Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 44, for Thomas Hunton, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va Sea Service
Hunton, Thomas
R. 44
Va Half-Pay
CONTENTS

copy of the -
Evidence in sup- port of the claim of Thomas Hutton, to half-pay, as a Lieut: in the Virg: State Navy - And in pursuance of which evidence, the bounty Land was allowed by the Virginia Executive to the heirs of the Th: Hutton -

To the Governor of Virginia.
Your petitioners (the heirs and legal representatives of Thomas Hunton dec d late of the County of Middlesex and formerly of Lancaster respectfully state.
That the said Hunton as your petitioners have been informed and verily believe entered the service of the State and belonged to her navy during the war of the revolution and at a very early period.
The children and grandchildren of the s d Hunton have no personal knowledge of the continued services of their dec d father but have been under the full impression that their ancestor was in the Navy of Virginia in and during the revolutionary war. They are strengthened in their belief of the fact from the circumstance of some few of the family having a personal knowledge of the service itself performed by the s d Hunton but how long the service continued they are unable to say; - the circumstance of Tho s Hunton being in the service in various grades and rank, is believed by each member of his family, - His services in his lifetime have been spoken of by himself and has been a matter of tradition from the oldest to the youngest members of his family.
The services of Thomas Hunton could a few years ago have been abundantly proven by an officer who was with him in service (as your petitioners have been informed & have good reason to believe) but unexpectedly and just before application was made for the testimony of a valued and highly respectable citizen, he did had the testimony above alluded to been obtained, it would doubtless have been complete in all its parts and coming from so respectable a source more would hardly have been required.
The testimony above alluded to, is referred to in the afft of Mess rs W. Little and Gallagher herewith filed marked A.
The affidavit of David Henderson who was a midshipman in the navy is filed which proves that the said Hunton was a seaman in the navy and marked B.
The afft. of Thomas Newton Lawson of the County of Lancaster is also filed with this petition as a part of the testimony accompanying it - which will show that the s d Hunton was promoted to a midshipman - Marked C.
Other testimony proving service and to a higher grade (Lieutenant) is also filed. Marked D.
All of which is most respectfully submitted to his Excellency and the proportion of land bounty allowed a lieutenant of the navy is respectfully solicited and in duty bound will ever pray.
Susan Hunton.

State of Virginia } North o County } to wit:
This day personally come before me Mrs Susan Hunton subscriber to the foregoing petition and made oath that she is interested in the foregoing application in behalf of herself as well as her children.
That the other parties who are likewise interested are residents of said County but are occasionally absent - and that she believes the foregoing petition sets forth the facts of service of Tho s Hunton dec d to the best of her knowledge and belief.
Given under my hand this 18 th day of August 1835
Rawleigh D. Carter J.P.
I William Little of the County of Jefferson and state of Virginia do hereby certify that Nathaniel Craighill late of the County aforesaid did state in my presence a short time previous to his death (which took place in September last) that he was well acquainted with Lieut. Thomas Hunton in the early part of his life, that he commanded on board of one of the state vessels of the navy of Virginia during the war of the revolution and that he continued in that service for three years and upwards.
Given under my hand and seal this 23 rd day of July 1832
W. Little
Virginia. Jefferson County to wit:
I John S. Gallagher a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that William Little affiant aforesaid did sign and make oath to the foregoing affidavit before me according to law.
Given under my hand this 23 rd day of July 1832.
Jn. S. Gallagher.
I David Henderson of the town of Fredericksburg do state upon oath to the best of my knowledge and belief that Thomas Hunton entered in the service of Virginia at an early period of the War of the Revolution, he was a Seaman on board of the ship Oregon, as it will fully appear from the book which I kept whilst I was on board the ship whilst under the command of Capt. Calendor - It would appear as if the said Hunton entered on board that vessel in

1777 and is charged with having rec d several articles between 15 th April and 26 th Sept r . inclusive amounting in value to £17. 8. —
I further certify that the said Hunton was from the Northern neck of Virginia—perhaps Lancaster— Given under my hand this 1 st March 1834.
David Henderson
Cop. of Affid y . to wit:
This day David Henderson of said Cop: personally appeared before me and made oath to the facts set forth in the above certificate to the best of knowledge & belief. Given under my hand this 6 th day of March 1834.
M a A. Wallace
The affidavit of Thomas N. Lawson of Lancaster County state of Virginia aged 70 years and upwards being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith— That he was personally acquainted with Thomas Hunton dec d who was born and raised in said County but several years after he had attained the age of manhood moved to the County of Middlesex in said State where he the said Hunton resided until his death— This affiant further states that the said Hunton was raised within a few miles of where he lived. That he entered in the Naval service in the war of the Revolution and was promoted to the rank of Midshipman in the Navy at a very early period of the war.
This affiant saw him in service on board the Page Gally as well as he recollects and knows that said Hunton was then regarded as a Midshipman in the Navy; he was under Capt. Markham of the Virginia State Navy and to the best of this affiant's belief it was in the early part of the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven (1777) In 1778 this affiant left the Country and therefore speaks with a degree of certainty in saying that it was in '77 that he saw and conversed with sd. Thomas Hunton whilst on board the gally as foreseen in the foregoing part of this aff t . This affiant left the Country soon after he saw sd. Hunton and consequently cannot say positively how long the said Hunton was in actual service, but from his known acquaintance with Capt. Markham it is very probable he was sometime— He was a

meritorious young officer and never cashiered or dismissed the service, that he ever heard of and believe that no such imputation was ever made or thought of by any persons who were acquainted with the said Hutton. He was a man of gentlemanly deportment, pure honesty and strict integrity whose character was unimpeached and unimpeachable. And further this affiant saith not
Thomas N. Lawson
Lancaster County State of Virginia.
This day personally came before me Thomas N. Lawson of said County and signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the facts therein stated to the best of his knowledge and belief. The s d Lawson is to my knowledge a worthy and respectable citizen whose statement is entitled to much respect and should have its full weight and credit - Given under my hand in said County as a justice of peace of the same duly qualified and commissioned to take acknowledgments &c. March 13 th 1835. John Hunt J. P.
Report on the claim of the heirs of Thomas Hutton - Lieutenant in the State Navy for bounty land for his services.
To the Governor
Sir:
The facts which have been proved by the claimants, by the testimony of living witnesses, are as follows - William Little has stated that he heard Nathaniel Craighell, say, a short time before his death, (which took place in September last) that he was well acquainted with Lieut. Thomas Hutton, in the early part of his life; that he commanded one of the State vessels, of the Navy of Virginia, during the war of the revolution, and that he remained in that service for 3 years and upwards (see the affidavit Wm Little)
David Henderson Midshipman & clerk of the ship Dragon, has stated - that Thomas Hutton entered the service of Virginia, early in the war, (sometime in 1777) on board the Dragon, whilst she was under the command of Captain Callender - that he the said Hutton was a

seaman - and was charged with sundry articles furnished to him between April 15 and September 26 of that year (1777) amounting to £17.8. and that he was from the Northern Neck of Virginia (see David Henderson's afft)
Thomas A. Lawson has stated that the said Hunton was raised in a few miles of the place where the witness lived - that he entered service in the navy, & was promoted midshipman, at an early period of the war - The witness saw him in service on board the Page galley, (as well as he recollects and knows that he was there regarded as a midshipman in the navy - That he was under Capt. Markham, and the witness thinks it was in 1777 - The witness left the Country in the year 1778, and does not say positively, how long the said Hunton was in actual service, that he never was cashiered or dismissed the service &c. (see the affidavit of Thomas A. Lawson)
It appears from the navy journal, page 170 & 201, that sundry orders were made respecting Thomas Hunton - amongst others, that money was advanced to him for the purpose of recruiting for the navy - and that a letter was written to him by the navy Board - p. 187 of the journal. These entries in the navy journal extend from Feby 4 to April 2nd. 1777. I have not seen any other entry in any of the navy journals respecting the said Hunton.
I have in my possession a copy of "a list of officers & seamen of the state Navy, belonging to the ship Dragon - Capt. Eleazer Callender" - taken from the books of that vessel, but not certified by D. Henderson, who has these books, in his possession. This list is believed to be correct. The name of Thomas Hunton, a seaman appears on it, with the following remarks, attached to it - viz: - "enlisted June 5. 1777 - (by which was meant, I presume, the time of his going on board the Dragon) - September 1. 1777 - discharged".
The name of Thomas Hunter , a seaman of the state Navy, appears on the army register of the state line - It is possible, that Thomas Hunton was here meant.
Neither Thomas Hunter , Nor Thomas Hunton , has recd bounty land, as a seaman &c.
None of the records, or documents, of the navy, contain (so far as I know) any information or proof of the service of Thomas Hunton as Midshipman , or Lieutenant in the Navy .
The above is a full statement of all the facts, which

have come to my knowledge, touching this Claim.
Respectfully Submitted
John A. Smith Comr. &c.
August 25. 1845.
Executive Department.
Richmond Va. December 11 th 1850.
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true Copies of papers on file in the Department.
Wm H. Richardson Secy. Comr.
Dear Sir.
In the report of Comr. Smith to the Governor. says. It appears from the Navy journal pages 170 & 201 that sundry orders were made respecting Thos. Hunton - amongst others that money was advanced to him for the purpose of recruiting for the Navy and that a letter was written to him by the Navy board page 187 of the Journal. These entries extended from Feby 4 th to Apr. 2 nd 1777 Now I should like to know if a seaman or a common soldier could recruit I would suppose none but an officer could perform that business further it says the name of Thos. Hunter a seaman of the State Navy appears on the Army register of the State line it says it is probable that Thomas Hunton is here meant. and I think so too for I have had my name written Hunter very often and now at this time the little paper published in Richmond by A. K. Ellis called the Commision came to me all last year. And until 15 th of Jany. last with my name written Thomas A. Hunter and if you will take the trouble to go to the office of the Commision you will there find it as I have said you can mention that to the Governor. if you think it will be of any service if you can learn whether there are other records where any thing could be obtained that would cast any light on the Claim you will please try and search it out. in haste your friend Tho. A. Hunton N.B. if the power I have sent is not sufficient you must let me know.

State of Virginia Lancaster County
This 6 th day of February 1857 before me Elias B. Edmonds a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rhoda Kenner who being first duly sworn according to law doth state that he lived in the same neighbourhood with Thomas Hunton who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, du- ring the war of the Revolution and that he was personally acquainted with said Hunton and saw him often while in service and that he always had on the uniform of an officer and wore the sword and knows to his certain knowledge that he entered service in the Navy at the commencement of the said war of the Revolution and served to the end of the same he also further states that he saw the said Hunton at the time peace was proclaimed and that he had on the uniform of an officer and wore the sword this was on the occasion of a Barbecue where a good many officers and soldiers had met to congratulate each other that peace was again restored to the Country after a long and toilsome war.
Rhoda his Kenner mark
State of Virginia Lancaster County
I certify that Rhoda Kenner who signed the above deposition is respectable and worthy of Credit. Given under my hand this 6 th day of February 1857-
EB Edmonds J.P.
Virginia:
Lancaster County Set.
I Robert T. Dunaway Clerk of the County of the County Court of Lancaster, do hereby certify that Elias B. Edmonds whose name appears to the annexed Certificate was at the time of the signing thereof, and now is, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lancaster duly Commissioned and qualified according to the Laws of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such-
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court this

8 th day of February. A.D. 1857 and in the 75 th year of our foundation— R. T. Dunaway.
State of Virginia Westmoreland County to wit.
This day came before me S. B. Atwell a justice of the peace for said County William W. Brown, who first being duly sworn according to law doth state that he heard Capt. Mark Towell late of Lancaster County, and state of Virginia, say that he knew Thomas Hunton, who was an officer in the Navy of the revolutionary war, and that the said Towell knew that the said Hunton served in the said war.
Given under my hand and seal this 8 th January 1857. W. W. Brown {Seal}
State of Virginia Westmoreland County.
I certify that William W. Brown who signed the above deposition, is a man of strict moral character and truth, and is also a justice of the peace of s d County.
Given under my hand and seal this 8 th Jany. 1857.
S. B. Atwell J. P. {Seal}
State of Virginia.
Westmoreland County to wit.
I Warren Hutt Clerk pro tempore of the County Court in and for the County and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel B. Atwell whose genuine signature appears within, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and state duly qualified & Commissioned: and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a court of record having general jurisdiction. Given under

my hand and seal of office this 8 th day of January 1851. in the 75 th of the Commonwealth.
J. Warrin, Hutt. Clk. P. tem
State of Virginia Lancaster County
This 22 nd day of October 1850 before me Richard B. Mitchell a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Thomas Jackson who being first duly sworn according to law doth state that he is 94 years of age and that he served in the Revolutionary war and that he personally knew Thomas Hunton, a Lieutenant in the Navy in the fleet commanded by Capt. Markham and believed he served to the end of the war. And further this deponent saith not.
Witness Thos J. Efford
Thomas Jackson made
State of Virginia Lancaster County
I certify that Thomas Jackson who signed the above deposition is respectable and worthy of credit. Given under my hand this 22 nd Oct. 1850.
Rich d B. Mitchell J.P.
Virginia
Lancaster County Set.
J. R. T. Dunaway Clerk of the County Court of Lancaster do hereby certify that Richard B. Mitchell whose name appears to the annexed Certificate was, at the time of signing thereof, and now is, a Justice of the Peace in, and for the County of Lancaster duly Commissioned and

qualified according to the Laws of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court, this 6 th day of November A. D. 1850 and in the 75 th year of our foundation.
Robt. Dunaway
The deposition of Amos Nicklin taken this 16 th day of September 1850 in the case of the heirs of Thos. Hunton a Lieutenant in the Navy during the war of the Revolution —
This deponent being first duly sworn deposeth and saith by way of question and answer.
Question 1 st Did you know Thomas Hunton.
answ. Yes I knew him well
Question 2 nd Was he an officer in the revolutionary war?
To the best of my recollection he was an officer; I have seen him with the uniform of an officer and also seen him wear the sword, from which I concluded that he was an officer, knowing that none but officers wore uniforms and swords.
Question 3 rd Do you know what rank he held in the Navy? ans. I do not positively, but was told and believe that he was a Lieutenant —
Question 4 th Do you know on board what vessel he served, and who was his Commanding Officer?
ans. I now cannot recollect but knew perfectly well at the time of his service —
Question 5 th Do you know how long he served?
ans. To the best of my knowledge he served until the close of the war —

Question 6 th Do you know where and when he died and who are his heirs?
Ans. I have been told that he died about the year 1792 in the County of Middlesex leaving Polly B. Hinton, who intermarried with John Gibson and who is since dead leaving one child Albert Gibson her only heir at law - Frances Hinton who intermarried with James Brent, she has died leaving two children William Brent and Elizabeth Brent who has now married with William Porter who are the only heirs at law - Judith M. Hinton who died unmarried and without issue - Elizabeth W. who intermarried with M c Carty of the County of Richmond and State of Va. She is since dead and left one child John M c Carty, he is also dead leaving no issue. Tho s G. Hinton he married and is now dead leaving, Susan who died unmarried & without issue. Jane A. who intermarried with W m W. Brown she is since dead leaving four children, Susan Jane, Ann Frances, Harriett Lee & Judith Elizabeth her only heirs at law - & Thomas H. Hinton, these are the only heirs at law of the said Tho s . Hinton, who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy.
Amos his Nicklen mark
Lancaster County to wit:
This is to certify that the above deponent Amos Nicklen is a man of truth & good moral character - Given under my hand and seal this 10 th day of September 1850.
B. Waddey J.P.
Virginia;
Lancaster County Sct.
A. R. G. Dunaway Clerk of the County Court of Lancaster, do hereby certify that Benjamin Waddey, whose name appears to the annexed Certificate, was at the time of signing thereof, and now is, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lancaster, duly Commissioned, and qualified according to the laws of this Commonwealth, and that

full faith are due, and ought to be given to all his official acts as such In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County Court this 6 th day of November A. D. 1850 and in the 75 th year of our foun- dation-
Robt. Dunaway
Lancaster County Court January 20 th 1851.
It is Ordered to be Certified that Thomas Hunton who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, during the war of the Revolution, departed this life on the 17 th day of August 1792.
A Copy Attest - Robt. Dunaway
In Middlesex County Court September 23 rd 1850.
On the motion of Thomas H. Hunton he is permitted to qualify as the administrator de bonis non on the estate of Thomas Hunton left unadministered by the the former administrator bond executed in the with penalty of Twelve Thousand Dollars with Joel Walker and Sam- uel Gresham securities, acknowledged and ordered to be recorded, oath administered &c.
A Copy Teste
Robert N. Price Clerk.
Thomas H. Hunton of the County of Northumberland State of Virginia and administrator on the Estate Thomas Hunton late of the County of Middlesex Va. do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph F. Harvey of the Senate of Virginia to lay the claim of the heirs of Thomas Hun- ton who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the war of the Revolution before the Governor of Virginia for reconsideration. Given under my hand this 13 th day of February 1851. Thomas H. Hunton Adm: of Thomas Hunton dec d .
Executive Department, Richmond V a . Aug t 27. 1857.
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of papers on file in this Department.
W. H. Richardson Secy Com

From the family Record of Thomas Hunter dec d who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution it appears to our satisfaction that in the said Thomas Hunter departed this life the 17 th day of August 1792
W. B. Armstrong Wm. V. Murchit
I hereby certify as P. Master at Kilmarock San Cera E B Edmonds and Wm V. Murchit known by me to be Creditable Men given under my hand and seal this October 29 th 1857.
Thos. W. Murchit P.M. Kilmarock San Cera

No 411
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871.
WAR OF 1812.
3167
Thomas Hunton Lt. Col.
VA NAVY REVOLUTION
Discharged _____, 18_____
4067
W.P. Pay _____ act '82
Received _____, 187_____
Attorney.
114

Affidavit of Susan Henton -

This day came before me United States Post Master at Kilmarrook Lancaster County Va Mrs Susan Hunton who to my know- ledge is a respectable and credible Lady and made Oath in due form that A. M. Green dec d late of the State of Texas and formerly of the County of Northumber- land Virginia stated to her in his life time and while residing in the sd County of Northumberland Va that he was personally acquainted with Nathaniel Bragle dec d of the County of Jefferson who stated to him in his life time that he was well acquainted at the time with Thomas Hunton whose Administrator Thomas H. Hunton now is; and that he Bragle knew of his own knowledge that the said Thomas Hunton served as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution; and that he continued to serve, as such, to the end of that War. Given under my hand at Kilmarrook Post Office in the County of Lancaster Va This 10 th day of December 1851
Thomas M. Mitchell Post Master Kilmarrook
Northumberland Co Va
Lancaster Co Va
I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Mr A. M. Green for many years and always found him to be a gentleman of the strictest truth and good moral character and would have taken his word in any case as soon as any other persons in this Country and I further cer- tify that I have heard him say that from all he could learn he believed the claim of Lt Thos. Hunton to be a just one given under my hand this This 11 th day of Decr 1851- Rowleigh D. Carter J.P.

Brief
Thomas Henton (Lt State Navy)

Brief - Thomas Hunton Lt Navy
The evidence filed in this case consists mainly of that upon which land bounty was allowed by Virginia - to wit:
1. Wm Little testifies that Nathaniel Craighill stated in his presence that he (Craighill) knew well in the early part of his life Thomas Hunton who commanded on board of one of the State vessels or the Navy in the revolutionary war for 3 years & upwards. The name of the vessel is not stated nor the rank which Hunton held. 2. David Henderson testifies that Thomas Hunton was a seaman on board the ship Dragon in the year 1777, as appears from a book then in his possession which he kept while on board that vessel & that Hunton is charged on the book as having received several articles between the 15 th April and 26 th September of that year. 3. Thomas M Lawson testifies that Hunton entered into the naval service of the State & was promoted to the rank of Midshipman at an early period of the war. The affiant states with confidence that he saw Hunton in service on board the Page Galley in the early part of the year 1777 & that he was then regarded as a Midshipman. He is not able to state how long Hunton was in actual service.
3 This testimony & that of Henderson is directly conflicting.
4. Comr Smith reports upon the foregoing evidence & goes on to state that in the Navy Journal there are sundry entries extending from 14 th Feb to 2 April 1777 in relation to Thomas Hunton, some of which show that money was advanced to him for recruiting purposes. He further states that he has a copy of "a list of Officers & seamen of the State Navy belonging to the ship Dragon - Capt Eleazer Callender" Taken from the books of that vessel then in the possession of D Henderson, upon which appears the following entry - "enlisted June 5 1777, September 1 1777 discharged". Comr Smith also states that upon the army register appears the name of Thomas Hunter , a seaman

in the State Navy. He thinks it possible that Thomas Hinton was meant. He further states that none of the records of the navy contain any proof of the service of Thomas Hinton as Midshipman or Lieutenant in the Navy.
The following testimony was filed to sustain the application for land bounty since Com d Smith made his report.
5. Rhoda Kenner testifies that in Feb 1851 that he knew Thomas Hinton who was a Lieutenant in the State Navy during the revolutionary war & that he knows that Hinton entered the service at the commencement of the war and served to the end of the same. He further states that he saw Hinton when peace was proclaimed & he then wore the sword and uniform of an officer.
6. Com d M c Brown testifies in Jan 1851 that he heard Capt Mark Towell say that he knew Thomas Hinton who was an officer of the Navy in the revolutionary war and knew that he served in said war.
7. Thomas Jackson aged 94 testifies in Octo 1850 that he served in the revolutionary war & that he knew Thomas Hinton a Lieutenant in the Navy in the fleet commanded by Capt Markham and believes that he served to the end of the war.
8. Amos Nicken testifies in September 1850 that he knew Thomas Hinton who according to the best of his recollection was an officer in the revolutionary war - that he wore the uniform sword of an officer from which he concluded he was an officer - he could not say positively but was told & believes that he was a Lieutenant during the close of the war - did not recollect the name of his commanding officer or the vessel upon which he served.
The foregoing is the evidence established upon which bounty land was allowed Thomas Hinton's heirs.
In addition there is filed a deposition of Mrs Ruana Hinton who testifies that A M Green dec d stated to her that Thomas Hunter , a seaman

during his life time that he was acquainted with Nathaniel Cragle dec d who stated to him in his life time that he was well acquainted with Thomas Hutton & that he Cragle knew of his own knowledge that Hutton served as a Lieutenant in the Pa Navy in the war of the revolution & continued to serve to the end of the war.

To-
J. E. Heath 188-
Comm. of Pensions-

To-
Washington 1 st of Dec r 1851-
J. E. Heath cos d E
My dear Sir,
At the request of Mr Th: H: Hunton, as the grandson & Adm r of Thos: Hunton - I submit to you herewith the evidence in support of the claim of the said Thomas Hunton to half-pay, for his service as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, in the war of the revolution - The Adm r , Th: H: Hunton has placed in my hands Land Warrant N o 9310, issued on the 22 d day of August 1851, at the Virginia Land Office, to the heirs of Thos: Hunton, for his service as a Lt t in the Virg: State Navy - The accompanying evidence, is a copy of the evidence on which the bounty land, aforesaid, was allowed - If required, I will at any time exhibit to you the Land Warrant referred to above - I am, Sir, very respectfully yours,
John Taliaferro
To-
J. E. Heath cos d S Comm ee of Pensions - {