Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1239, for Patrick Murvin, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Murvin, Patrick
S1239
CONTENTS
Carded

19422  Kentucky
Patrick Murvin of Minden in the State of Kent who was a pr in the co commanded by Captain Coleman of the regt commanded by Col Dabney in the Va line for 16 Mts  private 2 " Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of Kent at the rate of 63 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension to the 3 day of Sept 1833 and same  Hoagcroft Elizabeth town
Arrears to the 4th of Sept  158 33 Pensions, allowance ending 4 March 31 67  $190 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, Book E Vol. 7 Page 19
Letter to Pen Agt 14 Oct 1837. " to Pension Agent, & Pensioned 28 May 1845. do to J. J.
Jampt King June 23 d 1845
Let to E. V. Brown July 7. '45 " " 100 npr/20. 1845
Letter to G. B. McMillan July 27. 1846
Same day to Hon B. R. Young

State of Kentucky } 5th County of Hardin } 5th
On the 78 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Hardin Circuit court now sitting Patrick Morrison a resident of Hardin county & State of Kentucky in the 73 rd year of his age, 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 the 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. In the month of May 1776 as well as he now remembers, he volunteered his service under Capt. William Coleman in Loudoun county State of Virginia, in the Virginia Militia for two months. In Fauquier county, he was at that time a resident. That under that officer he was marched to Alexandria on the Potomac river for the defence of that place against an expected attack from Dunmore. That he staid at that place in the service

until the expiration of the time for which he volunteered when he was discharged & returned home -
That in the year 1777 about the 1 st of October he again volunteered his service in the militia of Virg. at Leesburg in Loudoun county for the term of six months under Capt. Radican, That soon afterwards he was marched to Fort Pitt, joining two other companies on his way at Winchester one of which was commanded by a Capt. Johnston, At Fort Pitt the troops were under the command of Genl. Stevenson. From that place he went to Wheeling (by water) under the command of his said Capt., then called Fort Henry. At Wheeling he was under the command of Col. Shepherd & remained for four months after the company to which he belonged had arrived, at Fort Pitt when the said company were marched back to Loudoun county & as soon
That about the month of October 1779 he again volunteered his services in the militia of Virginia in Loudoun county under Capt. Francis Russell & from Loudoun the company were ordered to Hillsboro in the state of North Carolina, towards which

place they proceeded until they arrived at Fredericksburg in Virginia. When they arrived at that place their orders were countermanded & they were ordered to the lower parts of Virginia They were marched to Richmond, from that to Chickamauga camp house, thence to Petersburg, thence to Shady mills & returned to Petersburg & at the end of three months received his discharge & returned home. That during that campaign there was no militia officer with them higher than the rank of Capt the oldest capt in the detachment being by the name of Hagan. During the greatest part of that campaign they were under the command of a Major McCorrweather who was said to belong to the regular service.
In the Spring of the year 1880 he again volunteered in Loudoun county under the command of Capt Joseph Lewis & was marched under his command to Petersburg & then Fredericksburg, & thence to Williams- burg - At that place they were under the command of Colonels Dalbey & my Quarles both of the regular army. That while in the neighborhood of Williamsburg

they were attacked by the British Cavalry of superior force & were compelled to retreat & disperse for a short time. And after that time we were incessantly engaged with the British Cavalry at different places from time to time until we were discharged above Richmond at the expiration of their term of service, being for three months, when he returned home to London country.
That shortly after his return home in the same year he again volunteered in the Virginia Militia under the command of Capt. William Beavers for two months. And when under the command of that officer was marched again to Fredericksburg, there they again joined the army under the command of Gabney & Quarles. From that place they were moved down below Richmond to a place called Mobbins Hill . There they were met & driven by the British Cavalry from place to place until we arrived at the raccoon ford on the Rappahannan river. At that place they were joined by Genl. Wayne with his army. From that place he was marched near Wayne to old Jamestown having been separated from his company & put under the command of Capt. William Hall of the regular

ences. At Jamestown we had an engagement with the British having attacked them in the night & took from them seven pieces of cannon five of which were retaken by the British. The said attack was made by a detachment from Wayne's army to which he belonged. Who after taking said cannon were forced to retreat to the main body of Wayne's army. Shortly after that time he was discharged at a place called Bottom's bridges in the state of Virginia some distance below Richmond from which place he returned home.
That in the latter part of the month of August he again volunteered in the Virginia militia in Loudoun county under the command of the same Capt. Russell for two months , and was marched under said Capt. to Glencoe opposite to Yorktown in Virginia at that place they were commanded by Colo. George West of the Virginia militia, & under the command of Genl. Strong or Stevenson of Virginia. He remained with the army at Glencoe & at Yorktown.

commanded by Genl Washington until the capture of Cornwallis. After that event he was with the prisoners to Nolans ferry on the Potomac & was discharged & returned home
He states that he received within discharged when he left the service at each time of peace but having moved during his life first to the state of South Carolina & thence to Rhode & decrying them of no value to him after the close of the they have all long since been lost
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present. He declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Given to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
His Patrick M r Murrin Mark

as stated by him under Capt. Thaddeus & that he started from home under his command & returned home after the expiration of the time of the General belief in the neighborhood was that he had during his absence been in the service as stated by him — He states that he knows that the said Merwin did volunteer & serve as stated by him under Capt. Russell in 1779 & in 1780 under Capt. Lewis & under Capt. Brown, that he was himself a volunteer during the time aforesaid & knows that the statements made by said Patrick Merwin in said declaration are true.
In relation to the services rendered under Capt. Russell at Glencastle & Yorktown he states that he knows that said Merwin did volunteer as stated by him & that he left home under the command of said Russell for the places stated & knows that he returned home with the Prisoners as stated by him.
Isaac Thaddeus Skinner

On the 22 nd day of September 1882 James Williams a resident of Hardin county & State of Kentucky appeared in open court aged 70 years in April last who being first duly sworn does on his oath make the following statement That he lived in Loudon county in the state of Virginia during the period that Patrick Manvin in his declaration states that he endured his services in the army in the Virginia Militia That during that time he was well acquainted with the said Manvin and he knows that said Manvin left home at the usual times stated by him in said declaration with the troops and he believes that he did serve as stated by him. He states that he knows that said Manvin did serve under Capt. Beavers as stated by him in said declaration, as he said Williams served with him during that time - He also states that he is well acquainted with Isaac Skinner now of Bullitt county,

Kentucky, but formerly of Loudon county in the state of Virginia - that he has known him from the time of his youth and that he believes full faith & credit ought to be given to the statements made by him when on oath
James his Williams mark
Hugh McWhorter & Washington R Lucas also of Hardin County affirmed in court & having first duly sworn state that they are well acquainted with Peter Burnin & James Williams of Hardin County who have subscribed the statements of record and that Burnin & Williams are men of good character & that a fair credit ought in their opinion to be placed on their statements
Hugh McWhorter W. R. Lucas
I Paul J Booker sole Judge of the Hardin county court in the state of Kentucky do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the

matter of the application of the the above named that, the above named applicant Patrick Mearin was a revolution- ary soldier & served as stated by him
Paul Booker
I Samuel Hageroff clerk of the Wardin Circuit Court in the State of Kentucky do hereby certify the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Patrick Mearin for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 18 th day of September 1832 And in the 41 st year of the Commonwealth
Sam d Hageroff clerk

Patrick Murin
11/18/28

27 The application of Patrick Murrin being returned for further proof Colmore Lovelace a clergyman residing in Hardin County Kentucky and James Bratcher were produced in the Hardin Circuit court and being sworn deposed & saith that they are acquainted with the said Murrin & that they believe him to be of the age stated in his declaration to wit 73 years of age and further state that they have been acquainted with him for some years & that he has been reputed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a revolutionary soldier and they concur in that belief June 22 d 1833
Colmore Lovelace Jas Bratcher
28 The said Patrick Murrin appeared in court and on oath makes the following statement in addition to the statements made in the original declaration made

by him in order to procure a pension That he was born in Fairfax County State of Virginia and having removed from the place of his birth upon the balance of his family connections he has no record of his age
That he is known to James Williams, James Crutcher & Colmore Lovelace of his neigh- borhood who can & have testified to his character for veracity & to his reputation of having been a revolutionary soldier
Patrick Mc Curvin Jurat.
And the court do hereby declare its opinion that after the investigation of the matter and putting the interrogato- ries prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant Patrick McCurvin was a revolutionary soldier & served as he has stated his declaration And the court find

certifies that Calmore Lovelace who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Hardin County And that James Grutcher who has also signed the same is a resident of said county and is a reputable person and that their statement is entitled to credit And the court further certify that from a personal knowledge of James Williams who is a witness to the original declaration proving the services of the applicant he said Williams is a person of reputable character & that and that full credit is due to his statements And from general reputation it is the opinion of the court that Grace Skinner who is also a witness proving the services of the applicant is a creditable person And also that Hugh McCallahand & W. R. Lucas are creditable persons The court also certifies that the applicant Patrick McMurvin

is a person of reputed veracity, & is in the opinion of the court entitled to credit
June 23 d 1833
Armstead H Churchill Sole Judge of the Hardin circuit court
I Samuel Hayscraft Clerk of the Hardin Circuit Court in the State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing four pages contains the proceedings of said Court amending the Original proceedings of said Court (hereto annexed) in the matter of the Application of Patrick Murn for a penna
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 25 th day of June 1833 And in the 42 nd year of the Commonwealth
Sam l Hayscraft Clk.

ELIZABETHTOWN,
TUESDAY,.....APRIL 1, 1845
CH. G. WINTERSMITH & T. D. BROWN, EDITORS.
Mr. T. D. Brown, will respond in the next Number of the Register, to the call made on him, over the signature of "Many Vo'ers."
PATRICK MURVIN.
Another old soldier of the Revolution is gone. On the 20th March, 1845, Patrick Murvin departed this life in the 86th year of his age. He was a native of Loudon county, Virginia, but has resided on his farm in this place for more than 40 years. His acquaintance was extensive, and all who knew him will revere his memory not only as a revolutionary soldier, but also as the noblest work of God—an honest man. Every body liked Patrick Murvin. No one doubted the truth of his statements, and many have been delightfully interested in listening to his graphic descriptions of the many battles and skirmishes in which he participated. He entered the army before he arrived at man's age, and followed the flag of his country in every change of fortune, till after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He knew Gen. Washington well—had been at his house before and after the war, as well as to serve with him in several campaigns. Morgan and Wayne he was frequently with, and came in for a share of their eulogies.
He loved to dwell upon the daring and bravery of "Mad Anthony" as he called Gen. Wayne. He saw Tarlton retreat from the brave and intrepid Morgan at the battle of Cowpens, and was in the thickest of the fight.
In private life he was no less industrious and persevering than in the service of his country. Though in humble life and illiterate, his constant and untiring industry always secured him an independent support and the means to raise creditably a family of children. And it was a maxim with him worthy of more general imitation—never to go in debt. He labored upon the farm and generally enjoyed good health until a few days before his death. Yet he had his troubles in common with all. His wife has been blind for the last twenty years, and survived him only a few days. To give the history of Mr. Murvin would require an abler pen, and more time and space than we can devote. It would be to write the history of our struggle for independence in the south, and we regret that some one more able has not come forward to do justice to the memory of a deceased revolutionary patriot.
A FRIEND.

11828
Colt; Marvin
Kentucky
from 1776 private to Sept 18 months
Pr. 16 m. 53.33
Sept 2. 10.00 $63.33
11.12.14.16.17
Sam Hayscroft Elizabeth Town Ky

BRIEF in the case of  Patrick Murvin  County of Hardin  in the State of  Kentucky  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 73  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Vol In 1776 2 — Sergeant Gen. Wayne Washington   1777 — 6 — private Capt Coleman Captain   1779 — 3 — " Major Gen Stevenson   1780 — 3 — " Capt Russell Capt Hagan   " — 2 — " Capt Lewis Col Dabney   " — 2 — " Capt Beavers , Col Gen West  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? James Town  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? London County Va  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses & tradition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas Forrest Examining Clerk.

Nov. 17. 1885-
Rev. Patrick Mearns Pana
10
J. Edwards Lugo. Commisioner of Internal Revenue Washington City D.C.
Patrick Mearns Ky Vols 32

Louisville Nov. 11 th 1845
Col. Edward Cuy Sir
We have heard  the  above  enclosed Warrant for Patrick Merwin issued 5 Sept 1833 - which upon application to his Meriwether Agent in this City for the amount we find payment has been suspended - Please advise us if there is any probability of payment being resumed in this case & when we may expect the money - The case is a small one - but still we dislike to have it lying over - and if we are not to be paid by the government - must look to other sources (Your prompt attention will oblige)
James Low & Co. Franklin C. S. Moxley

June 30 1845 Dec. June 30 1845 FREE Recd Patrick Murray J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Ms. A. 11. 24

Elizabethtown June 24. th 1845.
J. L. Edwards, Sir,
Your letter, dated Pension Office May 28. th 1845, addressed to Patrick Murrin, at this place, was this day handed me by his son David Murrin. In that letter, for reasons satisfactory to yourself, (I doubt not,) the said Murrin is charged indirectly with perjury ; & the small pittance due him from the United States is peremptorily withheld.
Without imputing to you any other than just motives, & with all due regard to your feelings, I, as the representative of said Murrin, in my present defence, must be permitted to use such language as the nature of the subject seems to demand at my hands.
Permit me in the first place to say that, that venerable soldier & patriot is now no more! — He departed this life on the 19. th day of March 1845; & fortunately for him, is beyond the reach of calumny or reproach. To his God alone is he now answerable for the deeds of his adventurous life, & not to any earthly tribunal. It only remains, for the sake of justice to his memory, & for the sake of the feelings & reputation of the kindred he left behind him, to redeem his name from the disgrace & odium which the official letter referred to, is calculated to fix upon it.

In speaking of the character of Patrick Murrin, I care not what records are found in the War Department: For fifty years of his life have been passed among us, & the breath of detraction has never been breathed upon him. He was esteemed by all who knew him, & sustained a character for honesty and truth, even above suspicion. He was a living history of those revolutionary times that tried men's souls, & was regarded as one of those golden links, that connect the present with the most perilous period of our National history. He was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in the year 1759. And when the American Army was temporarily stationed near the residence of his father, at the age of about 14, he received from General Washington tokens of marked respect & approbation, for certain feats of skill, which he at that time performed, in presence of the great Commander. His father was the playfellows & choolmate of Washington, & Patrick Murrin himself, was his warm personal friend, & passed many hours at his residence. "He entered the army before he arrived at the age of manhood, & followed the flag of his Country in every change of fortune, till after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He knew Genl. Washington well — had been at his residence before and after the War, & served with him in several campaigns." *
Scores of men of the first standing in this State, & many of his old companions in arms, during the Revolution, if called upon will cheerfully testify to the facts herein stated.
The records of your office , may indeed, seem to
* Extracted from a sketch of the life of Patrick Murrin published in the Elizabethton "Kentucky Register" herewith included, to which you are referred.

to justify the charge indirectly made against him. But cold & uncharitable would be that Government, which, in meting out justice to an old & war-worn soldier, would be unwilling to make any allowance for the frailties of declining age. Patrick Murrin was a very old man, having lived considerably longer than three score & ten years. And in his latter years, it was evident to his friends & neighbors that his mind, which was once vigorous & strong, gave signs of the ravages of age. His memory was evidently impaired, and in this state of mind he might have made statements not consistent with the records of his country. But that he was ever actuated by any but honorable motives, no one who knew him, dare assert.
It is my intention, not only to secure to his family, if practicable, the amount due for his revolutionary services, but above all, to redeem his name from the infamy & disgrace which has been attempted to be cast upon it.
In this effort I shall expect your co-operation. I shall expect you so soon as practicable to send me a copy of all the records, in your office, affecting the creditability of said Murrin. For it is my determination to have the matter fully investigated, confidently believing that I shall be able to fix his reputation upon that honorable & firm basis to which his life & services so justly entitle him.
I shall hold myself in readiness, so soon as I hear from you, to proceed forthwith, to establish such facts as may be required by the Government, in order to have his name restored again to the Roll.
With sentiments of high regard
I am Respectfully &c E. S. Brown.

INVALID.
Rev War
File No. 1239
Patrick Murnin.
Pa. Va. Line.
8 2 51
Act: Jan 7, 1892.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]

21 1/2
June 23 rd 45
Mr
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Patk Garrison Ky 1/2

Mail .
J. J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City. Spring
I have a pension claim of $30 00 which I came into possession of in the following manner. A gentleman in Elizabethton sent to me a power of attorney from Patrick Harrison of Hardin County Ky formerly from South Carolina who was a sergeant & private in the Army of the Revolution. I called upon the Pension agent here, who informed me that there was a subject to his order, but that the power of attorney was informal & that I would have to send it back & get it in a proper shape when he would pay it. Not fearing any difficulty I wrote the gentleman, stating the proper form & requested him to pay the old grant the amount which he did. When the power of attorney came back in proper shape I was informed by the agent here, that an order had been issued for the stoppage of the payment of that among other pension claims.

What I would now have to write you on the subject. I cannot say much at least from the papers which I had obliged. But still have the power of acting for the claim of Patrick Morris from the 1st day of March 1844 to the 1st day of 1849. which amount was standing to his credit on the books of the Pension agent in Annapolis & which cannot be now been drawn by him and the papers to inform me whether I am to close it? or whether I am to get it from the agency here or elsewhere What it is necessary for me to do to get it. I hope to hear soon Yours Sincerely Chas. J. Thompson

No. of Rep. Feb. 10 th 1846
J. J. Edwards Esq.
De Sir. I have your letters before me, one to Patrick Murrin & one to E. S. Brown giving the reasons for striking from the roll of pensioners the name of said Murrin - I have known Patrick Murrin for 25 years & upwards - lived within 2 miles of him during that time & have transacted business with him almost every year of that time - I state unhesitatingly that he was as honest & as truth-ful a man as I ever knew - This was his universal character - The discrepancy to which you refer in your letter to him & for which he was stricken from the list of pensioners, was induced by the artful insinuations and un candid maneuverings of S. S. Fulton - The old man was very old & Fulton staid with him 2 or 3 days - talked & talked with him until he induced the old man to believe that he was stating the truth from his own recollection, when he was stating the impressions made upon his mind by the artfulness of Fulton - The old man is dead, leaving three children, who are far indigent circumstances, yet as worthy & as honorable as any individuals in their community - They are exceedingly sensitive & are mortified excessively at the aspersion which rests upon the character of their deceased parent -

For the satisfaction of his Children I am very anxious to have him restored to the roll - I ask this as a personal favour to myself - If you can't grant it consistently without further proof of the old man's veracity I can adduce the testimony of hundreds attesting to what I do above - If it be at all possible to restore the old man please inform me what steps I shall take
very respectfully Your friend B. R. Young

Northern Bank of Sc. Glasgow Oct. 7 th 1837
J. G. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions
Sir
I enclose the papers of Patrick Marrin for your inspection very respectfully Yrs Obedt Servt Wm Ernst Pens ble