Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1410, for William Mc Williams, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
McWilliams, William
R 1410
Buckner, Dorothea B.
(Former widow)
CONTENTS

1774 William D. ... the ...
Dorothea B. Buckner- dec? 1 pa
Act 7. July 98.
m 82 -

State of Virginia Caroline County S.S.
On this the tenth day of September 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county and State, Dorothea B. Buckner a resident of said county aged seventy three years on the first day of March last, who being first duly sworn according to Law, states on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July the seventh 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is now the widow of the late George Buckner of Caroline County Virginia - That he the said George Buckner died on the eighteenth day of November 1828 - That prior to the said marriage to the said Buckner, she was the widow of the late William M c Williams of Potomac County in the State aforesaid, who was an Officer in the Continental army in the war of the Revolution, and held the rank of Major in the same - That as informed by said William M c Williams, he entered said service in the month of May 1776 first as adjutant to the Brigade or Regiment under the command of General Hugh Mercer. After acting in that capacity for some time, the period she cannot state, he was by invitation from General Washington transferred to his Staff in the main army where he remained six months, as well as her memory now

enables her to state, when he was transferred to the Staffs of General Lord Shelburne in the capacity and rank of Major, he being, at that time, to assist Lord Shelburne. Her memory does not at this time enable her to say how long he remained in this last mentioned service - and she relies on the history of the transactions of that period, and documents and such proofs as may be obtained from her acquaintances in said ser- vice to show the extent of his services. She has frequently heard conversations between her said husband and certain Officers who had taken part in the Revolutionary Struggle. Of those Officers, the chief part were General Washington, General Spotswood, Major Day and Captain Forsyth, all of whom lived in or adjacent to Frederickburg in Virginia, at which place the said M c Williams resided. She has heard her said husband say he was at the battle of Princeton where General M c Gregor and assisted in taking him from the field of battle. That he was at the battles of Brandywine and Red Bank and she is under the impression at that of Germantown, but of this she is not positive. She is also under the impression that she has heard him speak of being at the siege of York in Virginia. After he left the Regular Army he was commissioned, as she believes, a Colonel of Militia of Spotsylvania County. This was about the close of the war. She further declares that she was married to the said William M c Williams on the sixth day of April in the year 1782. That her husband the aforesaid William M c Williams died on the seventeenth day of April 1801 - That she was not

Married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1797, to wit, at the time above stated
Dorthea B. Buckner
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me a justice of the peace as aforesaid
A. Coleman V.P.
And I the said justice of the peace as aforesaid do further certify that the declarant Mrs. Dorthea B. Buckner is unable from bodily infirmity to attend Court to make her declaration
A. Coleman V.P.
Virginia
At a Court held for the County of Caroline on the 10 th day of Sept r 1838
The declaration of Dorthea B. Buckner of Caroline County, widow of George Buckner, taken before Almon H. Coleman, a justice of the peace for the said County on the 10 th day of September 1838, together with the Certificate of the said justice that the declarant is unable to attend Court in person - was this day presented to the Court on consideration whereof the same is ordered to be certified to the War department.
In testimony whereof, and that the foregoing is a true copy from the Minutes of proceedings of the said Court, I have hereunto Affixed my Seal of Office & Subscribed my name this 11 th day of Sept r 1838
John D. Pendleton pr- A. M. Tait D.C.

J. Dickinson
Boling Green
Va
Oct. 2 1843
Answer Oct 4 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington City
FREE

D r Sir)
Bowling Green Sept. 28 th 1843
May I ask it of you as a special favor to inform me what is the difficulty in allowing to the late Dorothea B. Buckner who was the widow of Col. McWilliams the pension provided by the act of 1838 for the widows of dec d officers & soldiers of the revolutionary army. Mrs B. died sometime in the year 1839 about the month of August. The difficulty as I was informed when she first applied was that she had married again after the death of Col McWilliams. But I learn there was an act passed sometime subsequently to the act of 1838 which obviated this impediment, and I am altogether uninformed how it is, that she was not allowed the pension from 1836 until her death which was something over three years. She left several grand children who are poor, and if they are entitled as her heirs I should be very glad to establish the claim for their benefit. I qualified as her admr. in this County. I do not wish to trouble you about the claim, if there be any thing in the laws of the U.S. to bar its recovery. I have but little experience in such claims & apply to you for information. Mrs B in her life time employed Thos Hardin Esq. as her attorney to prosecute this claim. He has never given me any satisfactory account why it has not been paid by your department. Any information which you can give me will be thankfully received.
Very respectfully Yr ob t Serv t J. Dickinson

R. D. Minor heir of Dorothea B. Buckner To Edward Smith Power of attorney
We desire to see the papers in the case of within named Dorothea B. Buckner, 28 July 52 E. Edward Smith Aug 3 rd 1852

Know all men by these presents that I Robert D. Minor, now of Washington City, one of the heirs of Dorothea B. Buckner, deed, do hereby constitute & appoint Miss Edwards & Smith of Washington D.C. to prosecute my claim as said heir to the arrears of Pension due the said Dorothea B. Buckner at her death on account of the revolutionary services of Col. William M. Williams late of Virginia, deed, and in my name & stead to do all things necessary & legal in the premise.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 27 day of July 1852 in the presence of H. P. Myers
R. D. Minor (Seal)
Taken and acknowledged before me H. P. Myers. (Seal)

At a Grant held for Spotsylvania County agreeable to an act of assembly for that purpose at the house of John Holladay Junr the 15 th day of June 1782 —
Dorothy Braxton Benger one of the daughters and coheirs of John Benger late of this county deceased, being above the age of fifteen years and under twenty one years, came personally into court and with the approbation of the said court made choice of George French at present of the town of Fredericksburg and county aforesaid, Doctor of Physick, for her guardian. — And the said George French togeth- er with Andrew Buchanan and James Somerville gent s his Securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of £ 500.0.00 — for securing the said orphan's estate and indemnifying the court —
And it is also certified by the court that the above named John Benger died leaving two daughters to wit Ann Braxton Benger who intermarried with the said George French on the 26 th day of February last, and the said Dorothy Braxton Benger and no other children, and that the said John Benger did not appoint any le- gamentary guardian by his will. And it is ordered that the Clerk affix the seal of the court to the above certificate —
At a Grant continued and held for Spotsylvania County at the Grant house on Friday August the 16 th 1782 — John Mitchell & Company Compt s
vs Benjamin Johnston Executor of John Benger dec d and Ann & Dorothy Braxton daughters and coheirsses of the said John Benger dec d
In Chancery
Defts
On the motion of the Compt s by his attorney It is ordered that a subpoena issue against George

French and William M c Williams Esq rs who have in married with Ann and Dorothy Brayer Bengers. the dfts in this suit ultimately here at the next court
Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit
I Stapleton G o itchfield Clerk of the County Court of Spotsylvania in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of two orders made and entered, the one at June Court 1780 and the other at August Court 1782, as fully and wholly as the same among the records of the said Court exists
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my office to be hereunto affixed this 3 rd day of May in the year 1857 and of our independence the 81 st
Stapleton G o itchfield C o

McWilliams, Wm. Va. B 1410

from the 4 th of March 1831 and continue as long as she may remain unmarried; and that a certificate for such allow- ance, accordingly issued from the proper authorities and your Memorialist as an duly bond will ever pray, &c. &c.
Dorothea B. Buckner
The petition of  Dorothea B. Buckner for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. and the act explanatory thereof passed March 3 rd 1837.
Dec. 13 1837
Ref to the Com. on on Rec d Pensions.
Feb. 7. 1838 - 1 st read Bill No 456.
In this case it appears that the marriage was prior to 3 Nov. 1833, but after the termination of Cap. McWilliams' Ser- vice. (Refer to the same)
Taliaferro to whom the Bill No 456
Rev. pen. was referred. Morgan S. dis. to H o 456.

To the honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
Your Memorialist Gertrude B. Buckner a citizen of Caroline County and State of Virginia, respectfully represents — That prior to her marriage with the late Captain George Buckner of said county she was the widow of the late Col. William M c Williams who was a Major in the regular line of the Army in the war of the Revolution — That being advised that the services of her said husband Col. W m M c Williams would entitle her to the provisions of the acts of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 and March 3 rd 1837. she prepared her declaration in due form and now begs leave to file the same herewith as explanatory of the services of her said husband as aforesaid — together with such evidence as she has been enabled to obtain in order to prove those services. These proofs she considers and flatters herself will be deemed as establishing at least three years of service — and that her said husband Col. M c Williams was considered to be a merit officer in the war of the
Your Memorialist has been recently in evidence of her eligibility to the benefits of said
husband was in actual service after her intermarriage with him, that the Department which has cognizance of such claims cannot proceed to allow her the pension provided by Law as declared in the acts aforesaid, but she is advised that her case is fully embraced by the intention and equity of the said act of 1837. — She having been married to the said Col. W m M c Williams before the 2 nd day of November 1833. — The evidence of which facts will be found in the copy of the record of Spotsylvania County wherein the said husband of your Memorialist was caused by order of said County to be made a party defendant in a certain cause depending in said County on the 16 th day of August 1833.
Your Memorialist further represents that she has been advised that Congress on proper application will allow to her the benefit of the acts aforesaid as if her husband had performed services after their marriage and she therefore prays that a law may pass providing for the same, and that she may be allowed as in other cases the full pay of a Captain in the line — commencing

from the 4 th of March 1831 and continue as long as she may remain unmarried, and that a certificate for such allow- ance, accordingly issued from the proper departments. This your Memorialist as an duly bound will ever pray, &c. &c.
Dorothea B. Buckner
The petition of Dorothea B. Buckner for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. and the act explanatory thereof passed March 3 rd 1837.
Dec. 13 1837
Ref to the Comr. of the on Rec d Pension.
Hb. p. 188 - 6 vid on Bill N o 456.
In this case it appears that the Marriage was procto 3 Nov. 1833, but after the termination of Cap. McWilliams' Ser- vice. {Refer to the same Taliaferro to which See Bill N o 456
was referred. Rev. pen. Morgan S. dis. to H o 456.

1410
ELECTED
Dorothea P. Buckner Former Widow of William McWilliams
Resided: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Charges: _____
Enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
_____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Copy of Record from Spotsylvania Co. Va. showing that the petitioner Mrs. Dorothea B. Buckner was mar d to her 1 st hus- -band Wm M c Williams prior to Aug t . 1782.

Refer que to 3 rd vol. Marshall's life of Wash- -ington - Shewing Col. Mr. Williams in service in the North in 1778.

See 3 rd Vol. Notes at the end p. 10. Marshall's Life of Washington -
"Valley Forge, Jan 24 th 1778"
Extract - "I am to inform you then, that xxxxxxxxxx on his way to camp in the month of Oct r last, fell in with Lord Stirling at Reading; and, not in confidence, that I am understood, informed his Ad- ju-camp, Major M c Williams, that General Conway had written thus to you. "I have been determined to save your Country or a weak general and bad counsellors would have ruined it." Lord Stirling from motives of friendship, transmitted the account with this remark "The enclosed was communicated by xxxxxxxxxx to Major M c Williams; such wicked duplicity of conduct I shall always think it my duty to detect" —
See also Lee's Memoirs - 1 Vol. p. 220 -

Treasury Department 3 d Auditor's Office 8 th August 1835
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 4 th instant, I have to state, that it does not appear from the revolutionary records, on file in this office, that "Col o William M c Williams" was entitled to commutation - There is an account, on the books, in the name of "Major William M c Williams, aid De Camp" and in which he was charged in the year 1777, (The time when received not stated), with the sum of $776 60 / 90 , and for which sum he was subsequently allowed credit, for pay, (The particulars of which cannot be ascertained from the Books) and his a/c closed - This is the only information that the records in this office, furnish in relation to his services in the revolutionary Army - He must have left the service early in the war, as no information of his services is derivable from the records after the transaction above mentioned -
I am very Respectfully Your most Ob d S r .
W m Hagner Aud.
W. I. Minor Esq r Vielle Boro'. P. Office Caroline County Virginia

Memo. The inform n of the 3 rd Aud t that this Officer must have left the Service early in the War is rebutted by the reference to the memorable trans- -action related in Marshall's life of Washington under date Jan'y. 1 st 1778. He as well as by the positive proof of int er uptions - It is believed there are very few cases in which the 3 rd Aud t board would prove service to the end of the War -
A Major's pay was $50. per month - & the within $760 66 / 100 having been rec d by this Officer "as pay" as it is fair to infer on the 1 st Jan'y 1777, covers upwards of 15 months service prior to that time - and the reference to Mar-
shall's life of Washington shows that Off r in service Jan'y. 1. 1778 - and also the int er uptions since. His remaining & continuing in actual service. And although the length of service in int er uption is not defined by the int er uptions yet the proof of more than two years service may be discerned from the records, & history - and that sufficient to entitle the widow to the full pay of a Captain according to the provisions of the Acts of Congress of '36 & '37 -
3 rd Audit R d Office 1835-1836
Col. M c Williams
Q.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t
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P.M. 1 st Reg t
P.M. 1 st Reg t

6
Aug. 1781. Comf a Lt Col. Spots.
Militia —

At a Court held for Spotsylvania County at the Court House of said county on Thursday the 16th day of August 1781
William M c Williams Gentle produced a Commission to be Lieutenant Colonel and Thomas Tautel Gentle produced a Commission to be Major of the militia in this county, who took the oaths of their office — — — — —
Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit
I Matthew Gentryfield Clerk of the County Court of Spotsylvania in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an order made and entered at August Court 1781, as fully and wholly as the same among the records of the said court exists — — — — —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my office to be hereunto affixed this 23rd day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one
Matthew Gentryfield

go river the the
Wm G. Minor Esq. Caroline
Capt. L. on King's Standard letter -

Mr. Wm Minor
Sir Since you and my brother, I have considered on the basis of my old acquaintance (McWilliams I was, as I have heretofore stated) intimately acquainted with him, from his boyhood up to his death - I always considered him to be a gentleman of the strictest integrity & honor I went to school with him, & when he went into the army - he got a very high & honorable appointment which I have heretofore stated - he remained in the army several years - I do not know the exact time, but I must believe it was three years upwards before he returned to Ind. where he resided - & whether he returned on furlough or as supernumerary I know not

but always considered him still attached to the army as he was a man of unswerving & did not attend to any thing else; he was a great friend to his Country & was always to defend it. He had great military talents, & was a strict disciplinarian - When he returned he was called Col. by his acquaintances & brother officers, went to the siege of York in that capacity & had that title to the day of his death, and faithfully did his duty during the Revolutionary war.
I am with great respect Your Friend
Lauchlan Stewart
Parley 8 th May 1835

Aug 22 nd 43
va-
add proof
Dorothy B. Bickner
due -
The Commission of Pensions.
R.

Washington 20 th August 1845.
Sir,
Mr. Festus Dickinson has sent me the enclosed paper, with a request that I will present it to you. It is, as you will see, a renewal of the claim of the late Dorothea B. Buckner, for a pension, as the widow of Maj r William M c Williams. The necessary vouchers to sustain the claim, will be filed in due time.
I salute you respectfully.
Richard Randolph.
J. L. Edwards.

Dorothea B. Buckner
va Jan 58
R. Minor the youngest son
Atw 1000
Will please have the paper copied referred to William

Washington, April 2 d 1857.
Sir,
An application has been made to the Governor of Virginia by Jonathan B Stovall, & myself in behalf of the heirs of Col. W m McWilliams, decd., an officer of the War of the revolution for land bounty, to complete the evidence. It is necessary that some documentary evidence should be produced. Such evidence is on file in your office in the papers of Dorothy Buckner, who was a claimant for Pension under act of 1838. as the widow of Col. McWilliams. The evidence is a short communication from the 3 d Auditor's office signed Peter Hagner, stating how much McWilliams recd.
Yours, Res pectfully S. Groom

1772 Mrs Dorothea B. Buck - mrs - widow of Col - Wm M c Williams. of the Continental Army.
See L. Fogg the
Thomas Wood Esq - 1772 1773 1774
Georgia Georgia Georgia Georgia Virginia
Sept 22 o

Washington Sept r 3 d 1857.
Thomas Ward Esq r . Annapolis. Md e
Sir,
On account of exceeding indisposition, I have been unable before this, to answer your letter, relative to the propriety of presenting at this time to Congress, the claim of Mrs Buckner for Pension.
I would now advise you to delay presenting her claim, until it is ascertained (which is now altogether uncertain) how long Congress will continue in Session, and what opportunity will be afforded it, for acting upon such matter.
I am, Sir, Respectfully, Your O bed Serv t
John Forsyth

(Sir)
Burlington Augt 11 th 1843
Will you do me the favor at your earliest convenience to inform me, the present standing of the application of the late Mrs Dorothea B Buckner for a pension as the widow of Col McWilliams of the Revolutionary army; and inform me your opinion whether or no, as the application now stands, in your office, there is any prospect of the claim being granted. Your compliance will much oblige
Very respectfully Yr obed Servt J. Dickinson
Mr Richd Randolph will inform you who I am.
I forwarded some time ago an additional piece of evidence to support the application of Elizabeth Common widow of Wm Cannon, for a pension, to which I have had no reply.

Petition for bounty land.
Wm Mc Williams Col. C.S.
The testimony of witnesses bearing upon this claim, is as follows - to wit: Capt. Thomas Minor certifies - That he was well acquainted with William Mc Williams - that he knows, he entered the army, at an early period of the war - that he was aid to Genl Lord Sterling - does not remember how long he continued in the service, but "thinks, to the best of his recollection, that he must have served fully three years" - This witness further says, he saw Wm Mc Williams acting as Major of Militia, in the year 1780. Laurence Battaille - Says he knew Wm Mc Williams & that he entered the army very early in the Revolutionary war, as an Officer in the Continental service - that he continued in the service some years; he believes at least three if not more. He was also a Col. of Militia of Pennsylvania County, at a late period of the war. The witness was a neighbor of Col Mc Williams family & intimately acquainted with them, and never heard that he had resigned his commission in the Continental Army. -
Sarkin Hanard says, that he knew Wm Mc Williams very well, and lived several years in the same house with him, before he entered the army - He knows that the said Mc Williams entered the army early in the war of the revolution & thinks that "from the time he entered the army until his return home, was upwards of three years" (Col Mc Williams commanded Pennsylvania Militia at the siege of York &c)
Wm Jackson, a gentleman of character & credibility, says, that he knew Col Wm Mc Williams - he was in service in 1780 or 1781, in command of militia, and was "in actual command of Pennsylvania militia at the end of the war".
James Bullock, a witness of good character and credit, says, that he was a near neighbor of Col Mc Williams - knows that he entered the service early in the war & went to the north & was aid & was in service in 1779 & 1780, being then called Major & afterwards Colonel. that he never did resign, or quit the army - that he was in the whole war - at its commencement - during its progress - and at its termination. That he commanded the Pennsylvania militia, at the end of the war.
Richard Sters, a credible witness says - that Wm Mc Williams, entered the army as an Officer early in the war & went to the north, and was at the Siege of York

(York in 1781 commanding Spotsylvania militia).
John Price, a credible witness, says that he was in service with Col. M c Williams when he was in command of militia - and that at the end of the war the said M c Williams was in command of the Spotsylvania militia as colonel.
John Steer, a credible witness, says in substance the same with the last witness.
Sundry references have been made by the petitioner to Wilkinson's memoirs & Marshall's life of Washington: which I presume your Excellency will examine. -
There is no evidence of record, or public documents, showing that Col. M c Williams bore any commission, of any grade, in the Regular Army - His name is not any of the rolls of officers, or Returns, or Reports, of Boards of officers, nor on any the Army Register.
Respectfully Submitted
John D. Smith Com d V c May 21 st 1834.
To his Excellency Gov t W h azwell
I Richard Steer of Spotsylvania county (V a ) a soldier of the revolution and now enjoying the benefit of a pension from Government aged seventy two years do hereby depose and state, that I was well acquainted with the late Col. William M c Williams, he and I always living in same county. He said M c Williams entered the service as an officer early in the war, and went to the northward, I myself did not go with him for I went south. I saw Col. M c Williams at the siege of York commanding a regiment - and I believe and recollect that he commanded the militia of Spotsylvania at the end of the war - and I believe and state that he was in the war at the beginning and ending of it. Witness my hand this 17 th day of April 1834. Richard Steer.
State of Virginia Spotsylvania County } ss } To wit:
Be it known that Richard Steer personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid, & having signed the above in my presence he made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above certificate - and I further certify that he is a person of character & credibility & said certificate is entitled to all belief. Given under my hand this 17 th day of April 1834. A. M. Crutcherfield J. P.
I John Steer a soldier of the revolution having now a pension from Government aged 77 (and) living in Spotsylvania County do hereby depose that I was well acquainted with Col. William M c Williams who was an officer in the

army. Sometimes in the year 1781 I went as a soldier under Col. William McWilliams to the town of York River. When below Hanover's House we returned by forced marches to Fredericksburg and removed the stores up the Rappahannock. We went to Raccoon Ford & to Poques mill where we met Marquis La Fayette and thence advanced towards the British Army. He said McWilliams was in actual command of the Militia of Spotsylvania county as a colonel at the end of the war. Witness my hand this 17 th day of April 1834. John Steers.
State of Virginia Spotsylvania County } So wit: Be it known that before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid, personally appeared John Steers above named & having subscribed his name to the above certificate in my presence, he made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same. — And I further certify that he is a person of character & credibility & said certificate is entitled to full belief. Given under my hand this 17 th day of April 1834. D. M. Crutchfield J.P.
I James Bullock a soldier of the Revolution aged seventy four years and now enjoying a pension from Government, do hereby depose and state that I was well acquainted with the late Col. William McWilliams of Spotsylvania county and I always living in same county. He said McWilliams entered the service early in the war and went to the northward and there acted as aide de camp to Lord Sterling. — He continued in active service the whole war, and I myself know well that he was in command of in the years 1779 and 1780 being then called major and afterwards colonel. At the end of the war he was colonel of the Spotsylvania militia, I know full well that Col. McWilliams never did resign or quit the army, for he was in the whole war, at its commencement, during it, and at its end by the peace. I myself was his near neighbor, and well knew all Col. McWilliams services in the war of the Revolution. He was an officer of high character and had a great reputation for military acts. Given under my hand this 24 th day of April 1834. James Bullock.
Caroline County, So wit:
This day James Bullock personally appeared before me & made oath to the above certificate & I do hereby certify that the said Bullock is a man of character & credit. Given under my hand this 25 th day of April 1834. T. W. Battall J.P.

This certifies that I was well acquainted with Col. Wm. McWilliams, that he entered the army at a very early period of the war of the revolution as an officer in the continental service, that he continued in the service some years, how many I cannot say, but I believe at least three years, if not more. He also was a Col. of the Militia of Spotsylvania County at a late period of the war, or about the time of the peace. Given under my hand this 17 th day of March 1834. Dan: Bataille.
I hereby further certify that I was a neighbor of Col. McWilliams's family, intimately acquainted with them that I never heard that he had resigned his commission in the continental Army of the revolution. Given under my hand this 23 rd day of April 1834. Dan: Bataille.
I Larkin Stannard aged seventy three years living in the county of Spotsylvania do hereby depose and state; That I am well acquainted with Colonel William McWilliams of the Revolutionary Army. I resided in the same house with him for two or three years previous to his joining the army and I know that he entered the army at an early period of the war, and was appointed an aide de camp to General Lord Sterling. He resided in Fredericksburg and I lived in its immediate vicinity, and we were upon terms of intimacy and friendship when he entered the army - from the time he entered the army until his return was upwards of three years - the precise dates of entering & returning I do not at present recollect, but his return was not long previous to the siege of York. He was appointed a Field Officer in the Militia of Spotsylvania I believe a Lieut. Colonel and in that capacity went to the siege of York this I know certainly as an accident happened to Col. McWilliams horse and a very fine gelding of mine was impressed for his use. I will further depose that Col. Wm. McWilliams was in actual command of the Militia of Spotsylvania at the termination of the war. Given under my hand and seal this 18 th day of March 1834.
Larkin Stannard
State of Virginia Spotsylvania County } Doit: Personally appeared before me the subscribed a justice of the peace in & for said county Larkin Stannard who made oath to the truth of the above & I do further certify that said Larkin Stannard is a gentleman of character & credibility. Given under my hand this 20 th day of March 1834.
A. L. S. Minor J. D.

S. Godwin Present,

Virginia.
At a Court held for the Corporation of Fredericksburg on the 13 th day of February 1851.
This Court doth certify, that satisfactory evidence has been ad- duced before it, to prove that Dorothy B. Buckner, formerly the Widow of Colonel William M c Williams, who was an Officer in the Revolutionary War, was a Resident of the County of Caroline in the State of Virginia, and that she, the said Dorothy B. Buck- ner died in the said County on the 26 th day of August 1839, and that she left no child living.
On the motion of William G. Mason, Robert S. Minor & Anne B. Walker, the only heirs at law of Dorothy B. Buckner dec d , and the agent of the said heirs, George F. Eshew, is permitted to qualify as Admi- nistrator de bonis non with the Will annexed of said Dorothy B. Buck- ner dec d . Whereupon the said George F. Eshew, made oath together with George Allen, his Security, entered into Acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Two Thousand dollars, conditioned as the law directs. Certificate is granted the said George F. Eshew, for obtaining letters of Administration de bonis non with the Will annexed, in the Estate of the said Dorothy B. Buckner deceased in due form.
State of Virginia
Corporation of Fredericksburg Court;
I John Purvis Eshew Clerk of the Corporation Court of Fredericksburg, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing are true transcripts from the records of the said Court.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and annex the Seal of the said Court this 14 th day of February A. D. 1851.
J. P. Eshew Clerk

Fredericksburg Va
Jan'y 27 th 1837.
Will the Commissioner of Pensions be kind enough to give me his opinion of the following claim? So wit.
Mrs Dorothea B. Buckner of Caroline County Virginia was at the time of her intermarriage with George Buckner, the widow of Colonel William M c Williams an officer of the Revolutionary Army - and the evidence of whose services is on file in the Bounty Land Office at Washington City.
About the termination of the revolutionary war, she was first married to said M c Williams. He died between 1795 and 1800. In 1802 or 1803 she married said George Buckner. He died in 1828. She in 1839 without issue by her last marriage.
In 1838 Mrs Buckner filed her declaration for the five years pension, in right of her first husband Colonel M c Williams under the act of Congress on this subject and the explanatory act of July 7. 1838.
Her claim was rejected because it appears from a letter of Mr S. L. Edwards Comf te Pensions to Mr Thos Hood dated Pension Office Nov 23 rd 1838. - That the act of July 7. 1838 over

giving five years pensions to widows provides for none who have married since the death of the husband, on such account of whose services the pension is claimed. Mrs Budner claim therefore is disallowed, she being now the widow of George Buc. Rner decd.
Abundant evidence exists among the public records at Frederickburg Va to prove the marriage with Colonel McWilliams and also the period of his death. The marriage of their only child Elizabeth to Garret Morris the death and will of Mrs Budner are also matters of record in Virginia.
It is desired to know if the rule of exclusion on the ground of a second marriage has not been altered either by construction of the acts of Congress or by subse- quent legislation?
The Commissioner will confer a favor by returning an answer.
I am Sir
The Hon
Very respectfully Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Your obed Servt Robt Morris

Thomas Hood, agent for Mrs Buckner, begs leave to state in reference to her case that her petition was laid before Congress at the late Session for a pension, as she was married after the expiration of Col. M c Williams's last term of service - and it was one of the cases which had other provisions of the act of 1838. There is certainly no part of the said act of 1838 which forbids her being allowed a pension notwithstanding her marriage to Buckner after the death of M c Williams, the offer in under whom she claims - The clause of the said act of 1838 which provides "that, in the event of the marriage of such widow, said annuity or pension shall be discontinued" clearly refers to her marriage after she may have been allowed a pension under that act - That part of rule 2 nd which says that it must also be shown that the widow was never afterwards married, does not appear to be consistent with the law of 1838.
Thos. Hood
Apr. 22 nd 1838.

D. B. Buchner.

State of Virginia } 1st Caroline County } 3
I Festus Dickinson administrator with the will annexed of Dorothea B Buckner dec d , whose petition for a pension, as the widow of Maj r William M c Williams, was rejected on account of her second marriage; now advised, that she was entitled to a pension, and that I as her legal representative am entitled to it. I now claim it, and state, that from evidence upon which I implicitly rely, Maj r M c Williams was a Captain in the 3 rd Virginia Regiment, with which he marched to New York, and was, by a general order, dated Harlem Heights 7 th October 1776 announced as Brigade Major and was on the 19 th March 1777 appointed an aid De Camp to Genl Stirling all which will more fully appear by reference to the order book, of the Commander in Chief now in the Department of State
F. Dickinson admr with will annexed of D. B Buckner deceased
Virginia,
In Caroline County Court 14 th August 1843.
The Court doth Certify that Festus Dickinson above named is a Gentleman of respectability, that he is the legal representative of the late Dorothea B. Buckner and that any thing he may say is entitled to Credit. In Testimony whereof John S. Pendleton Clerk of the said County Court of Caroline have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my Office this 14 th day of August 1843.
John S. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County Court

Col. Wm. M c Williams Documents showing his service -

I Thomas Minor of the county of Spotsylvania & State of Virginia, being now eighty one years of age, do certify that I was a captain of Infantry in the war of the Revolution, that I was well acquainted with Col. Dr. Williams of the county & State that I know he entered into the Army at an early period of the war, that he was aid to Genl Lord Sterling, but how long he continued in the Army, I cannot at this time recollect, but think to the best of my recollection, he must have served fully three years. Given under my hand this 15 th March 1834. Thos Minor.
I further certify to the best of my recollection & belief I saw the Col. Williams McWilliams acting as Maj. of Militia in the year 1780. J. Minor.
I John Pierce of the county of Spotsylvania aged eighty one years and now enjoying the benefit of a pension do hereby depose and state that I was well acquainted with Col. Dr. McWilliams of the Revolutionary Army. I served with him on a military tour to the waters of York river, when below Hanover court house we were order'd back to Fredericksburg we performed this order by forced marches, led by McWilliams then removed the stores from Fredericksburg up the Rappahannock river. I saw no more of Col. McWilliams until the close of the war at which time he was in command of the Militia of Spotsylvania as a colonel. Witness my hand this 18 th day of April 1834. John Pierce.
State of Virginia Spotsylvania county 3 rd Court: Be it known that before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid personally appeared John Pierce above named & subscribed his name to the above certificate in my presence & there made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same & I further certify that he is a person of character & credibility & that the foregoing certificate is entitled to full belief. Given under my hand this 18 th day of April 1834. D. R. Crutchfield J.P.
I William Jackson a native of the county of Spotsylvania aged seventy eight years do hereby depose and state that I was well acquainted with Col. William McWilliams of the Revolutionary Army having served with him in several Military tours, he was an officer of the Militia at the time I served with him late in the year 1780 or early in the year 1781 Col. Williams was ordered by General Muedon (who had the command in Fredericksburg) with a detachment of militia to the waters of York river, I was in this service; when below Hanover court house, an express was

was sent to Col. McWilliams and we returned by forced marches to Fredericksburg We assisted in removing the stores from Fredericksburg up the Rappahannock River After which we proceeded to the Raccoon Ford from thence to Dogg's mill in Orange County where we were reinforced by Genl. Wayne and the Murguis (Lafayette); after embarking we advanced towards the British Army which retreated from the country of of Hanover; I left Col. Wm. McWilliams with the army then in pursuit of the British - after the surrender of Cornwallis at York, I saw Col. McWilliams and it is my belief that he was in actual command of the Militia of Spotsylvania at the termination of the war. Given under my hand this 22 nd day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. Wm Jackson.
State of Virginia Spotsylvania County } S swit . Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County William Jackson, who made oath to the truth of the above, and I do further certify that said William Jackson is a gentleman of character and credibility. Given under my hand this 22 nd day of March 1834. W. Cumf. - JP
Executive Department
May 24 th 1837
The foregoing are true copies of original papers on file in this Department.
J. Richardson Assistant Secy Compt.