Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File for William Mc Rea

SERVICE
NUMBER
Northwest Indian War
McCrea
William
File in Rev. War
1790 - 1795
Mary
Files
St. Vid. 8443
CONTENTS
War 1812

See letters to W m Mac Rea P. Agt. April 23. 1849 let to Hon. G. G. King Jan 7/10, 1850
Reported 11 Mch 1849
61.
Rhode Island
Mary W m Rea widow of William
who died on the — 1832 in the State of Rhode Island who was a D t Col n in the Comp y commanded by Captain — of the Reg t commanded by — in the Indian war to
Inscribed on the Roll of Providence at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per month, to commence on the 1st  day of March 1831. 1st January 1846. Vending Feb y . 1851.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Mch 1849 and sent to Hon. R. B. Cranston Newport, R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Special act 3 March 1849
At 21 July 1848. { Revolutionary Act July 4. Section the by S. G. King Clerk, Vol. 1 Page 97

20
FREE
Hon. John N. Pierce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington City

Newport 14 th Nov r . 1845
Sir, it is my intention to offer a petition to Congress for relief in my present reduced circumstances, on account of the long and meritorious services of my husband, the late Col. William MacRae, of the U.S. Army. My relative, M rs Com. Oliver H. Perry, passed a great part of the summer in this place, and when I consulted her on the subject, she advised me to endeavor to obtain your influence in my favour, as one of the most influential members of the House of Representatives.
Col. Arthur P. Hayne of S. Carolina, and Judge Wayne of Washington, both friends of my husband, have selected from the official papers of the Colonel such documents as they thought would be useful, and Col. Hayne, who served with him in New Orleans under Genl. Jackson, has written a letter to the Chairman of the Military Committee of the Senate, where my petition will be offered, and has promised me his interest with the Southern delegation as far as possible.
I have the honor to enclose to you, Sir, an account of Col. MacRae's military services, also a copy of a note, forwarded to me by a friend in New York, from M r Campbell P. White, formerly a distinguished member of Congress, during the administration of Genl. Jackson.
I have written to Col. Preston & Genl. Dix, both of them personally known to me, and if you will add your influence in the House, (provided the bill passes the Senate) you will confer a lasting obligation on me. Very respectfully
Your obt Ser t
Mary MacRae
Hon. John Slidell U. S. House of Representatives

copy of letter from Col McRae

(copy)
Fort Nelson (Va) 25 th March 1821
Sir
The late act of Congress having directed a considerable reduction of the Military Peace Establishment of the United States, by which a number of Officers of every grade will probably be considered no longer necessary for the public Service, I beg leave to state what I consider my pretensions for continuing in the Military Service of my Country.
I commenced this Service in the year 1791 as a Lieutenant, and served in the Campaign under Major General St. Clair in the North western Territory, now State of Ohio, and was in the engagement on the 4 th November of that year. In that action I commanded a Company, received a wound, and had forty-six men killed and wounded, out of fifty-seven effectives which I that day commanded.
My next Services were under the orders of Major General Wayne in the same Territory. With him I served during all his active operations from the early part of the year 1792, until the winter of '93-'94, and fought under his orders in the action of the 20 th August 1794, as a Brigade Major, being that year a Captain in the 3 rd Sub-Legion of the United States. Sometime in May in the year 1795, on the death of Major John M c Neill Adjutant General to the army under Major General Wayne, I was appointed to perform that duty which I continued to do until the army arrived at Detroit, and took possession of the posts on the Lakes; which were surrendered to the United States under Mr Jay's treaty in the fall of 1795. During the above period, from the year 1791 to 95 inclusive, I was in all the active operations of the army under the orders of the above mentioned General Officers, and was never absent a day from my corps or command, filling for a considerable length of time when a young man, & a young Captain of Infantry the important office of Adjutant General to the Army under that able and

distinguished Officer, (Major General Anthony Wayne.
A new organization of the army having taken place in the winter of 96.7 being then a junior Captain, my company was reduced; when I returned to the seat of government in Philadelphia, and in the spring following was appointed a Captain in the artillery.
On the 31 st July 1800. I was promoted to a Majority in the 2 d Regiment of Artillerist & Engineers, and after commanding sometimes at Fort Mifflin in the Delaware, and different posts in the State of Rhode Island and Connecticut, in the spring of 1802 I received orders to proceed to the State of Tennessee and take command of the troops on the frontier of that State, which order was executed, and the commands continued with a variety of incidental & fatiguing commands and journeys, until the summer of 1807, when I was ordered to Fort Adams on the Mississippi and thence to New Orleans to take command of the troops in that City and its dependencies.
There I remained until the summer of 1815. various and important duties were assigned me, viz. that of superintending the erection of the Fortifications for the defence of the river and City, and the latter in the Lakes, for which purpose I received particular orders from the War Department, and unlimited power in respect to funds.
In addition to my other duties, a constant attention to this object was given by me for a period of nearly four years. One of the posts erected under my direction was Fort St. Philip at Plaquemine.
The great exertions made, and the extreme anxiety caused by the British Military & Naval Commanders to effect a passage by way of the river - and their complete failure after a bombardment of nine days and nights, shows of what importance Fort St. Philip was in defeating their designs on New Orleans.
Previous to the arrival of General Jackson in New Orleans. I was under my command 1500 troops with power to call on the Governor of the State of Louisiana & Mississippi for such reinforcements of drafted Militia & Volunteers as the service might require.

On the 23 rd of December 1814 when General Jackson moved with his disposable force to meet the enemy. I accompanied him. I commanded the artillery on that occasion, as well as in the action which subsequently took place on the 28 th December 1814 and 1 st and 8 th January 1815. When the Army was organized on the Peace Establishment at the close of the war. I was ordered to the command of the 6 th Military Department, and took command of the same in September 1815, in which I have continued until the present time. During this period of patriotic service - I have never been absent a day or furlough from my cap or command, but during thirty years have been constantly on duty, and a considerable part of the time in active and laborious service.
(Signed)
W. MacRae Lt. Col. Artillery
The above letter was written in reply to a circular from the War Department to the officers of the Army at the time of the reduction in 1821, requiring them to state their claims for a continuance in service.
Colonel MacRae served eleven years after it was written, making his whole term of service upwards of forty one years to the time of his death, which took place by Asiatic Cholera the 3 rd Nov r 1832.
Mary MacRae

Major Genl. Jackson 27th Augt. 1814.
Leut. Colo. William Macrea commanding New Orleans

Head Quarters 7 th Myr. Dist. Mobile Augt. 27 1810
Sir
Upon the receipt of this you will by order prohibit the passage of all vessels loaded with Flourish (bound for any of the Spanish Ports or Islands) by any Garrison or Fort at or below New Orleans. Immediate information will be communicated by you to all officers commanding post or Garrison and effectual measures taken for the execution of this order - Unexpected events have made this measure necessary as well as to direct that you put the Fortifications at New Orleans and the vicinity in the best possible state of defence -
Necessity compels me to commit the promulgation of this order through you to the other posts. I am very respectfully Yr. Obedient Servt Andrew Jackson Major Genl Comdg. Lieut. Col. Wm McReynolds commanding New Orleans

To the Chairman of the Military Committee of the Senate of the United States.
Sir it being my intention to offer a petition to Congress for relief in my present destitute condition, I have placed in the hands of my friends who have a disposition to assist me, certain documents in relation to Colonel MacRae's military services, which I have reason to hope will be deemed of sufficient importance to excite some interest in my behalf, in the minds of those who have it in their power to forward my application for relief.
The official papers which will be submitted to the Committee, will shew the active nature of the Colonel's military life for many years.
The statement made in his own handwriting in the year 1821, urging his claims for a retention in service, when the Army was about being reduced, speaks for itself, and to that may be added, eleven years more of service, chiefly at the South, where his health became impaired and in 1831, soon after his return from South Carolina to New York, he was seized with paralysis while travelling on a Court Martial, and although he partially recovered the use of his limbs, he continued feeble in health, and his mind and memory became much weakened, and his strength was gradually failing.
In the summer of 1832 while at Ballston Springs he received another shock of paralysis, and on our return to New York, where the air was still impure from the effects of the Cholera, Dr. Mott advised his immediate removal from the city. Having a daughter

married and settled in St. Louis, who, with her husband, was very desirous that we should make them a visit, we commenced our journey in October 1832 hoping that the Colonel might receive benefit from a change of climate. He mended perceptibly on the way, but when we reached Wheeling, we found that the Cholera had preceded us at that and other places on the river. Hoping, however, that the worst was over, we proceeded on our voyage down the Ohio, and reached Louisville in safety, but on the second day after we left Louisville the Colonel was attacked with Cholera on board the Steamboat Express, and died after twelve hours intense suffering, on the 3 rd November 1832.
Myself and daughter who accompanied us, were plunged into the deepest distress by this afflictive dispensation, increased by the necessity of leaving the Colonel's remains near Galesburg, as the crew were so much alarmed, that they threatened to leave the boat, unless the captain acceded to their wishes of immediate interment.
I will not attempt to describe my distress, left with my daughter among strangers, and threatened myself with cholera, which was, however, arrested by remedies administered by the captain of the Steamboat, and six days afterwards we reached the residence of my daughter in St. Louis.
We remained in Missouri two years and a half, during which time I made two unsuccessful attempts to enter into some kind of business that would enable me to support myself and daughter, but having sunk a considerable sum in the attempt, and my health being much affected, I determined to leave the West, and come on to Newport, my native place, and endeavour to live on the small means I had left

and we were on the eve of departure, when my beloved Cornelia, my dear daughter and companion, was most unexpectedly attacked with Asiatic Cholera, and she was also taken from me after twelve hours illness.
I have resided in Newport for the last ten years, and had the misfortune to lose my only surviving child (Mrs. Magonis) by consumption in Washington, four years ago, who during her lifetime rendered me all the assistance in her power, but I am now left alone in the world, in very straitened circumstances, the small remains of the property I possessed when I was married, being entirely insufficient for my support.
I am now over sixty years of age, I am subject to a delirium of blood to the head, which renders my health very precarious, and but for the assistance of a few kind friends, I would not have sustained myself in my present condition.
It may be as well to mention here, that owing to the kindness of my friend, the late Genl. Atkinson, the remains of Colonel MacRae were disinterred a year after his decease, and were buried with military honours near St. Louis. The remains of my dear Cornelia & her father now repose in the same grave.
If I have been somewhat prolix in this account of my domestic misfortunes, it must be imputed to my desire to render some apology for having at last determined to appeal to Congress for relief, a measure which I have adopted with the greatest reluctance. Nothing but the most urgent necessity could have prompted me to take a step so repugnant to my feelings, but by the advice of judicious and kind friends I have at length determined to appeal to the generous feelings of those, who have the power, and I hope, the disposition also, to afford relief to the widow of a brave and faithful

officer, who devoted the best part of his life to the service of his country.
Most respectfully submitted,
Mary MacRae
Mrs. MacRae; statement to the Military Committee

Rev. War Section.
December 1, 1916.
Wm MacRae att N. File 8443
Mr. Nathaniel D. Russell, Brunswick, Georgia.
Sir:-
In response to your letter dated October the twenty- of Mary MacRae, eighth, you are advised that the papers in claim O. W. Wid. File No. 8,443, show that in 1791, her husband, Lieutenant William MacRae had command of a company of men, under Major General St. Clair and was wounded in an engagement with the Indians near Miami Village, Ohio, November 4, 1791; early in 1792, he was ap- pointed Brigade Major under Major General St. Clair, and was in the engagement at Miami Rapids, August 20, 1794; in 1794, he was appointed a Captain of the Third Sub Legion of Infantry, and served from May, until the fall of 1796, as Adjutant Gener- eral to General Anthony Wayne.
Upon the reorganization of the Army, he returned to Phil- adelphia (then the seat of Government) and was appointed June 4, 1798, Captain of Artillery; promoted July 31, 1800, Major Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, commanding Fort Mifflin and posts in Rhode Island and Connecticut until 1802, when he proceeded to the frontier of Tennessee until 1807, when

he was ordered to New Orleans in charge of the Artillery until 1815, where he superintended the erection of Fort St. Philip and other fortifications for the defence of the city; on July 10, 1812, he was appointed Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, appointed Lieutenant Colonel April 19, 1814, and commanded the Artillery in the following engagements under Colonel Jackson, on December 23 and 28, 1814; and January 1 and 8, 1815.
In September, 1815, he took command of the Sixth Military Department, was appointed Brevet Colonel April 19, 1824, and continued in the service until his death, a period of over forty years.
His age, the dates and places of his birth and marriage are not stated.
He died on board the Steamboat Express November 3, 1832 while en route to his married daughter at St. Louis, and in 1845, his widow Mary MacRea, a resident of her native town of Newport, Rhode Island and over sixty years of age, applied to Congress for a pension, and was allowed, $30 per month for five years from January 1, 1846, by Special Act dated March 3, 1849. She referred to her daughter Cordelia who died in 1835, and to her only surviving child Mrs. Magenis.
There is no further family data.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1916 Dec. 1. History to Nathaniel D. Russell &
Ch. H. Indian 1790 to 1795 1812
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8443
Mary McBean Wid
William McBean Lieut Col. Rev War
Act: July 21 184
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 21
[Arrangement of 1870.]

8 4 4.3
Mary M c Rea - widow of William M c Rea
Monthly Reports - Dec r 1795 to June 1796 of the North West Army, 1. 2. 3 & 4 Sub-Legion - He was Adjt Gen t of the Army under Gen t Wayne - these reports placed on file at the office of U. S Adjt Gen t - There are in the care several letters & a narrative of Services in the Valley of Mississippi 1808 to 1815 & a letter of Gen t Wayne dated Detroit Oct 3 1796
Also a roll for Nov 11. 1791 of Va a Battalion Lt Col W m Drake & Co. of Capt Joseph Drake - at Fort Washington - which Mr Webster has under consideration - perhaps to furnish a copy to Adjt Gen t

S N o 22
May M c Rea
No 71,
Beetle St.
R. Island Roll.
$30 per month Com: 1 Jan. 1846
Heiral act of March 1849
(place on the ROLL of July 21. 48)
Pension
Hon R. B. Cranston Newport R.I.
Book C. vol. 1 page 97

Memoranda of the Services of Colonel William MacRae.
+ in that important station - in the command of troops & in the charge of labora- ties, arsenals & magazines, contributed most effectively to the defence of New Orleans.
Winfield Scott. Jan. 18/45.
Col. MacRae was always a most steady, effective officer, & also one of the worthiest of men. He, during his long service, was never rebuked, much less tried. On many particular occasions he rendered great & most valuable services. He was, in the winter of 1844-45, Genl. Jackson's Chief of Artillery ,
[Over.]
Mem. The Rev. W. R. 8443 Jan 1845

Memoranda relative to Colonel William MacRae.
The Rolls in the Adjutant General's Office furnish the following facts connected with the Military History of Colonel MacRae:
W m MacRae , Captain, 2 d June 98; Major, 31 st July 1800; Lt. Col. April 19, 1824; Bvt. Lieut. Colonel July 10, 1822; Bvt. Colonel April 19, 1824:
1807 - Commanding in R. I.
1802-3 Comdg. T. W. Point, Tennessee.
1804. Ordered to Fort Wilkinson on Ct. martial.
1808, 9, 10, 11 & 12 Commanding at New Orleans.
From February 1816 to May 1821, Commanding Battalion of Artillery 1 st Military Department; except during the months of October, Nov., & Dec. 1820 when he was absent on command. Absent with leave from June 18, 1821 to October 1, 1821.
Assigned to the command at New Orleans by Orders dated May 17, 1821 as Lt. Colonel. From Dec. 1821 to June 1822 Commanding at New Orleans.
From July 2, 1822 to February 26, 1824, Superintendent

Superintendent of the Recruiting Service, H d Quarters, New York.
In command of regiment from March to December 1824; except a temporary absence on duty during the month of April on a tour of inspection.
In command of regiment during the years 1825-6 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 & 32, except when on tours of inspection, & except when absent during the months of June, July, Aug. Sep. & Oct. in 1829; June, July, Aug. Sept. & Oct. in 1830; May, June, July, Aug. Sept. & Oct. in 1831, & from May 15 th , to Nov. 3, 1832, the date of his death.
A careful examination of the records has been made & the above statement embraces every recorded fact which could possibly entitle Colo. MacRae to any extra compensation.
An examination of the Pay Rolls has also shown that when Colonel MacRae was entitled to double rations or brevet pay it has been invariably drawn.
Documents, No. 6, Ho. of Rep. 27 th Congress 3 d Session, & No. 18, H. of R. 28 th Congress. 1 st Session, contain statements, prepared

prepared by the 2 d & 3 d Auditors of the Treasury, exhibiting the names of such officers of the War Department & of the Army, including paymasters & Governors of Territories, who have received extra allowance; the time of service for which the extra allowance was claimed; & the amount received."
In document No. 18, p. 4, will be found the name of William Mac Rea, Major, allowed $60 per month during the years 1808, 09 & 10, as "director of fortifications at Fort St. John, Englishtown, & Fort St. Philip at Plaquemine Orleans."
Respectfully Submitted
H. L. Scott.
A. D. Camp.

General Dackson 4 th Oct. 1814
Mobile 4 Oct.
Public Service Thos S. Patterson in camp
Lieut. Genl William Macrea B. Artillery commanding New Orleans

Head Quarters 7 th M t Dist. Mobile Oct 14 th 1814
Sir
Yours of the 19 th ultimo came to hand by to day's mail, You will direct your attention particularly to the Fortification, at New Orleans, St. Johns and St. Philips, and have them repaired with as much expedition as practicable, You will direct Captain Newman to bestow the whole of his attention to the Fortification of Pittsboro h and furnish him with such articles as he may require for that purpose of the Quarter Masters Department, The Gen l . deems that place of minor importance in comparison with other Parts in the Vicinity of New Orleans - and conceives Captain Newman can mandently adequate to make the necessary repairs.
You will order the 7 th Reg t to New Orleans and make such disposition of it as your discretion may suggest for the fortification and protection of the city and different parts committed to your superintendence
I have the Honor to be respectfully Y o b Steele M c Rea Comds at New Orleans By command Thos L Butler in camp

Sir,
W. H. Nelson 25 th March 1825
The late act of Congress having effected a considerable reduction of the Military peace establishment of the United States, by which a number of Officers of every grade will probably be considered no longer necessary for the public service, I beg leave to state what I consider my pretensions for continuing in the Military service of my country.
I commenced the service in the year 1791 as a Lieutenant, and served in the campaign under Major General St. Clair in the then North Western Territory, new state of Ohio, and was in the engagement on the 4 th November of that year. In that action I commanded a company, received a wound, and had forty six men killed and wounded, out of fifty seven effective which I that day commanded.
My next services were under the orders of Major General Wayne in the same Territory. with him I served during all his active operations from the early part of the year 1792, until the winter of 93. 94, and fought under his orders in the action of the 20 th Aug. 1794. as a Brigade Major, being that year a Captain in the 3 d Sub. Legion of the United States. Sometime in May in the year 1796, on the death of Major John Mills Adjutant General to the Army under

Major General Wayne, I was appointed to perform that duty which I continued to do until the Army arrived at Detroit, and took possession of the posts on the Lakes, which were surrendered to the United States under Mr. Jay's treaty in the fall of 1794. During the above period from the year 1791 to 94 inclusive, I was in all the active operations of the Army under the orders of the above mentioned General Officers, and was never absent a day from my base or command, filling for a considerable length of time when a young man and a young Captain of Infantry the important office of Adjutant General to the Army under that able and distinguished officer, Major General Anthony Wayne. —
A new organization of the Army having taken place in the Winter of 96-7. being then a junior Captain, my company was reduced, when I returned to the seat of government in Philadelphia, and in the Spring following was appointed a Captain in the Artillery.
On the 23 rd July 1800 I was promoted to a Major in the 2 d Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers, and after commanding sometime at West Point in the Delaware, and different posts in the States of Rhode Island and Connecticut, in the Spring of 1802 I received orders to move to the State of Mississippi and take command of the troops on the frontier of that State, which order was executed and the command continued with a variety of incidents and fortifying commands and journeys, until the summer of 1807, when I was ordered to West Adams on the

Mississippi and thence to New Orleans to take command of the troops in that city and its dependencies. When I remained until the summer of 1815, various & important duties were assigned me, viz that of superintending the erection of the fortifications for the defence of the river and city, and the latter by the way of the Lakes, for which purpose I received particular orders from the War Department, and received unlimited power in regard to funds. In addition to my other duties, a constant attention to this object was given by me for a period of nearly four years. One of the posts erected under my direction was Fort St. Philip at Plaquemines. The great exertions made, and the extreme anxiety winced by the British artillery and Naval Commanders to effect a passage for their vessels of war by the way of the river, and their complete failure after a bombardment of nine days and nights, shows of what importance Fort St. Philip was in defeating their designs on New Orleans. —
Previous to the arrival of General Jackson in New Orleans, I had under my command 1600 troops, with power to call on the Governors of the State of Louisiana and Mississippi for such reinforcements of drafted Militia and volunteers as the service might require. —
On the 23 rd of December 1814 when General

Jackson moved with his disposable force to meet the enemy, I accompanied him. I commanded the Artillery on that occasion, as well as in the actions which subsequently took place on the 20 th December 1814, and 8 th and 9 th January 1815.
When the Army was organized on the peace establishment at the close of the war, I was ordered to the command of the 6 th Utility Department, and took command of the same in September 1815, in which I have continued until the present time. (During this period of protracted service I have never been absent a day on furlough from my corps or command, but during thirty years have been constantly on duty, and a considerable part of the time in active and laborious service.)
I am & H. Bissell Lt. Col. Artillery

1847
from Mrs Mary MacRae N.P. on the subject of her application for a Pension
3 rd Aug.
C
Bellevue France
Colonel Fletcher R. Hayne

Colonel Arthur P. Hayne
Sir
I neglected to explain to you the day you honored me with a visit, that when the bill for my relief was brought up for consideration last winter, Mr. Calhoun said that he feared it was introducing a new principle, Col. Benton then proposed to lay it on the table for the present . Mr. Evans was at that time absent on business in Boston, from which place he addressed a letter to me, so soon as he saw by the papers that it had been taken up, and regretted that he had not been there to push it through immediately , as it was then early in the session. When he succeeded in bringing it forward again, it was so late, that although the bill passed the Senate by a considerable majority, and Mr. Calhoun withdrew his objection to it, there was not time for its consideration in the House .
Mr. Jones has in his possession the report of the Military Committee of the Senate, drawn up by Col. Benton, and and letters from different members of Congress, and others, on the subject. I owe much to Col. Benton for the very strong report he presented, and if he does not take an active part in pressing it forward, it may be, that he fears being accused of inconsistency, in establishing a precedent, contrary

to the rule of allowing pensions to those widows, only , whose husbands were killed in battle.
Will you, Sir, do me the favor to look at these papers in the hands of Mr. Jones, who will endeavour to use them for my advantage. Mr. Evans says decidedly, pernure . Mr. Jones and many other friends say the same, and although I am somewhat discouraged by the delay, I have the satisfaction of knowing, that it has twice — passed the Senate, and although not passed in the House, it has not been rejected there.
Mr. Jones has a letter from Col. Benton to me, to which I beg leave to refer you; he there mentions a conversation he had with you on the subject of my claim; I hope he still retains the same kind feelings he then expressed, as I should be much concerned to believe, that he had been induced to change his opinion.
With my kindest respect to Mrs. Hayne,
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your affec. Servt.
Mary MacRae
3 d August 1847

General Parkinson 19 th Sept. 1814
Lieut Genl William Macrae of Arthurs commanding New Orleans

Head Quarters Tell Dist Mobile Sept. 17 1814
Sir Yours of the 9 th and 10 th have been duly received, the Major Genl has not time to enter into detail on the many important points made in your communication. But directs me until the pressure of business subsides, to authorize you to make such repairs to the Forts and magazines at and near New Orleans as in your judgment the good of the service may require, as well as to make all necessary supplies under the requisitions of the commanding officers of the Port. at Your judgment may dictate, He has also authorize you to inspect and counter sign all requisitions made by the Governor of Louisiana and Mississippi Territory, for equipping and bringing their militia into the field. Colo Piatt the 2 nd Genl of the Dist has been apprised of this and directs to consider your signature as sufficient authority for any supplies you may deem necessary. But the Genl directs that you have an eye

to economy in your arrangements and yet not to be sparing of any thing necessary for the defence of the country or the comfort of the Soldiers. The Genl Court martial ordered at New Orleans will be again convened for the trial of Capt Manahan  Gray and of the 44 and such prisoners as may be brought before it.
The Soldiers alluded to in your letter of the 10 th will be ordered to train their corps if in your Judgment they can be spared.
By command of the Genl
I am very respectfully Yr Most obed Servt
W. L. Butler acting
Dear Col M c Macrae commanding New Orleans

Genl. Jackson 19 th Oct r 1814
Public Service Thos S. Butler aide camp
Genl Colo William Marcus B. Schottler commanding New Orleans

Head Quarters 7 th M t Dist. Mobile Octo 19 th 1814
Sir
Your several communications of the 27 th ultimo, 10 and 13 th Instant have been duly received. The precautionary measures adopted by you in sending the Guard with the public Stores, and detaining the vessels in harbor at New Orleans lest an enemy might get possession of the Stores so much wanted here, meets the Genl's entire approbation, and is in conformity to a letter addressed to you some time since on the subject. The Adjutant Genl has been directed to relieve Captain Humphrey from the court's martials, and detail another President in his stead. The commanding officers of Fort Lequeux and Fort Saint Philip have been ordered to report to and receive your orders, until otherwise directed.
I have the honor to be respectfully yr obedt. Servt. By command
Thos. S. Butler aide camp
Dr. Col. M c Macrea 13 th Artillerists commanding New Orleans.

Public Service.
Robert Butler Adjutant General
Lieut. Col. William M c Rea Commanding Capt. Unit. New Orleans
Yours Respectfully 12 th Dist. Bty

Head Quarters 7th M. District.
Adjutant Generals Office Town of Mobile 12th October 1814.
Sir,
To be prepared at all points, is the wish of the Maj. General. You will therefore dispatch immediately and keep constantly out on the Bayou Lafourche good pickets; and should the enemy attempt that pass to the Mississippi, you will on receiving information thereof, take possession of the first high ground from the entrance of that Bayou into the sea, that would admit the landing of a military force, and erect a battery and defend the pass with as many Regulars as will man the guns aided by as many Militia as you may think necessary, and in case of a large force attempting the passage you are to meet them with a force sufficient to destroy them, and give the earliest information of their approach to the Maj. General. By command Respectfully, Robert Butler A.Genl.
Colo. William McRae.

30 Cong. S. 22.
1 st dep. 3
Petition, of Mary MacRae, praying compensation for the military services of her husband.
1845. Dec. 27. Referred to the Com: on Military Affairs.
1846. Jan. 7. Second Report Bill S. 23. & Special report.
1846, Dec. 16, Referred with Bill 13. S. to the Com. on Military Affairs.
Dec. 22. Bill rep d without amend.
1847. Dec. 14. Referred to the Com: on Military Affairs
Mr. Greene

To the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled,
The petition of Mrs. Mary MacRae, respectfully sheweth, that she is induced by the suggestions of her friends, and some of those of her late husband, Colonel William MacRae, who are well informed with the long and meritorious services of the latter in the Armies of the United States, to ask from Congress a consideration of the annexed documents, with the view that such pecuniary aid may be given to her, as the practice and the sense of justice of all nations, have bestowed upon the destitute widows of those men, whose lives have been spent in honourable service and battle, in support of the rights and liberties of their country.
Mary MacRae widow of the late Col. W m . MacRae of the United States Army.

This letter was written in reply to a Circular from the War Department to the officers of the Army at the time of the reduction in 1821, requiring them to state their claims for a continuance in service.
(Copy)
Fort Nelson
25 th March 1821.
Sir
The late act of Congress having directed a considerable reduction of the Military Peace Establishment of the United States, by which a number of officers of every grade will probably be considered no longer necessary for the public, I beg leave to state what I consider my pretensions for continuing in the Military Service of my Country.
I commenced the service in the year 1791, as a Lieutenant, and served in the Campaign under Major General St. Clair in the then North Western Territory, now State of Ohio; and was in the engagement on the 4 th November of that year. In that action I commanded a Company, received a wound, and had forty six men killed and wounded, out of fifty seven effectives which I that day commanded.
My next services were under the orders of Major General Wayne in the same Territory. With him I served during all his active operations from the early part of the year 1792, until the winter of '96-'97, and fought under his orders in the action of the 20 th August 1794, as a Brigade Major, being that year a Captain in

The 3 rd Sub Legion of the United States. Sometime in May in the year 1796, on the death of Major John Mills, Adjutant General to the Army under Major General Wayne, I was appointed to perform that duty which I continued to do until the Army arrived at Detroit, and took possession of the posts on the Lakes, which were surrendered to the United States, under Mr. Jay's treaty in the fall of 1796. During the above period from the year 1791 to 96 inclusive, I was in all the active operations of the Army under the orders of the above-mentioned General Officers, and was never absent a day from my corps or command, filling for a considerable length of time when a young man, & a young Captain of Infantry the important office of Adjutant General to the Army under that able and distinguished Officer Major General Anthony Wayne.
A new organization of the Army having taken place in the winter of '96, 7. being then a junior Captain, my Company was reduced; when I returned to the seat of government in Philadelphia, and in the spring following was appointed a Captain in the Artillery.
On the 31 st July 1800. I was promoted to a Majority in the 2 nd Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers, and after commanding some time at Fort Mifflin, in the Delaware, and different posts in the States of Rhode Island, and Connecticut, in the spring of 1802. I received orders to proceed to the State of Tennessee and take command of the troops on the frontier of that State, which order was executed, and the command continued with a variety of incidental

& fatiguing commands, and journeys until the summer of 1807, when I was ordered to Fort Adams on the Mississippi, and thence to New Orleans to take command of the troops in that City and its dependencies. There I remained until the summer of 1815. Various and important duties were assigned me, viz. that of superintending the erection of the fortifications for the defence of the river and City, and the latter by way of the Lakes, for which purpose I received particular orders from the War Department, and unlimited power in respect to funds. In addition to my other duties, a constant attention to this object was given by me for a period of nearly four years. One of the posts erected under my direction, was Fort St. Philip at Plaquemines. The great exertions made and the extreme anxiety evinced by the British Military & Naval Commanders, to effect a passage by way of the river and their complete failure after a bombardment of nine days and nights, shews of what importance Fort St. Philip was in defeating their designs on New Orleans.
Previous to the arrival of General Jackson in New Orleans, I had under my command 1600 troops with powers to call on the Governors of the States of Louisiana, & Mississippi, for such reinforcements of drafted Militia & Volunteers as the service might require.
On the 28 th of December 1814, when General Jackson moved with his disposable force to meet the enemy, I accompanied him. I commanded the Artillery on that occasion, as well as in the actions which subsequently took place on the 28 th December 1814, and 1 st & 8 th

January 1815. When the Army was organized on the Peace Establishment at the close of the War, I was ordered to the command of the 6 th Military Department and took command of the same in September 1815. in which I have continued until the present time.
During this period of protracted service, I have never been absent a day on furlough from my Corps or Command, but during thirty years have been constantly on duty, and a considerable part of the time in active and laborious service.
(Signed)
A. MacRae Lt. Col. Artillery #
Colonel MacRae served in the Army eleven years after the above was written, making his whole term of service upwards of forty-one years to the time of his death which took place the 3 rd Novr: 1832.
(Signed)
W. W.

To the Chairman of the Military Committee of the United States Senate.
Sir:
I take leave most respect- fully to address you, & thro' you, the Military Committee of the Senate of the United States; and to state, that by the advice of her friends, but with great reluctance on her part, Mrs. MacRae, the widow of the late lamented Col: Thos. MacRae, of the United States Army, feels her- self constrained, now, that she has passed her sixtieth year, and is feeble in health, and suffering under great pecuniary distress hardship, to make an application to the Congress of the United States, for relief & support in her old age. — The papers & docu- ments, which accompany her Petition, fully explain the history of her Claims. — I would also, however feebly, make an effort, to place before the Committee & before Congress, such facts, as from a long personal intercourse with Col. MacRae, have come to my knowl- edge. — In order to be more clearly understood

it seems proper, that I should state, that I entered the Army, soon after the dishonorable attack, made by the English, on the brigades I commanded. - When Genl. Jackson, was brought in - to the Regular Army, I received from the Government the appointment of In- -spector General, with orders to pass him in the Creek Nation, & which I did early in 1814. - At this period of time, Col: Mackea commanded the Troops at New Orleans. - He was with Genl. Jackson, in his celebrated Campaign on the Mississippi in 1814 & 1815. - Col: Mackea was in the Battle of the Night of the 23 rd Decr. below New Orleans, & commanded the Artillery. - Genl. Jackson has ever in thought, that this battle  near New Orleans , & in its results was one of his greatest efforts. - It humbled an arrogant foe, the first moment he desired to prepare the soil of freedom, by his hostile tread. - It at once es- -tablished Confidence in our men, & crushed disaffection. - It was was not a mere exhibit of physi- -cal strength, as is too often the case. - It must have been fought
at

night, six hours after the enemy had landed, or not at all - and W: Orleans lost - it was fought by 1500 of our men, opposed to 5000 English - it embraced a series of attacks, in regular succession, promptly, & suc- -cessfully executed - in one word general focus & strategy gained the battle . - The English General Keane, who commanded, in his official report, said we had 18,000 men. Col: MacRae on this eventful occa- -sion - the battle of the night of the 23 rd Decr - which saved W: Orleans - commanded the artillery in Genl Jackson's Army - and received the thanks of the Genl, for numerous ser- -vices rendered. - He also largely participated in the glory of New- Orleans - was present in the battles of the 28 th Decr 1814 - & of the 1 st Jan y 1815 - & was with the Genl on the "8 th Jan y " - battle in all of which he was in command of an Artil- -lery Company, & faithfully, & to the best of his ability, performing all of his duties - and it must ever be remembered - that it was the Ar- -tillery, which mainly produced the unparalleled

4 Slaughter in arms of the enemy and the poor miserable & the poor — These events, & the Col's gallant conduct, so honorable to himself, & so useful to his Country, passed under my own eye — and I must be permitted to express the belief, & firm conviction , that the Chairs of the late Col. Mr. Rees  Medicine to a Particular for life, now that she is old, feeble & in- firm, rests upon so just a foun- -dation, as will induce the Congress of the United States, promptly to grant her Pensions — and thus release her declining years, from dependence, worry, & wants and will beloved Country pay a just debt of grate- -tude to the services, & memory of a deceased gallant soldier, & his wi- -dowed Wife. — If it had pleased Providence to have spared Genl. Lackey's life a little longer, he wd. have done all in his power, for the accomplishment of so just an object, as the granting of the Petition in question . —
I have the honor to be, with consideration,
G

1845.
From Col: A. P. Hays of Charleston S. Car. to the Chairman of the Military Com- -mission in the U. S.
Scratch - in behalf of Mr. MacRae, Treasurer of the late Col: Wm. MacRae of the United States Army.
S

5. best respect, yr ob. s.
A. H. Payne. Charleston S. C. 1 st Sept. 1845.
Sir, The Honorable
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate of the United States. s

Office of the Secretary of the Senate March 14. 1849.
Sir,
At the request of the Hon: Mr. Cranston of Rhode Island, I transmit to your office the papers in the case of Mary MacRae, for whose relief an act has passed.
Be pleased, sir, to acknowledge this receipt.
I have the honor to be
Sir, Your obedt. Servt.
J. McDonald Clerk off. Sec. Sen.
James L. Edwards Esq. Chair of Pension.

Newport 20 th April 1849
Sir
By an act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1849, I became entitled to a pension of $360 per annum for five years, commencing on the 1 st January 1849. I received a certificate signed by you allowing $1080 (one thousand and eighty dollars) up to January 1849, and forwarded it to Providence, to Mr. Greene, agent for pensions in the State of Rhode Island. He sent me word that he had no money in his hands for that purpose, and had written to Washington on the subject, but had received no answer.
I beg leave to call your attention to the subject, and respectfully solicit that you will take such measures as will enable me to draw what is justly due to me, and if there is any difficulty or delay in the case, please to give me such information as will enable me to obviate it, if such should exist.
An early answer is respectfully requested.
Very respectfully
your obed. Servt.
Mary Brattle
To J. L. Edwards Esq. Agent for pensions, Washington City

New York 5 th November 1845
My dear Sir
I return you endorsed Mrs. MacRae's letter &c. You may assure that lady that I will do any thing in my power to aid her efforts to obtain a pension, to which the long and distinguished services of her husband so eminently entitle her, and I cannot allow myself to doubt but her application will be successful.
With much respect
Your friend & serv t Campbell D. White
(Signed)
To N. G. Rutgers Esq.

House Representation Washington Jan. 7 th 1850
L. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions, Sir,
On Examination of the files of the Senate I find that the Petition of Mrs Mary McKea, to whom a Pension was granted at the last session, has been forwarded to your office. I desire to see the Petition for the purpose of preparing another asking for a renewal of the Pension and shall be obliged if you will transmit me a copy, as I presume you do not allow the original to pass from the office. - Your obedient servant Geo. G. Harg.

RIAL
Honble George Evans Gardiner Maine

Newport 22 d September 1815
My dear Sir I have just been informed by a gentleman who was formerly a Member of Congress from this state, that I erred in sending to you the original documents which I forwarded by Miss Gardiner to be placed before the Military Committee, as evidence of the Colonel's services; that certified copies should have been taken, otherwise the originals will be retained and placed on file, so that I cannot again take possession of them.
This will be a disappointment to me, as I value them highly, and wish to transmit them to my dear grand children as the only inheritance they can receive from me, tending to establish the high military reputation of their grandfather. You will oblige me by acknowledging the receipt of these papers, and directing me how to proceed; had it been suggested to me sooner, it would have been easy for me to have sent the certified copies of such as were necessary, and returned the others, but I am so entirely ignorant of Congressional forms, that if left to myself, I shall be always blundering.
Please to answer this as soon as convenient, as I shall feel somewhat anxious until I hear that the papers are in your hands. The statement of the Colonel's services is his own hand writing, I should not like to give altogether, although it must be used if necessary to establish my claim.
Any information or advice you can give me will be thankfully received.
I am, very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Mary MacRae

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
DECEMBER 21, 1847.
Mr. Cass, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported the following bill ; which was read, and passed to a second reading.
an act  A BILL
For the relief of Mary Mac Rea, widow of Lieutenant Colonel William Mac Rea, late of the United States army, deceased.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 2 sentatives of the United States of America in Congress 3 assembled, That in consideration of the long, arduous, 4 and faithful services of William Mac Rea, late of the 5 United States army, deceased, commencing in seventeen 6 hundred and ninety-one, and continuing through the Indian 7 wars on the northwestern frontier of the United States, in 8 which he was distinguished for gallantry and good conduct, 9 and was severely wounded in battle ; and also through the 10 late war with Great Britain, in which he rendered valuable 11 and efficient service, as well in battle as in preparation of 12 the means of defence, to the period of his death while in 13 service, in eighteen hundred and thirty-two, comprising a 14 period of more than forty years' continuous service, 15 embracing two wars, and of the destitute condition of his 16 widow, there be granted and paid to Mary Mac Rea,

17 widow of the said Lieutenant Colonel William Mac Rea, 18 for five years annually, during her natural life, in semi-annual payments, 19 a sum equal to one-half the pay to which the said William 20 Mac Rea was entitled at the time of his decease, com- 21 mencing on the first day of January, eighteen hundred 22 and forty-six, out of any money in the treasury not other- 23 wise appropriated.
Approved March 3 d 1849
Department of State March 15 th 1849
The above is a true copy of the original roll W. S. Derrick, Secy.

War Department,
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, Dec r 16, 1880.
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Monthly Returns of United States Troops, stationed on the North-Western frontier for the months of December 1795, and June 1796, forwarded by you to this Office. Please accept our Thanks. I am Sir,
Very Resp ly .
Your H on . Servt.
D. Martin Asst. Adjt. Genl.
75.
144. 498.

Payment to be made at Providence, by Paris Hill, Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Rhode Island.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol- ume 1 Page 97 by Geo. H. H. Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 3 rd March 1849. Mary M c Rea widow of William M c Rea, who was a Lieutenant Colonel, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty dollars per month, commencing on the first of January 1846, and continuing for life  five years unless she should again marry, in which case the pension will terminate at before the first of January 1851  is not payable after the time of such marriage —
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 16 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Secretary of the Interior.
Commissioner of Pensions.

REV. WAR SECTION NOV 24 1918 PENSION BUREAU

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
The City of Brunswick OFFICE OF CLERK AND TREASURER
Brunswick, Ga., Oct. 28/16 19__
N. D. RUSSELL, CLERK W. B. FAIN, TREASURER
Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner of Pensions
Records of War 1812.
Washington D.C.
William Mac Rea.
Dear Sir: With reference to the soldier above stated. William Mac Rea, Lieutenant in the Regular Army 1791, Capt. 1794/Major 1800, bvt. Lt. Col. 1812 and Colonel 1824 for 10 years faithful service one grade. Was at the battle of Lundy's Lane. died Nov. 3 1832.
Was a brother in law of Nathaniel Durkee, mentioned of mine this date, also brother in law of Col. John Allison, 1st Va. State Regiment Revolutionary War., and my great grand uncle. Will you please advise me if a pension was ever granted to him or to any one for his services, and give me what information is to be obtained in the application, as to when and where he was born. He was commissioned from Virginia but was born in Pennsylvania somewhere.
If no pension was ever granted, to what official in the War Department must I apply for information as to his personal history? Appreciating your usual prompt attention,
I am yours very truly/
Nathaniel Durkee himself