Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1917, for Caleb Mason, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. C.
Mason, Caleb
S. 1917
CONTENTS

Let to Hon. Cave Johnson, R.R. Dec 31. 1835. At to do, 29 June 1839
6754
Tennessee
Caleb Mason
in the State of Tennessee was a Lieut & Priv in the Compny commanded Captain Murphy of the Regt commanded Col. Hood in the N. Carolina for Lieut 18 mo — $260.00 Private 6 " — 20.00 $280.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Tennessee at the rate of 260 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of March 1833 and sent to Hon. W. F. Fitzgerald. M.C.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 — $520.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. " — 130.00 Died Aug 1, 1851 $650.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Luce Clerk, Book D Vol. 9 Page 154

visit 15 mo - Private 1 mo
$200 per ann
H. W. Fitzgerald

State of Tennessee.
Meigs County } on the 11 th day of October in the year of our Lord. 1832. personally appeared. before the County Court now sitting of Meigs now sitting (County) State of Tennessee. at being a Court of record. having a Clerk and proceeding according to the course of the Common Law. Caleb Mason. a resident of said County of Meigs & state of Tennessee, aged. Seventy nine 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 act of Congress. passed June 7 th 1832.
That he was born in Cumberland County (North) Carolina on the 15 th day of February. 1754. That sometime in the year 1775. he enlisted in the army of the United States. at Murfreesborough in North Carolina under Capt. Hardy. Major. William Gardner was our first Lieutenant but he do not remember who was our second Lieutenant and ensign. From Murfreesborough we marched to Edenton in N. Carolina where we gained our Regiment under Col. Robert Howe first Colo Col. H. White second Colonel. he does not now remember the No. of the Regiment but thinks it was the first or second. We remained a short time at Edenton when we were marched into the state of Virginia and fought at the Great Bridge battle where Captain Gardner of the British Grenadiers was killed.

When we got to the great bridge we made breastworks and intrenched ourselves behind them. For close was in a Fort in an open Savanna. he got orders from Governor Dunmore to drive us from the breastworks. Just at the break of day (the day) not recollected; Capt. Forster appeared on the bridge at the head of his men. with his sword in one hand and a torch in the other to burn our breastworks he called to his men to follow him that the day was theirs, just as he spoke these words he was shot down. Seven balls having passed through his body a considerable slaughter of the enemy ensued. and four or five clubbed their muskets and ran to us and after enlisted in our service. The Virginia troops fought with us in this battle. but I do not know. remember who was their commander. a few days after this we got a reinforcement of fifteen hundred men & marched to Norfolk and took up our Winter Quarters there. early in the Spring the British fleet commenced a firing on Norfolk and tried to land their men under cover of their Cannon. but we killed every man as fast as they landed. a drummer & piper swam ashore from the British fleet about this time & joined us. the drummer's name was Scott & I think the fifer was named Dick. I understood that Scott was killed in the battle of Brandywine. Governor Dunmore was on board and

I believe commenced. the fleet. during the time here. spoken of. the British fleet still remained opposite Norfolk. We were ordered to leave Norfolk. & to March. to Suffolk in Virginia we burnt. Norfolk. before we left it to prevent the British from harbouring in it. We then Marched. to Suffolk. and were placed under the command. of Colo. Scott & Majr. Parker. our Colo. Howe. went to. Williamsburg. and was made. a General. & Col. Benjamin Williams was his aide camp when Howe returned he Marched us. to Edenton in North Carolina where we were discharged then ended this term of service. that declared having been. five months in actual service during this campaign.
Just after this term of service was ended. Governor Caswell. the then Governor. of North Carolina ordered four companies to be raised to guard the sea coast. to prevent the British gullies from coming into the inlets. one company was stationed at Old. Currituck inlet. one. at Ocracoke bar. one at Old. Topsail inlet. & the other at White Oak inlet. I enlisted in one of these companies. the one commanded by Col. James Anderson. & which was stationed at Ocracoke bar. Benjamin Bonner. & James Shufeldt were my Lieutenants.

Capt. James Harney commanded the company at Old Topscub. Capt. Dossier commanded at Old. Cunituck inlet & I do not now remember who commanded the company at White Oak inlet. These were called independent companies. There were none of them that were anything of discipline but myself & James. When Col. the Second Lieutenant resigned his commission and I was appointed in his place. and I served upwards of eighteen months in the capacity of Second Lieutenant. John Brax was ensign & should have taken the place of Second Lieutenant. but as he knew nothing of discipline he recommended me— during the time I was stationed at Peacock har. we had several skirmishes to keep the Galleys from landing their men. My Capt. managed badly. & was a coward. and I told Ben Bonner. my First Lieutenant. that we were doing no good for our country. and we went to the Governor and impeached our Capt. with bad conduct and cowardice. The Governor then dismissed the whole four companies and said I had saved the country upwards of thirty thousand dollars. by my informing him of their bad

management. Thus ended my second term of service being upwards of eighteen months in actual service during this enlistment. In the latter part of the year 1779 & the forepart of the year 1780. there was a draught for men to serve. Nine months. I then resided in Hoke County North Carolina Henry Gibbs was drafted. and I became a substitute for him the men thus drafted all marched to Kingston in North Carolina. we were not officered the Governor then gave me a Captain's Commission on the recommendation of Colo. Abraham Jones. Colo. Palmelin the Colo. in Hoke County. sent by me. when I marched to Kingston his resignation to passing to the Governor. which I did but the Governor would not accept it. because war was then raging & he said it was no time for resigning. Many of these who were drafted at this time refused to march to Kingston. and I was employed by the Governor to bring them to Kingston & to enlist men. some I placed under Capt. Reuben Pownall & some I placed under Capt. Eburn. My Commission as Captain ended in about three months.

When I had collected the deserters & instituted a sufficient No. of Men. I then returned to Hoke County. and in 1780. or 1781. I substituted for Thomas Gibbs who was the uncle of Henry Gibbs. I then went to Fayetteville North Carolina and joined the Regiment. under Col. Brown. William Dennis was our first Major. I was then made adjutant of the Regiment. We were under General Linnington. We were ordered by General Green. to March. to Newberry River to a certain Ford. to build a Fort. to keep the enemy from crossing this was at the time that General Morgan then defeated Tarleton at the Cowpens the fort. where we were stationed was twelve Miles from the Cowpens. where the battle was fought. after the defeat of Tarleton. General Green ordered us to New River to head Cornwallis to keep him from going into Virginia

not owing to the cowardice or treachery of General. Linnington. We did not reach Cornwallace. altho it was. in our power. We were then ordered. to Wilmington and General. Linnington left us and took protection under the enemy Major Dennis remained & we marched. the men to Kingston where. we. were discharged. This ends my. service as above. stated & being in all. Two years. & six months. after this I volunteered. as a Captain against the Tories and served in this way. about three months.
The states that. signed by Capt Hardy Murphy, he received a discharge, at the end. of his first campaign but that he got upset in a boat in Albert Harbour. and lost this paper. as. also. his Lieutenant commission. The. Rept. for many years.
his commission as Captain. & sent it got worse both commissions were signed by Governor Greville not in his pocket. he has no documentary evidence. of his service and knows of no person now living by whom he can prove. his service He once proved. his service by Benjamin Gibbs & Mr Perkins book of whom are

nowhere. he left there testimony to. he sent to the pension office in the hands of the Leavenger who. drew his declaration that he cannot now get this testimony as the Leavenger does not know what he has done. With it. he states that he is known by Mr. Fitzgibbon & the Rev. Mr. Pope. to whom he refers. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present. and declares that his name. is not on the pension roll. of the agency of any state. nor never has been. sworn to & subscribed in open court this 9 th day of October A D 32. Wm H Johnson Clerk
Caleb Mason
Mr. Thos. Pope. who is a minister of the Gospel. and William Fitzgibbon both residing in the County of Weakly a state of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Caleb Mason. who has subscribed and sworn to the above. declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age. that he is upright and honest in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Wm Fitzgibbon Thomas Pope Wm H Johnson Clerk

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 certify that T. appears to them. that Thos. Pop. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman. settled in the County & State aforesaid and is a creditable person and that their statement is entitled to credit
First President of weekly county court. J. H. Duthoud JP J. B. Gilbert JP
I Wm H. Johnson Clerk of the County Court of Shelby County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Caleb Mason for a pension for testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and seal of office the 9th day of October 1832
Wm H. Johnson Clerk of said County Court

State of Tennessee Wilson County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions February Term 1821, ss
On this 8 th day of February 1821, personally appeared in open court, (being a court of record for the county aforesaid, made so by act of assembly) Caleb Mason, aged sixty seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to satisfy the provision, made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818, and the 1 st of May 1820. that he the said Caleb Mason enlisted for the term of six months in the fall of 1775, in the State of North Carolina, in the company commanded by Capt Hardy Murphy, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Robert Howe in the line of the State of North Carolina on the continental establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the six months had expired, when he was honorably discharged from said service in Edington, in the State of North Carolina, Declarant states that while under Capt Murphy, he was in the battle at the great bridge, that he there marched to Norfolk, and continued there until Gen Howe burnt the town that he was then marched to Suffolk, and from thence to Edington. Declarant states, that after his discharge at Edington, he enlisted for the term of two years in the spring of 1776. in the State of North Carolina, in the company commanded by Capt James Anderson, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Harney, of which Col Charles Farris was paymaster, in the line of the State of North Carolina, on the continental establishment that he continued to serve in said corps nearly two years; Declarant states that about three weeks after his last enlistment, he was made a lieutenant in said company, that he served on the sea board during this time, and about the expiration of it, petitioned to the Governor and Council against the Captain for Cowardice, and occasioned the company and three others to which it was attached, to be broke up - That during the time he was attached to Capt Anderson's company he was in no engagement, but saw some service in repelling Privateers & Gating - off the coast, that he afterwards served under Gen Green, as a Capt for six months, and that he has no other evidence now in his power, of the said service except, William Perkins and Benjamin Gibbs affidavits

annexed.
And in pursuance of the act of the 18 th of May 1826, I do solemnly swear that I was a Resident Citizen of the United States, on the 18 th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled, "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land or naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war" passed on the 18 th day of March, one thousand, eight hundred and Eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed, one basket which I owe for, worth 78 cents.
My occupation is that of a manufacturer of tobacco — I have no family — living with me — am lame and infirm — I can procure but little to do in my line — and am almost entirely disabled from working at my trade, by the Rheumatism, and old age.
I own no in open house.
Test John H. McCarroll
Caleb Mason

Caleb Mason North Carolina line Col Henry Harney Spring 1776 - 2 yrs
"Robt" Mason, Brevet Col. North Carolina Troops, Spring 1776.
Transmitted to the Secy of State of N.C. for proof of service 11 July 1821.

State of Tennessee Wilson County Court February Term 1831.
I John Allcorn clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for Wilson County, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedules thereto annexed are truly copied from the Record of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedules is twenty five cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my private Seal, having no seal of office, at office this 11th February 1831. John Allcorn the
I Robert Allen do certify that Caleb Mason the applicant for Pison is a resident citizen of Wilson County Tennessee and that John Allcorn Esq whose signature is above offered is clerk of Wilson County Court given under my hand this 28th March 1831
Robert Allen member of Congress

M.E.E.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
February 1, 1930
Mr. M. P. Smith 619 N. 76th Street East St. Louis, Illinois
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1917, it appears that Caleb Mason was born February 15, 1754, in Currituck County, North Carolina.
While residing in Hyde County, North Carolina, he enlisted at Murfreesborough in the fall of 1775, served six months as a private in Captain Hardy Murfree's Company, Colonel Robert Howe's North Carolina Regiment and was in the battle of Great Bridge in Virginia. He then re-enlisted, in the spring of 1776, after serving three weeks was commissioned Lieutenant in Captain James Anderson's North Carolina Company, served about two years guarding the seacoast and was in several skirmishes. In 1778
In 1778 or 1779 he was commissioned Captain and served three months, then served three months as Adjutant in Colonel Brown's North Carolina Regiment.
In 1781 he volunteered, served about nine months as Captain of Militia and was in the battle of Guilford.
He applied for pension in 1821 in Wilson County, Tennessee, and again in 1827 at which time he was a resident of Henry County, Tennessee (his residence in 1821 is not shown), but his claim was not allowed as the Act of March 18, 1818 did not make provision for such service as was rendered by him in the militia, but provided only for service on the Continental Establishment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 11, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Weakley County, Tennessee.

In 1821 he stated that he had no family living with him, and in 1827 that "his family for many years has been scattered through various sections of the country". No names are shown.
The soldier died August 1, 1851.
The above noted Caleb Mason is the only soldier by that name of Tennessee that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Under the provision of the Act of March 3, 1901, the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau are open to the public for research work, and any one calling at the Bureau may call a reasonable number of claims and examine and collect data from the papers on file, which is the usual practice in matters of extensive research.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

619 N. 76 th
E. St. Louis, Ill.
Nov. 18, 1935-
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. Gentlemen:
Rev d
In the Census of Pensioners , issued by your Bureau, on p. 155, I note that one Caleb Mason was drawing a pension on June 1, 1840. He lived in Civil Dist. No. 12, Davidson Co., Tennessee, with one John Davis. I suspect he was an ancestor of mine, and I should therefore be grateful for this pension record.
I realize what a drain the increasing number of inquiries such as this must exert on the energies of your Bureau, and it is likely to become greater, rather than less. Would it not be well for Congress to permit a nominal charge for such service - enough to make this feature of your work self-supporting? I have thought of trying to interest our own representative in such a proposal. There can be no question but that people such be entitled to this information, but they ought to be willing to pay a slight  small fee.
Yours very truly M. P. Smith

I see on the Journals of the provincial Con- gress which met at Halifax in April 1776, it was resolved that five independent Com- panies should be raised and stationed on the Sea Coast, that James Anderson was appointed Captain of the Company ordered to be stationed at Peacock Inlet, but I do not see the name of Caleb Mason men- tioned on said Journals.
Wm Billings 18 th July 1821.
Were these companies on the Nova Scotia Coast?

State of N o Carolina Secretarys' Office 16 th July 1827.
Sir
The name of Caleb Mason does not appear on the rolls of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, and no warrant having issued for his services and his having been discharged (as he says) near the place where the Secretarys' Office was then kept, induces me to think his latter services were amongst the Militia of the State and not in the regular army. I do not find that there were any such Officers of the regular Army as Colo. Brown or Capt. James Anderson. The Officers first mentioned in the declaration of Capt. Caleb Mason were of the Continental line, viz. Capt. Hardy, Marquis & Colo. Robt. Howe.
Very respectfully
Your most Ob t . Servt.
W. Dill
Col. L. Edwards Esqr.

Yrs of Resp.
Feb 22. 1835.
Sir
I herewith send you the amended declarations of Caleb Mason & John Chester as also the Declaration of Mr Thomas. the authentication of the records are to my own knowledge all genuine the hand writing of all the declarations & the certificate of the Clerk are well known to me. The applicants are also my immediate neighbours. None of them living a mile from my residence when at Home. Their being holders of the valuation is no bar to in the neighbourhood and none was disputed. I am as well satisfied of it in my own mind as tho' I had then lived & witnessed their service. It is when

this when added to their declarations and other evidence will procure them a favourable consideration.
Respectfully J. L. Edwards Esq. W. Fitzsimon

Charlotte Tenn June 19 th 1839 3
free
June 19 th 1839 Oct 10 th 1839 Jan 10 th 1840
Col. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City

Charlotte Tennessee 17 June 1839
Dear Sir,
Capt. Caleb Mason is a Revolutionary Pensioner & receives pay as a Lieutenant at Nashville. The old Gentleman is unquestionably entitled to more pay as a Captain - he was a 1 st Lieutenant under Capt. Jas. Anderson & was stationed at Dracox's Bar & about one year afterwards he was elected a Captain in the County of Hyde Carolina & received a Commission. He was in a Regiment commanded by Col. Brown at the time of the Battle of the Cowpens and was also at the Battle of Guilford as a Captain. He thinks his Col. there was a Linington, tho' he is not certain - he says these things were all proven some years ago by a man named Gibbs sent on the office - Gibbs was one of his soldiers - You will very much oblige both him & me, by having these things looked into for him & he is a very respectable old gentleman, has done great service to the country & ought to get for him all which the law gives him.
Pray to hear these things examined & inform me at Clarksville Tennessee
Your friend G. Johnson

State of Tennessee } This Day Came Benjamin White County } Gibbs the report before me and made oath that Calleb Mason served in the old army revolutionary war under Capt James Anderson as adjutant of the 1st Gibbs enlisted in the same company 1776 and found the D Mason there in service and of the D Gibbs was discharged in 1777 and left the D Mason there in service } and by information says that the D Mason served at the Brattle bridge battle and at Norfolk in the state of Virginia in the year of 1775 } and in 76 and in 77 that the D Mason served six months in the south as Capt under General Greene and that the D Mason is a lame man and in some circumstances and stands in need of some of his countrymen to aid and subscribed this 27 Day of November 1820 William Templeton Esq. Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee } White County } I Jacob the Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions in and for the county of White aforesaid do hereby certify that John Templeton Esq. whose name is subscribed as a justice of the peace to the above and foregoing affidavit, is now and was at the time of subscribing his name as such justice, one of the acting justices of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and quali- fied to act as such, and that full faith and credit

is due and should be given to all his official attestation as such. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name, and affixed the seal of said County Court at office this 28. th day of November A. D. 1820. and of the Independence of the United States the for- ty fifth.
Jacob A. Alexander

Caleb Mason -
He says he was an officer during the latter part of his service.
The name of Caleb Mason does not appear on the musterrolls of the No- Carolina line
18 th July 1821
W. Hill Sec.

State of N Carolina Wakefield County {
This day came before me Mr. Perkins of good report and made oath that Col. B. Mason from information he believes the the  the served in the Old continental Service two years viz served six Months under Col. Hardy Sharpe and discharged then later under Col. James Anderson and served eighteen Months and discharged and that of his own knowledge that the the is in very low Circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of your Country for support Given under my hand & seal the 21 st day of Feb.
1820
Very Sincerely J. H. [seal]
State of North Carolina
I Richard Oppes clerk of the County Court of Raleigh & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that Benjamin Harris whose name appears to the above affidavits was at the time of subscribing the same and still is one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the County of Wakefield & in whose official acts all due faith & credit ought to be given - Given under my hand & seal of office at the Town of Raleigh this 21 st day of February 1820
Richard Oppes (clerk)
State of N. Carolina { March 2 City of Raleigh { 1820
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above named William P. [illegible] from my infancy, & that he was a Recluse [illegible] soldier, & has considerable support [illegible]

Sec 24
M. - Attorney Calif. Mission San Francisco
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com of pension
Hon. C. Johnson N.H. 12

21 st Dec.
Washington
Dear Sir,
You will greatly oblige me by having an examination of the pension papers of Caleb Mason, examined to short statement furnished of the different services performed by him in what line, that I may ascertain if he be entitled to a pension. I enclose you his letter which you will be pleased to return Respectfully
Yr. friend
C. Johnson

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
6988
P. O.
Calif. Mason
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

20. 372
Caleb Mason,
Henry Co
Tennessee
act 18 March 1878
6988
Rejected
see letter 20 July 1879 to J. H. Doolittle see letter Dec. 16 1878 to Hon. S. Crockett H. R.

1930. Feb. 1, Fish to Mr. M. P. Smith, M.E.E.
Rev. Mar.
1917
INVALID.
File No. 1917
Caleb Mason Lieut. N.C. Line
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 234
[Arrangement of 1870.]

20.372.
Caleb Mason,
Henry Co
Tennessee
Act 18 March 1828
John H Dunlap Esq Paris, Tennessee

State of Tennessee
Be it remembered, that at a Court of pleas and quarter Sessions, began & held for the County of Henry at the Court house in the Town of Paris on the first monday in June, in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred & twenty Seven Caleb Mason filed his declaration to obtain a pension in the words & figures following to wit:
"Original Claim."
"Declaration in order to be placed on the pension list under the act of the 18 th of March 1818"
County of Henry & State of Tennessee
On this 4 th day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & twenty Seven, personally appeared in Open Court (being a Court of record) for the reason as that it was expressly made so by the Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, and because it has been solemn- ly adjudge d by the tribunals of the State of Tennessee to be so, and because it has the power to fine and imprison) for the County of Henry and State of Tennessee — Caleb Mason resident in said County aged about Twenty four years old, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the pro- vision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818, and the first of May 1820. That he the said Caleb Mason enlisted and served for the term of six months, some time in the year 1775 in the State of North Carolina, in the Company Commanded by Captain Hardy, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Robert Howe, in the line of the State of North Carolina in the Continental establishment, that he contin- ued to serve in said Company until he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant in the Company Commanded by Captain James Anderson, and that he continued to serve in said Company as second lieutenant for about the term of two years, when he was again promoted to the rank of Captain, and that he continued to serve as Captain in the regular Army for the term of three months, when he was again promoted to the office of adjutant in Colonel Brant's Regiment, and that he continued to serve as adjutant in said Regiment for about the term of three months, when he was hon- orably discharged from the service of the United States, in the Town of Kings- ton in the State of North Carolina — and that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present — that his name is not on the roll of any State, except the State of North Carolina, and that the following are the reasons for not making an earlier appli-

- cation for a pension. That some years since he applied to the War department for a pension agent, through one of the representatives in Congress, from the state of Tennessee, Colonel Robert Allen for a pension, and for some cause unknown to this applicant, he has never as yet obtained a pension. And in pursuance of the act of the first of May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18 th of March 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it, so as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled an act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war, passed on the 18 th of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person for me in trust, any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any in common other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. Caleb Mason."
"With respect to the schedule of my property I do most solemnly assert that I do not own one dollar worth of real or personal property upon the face of the globe. Caleb Mason."
"I am by profession a farmer, but from extreme old age and bodily infirmity consequent upon old age, I am wholly unable to labour for a subsistence. Caleb Mason."
"He would further state, that his family for many years has been scattered through various sections of the country, and that he has no person to look to for a support but himself, that he has for many years been living from hand to hand upon the charity of the good people of his county, that he is wholly unable from infirmity and old age to labour for his subsistence, he would also state that no change has been effected in his property since the 18 th of March 1818, that he was at that time & has continued to be until the present moment in extreme indigent circumstances. Caleb Mason."
Sworn to, and declared in Open Court on the 4 th day of June 1827
James Hicks, Clerk of Henry County Court.

State of Tennessee
I James Welch, clerk of our court of pleas & quarter sessions for the County of Henry & State of Tennessee, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Caleb Mason did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common enemy for the term of six months, as a private soldier — as a second lieutenant for the term of two years — as a captain for the term of three months, and as an adjutant for the term of three months, on the Continental establishment.
I do also certify that the foregoing is truly copied from the records of the said Court — and I do further certify that, in the opinion of said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in said schedule is not more than one dollar.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my office, at office on the twelfth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty seven and of the Independence of the United States the fifty first year of American Independence.
James Welch Clerk of Henry County Court.

In The the year of 1775 in the fall I listed in the United States Service under Captain Hardy Murfree and served in Virginia at the Great Bridge Battle then went To Norfolk and continued there till General Howe Burnt the Town then Marched To Suffolk then Marched To Edenton in North Carolina and was Discharged then I served under Capt James and Lieutenant ad gedent 18 Months that was four Camps on the Seaboard as guards for the Seaport in 1776 and continued till late in the fall in 1777 then I petitioned To Governor Richard Cowell against the Conduct of the Conduct of the Captain and the Governor and Council Brooks the four Camps — Then I served in the South side and North Carolina six Months as Capt under the Command of General Green when Falton was Defeated at the Cowpens and at the Guilford Battle that I served My Country Two years and six Months Faithful in the old Revolutionary war and I am a humble man and 67 years of age in February next without house or home or property except My working apparel State of Tennessee } we the subscribers do certify that Wilson County } we have known the said Mason upwards of 40 years and we believe that said Mason has been a Faithful Soldier for his Country in the old war and that he is a humble man

and we Believe that has known property except his warina parcel and stands in need of support of his Country
Abner Spring John O'Neil - Thomas Brooks Samuel Hemenway Sen John Spring Robert O'Neil

16,586
Charlotte June 3
July 14 th 1823
Caleb Mason
Tenn
Hilda Farnen, Charlotte Tenn.
Rec d 30 July 1823.
6988
Rec d
John T. Calhoun
Secretary of war
Washington
Rec d again Sept 18. 1823. same letter as before

State of Tennessee.
At a county court of pleas and quarter sessions began and continued for the county of Dickson at the court house in the town of Charlotte on the first monday in July 1823.
Present; John Humphreys Robert Arnon Nehemiah Hardy
Ex-pi-ris jus-ti-ti-a of the peace.
on this 8 th day of July 1823. the schedule and declaration of Caleb Mason was produced in open court (it being a court of record having the power of fine and imprisonment for the county and state aforesaid) and on motion was ordered to be entered at full length on the records of said court in the words following to wit.
Original Claim
Schedule of the property of Caleb Mason one pocket knife, and about eighteen dollars due to be paid in some trade and part money Caleb Mason.
State of Tennessee Dickson county
on this 8 th day of July 1823, while in session, being a court of record having the power of fine and imprisonment, in and for the county and state aforesaid; Caleb Mason aged seventy years (no family) who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the act of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818, and the 1 st of May 1820, that he the said Caleb Mason enlisted for the term of six months, in the year 1775 and served the said term of six months, at the expiration of which time he was discharged. Then he the said Caleb Mason enlisted for the term of two years, in the year 1776 in the state of North Carolina in the company commanded by Captain James Anderson, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Harney (his given name not recollected) in the line of the state of North Carolina, on the continental establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps as a lieutenant until some time in the year 1878. when he was

discharged from the said service at Ocracoke barr in said state of North Carolina that he was in two skirmishes in taking two British Royalies - Shortly after his discharge from the said two years service he received a commission from the Governor of North Carolina as a Captain and sent to the southward in order to recruit a company for another expedition, after he had recruited what he could conveniently, he returned the said recruits to some other officer - after he had given up his recruits he returned back to the county of Hyde by order of the Governor to hurry out delinquents after the defeat of General Gates, then he volunteered as a captain, and served under General Green and was in the battle at Guilford, after which he was permitted to return, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services, except the evidence of William Perkins and Benjamin Gibbs, which was heretofore forwarded to the war department. And in pursuance of the act of the 13 th of May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of Congress entitled, an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18 th of March 1818. and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities or debts or contracts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) and now in such indigent circumstance that he needs the assistance of his country for support - Sworn to and subscribed on this 9 th day of July 1823, in open court before me Field Harron Clerk of said court.
Caleb Mason

It is the opinion of the court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the foregoing schedule of Caleb Mason does not exceed eighteen dollars and fifty cents —
I Field Harrar Clerk of said court do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule hereunto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule does not exceed eighteen dollars; in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court on this 9 th day of July 1823.
Field Harrar Clerk of said Court

Caleb Mason
Declaration

State of Tennessee } Personally appeared before me, the Weakly County } undersigned, a Justice of the peace for said County, Caleb Mason, who, being duly sworn upon oath 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;
In 1775 I served six months as a cadet, waiting for a commission - In 1776 & 1777 I served as a Lieutenant Eighteen months and twenty five days at least, - In 1778 or 79 agreeable to my best recollection I substituted for Henry Gibbs, and was commissioned by the Governor immediately after as a Captain, & served in this grade three months. - In 1780 or 1781 I substituted for Thomas Gibbs, and served three months as Adjutant - In the latter part of the year 1781 to the best of my recollection, I volun- -teered as a Mobile Captain, and between this period & the taking of Cornwallis, at Little York I served nine months. - And for such services I claim a pension -
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of February 1833
E. Dickson a Justice of the Peace
Caleb Mason
State of Tennessee } I William H. Johnson clerk of the Weakly County } court of pleas & quarter sessions for said county do certify that Ephraim Dickson whose attestation appears to the above affidavit is an acting Justice of the peace for said county duly commissioned and qualified and the signature is his own genuine signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 4th day of January 1833
Wm H Johnson Clerk