Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 36252, for David Meade Randolph, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Va.
Randolph, David Meade 836252
CONTENTS

20150
See letter 28 May 1840 to H. B. Randolph Esq
District of Columbia
David Meade Randolph,
of Washington in the Dist of Columbia who was a Captain in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bland in the Va. Vol t Cavalry line, for the term of five years from _____ 1778 to _____ 1783
Inscribed on the roll of Dist. of Columbia at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the first day of January 1828
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th of March 1830 and delivered to the pensioner
Arrears to 4th of March 1830 $ 522.58 Semi-annual all ce ending 4 Sept 1830 " 120.
$ 642.58
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. } 20 May 1830
Recorded Book D Vol 8 th page 193
G.B.

Memorial of Services performed by David Meade Randolph, a citizen of Virginia, "set forth," and recited, in obedience to the second Section of "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the revolutionary War," as passed on the 18 th March 1818; viz: From April to August 1778 he served in the Corps of Cavalry from this State, raised by Thos. Nelson of the same State in obedience to Laws of Congress, and the State, or, otherwise authorized by their several powers, as p. reference to their several records will more particularly appear, until discharged by Congress at Philadelphia some time in the month of August of the same year, by a special vote of Thanks, to the Corps: The whole time of service amounting to a term of from April to October about four months, including the time allowed for returning home, four or five weeks more unavoidably required by illness at Baltimore.

(From April 1779 to June of the same year under the municipal orders of Genl. Nelson, Col. Jo. Parker and Col. Robt. Lawson on the S. of James River)
From Jan 1779 until the month of December in the character of Secretary to Col. Theodoric Bland, in his command at Charlottesville, Virginia, with the rank of a lieutenant, making a term of about six months
(From May to June 1780, about six weeks, as Secretary to General Nelson in the Lower Country)
(From September to December 1780 as Lieutenant of Cavalry under Genl. Lawson) Rank of Captain when discharged, as H. Col. Phil. Harrison's Cavalry
(From December 1780 to February 1781 under the orders of the Baron de Steuben: From April to June of the same year under Capt. C. Page of a Cavalry Company, attached to the command of General Le Fayette, receiving the distinguished honors conferred by the thanks of Fayette, were thereafter, in his General orders, to that Company upon its discharge at the end of the Campaign -

This claimant moreover, strictly states, that he never did receive any "pension" by the United States, or from any of the States — He therefore offers the promise, as his "declaration", required by the Law aforesaid, setting forth what seems to be fully complying with the 2 d Section of the same Law, together with his Oath, that he is still a Citizen of the United States; and that by reason of very reduced circumstances, in Life, he stands in need of Assistance from his Country for Support.
D r Randolph Henrico County, Virginia 7 th April 1818
Henrico County
State of Virginia to Wit: This day personally appeared before me Mr. M o G. Mosby, one of the Commonwealth's Justices of the peace for said County, David Meade Randolph Esq r . (and in conformity to a Law passed by Congress the 18 th March 1818, for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution) made oath in due form to the truth of the above statement; which from the Vouchers shewn me, and herewith transmitted

= I believe to contain the full truth with regard to his claims. And from a long and intimate acquaintance of many years with Mr. D. M c Randolph I am fully satisfied contains the truth of his present necessitous situation , for that relief his country has thought proper to extend to those, to whom we owe our present happy political existence.
Given under my hand and seal this tenth day of April 1818
John G. Mosby
Virginia Henrico County set.
I Lydia Bacon Whitlocke clerk of the County court of Henrico do hereby certify that John G. Mosby before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at that time, and now is a Justice of the County Court of Henrico.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands affixed the seal of the said County the fourth day of May in the year 1818. & 42 d year of the Commonwealth.
L. B. Whitlocke Clerk

David Meade Randolph
S.F. 36 252
A list of Gen. Nelson's corps of Light Dragoons, dated Baltimore, July 29, 1778 has been removed from this case to be forwarded to the War Dept.
L. G.
Nov. 7, 1910
Sent to War Dept. Jan 16, 1913

36 252
Rev INVALID.
File No. 36 252
David Meade Randolph Capt Rev 1861
Act: 16 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 534
[Arrangement of 1870.]

March 30. 1897. History to Mrs. Elizabeth G. Odont 1816 M. St. N.W. Washington - D. C.

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C. Feb 26, 1897
Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much as possible of the information called for below.
John Lockhorn Commissioner.
Full name of soldier: David Meede Randolph
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Virginia
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Probably Washington D.C.
Date of death (as near as possible):
Prior to 1833
Christian name of widow:
Mary Meede died 1787
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Yes
Remarks:
would like to know what cause pension to be
Your name and address;
Elizabeth G. Calvuck 1816 M. Street N.W.

OLD WAR & NAVY FEB 27 1897 FILED.

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C. Feb 26 1897.
Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much as possible of the information called for below.
Jno Lockhorn Commissioner.
Full name of soldier:
Burwell Starke Randolph
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Virginia
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Bethesda Washington D.C.
Date of death (as near as possible):
About 1848 in Florida
Christian name of widow:
Never married
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Yes.
Remarks:
Would like to know what he was paid for
Your name and address:
Elizabeth G. Calvert 1816 - M. Street N.W.

OLD WAR & NAVY FEB 27 1897 FILES, P.

Documents to prove the services of DeM Randolph as Secretary to Colonel Bland.

La Grange March 28 th 1815
My dear Sir
I have had long ago the pleasure, mixed with tender melancholy feelings, to receive from you a letter the answer to which I have reasons to believe has not in time reached your hands. Doctor Bellman went to Vienna - your direction been unknown to me. I have made an attempt, fruitless I fear, to acknowledge your kind remembrance of me - Now that the Commissioners as you are going to England I hope through their care safely to forward these lines - in vain would I find adequate terms to express my affectionate recollection of our Virginia home, my mournful regret for those friends we have lost, and my eager desire to mingle these sentiments with your own, my dear Sir. Should you return in the good resolution to pay a visit to France - whatever be the result of the late war with respect to Great Britain they cannot impede the plans of an American citizen - Your letter, and what I would much prefer, your person will find me in my retirement at La Grange, near St. Asay, Seine et Marne - I shall, in expectation to hear from you, only offer the new assurance of the old, unalterable friendship with which I shall ever be most affectionately Yours A. Fayette
A. Fayette
March 1811
This document was found in the papers of Thomas Jefferson, who died in 1826.
Canal du Midi Canal du Garonne Richmond Virginia

Order for D. M. Randolph Esq.
6

Mr David Meade Randolph Secretary to Col: Theophilus Bland Colonel at the Post of Charlottesville, who is sent to Great Brit: Genl: the Baron de Rudezel & his Suite to New York, by Order of his Excell: Genl: Washing- -ton is hereby Authorized, on his Return to the said Post, to Draw Provision & forage from the Continental commissaries & forage Masters on the Route for himself, servant, and two Horses in giving his Receipt for the same, given at Charlottesville Sept: 22 d 1779
Theophilus Bland Col: Comd.
Charlottesville
To
All commissaries & forage M rs
whom it may concern

AMERICAN BEACON
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED  BY SHIELDS & ASHBURN, in the yellow brick house on Wide Water Street.
NORFOLK
Saturday, October 10, 1829.
THE THEATRE.
Mr. Booth's Hamlet. —From the inclemency of the weather last evening, and the strong desire expressed by many to witness the performance of Hamlet , by Mr. Booth , in which he is said to develop some of his finest powers in tragedy, the Manager very judiciously postponed the performance until This Evening , substituting the Honey Moon , for the entertainment before announced.
The opportunity thus presented of contrasting the acting of Mr. B. with that of
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
We comply with much pleasure, with the request of the editors of the New York Courier and Enquirer, to give the following notice relative to this remnant of patriots, a place in our columns—and thereby aid the object in view, to which we can but wish every success:—
Revolutionary Soldiers. —It is in contemplation to memorialize the ensuing Congress in favor of such Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution, as enlisted for three years, served to the close of the war, and were honorably discharged, and who receive no pensions.
With this view, it is deemed expedient to ascertain their number. Will some person in each of the United States volunteer in this service, and communicate the result as soon as practicable, to JAMES FAIRLEE, Esq. City Hall, N. Y.?
The parties interested are most likely to be found in the humbler walks of life—Officers of the Revolution, and patriotic citizens, will therefore do well to circulate this notice:—their patronage is solicited.
To the good feeling and liberality of the press towards them, the old Army are indebted, and by a gratuitous insertion of this in their respective papers, Editors will confer one more favor (and it has much the appearance of being the last,) on a meritorious, but much injured remnant, of that army, who are about to ask of their country, not charity but justice .
NOTE. —Claimants must be particular to put down their whole time of service, whether in one or more campaigns, and their present places of residence, and pay their postage.
Position of the Parties.
estimate of pires:— Superfluous Population Revenue National Ships of Army and
The P nistry hav on the pr secution t postulate in their de to the in saying th 40 years der of th Journal de cle which diately af the Figar King's per stitutional upon its b of mournin articles wh prove.
Such pro the excite tenths of w the dismiss tions, in o were as ea in the new citement w now probab The Journal refusal of Ad new Ministry wise, notwith and entire de Could the no in the Levan son of Ather come and co

S NCE. OF ment. 12, dy of L. DOOTH. oodhull. athwell. NARD. le. ar. oing," no Forte, R. ce of its. WELL. Brown. LUMER. er's ANCE TO- Box Office o'clock. and per- ast 7. Gallery,
THE SUBSCRIBERS Have received per Lady Washington, 41 Packages FALL & WINTER GOODS,
Which, together with their former extensive supplies, render their assortment very complete.
Vincent & Jones.
oc 12
MTTIS
Super West of England CLOTHS, Whitney BLANKETS, &c.
OWENS & COOKE
AT their new Cheap Store, at the head of Market Square, have just received and opened considerable supplies of
New and Fresh Imported Fall and Winter Goods,
among which are Super West of England Cloths, Whitney and Mill'd Rose Blankets, Flannels, &c.
and will, per advice, receive in the early part of this week, one bale of Grey PILOT CLOTH, an excellent article for Servant's Clothing , also, Kerseys , &c. &c.
One of the firm is regularly attending the Auctions in the Northern Cities, where their purchases are made, as heretofore, for Cash , which enables them to sell at reduced prices . They invite their friends and the public to call and examine their stock.
LADIES' AUCTION.
THIS DAY, at 10 o'clock, At the store of Mr. Feliz E. de Ryder on Main Street, will be sold,
A VARIETY OF
Fancy, Ornamental and useful ARTICLES, selected particularly for the Ladies, who are respectfully invited to attend.—The sale is to close the con- cern, and great bargains may be expected.
H. & W. PANNELL Auc'rs
oc 12
3t
PURSUANT to a decree of Norfolk County Court, made on the 21st day of September, 1829, in the suit of Aber- deen, &c. vs. Cooke, Sheriff, &c. WILL BE SOLD, before the Court House door in Portsmouth, THIS DAY the 12th inst. for ready money, the slaves
Sophia, Thomas and Jane,
for the purpose of effecting a division among the heirs of Henry Aberdeen, dec'd. THE COMMISSIONERS.
oc 12
TSITDS
PURSUANT to a decree of the Court of Nor- folk County, made on the 21st of September last, in the suit of Culpepper and others against Owens, WILL BE SOLD, before the Court House door in Portsmouth, THIS DAY, 12th inst. for ready money,
A Tract of Land, on Paradise
Creek, containing 20 acres, with the improve- ments thereon.
Another Tract, on the west
side of the Road leading to the Canal, adjoining the lands of Wm. R. Smith and others, containing 22 acres, unimproved.—Also,
Negroes Argyle and Dinah.
This sale is made for the purpose of effecting a division among the heirs of Arthur Owens, dec'd.
A. EMMERSON, Commissioner.
oc 12
TSITDS

Instructions for David Meade Randolph Esq. Secretary Charlottesville September 11 th 1779
Sir
You are hereby Authorised and appointed by me, under orders from His Excellency General Washington, to take upon you the Charge of Escorting Maj r Gen l the Baron de Riedesel, and the Officers and Servants belonging to his Family as by a Schedule herewith delivered signed by me. You are to proceed with your Escort from the Port of Charlottesville, the nearest way by the following Route, which every person under your Charge is strictly to observe, and by no means to deviate from where it is practicable to pursue the Route here laid down viz. Orange Court House, Culp's Creek Court House, Fauquier Court House, Redon Leiburgh, Noland's Ferry, Frederick Town Maryland York Town, Lancaster, Reading, Easton, Middle Brook, Elizabeth Town — where, when you arrive, you will immediately acquaint the Officer Commanding at that post, and deliver over your Charge to the Com- missary of prisoners or such Officer as shall be appointed to receive them, and as soon after as may be, transmit to his Excellency the Commander in Chief a report thereof with an account of any material occurrences that shall have happened on your Route necessary for him to be acquainted with, together with a copy of these Instructions, and of the parole which will be delivered him with, by the Honor and Spirit of which

which Pardon you will govern yourself, and by that of these Instructions, in your conduct towards your Escort during the March, tempering the strict- ness necessary to be observed for the good and safe- ty of the United States with every reasonable indul- gence which Civility, Humanity, and politeness to the Gentlemen under your Charge can dictate with much esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.
Thos. M c Bland Col. Commandt. Charlottesville
Instructions, Pardon and Route —
I have received the Officers & their Servants mentioned in these Instructions —
R. H. Hooper Jr D C G Prison Earliest date: 15:1779

An Order upon Commisioners &c.

David M c Randalph Esq r Secretary, who has the charge of conducting Maj r Gen l the Baron de Ridenland his Suite from hence to Elizabet Town in New Jersey, is hereby authorised to draw provision and Forage, apply for and receive, if necessary, Continental horses, Waggons, or such conveyances as he may find necessary for the purpose of transporting himself, his baggage, or the necessary Baggage of the Officers of the Convention Troops under his charge, he giving a receipt for the same for his own use; and the latter giving the accom- panying prices for what may be found necessary to supply them with, and provision returns signed by David M c Randalph Esq r Secretary either for him- self or party, specifying for whom the provision is, will be answered by all commissaries of provi- sion on the Route given at Charlottesville. This 21 st day of September 1779.
Thos s Bland Col l Com d Charlottesville
To all commissaries Quartermasters & others where this may concern on the Route from Charlottesville in Virginia to Elizabet Town in New Jersey

I have known Capt. David Meade Ran- dolph, of Va. upwards of twenty five years. I have therefore a perfect knowledge of him personally. As he is anxious to get his pension certificate, one may be issued for him, and when the papers are received from the Sec. of the Senate, they may be placed on our files.
Place him on the Rev. Role Dis. Col. at $20 per mo. from Jan. 1. 1828, under act of May 20. 1830.
Captain — Cavalry Vol ts
from 1778 to 1783.

The Com. on Pensions to whom was referred the Petition of David M. Randolph praying for a Pension
Report
That the petitioner served in different capacities in the revolutionary war about forty two months at different periods, but not exceeding six months at any one time - chiefly in the Cavalry & when discharged from that service had the rank of Captain - That being then in affliction he received nothing but since that time he has become indigent & he asks to be placed on the list of revolutionary pensioners - The com. matters consider that under the circumstances of his case he is entitled to relief & for that purpose the report
B. Hill

Washington 8 th December 1828
To the Honorable Committee on military pensions.
Having this day presented a memorial and petition to the Hon d . Congress for a pension, I am advised to submit to you personal, and to ask of your liberality, a consideration of the enclosed testimonials of character , with the view to strengthen your confidence in the justice of my claim. Not having the honor of a personal acquaintance with either of your body, I am impressed you will perceive no impropriety in the measure, but that you will on the contrary, be afforded thereby, of the distinguished respect and high consideration, with which I am ever a faithful fellow Citizen
D. W. Randolph
P.S.
Be pleased to return the enclosures to "W m B. Randolph, President of Sen ate ."
D. W. Randolph

Report of the Pension Office upon the Claim of D. M. Randolph
Dec. 5, 1928.
Abstract
Allowance
$20. per month.

War Department, Pension Office, December 5. 1828
Sir,
The documents in support of the claim of David Meade Randolph, Esq r , have been examined. It appears from these papers that he served in various capacities for a considerable length of time during the revolutionary war. From April to October 1778 he belonged to a Volunteer Corps of Cavalry. From April 1779 to June 1779 he also served as an officer in a Volunteer Corps. From June 1779 to December following he was Secretary to Colonel Bland, who commanded a regiment of Cavalry on the continental establishment. From "May to June 1780, about six weeks" he was Secretary to General Nelson. From September to December 1780 he served as Lieutenant of Cavalry under General Lawson, and when discharged he had the rank of Captain. From December 1780 to February 1781 he was under the orders of Baron Steuben. From April to June of the same year he was in a Troop of Cavalry attached to the command of General La Fayette. According to the construction given to the act of March 18. 1818, under which he claims, every one to be entitled to its provisions must have served nine months at least under one term of engagement on the continental establishment, either as an officer or a soldier; and it will be seen by the foregoing statement that he served in neither capacity that length of time. This Department cannot therefore grant a pension. The papers are herewith enclosed.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obedt. Servt. James G. Edwards
Hon. P. B. Porter, Secretary of War.

Narrative of services during the Revolution performed by Volunteer Dragoons, of Virginia. D. W. R. one of the members

A statement of the military services of David Mead Randolph, of Virginia, performed in the War of the Revolution, in conformity with an act resolution of Congress, passed 2 d March 1878 — Early in April of this year, Thomas Nelson, of York Town, summoned all the young men of the lower counties, to meet him at Stratford on the Rappahannock river without delay. Early in the month of May, a Corps of Cavalry was raised, as per original roll of the same, herewith exhibited. And, after sufficient training, and peculiarly accoutered, proceeded to Baltimore, where the Corps was completely equipped from the United States Stores . During a long stay at Baltimore, the Corps was retrained, and exercised with the Partisan Corps of the Forest Pulasky; and entertained, together with the principal characters of Baltimore, by Pulasky, with a most sumptuous feast, under an elegant display of service where made of judge for the purpose, of green boughs, in the forest then growing on Howard's Hill . There meeting Charles  George Town, were received on their approach, by Col. George Lee with his Corps, then just completed, and were escorted by them

through the town, some distance are their march to Philadelphia. Arriving at Dauphin, Nelson appeared before Congress & his advance, who received him  and his Corps, on the same afternoon as they passed in review before the State House in Chestnut Street. This was a day or two before the French Minister Mounier, Gernard was received by Congress — and Nelson Corps had the honour of joining in the salute, by firing two gilded pieces before the City Tavern — and some few of Nelson Corps, kindly received invitation, with Congress & the Minister. Upon the discharge the Corps, D. M. R., from illness, was unable to join some of his comrades, who went on to the army at White Plains; but journeying homeward, was detained very ill at Baltimore many weeks, under the care of Dr. Weissenthal, at a Mr. Crap's boarding house, and did not reach home till about the first of October; (this fact is proved by Dr. George Tucker.) In early spring of 1779, while at home & many to bed, an invasion of a British Army invaded Nelson again to call on his former Troops: My relatives

brother and myself, were the first under the orders of Nelson at York; and were sent off instantly with two pairs of artillery to Colo. Josiah Parker camp James River to Smithfield. Arriving there replied with our charge, Genl. Lawson surrendered to the General - My brother and myself soon formed a Troop of Cavalry - about twenty to thirty - and continued our services: myself in the first place, under Lawson's orders, with four or six men, taking prisoners from a few miles in the country, e.g. Capt. Davis, then lately from Norfolk, where he had been (as was then suspected) in some treasonable enterprise! This Gentleman was a warm one of the Guadriches then with the Enemy. D r M c R. was one with us more, with eight men, stationed on the ragged Islands to watch the motions of the Enemy below; and, was, with a party just entering the Town of Suffolk, which still smoking: the enemy having retreated to Norfolk. This invasion being over, D r M c R. re- turned further with to Charlottesville, and joined Colo. Blind, commandant of the Garrison, where we secured the Army of Genl. Bonynge. Colo. Blind

assumed me the rank of Lieut. on many occasions, going with Genl. Phillips at Markham, and with Genl. the Baron de Riedesel at Colle . And, in September, D.M.R. was ordered on to the North with de Riedesel: delivered his charge to Col. Cooper: "reported" to Genl. Washington at Head Quarters, West Point, and was there and there ordered back to Virginia (passing a short time with Col. Washington's Guard) in W. B. K. Meades letter - under a foraging party with Genl. Wayne (private to New York) where arrived, and received from Genl. M c Dowall at Petersburg, a final discharge on or about the 27 December 1779 —
In the early part of 1780, Genl. Thomas Nelson, Govr. of Virginia, took me along with him to the lower country as his Secretary — borrowing, as he said, £42000... V. C. for the use of the State : which money was issued , and by me paid into the Treasury accordingly. Shortly after this it was, that I raised a Troop of Horse under

Genl. Lamon, in the County of Charlotte, Prince Edward Co. Va. as per Affidavit of Col. Charles Smith (furnishing 500 riflemen) of Col. (Brig.) Holcomb assuming my command of the same about the first day of December, when the whole Army of Lamon's was disbanded - being then engaged, and was received on the 14th of same month. After this period, the same Troop, again took the field under Col. Holcomb and a Mr. Watkins, joined Genl. Green, and had the honor to charge the Enemy along with Col. Washington, at Guilford!
Arnold arrived in James river on the first day of Jan'y, 1781 - arrived at Richmond about the 12th: and, then under the orders of the Baron de Stuber, I had the mortification to see the Enemy enter Richmond, opposed only by Majs. Dick, Col. T. Nick and W. G. Nicholas, disputing the ground for twelve miles below, with a handful of men - being repeatedly at Rocketts, as was testified by the

1 Barre of 2000 on the opposite side of the river, attended by less than 100 men, as Indians . As Arnold retreated to the Lower Country: about the month of Jan'y, my brother and self, with eight or ten others under Capt. Fage, Skedden and under Genl. Nelson arrived at York, and continued in Service till Arnold's departure: A day or two before, Maj. Bulker & Lieut. Col.  Calhoun , and Lt. Steele , attended by our little Corps, proceeded to Newports News point with a party of men to the Sharon Manor War — beginning as we passed, the ground on which a small Skirmish happened the day before, between the British and a small party of Militia. — Upon the arrival of Lord Cornwallis from the South, and his advance to Petersburg, being then in Richmond, during the fire between his Lordship and a small force under Stearns — Capt. Fage again rallied our little troops, and in the course

of the night, arrived near Petersburg and joined Stanton's small retreating force; under whose orders we continued; faced the British Army below Chatsfield St. Anne: counted Taitton's Cavalry, within Musket Shot (75 in number) distinctly seeing and estimating the Infantry at 1500 — seeing a party of Yagers running along us within the pickets on each side of a lane: we then whirled! and, not till then did Taitton know in full speed sword in hand! Escaping from the pursuit — rejoining on the main body of our little force. Capt. Page, myself & Wm. Ruffin, only, returned to witness the conflagration of the St. Anne and then left with the train — received the fire of the advanced picket, and then joined Stanton 12 miles off with less than 100 men, raised by the activity of Colo. Robert Gamble and others upon the

Shen of the ocean! — A few days after this, as the Enemy advanced up the river, obliging Com d Lewis to settle his little Squadron, a 20 Gun Ship and two Schooners — the Gun went firing as the Army marched to Warwick & Newport, leaving all before them! Fayette then at Richmond, wishing to divert attention from his recruiting at Richmond  on the opposite side , ordered our little Corps, supported by 50 Infantry only, to charge the Enemy on the heights of Manchester, 'See it's here what it may'! This service was certainly not performed — by reason that, when coming at the house on Bunk Hill, where the pickets had been stationed, it had but a few minutes before followed on the retreating Army — where near we saw Slannly as the day dawned, but where none it came to a desperate attack! Soon after this Fayette at Wilton nine miles below Richmond, planned an expedition to Petersburg: our little Troop was mounted: the girths to our Saddles were touched for several days and nights but to tighten them, overdue

supposed only by what we saw discover 3 among the plundered inhabitants: shooting hogs in the wood — arrived at Warwick at Sun set — we were then ordered to meet Fayette at One Creek not far from Kingland ferry: soon after arriving at the ferry, Fayette arrived by two Co. of infantry, arrived and encamped near — ordering myself & C. B. Harrison before as videttes in full speed: arriving at Baker's Hill opposite Petersburg, a cannonade instantly commenced under Col. Gimat. Our little Corps was detailed by two in every direction up and down the river, and without any kind of provisions, continued the whole of the day and part of the next, to provide for ourselves! Fayette & his Troops having recovered James river & returned to Winton, his head Quarters. The British Army were retiring to Brandon, and Corps still attached to Fayette, continued reconnoitring and reporting

its movements through Hanners: several members were taken prisoners: and, perhaps, Fayette escaped a surprise at Scots Town, by an extraordinary effort of one Captain, who being alone, was chased seven miles by Tilton's whole Cavalry, alternately pursuing and relieving his superior horses: The horse on which our Capt. was mounted proving, happily, to have been superior in speed and bottom, to any in the country. This particular service terminated by the Junction of Fayette with Genl. Wayne at Rawson Ford on the Muskingum; but continued thereafter, under every service throughout the Campaign. Previous to this date, Fayette had been destitute of all other Cavalry, except a few irregular Militia. The service of this little Cavalry Corps continued under the orders of Fayette, until

The Siege of York Town. And, had not military operations then ceased, the boys would have been called out again, and at all times, as occasions might have required.
D. Randolph

H. J. Brooke
Dear Mr. Brewster, P.S. Yours truly

Richmond Dec 5 1820
My Dear Sir
In answer to your inquiries of me what I thought of your services in the war of the rebellion, I can only say that I knew you to be in France during the Campaign in which Gen. Lafayette commanded the Virginia I believe you served as a Capt of volunteers for as long as you continued in France I would not know as after the Battle of Gen Prince I was ordered to join Gen. Greene Army in the South - In great respect & Sincerely yours Francis Brooke

Rescher y buegels
1774
D. M. Randolph Dec. 1. 1828

Extracts from Journals of Congress 1778.
March 2 1778. Resolved that it be earnestly recommended to the young gentlemen of property & spirit in the States of Pennsylvania to constitute within their respective States a troop or troops of light Cavalry, to serve at their own expense (except in the article of provisions for themselves & forage for their horses) until the 31 st day of December next. — That they have a right to choose their own officers, who shall receive continental commissions — &c —
August 5 1778. Whereas, in pursuance of the recommendation of Congress of March the 2 nd , a volunteer corps of Cavalry from the State of Virginia, under the command of the honorable General Nelson, are now in this city, on their way to the army under the command of General Washington: And whereas the removal of the enemy from this state renders the employment of this corps at present unnecessary.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the said corps to retire. Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given to the honorable General Nelson and the officers & gentlemen under his command for their brave, generous and patriotic efforts in the cause of their country. —

(Copy)
Hereby signed by Major Genl. Phillips Major Genl. De Rousier and their Suites
Easton October 14 th 1777

We whose names are hereunto subscribed, Officers under the Convention of Saratoga, do promise and declare on our parole of honor and on the faith of Gentlemen respectively for ourselves and the servants and attend- ants of our respective families, that, (having permis- sion to proceed from the post of Charlottetown in Virginia, to Elizabeth Town in New Jersey, and thence to the City of New York,) we will not our- selves, nor suffer any of our Servants, attendants, or Families of what kind soever, directly or indirectly to say or do any thing to the prejudice of the United States or any of them, or to the individuals, inhabi- tants thereof, and that we will not, by enquiring or any other means endeavor to obtain a knowledge of the state of the Forces strength, or situation of the Posts, Stock-piles, Encampments, Finances or Resources of the United States or any of them, thro' which our Route Lays; That we will as much as possible, without journey, and Quarters together and not separate from each other on the Officer ap- -pointed to escort us, but by his permission, when without urgent necessity obliges us; That we will Quarters as near the Route hereunto an- -nexed as convenient and suitable Quarters can be procured for us; and that we will not deviate from the said Route, or hold any private conference, with any of the Citizens of the United States, or Prisoners of war, or send any letter or message, or receive or communicate any intelligence but with the privily or consent of the Gentleman appointed to Escort us; except so far as may be needful for

furnishing ourselves with Quarters, Forage, provisions or other necessaries, for facilitating our journey: And that on our arrival at Eliza- -beth Town we will inform the command- ing Officer of that part of our arrival, and not depart from our Quarters untill his permission for so doing is obtained, nor from that place untill we have signed a parole for going into New York or the British Lines, and obtain from the commissary of prisoners or such Officer (as may be appointed to grant it) a proper pass for that purpose
Route — Orange Courthouse, Culpeper Courthouse, Fauquier Courthouse, Red Bank Leesburg Nolands Ferry, Frederick Town, York Town, Lancaster, Reading, Easton, Middle Brook, Elizabeth Town —
N.B. Lieut. Smith of the Royal Artillery, and Capt. DeQuincy of the Regt. of Hesse Hannau, by permission from his Excellency the Commander in Chief — have both signed the above parole, and are now at Bethlehem on their way to New York, in order to proceed from thence to Canada —

10
Capt David M Randolph Baltimore near York Town Virg a

Letter from Philemon Holcombe with Certificate as to the rank of D. H. Randolph under Colonel Lawson

Dear Sir I have enclosed you a certificate agreeable to your request which I hope will answer your purpose I am with the greatest respect your Friend
Thos Holcomb
Oct 2 nd 1828

Certificate of Philemon Holcombe as to the rank of Dea. Randolph under Col Lawson.

I Philemon Holcombe, of the County of Amelia, and State of Virginia: Do, at the request of Captain David Meade Randolph, hereby certify, that in the autumn of the year 1780, I was a trooper in a company of cavalry under the command of the said D. M. Randolph; that the said company, together with a corps of Infantry, was raised by Gen l Robert Lawson, in Prince Edward, and other adjacent counties. That the aforesaid company of cavalry was trained by the said D. M. Randolph, and continued under his command, until the whole corps of Gen l Lawson was discharged at Petersburg, in the month of December 1780. That the said Captain D. M. Randolph did at all times, during his command, merit, and receive, the approbation of his General, and the officers and men under his command.
Philemon Holcombe
Amelia County to wit This day Col o Philemon Holcombe personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid and made oath to the correctness of the above Affidavit Given under my hand and seal this 27 th Sept r 1828
W m Gregory J. P. Esdaile

Notes for Pension
Notes for Pension, Arguments to be pressed 1829

Votes of Arguments in both cases of D. M. R's petitions.
His father's family manufacturing clothes for the soldiery.
vide R. K. Meade's letter
Digging foundations of old houses and other houses, to make Suff. setre: Boys all engaged in such operations.
The father in his old age, piloting Fayette Campaign 1781
Two sons: Fayette's body guards in 1781: horses and silver without pay - as they had before been with Genl. Nelson, Genl. Lawson and Colo. Josiah Parker & Hadr.
In 1778. married & settled on a farm in fall 1781 - after the Campaign was over.
Negroes had been taken: stock all carried off by L. Cornwallis. Houses, a mill &c. &c. destroyed. A part only of the negroes recovered by the surrender of York Town.
The father's house plundered; and both Negroes & stock carried off!
All the family, father and sons driven to the mountains: all plundered as above - and almost ruined by the Revolution!
No compensation to either of any kind - Negroes, all a total loss!
It will be seen by the affidavit certified by J. G. Morby, that I had claimed benefit from the Law of 1818: Then why? My present just claim to retrospection !
The rank of Captain was then, as now, contended for.
Then: if the Rank be refused: claim from 1818! or claim both rank and retrospection
Colo. Halcomb's letter proves the rank of Captain.
The death of Fayette proves my intimacy: of course, circumstantially, my serving under him: there being no other possible occasion for it.
Judge Brooke's letter corroborates this important fact
The printed extract from N. York, and James Fairlee may serve to strengthen my case: J. Fairlee was aid to Stephen, and can prove my services in part .
In the case of the Flowers.
vide: a separate paper herein filed.

21 Cong } S. 33 1 Sep } Petition
David M. Randolph, praying for pension on ac- count of his services & sacri- fices in the Revolutionary War
1829, Dec. 16 th referred to the Committee on Pensions. —
Jany. 8. Bill Report — 33
May 21. Committee H o Ref d discharging from further consideration of this Bill N o 33. a pension having been granted D. M. R. by bill H o Ref d 72
Hon. Mr. Livingston

David M. Randolph Memorial and Petition of David M. Randolph of Virginia December 8 1828
Dec 8 - 1828 Ref d Com ee on Rev. Claims
Pensions

To the Honorable, the Congress of the United States of America now in Session.
The Memorial and Petition of David Meade Randolph a citizen of Virginia, respectfully sheweth; That your Petitioner was a Soldier of the Revolution; That animated at an early age by the spirit common to his countrymen, and encouraged to action by a certain resolution of Congress dated on the 2 nd of March 1778, he did perform as a Volunteer, various military services from time to time in various capacities as by reference to a Statement and Report of the case made to the Hon ble Secretary of War by the Clerk of the Pension Office, and other documents herewith will more fully appear.
That altho during the Revolutionary war, and for many years subsequent thereto, your Petitioner being in affluent circumstances, did not wish for, or expect, and in fact never has received, one cent as Pay or Emolument , (other than subsistence in part) for the services of himself, his servant and horses, Yet from change of circumstances and loss of property, he was compelled in the year 1818 to make a declaration of his poverty, in the hope of relief from the pro- visions of the Pension act of that year, which however did not embrace his particular case, for reasons stated in the Report of the Pension Office, altho your Petitioner actually served on Continental establishment more than the term required by the law, but not in one consecutive period.
That the continued pressure of adversity and of present Want accompanied by the infirmities of protracted years, leave your Petitioner no alternative, but to throw himself upon the Justice and Liberality of his Country now in prosperity, to requite those services, which in her adversity he rendered without fee or reward. And he does respectfully make appeal to his Country through her honorable Representatives in Congress assembled. December 8 th 1828.
D. Randolph