-Bridge to Derby, thence Philadelphia, then to Richmond, then to Petersburg, thence to Appomattox - where we surrendered and thence to Chain-Bridge and was there discharged after serving the two months after the surrender in suppressing the war under Capt. Ranney. I don't remember how long I was in command on that occasion - we can't tell the year in which any of the preceding events occurred - after that I moved to York County remained there two or three years, and then (I think in the year 1878) I moved to Westmoreland County, & in April 1878. I was in Reading shortly after the Indian outbreak but can't say how long, after that I was a prisoner under Capt. John Shaeffer for six months - and thus ended my service. Henry Engelmann wrote my description. I told him that I was here. In October of which I went to but only my name
August 8. 1832, To day S. K. Huntington.
Rev. Robert F. McMillan Dear

Kingwood Va Aug 30
Wash 1001
Mr Cole
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

State of Virginia
Preston County to wit:
On this 11 day of August 1848. personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mary M c Mullan a resident of said County aged 80 years, who being duly sworn according to law, with on her oath, made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Robert M c Mullan, who was a private in the army of the Revolution, and who received a pension in his lifetime; and further that this affiant received a pension of 27 dollars, and 33 cents under the act of June 1844, and that she is still a widow.
Sworn and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. This the 4 day of August A.D. 1848.
Samuel Grayham J.P. Mary M c Mullan I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above affiant, and know that she is the identical person she describes herself to be. Given under my hand this day and year last above mentioned and that the words "and 33 cents" was interlined before signing. Samuel Grayham J.P.
I John P. Byrne Clerk of the County Court of Preston County do hereby certify that the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Samuel Grayham is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & qualified and that the above are his genuine signatures. Given under my hand the seal of said County this 26 th day of August 1848 John P. Byrne

Dear Sir:
Yours of the 10th inst. was received and in reply to inform you that the same has been forwarded to the proper authorities for their consideration.
The remainder of the letter was not received.
Yours truly,
John D. Sleeper The Boston Globe
John D. Sleeper The Boston Globe Boston, Mass.

Rev 1/40 245 B St., Vallejo, Solano Co., California, Jan. 5, 1922.
The Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly send me the Pension Record in the War of the Revolution of the following soldier:
Robert McMillin of Virginia (W.Va., Preston Co.), he was born in 1760 and was living in 1833. The name of his wife was Mary.
I should appreciate anything on file in regard to his family.
Very respectfully,
(Mrs.) Mary L. Norton

CLAY STONE BRIGGS 7TH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
House of Representatives U. S.
Washington, D. C.
January 21, 1920.
Hon. Gaylord M. Saltzgaber, Commissioner of Pensions , Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir:
Herewith I hand you letter just received from one of my constituents, Mrs. A. G. Greenwood of Palestine, Texas, which is self-explanatory.
If you can supply me with this information at an early date, I shall appreciate it.
With best wishes, I am,
Very truly yours,
Clay Stone Briggs
encl.
Returned Jan 23, 1920

2559 Polk St., San Francisco, Calif. 14th Sept. 1933.
The Pension Bureau Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
will you kindly send me a copy as quickly as possible, of the Pension record of the following Soldier of the American Revolution:
He resided in West Virginia at the time the Pension was applied for or drawn, and it is stated he also went into Kentucky.
The Kentucky State Library says that a Pension was granted him.
Thanking you for your assistance, the record has to do with membership in a Patriotic Organization, I am
Respectfully yours
(Mrs.) Mary Laurean Norton

November 10, 1936.
BA-J/MHEF/ILL
Mayme Hamrick 1437 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of David Hamrick, War 4-214, Sephers Hamrick, Paul Hamrick, Sirah Hamrick, Pension 2-147, Prisse Hambrick, Thomas Hamrick or Hamrick, Uriah Hamrick or Hamsick and Robert McMillen who received a pension in 1833 in Preston County, Virginia, also, the Civil War record of Lt. Paul R. Hamrick, born in Virginia and served in the 45 th Infantry in 1868 from New Jersey.
There are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Sephers, Paul, Price, Thomas or Uriah Hambrick, under any spelling of that surname. Your citation in regard to David Hambrick does not pertain to the records of the Veterans Administration. In order to identify the record of the David Hambrick in whom you are interested, it is essential that you furnish as much as possible of the following data: approximate dates of birth and death, residences at enlistment and after service, and given name of wife, or widow. The record of Siars or Siras Hamrick and that of Robert McMillen are furnished you herewith.
Your letter has been
Your letter which contained request for the Civil War record has been referred to the proper official for reply.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Made three carbons of the original letter, no mistakes in it. Needed four carbons, so copied this. ILL
Other - m Siars Hamrick - Rev. S. 18009 - and Miscellaneous correspondence

November 10, 1936.
Mayme Hamrick 1437 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C.
BA-J/ILL Siars Hamrick S. 18009 Robert McMillen W. 7426
Dear Madam:
The records of Siars Hamrick and Robert McMillen are given herein as found in pension claims based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
SIARS HAMRICK-S. 18009.
Siars Hamrick was born April 4, 1753 in Fauquier County, Virginia; the names of his parents were not shown.
While a resident of Fauquier County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as orderly sergeant in the Virginia troops on tours, given as follows: from sometime in August 1775, three months in Captain James Scott's company, during which he marched to Hampton and took part in the capture of a big tender with her men; from November 1775, four months in Captain John Chilton's company, during which service he was in the battle at Great Bridge; from sometime in August 1776, three months in Captain Elias Edmunds' company, stationed at Williamsburg; and from sometime in March 1781, three months in Captain John T. Chunn's company, and was wounded at Williamsburg, the nature of said wound not stated.
The soldier resided in Fauquier County, Virginia, until 1790, then moved to Hampshire County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 2, 1833, at which time he resided in Hampshire County, Virginia. His name was borne on the pension roll as Siars Hamrick. He made no reference to wife or children.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name

of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of Siars Hamrick, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Siars Hamrick, certificate #23782, issued April 4, 1834, rate $48.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency. -----
ROBERT McMILLEN-W. 7426.
Robert McMillen was born in York County, Pennsylvania; the date of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted in July 1777, in Toughkenamon Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and served two months as private in Captain John Ramsey's company, Colonel Hamum's Pennsylvania regiment, re-enlisted immediately and served two months in Captains Allen Cunningham and Blackburn's companies, during which service he was in the battle of Germantown; he enlisted in the summer of 1778 and served two months in Captain John Ramsey's company. He moved then to York County, Pennsylvania, thence in 1781, to Westmoreland County, same state, where in April 1781, he was out eight days fighting the Indians; in May 1781, he enlisted in Captain John Shearer's company of Rangers and served six months.
After the war, the soldier remained in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, until he moved to Preston County, Virginia.
Robert McMillen was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, at which time he resided in Preston County, Virginia; he had resided in that county about forty-five years. He was aged then seventy-four years. He died October 16, 1834.
The soldier married, near Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1785, Mary, whose maiden name is not stated.
Mary McMillen, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed December 12, 1845, at which time she resided in Preston County, Virginia; she was then seventy-nine years of age.

In 1845, Mary McMillen, the soldier's widow, stated that her two brothers were present when she married Robert McMillen, but she did not give their names; one of said brothers was then deceased, and the other had not been heard of by said widow for about sixteen years.
In 1845, Salina, or Sabina McMillen stated that she resided in the home of the soldier, Robert McMillen, at the time of his death, but did not state any relationship to the family.
In 1845, a neighbor of Mary McMillen, the widow, stated that at the time the soldier came with his wife from western Pennsylvania to Virginia, they had children, one a boy; he did not give any names.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and cite the following: Mary McMillen (McMillan), widow of Robert McMillen, certificate #2458, issued December 18, 1848, rate $27.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848, Act of February 2, 1848, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. MILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

This is the last page of letter of Jan 23 1920 to Hon. Clay Stone Briggs MC II
From the records of this Bureau, it appears that Robert McMillen was born in York County, Pennsylvania, date not stated and that he was drafted in Toughkenamon Township, Chester County Pennsylvania, in July 1777 and served as Private two months in Captain John Ramsey's Company, Colonel Hannum's Regiment. He immediately re-enlisted and served two months in Captains Allen Cunningham and Blackburn's Companies and was at the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. He was drafted in the summer of 1778, and served two months in Captain John Ramsey's Company. He moved in 1781 to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania and in April 1781 he was out eight days fighting the Indians. In May 1781, he enlisted in Captain John Shearer's Company of Rangers and served six months.
He married near Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1785, Mary, Mc Millen name not stated. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, while living in Preston County, Virginia, aged 74 years and he died October 16, 1834. She was allowed pension on her application executed December 12, 1845, while living in Preston County, Virginia, aged 79 years. They had children names not stated.
Very truly yours,
J. M. Stackpole
Commissioner.