Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6136, for Richard Lane, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Loane Richard
R 6136
CONTENTS

F. H. Lane Esq., The Authority to act. John H. ...
Dear Sir, Yours sincerely, J. R. [?] 1837.
[Faint, mirrored cursive handwriting, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page.]
Handwritten text in Arabic script, oriented vertically from right to left. The text is written in a cursive style and appears to be a historical document. The ink is dark, and the paper shows signs of aging and wear.
1892

I, Fountain H. Lane, executor and heir at law of Richard Lane dec d late of Spottsylvania County in Virginia, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and filed an application for a pension about ten years ago; but never received any thing, do hereby hereby authorize John Thornbury, as my attorney, for me and in my name, to prosecute said claim for the surviving children of said Richard Lane, and request the commissioner of pensions and secretaries at Washington City D.C. to afford him the usual facilities, to enable him to investigate the matter and ascertain if there be anything due said children by the United States.
Given under my hand and seal, in Stafford County Virginia, this 24 th day of August in the year 1850.
Witness.
Fountain H. Lane Seal
Margaret H. Lane

Virginia
Spotsylvania - County Court:
On this 28 th day, of November 1815 personally appeared before us Richard Lane a citizen of said County aged eighty six years next 20 th day of January 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 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 described commencing altogether six months in the Virginia militia - being three series of three months each - that his first service in the militia was in a company raised by a captain from the neighborhood in which he then resided and was named Captain John Beas who after the said war died on his return home - that from the best of his memory said first service commenced about the first of January 1781 - and his company was attached to the Country in and

about William by and old James Town. That during said first tour his com- pany suffered a great deal with cold and hunger. That in going down his company passed through Lewis, Hanover and New Kent Counties and he remembers at one time during said tour his company was marched to Shil C. Parts of New Kent County and remained there a short time - according to memory about 2 weeks. That of that company there was a Lieutenant when name he thinks was one James Mulch but of that he is not certain, he does not recollect the names of his Lieutenants as he does his Captains and lieutenants. That of that tour his company was under command of one Colonel St. Lef, whom he distinctly remembers but has not heard from him for many years and supposes him to be dead That from the last account he had of him which was 30 or 40 years ago he was in Lewis County and joining the County of Spotsylvania.

various. That after remaining near Williamsburg and the country below there for some time his company was marched inland home and was dis- charged to their homes at New Kent C. H. and he came home to his father Mr. Daniel Darden in Orange County from where he went into the army. That during said first trip his company was stationed at various places in the lower country the names of which he has entirely forgotten and can- not say. Of his associates in said company whom he yet retains a dis- tinct recollection are Michael Daniel George Berlin, James Berlin, and a Mr. Lucas - and afterwards seen and the two Mr. Berlin's served in this in the militia in the same company. That as well as he can remember his enlistment took place on the first of April 1781 about one o'clock P.M.
That he did not however remain at home more than a week or such a matter before another call for men was made by Captain White of Orange County and he together with his nephew

bro and former associates in arms the two Sisters joined the said White company under a draft and went on duty & carried a line of their months in the lower Valley as near as he can say fully meet the same ground - But about the middle of April '81 said White company marched through Lewis, Hen- ner, New Kent, King & Queen Counties and again went to Williamsburg where they re- mained a period of about 4 weeks - That at one time during said time his company marched down toward Norfolk but to the loss of his memory due to which they reached that place. That du- ring said second trip under Captain White some prisoners were taken and conveyed to Waverly the Burnside near Charlott- ville and that he saw a good number nights during their march to the front. That according to his memory there were some 30 or 40 prisoners, and one caught by him soon - They had left the main and gone on ahead near Williamsburg on a pillaging expedition and in that way were caught. That whilst on their way to the Burnside and whilst in the Camp-

of Lewis said prisoners were rescued by the enemy and some of the prisoners were taken prisoners and carried off. That he himself was one of the prisoners and would also have been taken but was taken out of their way. That said Prisoner was not returned long before an exchange was made and while with the enemy had been incarcerated for the smallpox then raging in the army. That after the war said his associates went to the State of S. Carolina to live and he has not heard from them since. That during said second war under Captain White his company was at Richmond when they were ordered for a short time and he thinks his company was ordered in South Carolina about a few weeks. and at a place called Martin Hills he thinks before Appomattox. That of said company he forgets the name of the leader but that his Colonel was named Fillmore. That he is not positive whether White's name was John or James but that he is very positive it was either the one or the other. That being said second war nothing of a remarkable character occurred and at one time being his -

before or after this was his company attached to the regulars that he is aware of. There was militia companies with him; and at Fort Totten he saw the regulars - that having sorted out his full time he came to his home in the said County of Orange - & he did not get a written discharge he can not say not that it was given to him for one - and does not remember ever to have seen any of his associates with him. verbal discharges were given however at the end of each time and that was thought sufficient.
That on his return home he again entered another draft in the militia and in the same Captain which then being when his father saw the Alarmists line and went on duty and soon another time of three months in the militia in the lower County - that his company marched to Truro from said Captain's neighborhood to the lower County through Spitzlyvania - Green, Austin and other counties & from there marched to the Great Neck near old Sturges Farm and William's Bay - that his company remained at

various places during said time the names of which he has forgotten - That he remembers he ran from on a portion of King and Green Streets and towards also.
That during said time he remembers his Capt. Lewis White called to obtain quarters for the night. The undersigned of a man said to have been a shoemaker - the man caused the Captain and he thereupon ordered a file of men from the Company but did not return and on the following day was publicly whipped - and that very evening - That he never learned the name of the individual, that during said time his Company was marched to the bridge of East River and remained there till the arrival of Cornwallis and his men during which all heard him. That said man was taken in July 1781 probably about the middle of the month - That he did not ask for or obtain a discharge from his said service - That he has forgotten the name of his Lieutenant but that his Colonel's name was on Anthony Street - That in that time the two Heirs, sons of the Lucas and Townsend were also in service from the

said Andy of Orange and under the said Captain White. That nothing of a remarkable character occurred during said time nor of remarks less said may be lapses of time has no doubt forgotten many cir- cumstances which he now could speak - that he once expected to apply for a Pension because he understood it required six months service at one time under the same Captain to entitled one to pay - and his service being under various Captains and in view of the months soon exceeded it made the effort to do - But he resides in a neighborhood where no one here who was well informed on the subject of Pensions else he would have applied before in all prob- ability; because too soon he was not aware his claim was rejected.
Richard Lane
I come to before us and we do certify to the War Department that said Richard Lane is personally known to us - and is a man of high standing, of unquestionable honesty and exemplary citizens. That owing to general debility and having had several strokes of paralysis, he cannot with any degree of safety attend the Post House of this Creek.

to make a declaration in Court. That at her solicitation we have visited upon him at his house, all which is respectfully submitted to the Hon. Department, at Washington City.
As witness our hands and seals. This day and date first herein written.
Elizabeth D. [unclear]
James Hart [unclear] James Stillman [unclear]
We James L. Powell a clergyman residing in the neighborhood of old Mr. Richard Lane and Benjamin Mafie residing in the same neighborhood hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Richard Lane who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be eighty-six years of age next January. 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. That he is and has been generally regarded and believed to be an old Revolutionary soldier and we have never heard it doubted in our lives. Witness our hands & seals This 21 st day of November 1845.
James L. Powell [unclear] Benj. Mafie [unclear]

sworn to and subscribed before us justice of the peace for said County of Spitzbergen on this 26 th day of November 1845.
Clive Bourne Duddell Esq
James Hart Esq James D. Duddell Esq
And we the said justices do hereby declare our 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 we the said justices further certify that it appears to them James L. Powell who has signed the preceding certificate is a Cluggman resident in the applicant's neighborhood, and that Benjamin Maseio who has also signed the same is also a resident of same neighborhood and is a creditable person and that their statement is entitled to full and implicit confidence and credit. And that we do know the health of applicant does not allow of his being carried before the Court of this County in order to make in open Court his declaration. And we the said justices further certify it has always been believed that applicant was a soldier of the Revolution. - our hands and seals. Clive Bourne Duddell Esq
James D. Duddell Esq James Hart Esq

Interrogatories propounded to Richard Lunn an applicant for a Pension under Act of 1832. made in complyance with the rules laid down by the War Department.
Question.
When and in what year were you born? Answer.
I was born in the County of Hannover on the 20th day of January in the year 1760.
Question 2.
Have you any record of your age and if so when is it?
Answer.
Yes I have a record of my age, and it is herewith enclosed attached to my affidavit. The same being in the handwriting of my father Daniel Lunn - the small book in which my age is recorded once belonged to my father and he gave it to me about 50 years ago and it has been in my possession ever since. My age being entered at the bottom of the leaf the words "20th January" from long use has become defaced - the year 1760 however is very clear and I have no other record of my age - the entries above are those of my mother and sister.

Question 3.
When were you living when called into service, when were you living since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Answer.
At the time of my service in the War I was a resident of Orange County. Since the War I moved from that County to Spitzbergen. Here when I have lived over sixty years. My father moved from Danvers when I was born to Orange in the year 1780 & I think - and my service in the army commenced soon after.
Question 4.
How were you called into service, were you drafted did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
Answer.
I was a drafted soldier during all my three times in the militia. I was never a substitute for any one.
Question 5.
Give the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, and particular units and militia regiments as you can recall and the general circumstances of your service.

Answer.
According to my memory our company was not attached to any of the regiments if so I am not sure it - and it was for a short time before we were at the cemetery at York town. There was not a regular military regiment or company the names of which I have forgotten I am sure however in saying so am now separated from other companies. The general circumstances of my service I have given in my declaration and think it useless to repeat them here.
Question 6 th .
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what was the terms of it?
Answer.
I never received a written discharge from either my first service or second service verbal discharges were given by the Captain & Rank - And I know of no person who received ever a written one.
Question 7 th .
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for morality and their belief of your

services as a soldier of the Revolution. Answer.
I have lived for the last 20 years in this County and for the last 40 years have resided in my present neighborhood and all my neighbors bear witness to my character for morality and their belief of my understanding services. I refer to my character to Deacon Mr. Bratchfield Esq. of this County and also to Stephen Bratchfield Esq. Clerk of the Court of this County both of whom know me and my neighbors generally all of whom have known me for many years past.
Richard Lane
I am to and subscribe before us and we do certify that said affair is known to us, and is a very respectable man and of unquestionable morality and a highly respectable citizen and a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 18 th day of November 1845:
William D. Dade
James Hart Fanny Williams

The leaf from the Psalm book referred to in this paper not found. W. B. Evans Record of birth Aug 10. 1877
Virginia
Spotsylvania County ss.
On this 26th day of November 1845 personally appeared before us justice of the peace for said County Richard Lane and made oath in due form of law that the record of his age on the annexed leaf is correct and it is in the handwriting of his father David Lane that it is the only record of his age he has, being the last known to him as this entry on the leaf - day and date above as witness my hand and seal - Richard Lane
Clairborne Duvall
James Hart
James O'Callahan
Virginia
Spotsylvania County ss.
I, Stephen Crutchfield Clerk of the Court for said County do hereby certify that Clairborne Duvall, James Hart and James O'Callahan, whose names are signed to the foregoing Certificate are Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my Office to be hereunto annexed this 2nd day of December 1845 and in the 7th year of the Commonwealth S. Crutchfield Clk said Court

Twynnans Store Va Sept 25, 77
Mr
O P G Blake
After making some enquiries I have learned that there are only two heirs to Mr Michael Lane's estate - now living Miss Rebecca G Lane, & Mr Walter Lane, A grand son of Mr Hilman, whose name is
John L Hilman, is also living & resides near us, for both parties. I wish to
Peohis + Roads on Twynnans Store - both in Spottsylvania Co. Va

My Musk -
St. Dillard P.M. Guyana Sh. v. ve

The Com t wishes to see the pension application of of Richard Layne Lane act 7 June 1832 suspended for case
Hon Mr Holliday is waiting to see the papers. RMH
Mr Anderson

Intempestive m.
provided li
R. Lano
C. Paynd.
No. 3.

Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit:
I Stapleton Overstreet Clerk of the Court for said County, do hereby certify that William Russell James Hunt, and James S. Willard, whose names are signed to the foregoing Certificate are acting Justices of the peace in and for the said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of my Office to be hereunto annexed this 2nd day of December 1845. and in the 70 th year of the Commonwealth.
Stapleton Overstreet Clerk Said Court.

37.177
No. 1.
Richard Lane
Declaration taken before me
Three magistrates - their certificates - dated June 1832 This minister & neighbor duly
Authenticated
C. P. P. and
6156

Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit:
I Stapleton Hutchinson Clerk of the Court for said County, do hereby certify that Glendon Burall James Hart and James H. Dillard whose names are signed to the foregoing Certificates, are acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my Office to be hereunto annexed this 2nd day of December 1845. And in the 70th year of the Commonwealth.
Stap. Hutchinson Clk Sua Cedit

Spotsylvania Co. Va. Aug 25 th 1877
Sir
I went to Mr. D. C. Beverly Clerk of the County Ct, he did not know any of the Posters but thought you might hear something by writing to Frymours Store in this County there is a Post Office there. There is also a Family of Shilmans up there, I am very sorry that I cannot give you more information, if there is anything else you would like to know, I could give you the names of the Oldest Residents of this County,
Respect
Yrs. S. F. King P. M. Spotsylvania (W. Va.)
Direct
Frymours Store Spotsylvania County

H of Repn Jan'y 5 th 1853
Hon James E Heath Com'mr of Pensions
Sir
About the year 1846 Richard Layne of Spottsylvania Co Va (through the agency of one Coleman Payne) presented a claim for a pension as a soldier of the Revolution. I think the claim was under the law of 1832. Will you be so good as to let me know what was the decision upon this claim.
With high respect &c Alex R Holladay

NO. 11472 Division.
Evans
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Sep 13. 1877.
Dear Sir
You will please find enclosed a letter addressed to the Postmaster at Spottsylvania and his reply. Please ascertain if the Hilman family to which he refers in his letter is connected in any way with the heirs of Richd. Lane and return these letters with your reply in the enclosed envelope.
Postmaster Twyman's Store Spottsylvania Va
Very respectfully O.P.H. Clarke Acting Commissioner for O.F.M.

N.O. H and B L 5 D F Evans in
Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Sep 28 th 1877.
Dear Sir
Herewith transmit to your address the old Psalm book - con- taining a family record and belonging to the heirs of Richard Lane.
You will please deliver it to Miss Rebecca Lane and have her acknowledge the receipt of the Book on the back of this letter and return it (the letter) to this Office in the enclosed envelope.
Post Master Gwynn's Store Spottsylvania Co. Va.
Very respectfully
J. A. Bentley Commissioner P.D. 10/11/77
Miss Rebecca will please sign this on the back and return it to me at the Office

6136 Suspended Case
Rich'd Lane's
Heirs
Receipt for
letter filed Nov 24/77
Palmer
Evans clk
I received our family record safely. Miss Rebecca Lane.

B. L. D. E 1877
Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Aug. 10. 1877
Dear Sir
Please furnish this Office with the names and present P.O. address of some of the heirs of Richard Lane, late a soldier in Rev. War. all of whom formerly resided within the delivery of your Office.
Mr Lane made application for pension in 1845, and filed, in this Office, a prayerbook, in Evidence.
He is now desired to return said prayerbook to the family.
The names of the heirs, as found upon record here, are -
Jonathan A. Lane (Executor on his father's estate) Rebecca J. Lane. Mary A. Lane and Martha G. Hilman.
He refers to to Stapleton Crutchfield Esq clk. Co. Court, to Hon A. R. Holladay, Me. Co. Dist to Jno. Thornburg, all of your Co.
Please return this letter, with your reply in the enclosed envelope.
Post Master Spottsylvania " Co - Va
Very respectfully,
O. H. Smith Acting Commissioner In M. P.

Aug 1 1747
Richardson own of City
Edwards Esq. Cust. of Prison Washington City

Charlottesville Va, August 14 th 1847, Col. I. G. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed You will receive a letter of authority of Rebecca Y. Lamm and Martha Y. Wilman authorizing You to furnish me with a copy of the late War Dept declaration for a pension filed by Mr Coleman Paine some eighteen months or two years ago.
I don't care to have a full copy of the declaration. I merely wish You to give me the amount of time he performed, their length, and the officers under whom he says he served, and also the evidence which has been filed by Mr Paine.
N.B.
Very Respectfully Yours most obedt Servt J. P. Mason
Adopted as true for you Fleetwood Academy 18 th July & June Co. Va.
The following enquiry is submitted for information.
If a Pensioner died say on the 15 th of July 1840 leaving a widow to whom he was married before the expiration of his last term of service, is she not entitled to the benefit of the act of 4 th July 1836, and if so, at what time would her Pension commence. Would it date from the period of his death, or would it go back to 4 th March, 1831?
Again, If a Pensioner died on the 20 th of February last past leaving a widow to whom he was married prior to his leaving the service, at what time would she be entitled to receive.
J. P. Mason

My 2/78 J. Judson, in found that smallware can be made. white.
REJECTED
6136
P. O.
Richard Lane
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Recognized. _____
Contract.
Cert. of Dis. _____
Searched for _____
, 18

No 37.177
Richard Lane
Pa Coleman Payne 14 Feb 1846.
Col. B. R. L. S. 2nd reg
Augt 31. '47
Let: to Hon: H. Holladay Vincay 24/53
act 7 June 1832

No. 2.
Processions for delays and certificates of good character from his neighbors.
O. Paxon

Virginia - Spottsylvania County, ss.
This day personally appeared before me Mr. Richard Lane of said County and made oath to the following facts as his reasons for not having heretofore applied for his Pension. That he has remained the recently under the impression that no one could receive a pension without having served at one time a period of six months, above time under the same officer - and that his services being under the officers of this month such concluded he was not entitled. But if he had known the contrary was the fact he would have applied sooner because although above mentioned and his children provided for, yet he thinks it is the duty of all revolutionary soldiers to receive whatever the government may choose to allow them. That the impression above referred to was formed in consequence of what he had been told from time to time by his neighbors and not being in need he felt no peculiar interest in the matter and generally has never applied for one.
Richard Lane
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 26 th day of November 1843. Attest my hand and seal. Interlineations before signed.
Clubsome D. Dull James Hart James O'Leary

And that for his character and standing he begs leave also to refer to Mr. Waller Holliday an old citizen of this County for many years a member of the Virginia Legislature and was also a member of the Virginia Convention of 29 which adopted the new Constitution He also refers to the delegate elect from this County Mr. Alexander R. Holliday who can certify to his character for veracity.
Richard Lane
Sworn to before us this 24 th day of November 1845. Witness our hands and seals -
Clayborne Duvall James Hart James H. Billiard
Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit.
I Stapleton Grutchfield Clerk of the Court for said County do hereby certify that Clayborne Duvall, James Hart and James H. Billiard, whose names are signed to the foregoing certificates are acting Justices of the peace for said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my office to be hereunto affixed this 2nd day of December 1845 and the 70 th year of the Commonwealth.
Stapleton Grutchfield Clerk

I have been acquainted with Mr. Richard Lam, who is now applying for a pension, for about forty years, and have always believed him to be a man of unimpeachable veracity. Given under my hand this 26 th day of November 1845.
Walter Holladay
Spotsylvania.
I have known Mr. Richard Lam for many years & believe him to be a man of great respectability & truthfulness of character. I should consider a statement coming from him as worthy of the highest credit. Given under my hand on the 27 th of November 1845
Alex R. Holladay

The Commissioners of Pensions will please furnish your agent and attorney, R. Saunders, with a copy of the Declaration of our Father, Richard Lane, filed by Mr. Coleman Paine, some two years ago, together with such evidence as was filed with said declaration, and answer such inquiries as he may make touching the same.
August 11 th 1847
Rebecca y Lane Martha G. Hilman