Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5998, for Thomas Kitchen, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
or Kitchen, Thomas Kitchens
R 5998
CONTENTS

A Declaration by Thomas Hitchens In order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed 7 th June A.D. 1832.
No 37527 Thomas Hitchens Inu. act 7 June 1832
Rejected Hitchens did not serve 6 mo

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed 7 th June A.D. 1802.
State of Indiana } ss. Gibson County. }
On this 28. day of August A.D. 1848 personally appeared in open court before me at my office in the state and county aforesaid. Thomas Fletcher a resident of the state of Indiana in the County of Gibson aged 83 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. A.D. 1802. That he entered the service of the United States under the following names officers and served as herein stated:
Applicant appeared in open court. Age 83.
When he entered the service
I was draughted sometime before the battle of Guilford Courthouse. I cannot recollect the precise date. I was placed on what they call the Bullock Fork, while that battle was being fought.
Where draughted.
I was draughted in Virginia and marched to North Carolina where Guilford's Battle was fought.
We pursued the enemy after that battle but they would not stand for us again, though we had to give the ground after was draughted.
When draughted When discharged
I cannot recollect precisely but I think it was in Feb. before that battle, and we were soon discharged after the battle. I think the last of March or sometime in April after that battle. I was draughted and served under the following line of officers. Mr. Green was the

Officers whom I
servt under
From whom he got his discharge
4 discharged on the same piece of paper.
1805 in the 27 April 1847.
Where born
Where resided since
Where now resides.
What class draughted in
Recd 25 raps as a soldier
head Gen. of our army Swanson was the gen. of the Infantry. Holman was our Colonel Spencer was our Maj. Chambers was our Captain during the battle of Guilford's Courthouse. But shortly afterwards he resigned and we were placed under an other Captain whose name was Nelson. It was from him we got our discharge. The name of the first Lieutenant was Burks. I cannot mind the other Lieutenant's name.
There were 4 of us discharged on the same piece of paper. Henry and William Sagle and my oldest Mother John Hitchens and myself. I can only recollect my age by counting back But the way I have my age I was 83 the 27 th last April. I have no record of my age My father had no learning. My Mother could recollect in the way I knew my age.
I was born and raised in Buckingham County, Virginia, married and raised in Campbell Co. Va about 27 years. After the war I moved to South Carolina where I resided about 15 or 16 years. From there to Georgia. When I stayed about 14 years from there I moved to Rosary Co. Ga. where I stayed about 2 years ever since I have been living here in Gibson County Ga. where I have lived same living now. ever since.
And My old Neighbours can bear testimony to what kind of a character I have or have been among them. I was draughted in class No 5. We were draughted in 10 classes.
I have never received one farthing for My services as a soldier only what I got for My certificate I traded My certificate for about 20 culls. to an other soldier My brother-in-law (John Farrel.) And I suppose he paid his extra or indent cost with it. When I went out to Guilford. I took My own shot Gun (for if I had not taken it with me they would have pressed it into service. as I might as well take it.)

free kept by the col.
I showed it to my colonel. He said as it was a small fellow I might keep it. But the rest of the officers took it from me. Valued it, and gave me a receipt for the valuation. And gave me a great heavy musket, and cartridge box. They took my musket when they gave me my discharge, but never gave me back my little gun and I never got any thing to do any good for my benefit. They asked me for my cartridge box. I told them I had none, so they said no more about it.
through what counts since marched and the battles fought
I had thrown it away during our retreat at Gillford's Battle. We were compelled to retreat at the top of our speed, and it was so large and it was so young, that I pulled out my cartridges slipped them into my knapsack and threw the cartridge box away.
Where did a discharge by whom
I was arranged in Virginia Duckingham Co. and shortly afterwards, marched to North Carolina to the Gillford's battle. We were shortly afterwards marched back to Virginia or just across the line, or just as we came up out of the flat boat on the bank of the River Dan Col. Nelson gave us our discharge. So as then discharged without any money for my services
4 days journey from home
to work my way home four long days journey. We had to beg our way and almost starved to death. - I recollect one day (I think about
Col. Nelson's kindness while eating
3 days before our discharge) when Col. Nelson was eating his supper in the evening. I went up towards where he was eating - when one of his guards presented his musket with the bayonet on it and and told me to stand back. "Let him come in and warm said the Col. I went in and stood looking at him. here said he, handing me a piece of bread and meat. I jumped at it for I was almost starving. And if that Col. would come to my house

now I would divide the last meals victuals I had with him.
Every other I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that My name is not on any pension roll of the present administration of any state.
I know of no surviving witnesses whom I could prove My services perhaps all who served with me are dead. it is so long ago as if they are now remembering I could not get to them. I am so feeble.
I was draughted for the times during the War during My life. We were called Minute Men and were furnished with a gun - and were to be ready to march at a minutes warning. so we were shortly afterwards ordered to march immediately to North Carolina where the Guilford battle was fought. I was not in the battle but was placed on guard as before stated.
Will only be I can be qualified to what I have stated - but I will not be qualified to any thing that I cannot state exactly. Thomas H. Hitchen
Sworn and subscribed the day and year afore said. before me at My office.
Charles Noble
Justice of the peace.
Amendment to the declaration according to the rules of the war department.
State of Indiana ss. Gibson County. on this 23 day of Aug. 1843. Thomas Hitchen personally appeared before me at My office the undersigned justice of the peace. And who being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age and loss of memory and the length of time - and owing to My never

expecting to receive any thing after being discharged without pay. I cannot swear precisely to the precise length of time I served. But to the best of my recollection I did not serve up than one month or six weeks I was called out so many times. every time the militia was called out it was for 6 months. but sometimes we would be discharged 1 week or in 2 weeks (or rather dismissed for the present. for we were liable to be called out any minute.) I recollect our trip to Gilpin's Court house took us about 6 weeks.
You may say I was in the service from the Spring of 81 till the June of 1782. liable to be called into service at any moment during this period. And when ever I was called I marched at the command of my officers.
And for the above mentioned service I claim a pension. Thomas his  his Mitchell subscribed and sworn before me the day and year above written.
Sam l Lible (Real) Justice of the Peace
Interrogatories of the Court according to the order of the department
1 "Where and in what year were you born?"
In Buckingham Co. Va. I cannot recollect the year only by counting back.
2 "Have you any record of your age, if so where is it?"
I have none. My father had no learning

and never kept a record. The way I can mind my name. My mother could recollect it.
3 Where were you living when called into service? Where have lived since? and where do you now live?
I was living in Virginia. have lived in South Carolina In Georgia and in Virginia and have been living for the last 28 years - in Gilbert Co. Ga. where I am now living
4 When were you called into service? Was it a draught?
5 State the name of some of your regular officers. And the general circumstances of your services etc.
Gen. Green was our head Gen. Lawson was the Gen of the militia. Holcomb was our Col. Spencer was our Maj. Chambers was our Captain. who resigned shortly after Gilsred's Battle when Capt. Nelson was put in his place. from whom I rec d my discharge. Dukes was our 1 st Lieutenant I can't mind the other one's name.
I was a draughted in Virg. Marched to North Ga. where I was in service when the Battle of Gilsred was fought I was on Bullock's guard and was marched to the river Dan where I was discharged as before stated.
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from whom? and what became of it?
I rec d a Discharge from Capt. Nelson on the bank of the Riv. Dan. My oldest brother

Kept the piece of paper on which it was ever discharged. He could not serve it. Henry William Single and my brother John Mitchell and I were all discharged on the same piece of paper.
I state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Rev. Lewis Duncan and John M. Boren. Mr. Duncan has known me for the last 28 years - and Mr. Boren has known me for the last it will soon be 12 years they have been my near neighbors.
State of Va. Giles County } Personally appeared before me at my office Rev. Lewis Duncan & Clergyman residing in Giles Co. Va. and John M. Boren of Giles Co. Va. hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Mitchell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 88 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.
Lewis Duncan John M. Boren Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Before me. Saml. Little (seal) Justice of the Peace
The opinion 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 knew as he states
and The Court Goethe states certifies that it appears to the court that the Rev. Lewis Duncan who is a clergyman and resident of Gibson Co. Ga. a near neigh- to the applicant who has signed the present certificate and that John M. Bosom who also signed the same and is a resident of Gibson Co. Ga. and a near neighbour of the applicant. Are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and my official seal This 23 day of Aug. A.D. 1847.
Sam. L. Sible Comm Clerk Justice of the Peace

I know all men by these presents That I this 23 day of August A.D. 1847 have made and appointed and by these presents do constitute make and appoint John M. Grimes at New Orleans my true friend my legal attorney for me and in my name to ask, demand, sue for levy, recover and receive or use any other acts or to use my name as fully and amply as I could if I was personally present for the purpose of obtaining for me a pension as a Revolutionary soldier.
And I further order the War Department of the United States to pay to the order of my said Atty at Evansville P. O. La. any sums or sums that may be due me or my annuity as said sum is due to me as a Revolu- tionary soldier according to the act of Congress of June 1832. And upon the receipt of any such sum or sums. debts or dues aforesaid acquittance or other sufficient discharge for me and in my name to make legal and delivers.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written signed sealed & delivered in the presence of
John M. Boren
His Thomas J. Kitchen [Seal] mark

State of Indiana } ss Gibson County }
I Samuel Liddle a justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that on the 23 day of August AD 1849. The within named Thomas Hitcham personally came before me at my office and acknowledged the within Indenture to be his voluntary act and deed.
Witness my hand and seal at my office this day and date above written.
Sam l Liddle (seal) Justice of the peace.

State of Indiana
ss.
Gibson County
vs John Hargrave
Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County aforesaid. Do hereby certify that Samuel Vribb on the 23 day of August A.D. 1847. was an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and is now, at this time, an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such. And that the foregoing are his correct seals and signatures. As aforesaid acting Justice of aforesaid County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my office in Princeton this 21st day of August A.D. 1847.
John Hargrave C.R. By H. M. Melick Clerk.
State of Indiana
ss.
vs James Lockhart
President Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit in and for said State. Do hereby certify that on the 31st day of August A.D. 1847. John Hargrave
was and still is clerk of the Gibson Circuit Court in said fourth Judicial Circuit and that his authentication and attestation to the foregoing Records as above given is in due form of law. Given under my hand at Princeton in said circuit this 31 day of August A.D. 1847.
James Lockhart

5998 sw
P. O.
Thomas Kitchner
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

No 37547
Thomas Kitchen
St. L. Mo. Grinnell Apr 20 '47 This letter is in Jesse Kimball P.P. File 6721 Res Rejected
5998
city June 1832

Inda. Evansville
FREE
Mr. John W. Daugh. Treasurer Department Second Auditor's Office Washington City.
Reply referred to the Com. of Pensions & writers so informed from Mr. Ball 2 and

1 st September. N.Y. 1841.
Evansville Vanderburgh County Indiana
I take pleasure in forwarding you a Declaration made by Thomas Kirby legally authenticated according to an Act of Congress directing the authentication of any evidence taken in any one State making it good in any State in the Union.
Although according to the directions of the War Department, I do not consider that it was necessary. Because it is better that "it may be taken before any Court of Record" And the Supreme Court of this State decided a business court to be a Court of Record.
I have taken particular pains in making my out regular, because I can feel that ben- efit of pleasure. That an Attorney only can feel. When that inward Monitor tells him he is only asking for his share. That which is his just dues.
We took these Depositions before a Judicial Court for these reasons -
In the language of an eminent judge. "They are not left to experience, have more time, and can better do justice than the Circuit Court in cases which come under their jurisdiction."
Mr. Fitch lives at the extreme end of the county and it would be in prudent in his present state of health to remove him from home.
3! They are Courts of Record and have concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts in minor cases.
4. Courts or Justice Courts in this State are always in Session. and a person can apply at any time Mr. Nicholson has always refused to apply for a pension as long as he could sustain himself by his own hard work and being

no longer able to sustain himself. (For he has the palsy, so that at times he is not able to feed him- self.) We hope the War Department will grant him a pension. As to his claim I have not a doubt of its being just. Some of those in court next while the old man related his story. Such was its plainness and the dignity with which it was delivered that it drew conviction home to every heart that heard it of its truth. I feel certain in saying that there was not a man in court who would not sign the Certificate signed by the Rev. Duncan & Mr. Dorn and I think we might get almost any number to sign the same. For these reasons since that decl- -aration was filed, have been Gibson Vandenburg and Vose, County of Va. And have made inquiry with regard to his character. The universal answer was "Whatever he states you may depend upon." And yet he is everywhere hailed as one of our Revolutionary protectors. A stage has been procured by the public and he has been taken free of expenses to celebrations for one year and hailed as one of the Revolutionaries.
But the poor old fellow is now actually in want and the people frequently throw in a coin a little money for him.
If his claim be substantiated (and I hardly have a doubt but what it will though I am well aware that written evidence cannot have the same impressive effect of truth that it would have if you could see the old father giving in his evidence when it would seem like his old tottering form would shake to pieces with old age.)
Would you be so kind as to desire to attend to his case as soon as you can, for he is certainly in want of it at this very time.
Will you please forward to me at Evansville all the money or monies due him at this time from the War Department. And I will give it prompt attendance.

If it would be as convenient for the Department it would suit as well and may come soon to send a check or draft on the branch bank of the State of Indiana at Evansville. If you send the money check or draft and enclose my receipt as Hildreth's City State the same in your letter
Direct yours to Evansville V. C. Va. Yours with much respect. John M. Grimes Thomas Hildreth
P.S. If you are not the person to whom this should have been directed - will you be so kind as to direct it to the right source or forward it to the right place so that it may be acted on by the department. And much obliged
J. M. G.