Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5608, for Thomas Jackson, South Carolina

SERVICE
S.6.
Jackson, Thomas
NUMBER
S.5608
Born in England
CONTENTS
carded.

Pennsylvania 1.000
Thomas Jackson 31504
Philadelphia in the State of Penn a
He was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Fagarty of the Reg t commanded
by Col l Scriven in the Sol a
time for 15 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia
at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
commence on the 1th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Aug.
1838 and sent to Philadelphia Penn a
Arrears to the 1th of March 1838 $350.00
Pemi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 25.00
$375.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M c Adam Clerk Book 62 Vol. 5 Page 32

34. 4/8
Thomas Jackson Pennsylvania — L
admitted Pa 15 months, $50.

State of Pennsylvania } City of Philadelphia } ss.
On the twenty third day of May personally appeared in open Court, before the Comt of Common Pleas now sitting, Thomas Jackson , aged seventy five years, eight months, and Twenty days, 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. 1832.1832 That, according to the family register, he was born in Sheffield-Yorkshire-England ; on the 3 day of September 1762 ; and removed, in the sixth year of his age, with his Father to S c Carolina . That on the 16 th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight , being at that time, sixteen years and three days old, he voluntarily and of his own accord, rode to the proper and regular Muster Field of the Regiment of the County of Berckly - Parish of St Thomas and St Dennis in the State of South Carolina , then under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Scriven . Stephen Fogarty being then Captain of the Company of said Parish, and John Gardiner the first Lieutenant; and then and there caused his name to be inscribed on the Muster Roll of said Company. The Regiment being on that day draughted in three divisions; the declarant fell in the first division, which being allowed a short time for preparation and equipment, were marched to a place called Haddrells Point on the east side of the Harbour of Charleston , and from two to three miles distant, where, at the time, were erecting extensive Barracks for Troops; and there performed several tours of duty. Shortly after, several tours in Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island , under the orders of the Gallant, and highly meritorious General Marion . He next, with the same detachment, in the Spring of 1780 , was marched into the City of Charleston , then under the Command of General Lincoln : when three days before the close investment of the City by Sir Henry Clinton , being relieved by the second division of the Regiment we were conveyed up the Cooper River , about six miles above the City, on its eastern side, where we took charge of a small Redoubt, with a nine pounder , and there remained some time; when learning the disaster which befel General Huger at Hawks Corner , and fearing Col. Tarlton , who was much superior in number to us, might surprise and cut us off, we removed to a point on the Wando ; where, I cannot recollect, but shortly after, we were compelled to disperse for the want of supplies; and every man made the best of his way home - and the declarant played hide and seek - shortly after, himself, and I think, nine of his neighbours and acquaintance were taken by a party of Col. Tarlton's Horse, and detained prisoners for about a week, but not having taken us in arms - for we had hid them, we were dismissed under severe threatenings; which, however, were not much regarded by declarant; for, either near the latter end of the year, or early in 1781 , a small band of Patriots, with a view to increase their number, ventured as near the enemy as where I lived, when I immediately equipped, mounted my Horse, and we made a rapid move and joined the American Army then lying on the Santee , which in a few days was crossed; and declarant, then a mounted Militia Man, remained, sharing the dangers, hardships, toils and privations, which, it is well known the Army under the orders of Marion , Simpson and other Gallant Officers of that day had to suffer: General Green being the Commander in Chief of the Southern Army. Yet such was my state of health, having contracted that Summer, a bilious fever incident to that low, flat, and very warm Country, that I was rendered unfit for active, ardent duty: which prevents my enumerating battles &c. that I had been engaged in; although I was very near the ground - at the time - on which several of them were fought, arising to guard the Camp, baggage &c. from which service I never flinched, although, many a two hours I carried my musket with a scorching fever on me. In the Spring of 1782 . when light parties were pushed over the Santee , to its south side, I was pretty generally engaged in a scouting party, until some time in April , or early in the month of May , a party of twenty eight or thirty , being considerably in advance, we found ourselves suddenly in the presence of sixty British Cavalry and about two hundred Infantry ; and myself, after receiving a pretty severe wound by a sword - and six or seven others were taken prisoners,
and

and conducted on board a Prison Ship, then lying in the Harbour of Charleston where I remained about five months, and suffered greatly by affliction, induced by a short allowance of bad provision, and a crowded Ship in extreme warm weather. At the end of which time, through the kind interference of an influential friend, without my knowledge of the fact until I was ordered on shore and marched to head quarters - I received a Parole, from which I was only released by the Treaty of Peace.
Here it may be proper for me to observe, that from the very great sufferings and severe privations, which I endured nearly four years, including my confinement in the Prison Ship, I contracted afflictions from which I have never recovered; especially Rheumatic affections, particularly in the head, together with nervous affections, causing great debility of body, and rendering my memory very treacherous and my recollection of names and circumstances with which I had been once quite familiar very feeble and indistinct. The declarant here begs leave to add, that from the great length of time which has elapsed since the aforementioned services were performed, and the circumstance of his having removed nearly thirty eight years ago from the State of South Carolina to that of Pennsylvania, that it would be next to an impossibility for him to obtain a living evidence of the services and circumstances above related. It will also be seen from the foregoing foregoing statement, that the claimant was a private in the Militia, and, properly, a Volunteer; consequently, had no Commission, and no other discharge than his parole.
And I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present; and declare that my name is not - nor ever has been - on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Com. Richd. Randall
George Am. Thomas Philada County
Thos Jackson
I, Ezekiel Cooper, a Presbyterian of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now Stationed and residing in the City of Philadelphia; do hereby certify; that in the year 1792, I was Stationed in Charleston S.C. as the Minister in Pastoral Charge of the Methodist E. Church in that City, during which time, I was acquainted with the above named Thomas Jackson, who was then a respectable Citizen of that place, and a worthy and useful member of the M.E. Church; and I am persuaded that he would, at that time, have procured living witnesses to the facts stated in the foregoing relation of his services in the revolutionary war. When he, the said Thomas Jackson removed from Charleston to Philadelphia, my acquaintance with him was renewed, or rather, continued; - and we have ever since to the present time been considerably intimate, as social and religious friends: he has served the Church in various relations in this City, as a member, a pastor, a leader, Secretary &c. with fidelity and acceptance, to the best of my knowledge and belief. And I am satisfied and fully persuaded, from my knowledge of his veracity and conscientious rectitude, that his statements are entitled to full credit and belief. From what I have always understood of his age, he is, I believe 75 years of age, and a few months over; there being only a few months difference in his age and my own.
Ezekiel Cooper
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. In open Court May 23. 1858
Richd. Randall Judge &c.
I, Edmund J. Yard, residing in the City of Philadelphia, hereby certify, that I am now, and have been for more than twenty years past, well acquainted with the above named Thomas Jackson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that I believe him to be seventy five years and about eight months old; that from his character as a citizen, a man of veracity and a Christian, I have full confidence in the truth of the foregoing declaration made by him; having, on several occasions, heard him state some of the incidents above described. And that he is reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
In open Court May 23. 1858
Richd. Randall
Edmund J. Yard
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
named

named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Reverend Ezekiel Cooper, the Minister who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the City of Philadelphia: and that Edmund J. Yard who has signed the certificate immediately following that signed by the said Minister, is a resident in the said City of Philadelphia, and is not only a credible person but an estimable citizen, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Richd. Gassall,
I, Robert Morris — Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Thomas Jackson for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Robt Morris Prothonotary

Revised
5608
INVALID.
am
File No. 5608
Thomas Jackson Pr. Rev. W. S.
Act: June 3rd 1882
Index:—Vol. M , Page 190
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Personally appeared before me One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas Thomas Jackson, 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 two terms of one month each, at Hadelbells Point. For four terms of one month each at Fort Moultrie. For one term of one month (or 30 days) in the City of Charleston: For one term of one month, on the Cooper and Wando Rivers, as a private Militia man on foot: For one year and two months on the north side of Santee, and for two months on the south side of the Santee, as a private-mounted Militia man-a Volunteer: when he was taken prisoner, and remained in a British Prison Ship five months: all which parts of service was performed with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority: and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. And for such service he claims a Pension.
Sworn & subscribed before me This second day of August 1838 in Court of Com Pleas
Richd. F. Randall Judge Com Pleas.
Thos. Jackson
I, Robert Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Thomas Jackson for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 2 nd
day of August 1838.
Robert Morris Prothon. per Jos. S. Severy

Thomas Jackson Pennsylvanian
Suspended
See letter of June 1832 to applicant
C to W. E. Mayne.
let to appl ts 21 July 1838
do 26 July '38
do 4 Aug t 1838
do 9 Aug t 1838
see files within society.
for amends declaration

Inat June 27. Mtyk. mail.
J. L. Edwards Esq. War Department Washington City D. Columbia

Inat June 27. Mortyl: mar.
J. L. Edwards Esq. War Department Washington City D r Columbia

Indent Book (G No 236)
Issued 10 th June 1784 to Mr Thomas Jackson for Two pounds, five Shillings Sterling and Sixpence . for thirty seven days Militia duty as per Account Audited £2: 5: 0
Comptroller Genl. Office
Columbia 18 th June 1838
I do hereby Certify that the above is a Correct Copy of the Memorandum recorded in the Margin of Indent Book G deposited in this Office
W m E d Hayne
Comp. Genl.
per D. Nash Clerk

Philad a
Aug t 1838
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 26 th Ultimo, was duly received, and your very polite and kind attention to my little concern demands my sincere acknowledgements which, I now respectfully tender. The extreme warm weather aiding my infirmities has so compleatly prostrated me, that I have not been able to answer it, satisfactorily - at an earlier day. You will, no doubt, my dear Sir, observe a considerable discrepancy between my declaration and its amendment: when in the former paper I wrote "nearly four years", my mind must have been deeply impressed by a sense of the sufferings I then endured, which caused me, simply, to count from the time of my joining the Regiment, to the time of my release from the Prison Ship. I certainly did not mean to do, or say, any thing that was incorrect.
However, when I determined to make out the enclosed amendment; which, I respectfully request you to accept as such: I thought it best to be under the mark rather than to exceed it. I am nevertheless, inclined to think that two terms of one month each, might have been added in the earlier part of my service, and two, if not three months to the sixteen on, and near the Santee; but my recollection of them being so indistinct, I determined to omit them.
A large part of my time, while at home, was of a dangerous character, owing to my vicinity to the enemy, and the incursions of Tories, of which we had some in that part of our Country; so that, as soon as night approached, I rolled up a blanket under my arm and slipped away unseen from the house, sometimes in one direction, and sometimes in another and laid myself down to sleep in the woods &c. The Plantation on which I lived, and, which became mine soon after the Peace, was plundered eleven different times; of, either Cows or Horses, about 60 head of cattle, a small flock of Sheep, a number of Hogs, Poultry of all kind, in large quantity; Grain, fodder &c, wearing apparel &c. The eleventh time, when the great sweep was made, I was at home on Parole, but dared not speak, my next neighbour, raised, and living about half a mile from me, was their guide. I will just add, that during my last year of service and imprisonment, I saw my home once, and that was when the British marched me along the road leading by it to the Prison Ship.
I am

I am much pleased to learn that M c E. Hayne Esq r has certifyed to an "Indent" which had been issued in my favour; I have not the smallest recollection of it, but presume that it must have been issued for payment of the Term of service performed in the City of Charleston which was 37 days, owing to the want of punctuality in the second division of the Regiment.
Pardon me, my dear Sir, for taxing your patience so heavily; and, if needful, be pleased again to instruct me and thereby add another act of kindness to your already
greatly obliged and with much respect and esteem very Hble Serv t
Tho s Jackson
J. L. Edwards Esq r } Comm ee of Pensions. }

July 26 pm
Rec
J. L. Edwards Esquire Pension Office Washington D.C.

Phila 1 st 24 July 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq ~
My dear Sir
Your favour of the 25 th Inst t was duly received, for which be pleased to receive my warm acknowledgements. I regret that yours of the 9 th ultimo did not reach me, but thank you for your kindness in sending me a copy of it. But Sir, I feel myself constrained to say, not having any written memoranda on the subject — that from my advanced age, and more especially, from very severe Rheumatic as well as nervous affections in the head — (my friends and my Physician having a number of times stood around my bed expecting to see me expire under the violent paroxysms of pain) — through the course of the last fifty years — my memory, and my recollection of circumstances has become so impaired, that it is now an utter impossibility for me to comply with the printed regulations of the Department, that is, to state the number and duration of the terms which I served, or the precise times when they were performed. I came as near the point as I could in my declaration, under the solemn responsibility which I was about to lay on myself under the oath I was about to take in the case. Permit me, my dear Sir, to refer you to my declaration. And then, to my communication of the 19 th Inst t for my reasons for making my application. My "reasons for not making an earlier application" are simply the following — In the first place, I was ignorant of the fact that Congress had passed the Act on which my application is founded until a friend gave me the information, which he obtained in your Office from yourself about five weeks prior to the date of my paper; if I had seen the Act, it had entirely escaped my attention — or my recollection. In the second place, after obtaining the information and reflecting a while on the subject, I was led to fear that I could not succeed for the want of direct and positive proof: however, the hope indulged from studying your regulations, together with my circumstances, and the advice of two or three friends, led me to proceed as I did. And, from a conscientious sense of rectitude, and the remembrance of the Certificates attached to my declaration being so favourable, and the knowledge — by information — of your disposition to do that that is right and just; and yet more especially, the multiplied proofs of the goodness and love of "The Father of mercies" which have crowded and crowned my life hitherto, I cannot yet do otherwise than hope for a favourable result.
As to what M c Hayne may be able to do in the case, I cannot even conjecture; but shall wait with patience until you, my good Sir, shall be pleased again to address me, hoping the time may not be far distant.
With much respect & esteem yours &c. Thos s Jackson

May 25
Penn a
The Jackass
Oct 1832
Wm
Department of War
Pension Office
Washington D.C.

Philad a 23 May 1838-
Sir The enclosed paper is respectfully commended to your kind care and special attention, humbly trusting that it will meet your full and decided concurrence and cordial approbation. And, that as early as may suit your convenience, you will do me the favour to communicate such information as may be necessary to guide me correctly in the case. Your compliance with my request will greatly oblige
Sir, very respectfully Your Ob t Serv t Thos. Jackson Wardens Office Philadelphia
The presiding Officer of the Pension Office }
P.S. Please excuse the address - as after a number of enquiries, I could not obtain your name

Ameg Jan 26 N.Y.C.
[Handwritten signature]
Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Philad a 7 June 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq 2
Sir
On the 24 th ult. I inclosed to you my claim to a Pension, founded on the Act of 7 th of June 1832; drawn up, as near as I could do it, in conformity with your printed directions, and executed before Judge Randall of the court of common pleas of this City. Not having received any acknowledgement of the receipt, by you, of said paper; I feel anxious to learn whether it came safe to hand or not, and hereby respectfully request the favour of you to indulge me with information as soon as may suit your convenience.
Permit me Sir, to trespass so far on your patience as to express the hope that it was duly received, and with that kind attention and approbation which I fondly hoped it would. Allow me my dear Sir to add my conviction, that a second perusal of the statement - if that should be necessary - and a few moments reflection on the subject would be sufficient to induce the belief that nothing less than pure patriotism could have induced one so young as I then was, to brave such dangers and privations, besides the entire loss of health induced by those sufferings, causing me, consequently, to suffer in pecuniary matters.
Very Respectfully
Sir, your Ob t Servant
Thos. Jackson
Wardens Office Philadelphia

Aug 13.
fin. L. pa-
Edwards Esquire
Commis n - Pensions
Washington D.C.

Philad a 11 Aug t 1838
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 7 th Inst t I sit down to acknowledge, with grateful feelings for your very kind attention to my Claim. I certainly was under the impression that my long continued term of service was performed under the authority of the State: but I do not contend: those times were troublous times; and I cannot forbear to claim that I was a Patriot: and it is, I think, quite probable, that I did not closely scrutinize the matter at the time.
Be pleased Sir, when it may suit your convenience, to take the necessary steps to put me in possession of that that "may be allowed on the testimony exhibited" &c. and you will much oblige
Sir, very respectfully Your Mo. Ob t Serv t
Thos. Jackson
Wardens Office Philad a
J. L. Edwards Esq r } Comm ee of Pensions. }

John T. Jackson and July 21. 1838
Washington
Commissioner of Pensions
Mr. Edwards
for at pic
July 21
John

Philad a 19 July 1838
Sir
Permit me again to call your attention to my application of the 24 th of May last for a Pension, under the Act of 7 th June 1832, and my respectful request under date of 7 th June for information as to whether the document had been received. Not having as yet been favoured with a line from you - and being a perfect stranger; I have been induced to observe, that if the two Gentlemen whose certificates are attached to my claim - and they are very extensively and very favourably known in this City; and the Rev d Gentleman long and well known in Washington, George Town, Alexandria &c. &c. - If they should be deemed insufficient, I can refer you to Paul Beck Jr m Esq r ; Charles Massey Jr m Esq r (of the firm of Eyrle & Massey) to Samuel Bolans Esq r ; Joseph R. Jenkins Esq r ; Isaac M c Norris, Thomas R. Cope and Sons, Matthew C. Ralston and Brothers, and other Gentlemen of high respectability in this City with whom I have had the honor of a personal acquaintance for a number of years past.
It is possible that M c Gilpin, the Solicitor of the Treasury, may recollect me, as some ten or twelve years ago, when he did business at N o 99 Walnut Street, I had occasion to call on him some ten or a dozen times.
Suffer me Sir, to tax your patience a few moments longer just to say, that through the good sense of an alwise, over ruling Providence, I am happy to say, that I am not a pauper, nor do I present my claim merely because the Act of Congress has put it into my power to do so: - but Sir, my too credulous Temper and disposition, had, a number of years ago, reduced me to the necessity of supporting my family on a meager salary as a Clerk: my age and deep afflictions not admitting me to engage in more active business: so that, as my Country, although at so late a day, has made the provision - and, I humbly claim to think, I have at the time that did indeed try mens souls - so well earned it, and now feel that it would somewhat increase my few comforts, I again solicit your kind and favourable attention to the subject.
And remain, very respectfully
Your Ob t Serv t
Thos n Jackson
Warrens Office
Philad a
J. L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions.

Aug 9.
[Large decorative flourish or signature]
Rev. Mr. [?]
pa_
L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Philad a 7 th Aug t 1835
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 4 th Inst t was duly received, be pleased to accept my thanks for your prompt and very kind attention to my communication. I regret making use of the term "Volunteer" because of the trouble it has given you - and, ultimately, although I humbly trust that it will not prove so; the loss which it may occasion me; however, an explanation, I presume, is always admissible, and, in this case, I hope, will prove available: the term "Volunteer" I trust will be considered a misnomer, or, more properly, in the relation in which it stands in my amended declaration, an improper word to convey the sense intended: I used it simply, because, at that early age, I went, altogether unconstrained, and caused my name to be inscribed on the Muster Roll of the Regiment; I used the word in the amendment to my declaration, because, if I had been so disposed, I might have avoided that "small band of Patriots" with which I so promptly went to my sixteen months continuous tour on the Santee. Those "Patriots" Sir, were members of the Regiment to which I belonged, led by one of their Officers, and were considered in actual service, called thereto by competent authority. I cannot forbear Sir, to say, that when I read your direct assertion that "The Militia" of South Carolina "did not perform continuous service, for so long a term" I felt startled; having asserted the contrary under the solemn sanction of an oath; to which I beg leave now to add, that I was not at liberty to leave the Army at my pleasure, my services, and those of my friends and fellow members of the Regiment were too valuable and too much needed at that time, for the Officers in command to permit such a course. True - I might have deserted - I might have become Traitor to my Country - but Sir, my soul abhorred the thought, and now rejoices that it then did so. It is well known that the State of South Carolina, especially all the lower parts of the State, were, from the time of their taking of the Capitol to their leaving it, overrun by the British, and subject to their control, which, in fact, left no choice to the real friends of their Country. But my dear Sir, suppose that I was, in the proper sense of the word, a volunteer, would not my services, at such an eventful period, have been entitled to remuneration. Am I not entitled to have the term of my imprisonment taken into the account of my services. And, permit me also to enquire, am I not entitled to the Pension from the time of the passage of the Act, it was only, as before stated, my ignorance of the fact of the passage of the Act, that kept me from applying at that time, and, had I then applied, no doubt I should have obtained it.
Be pleased to dash your pen across the word volunteer , as it was used only in the sense above

above named, the paper will be quite as proper, and as valid without it as with it, and excuse the promptness and energy of an old Soldier; I pledge you my word as a christian, no offence whatever is intended —
With great respect Yours to Comm e Thos. Jackson
J. L. Edwards Esq r } Comm e of Pensions. }