Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,161, for Joseph Nourse

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Nurse, Joseph Maria L.
H. 24161
D. C. Agency in residence.
CONTENTS

# 37
District of Columbia
Joseph Hourse
of Washington in the State D. of Co. who was a Sec'y to Genl. Lee and commanded by Captain Pay Master of the army by Board of Officers the Revolution line from 1776.
Rev Pay 9th 1845
Inscribed on the Roll of the Dist. of Columbia at the rate of 343. Dollars & 60 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Oct 1842. and sent to C. S. Hourse Present.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841. $3436.60 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 Sept. 1841. 230.42 the day of his death Grand amount $3667.02
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Thos Lumphin Clerk, Book E Vol. 5 Page 114

at least
2.2

District of Columbia Washington County. ss
On this 13 th day of July 1882 personally appeared before me Robert Getty one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Washington in the District of Columbia; Joseph Nourse, formerly Secretary to Major General Charles Lee, and late Register of the Treasury of the United States; aged Seventy eight 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 the 7 th June 1882.
That he was appointed by Major General Charles Lee Commanding General in a Separate Department, his Secretary [under a Resolution of Congress of 16 June 1775 as per Vol. 1. page 113 of their Journals] on the 14 th March 1776.
That he continued to act in that capacity until the 13 December following; and that during the time of his service he partook of all the dangers of his situation, being on every occasion with his General particularly during the Action when Sir Peter Parker was defeated in his Attack on Fort Moultrie. That he accompanied General Lee to the extreme point he went to the South; and for the sickness of his Aides Camp, on his return to the North acted as his Aide. That he happily escaped the fever of the climate, and joined the General after resting a few days, and continued until the day as above mentioned. That Congress recognized his appointment and services by their Resolution of 30 December 1776, and that his own private books confirm the period of service from a settlement of his Ration Account with the Commissary General at 3 Rations per day equal to 819 Rations; as also a reference to the Memoirs of General Wilkinson, Vol. 1. page 100. 101. 102.
That Jacob Morris one of Major General Lee's Aides de Camp still survives - a Letter from him of recent date is presented.
That he relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a Pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Rolls of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Robert Getty J. Peace
Joseph Nourse

1711 District of Columbia Maria G. Nourse widow of Joseph Nourse who served in the Revolutionary war, as a secretary to Genl. Lee & paymaster to the board of navy
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 543 Dollars 60
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1, day of September 1848, and sent to
Chas. J. Nourse Washington D. C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 396 Vol. 4,
Reported

(District of Columbia } ss Washington County)
On this Sixteenth day of December A.D one thousand eight hundred & forty two, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Assistant Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia Maria L. Nourse, a resident of the County, aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay pensions to certain widows," that she is the widow of Joseph Nourse who was Secretary to Major Genl Charles Lee
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Nourse on the twenty second day of April in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four that her husband, the aforesaid Joseph Nourse died on the first day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty one; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four - viz at the time above stated.
M. L. Nourse

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, I certify that it appears to me that the within named applicant was from bodily infirmity unable to appear in Court
James S. Morell

Joseph Nourse W. 24,161
23 sheets
A collection of abstracts and accounts (several being mutilated) of money received and disbursed by Joseph Nourse, Paymaster to the Board of War, from Feb. 14, 1778 to Nov. 27, 1778, has been removed from this case in order to send it to the War Dept.
F.W.
May 18, 1911. Sent to War Dept. Jan. 16, 1913

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24161
Maria L. Mourse wid of Joseph Mourse Paymaster Ben. War.
Act: Feb 2 d 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 66
[Arrangement of 1870.]

See Act 5 Dec r 1832 S. H. Smith
37- District of Columbia
Joseph Hourse of Washington in the State D. of Co. who was a Secretary to to Genl: Washington by Captain Lee - of the and commanded by Pay Master in the to the Board for of Mac. from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist. of Columbia at the rate of 243 - Dollars 60 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Jan y 33- and delivered Pension
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 365.40 Penzant. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 121.80 $487.20
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book D Vol. 8 Page 190

District of Columbia
Joseph Nourse Secretary to General Charles Lee of _____ in the State of _____ who was a _____ in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regiment commanded by Colonel _____ in the _____ line, for the term of nine months from 14 March 1776 to 13 December 1776
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist of Columbia at the rate of 148.50 Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 day of March 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th of July 1832 and del d to W. Nourse
Arrears to 4th of March 1832 $ 148.50 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep: " 74.25
$222.75
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
7 June 1832
Rec: Book D. Vol: 8. fol: 190.
New certificate issued 5 July 1832 for $243.60

37- District of Columbia.
let Jany. 29-33 S. H. Smith.
Joseph Fourse of Washington in the Dist. of Dist. of Col. who was a Secretary to to Genl. the by Captain Lee  the and the by Paymaster  the to the Board of of War & Ordnance -
certif. given to W. Stone, Esq. Feb. 4, 1837.
see letter to A. Ray, May 28. 1841.
Inscribed on the Roll of Dist. of Columbia at the rate of 256 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Jan: 33 and such Pensioner. Present
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 385.39 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 128.47 513.86
93 246 339
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book (2) Vol. 8 Page 190-

1849.  1849.  1849. 1849. District of Columbia
María V. Nourse
widow of Joseph Nourse who was a Sec'y to Genl. Lee and Paymaster to the Board of Adm. in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 343 Dollars & 60 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept. 1843. and sent to
María V. Nourse Esq. from $256. 80 Present
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 245
6140. 223897, Mrs. Sec'y 16. 66 2/3 per month $112.77 9 " 3 " Sec'y board of Adm. at $30 8 " 4 " Sec'y of Ordnance & Paymaster $30 per mo 430 83 $343.60
Reports & Vouchers Sept. 1843.

Reprinted See letter to C.J. Nourse Sept. 5. 1843.
h o 6908
District of Columbia Maria L. Nourse, widow of Joseph Nourse
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 1 st September 1841 of Washington C o in the Dist of Colo a who was a Sec y in the to Gen. Lee & Paymaster to the Board of Ordnance commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for
Inscribed on the Roll of the Dist. of Colo a at the rate of 256 Dollars 93. Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Dec r 1842 and sent to C.J. Nourse Present.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1841 $1284.65 Pensioned allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.] Recorded by J. D. Wilson clerk. A 2 Vol. 2. Page 233.

7719.
District of Columbia
Maria L. Tourse
widow of Joseph Tourse
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 1 Sept. 1841.
of Washington in the Part of D of C 60 who was a Secretary in the to Genl Lee commanded by Captain and Pay Master of the to the commanded by Board of War in the Revolution for from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of the Dist. of Columbia at the rate of 543 Dollars & 60 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept. 1842 and sent to C. V. Tourse Present
Whole amount due $ 2718.00 Deducting what was paid on a former Certificate [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thomas Lumpkin Clerk. Book A. Vol. 2 Page 233.
6 months 238 3/4 City Recd. 16 66 2/3 per month $112.77 9 " 2 " Recd board of War at $50 per month 8 " - 4 " Recd of Ordnance & Pensions $30 per month 430.83 $543.60

Reported
District of Columbia 1849
Maria L. Nourse
widow of Joseph Nourse
who was a Secretary to Genl Lee, and Paymaster to the Board of War Ordnance in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 256 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of September 1843 and sent to C. J. Nourse, Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 245.

Joseph Norrse, District of Columbia act 1832 =
for Mr Hassler — by order C C — May 15 1837

The declaration of Maria L. Moore of the District of Columbia widow of Joseph Moore, states that her husband during his life was from 4 March 1831 to 1 Sept 1841 the day of decease was entitled to a pension from the U. States, for his revolutionary services, that he received $256.23 per annum. That since his decease it has been ascertained that he was entitled to $543.60 per annum. She prays that she may be authorized to receive the difference to which she is entitled.
Octo 3 rd , 1843. Maria L. Moore
Sworn subscribed
to her presence
Chas. Moore L.R.

Washu Sept 8/43 Ch. J. House
Appeals from decision of Pension Office on claim of Mrs. M. L. House
N 34. Recd Sept. 11/43 Pension Office.
76. Gno. 25 24 Military Secy. 79.8 - 9 mo 2 Secy Board of H. 8 - 7 - Secy. & pay -
2142

To J. L. Edwards Esq.
The widow of Joseph Howells is appealing to the King of Spain for the allowance of full pension for two years since by her late husband. She also gives the enclosed additional declaration relative thereto. Supp.
Esperanza Sept 9 1847
Ch. J. Howells
attg for the late Howells

C. House
Dec 3 BROWN HOTEL WASHINGTON CITY

Sept 22 d 1843.
Amos
ms A. L. N. 1843 no 1849. D.C. Mar 3 d 1843.
wait the decision of H. Wren.

An appeal having been made to the War Dept. for the correction of the rate of pension allowed to Mrs. Hume, the written objection is returned to the pension office to await the decision of the case.
Truly,
W. H. Thomas,
W. Edwards Esq.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by J. W. Gray 18, 1911.
Claim No. ....
Certificate No. ....
Claimant .....
Soldier Joseph Nourse
Service Sect. 5 Gen. Lee, and
Paymaster to Bd. of War. Additional Service .....
Rev. War.
No ..... claim, State records ..... , 190.....
No claim, combination records ..... , 190.....
REMARKS:
No claim as above other than Wid. F. 24, 161.

All regulations incidental to the department, and not enlarging the powers and authorities here given, shall be settled and made by the board of war and ordnance.
The board of war and ordnance shall transmit, from time to time, as the service shall render necessary, transcripts of all returns received from the commissary-general of military-stores, and also accounts of all ordnance and stores under their care, or belonging to the United States, and the places where the same are deposited, to the commander in chief of the armies of the United States, in order that he may make such requisitions of supplies for the army under his immediate command, or for the separate departments as he shall think proper, and give such advice and directions as to the disposition of them, as circumstances may, from time to time, require.
The commanding-officer of artillery for the time being in the grand army, with the chief engineer, commissary of artillery, and eldest colonel of artillery in camp, or such of them as are present with the army, shall be a subordinate board of ordnance, under the direction of the commander in chief or the board of war and ordnance, for transacting all business of the ordnance-department necessary to be done in the field, and to have the care of all ordnance and stores at camp; and, in case of sudden exigency, the commissary-general of military-stores shall be obliged to obey their directions as to any supplies wanted by the army out of the stores not in camp: and the said board shall correspond with and report their proceedings to the board of war and ordnance, from whom they are to receive any necessary assistance.
Resolved , That the pay of col. Benjamin Flower's corps of artillery-artificers shall be, for all those who engage to serve the United States as such for three years or during the war, 20 dollars a-month, besides the same bounty, clothing and every other benefit allowed by Congress to the continental artillery; the officers the same pay as others of equal rank in the continental artillery: and that col. Flower augment the four companies ordered to be raised in Jan. last, add other companies to the said regiment, and, if necessary, encrease the pay of officers and men in the same, agreeable to such orders as have been given for that purpose by gen. Washington; and that he be required forthwith to transmit a copy of such orders to Congress.
That if the exigency of the service makes it necessary to employ, at any time or place, more artificers than the commissary may have enlisted or can enlist, then he, his deputies or assistants, may engage them, for the time of such necessity, on the most reasonable terms possible, with the approbation of the board of war and ordnance.
Resolved , That col. Flower receive the pay and rations of a colonel from the 16th of July, 1776, to this 11th day of February, 1778.
Resolved , That a commission of captain in colonel Flower's regiment of artillery-artificers be granted to Wollory Meng, dated the 1st of April, 1777:
That captain-lieutenant Thomas Wylie be promoted to the rank of captain of an additional company to be raised in the said regiment of artillery-artificers, his commission to be dated the 1st of February, 1778.
Resolved , That the board of war and ordnance be empowered to make a contract with Mr. Byers, as superintendent of a foundery of brass-cannon.

Resolved , That capt. Ferdinand de Brahm, who has heretofore acted as an engineer in the state of S. Carolina, be appointed an engineer in the continental establishment, with the rank of major in the armies of the United States.
Resolved , That Nicholas Rogers, Esq; aid-de-camp, have a commission of major, to rank from the 12th day of May, 1777, in the service of the United States.
On motion, Resolved , That a warrant issue on the treasurer for two months' pay to be advanced to col. Thomas Hartley, for his regiment now in York-town.
Resolved , That the board of war be directed to take the most proper measures for recruiting colonel Hartley's regiment.
A letter, from Mons. Kermovan, was read:
Ordered , That it be referred to the board of treasury.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
* * *  THURSDAY, February 12, 1778.
A letter, from Mons. de Roche Fermoy, was read:
Ordered , That it be referred to the board of treasury.
A letter, of the 9th, from John Purviance, was read, desiring leave, on account of the situation of his family, to resign his office of manager of the United States lottery:
Resolved , That he have leave to resign.
Ordered , That the letter be referred to the board of treasury.
A letter, of the 11th of Jan. from gov. Caswell, of N. Carolina, enclosing sundry resolutions of the general assembly of that state, was read:
Ordered , That the letter be referred to the board of treasury.
A letter, of the 10th, from the board of war, was read.
The committee appointed to take into consideration the letter of the 3d, from the supreme executive council of the state of Pennsylvania, to the delegates of the said state, and the proceedings of the board of war upon the resolution of Congress of the 15th of Jan. for laying up magazines of flour for the use of the army, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; whereupon,
Resolved , That 300,000 dollars be transmitted to the president of the state of Pennsylvania, to enable the commissioners appointed under the law of that state for purchasing provisions for the army, to execute their commission, and that they account to the board of treasury for the expenditure thereof.
* * *  Three o'clock, P. M.
The committee on the treasury, to whom was referred a letter from the board of war, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; whereupon,
Resolved , That a proper person be appointed to act as secretary of ordnance and pay-master to the board of war and ordnance;
That his salary shall be 90 dollars a-month:
That the said pay-master shall answer all warrants drawn on him by the board of war and ordnance out of the money which he shall receive by orders of Congress, and shall keep fair accounts of his payments and make monthly returns thereof to the board of treasury: he shall also
B

transmit returns once a-month, or oftner, to the pay-master-general, or other proper officer or officers, of all advances made to continental troops or militia in actual service, in order that proper stoppages may be made:
That the board of war and ordnance shall, from time to time, make out the proper estimates of money to be advanced for the use of their department, and lay the same before Congress; and all monies granted by Congress, on their application, shall be applied to the purposes set forth in the said estimate.
Congress proceeded to the election of a secretary of ordnance, and pay-master to the board of war and ordnance, and, the ballots being taken, Joseph Nourse, Esq; was elected.
Ordered , That a warrant issue on the treasurer for 316 dollars, in favour of captain Reuben Lipscomb, for the extra month's pay granted to the army under general Washington by the resolution of the 29th of December last, and which is due to 40 men of the 7th Virginia regiment now on their way to Virginia, who were regularly discharged on the 2d of February, and mentioned in a list signed by brigadier Woodford, and also to captain Lipscomb, who conducts them; he to give a receipt for the money, and to account for the same.
The letter of the 9th of January from general Washington being sent for from the board of war, the same was read; and, a motion being made thereon,
Ordered , That the letter, with the motion, be referred to a committee of three;
The members chosen, Mr. Clark, Mr. Dyer and Mr. Ellery.
Resolved , That the board of war and ordnance be directed to be very cautious in recommending or giving any encouragement to foreign officers who have come of their own accord to seek employment in the army of these United States; that if the board shall find, among such foreigners, any of eminent abilities and merit, who by their knowledge and experience, can, in the opinion of the board, render essential service to these states in such way as the board shall be able to point out, Congress expect the board will recommend them: and if any foreigners of rank and eminence in their own country should offer their services, it is also expected that the board will report specially respecting them: but, as to all others, the board are directed to thank them for their offers of service, without suffering them to wait, and thereby incur expense by unnecessary attendance.
Resolved , That 300,000 dollars ordered to be advanced to the president of Pennsylvania, be paid to the delegates of that state, to be by them transmitted to the said president.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
FRIDAY, February 13, 1778.
A letter from Jonathan Hudson, at Baltimore, was read:
Ordered , That it be referred to the board of treasury.
The committee to whom was referred the letter of W. Aylett, Esq; deputy commissary-general of purchases in Virginia, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; whereupon, Congress came to the following resolution:
Whereas, there is great danger of the armies of the United States

being very much distressed, if the exportation of beef and pork from the state of North-Carolina be not immediately prohibited; therefore,
Resolved , That the legislative and executive powers of the state of North-Carolina be earnestly requested immediately to lay an embargo on all beef and pork, except so much as may be necessary for the vessel's use for the voyage, and to take the most effectual measures to prevent the embargo from being evaded.
A letter, of this day, from the board of war, was read:
Ordered , That it be referred to a committee of three;
The members chosen, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Clark and Mr. F. L. Lee.
The committee on the treasury brought in a report; whereupon,
Ordered , That the 10,000 dollars ordered to be advanced to the board of war and ordnance, for contingent expenses, on the 26th day of Jan. last, be paid to Joseph Nourse, Esq; pay-master of the said board, for the purpose before-mentioned; the said Joseph Nourse to be accountable.
The committee appointed to examine into the circumstances of the French officers, who have been detained under a promise of having their expenses borne, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; whereupon,
Ordered , That 910 dollars be paid to Mons. de la Balme, in full of all claims and demands against the United States, and that the committee on foreign applications inform Mons. de la Balme that Congress have no farther occasion for his services:
The committee on the treasury brought in a report; whereupon,
Ordered , That 100 dols. be advanced to Charles Clift, to defray his expenses to Baltimore, and to a paper-mill on Gun-powder-river, on the public account; he to be accountable.
In consequence of an adjustment by the commissioners of claims, the auditor-general reports,
That there is due to Dr. John Witherspoon, for hay for the army, and wood for the hospital at Princeton, as appears by the certificate of Enos Kelsey, acting in the quarter-master's-department, 429 \frac{10}{100} dollars:
To Belcher P. Smith, for his services as clerk in the secretary's office, from the 6th of Nov. to the 5th of Feb. inclusive, being three months, and for some necessaries purchased for the office, 197 \frac{40}{100} dollars:
To John Dunlap, for printing sundry resolves of Congress from the 31st of Oct. 1776, to the 10th of Sept. 1777, a balance of 1174 \frac{40}{100} dols.
To the Rev. Mr. Lotbinier as chaplain in col. Livingston's Canadian regiment, from the 11th of January to the 10th February, 1778, inclusive, for his pay, exclusive of rations, 40 dollars:
To the estate of John Hart, deceased, for 71 meals victuals, supplied the York-county militia, which ought to be paid to his legal representatives, 7 \frac{9}{100} dollars:
To Andrew Nabinger, of the town of York, for victualling general Lee's guard in 1776, 44 \frac{5}{100} dollars:
Ordered , That the said accounts be paid.
Ordered , That the letter of the 29th of Jan. from Mr. Aylett be referred to the committee of commerce and to the marine-committee.
Three o'clock, P. M.
The committee on the treasury brought in a report; whereupon,

Joseph Nourse dec d A.C.
at 7. June '32.
increased Secy. & paym t .
543 60
to Maria L. Nourse widow. from 4 march 31 to 1 Sept. 41 the day of his death. deduct- ing what has been paid
C. J. Nourse Present

Payment to be made at
Washington, by J. P. Van Ness, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of the Dist. of Columbia.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 1, Page 245.
D. Brown, Clerk.
6 mo. 23. ds Mity Secy 16.66 2/3 pr mo. $112:77 3. Secy Board of War. at 50 pr mo. 83 4. Secy of Ordnance & paymaster " " 430 $542:77 $543:60

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Maria L. Nourse, of the District of Columbia — widow of Joseph Nourse — — — — — who was a Secretary to Gen. Lee & Paymaster to the Board of War and Ordnance, and died on the — 1 st — day of September 1841 — — — — — is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Two hundred and fifty-six dollars and Ninety-three — cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1844, unless the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this sixth — day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
J. M. Porter
Secretary of War.
{ Examined and } { Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

  1779 Jan y 2 248 By Christopher Ludwell 16   - Feb 9 255 By Army 1322   - " 256 By Ditto   - 11 do By Ditto 1324   - March 19 262 By ditto 1351   - April 1 265 By ditto 1361   - Oct 8 299 By ditto 1489   60 Feb d 26 332 By ditto 1528   - " do By ditto 1529   - April 17 355 By Col. Nathan Dineen 1572   - Jan y 26 647 By William Palfrey 237   - Feb 14 661 By sundries 
Reading Department Register Office Dec r 24 th I certify the above to be a true transcript of the records of this office and that the same on the 12 th of Feb 1778 & was signed by the 16 th J. M. [Signature] By

Washington May 25 th . 1841.
Sir
Mr Joseph Sourse has renewed a request he made of me some time since, to aid him in the application for an increase of pension. This letter is enclosed.
At first, I supposed he would not be entitled as a Deputy Secretary to the Board of War, or, as Secretary and pay master to the Board of Ordnance. But turning to day to the District Pension roll (printed), I discover that Joseph Sourse was pensioned under act June 7. 1832. as Sec'y. to General Lee & pay master, at the rate of $256. 25 per annum. I, therefore, infer if he be entitled as Sec'y. to General Lee, he will also be entitled as Sec'y. to the Board of Ordnance and pay master.
The following summary will be found in the journals of Congress.
— vol. 1. page. 587. Decr 30. 1776. Resolved, "That the board of war be empowered to agree with, and employ as an after clerk Mr Sourse late General Lee's Secretary."
— vol 11 page 169. Resolved, That Mr Joseph Sourse be appointed Deputy Sec'y. to the Board of War, with a salary of $780. per annum. to commence from the 10 May last.
— vol 11. page 442. Feb. 12. 1778. Resolved, That a proper person be appointed to act a Sec'y. of Ordnance, and pay master to the Board of War, That his salary

be 790. a month,"
"Congress proceeded to the election of a Secretary of Ordnance, and pay Master to the Board of War and Ordnance, & the ballots being taken Joseph Morris was elected."
Vol III. page (59) Sep 16. 1778. - Joseph Morris had leave to resign his appointment P. 2.
page (295) Joseph Morris was elected Genl. Auditor General. (page 380) Salaries allowed $10,000. per annum, revised and altered agreeable to the appropriation of the continuing money, (page 669) was elected register to the Treasury.
If, under these facts which may be seen by references as stated, there can be an enlargement of Mr Morris's present pension in connexion with the articles set forth in his declaration, he will be pleased, you will have the goodness to have the examination made.
I am very respectfully Your Hon. Ser Thos. May
Jas L Edwards Esq P

Extract from the family record of Joseph House
" 1784. 22 d April was married at Bullock in to Miss M. Bull"
I Charles L. House son of Joseph House being duly sworn do state that the above is a true copy of the records of the family record of Joseph House, and that the original has been submitted to the Commission of Pensions
Ch. House
known & subscribed this 16 th Jan 1842
before me Charles Murray J. P.

June 15 1843
D.C.
Stowe
Rev. J. P. L. Church
Concord, New Hampshire
H. H. Sylvester,

(Washington) June 9 43
Sir
I am requested by Major Col. Johnson in behalf of his mother, to ask of the Dept. a re-examination of the pension papers of her late husband, Capt. Moore E. S.
The services performed by Mr. Moore, which were of a military character, were paid, as being to Major Genl. Lee from the 14 March to the 13 Nov 1776: 8 mos @ 29 days; secondly, as Paymaster to the Board of War @ ad  ad  ad , from Feb. 12 1778 to Oct 16 of that year: 8 mos @ 4 days.
By a reference to the Journals of Congress you will find that the Office of Secretary was established. The Resolution of June 16. 1775 allows to the Secretary to the Genl. $60 per month: ad to a Major Genl. commanding in a separate Dept. $33.33 per month. The pay to the Paymaster to the Board of War ad Ordnance was $90. per month. See Journals Congress 12 Feb 1778

I do not know upon what principle Mr. Morris's pension was computed: — that he was allowed for both terms of service hereunder stated, is clear,
He rec d about $250 per ann. only. His pay as Sec. to Genl Lee would be about $150. @ or Pay Master of Wm & Ordnance $200, making his ann $350 per ann. He serves as a partant Clerk & Deputy Secretary to the board of War, prepared — the years 1776 & 1777, probably some part of a military character. As that term, no claim or appointment
The Pay Master to the board of War & Ordnance was required to "allow all accounts drawn on him by the board of War and Ordnance out of the money he shall receive from Congress. @ shall keep fair accounts of his payments @ make monthly returns thereof to the board of the Treasury: he shall transmit also returns once a month or oftener to the Pay Master General on the proper Officers & Officers, of all advances made to the Continental Troops, or Militia in actual service." From the Journals of Congress, of Feb. 12 th

1778, it appears that "All continental armories, were under the direction of the board of War (or Ordnance, or of the Commissary General of Military Stores."
"That there be in many deputies, assistant, commissary, deputy commissary, quartermaster, or clerk, as the exigency of the service shall require, to be appointed by the board of War (or Ordnance, and that the said board from time to time to report all such appointments to Congress."
By a resolution of Congress of Nov 11. 1778. "all Officers, Artificers (or others) in the Ordnance (or any Military Department), shall be governed by the rules (or articles of War)" The Office of Paymaster to the board of War (or Ordnance) was abolished July 18. 1781. Under a full conviction that Mr. Hearn is justly entitled to the pay which has due heretofore and for his services as Secretary to Genl Lee (or Paymaster), I submit the same to your consideration.
Shawnee Springs 16 by Russell H. H. H. H.
Genl H. H. H. Cassell Pennsylvania

Pension Office.
September 5. 1843.
Sir,
I have examined the case of M rs Maria L. Nourse, who applies for an increase of pension. This claim appears to be predicated on the fact, that her husband M r . Nourse was Paymaster to the Board of War and Ordnance, and that that Officer was paid $90 per month. But in February 1778, when Congress resolved that the Paymaster should receive that amount, the troops were paid in depreciated continental money at the rate of $350 paper for $107 specie, and the pay was fixed at a high rate to make up for the depreciation. We have never taken the rate of pay fixed in 1778 to regulate the amount of Pension, and unless it could be shown that M r . Nourse's pay was $90 per month in specie, we should not be justified in augmenting the pension. For the service as Secretary to a Major General he was paid at the rate allowed by the act of June 16, 1775. That act gave a Secretary $33 per month. Had he served two years in that capacity he would have received for such service $396 per annum; but as he served only nine months as Secretary, he was pensioned at the rate of $148:50 per annum, which is three eighths of $396. For his service as a Paymaster he was pensioned as a Lieutenant. That officer's pay was $320 per annum,

and had Mr. Nourse served two years as Paymaster, his pension would have been $320 annually. As he served only eight months and four days as Paymaster, he was pensioned at a rate proportionally less, viz: $108:43, making, in the whole, the sum of $256:93 per annum. I do not consider myself authorized to make any additional allowance.
I am respectfully,
Your Obet. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Major C. J. Nourse Present

Open certificate for 543.60 deduct what has been paid —
For the first period of service, that of Secretary to Genl Lee, a greater allowance than has been made cannot, of course, be granted. The service as deputy Secretary to the Board of War, I am of opinion, was as much military as that of Secretary to Genl Lee; and as the latter has been allowed, the former should be also. After a careful examination of the question of the actual rate of pay as Secretary of Ordnance and Paymaster of the Board of War and Ordnance, I am of the opinion that it was sufficient to warrant a pension according to the highest rate and an allowance will be made accordingly.
J. M. Porter
War Dept Sept 27. 1843
J. House Present

The Hugo Ten of high pay on account of depreciation "might justly have been made equivalent to the Hawaiian pay on the Hawaiian islands which was similar to the Hawaiian pay on the Hawaiian islands.
* The Commissioner within "Bureau February 1778 when Congress resolved that the "paymaster should receive $90 per month, the "troops were paid in depreciated Continental "and the rate of $350 paper for $100 specie and "the pay was fixed at a high rate to make "up for the depreciation" ergo he will allow pension only on the payments to the board of which had been entitled to the pay only of a Lieutenant that his services were worth $26 66 / 100 per month
Congress, in February 1778. Fixed the pay of every company at 1000 per month
  Colonel 100   Deputy Colonel 40   27 July 1778 Fixed the pay of the whole army below 75   Majors 50   Captains 40 
What becomes of the argument of "high pay" "depreciation" & a higher rate of pay being now allowed for a Captain's service than the rate fixed by Congress in 1778 would entitle him to —
REV

Maria L. Round
D.C.
Act 7 July 3 rd
Increase
$148.50 9 mo. Military Dist.
9 mo. 3. Secy Board of
8 mo 4 ordnance Secy of Navy Marine
17 - 7 = $430.83
City Secy 6 - 23 - 112.77
$543.60

The appeal as to the rate of pension for service as pay to Genl Lee is withdrawn - the rate for that service is lowered -
The additional proof as to the Military character of the service as "Deputy Secretary to the board of Ordnance" seen 2 Vol Journals of the Congress page 295 - The grounds taken by the board of Pension, as to the rate of pension for service as "Secretary to the Board of Ordnance" as appears untenable, and inconsistent with the practice of the Pension Office -
vol 2. 442 Congress by resolve of 12 Feb 1778 fixed the pay of Secy of Ordnance at $90 per month.
vol 2. 439 On the 11 Feb 1778 Congress created & fixed the pay of Col. General of Military Stores at $100 per month, & of Deputy Commiss Genl - - - - - 75 - - -
vol 2 568 On the 27 May 1778 Congress fixed the rate of pay of the whole army - amongst which we find that the pay of a Lieut Col of Artillery was $75 per month Majors " " 62 1/2 Captains " " 50 -
all of which, being for the identical period, that his Honor was serving at $90 per month - No mention being made of depreciation in the resolutions of Congress, as to either, serving co-tempora- neously - under a scale of pay fixed simultaneously - each and all necessarily being paid in the same medium -

What would be the rate of pension of a Commissary Genl a Deputy Commissary General a Lieut Col of Artillery or of a Major? - Certainly an officer whose pay was $90 per month, is entitled to as high a rate of pension as one serving under the same authority for the same time, whose pay was but $75. = 62 1/2 or $50 - the latter being of inferior rank to the former
So far as assimilated pay law designates rank
It is believed that the War Department settled the principle only, that Williams, serving as Secretary of Ordnance is entitled here to be placed on the pension list for that service, leaving the date of pension to be fixed according to his rank by the pension office.

25 430 7 25 17 140 11 17 175 12.40 4253.32 11.11 175 559 267 7 27 557 157.9975 425 13 5/6664 1833 585.53
MS 34
I have the honor of enclosing a communication from the board of Pensions, in reply to an application for correcting the rate of pension allowed to Joseph Mearns, and of appealing to you, in behalf of his widow, for a revision of the case.
Joseph Mearns was appointed Secretary to General Charles Lee, on the 14 March 1776. The pay of Secretary to a Major General commanding a separate department having been fixed by Congress, at $33 per month & 3 shillings per day - being the same pay that was fixed for a Major and 313 per month more than the fixed pay of a Captain - Chaplain, or Judge Advocate. He served as Secretary to Genl Lee from 14 March to 13 December 1776. - On the 17 June 1777. He was appointed by Congress, Deputy Secretary to the board of War, with the pay of $30 per month, to commence from the 10 May 1777, and served as such, until the 12 February 1778, when he was appointed by Congress, Secretary of Ordnance and paymaster to the board of War & Ordnance, with the pay of $40 per month, and served as such until 16 October 1778.
June 16 1775 vol 1 p 84
July 29 1775 vol 1 p 129
June 17 1777 vol 2 p 169
Feb 12 1778 vol 2 p 492
The services as Secretary to General Lee = 9 months. " " Deputy Secretary to board of War = 9 " 2 days. " " Secretary of Ordnance " = 8 " 4 Making together a sum of 26. months 6 days.
after having been blacked to P. Edward of War from 16 Dec 1776 to 16 May 1777. in 1778. An Act of Genl

The pension Office has recognized the first, and the last of, these services, but has not, it is believed, affixed the proper rate of pension to either of them. —
1 st The pay of Secretary to a Major Genl commanding a separate department, was fixed at $33 per month & 33 1/3 cents per day on 16 th June 1775. — On the 29 th July 1775, Congress fixed the pay of the army as follows
Col: $40 per month
Major 33 1/3
Captain 20 "
Chaplain & Judge Advocate 20 "
Any person serving from 14 March to 13 Decr 1776, in either the capacity of Major , Captain , Chaplain , or Judge Advocate is considered by the pension office, as entitled to the highest rate of pension — whilst a reduced rate has been allowed to the Secretary, this is the face of his pay being the same, as that of a Major , and thirteen dollars per month more than that of a Captain , Chaplain or Judge Advocate . — The "Secretary" was of the same grade, and pay, as the Major , and the service in one capacity, gives a perfect claim to the same rate of pension as the other. —
2 nd The pension allowed for the service as Secretary to the board of Ordnance &c, is that of a " Lieutenant " on the ground, that the pay was "fixed at a high rate, to make up for depreciation." —
The board of pension is believed to have made a great mistake, in depreciating the character of a high responsible office, Second only/second/

to that of the paymaster General - It is only necessary to refer to the journals of the old Congress, for that period, to be satisfied of the great responsibility of this officer, and of the millions upon millions which were advanced, and paid through him to every department of the Army for which he faithfully accounted - If the Commissioner had run his eye over these journals, I am sure he would not have thought the pay was "high", or conceived the idea of pensioning one who had performed such services, as a "Lieutenant", or supposed that $26, \frac{66}{100} was a more appropriate pay, than the one fixed on by Congress. Fortunately the journals of Congress settle this matter most conclusively - On the 12 th February 1778, the office was created, & the pay fixed at $90 per month. - On the day previous viz on the 11 Feb 1778, Congress established the Department of Commissary Genl of Military Stores, and fixed the pay as follows
26d 529. 490. 807. 494. 590 474 595 478 402 467 608 471. 465 451. vol 3. p 3 5 15 26 23 30
vol 2 442 vol 2 439.
Commissary Genl of 100. of horse 100. Commissary 60. " Dep. Commissary 40. "
vol 2 567.
Congress also on 27 May 1778 fixed the pay of the whole Army as follows    Colonel  $75  100 "    Lt Col  60.  75 "    Major  50.  62 1/2 "    Captain  40  50 "    Surgeon  60.  75 "  
Will the pension office insist that these rates were "high" to make up for depreciation "by the rule he has adopted the commissary General should be pensioned."

as a Lieutenant the Company, as a Sergeant, the Infantry as a Corporal, instead of which, service is either capait is unhesitatingly recognized as entitling to the highest rate of pension. The Army pay I have quoted is now  the which gives the rate of pension. In regard to the Service as Deputy Secretary to the board of Ordnance, it is believed there will be little diffi- -culty in establishing it to be of the same character with that of Secretary of Ordnance. The duties of the board, as will be seen by a reference to the journals, were essentially military, the correspondence, altogether relating to the supplies, organization, and direction of the Army, there can be little discrimination betwixt the duties of its Secretary, and deputy Secretary, and those of the Secretary to the Commanding General. The pay of the Deputy Secy was $65 per month; five dollars per month being
Vol 1 84 2.71
the pay of the Secretary to Genl Washington. I am aware of the liberal construction given by the War Department in several cases, under the pension law, and trust that it will per justified in allowing these services of 26 months 6 days, as entitling to be pensioned for "2 years service as a Captain" of the highest grade of pension which will gladden the heart of a destitute widow, who at 78, cannot expect much longer to be benefitted by the
bounty of the government. — by us. In addition to all the services I have been in, I have been in the War Dept as a Clerk. Mr. [unclear] at the rate of $100 per month. I have

to no p ship
R. J. Briscoe
Washington George Town La
Wm. Joseph Rouss
95.10 148.50  $243.60

16 June 1832 Butternuts Otsego County N.Y.
My dear Sir
An act of Congress passed at the present session to afford some compensation to all now living who served the country in the war of the revolution, and it having pleased providence to prolong my existence to this late period, I wish to avail myself of the benefits of that law to obtain some small remuneration for the expenses & sufferings I experienced in that great struggle which secured the freedom and blessings we now enjoy
You doubtless remember that I served as aid de camp to the late Major Gen. Charles Lee when you were his private secretary, having been appointed to that station in January 1776 and should have been with him probably at the close of that year when he was made prisoner, but for illness of fever about that time - I however became convalescent before the second affair at Trenton and was there and at the battle of

Princeton and with the army at Morristown in the winter of 1777, in the family of Major Gen. W. Greene as an aid and was also with that General in the same capacity at the siege of New Port Rhode Island in 1778 - I was also appointed a Major in Dubois Regiment in the line of this State the latter end of 1776, but did not accept that commission.
The act in question I have not seen, & know not therefore how the proof of service is to be made, but presume it will be to the hon. the Secretary of State, you will greatly oblige me by offering at that office what you know of the matter, and making enquiry how I am to procure this pittance - What ever is to be done must be done soon, for death will ere long drop the curtain and the scene must close.
With considerations of the most profound respect & esteem I remain Dear Sir
Your friend & ob. serv. Jacob Morris
Joseph Vose Esquire

† The expression of Private Secretary is now in conformity with the Term used by Congress, by their Institution of the Office of Secretary - In Journal of Congress Vol. 1. page 119 It is thus A Secretary to a Major General commanding in a separate department -
th at no

1-1 37--

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Joseph Nourse of the District of Columbia who was a Secretary to Genl: Lee and Paymaster to the Board of War, in the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive Two hundred & forty three dollars and Sixty — cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this — — — 5 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Three. —
Peter B. Lee Secretary of War.
Approved and countersigned. §
J. N. Edwards

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832.
District of Columbia County of Washington
On this twenty fourth day of December, in the Year of our Lord 1832 personally appeared the Subscriber Joseph Norre of the County of Washington in the District of Columbia a Resident, thereon of the Age of Twenty eight Years five months and eight days, who being first 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 7 th 1832, That on the 12 th February 1788 appointed Paymaster to the Board of War and Ordnance, and that he as paymaster did receive and pay to the Officers of the Army and other large sums of Money, and that he continued in that service until 16 th Sep r 1778 when Congress accepted his resignation after a service of about Eight months. That his pay was fixed at 90 dollars & month as appears by the Journals of Congress for 1788 page 66

and he hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a Pension except that for 9 months in the Year 1776 as Secretary to the Major General commanding in a Separate Department
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforementioned
William Howe
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 24 th Decem r . 1882 -
Richd. Howland Notary Pub.

(Declaration)
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of 7 June 1832.
District of Columbia County of Washington
On the seventeenth day of January in the Year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally appeared the Subscriber Joseph Nourse of the County of Washington in the District of Columbia, a Resident thereof of the age of seventy eight years and six months, who being first 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 7 th June 1832 That on the 12 th February 1788 he was appointed Paymaster to the Board of War and Ordnance, and that he as paymaster remained continued in action that capacity until the 16 th October 1778 being a period of eight months and four days as appears by a Statement taken from the Books of the Treasury and certified by the Register of the Treasury dated the 24 th December 1832, as also from the Original Act of the Abstracts of his Receipts and payments accompanying this document.
And Whereas the substance of the foregoing declaration has been already made, and a Certificate issued from the War Department under the Seal and signature of the Secretary of the 5 th Inst (January 1833) which Certificate having been returned to the Pension Office, from an error having been made in my former declaration of 24 th December last by erroneously stating his services at a shorter period than he actually served the former declaration being returned, to wit from 12 th February 1788 to 16 th September 1778, whereas it should have been to the 16 th October 1778.

16 October 1788 and this declaration is made to rectify the previous error in point of the time of Service - and he hereby relinquishes every Claim whatsoever to a Pension except that for nine months in the year 1776 as Secretary to the Major General commanding in the Southern Department
Sworn before me, this 17 th January 1833.
W. H. Howland
Notary Public

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE, TERRITORY, OR DISTRICT, } ss. Columbia County of Washington
On this 15th day of June 18 48 personally appeared before the Subordinate Judge of Probate of the land of Mary Moore A.B., a resident of the in the county of Washington aged 86 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joseph Moore who was a ( here in-  here inserted ) the rank the husband held in the army, navy, or militia, as the case may be, and the regiment, corps, or vessel, in which he served, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 17th June, 1844.) the amount She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before the  Ch. Moore J.P. John L. Moore
NOTE.—It will be perceived that the act of the 2d February, 1848, provides as well for widows of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution who may hereafter die, as for those who have already died. Many widows, therefore, will be entitled to the provisions of the act of 1848, who have not drawn, or been entitled to, any pension under any former law. They will vary their declarations to conform to the circumstances of their cases. If their husbands have been pensioned, they will state the fact, with such particulars in relation to his residence, and amount of pension, as the foregoing form directs.
If neither the applicant nor her husband has been pensioned, she will be required to make such proofs as the regulations require under the act of the 7th July, 1838.

The further declaration of Maria L. Brouse & Lewis that in addition to the other services heretofore set forth as performed by her husband Joseph Brouse in the war of the Revolution, he served as Deputy Secretary to the board of war from the 10 th May 1777 to the 12 th February 1778. —
Maria L. Brouse
Sworn subscribed to this 7 th day of September 1843 before me
C. H. Mearns, J.P.

37.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832 Joseph Houser deceased who was Secretary to Genl. Lee, and Paymaster to the Board of War in the Revolution, was entitled to receive the sum of Five hundred and forty three Dollars and sixty cents per Annum, commencing on the 4th March 1831, and terminating on the 1st Sept. ember 1841. the day of his death. The amount due will be paid on the production of the proper vouchers to Maria T Houser his widow first having deducted the amount already paid him.
This pension is increased from $ 256. 93 to $ 543. 60.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 9th day of October, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
Secretary of War.
Examined and ? Countersigned. S
Commissioner of Pensions.

The declaration of Maria L. Thomas widow of Joseph Thomas sets forth, that a pension was granted to her late husband for his services in the war of the Revolution, under the act of Congress of June 1832 - but that the pension granted to him was not equal to that to which he was entitled under the act above mentioned, as will be set forth to wit, that he served as hunting to Genl Charles Lee a Major General commanding a separate department from 14 March to 16 December 1776, receiving per pay $33 per month & three rations per day, and that he afterwards served as pay master to the Continental Ordnance from 12 th February to the day September 1778 at $90 per month - that she believes the pension he was entitled to is more than that he has allowed the pay, that it may be corrected - and she may receive the difference, as well as the difference between what she has received as his widow and that which she is entitled to, and that she may receive the pension she is entitled to as his widow under the act of Congress of the last Session -
Maria L. Thomas
Sworn to subscribed to this 4 th Sept 1843
before me
Chas Thomas J.D.