Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6243, for Samuel Tinsley, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va. ..... .....
Tinsley, Samuel .....
S. 6243 and Va. Half-Pay
CONTENTS
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
N.A. Acc. No. 874 See 050174 Half Pay Samuel Tinsley

See letter to R Saunders Aug. 14. 1844 do. to same Nov. 28. 1844-
1/2 pay allowed Feb. 26. 1845. see cut.
3539- Virginia
Samuel Tinsley of Hanover in the State of Virginia who was a Corporal in the Regt commanded by Captain of the  Regt commanded by Col. Dabney in the Virginia line for 2 years from 1781
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of $20 Dollars  Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Dec r 32 and delivered Maj. Duval
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 ~ 480 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 160 $640-
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk Book 20 Vol. 7 Page 121-

Know all Men by these Presents that I Samuel Tinsley who was a Lieut capt Horse in Lieutenant Col Charles Dabrys Legion of Regular State Troops and continued in Actual Service untill the 8 th of February 1783 When I became a Supernumerary Officer with Lieutenant Dudley Digges of the Same Legion and an Officer of Cavalry that the Executive Council on the 20 th day of February 1783 Directed on their Records in the Journals of the Governor & Council should retire on half pay That I said Samuel Tinsley once a Resident of the City of Richmond & now again a Resident of Henrico County living about Ten Miles from the said City do constitute my power and by these presents do constitute and empower my Friend Major William Dabral to settle the Remainder of my half pay for Life as for the for the aforesaid deducting therefrom Sixteen hundred Dollars which I received in Virtue of an Act of Assembly passed on the day day of 1827. to receive the Bal- ance of the proper Accounting Officers at Washington in Virtue of an Act of Congress in favour of the claims of Virginia against the United States which passed both Houses of Congress and was approved by Andrew Jackson President on 5 th of July 1832 & by the said Major William Dabral these

Presents is hereby authorized to Receive the same and to execute or sign an Receipt acquittance or discharge according to the usage of the respective department months in such which shall be as valid and binding on me as if one sealed by myself in person
And whereas I am entitled to full pay as a Surviving Revolutionary officer of the Virginia under the Pension Act of the Late Congress, which is said to have passed on the 7 th of June 1832 to commence on the 4 th of March 1833. as listed  mentioned aforesaid. I do declare I never was a Pensioner & that I do release and renounce any, and every claim to any Pension the Except the Pension that I am entitled to under the said Act of June 7 th 1832 & that I do au- thorize my Old Friend Major William Duffel to settle & receive the same at this Time, & to give a Receipt or Receipts or discharges for the same. The Request hereafter that all Letters & respecting the future pay of my said Pension may be directed to me at the Post Office in the City of Richmond and the said annual Pension may be sent to the Branch Bank of the United States in the said City in payment of the above Letter &
of the United States in the In Confirmation of the above Letter & Power of Attorney I like said I am not Firstly have in the said City this 24 th day of July 1832 hereunto set my Hand & Seal Saw..Tinsley (L.S.) Second Second's deponent in the presence of J. M. Lawson J. G. Moncure

State of Virginia. Hanover County To wit.
On this 28 th day of August 1832 Samuel Trusley personally appeared in open court, before Wm Wingfield Miles Mason Charles Thompson Jr & Burrell Shelton the court of Hanover County, now sitting, who is a resident of the said county of Hanover in the State of Virginia aged near seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of the act of congress passed June the 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the command of Major John Nelson, and continued under his com- mand until the troops were consolidated into a Legionary corps under the command of Colonel, Charles Dabney. That he entered the service in the latter part of the year 1780 or in the beginning of the year 1781. and

continued in the service under the command of Col Charles Dabney, more than two years and until the close of the revolutionary war, and the troops were dis- banded, and that he was a resident of the county of Hampshire in the State of Virginia when he entered the Service, that he was a lieutenant of Cavalry while under the command of Major John Wilson and Col Charles Dabney, and not a court as reported, as will more fully appear by reference to the certificates of the above named Officers. While in the Service he was called into different parts of the State of Virginia, when the defence of the State required the presence of the Corps to which he belonged, that he was in no regular action but in occasional Skirmishes with the enemy. That immediately after Sinclair's defeat, he entered the north-western army under the command of Genl Wayne, and continued in that service, until after the Treaty of Greenville, after which time he was ordered to the South, and continued in the regular army in the rank of Captain, on the frontier

of Georgia until the year 1802, when he retired from the Army as a Supernumerary. and Some years after he returned to the County of Hanover in the State of Virginia where he now resides. That he hereby Relin- quishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Samuel Tinsley
We Park Street and Samuel Jordan Winston residing in the County of Hanover hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Captain Samuel Tinsley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be near Seventy four years of age; That he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been an officer of the revo- lution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year afor- said.
Streets Sam d J. Winston

Virginia, Hanover County, to wit,
I, Philip A. Winston, Clerk of the Court of the said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing con- tains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Tinsley for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, (and) seal of Office, this twenty ninth day of August one thousand eight hundred (and) thirty two.
Philip B. Winton B.H.B.
1937

July 31 1844
Genl. J. Miley, Jr. 232 H. Hill
see letter to Mr. Laurens' jr
August 14. 1844
to same Nov. 28. 1844
Edward Board of Claims Washington City
FREE

My Mrs. King William County Va. July 27. 44
Col. James L. Edwards Comt. of Pensions Washington City
Sir
Enclosed is a Power of Atty from Rev B. Linsley, the only acting Executor on the Estate of Samuel Linsley deceased and an officer of the Revolution. Whose claim for half pay as such has been adjusted by Your Department upon an improper principle. under the act of 8th July 1832. Capt. Linsley was entitled to half pay for life. but in the settlement of his claim the amount of Pensions which he had received under the act of June 32, or some prior act, was deducted from the amount of his half pay claim. This it appears was wrong, as since decided by Your department. and I now as the Agent for the Executor, ask for a readjustment of his claim upon the proper principle, and forward me a draft on one of the Banks in Richmond for the balance. The accompanying papers will show that one of the Executors is dead, and altho. Rev. G. Linsley qualified as one of them and is yet alive, but who has declined acting as such, it has been deemed unnecessary to obtain a Power from him. W. Rev B. Linsley being the only acting Executor on the Estate. Very Respectfully Yr obedt Servt R. Saunders If these papers are not sufficient to make him know it are only a day or two more than required as a requirement in order that I may take steps to have them corrected

Rev. War Section
mmh F Qu
June 28, 1923
Alice Dell Deane 7516 Jeannette St., New Orleans, La.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 9 th ultimo, I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 6343 it appears that Samuel Tinsley enlisted while a resident of Hanover County, Virginia in the latter part of 1780 or early in 1781, and served as a Cornet or Lieutenant of Cavalry under Major John Nelson, and in Colonel Charles Dabney's Virginia State Legion until February 8 th , 1783.
Immediately after General St. Clair's defeat he entered the north western army under General Wayne and continued in that service until after the treaty of Greenville. He was then ordered to the South and continued as a Captain in the regular army on the frontiers of Georgia until 1802, when he retired as a supernumerary officer.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832 while a resident of Richmond, Virginia aged seventy-four years.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
See 050174 War Dept. for further information from the other part of this claim -

Thursday Feb y 20 th 1783 in Council
The Board having had under their Consideration the arrangement of Officers to command the State Troops do approve of the same and advise his Excellency to write to Col o Dabney acquainting them of, and directing that the Supernumerary Officers retire on half pay. Withdraw from the Council Sp st Richardson S c

Rev. War
6243
INVALID.
File No. 6243
Samuel Tinsley Coronet Rev War
Act: June 14 th 32
Index:—Vol. M , Page 375
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aug 4 '96 Soed pe
To N T Miller, City.
see Inv. 412
1911 Feb 7 Hist. to N.F.
Signerthro Hon. W. C.
Adams V.P.M.
1923 June 28 Hist. to Alice Dell
Meduc. MMH.F.
und.
LH 3
55

Thursday Feby 20 th 1783 in Council
The Board having had under their Consideration the Arrangement of Officers to command the State Troops do approve of the same and advise his Excellency to write to Col o Dabney acquainting thereof, and directing that the Supernumerary Officers retire on half pay. Witness from the Council Sp ts Richardson S c

Leach D Dugger &
Colonel Tom Terrell
was in actual service month Dec.
2 & 8 after the Treaty of Peace was signed on 30 th November 1782
Between G. Britain & the American Plenipotentiaries
see Col o Dabney's
Report they were
deemed Superannuated
Officers & others
The Executive directed
that they retire on half
Pay.

New Orleans, La. May 9, 1923.
United States Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I am sending you a copy of my family record, given me by my great-aunt, Hannah Virginia Tinsley. I also find in Heitman's Historical Register a record of the services of Samuel Tinsley. He was Captain of a Virginia State Regiment, 1778-1782, Lt. of Infantry 16 of March, 1792, Captain 9 of February, 1794 - transferred to First Infantry November, 1796, honorably discharged 1st June, 1802 - died October 2, 1833. If you can give me any information concerning this family, it will be greatly appreciated.
no as described
Have you any war record of James Tinsley, Jr.? The names of James Tinsley's sons and daughters? Whom did he marry and what relation was Samuel Tinsley to James Tinsley, Jr?
I am the second daughter of Caple Glenn Dell and Margaret Thompson, daughter of Mary Speer Tinsley.
Very truly yours,
Alice Dell Deane
Address: Mrs. Alice Dell Deane, 7516 Jeannette St., New Orleans, La.

Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives U. S.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS—FREE.
Letter returned to Hon. W. C. Adamson Feb 7, 1911
The commissioner of Pensions,
CITY.

18 Dabney, Certified No. 2.
Left Sunday
cop?

Hanover Dec. 30 th 1821
I do hereby certify that Samuel Simley served as a Lieutenant in a Troop of Horse in the State Legionary Corps I commanded in the revolutionary war, and that I have always entertained a good opinion of his merits as an Officer, Chas Dabney Col. S. L.
I believe the above certificate to be in the hand writing of my uncle Col Charles Dabney.
Wm B Dabney
July 28. 1832
Wm William B Dabney has grown up from childhood under my view and I always considered him both as a youth and a man as truly amiable, & worthy of fullest confidence - I am confident he is generally if not universally so regarded - Nov 23. 1832
M c Daniel

I was acquainted with the within named Lieut. Col d  Charles  Dubray of the Virginia State Legion, & with his hand writing; we were Neighbors for several Years in Henrico County & I do verily believe that the with certificate with his signat ure thereto, is in his own hand writing.
I knew him from the Year 1774, he was always remarked for his Morality & considered to be a Gentleman of the strictest Veracity.
Nov 27. 1832
William DuVal who was an Old Revolutionary Officer.

Evidence in Tinsley's case
and
James

Power or Letter of Attorney from Leah Samuel Tinsly to William D. D. D.

City of Richmond
I do certify that Samuel Tinsley I have known for more than Forty Years & that he is the identical Officer who was a Comt y in Lieutenant General Charles H. Atney's Legion during the War of the Revolution
Testimony G. M c Guire
William Dubal
Commonwealth of Virginia } City of Richmond } To Wit:
This day Samuel Tinsley came before me, Joseph Tate, Mayor of said City, in said City, and acknowledged the foregoing Letter of Attorney to be his hand and seal, and delivered it as and for his act and Deed, and desired his said acknowledgment should be certified under my hand and the corporate seal of said City: - and I do further certify, that William Dubal, who hath given the foregoing certificate is well known to me, to be of great respectability and credit, and the very old & fully possessed of his faculties.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the corporate Seal of said City, this 24 th July 1832.
Joseph Tate, Mayor of the City of Richmond
I request that Mayor William Dubal may be directed to pay out on the amount of my claim as a Survivorship as a Pensioner under the Pension Act Act of 7 th June 1832. In witness whereof I have this 15 th of November 1832
Test. Joseph Tate
Sam. Tinsley

On - - - - - the d. . . . .
The Half pay of a Lieut of Cavalry was $200 per ann.
J. L. Heath " "
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Auditor of Virginia
Certificate of one years Half pay paid to Samuel Tinsley as Cornet

Richmond Virginia 19 February 1784
Army
Warrant to Samuel Finley for one year half pay as a Colonel of Cavalry in the State line to the 6 th February 1784 agreeable to an act of Assembly entitled an act directing the Auditors to issue warrants in certain cases
48
Auditor's Office Virginia
Richmond 1 st August 1831.
Certify that the foregoing extract is truly copied from the Journal of 1784 page 334 now in this office.
R. Johnston First Auditor

Petition of Corneh Samuel Linsley
Clerk's for search for & copy of within 20 el. Wais etc. by Mr. R. P. H. Heath

To the Hon ble the Judges for the District of Henrico. The petition of Samuel Pineloy Humbly showeth —
That your petitioner was in the Year 1780 appointed a Coanel in the state corps of Horse commanded by John Nelson Esq. and continued to serve in the s d corps till it was together with other Troops forced into the Legion commanded by Col. Dabney in which your petitioner continued to serve in the s d Rank till the reduction of that corps which took place in the Year 1783 on the ninth of May. That he conceives himself to have been intitled half pay for life or to the 8 years pay allowed the Officers of the state line with Interest thereon that he hath applied to the auditors to issue his certificate & account for the same who refuses so to do alleging that the s d services do not entitle your petitioner to the compensation aforesaid. Wherefore your petitioner prays that your Honors will take the premises into your consideration and according to the acts of assembly in that case made and provided and that your Honors will proceed to do right therein.
And your petitioner &c.
Notice admitted 6 Sept 87 gr
J P m dleton
The facts stated within are admitted
for James.
I certify the foregoing is a copy of a paper filed among the papers of the late District Court in my custody as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Law for the County of Henrico E. Robinson

case of Samuel Tinsley -
The evidence in this case as within stated appear sufficient and is respectfully submitted to the Comp- -troller. R. MARMON Auditor of Genl Dut. 18. 1832.
I agree with the Auditor in the opinion as above expressed -
For Anderson 18 th Dec 1832
approved as a correct S. M c Lane

Case of Samuel Tinsley
The name of Samuel Tinsley is not on any of the Printed Lists of Pending Claims, or claims not prosecuted , received from Auditor Heath, but his name is on the manuscript List received from him - as a Cornet in the State Cavalry, which was commanded by Major John Nelson, at £48 per Annum half pay.
He has rec d commutation of $1600 (which is equal to five years full pay at £96 per Annum) pursuant to the Act of the Legislature of Virginia passed 2 nd March 1827 & Page 62 of Report of the Committee of the House of Representatives on the Claim of Virginia - which has been paid to Virginia pursuant to the 1 st Section of the Act of Congress of 5 July 1832.
By the documents herewith the Identity of Samuel Tinsley (as a Lieutenant altho' he rec d commutation only as a Cornet) appears satisfactorily proved. It also appears that he is yet living - And by Power of Attorney dated 24 th July 1832 authorizes William Duval to receive the balance that may be due to him under the Act of 5 July 1832. - And also to receive the amount that may be due to him for full pay from 4 th March 1831 agreeably to the Act of 7 June 1832 (Chapter 126 Page 87) which he also claims.
Should it be determined that he is entitled to full pay from 4 th March 1831, it will follow of course that he is entitled to half pay under the Act of 5 July 1832 only to 3 rd March 1831 - By Power of Attorney of Dudley Digges (another claimant) to William Duval, it appears that both said Dudley Digges & the above named Samuel Tinsley became Supernumerary Officers on the 20 th February 1783.
His Account for Half pay might be Reported from 20 February 1783 to 3 rd March 1831 leaving the balance of the time for future settlement when his claim for full pay shall have been decided.
Auditor's Office Dec r 17. 1832
W m Packer
but her last paid to 6 Feb 1784 In list Warrants Rec d from the Auditor H. C. M.

The evidence in this case appears sufficient to establish his identity, & to entitle him to half pay under the act of July 5 th 1832 to the 4 th March 1831. His claim from this last date for pension is for under the act of June 7. 1832 appears to the War Department.
N. Clanton

Return of Officers of the State Legion

Return of Officers of the State Legion
   Names Ending of Service     Charles Dabney Lt Colo Comm't April 23, 1783   Alexander Dick Major Retired 11 th May 1783   Windsor Brown Capt April 23 rd 1783   Abner Crump Capt ditto   Frederick Woodson Capt Discharged 8 th Feb 1783   John Fleet Lieutenant ditto   Wyatt Coleman Lieutenant April 23 rd 1783   James Harper Lieutenant do   William Slaughter Lieutenant do   David Mann Lieutenant do   Robert Roach Ensign do   Christopher Roane Capt Art Discharged 8 th Feb '83   Cary Wyatt Capt Lieut April 23 rd 1783   Nathaniel Rice Lieut do   William Armistead Capt Cavalry Discharged 8 th Feb 1783   Dudley Diggs Lieutenant do   Nathaniel L Savage Lieut do   Samuel Tinsley Cornet do   William Grubb do do  
Charles Dabney Lieut Colo Comm't
The above is truly copied from a 'Col' in the Pension Office intitled Virginia Claims - Oct 13 th 1851 - Ferdinand Moulton
The above is copied from a copy in Auditors office - Richmond J. H. Heath Com'd

a certified copy of Dabney Region
Samuel Tinsley S. File 6243 Virginia

Return of Officers of the State Legion
   Names Ending of Service     1 st Charles Dabney Lt: Colo: Commr April 23. 1783.   Alexander Dick Major retired 1. Jany 1783.   1 st Windom Brown Capt: April 23. 1783.   1 st Abner Crump Capt: ditto   Frederick Woodson Capt: discharged 8 th Feby, 1783   John Fleet Lieutenant ditto   1 st Wyatt Coleman, Lieutenant April 23. 1783.   1 st James Harper Lieutenant do   1 st William Haughton Lieutenant do   1 st David Mann Lieutenant do   1 st Robert Boush Ensign do   Christopher Roane Capt: Art: discharged 8. Feby '83   1 st Cary Wyatt Capt: Lieut: April 23. 1783.   1 st Nathaniel Rice Lieut do   William Armistead Capt: Cavalry discharged 8. Feby 1783.   Dudley Digges Lieutenant do   Nathaniel L. Savage do do   Samuel Tinsley Cornet do   William Graves do do   Chas Dabney Lieut Colo Commr. —   Charles Magill Major of the State Line   Geo: Muter Colo. do   Walter Scott Lieut do   John Thurston Cornet do    The above mentioned Officers rec'd from this office warrants for Half pay, agreeable to an act of Assembly entitled "An act for directing the Auditors to issue warrants in certain Cases." (issued in 1783.)  Vno. Carter Audy Office, 28. Nov. 1792

Ad: Off. Richmond Va.
Aug. 19 th 1851.
The foregoing is a true copy of a Return among the records filed in this office
G. M. Chittenden Act. 1 st Ad:

Samuel Tinsley received his commission & 26.13s on the 5 th Augt 1783 He received it himself as Coronet of Calvary

Memoranda in Lincels' Caer

NO 18505
RECEIVED
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871.
WAR OF 1812.
3324
Samuel Linsley
Corrnt
vs Line
Resolutions
Discharged _____, 18
6024
REJECTED
N o Pay _____ act '82
Received _____, 187
Attorney.

Tinsley's case
No 23

Memo a in Tinsley's case
See Major Wm Davies certificate in Tinsley's pension case The Major was Tinsley's friend & agent & obtained the Pension Certificate
See the papers in the Half way case
Examine Barbour's report & the returns of the Boards
Examine Shew that Ellis's printed argument is erroneous in facts and reasonings.
Send to Mr Davidge for the letters of Kirby & Lumpkin in Bryan case

N o 62,077
Statement of the Account of Samuel Tinsley
Ref d 24. Dec r 1832. Blott r page 426.
ms

1831. 62 1784 .. 36 47 .. 26 160 47 1120 644 7520 11.40 7531.40
THE UNITED STATES, DR.
To Samuel Tinsley, a Colonel in the State Cavalry Regiment in the Virginia Line (commanded by Major John Nelson ) in the Revolutionary War.
160 26 660 320 4160 (11.29 268 968 365 570 365 14500 10062 3550 3285 265
For his half pay from 6 th Feb y 1784 (to which date he was paid by Virginia) to the 3 rd March 1831 (from which date he claims full pay) in pursuance of the third section of an act of Congress "to provide for liquidating and paying certain claims of the State of Virginia," approved 5 th July, 1832, being 47 years 26 days at £ 48 - Virginia currency, equal to $ 160 per annum, amounting to £ 48 , Dollars 7531.40
Deduct Amount paid to him as commutation under an Act of the Legislature of Virginia of 2 nd March 1827 p Page 62 of Report of Committee of the House of Representatives of the United States on the claim of Virginia - which has been paid by Virginia under the 4 th section of the Act of Congress of 5 th July 1832  16000 Dollars 5931.40
Auditor's Office 19 Dec r . 1832 Wm Parker
Comptroller's Office Dec 20. 1832 Wm Anderson

Saml Tinsley papers

6900
1400
50
5 32001
870
370

St Saml. Tinsley Half pay Claim act 5 July 1832 V. Ellis atty
Send for Tinsley's papers in Half pay case.

L. C. D. Mays & Major Nelson Certificates Respecting Land Samuel Torrey

SAMUEL TINSLEY'S CLAIM.
WASHINGTON CITY, July 21st, 1851.
To JAMES E. HEATH, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions:
SIR: I present herewith, a power of attorney for half pay, from John B. Tinsley, Esq., administrator of the estate of Samuel Tinsley, deceased, who was a Revolutionary officer, of the Virginia State Line, and who served in Nelson's corps of Cavalry, until the consolidation of the Virginia State troops, in the year 1782, into the Legionary Corps under Colonel Dabney, and who continued in the said Legionary Corps, until February 1783, when he became supernumerary.
The facts stated in the foregoing paragraph, in relation to the services of Samuel Tinsley, will be found reported by the board of officers, who convened in Feb. 1782 (under an act of the Virginia assembly passed November 1781) for the avowed purpose of reporting the names of all such officers of the Virginia State line and Navy, as were entitled to the half-pay promised by the previous act of May session 1779.
It will be seen by reference to the said report that Samuel Tinsley is therein described as a Coronet of Cavalry. As such he has received half-pay under act of 5th July 1832. As such he was pensioned under act of 7th June 1832. As such he was allowed Bounty land by the State of Virginia.
The present application, in behalf of the administrator of said Tinsley, is made for half-pay, as a Lieutenant of Cavalry, deducting the amount heretofore received, in the grade of Coronet .
In support of this application I refer to the certificates originally filed in the half-pay claim, which was paid under act 5th July 1832, aforesaid, and also to the declaration made by Mr. Tinsley under act 7 June 1832, of which, copies are herewith submitted, the originals being on file in the proper depositories of Government vouchers. They are as follow, viz:

(Major NELSON'S Certificate. )
"I do hereby certify that Samuel Tinsley served in the State Corps of Cavalry under my command as a Lieutenant until the consolidation of the State troops into a Legionary Corps, under the command of Colonel Charles Dabney, and that he continued in service till all the troops of the State line were discharged. I further certify that Lieutenant Tinsley was always considered an excellent officer.
"Given under my hand at Richmond this 20th day of January 1820.
J. NELSON,
Late Commandant, State Cavalry.
(Colonel DABNEY'S Certificate. )
HANOVER, December 30th, 1821.
"I do hereby certify that Samuel Tinsley served as a Lieutenant in a troop of horse, in the State Legionary Corps, I commanded, in the Revolutionary War, and that I have always entertained a good opinion of his merit as an officer.
"CHARLES DABNEY, Colonel S. L. "
(Extract from Tinsley's declaration under act of 7th June, 1832.)
He declares on oath,
"That he was a Lieutenant of Cavalry, while under the command of Major John Nelson, and Colonel Charles Dabney, and not a Cornet as reported."
See his papers filed under act 7th June, 1832.
(Extract from Mr. Tinsley's power of attorney filed with his papers, for half-pay, in 1832.)
"Know all men by these presents, that I Samuel Tinsley who was a Lieutenant of horse in Lieutenant Colonel Charles Dabney's legion of Regular State troops, and continued in actual service until the 8th of February 1783, when I became a supernumerary officer, &c., do constitute and empower, &c. &c., to settle the remainder of my half pay for life, as Lieutenant aforesaid, &c. &c."
The foregoing power of attorney, was executed by Mr. Tinsley, when living, on the 24th day of July 1832, and it is here referred to, in connection with his declaration, on oath , under act of 7th June

1832, to show, that he always claimed, and insisted, that he was a Lieutenant , and not a Coronet of Cavalry.
The facts in relation to Mr. Tinsley's service, are thus distinctly presented to your consideration.
The State of Virginia allowed him land Bounty, as a Coronet , after the close of the War. But it must be borne in mind, that a Coronet and a Lieutenant each received precisely the same quantity of land from Virginia, to wit, 2666 \frac{2}{3} acres, and Mr. Tinsley had no motive whatever, to raise a question at that time, on that subject. The half pay however of a Coronet , and a Lieutenant , differ in amount, the former being $160,00, per year, and the latter $200,00, per year. Hence, when applying for half pay, Mr. Tinsley claimed it, in that grade, which he states on oath he filled, and in which, according to the evidence of his two immediate Commanders, Major Nelson and Col. Dabney, he had honorably served to the end of the War, or until " deranged ," and thrown out of service, as supernumerary, in February 1783.
But the Board of Officers reported him a Coronet.
This report of the Board of Officers shows this remarkable fact, in relation to the State Cavalry, to wit: that there were nine officers, belonging to that corps, and of these nine officers, the christian names of only three are given! The list is as follows, viz:
JOHN NELSON, Major. EDMUND READ, Captain. ——— ARMAND, Captain. ——— ARMISTEAD, Captain. ——— DIGGES, Lieutenant. ——— SAVAGE, Lieutenant. ——— SPENCER, Lieutenant. SAMUEL TINSLEY, Coronet. ——— GRAVES, Coronet.
This most remarkable omission, proves that the board had no reliable data on which to act, and justifies the position, which I assume, that said report, proves nothing certain , except that the board had no official rolls before them, and knew not even the names of the officers of that corps! They were required however, by law, to

make a report , and they discharged their duty, according to the best of their ability, but without having the means of arriving at any certain results. No officer of Nelson's Corps of Cavalry was present at the sittings of that board! Lieutenant Colonel Dabney (who was present) was then an officer of Colonel Brent's regiment; (the legion which he subsequently commanded, not having been then formed,) and hence he , though present, could then give no information in relation to Tinsley's service. Subsequently to the report , Tinsley went into the Legionary Corps of Dabney, and served therein, from the Spring of 1782, to February 1783, as a Lieutenant , in which capacity he had previously served under Major Nelson. (See certificates of Nelson and Dabney.) If the board of officers had been furnished with any authentic and reliable rolls of Nelson's Corps of Cavalry, is it to be supposed, they would not have shown the christian names of the officers?
Well might Governor Floyd of Virginia, in his decision upon the Bounty land Claim of Captain James Gray, remark: "But the board of Officers after the War, denominate him (Gray) Lieutenant, and this is thought (by one of the State Council) conclusive of his rank.
I do not so consider it. We have no proof of the evidence before them, and and we know that they made many and glaring mistakes!!"
See papers filed in Captain James Gray's half pay claim, for the foregoing declaration, made by the Governor of Virginia.
An examination of the proceedings of that board, shows on every page of their report, that they had not the necessary information to enable them to arrive at any certainty.
The whole number of Virginia State line and Navy officers, reported by the several boards of Officers, in 1782, 1783, and 1784, was One hundred and fifty two , including the officers of Crockett's regiment, (whose names are not given in Barbour's report of 1832, to Congress, but whose claims were admitted by the board of 1783,) and yet upwards of two hundred and seventy officers have been allowed half pay, or commutation, under the act of 5th July 1832. How could this enlarged number, have received the benefits of that act, except on the ground , that the reported lists were defective? And if defective , in relation to one hundred and twenty Officers, whose claims have been admitted, how can it be assumed that

the reports are conclusive as to the rank of those reported? If the reported lists were perfect , it would follow, that every payment to an officer, not reported, would be erroneous; and as a corollary, it follows, that each payment to an officer, not upon said lists, proves that the lists are not considered perfect. These lists are clearly defective , or the Court of Appeals has grossly erred in its decisions, and this government has adopted its errors. Let us refer to the leading case in that Court affecting this question.
In the year 1791, only eight years after the war, Lodowick Brodie, Surgeon , of the Second State regiment, (Brent's) and afterwards of Dabney's legion, and whose name is not found upon said reported lists , presented his claim for half-pay to the auditor of Virginia, and it was rejected. The following proceedings then occurred in relation to that claim, to wit:
“At a court held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, for the district composed of the counties of Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Goochland and Powhatan, on the 8th day of September, 1791,
Lodowick Brodie, late a Surgeon in the Second State Regiment and Dabney's Legion, appellant .
against
The Commonwealth.
Upon an appeal from a decision of the auditor of Public Accounts, refusing to issue to the appellant, certificates or warrants either for half pay during life, or for five years full pay in commutation thereof.
“This day came as well the appellant, by his Attorney, as the Attorney General, for the Commonwealth, who being fully heard, it is the opinion of the Court, that the appellant who was a Surgeon in the second State Regiment and Dabney's Legion, and continued to serve therein until the end of the War, is entitled by law to five years full pay in compensation for half pay during life. Therefore it is ordered that the Auditor of Public Accounts do issue to him certificates for the said five years full pay bearing an interest of six per centum per annum, from the 22d, day of April 1783, when the troops raised for the late War, were discharged in this State.”
“A copy.                      Teste.                      J. ROBINSON, C. C.”
From this decision of the District Court, the Attorney General appealed to the Court of Appeals, and that Court, on the 2d day of May 1792, affirmed the decision of the district court, as will be seen by the following judgment.

"Virginia: At a Court of Appeals, held at the Capitol, in the city of Richmond, on Wednesday, May 2d, 1792:
"The Commonwealth, appellant.
vs.
"Lodowick Brodie, late a Surgeon in the Second State Regiment, and Dabney's Legion, appellee.
"Upon an appeal from an order of the District Court, held in Richmond the 8th day of September 1791, whereby it was ordered, that the Auditor of Public Accounts, should issue to the appellee, certificates for five years full pay, for commutation of half pay, during life, bearing an interest, at the rate of six per centum, per annum, from the 22d day of April 1783, the day on which the troops raised for the late War were discharged, in this State. This day came the appellee by his counsel: and thereupon the transcript of the record of the order aforesaid, being seen and inspected, it seems to the Court here, that there is no error in the said order: Therefore it is considered, that the same be affirmed: which is ordered to be certified, to the said District Court."
"A copy.
Teste.
J. ALLEN, C. C."
Under this affirmance, by the Court of Appeals, of the judgment of the District Court, Surgeon Brodie received his five years full pay, with interest, in commutation of half pay for life, and thus did the highest judicial tribunal of Virginia, pronounce , that the report of the board of Officers, of February 1782, was defective and erroneous , and as such , it has ever since been held and considered, by the Courts of Virginia, the Legislature of that State, and by this government.
A reference to the action of this government, on this point, may here be appropriate. The cases of James McClurg, Samuel Barron, Thomas Carter, Wm. Foushee, John M. Galt, Thomas Herbert, Pascow Herbert, Jenifer Marshall, Richard Parker, Benjamin Roberts, Joseph Saunders, Granville Smith, Robert Snead, Samuel Timson, William S. White, Edward Worthington, and many others, not reported on the lists referred to , were admitted by the Secretary of the Treasury, in the years 1833 and 1834.
The following is a copy of a letter, from the Pension Office, directed to a gentleman who made enquiries on the point indicated, during the last year.

"PENSION OFFICE, March 13th 1850.
"SIR: In answer to your letter of this date enquiring, "whether the returns of the boards of Officers organized to discriminate such Officers as were entitled to half pay, have been shown to be perfect , or imperfect , in the examination of claims, under the act of 5th July 1832?" I have to inform you, that neither the report of the board of field Officers of February 1782, nor the report of the board of Naval Officers of 1784, is now regarded as perfect .
The Claims of a number of Officers, both of the Army and Navy, have been allowed, for half pay, or commutation, under said act of 5th July 1832, whose names are not found in either of said reports.
I am very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. J. COOMBS, Chief Clerk. "
"JOSEPH SEGAR Esq.
Present."
Thus it is seen, that the court of appeals in 1792, distinctly negatived the position, that the reports of the boards of Officers were correct, and their judgments have been properly followed by this government, in administering the law of 5th July 1832.
But I desire to recur to the list of the State Cavalry Officers, upon which the name of Samuel Tinsley is found as Coronet , and to ask, respectfully, but emphatically, how that list could possibly be deemed conclusive of the rights of those Officers, when their christian names are not given, in six out of nine cases? Was it Thomas or William Armistead, who was reported? Both were in the army. Was it Dudley or Edward Diggs, who was reported? Both were in the army. Was it Joseph or Nathaniel Savage who was reported! Both were in the army. Was it William , Ralph , or John Graves, who was reported? All three were in the army. Was it John , Gideon , Thomas , William , or Joseph Spencer, who was reported? All five of those Officers were in the army! See page 3.
Would it not be preposterous to assume, that this list is conclusive of the rank , when it bears on its face, this unmistakeable evidence, that the board was ignorant of the christian names of the officers?
But let us refer to some special illustrations of the imperfection of these lists. Independent of the numerous cases of allowances to Officers not reported on these lists, and which were made by the court of appeals before , and by this government since the act of 5th July 1832,

(amounting to one hundred and twenty) and which allowances, as before stated, could have been made on no other ground than the imperfection of said lists, I now refer to the following cases, where the names and grades of the Officers are found on the lists, but where allowances have been made in a higher grade than that affixed to the reported names respectively. In legal parlance, these cases "run on all fours" with the case we are considering.
HENRY DEARING, was reported by the board of 1783, as an ensign of Crockett's regiment, and originally paid in that grade , and subsequently admitted and paid as a Lieutenant .
SAMUEL B. GREEN, was reported as an ensign , in the same regiment, and paid as such, and subsequently admitted and paid as Lieutenant . BARNARD GLENN, was reported as Lieutenant in the same Regiment, and paid as such, and subsequently admitted and paid, as Captain . ABRAM CHAPLIN, was reported by the board of February 1782, as a Lieutenant in Col. Clark's Illinois regiment, and was subsequently found to have been erroneously reported , and his claim was admitted and paid as a Captain , by the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury. Thus then, we have the deliberate judgment, of the court of appeals of Virginia, pronounced sixty years ago , that the reported lists above referred to, are not conclusive, or binding, as regards the claims of those officers not named upon them, and we have one hundred and twenty adjudications, founded upon that precedent, and we have moreover, the decisions of the Secretary, administering the law of July 5, 1832, in the four cases above cited, that those lists, do not preclude the claimant, from showing, by proofs aliunde , that his rank was erroneously given, by the board of Officers reporting his name.
But I am aware of the fact, and it may possibly be urged, that a copy of a list, purporting to have been signed by Colonel Charles Dabney, and containing the names of the officers of his Legion, has been furnished to your office, on which list Mr. Tinsley is styled a Coronet . When, how, by whom, for what purpose, at what time, and by what authority, that copy or its original came into existence, I am not informed. It has no date, and carries on its face, no marks of authenticity. Still it may be, what it purports to be, a copy of a copy , of a genuine document. But suppose its authenticity admitted?

What then? Is it not more probable, that Colonel Dabney erred , when he certified a list of some twenty officers, prepared, doubtless, by other hands, and from data, not his own , than when his attention was called, to an individual officer ? Indeed, is it not by far more probable, that he was led into an error, when certifying that general list , than that himself and Major Nelson, both mistook and misstated Tinsley's grade, when their attention respectively was directed to this isolated case? Assuredly their specific testimony should preponderate, and especially when confirmed by the veteran Tinsley's oath . X
This then is the question presented, Whether the proof exhibited, is satisfactory, on the point , of Tinsley's rank . That proof, independent of his own oath, consists of the certificates of his commanding officers, Major John Nelson, and Col. Charles Dabney.
In the earliest cases of Bounty land Claims, say from 1783, to 1800, the certificate of one superior officer only was required, and that was deemed sufficient, to authorize the grant of land to officers of the Virginia lines. For forty or fifty years past, such claims have been at times allowed, even upon testimony of persons not Officers in service. But never at any time , has any more evidence been required, than the certificate of one superior or commanding officer . Indeed, from the very nature of the case, no higher testimony could be produced. C
The proofs in half pay cases, are usually the same as those, on which land has been allowed. No invariable standard of testimony has been established, in these cases, and none can be, except this, that it must be such as gains the assent of the judgment . X
Major Nelson was the commanding officer of the corps, in which Tinsley served, until the consolidation of the State troops in 1782.
Colonel Dabney was the commanding officer of the legion, in which Tinsley served, after the consolidation of the State troops, until discharged in 1783. Their testimony is before you, for your judgment upon it. It is clear, distinct and unambiguous, and, as it seems to me, must be satisfactory. .
Were this an original application for half pay, and if Tinsley's name were not found at all , on the reported lists, would there be a moment's hesitation, or the slightest difficulty, in allowing the claim as a Lieutenant , on the testimony presented? Most certainly not . X

And surely the force of this testimony, is not weakened, or impaired, by the act of a board of officers, who knew the Christian names of but three of the nine officers in Nelson's corps of Cavalry, to which Tinsley belonged, and which board, (in the forcible and truthful language of Governor Floyd) " made many and glaring mistakes! " Nor can the unauthenticated, or at best, the general and uncertain list of Dabney's legion, above adverted to, outweigh the more precise, particular and pointed testimony, herewith submitted.
Upon the foregoing facts and proofs, I respectfully ask an allowance of half pay, to the administrator of Samuel Tinsley deceased, as a Lieutenant of Cavalry, deducting therefrom the amount heretofore allowed him as a Coronet .
VESPASIAN ELLIS,
Attorney of the Administrator.

Oct 13
Hanover Q.M. Dept 1832
Free
11952
Va.
The Secretary of War,
To the particular attention of the Pension Office, on Rd, Washington City.
cornet 2 years from 31 Jan. 1881
$320 per ann.
Major

Hanover County, Va. Oct. 3 rd 1852.
J. L. Edwards, Esquire,
Sir,
In compliance with your letter of the 29 th ult. I enclose the papers of Capt. Samuel Tinsley, on which his claim to a pension is founded; it is his wish that the pension certificate be forwarded, with as little delay as possible, directed to him at Hanover Ct. H o Virginia.
Very respectfully
Yr. obt. Servt.
J. Grantham for Capt. Samuel Tinsley.

District of Columbia County of Washington.
I certify that Samuel Finisley served as a corner in the Virginia State line for at least two years prior to April 11. 1783. I had a personal knowledge of said Finisley's service. William DuVal
Sworn & subscribed before me the 26 th day of December 1832
Enoch Reynolds. J. Pease

Nov. 13. 1894
Had to be care of
Same Family
Aylett VA Nov 12
59 yrs 1832
Free
J. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Claims
Washington City
D.C.

Big Lotts, Virginia, Nov, 9 th 1844 Col J. S. Adair Commissioner of Claims
Sir
Enclosed You will receive the additional evidence, in the case of Samuel Tinsley, a power of attorney for whose half pay I had the honour to forward You on the 27 th July last. If this evidence is sufficient (and I hope it may be) You will please to settle the claim as early as You can with convenience, and forward me a draft on either of the Banks in Richmond, for the amount, accompanied by such a receipt as it may be necessary for me to sign as the attorney. In Your letter of the — in relation to this claim, You stated that before a settlement could be made, it would be necessary to prove the death of Samuel Tinsley, and also that one of the executors was dead, and that the other refused to act. You will find that this has been done, and in doing it, I deemed it best to obtain the Certificate of the executor himself, who had refused to act, as to that particular fact, and also as to the death of Samuel Tinsley and the other executor. The one of the papers forwarded before was intended to prove the death of one of that executors.
Very respectfully Yr. M c O ll , Servt W. Carron es Jr

S. Finlay v Connelh } Copy papers

I do hereby certify that Samuel Tinsley served in the State Corps of Cavalry under my Command as a Lieut. until the consolidation of the State Troops into a Legionary Corps under the Command of Colo: Charles Dalney, and that he continued in Service till all the Troops of the State Line were discharged.
I further certify that Lieut. Tinsley was always considered an excellent Officer. Given under my hand at Richmond this 20 th day January 1820.
J. Nelson late Comman- dant State Cavalry —
Being acquainted with hand writing of Major John Nelson dec d I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the foregoing Certificate is wholly written and subscribed by himself
Thomas Nelson.
Richmond July 28. 1832.
Hanover Dec r 30 1821.
I do hereby certify that Samuel Tinsley served as a Lieut. in a Troop of Horse in the State Legionary Corps, I commanded in the Revolutionary War — and that I have always entertained a good opinion of his merit as an Officer.
Chas Dalney Col. S. L.
I believe the above Certificate to be in the hand writing of my Uncle Colo Charles Dalney. —
Wm B Dalney July 28. 1832.
The above are copies of papers filed in the case of Samuel Tinsley against The Commonwealth, upon an appeal from a decision of the Auditor of Public Accounts now depending in the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for Henrico County.
testes.
J. Robinson Secy.

Capt. S. L. Hinds
Cap. Tinsley
Maj. Nelson's Certificate resp 89
2
cop.

I do hereby certify that Sam l Finley served in the State Corps of Cavalry under my command, as a Lieut t , until the consolidation of the State Troops into a Legionary Corps, under the command of Col l Charles Debray, & that he continued in service till all the Troops of the State Line were discharged.
Further certify that Lieut t Finley was always considered an excellent officer — Given under my Hand at Richmond, this 20 th Day Jan y . 1820.
Being acquainted with the handwriting of Maj r John Nelson, de h I hereby certify, that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the foregoing certificate is wholly written and subscribed by himself.
Thomas Nelson
By Nelson, late Commandant State Cavalry
Richmond July 28. 1832
I have been many years acquainted with Mr Thos Nelson, & it gives me much pleasure to declare that for integrity and respectability he stands as high as any man in the community.
Nov 23. 1832
I was well acquainted with Major Thomas Nelson and concur in the foregoing certificate.
W m Daniel
Marshall

Extratt from Journal in Aud s Office in reference to Corret Samuel Linsley;

Nov. 6. 1782.
Received of Henry Young, in consequence of an order drawn by the Executive in favor of the Officers of the State Cavalry, the several articles following, being materials to make each of them a Cloak - viz: Twenty four and a half yards Off brown cloth, and forty-nine yards deal Coloured duroy - for which each of the following Officers are to pay the current price now given for goods. Capt: Armand, Capt: Armistead, Lt: Digges, Lt: Savage, and Cornets Tinsley & Graves and Dr. Carter, Surgeon to the said Cavalry, agreeable to the said order.
34 1/2 Yards of Cloth and 7. Yards duroy was allowed for each Cloak.
Signed
William Graves Cor & M o
Auditors Office, Virginia Richmond 31 st July, 1851.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is truly copied from a bound volume of old papers in this Office, styled "P. Com A. of Rev. for Masters Returns" &c, —
Robt Johnston First Auditor

Saml Tinsley du o act July 5. 1832.
Feb 26. 1845,
Record, vol 43, page 161

Pension Office
February 26. 1845
I certify that I have examined the claim of the Executor of Samuel Tinsley, who was a Cornet in the Virginia State Troops, and I find that said Tinsley was allowed half-pay under the act of July 5. 1832, entitled "an act to provide for liquidating and paying certain claims of the State of Virginia," and was paid up to the 4 th of March 1831. The Executor now claims half-pay from the 4 th March 1831 to the day of his death. It is my opinion that the claim should be allowed. I therefore certify that the amount  should be paid  is due from the 4 th of March 1831 at the rate of one hundred and sixty dollars per annum, from to the 22 d of October eighteen hundred and thirty three, when said Tinsley died, and the same is payable to Robert Saunders, junior, attorney of John B. Tinsley, executor of Samuel Tinsley, deceased.
Approved
Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions
act 5 July '32 enter this

February 7, 1911.
Hon. William C. Adamson,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Adamson:
In reply to your undated letter received the 6" instant, and the enclosed letter from Mr. W. F. Tigner of Columbus, Georgia, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the claim of Samuel Tinsley. Sur. File No. 6,243, Rev. War, it appears that the soldier enlisted while a resident of Hanover County, Virginia in the latter part of 1780 or early in 1781, and served as a Cornet or Lieut. of Cavalry under Major John Nelson, and in Colonel Charles Dabney's Virginia State Legion until February 8, 1783.
Immediately after General St. Clair's defeat he entered the north-western army under General Wayne and continued in that service until after the treaty of Greenville. He was then ordered to the South and continued as a Captain in the regular army on the frontiers of Georgia until 1802, when he retired as a supernumerary officer.
He was allowed pension on an application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Richmond, Virginia, aged seventy-four years.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.