Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14691, for Alexander Thompson, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Wa.
Thompson, Alexander S. 14691
CONTENTS
loaded

Virginia 16.7.20
Alexander Thompson of Kanawha in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Cunningham of the 1st Regt. commanded by Col. Matthews in the V. M. A. for 3 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Sept. 1833 and sent to A. W. Swarrier clk. for
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $ 50.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 34 - 10.00
$ 60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 29
In Rev. Agent 13 March 1833 Co. Clerk

Virginia P.
At a County Court held for Kanawha County the 12 th day of March 1833.
Virginia Kanawha County to wit -
On this 12 th day of March 1833 personally appeared an open court, before the Justices of the County Court of Kanawha County, now sitting Alexander Thompson resident of the County aforesaid aged ninety 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 was born in the County of Augusta Virginia on the 29 th of March 1763 and there resided until in January 1781 when he was drafted into the Virginia Militia to serve in the war of the revolution. He was called out under Capt. Cunningham and Colonel Sampson Matthews at the time Virginia was invaded by the British under Arnold & Philips. He was first conducted from the County of Augusta to Fredericksburg, where the forces to which he was attached remained two weeks to protect the armory and manufactories at that place from the attacks of the British. From Fredericksburg he was marched to Cobbs Point on the James River between James River Richmond & Norfolk, where the forces crossed to the south side of James River & marched down the same to the town of Smithfield at which place his regiment remained a short time observing the movements of the British fleet then in the mouth of the river. From Smithfield this declarant was marched to the Town of Suffolk on the Nansemond river which had previously been burned by the British, but passed the same and encamped three miles below at a place called Camp Barson.
The forces remained at Camp Barson two months engaged in watching the movements of the British, then in the occupation of Portsmouth, headed by Arnold & Philips. The object was to prevent the enemy from

marching into the interior; and for this purpose, a portion of the troops at Camp Carson were marched three or four a week into the immediate neighbourhood of Portmouth. From Camp Carson his regiment was marched to Coopers burnt mills, the British being then in pursuit of them. During the period the forces were stationed at Camp Carson, several skirmishes took place with detachments of the enemy, in one of which Capt Cunningham was severely wounded and was taken unfit for the service.
This affiant's company was thereafter commanded by the Lieutenant whose name is not remembered. From Coopers burnt mills, this affiant was marched to Rich-mond, where in a few days he was discharged. At the period this affiant entered the service, the best men of the country were engaged either at the north under Gen: Washington, or at the south under Gen: Greene, and the defence of the country was mainly left to the old men and boys, of which he from his age was one.
This term of service endured the period of three months. For this service he received a discharge in writing signed as he thinks by Col. Matthews, but the state being unable to pay off her troops, he sent his discharge to the land office for which he obtained a land warrant, which however was never located.
In the Spring of 1783, the Indians having made inroads upon the frontier settlements of Virginia this affiant was again drafted into the service to march against the Indians. But one company was called out at this time, the object being to relieve fort Warwick in Legarts valley. During this tour he was under the command of Capt. John McKittrick, other officers not remembered.
The company marched from the county of Augusta by the way of the Warm Springs and Clover lick to

the head of the valley thence down the same to the fort Warwick and below as far as Crooked's fort. Here a division of the company was made, and a part went for the defence of fort Warwick and the other remained in Crooked's fort. The affiant was detailed to the defence of fort Warwick, where he remained in garrison until the term of three months, the period for which he was drafted, expired. On this occasion, as before, this affiant received a written discharge, but the same has been lost so that it can not be produced. This affiant's service amounted in all to six months, all of which he served as a drafted man and a common soldier. He has no knowledge of any person who can bear testimony to either term of service. This declarant remembers that his birth was registered in a family record and that this record was carried by his brother to the State of Missouri in 1811. After the war this affiant continued to reside in the County of Augusta Mo. til 1849, when he removed to the County of Kanawha, where he has since resided. For testimony of his character he cheerfully refers to James Wilson, David Ruffner, Capt Wm G Styles of Kanawha and James Bell of Augusta Mo. This affiant does not recollect any other officers with whom he served other than those named.
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the 12 th day of March 1833.
Attest A. W. Quarrier Ck
S
J. Brown 12/30/32

Thompson 25423 Alex
We N W Calhoun a clergyman residing in the Town of Charleston Kanawha Co. State of Virginia and David Ruffner residing in Kanawha Salines Kanawha County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alex Thompson who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is respected and beloved, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day of
the 12 th day of March 1833 in open court N. W. Calhoun Attest A. W. Duanier Ctk David Ruffner
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 died as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that N W Calhoun is a clergyman residing in the county and state aforesaid and that David Ruffner who has also signed the same is a resident of the same county & state and is a credible person
Virginia ss. Kanawha County to wit
I, Alexander H. Duanier Clerk of the County Court of said County of Kanawha do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Alexander Thompson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 20 th day of May 1833 and in the 57 th year of the Commonwealth
A. W. Duanier Ctk

No 254 23
Alexander Thompson Kanawha County Virginia
Adm L. Montele
A. W. Quarrier 6th Circuit Superior Court Kanawha County Virginia

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjunctive 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, shewing the Service of Alexander Thompson Shenandoah County Virginia
   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.     Draft 1781 — 3 — private Col Cunningham & Col Matthews 70 years Augusta Traditionary - paper authenticated   Draft Spring 1783 — 5 — " Col McKittrick County Virginia  
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) 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, deposes 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 time, 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.
[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.

Perkins
14691
INVALID.
am
File No. 14, 691
Alexander Thompson
Phil. Pa. Mar.
Date: June 2 nd 1832
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 374
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Alice Thompson
Prison, Richland County
Franklin + employees return -

Also under Thompson - Pownall - account of 20th January.
I the undersigned Alexander Thompson, in pursuance of the requisition of the Secretary of War give the following account of my services as a soldier in the United States, and State and county of Ohio - I am about 73 years of age, and have in all my life served more than three months within the last 20 years - about the 10th of January 1781. I was drafted for a three months time of duty. Rendezvous at Staunton. Three companies under Col. Mathews marched from that place, to Fredericksburg. Thence down the country, crossed the James River at Cabbins Point, went down the South side of the James River to Suffolk, at which place my term of three months expired. I got my discharge - returned home. I was attracted to Capt. Cunningham's company. - In two or three years after the beginning, I was stationed in Saggatt's Valley, in Mr. Randolph county for 3 months. - was under Capt. McLeish - this latter service was in 1784. - I am sure it was not before that time - Ezra Walker sent my Declaration. I gave him the same as soon as my services were terminated, and I am sure the Westrup of all which I here to subscribe my name. Jan'y. 5. 1835
Westrup Thomas J. Bester.
Alexander Thompson A. Bester. W. G. Gingleton.
Messrs W. Thompson surrendered to me his certificates, upon which he informed me he had drawn no money. W. G. Gingleton Jan'y 11. 1835.

Alexander Thompson
Payments to be made
Rev War
at Richmond
by P.M. & Co. Br. Bank
Probably Va. State
Agent for paying Pension-
ers, in the Agency of Virginia
68 No 15,720
$12691
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 6
Page 29 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Alexander Thompson of the State of Virginia who was a Private in the Revolutionary war
is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and — — cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this Sixteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
Glaukop
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

R. Anderson
Mar 13, 1835-
Richmond, Va
Sir You will be pleased to strike from the rolls of your agency the names of the following persons
x x
Alexander Thompson priv at $20.
Yur answer.
Mar 13
Sir
I have directed the names of the following persons, pensioners under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, residing in the County of Kanawha to be struck from the rolls, to wit:
In case Alexander Thompson
x x x
You will have the goodness to give them information of this fact
The Clerk of the Court of the Co Kanawha Co. Va