Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5732, for Samuel Mathews, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Mathews, Samuel
S. 5732
carded
CONTENTS

Virginia 12.953
Samuel Mathews
Campbell in the State of Virginia who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Jones of the Regt commanded by Col: Merviocke in the Virginia line for 9 months, 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 32 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of June '33. Campbell C.H. Va. and sent H.B. Ely
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 64.66 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sep t . " - 16.16 1/2 $80.82 1/2
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 - Page 18

No 20765
Sam Mathews Campville 6 o vige
ij
Admit as a private for Nine months (and) twenty one days— $ 32.33
H B Ely age Campville 14 o vige

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 subjjoined 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, showing the Service of Sam d Matthew Campbell Esq r
   Period when the service was required. 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.     Sub d in Nat l Guard 1778-9 3 Private Capt D r Jones Gen M c K ean Gen M c K ean Siege of York Petersburg Amelia 69 Voluntary   Aug t 1780 3 Capt D r Jones Col. M c Leod Amelia 70 One Month   Cal d 1780-81 21 Capt D r Jones Col. M c Leod Amelia 71 3 Months   Aug t 1781 3 Capt D r Jones Col. M c Leod Amelia 72   9 21  
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 three 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 fix 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.

Matthews
Sam Matthews
20/9/5

State of Virginia } 3 County of Campbell } to wit
On this twelfth day of November 1832 Personally appeared in open court, before the court of Campbell County now sitting, Samuel Mathews a resident of the Parish of Rapide, the County of Campbell and State of Virginia aforesaid, aged sixty nine years the 23rd of April last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
That I entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
I was born in the County of Dinwiddie in the State of Virginia the 23rd day of April 1763. That a draft being made on Captain Joseph Jones' company of Infantry of Dinwiddie County aforesaid and one Nath- aniel Harper belonging to his company; I volunteered as his substitute, without expecting to receive, nor did I receive any compensation whatever for so doing - I was then 16 years of age - I was received as Nath- aniel Harper's substitute and Captain Joseph Jones exclaimed that he wished he had 10,000 such soldiers. Our company first rendezvoused at Petersburg in Virginia, we marched from thence to Williamsburg, where General Mullenburg commanded - thence we marched to Hampton, thence to Portsmouth, where our term of service for which Captain Jones' company was drafted expired - and we were all dis- charged - This tour of duty was three months , and to

The best of my recollection it was in the 1778 or 1779.
In the year 1780, to the best my recollection, I was drafted for a three months tour, under Captain Joseph Poindexter, at that time from the County of Bedford in Virginia where I had moved to, but now that part of Bedford is called Campbell County - I marched from the said County of Bedford through the State of Virginia to a place called Edmunds' Hill below Norfolk where I served out the three months and was regularly discharged after giving up my gun. Colonel Meriwether and Major M c Loman commanded the regiment to which I was attached. for the proof of this part of my service I beg leave to refer to the Rev d Henry Brown's certificate hereto subjoined.
In the year 1781 or the latter part of 1780 I was called out when Tarleton was expected to attack the Magazine at New London then in the County of Bedford in Virginia and served three weeks at New London aforesaid under Col o Charles Lynch.
after Tarleton retired we were discharged having served three weeks as before mentioned.
The next and last tour was performed in the year 1781 at the siege of York town in Virginia.
I was drafted for three months from the County of Bedford aforesaid and marched from thence under Captain Thomas M c Reynolds to York where I served out the three months and was discharged after the surrender of Cornwallis; I was at the surrender of Cornwallis and have

good reason to remember this tour so long as my memory shall keep her seat. - There were the Marquis LaFay- ette and Washington! Heaven bless them! - and all the other noble fellows of that day!
In proof of this part of my service I subjoin the certificate of my fellow Soldier at York town, John Stewart. Which makes in all Nine Months and three weeks that I served during the Revolutionary war.
And I further declare that I have no documentary evidenced in my possession, nor do I know of any person living whose testimony I can procure, excepting the subjoined certif- icates of Rev d Henry Brown and John Stewart, to prove my services. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State whatever. Subscribed and sworn to this day and date first above written
Samuel Matthews
Question by the Court 1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer. The 23 rd of April 1763
Question by the Court 2. Have you any record of your age, if so, where is it?
Answer. I have not.
Question by the Court 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer. First in the County of Dinwiddie afterwards in Bedford - since the war in Charlotte & Campden.
Question by the Court 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom?
Answer. I was drafted. afterwards I volunteered and served as substitute for Nathaniel Harper

Question by the Court 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 service?
Answer. First under Mullenburg Col. Morris then afterwards at Williamsburg under Genl Washington. I recollect nothing more than stated in my declaration.
Question by the Court 6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Answer. I never did receive a written discharge that I now recollect.
Question by the Court 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. Tho s A. Cobles. Pauld Clark & Joseph Callaway - as well as the Rev d Henry Brown
Samuel Matthews Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
We Henry Brown a clergyman residing in the County of Campbell and State Virginia, and Pauld Clark residing in the same do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Matthews, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about sixty nine years of age; that he is reputed

and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and served as he states in his declaration, and that that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed Henry Brown the day and year aforesaid Paulett Clark
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the foregoing interrogatories as presented by the War Department, that the above applicant Samuel Matthews was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Henry Brown who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in our County of Campbell and State aforesaid, and that Paulett Clark who has also signed the same, is a resident of Campbell and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court further Certifies that Paulett Clark before whom the annexed Certificate was subscribed to now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County of Campbell duly Commissioned and qualified to act as such and that full credit ought to be given to all of his acts as such.
I John Alexander Clerk of the County Court of Campbell Co hereby Certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Matthews for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of Office this 12 th Day of November 1832 for the 57 th Year of the Commonwealth.
John Alexander Clerk County Campbell Va

Virginia Campbell County ss: I, John Alexander Clerk of the County Court of Campbell Co hereby certify that Edward C. Withers Esq. before whom the Certificate of William L. Matthews was subscribed and sworn is an acting Justice of the peace in (and) for the County (and) State aforesaid duly Commissioned and Qualified to act as such and that full credit ought to be given to all of his acts as such and that his signature annexed is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 22 nd day of April 1833 In the 57 th Year of American Independence
John Alexander Clk for d

Reo hwy
5732
1914 Jan. 13. Hct. to William B. Mathews, letter in re 5131 William Mathews &.
INVALID.
File No. 5732
Samuel Mathews
Pre Rev War
Act: June 7 th 52
Index:—Vol. M , Page 236
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Note by Agent.

In this Case, there seem two objections:
1 st the want of a seal. - none supplied.
2 o The magistrate not certifying as to the credibility of the witness John Stewart. It seems to me, that the 2 o Certificate of Paulat Clark, the magistrate, must have been overlooked, for in that second Certificate, the magistrate speaks expressly of the witnesses, credibility. But I have now subjoined another Certificate, that of Mr W. Matthews, going to show that the same witness, Stewart is entitled to full credit. Respectfully,
22 Apl. 1833. Yours &c.
H B E

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Mathews 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. File 5732.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775-1778 3 mos. Joseph Jones ✓ Va.   1780 3 mos. Col. Poindexter General Gates   1781 3 mos. Col. Ligon   1781 3 mos. Thomas McReynolds ✓  
Battles engaged in, Surroundings of Yorktown Residence of soldier at 1st enlistment, Dinwiddie Co. Va. 2 nd Bedford Co., Va. Date of application for pension, Nov 12, 1832. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Russell Parish, Campbell Co., Va. Age at date of application, Jan 16 th 1832 in Dinwiddie Co. Va.
Remarks: _____ _____ _____ _____
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

State of Virginia County of Campbell to wit
I John Stewart, of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Matthews, the bearer, served a three months tour at the Siege of York in Virginia in the year 1781 - That he was at the surrender of Cornwallis, and that after the surrender, he and myself, and the rest of our Company were all regularly discharged, having served out our three months tour, for which we were drafted ; - The said Samuel Matthews and myself belonged to the same Company under Captain Joseph  Thomas M c Reynolds  Spencer . We marched from the County of Campbell in Virginia then a part of Bedford County. I have reason to believe that the said Samuel Matthews had served several tours of duty in the United States service as a militia man before the above mentioned service. I have known him long and believe him to be a man of truth, integrity & probity and that his statements on oath ought to be credited with the full  utmost faith.
John Stewart
Subscribed and sworn to this 7 th day of October 1832.
State of Virginia and County of Campbell to wit
This day John Stewart who has subscribed the above certificate personally appeared before me Paul C Clark a justice of the peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, and made oath according to law that the foregoing statement in relation to the revolutionary service of Samuel Matthews contains the truth to the best of his knowledge & belief. Given under my hand & seal in our County of State aforesaid this 7 th day of October 1832. Paul C Clark (seal)

Campbell County Va. ss:
Personally appeared, before the subscri- ber, one of the justices, for the County & State aforesaid: William W. Matthews, who made oath in due form that he is well acquainted with the within named John Stewart, an old man; and that he Stewart is an honest credible person; a man whose statement on oath, or otherwise, is not to be doubted.
Given under my hand & seal this 17 th of April 1833.
E. B. Matthews
John Stewart 203 Centre St New York
Campbell County to wit:
I, Paul H. Clark a justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County of Camp- bell and State of Virginia do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the within named John Stewart and that I believe him to be a man of probity and truth, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his statement - that he is gentle the Minister of the Gospel . Given under my hand & seal this 12 th day of November 1832.
Paul H. Clark
J. P. Seal