Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1668, for Catlett Thomas, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Thomas, Catlett Mary
N. 1668
CONTENTS

John [unclear]
of the [unclear] [unclear]
who served in the Revolutionary
war as a [unclear] [unclear]
married on the [unclear] at the rate of 24 Dollars 86
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Nov 1850 and sent to
Rev. A. P. Millard [unclear] [unclear]
Entered on List of Pensions under the Act of 1842, Page 10, Vol. 1
[unclear]
Reported

Virginia 12.524
Catlett Thomas
Caroline in the State of Virginia who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Pollard of the Regt commanded by Col. Richardson the Virginia for 8 months
inscribed on the Roll of Virginia the rate of 26 Dollars 66. Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of May and sent Robt. Hor Port Royal Caroline Co. Va.
Years to the 4th of March '33 - 53.32 Commiss. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 13.33
$ 66.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by William Miller Clerk Book E. Vol. 6. Page 28

Order to Pay 22 Sept 1837 Letter to Stock? Thomas 22 Sept 1837
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 8 th April 1838 from 4 th Sept 1837 to the 4 th March 1838. A/c notified 28 Decr 1838
Let to H n G. Dani July 30 1842 " Anthony Thornton 16 th Oct r 1849. " William Goulden 13 th Nov r 1849
33 -
Re Bo

No 14.170. Mary Thomas widow of Galtth Thomas Virginia
Act July 1. 1838

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848, entitled, An act making further provisions for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Virginia
County of Caroline
On this 15 th day of May 1850 personally appeared before me Herbert Anderson a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State of Virginia, Mary Thomas a resident of said County of Caroline, aged 82 years who being first duly sworn, to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Collett Thomas who was a private in the Militia and a Revolutionary pensioner, at the rate of $26.66 cents per Annum and who died on the 27 th of October 1817, and that she was married to the said Collett on the 27 th Decr. 1788 in the County of Fauquier in Virginia. She further declares that she is still
a widow,
Collett James Thomas
Mary X Thomas
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me,
Herbert Anderson J.P.
I hereby certify that the above declarant Mary Thomas, is personally known to me,
Herbert Anderson J.P.

Virginia,
In Clerks Office of Caroline County Court -
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid hereby Certify, that Herbert Anderson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificates is a Justice of the peace in the said County, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my Office this 15 th day of May 1850.
John L. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County Court

State of Virginia, 151 County of Caroline 395 The Deposition of James Catlett and James Thomas taken this 15 th day of May 1850 before me, Robert Anderson a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath state that the above attached slip and was cut out of out of the fam- ily Bible of Mrs. Mary Thomas widow of Catlett Thomas, and that they believe the record therein stated is a true record of the marriage of Mary Dobson to Catlett Thomas her deceased husband, who died as their affiants well know on the 27 th day of October 1847, that they were present at the time of his death and after in his interment, and that they have no interest whatever in making this statement & further he saith not.
James S Catlett James Thomas
Sworn to and subscribed this day & year last above written. Before me Robert Anderson JP
I further certify that the above affiants James S. Catlett and James Thomas are personally known to me & that they are of lawful age & that their statements are entitled to credit Robert Anderson JP

Virginia
In Clerk's Office of Caroline County Court.
I John L. Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that Herbert Anderson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is a Justice of the peace in & for the said County, duly Commissioned and qualified according to law
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name and affixed the seal of my Office this 15 th day of May 1850-
John L. Pendleton Clerk of Caroline County Court

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Callett Thomas was married to Mary Dobson the 27th day of december 1788
Thomas Jones was married to Elizabeth Thomas the 15th of October 1813
Callett Thomas J. the son of Callett Thomas G. was married the 13th of Ap r 1819 his wife was Ann Tooms
Pittman Thomas was married to Sarah Ragan the 23rd of December 1825
Ann Thomas was married to Allen Rast the 30th day of March 1832
MARRIAGES.
Thomas Thomas was married the 19th day of January 1848

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Galtett Thomas was born the 14 th day of November 1763
Mary Dobson, the wife of Galtett Thomas was born the 5 day of February 1768
The age of their Children
William Thomas was born the 13 th day of september 1789
Elizabeth Thomas was born the 9 th day of October 1791 & Lewey with her And is not but Dead
Galtett Thomas was born the 1 th day of september 1794
Mary Thomas was born the 2 th day of October 1799
Rebekah Thomas was born the 29 th day of October 1801
Nancy Thomas was born the 29 th day of January 1804
BIRTHS.
Pitman Thomas & Phebe Thomas was born the 14 th day of september 1797
Mary Thomas was born the 2 th day of October 1799
Rebekah Thomas was born the 29 th day of October 1801
Nancy Thomas was born the 29 th day of January 1804
Susanna was born the Thomas was born the 2 th day of October 1805
Thomas Thomas was born the 12 th day of september 1807
James Thomas was born the 29 th day of august 1810
Silas Thomas was born the 12 th day of September 1812
William Jones the son of Thomas Jones & Elizabeth his wife was born the 9 th of March 1816

22,660.
Cattlett Thomas: Virginia.
Robt Hood Agent: Port Royal, Caroline, Virginia.
John L. Bendleton, Clerk: Caroline County, Virginia.

Admit as a puzzle for 8 months — $26.66

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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. These 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 Cattett Thomas, of Carolina Ry., Ga.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sub: for Edward App... 3 Pr. Capt. H. Lard. From King & Queen County Traditionary.   Served. 3 Dr. H. Coleman No. Rd. to Mt. Lionsbury Aged 69 years   " 2 Do Ensign Wm. Wood Cd. Rich. Jackson York Town thence to Island Point  
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 } 88. 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 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 day 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 (1) 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 _____ 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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. 3
W. B. Thurber

Watlet Thomas and Neoley Dobson Philip Gray & Ann Spindle, Robert Barnett & Lucy Collins
Married by me
Theod to Noel
March 27- 89
Truly Recorded Test
No: Smith D y Cl.
A Copy Test
James Roy Micou per
Virginia Essex County Court, Clerk's Office I James Roy Micou Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact Copy of a paper recorded in a Book in my said Office labeled "Register of Mar- riages, solemnized by the Religious sect called Anna baptists 1781". To the best of my knowledge and belief this is all the evidence I can find in my said Office in relation to the Marriage of Watlet Thomas and Neoley Dobson.
In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and Carried the Seal of my said Office to be hereunto affixed this 14 th day of June 1850 and 74 th year of our Lord's foundation James Roy Micou per

Cattle Thomas
22000
1880

Caroline County states of Virginia to wit
On this 14 th January 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of Caroline County Court none sitting Cattle Thomas a resident of aforesaid State & County aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the service of the U S States under the following Officers and served as herein after stated. I hired myself to go in the room of Edward Spencer of King & Queen County near the first town I served and entered the Militia under Captain Tolland we marched to Williamsburg barracks, thence to Sandy Point, I then parted from my Company and went to Barks ferry to guard the River and was dis- charged at Williamsburg & I served three months in this town So Thomas Coleman of Essex County, I served three months in this town the third town I went for myself from Essex County I was this time at the village of York on the Gloucester side, near Powell's tavern, I served two months in this town. I think none but can be forgotten, I was discharged after the surrender of York near the 2 nd Powell's tavern - the second town I was discharged at Richmond after serving three months - I cannot now distinguish the officers I served under the second & third towns - I remember I served under Col Richardson & Col Gatewood William Web was my Ensign, Theophilus Chapman

was my adjutant, we were called up one night to pursue some British, I know William Waring was my officer that time - I can't say what. There were my officers on the second or third tour. I served all three tours in the militia in all I was eight months in service.
I can't recollect the date of my entering or being discharged from service, on all three tours I was on about James River, being marched directly there. I was in no battle whatever.
I was on the third tour stationed on the side with the French troops commanded by the Marquis Lafayette, we called him the General because he was there - I knew no officer in the continental army, I was here the 14 th Nov 1763.
I took a note of my list from my father's Payroll book but don't know what has become of that book. The first tour I entered service in King & Queen County, the last in Spotsylvania. I was discharged always with the company that I served with and never received any written discharge. The Rev. Geo. Nicolson & the Rev. Philip Woodfolk can testify as to my good character, morality & honor etc but I know of no other evidence I can obtain as to my service in the Revolution without more trouble than I can bear at my time of life. I have made my claim whatever is a portion of my estate to the present, and being sure that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year above said Calhoun Thomas Jr Wm Spilker Woolfolk a clergyman in the Baptist church & John Peter both of us
In residing in the Court of Caroline Va. hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Calhoun Thomas who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 69 years of age, that he is a pastor & believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a witness of the Revolution and that we concur in that belief
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid Wm Spilker Woolfolk John Peter
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 widow, adorned as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that the sd Spilker Woolfolk who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in this county and that John Peter who has also signed the sd certificate is a resident of this county and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John L. Russell Clerk of the court of Caroline do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the appli- cation of Calhoun Thomas for a pension - In testi- mony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 28 th day of January 1833. John L. Russell Ct

Chohan
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1668
Mary Thomas Widow Catlett Thomas Rev. Rev. Was
Act: July 29, 1878
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 269
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 14179. Reputed Mary Thomas widow of Catlett adm Virginia No 825 29 July 1828
Suspended let 6 th Aug 30 No A, R. Holladay
Act 7 July 1838

Rich Mary Thomas, wife of cat au - pa
Da 29 July - 1848 - Ad d Pri. 8 mo - $26.66 - per ann - from 4th Mch 1848 -
Cert: am to Rev A. R. Holladay Maysfield Louis a County 17

H of Rep- June 19 th 1850
To Hon J L Edwards Com ee of Pensions
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you the pension application of Mary Thomas. Other papers to be filed in this case, will be sent to me hereafter & forwarded to you, as soon as received.
Very Respectfully &c Alex R. Holloman

H of Reps August 2 d 1850
To Hon J L Edwards Chairman of Pension
Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith certain evidence to be filed with the application & bills of Mrs Mary Thomas presented to you some time since by me
Very Respectfully &c Alex N. Holloman

Sept 24 SEP 19 VA W. Evans
FREE FREE FREE
J. L. Edwards Engr. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Mr. J. L. Edwards.
Richmond Va. Apr. 19. 187
Dear Sir.
As attorney for Mr. Cattet Thomas. the within named pensioner; I have to request you, to direct the agent for paying pensions in Richmond. to pay him as it has remained over 12 months. Payment is refused. without your authority.
Yr. ob. St Arch. Thomas.

Sept 22 1849. with Mr. & Mrs. Mary Thomas and Mr. Cutler
Free
L. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

Richmond, 20 th Sept. 1849
Dr. Sir,
Mrs. Mary Thomas widow of Mr. Leather Thomas a revolutionary pensioner of Caroline County Va it appears is entitled to a pension by an act of Congress providing for the widows of pensioners. Mr. Robinson the pension agent here will furnish her with the proper form for which the necessary papers are to be drawn but it seems he does not know for what time she is entitled to a pension. Presuming that all the necessary data and information is with you, I beg the favour of you to give me such information as will be necessary in preparing Mrs. Thomas papers.
Very Respectfully Am. Gould
Mr Jas L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

ask 9 inuations July 23/49 and forms.
James L. Edwards Esq
D
600 mision of Pigeons Washington City D. C.

what amt is due Mrs Thomas, whether she is entitled entitled from 1836 or 1848, Mrs T has received the pension up to the death of her husband. Mr Robinson has politely offered to prepare all the papers, provided he can get information of what is correct. I must therefore beg the favour of you to answer this and give me such information as  which will enable Mr Robinson to comply with his promise by so doing you will confer a favour on an old and needy widow who has always been a good character
Respectfully yours
Anthony Thornton
NB This is the first thing of the kind I have ever engaged in, and only expect to receive as a reward for my services the thanks of the old woman
A T
W. L. ... ... ...
D

Bowling Green Caroline Co Va July 18 th 1849
Mr James L Edwards
Sir
I address you by the direction of W m Anthony Robinson of Richmond, with respect to a claim due Mrs Thomas, the statement of the case is this, Mr Battell Thomas an old Revolution- ary soldier, who had been drawing a pension for many years of $26.66 p r annum, died on the 27 th of Oct. 1847, he left a widow Mary Thomas and a large family, from examining the old family register , it appears that the said Battell Thomas was married on the 27 th Dec r 1788 to Mary Dobson the present Mrs Thomas, Mr Robinson is at a loss to know