Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,644, for James Stevenson, North Carolina

SERVICE
N.6.
Stevenson, James
NUMBER _____
S. 7644
carded.
CONTENTS

North Carolina 32,254
James Stevenson
of Johnston Co. in the State of N. Carolina who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Wheatley of the regt. commanded by in the X line for 6 months
X W. Lane Record Clerk
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Decr, 1844 and sent to Hon. R. M. Saunders, Home of Representatives
Arrears to the 14th of Semi-ann. allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 67 Page 74.

Declaration of James Stevenson

The Declaration of James Clowson of the County of Iredale - North Carolina - made the 29 th November 1846 - He saith on his oath that he is now eighty or eighty five years of age - That he was born in the State of Virginia, but has resided in the County of Iredale since he was five years of age - That he entered the service as well as he now recollects in the year 1779 under General Greene for a term of four months that they marched to South Carolina - and was in the battle of Brier Creek in the State of Georgia - that General Greene commanded the North - Carolina militia - that the Americans were defeated in the battle - that they retreated down the Savannah River and remained in camp something like a month after the battle defending the County - That he was informed at the time the Americans had about 2500 men engaged in the battle & the British about the same number - that a number of the men were killed & wounded in the River - that they were as far down as a near to town called Puryburg Salem where they were discharged - that a Major John Purvis gave him his discharge - which he kept for many years - that the Declarant cannot read, but knew the proper by its looks - that he was informed by some persons to whom he showed it, that it could not be read & was finally lost or destroyed - that it was many years ago, he is unable to name any one who ever saw said paper - that he was absent from home in going & returning six months, within eight days -

that after his return home, he went no other place himself, but he hired a man to take his in a Military Tour of Three months - by the name of Abraham Johnson & paid him one hundred dollars, in a man & provisions - that he himself, was called on & went and given against the Tories - but he was not out but a few days each time - that he has no records of his age, he being unable to read the Bible in which it was recorded being given to a brother, who said the bible has been carried out of the Country - that he has not made the application before, as the person who was giving testimony of the kind told him, the time he served was not long enough & the different referred to some such as before stated - That he knew one Bryant Anderson who was a first sergeant - he also knew Sth. Mathew McButler - all of whom - then lived in Johnson County but are now dead - He does not at this time know of any one by whom he can prove his service, but hopes to be able to do so -
That this declaration is made to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress for gratuity  obtaining Pensions to revolutionary soldiers all of which has been duly sworn to by me this date above -
James H. Johnson 1840

State of North Carolina Nov. 28. 1822
I Wm. H. Battle am of the Landers of the Superior Courts of Law of the County of Wake aforesaid - do hereby certify that James Stevenson in appearance an old man, of about 80 years of age - and of sound understanding & who from conversation I am induced to believe is intended to be blessed this day appeared before me & made his mark & swore to the foregoing declaration - given under my hand & seal this 28. Nov. 1822
Wm. H. Battle J. of the Peace

No. 35.897.
Vanny Stevenson M. L.
W. H. G. & R. Mr. Vandenberg Dec. 8 th 1844
ad Jan 7. 1832

James Stevenson A. Co.
Disbanded -
John Stevenson
August 17, 1833
ack 4 June 1833

35450
James Stevenson N. C.
act 7. June '32
Hn. R. M. Saunders H. D. Q.

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
BE IT KNOWN, that William H. Battle whose signature appears in his own proper hand-writing to the annexed Certificate
was at the time of signing the same and now is One of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law & Equity in & for the State aforesaid and as such he is duly qualified and empowered to give said Certificate which is here done in the usual and proper manner; and full faith and credit are due to the same, and ought to be given to all the official acts of the said William
as a Judge upon oath
In Testimony whereof, I, H. M. Morehead Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief, have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, and signed the same at the City of Raleigh on the 30th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty- two and in the 67th year of the Independence of the United States.
H. M. Morehead
By the Governor.
Pryor Reynolds Private Secretary.

State of South Carolina
John Low Brantley
On this the 28th day of August A.D. 1844 before the Rev. J. P. Allen and J. M. Leprince of the County of Charleston personally appeared James Stevenson of the County of Charleston and having been duly sworn, deposed and said that the following Statement is supplementary to his report of his declarations heretofore made to obtain a pension under the act of the 7th June 1832 that as before stated by him his services in the Revolutionary War amounted to five months & eight days but he did not include the time occupied by him in marching to the rendezvous during which time he was actually under arms or returning home after he received his discharge in South Carolina which time together with the time before proposed or engaged in the Regiment to which he belonged was nearly seven months and was so considered when he received his final settlement Certificate from the Government.
He further states that the Certificate of which the Public Comptroller of the State has given him the amount is the amount which he received for his

service in the War of the Revolution and that the Compensation as before stated was for the time he was engaged in service and returning home from the place he received his discharge in South Carolina as before stated.
I do hereby subscribe before me in Open Session about the 28th day of August 1844.
Thos. Bagley Clerk
In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribe my name & affix my seal of office at Smithfield 28th August AD 1844.
Thos. Bagley Clerk

The pension for the six months service -
Wm Wilkins
35.899. James Stevens
N. 6
Act of June 32
Served 5 mo 8 days
Upon examination of this case I am satisfied that the App- -licant committed an error in his first deposition - and had he included the time occupied in rearing his family and in return, home the term of his service would have been six months. The witness supple- -mental deposition explains the omission. The completion amt. of his pay is evidence of his having served six months. There are other collateral circumstances - the pay of some of his comrades - which lead to the same conclusion. He will, therefore, be allowed
Hon R M Saunders W R

State of North Carolina Johnston County }
On this the 28th day of November A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas & Quarter Ses- sions of the aforesaid County, & stated James Harrison aged eighty one years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oaths make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 That he entered the service of the Unit- ed States under the following named Officers - that he was drafted in the aforesaid County of Johnston - and placed under the com- mand of Captain John Whitley. he does not remember the day of the month or year in which he was thus drafted. - That he marched from John- ston to Kingston - that he thence proceeded under the command of Genl. Carroll around parallel with the sea coast, to the his mile house near Charlton, - thence they marched to the neighbour- hood of Augusta - which was then in possession of the enemy who

evacuated in a few days as near as declarant recollects. Then they marched to Brier Creek where a battle was fought. Genl. Ash - Bryan and Col: G. W. Lewis being in command - the declarant's lieutenant was named another old Bullock (whom declarant has been pensioned by government) - after the Battle of Brier Creek and the forces had been collected they marched in the direction of Charle- ston, - some short time after which he received his discharge signed by Major Poindexter having served four  five months & eight days - that he lived in Johnston County when he was drafted read the pledge. was called Snufflers, & the State above set forth, - does not remember the names of any regiments with which he served having been young and illiterate, - He has no documen- tary evidence that he knows of by which he can establish

his service. He kept for some time the written discharge being an honor- able one given him when he had served even more than his time, by his superior officer, but the ink had so faded that it could with great difficulty be deciphered and it has since been destroyed. - Nor does he know any one by whom he can find his said service all his old com- panions in arms having died or removed out of his reach. Knowledge Mathew Shebelle and Bryant Adams who served with him were the last persons within his knowledge by whom he could prove the above facts that he knew of & they died several years since, & as he knows they or their widows have been allowed pensions, - The reason why he did not apply before their deaths was owing to his ignorance of the law not knowing that any provision had been

mended for the soldier however needy as he states himself to be. - He has resided in this County (Johnston) ever since he was discharged from the service - He hereby relinquishes any claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present declaration that his name is not on the pen- sion roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to & sub- scribed in open court this day & year above his James Stevenson Mark
We James Lapite a blacksmith and Robt. W Stevens a Justice of the Peace both residing in the County of Johnston do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Stevenson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: That we believe him to be us about 81 years of age that he is a native of the United States

in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion, Signed & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Isaac Lapsider R. M. Stevens 1044 Houlder ch
And the said Bount do hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states And the Bount further certify that it appears to them Isaac Lapsider who has signed the preceding certifi- cate is a Chazyland resident in Johnston County and that R. M. Stevens who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County It is a credible person and that their statement is entitled

to credit signed by me as chairman of Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions of Johnston County this 28 Nov. 1843. -
J. H. Houlder th
State of North Carolina Johnston County
I Wm H Guy Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarters Sessions for the aforesaid County do hereby certify that Jonah Houlder whose name appears to the above Certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace and chairman for the County of Johnston.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the 28 th day of February 1844.
Wm H Guy Clerk By Thos Bagley D. Clk

Comptroller's Office
July 30 th 1844
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office that James Stephens had a Special Certificate issued in his favor for Twenty Six pounds Eight Shillings (S. Th. 8) as will be seen in Book No 10 Folio of Certificates issued 24 th November 1840. given under my hand and seal of office. The day and date above written which purports to be for Military Services, in the War of the Revolution. Collins Compt.

J. L. Edwards Esq. June 2. 81

No. of Rep Jan 2 . 16-49
Sir - I enclose the delinquent of James Stephenson who I know to be a very honest old man - he says he served within 8 days of Jose Maria - He wishes to know if he can prove that service as he states that then he can get a pension - Will you please answer me & - Yours S.
R. M. Saunders
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Off ce R

James Stevenson

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
James Stevenson further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? C II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1, 2, 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeh and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Dec. 8. 24
Sir -
I respectfully ask that the case of James Stevenson be reconsidered as I feel well satisfied as to things, but his honesty has led to the rejection of his claim - He states herefore he served but 5 months & 8 days - not including the time of his recovery - That he was at the defeat at Brier Creek September - I drew the declaration myself - I drew at the old man's request - a pension agent would have claimed six months & 4 days - I drew a I submitted his honesty argued not to prejudice his claim - But I submitted instructions, he is entitled to that for six months.

If he was in actual service for 5. mo. & 8 days, his rearing to the place would make all the difference of reindigence. But in his last declin- -ation if I recalled rightly he states, other services - this service & that from the records of the sea-shore more than 100 rearing, & for his long established this fact - rather the old man is mistaken as to the length of service as he rendered other service - I submit therefore, that his is fairly entitled to a Sea Waver Pension & that you may allow it - I knew the old man personally & am satisfied from his own story of his suffering & service -
Yrs respectfully, J. L. Edwards, Esq. R. De Faccendo

Sir - I forward the papers of James Stevenson - I myself have seen Scarners and with Mr. Stevenson is an old & intelligent man & from his account of the trans- actions I have no doubt of the correctness of his statement - The date of the certificate about the time of the battle at Biscay Grat. & the amount received forms to a reasonable certainty that he is the same person & I have no doubt him in Doe Mountain Bay -
Respectfully
R. McGehee
L. L. Edwards Esq
Green & St.

Dec 11. 44
Jas Stevenson N.B. Sup d
Private m l etia act 7 June 1832
N. Carolina Roll
$20 per m l
1832 Pension App d
H. R. McLaughlin J. S.

State of North Carolina Johnston County
Before me John D. Adams one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, Personally appeared Jesse Adams of the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn deposed and saith that he this deponent at different times had heard his Father Bryant Adams late now deceased, say in his lifetime that James Stevenson a person well known to this deponent and long a resident of the County aforesaid, was with him the said Bryant Adams late in the service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of December 1813. John D. Adams Jp Jesse Adams
State of North Carolina - I Wm H Guy Clerk Johnston County 3 of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Johnston do hereby certify that the John D. Adams whose signature appears to the above certificates an acting Justice in and for the said County of John - Witness my hand Seal of office this 10th day of January 1814. -
Wm H Guy Clerk by Thos Bagley Dep Clerk

Revtran
7644
INVALID.
File No. 7644
James Stevenson Pike River War.
Act: June 1 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 15, Page 339
[Arrangement of 1870.]
carded