Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9532, James Wright, N.C.

SERVICE
N. B.
Wright, James
NUMBER _____
S. 9532
Carded
CONTENTS

North Carolina 16. H 26.
James Wright of Duplin in the State of N.C. who was a Private in the by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] N.C. time for 12 months -
increased from $45.00
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 120 Dollars - - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of April 1831 and said [blank] and [blank] Hon. [blank] Elizabethtown - N.C.
Arrears to the 14th of March 35 480.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1831 - 60 - $540.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk. Book E Vol. 6 Page 59 E 67 80.
6 Apr 1835 Pen agents March 30 March 1837 same 25 Feb 1839

State of North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter (Duplin County 3 Sessions November Term 1832
In this the 28 th day of November personally appeared in open court, before William H. Funderburk James Lawson and Hugh Gray the the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
now sitting James Wright a resident of Duplin County and State of North Carolina aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7. 1832
That he was born in Newhanover county September 25 th in the year 1755 moved to Duplin County in the year 1764. and now resides in Duplin County - That he has his age on a piece of paper-copied from his Father's family bible - which he now has in court ready to produce - That he has lived since the year 1764 in Duplin County - and was living in Duplin when called into service - That he volunteered in the year 1775-1776 under Captain William Dickson Thomas Hobbs Lieutenant Michael Hena ensign. The field officers were James Hena Col, Thomas Bulledge Lieutenant Col - Abraham Morton Major and Gilbert McCalop Adjutant The regiment of Duplin this declarant being one - took up the line of march under the above named officers as he believes in the winter  spring of 1776 - at Duplin Court house - marched to South River - from Thence to Bladen - from Thence to a place then called the dismal swamp from Thence to Elizabeth - crossed Clarendon river (now called Cape Fear) at Waddell's ferry - from Thence to Rockfish in Cumberland county - and then joined the regular army under General Moore - then remained four or five weeks - from Thence marched about two miles and took up camp - when this declarant was placed as Centery over about thirty Tories - they marched to Elizabeth - from Elizabeth by Turnbull to Wilmington - when he and the company to which he belonged joined the Bladen Militia under Col Richardson & Col Owen - when they endeavoured and succeeded in cutting off the Tories from the British at Brunswick - they then marched took up camp in a dingley opposite the Widow Moore's creek - where the Tories commanded Col McDaniel and Captain McLeod were defeated by General Caswell - the Tories supposed to be 1500 in number - from Thence marched to Solomon's ferry in Newhanover county - from Thence back to Duplin court house - when he was discharged. having served two or

three months; In the fall year 1777 this declarant again volunteered under the above named officers - at Duplin Court house was by the the marchd to Wilmington - thence to near Jumpsburg about 2 miles then joined the Hanover Militia and other militia encamped. Guarded between them and the sound - and remained until the British left - when he was marchd back - and again discharged - having served about three months. That he remained at home two or three months during which time he was several times out on scouting parties after the Tories -
That in the Spring of the year 1778 as this declarant believes - he again volunteered in the light horse company under Captain John Fort. and Lieutenant Josiah Nolly - when a commission was given to him - Nolly then resigned when this declarant was appointed Lieutenant - drew a public sword - found his own horse and gun - The marchd to the big bridge in Hanover county remained in Duplin county for a considerable time. in pursuit of Tories and taking some deserters as he thinks about two years - That in the spring of 1780 marchd to the big bridge in Hanover county - where they entranchd - and were joined by General Fennington. then remained a considerable time & reconnoitred the British lines to the little bridge - and this declarant in command gathered and conducted into camp about 20 forage carts - from the big bridge to Rutterfords mills - then he was sent to Harrison creek - to keep centery between the two armies - where the British lines were reconnoitred - and was then joined by Col. Mahmud, Captain D. Globack and Major Henderson with a troop of Horse - when they were ordered to march down and storm a picket of British. lying at Smiths creek in about 2 miles of Wilmington - in part of Major Craigs army before reaching them the enemy had left - they then remained guarding until Cornwallis left marchd into Wilmington when they returned to Rutterfords mills - when he was discharged in the spring of 1781 - having served in this tour about 12 6 months - That in the summer of 1781. in June as this declarant believes - he with 62 men volunteered under Col. Heman. Captain Dickson - adjutant Daniel Williams and Major Moulton (this declarant being a Lieutenant) and attached a company of Tories - commanded by the Mobley - and McClellan - who in the commencement of the war was an officer - and a faithful soldier and completely defeated them - after this engagement the 62 men. this declarant being one of the officers were continually engaged - in little skirmishes

with three parties of Tories commanded - by Captain Scarborough - Samuel Albertson - and Price and Hammond Bays - That by this declarant and a small party of men the Bays were attacked and defeated - About this time Major Craig with the British army marched to Rockfish - When this Declarant and Major Gillespie with 13 others were sent to the outre - fired upon by the picket guard - they then retreated into camp - (reported) and in a few hours were attacked in front and rear by the British and defeated as he believes in August 1781 This De- clarant and his men joined the Col. Bloodworth at Black river - in the summer of 1781 when by agreement they marched into Duplin County - and this declarant went into Dobbs County over where collected a few men - returned. went in search of the Tories prevented from the embodying + engaged in several small skirmishes until General Rutherford came down from the upper country with an army of men and assisted in driving Major Craig and his army from Wilmington in the latter part of the fall year 1781 - after this he was continually engaged watching and guarding the Tories until a cessation of hostilities - when his sword was returned to the commanding officer This declarant states that he never received nor asked for a written discharge - That he received a commission as cornet signed by Col. Ruma- bout is unable to state what he earned for not having seen the same since the war
That he is known in his neighbourhood to Col. James Hill Sheriff of the County - and Stephen Miller Collector who can testify as to his character for truth - and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution
That there is no Clergy man living in his neigh- bourhood

Ques 1. When and what year were you born answer. I was born in Newhanover County September 25 th 1755 2 Have you any record of your age & if so where is it? Ans. I have, on a piece of paper copied from my Father's family Bible
3. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War & where do you now live?
Ans. In Daplin County, Since the Revolutionary War I've lived in Daplin County & now live there
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; & if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I always volunteered.
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental & militia regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service
Ans. Gen l Moore, Capt John Walker, & Genl  Stanhope , I recollect continental troops under Gen Moore at Rockfish bridge. The militia regiments I recollect were Col Kenan's, Col Richardson's & Col Bladenworth's. The general circumstances of my service are stated in my declaration
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it?
I never rec d any written discharge
6 Did you ever receive a commission; and if so by whom was it signed & what has become of it.
Ans. I rec d a commission as Cornet signed by Col James Kenan, what has become of it I don't know
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood

And who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Answer 1st James Hill Sheriff of Duplin and General Steph Miller Solicitor
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid James Wright I Thomas Wright do hereby certify that the applicant was a soldier in the revolution having been engaged in the revolution in active service Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Thomas Wright
We James H Hill and Steph Miller residing in the county of Duplin hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Wright who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 77 years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid J. H. Hill S. Miller
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the court further certifies that it appears to them that James H Hill and Steph Miller who have signed the same are residents of the county of Duplin and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

I James Peasall Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Wright for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this the 28 th day of November 1832
J Peasall Clerk
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the Co' of Duplin State of North Carolina James Wright who being duly sworn deponeth 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 6 months in 1776 - and 1777 I served as a private - For 6 months in 1780 and 1781 I served as a lieutenant. in the form for such service I claim a pension
James Wright
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 th Jan. 1833
W m Lawson J.P.
James Wright
Declaration
22734
I do hereby certify that the above named James Wright was as he states (and as I verily believe) unable from bodily infirmity to attend the sitting of our Court last term the make the above declaration
W m Lawson J.P.
I James Peasall Clerk of the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that James Lawson before whom the above annexed declaration was taken is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County & due faith I credit is given his official acts In witness whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of office this 26 th June A.D. 1833
J Peasall Clerk

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. James Wright P.F. 9032
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775-1776 3 mos. Pvt. William Dickson James Kenan Richardson Owen N.C.   Fall 1777 3 mos. Pvt. William Dickson James Kenan   Spring 1778 1 year Corral + Quartermaster John Fort light horse   Spring 1780 6 mos. Quartermaster De Glaback Molmady   June 1781 Quartermaster Dickson Kenan Bloodworth   turned all equipment of hostilities  
Battles engaged in, Charmilly with Lord Cornwallis engagement with British Aug. 1781
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Duplin Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, March 1832
Residence at date of application, Duplin Co. N.C.
Age at date of application, born in Duplin Co. Sept 15-1755
Remarks: died Apr. 18, 1846 (from Agency book) place not stated

1908 Aug. 11 Hist. to Earley Wright. (Letter in P.F. H 205-1) S.L.M. 1920 Feb. 17 Hist. to Ethel Conway.
Rev. War
9532 INVALID.
File No. 95-32
James Wright Lieut Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 417
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Record Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Aug. 5 , 1908
Searched by L. D. Lamparter
Original No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant, _____
Soldier, James Wright
Service, W. C. Rev. War
Remarks: No claim, except Invd. #9532
_____ Chief of Division.

Feb. 2 - 1920
Rev. Sec.
Pension Office, Washington D.C.
Dear Sir =
Can you inform me whether James Wright born in 1753 was in the Revolution I think he was from North Carolina Shall appreciate any information
Sincerely Ethel Lowry,
Columbus, Kan.

Feb 5
Uppln. dd. CH. 16.
Jan'y 28
Honorable James J. McKay Astoria
City of Washington
mail }

Department of War Pension Office February 7th 1835
Sir
Upon a re-examination of the papers of Lt. Wright, and the evidence of his alleged service as a Lieut., which is found in the dislocation of John Wright Sen. of Sampson County, I have thought proper to request a return of Mr. Wright's present certificate to this office, preparatory to issuing a new one for an increase of pension. Mr. Wright will also furnish the Department with the affidavit of John Wright Sen., testifying to the six months service claimed by him as a Lieut.
When this is done, a new certificate will be handed you.
I have the honor to be
Your obedt. Servt.
J. S. Edwards
Hon. J. J. McShane Ho. Representative

Payments to be made at Fayetteville — by the Forst d: W. L. Br: Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of North Carolina
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 6 Page 59 by Nath: Rice Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Wright of the State — of North Carolina who was a Private of Infantry & Cavalry in the war of the Revolution — is entitled to receive — Forty five — dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and to be paid semi-annually on the 4th of March, a
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edw.
Commissioner of Pensions.

1 North Carolina Duplin County January Genl. McKay Decr. The 23 rd - 1835
my services in the war of the Revolution are set forth in my declaration and For want of further proof I have been only allowed as a privit whearas I was a lieutenant in the hors under Captain John Fort and served in this capacity al- gether except in the expeditions of the wred ow Moores Creek & Jumping run of three months each the declarati of John Wright of Sampson County of later date Than mine shews as I have since found out that he served in the Big bridge expedition in a Company of horse of which John Fort was Captain and my self James Wright lieutenant I ask of you To bring this evidence of John Wright on file in office before the department which will support my claim as a lieutenant in place of a private The unexceptionable character of John Wright is known to you and no doubt is supported by evidence accompanying his declaration also on file of your attention and advice if necessary To this matter to have my service as lieutenant

Requested is most respectfully solicited very sincerely yours - James Wright

North Carolina 16. 426
James Wright
of Duplin in the State of North Carolina who was a For: In: Co in the commanded by Captain of the Regt  commanded by Col: Ruler in the No. Co. time for 1 year to 6 mo. - Int. 100. 6 - Pr - Int. \frac{20}{120}
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of $5 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Augt. 1832 and Supt. J. Pearsall. Rensselaer. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1830. 90 — Semant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 22.50 Supt. Am. J. J. McKay $ 112.50 House of Reps Elizabeth Town { Revolutionary Claim, } N.C. — { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath: Rice Clerk Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 59
W Hon J. J. McKay requiring return of old certificate Feb. 7 1831

James Wright
admit as private 12 mo $4500 6 mo 2250 6 mo 2250 2. not authorized
See the declaration of J. Wright for of samples 6 for proof of same or less.
J. Pearsall. Renansville N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 13 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The applicant must prove that he received a commission, and state distinctly how many and the duration of each separate term of thirty.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before the county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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, deposeth 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 each 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of North Carolina } This day John Sampson County } Wright Sen d of s d County personally appeared before me John Wright Jr a Justice of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law, that James Wright of Duplin County was a Lieut t in the Cavalry in the war of the revolution, and that he served under Capt t John Fort & said Lieut t James Wright six months at the big Bridge in New Hanover County John Wright Sen d
Sworn & subscribed before me this 20 th February 1835. J t Wright Jr.
State of North Carolina I Thomas P. Henson Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County of Sampson do hereby certify that John Wright Esq r before whom the foregoing affi- davit was taken is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his Official acts.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the County Seal at office this 20 th day of February A d 1835 & 59 Year of American Independence. Thomas P. Henson Clerk