Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1541, for Royal Jennings, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Jennings, Royal
S. 1541
carded
CONTENTS

See ltr 15 April 1837. Pen agt
Dear Letter to J. H. McAnally L 3 d Audt 2 d April 1843.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6. April 1838, from 4. Sept 1838 to 1. Feby 1839. Agt Notified 23 May 1843
25066
East Tennessee
Royal Pensions of Granger in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the com d commanded by Captain Basdall of the reg t commanded by Col. Henry in the Virginia line for 1 year & 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of East Pensions at the rate of 86 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Sept r 1832 to Wm and John Coche Rutledge
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 141.67
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 March 2833
$1170.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by David Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 49

No 25764
Royal Jennings Granger County Tennessee
from 1779 private 17 months
1833 31 1792
L $ 56. \frac{66}{100}
Inchoate bth Granger County Tennessee Rutledge

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
at Aug 1833
1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Royal Jennings Greanger County Tennessee
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sub. Sprg. 1779 - 2 - private Capt Basdel, Colonel Thurman 71 years County of Charlotte Virginia Traditionary evidence, papers not properly attached.   Draft. " " - 3 - " Capt Morton, General Lawson   Draft June 1780 - 3 - " Capt Williams, Major Morris, Col Ky Cols,   Entered Apr. 1781 - 3 - " Capt Gaines, Lt Lawson   Served - " - 3 - " Capt Morton, Lt Grayville   Entered July 1781 - 3 - " Capt Gaines Battle of Gates defeat,  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

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

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
April 26 th , 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The child n of Royal Jennings, de d a Pensioner on the Roll of the Knoxville, Tenn: Agency, at the rate of Fifty Six Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838, to the 1 st Feby 1839.
Respectfully, yours,
Edward L. Cassell Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

State of Tennessee
Grainger County
On this 21 st day of May 1833. Personally appeared in open court before the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Grainger County, in the State of Tennessee now sitting Royal Jennings a resident of the County of Grainger and State of Tennessee aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated That he went as a substituted for Joseph Hott under Capt Dudley Basdel in the latter part of the Spring to the best of his recollection in the year 1779. Col Flemming commanded the Regiment He states that he was born in the County of Henrico in the State of Virginia in the year 1762. (about) he has long since lost the Record of this age. He states that his father removed from Henrico to Prince Edward County and from thence to Charlotte. He states that he was living in the County of Charlotte in the State of Virginia when he entered the service for Joseph Hott and served two months. To the best of his knowledge that from Charlotte we marched to Petersburg from thence to Wabbin Point. We then continued down to Prides Old fields when we heard the British fleet had dispersed and we then were discharged by our Officers. We were called into service to prevent the British fleet from landing but before we arrived at the pier board we heard the British had put to sea and we were discharged

He states that he was then drafted for a three month tour under Capt William Morton, in the regiment commanded by Genl Hanson that he was living in Charlotte from thence we crossed James River at Leesburg Ferry as well as he recollects and then down towards the sea board after being stationed in different places, to Old Point Comfort from thence to Long Bridge near Portsmouth and continued in the neighbourhood of Norfolk Portsmouth and Suffolk until his term of service expired and he was discharged.
He states that he was again drafted in the County of Charlotte for a three month tour in the month of June 1780. as near as he can recollect under Capt Thomas Williams Major Morris, Col. Lucas, Lieutenant Harvey, Ensign Austin Hulse. He states that Lieutenant Harvey was arrested and broke and ordered to be drawn through the company twice in dirty clothes and to go barefooted. He states that he resided in the County of Charlotte when he was drafted. He states that he was in the Battle of Gates' defeat near Camden South Carolina. He states that from Charlotte we marched to Hillsboro North Carolina there we waited nearly a month for the northern county Virginia militia. After the two Regiments had got to join Genl Gates from the main army arrived about the first of August and received the army and ordered the Officers of our Regiment to meet him at Poquoson Mills by such a time (naming the time) within six miles of Campden and the time was so short that we were allowed to get to Poquoson Mills that we were compelled to march until twelve o'clock every night the weather being both raining and hot and we were supported upon half and quarter

rations. We state, that when we arrived at Roughley's Mills Genl Gates took Command of the army and we joined the Baron De Kalb with his regulars and the North Carolina Militia. We arrived about twelve o'clock in the day at Roughley's Mills and were ordered to wash and fix ourselves and be ready to march by eight o'clock that night to Campden to attack Lord Cornwallis. We did so. We marched about half way to Campden as was supposed when the advanced Infantry met the the advanced Infantry of the British and the advanced Infantry of the British fired upon the advanced Infantry of the Americans and a pretty smart skirmishing was kept up until day. About sunrise our army was put in order of Battle. We were ordered not to fire until we could see the whites of their eyes. The Virginia troops were formed on the left wing towards Campden along the side of the road about 90 or 100 yards from the road. The British had to extend their file six or eight feet in order to flank with us. While we were standing waiting for the British to advance on us and fire orders to fire. We heard the British Officers give the command to their army to wheel about and fire on us. They did so and our soldiers could not stand that but immediately fired upon them without orders. Then the Battle began and the whole army was engaged. My Capt Thomas Williams was wounded in the shoulder. The British charged upon us and we gave way but kept up a constant firing until we retreated to a swamp that was near us when Tarleton charged upon us with his horse and we were compelled to make the best way we could through the swamp. The Battle lasted about

two hours and we sustained a complete defeat. At this Battle the Baron De Kalb was mortally wounded and died in a few days after as I understood. At this Battle Genl Gates behaved most shamefully betaking himself to flight in the heat of the fighting and left the Brave De Kalb to fight the Battle. The army was completely put to route and fled in consternation and confusion in every direction. I went to Hillsboro and about a hundred men where we staid until we had collected some clothes we were commanded to meet at New Garden by Col Fortner I think in Guilford County in North Carolina where we were under the command of Col Fortner. Then we were marched to Point of Fork on James River in Virginia from thence we marched to Richmond from thence to Old Williamsburg where we continued until our time of service expired and we were discharged. He states that he again entered the service and served a three months term of service under Capt Gains from Charlotte County, Lieutenant Richard Davenport, Genl Robert. Mr William Lawson commanded the militia to whom I belonged. He cannot recollect the precise time when but it was in the spring of the year 1781. He states that he was stationed at Ponder's Creek fields where the news of the Battle of Guilford reached us. At this time of service our principle duty was to guard the seaports and eastern part of Virginia. He states that he was discharged at Suffolk on Nansemond river in Virginia. He states that he served another three months term under Capt Wm Morton of Charlotte County and marched to Swans Point on James River from thence we marched to the Morbin Hills where

we were stationed from fforty to four weeks, then we had orders to march down towards the sea coast. We were stationed a while at Old Williamsburg from thence to Old Williamsburg Jamestown we then crossed the Chickahominy swamps and found Genl Lafayette about twelve miles from Jamestown. We continued there expecting the British fleet to land until our term of service had nearly expired when we were marched to Richmond and discharged.
We further state that we entered the service for another three months term under Capt. Harris. about the 24 or 25 of July 1781. from Charlotte County in Virginia from Charlotte we marched to Chesterfield Courthouse thence we beat down James River and were stationed for short time at different places until we were commanded to join Genl Washington and Genl Lafayette at Little York. We arrived there at the commencement of the siege just before the building of the Poplar Tree fort which was a little place of security to shelter us when they were firing upon us. From that fort we commenced our intrenchments for several days before we could mount any pieces. They still firing on us until we got so far that we raised some field pieces and Bomb Batteries. We then began to fire on them and drove them into their forts. We then worked night and day until we got the intrenchments finished. We built surrounded them in the form of a half moon. The French fleet prevented them from escaping down the river. We stormed the British redoubts that were about the British forts before they surrendered. Then we continued to get stronger until we surrounded them.

with our heavy artillery. We advanced so near them that if we could see a small opening we could through a rifle ball into the fort. The guard was not more than fifty yards apart before they surrendered Lord Cornwallis surrendered to Genl Washington on the 19 th day of October 1781. The Capitulation was such that they continued in the fort that night. The Capitulation was that they were to march out with their columns with all their arms in such a position as though they were going to march through the country. The French and American army paraded in rank and file and we were ordered to treat them civilly but look at them as Conquered Brothers. They marched in front of our army. The British grounded their arms after they had marched in front of our army we then took them into our possession and the 19 th marched them to Winchester. I marched a few days with the army after when my time of service expired and I was discharged.
We state that service served in the service of the United States for fourteen months. We state that he has long since lost his discharges. We state that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. We hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of any state.
Seven town Open Court
J. S. Leavitt
Hoyal this Jennings mark

Mr Charles McAnally a clergyman residing in the County of Grange and John Locke residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Royal Jennings who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Sworn to in open Court J. S. Locke D. C.
C. W. McAnally John Locke
And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Charles McAnally who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in County of Grange and who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Grange and is a creditable person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I John Cooke clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for Grady County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Royal Jennings for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the court of pleas and quarter sessions for said County. Done at office in Rutledge this 21 st day of May 1833.
John Cooke Clerk by H. V. Cooke D. Clerk
Interrogatories propounded by the court to Royal Jennings an applicant for a pension
1 When and in what year were you born answer I was born in Henrico County in the State of Virginia in the year 1762.
2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Answer I have no record of my age
3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolution and where do you live now
Answer I was living in Charlotte County Virginia when called into service I also lived in the State of North Carolina after the Revolution and I now live in the County of Grady and State of Tennessee for thirty seven or eight years.
4 How were you called into service: were you drafted and your volunteer or were you a substitute and if

a substitute for whom.
Answer The first time of duty I served as a substitute for Joseph Hott and the rest of my service I was drafted
5 State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
Answer. I served with Genl Gates. The Baron De Kalb. Genl George Washington Genl Lafayette Genl Anthony Wayne and as to the general circumstances of my service I refer to my declaration for a detailed statement
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. Revd Charles McAnally Major Genl John Cooke Col Thomas Whittemore Doctor Wm E Cooke. Doctor James D Cooke
Personally appeared in open court before the justices of our court of pleas and quarter sessions for Grange County now sitting Royal Jennings and made oath that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot state the particular day of the month and year that he entered in the service of the United States in some of his tours of service nor the

particular day and year that he left the service but according to the best of his recollection he served fourteen months and for such service he claims a pension. I want to in open court
D. S. Cook D. C.
Royal A Jennings must

April 19, 1932
BA-J/MLB
XXXXXXXXXXXX
ROYAL JENNINGS
S. 1541 Q
The American Historical Society, Inc., 80-90 Eighth Avenue New York City
Attention of M. M. Lewis
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, relative to Royal Jennings, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 1541, based upon the military service of Royal Jennings in the Revolutionary War.
Royal Jennings was born in 1762, in Henrico County, Virginia. His father, name not stated, moved from Henrico County to Prince Edward County, Virginia, and from thence to Charlotte County, Virginia.
While living in Charlotte County, Virginia, Royal Jennings entered the service the latter part of spring, 1779, and served two months as a private in Captain Dudley Basdel's company, Colonel Fleming's Virginia regiment. He next served three months in Captain William Morton's Virginia company. He enlisted in June, 1780, and served three months as private in Captain Thomas Williams' company, Colonels Lucas and Fortner's Virginia regiment, and was in the battle of Camden. He enlisted early in 1781 and served three months as a private in Captain Gaines' Virginia company. He served another three months tour in Captain William Morton's Virginia company. He enlisted about July 24 or 25, 1781, served three months in Captain Gaines' Virginia company, and was at the siege of Yorktown, after which he was discharged.
After the Revolution he lived in North Carolina, and from there moved to Grainger County, Tennessee.

Royal Jennings was allowed pension on his application executed May 21, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Grainger County, Tennessee, where he had lived thirty-seven or thirty-eight years.
He died February 1, 1839.
Children of the soldier were referred to but no names stated. No reference was made to his wife, and there are no further family data on file.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file on account of the service of any Miles Jennings.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Assistant to Administrator

1917 Nov. 22 Hist. to Cora D. Brooks 1922 Feb. 14. Mrs. Brooks info. Same record not sent home 1924 Nov. 18 Tombstone Data to J. M. G. - 1932 Apr. 13 - Hist. 6-m. m. Leaves - m. B.
New War.
1541. ✓ INVALID.
File No. 1541.
Royal Jennings. Died Va. Link.
Act: June 7, 1892.
Index: — Vol. a , Page 192
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Nov. 18, 1934.
R. P. Harbold, Major, Q. M. C. Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that pension was allowed on Certificate 25066, to Royal Jennings who was born in 1762, in Henrico Co., Va. and served as a private from the spring of 1779, to July 25, 1881, at various times, under Captains Dudley Basdel, William Morton, Thomas Williams and Gaines, and Colonels Fleming, Lucas and Fortner in the Virginia Troops. He died February 1, 1839, place not stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
S. F. 10-41
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Royal Jennings a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1779 1 mo. Pvt. Dudley Basdel Fleming Pa.   ✓ 3 mo. William Norton ✓   June 1780 3 mo. Thomas Williams Lucas Fortner   Spring 1781 3 mo. Gaines ✓   July 24 th 1781 3 mo. William Norton ✓   Gaines  
Battles engaged in, Camden, June 26, York
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Charlotte Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, May 21, 1833  His el. was al.
Residence at date of application, Granger Co. Tennessee
Age at date of application, born in 1762 in Henrico Co. Va. died July 1, 1839.
Remarks: (His father's name not stated) moved from Henrico Co. Va. to Prince Edward County, then to Charlotte. Children are referred to but no names are stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

per
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
Publishers 80-90 EIGHTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS M. M. LEWIS Brand A.F. SGS-29
TELEPHONES WATKINS { 9-7751 CABLE ADDRESS { 9-7752 LEWHOSO - NEW YORK { 9-7753
March 7, 1932
The Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
We are very anxious to obtain the pension record of Rial or Royal Jennings, who died in Grainger County, Tennessee in 1833, aged seventy-two years. He is supposed to have served in the Revolutionary War from Virginia .
We would appreciate the favor of an early reply.
Very truly yours,
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
M. M. Lewis
M. M. Lewis
MML:CJ
Publishers
HISTORY GENEALOGY BIOGRAPHY HERALDRY
GENEALOGICAL SERVICE WITH CITED AUTHORITY

WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL WASHINGTON
IN REPLY REFER TO QM 293 A-C Jennings, Royal Pvt.
November 11, 1924
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
In order that a headstone may be provided for the grave of the decedent appearing below, The Quartermaster General requests that the correct military service and the spelling of the name be supplied this office from the records of the Pension Bureau:
Private Royal Jennings, Capt. Dudley Bardel's, Col. Flemings Regt. 1779. Capt. Thos. William's Co., 1780. Col. Lucas & Col. Fortner, 1780. Capt. Gaines, 1781. Died Feb. 1, 1839.
Very truly yours,
R. P. HARBOLD, Major, Q.M.C. Assistant.

Rev. S. J.
Inst. letters etc some writing
Mariontown Green Jan 20 th 1922.
Dept of the Interior Bureau of Mines.
Please send me the military history of Royal Jennings Rev. Soldier.
Is there any record there of very David & very Deborah Jennings. If so please send to me.
Very Truly
T. R. Brooks Mariontown Green
1st week B. E.

Rev. Sir
Mariontown Penn
Nov. 13, 1917
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir: Has there ever been pensions granted to James Jennings of Prince Edward Co. Va. Royal Jennings of N.C. both of Tenn. for services in the Revolutionary War, or to any other of the name of Jennings?
Very Truly
Mrs. Cora D. Brooks
Mariontown
Route 6.
Tenn.

25764 Royal Sermons Declaration

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Jennings, Solomon GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7332 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED July 9, 1790 to Nathaniel Scribner, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.