Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5159, for William Porter, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Porter, William Elizabeth
W. 51 69
S. died June 25, 1807
CONTENTS

On: D. Wilgore Jan: 21/58 Rev.
Virginia - 2,237.
Elizabeth Porter, widow of William Porter, who died on the 20 th June, 1807; of Norfolk in the State of Virginia, who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the 2 nd Reg t commanded by _____ in the Virginia for 2 years - Lieut.
Enrolled on the Roll of Virginia (R) at the rate of 320 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Au- gust, 1838 and sent to J. W. Wardlaw, Esq. Portsmouth, Va.
Arrears to the 4 th of March, 1838 = 2240:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th " 160:00
$2400:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
W. D. Ellis Clerk, Vol. 2, Page 158.
R R R

Virginia
At a Court held for Norfolk County the 24 th day of May 1838.
Elizabeth Porter in order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836 made the following Declaration in open Court, which is in these words "State of Virginia. On this 24 th day of May 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Norfolk County, Elizabeth Porter, a resident of the Town of Portsmouth in the County of Norfolk in the State of Virginia, aged seventy four years on the 14 day of February last, who being first duly sworn in open Court, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 1836. That she is the widow of William Porter who was a Lieutenant in the 12 th Virginia Regiment, that the said William Porter resided in the Town of Portsmouth in the County and State aforesaid when he entered the service. She further declares that she was married to the said William Porter on the 31 st day of October 1782 , and that her husband the aforesaid William Porter died on the 20 th day of June 1807 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before the Court of Norfolk County. Elizabeth Porter
The Deposition of Arthur Emmerson for taken in open Court this 24 th day of May 1838 who being duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith. That he was well acquainted with William Porter and Elizabeth his wife from the year 1789 and they were residents of the Town of Portsmouth in Virginia and were reputed to be man and wife, and lived and cohabited together as such and that they had several children. That the said Elizabeth was
the

the daughter of Isaac Luke, and that the said William Porter died in 1807 and the said Elizabeth Porter has remained a widow to the present time. Arthur Emmerson sen
I William H Wilson Clerk of Norfolk County Court in the State aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies from the records of the said Court
In Testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court this twenty fifth day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and of our Independence the sixty second.
W m H Wilson C.C.

In the name of God Amen I William Porter of the Town of Portsmouth in the County of Norfolk in the State of Virginia being sick and weak, but of sound mind and memory, do make this my last Will and Testament that is to say after my just debts are paid I bequeath in manner and form following, That is to say I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth Porter all my negroes, stocks, and household goods and all my estate real and personal during her natural life and after her death to be equally divided between my children to them and their heirs forever. Provided that the Laws of this State will permit I emancipate as follows all the slaves that may be born of the slaves that I now possess that is to say, all the males born after the date of this my last Will and Testament to be freed from bondage at the age of thirty years All the females born after the date of this my last Will and Testament to be freed from bondage at the age of twenty five years. Lastly I will and appoint my loving wife Elizabeth Porter and my son Joseph Porter my Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament revoking all former Wills or Wills made by me. In witness whereof I the said William Porter have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven.
Signed, sealed and acknowledged
in the presence of
Peter Herbert
Reuben Herbert
W m Porter (Seal)
At a Court held for Norfolk County the 21 st day of Septem r 1807. This Will, was proved by the oaths of Peter Herbert, Reuben Herbert the Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded And Elizabeth Porter the executrix in the said Will named who made oath thereto and together with Lawrence Mansfield William Luke, and William Watts her securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of Twenty thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs certificate

is granted her for obtaining a probat thereof in due form; likewise being reserved for the executor in the said Will named to join in the probat when he shall think fit.
Teste
W m Wilson Jr. Cne.
I William H Wilson Clerk of the County Court of Norfolk County in the State of Virginia hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of the said Court.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the said said Court this twenty fifth day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and of our independence the sixty second.
W m H Wilson C o

State of Virginia.
Know all men by these presents that we William Porter and Paul Dale Luke are held and firmly bound to Benjamin Harrison Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the just and full sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia, to which payment well and truly to be made to the said Benjamin Harrison Esq or his successors, we bind ourselves and each of our heirs to jointly & severally firmly by these presents seal with our seal and dated this 20 th day of Oct 1782.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound William Porter and Miss Elizabeth Luke. Now if therefore there is no lawfull cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Just Alex r Mosely Dy. clk:
W m Porter Paul Dale Luke
Sir
Portsmouth 29 of October 1782
This are to inform you that the bearer hereof Mr e William Porter has my free consent to take out a marriage license to be joined in the holy state of matrimony to my daughter Elizabeth and this shall indemnify you for granting the same as witness my hand Alexander Mosely Esq. Isaac Luke.
I William H Wilson Clerk of the County Court of Norfolk in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing bond and certificate are true copies from the records of my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand

hand and the seal of the said Court this twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and of our Independence the sixty second -
W m H Wilson C o

MS 4
June 25, 1928.
Wm Porter N. 5159
Mrs. R.A. Savage Dendron, Virginia.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W-5159, it appears that William Porter, while residing in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, enlisted in the fall of 1775 in Captain Ballard's Virginia Company and after that was appointed a Lieutenant in Colonel James Wood's Twelfth Virginia Regiment and served until the end of the war, over seven years.
He married October 31, 1782, Elizabeth, born February 14, 1764, the daughter of Isaac Luke, and he died June 20, 1807.
She was allowed pension on her application executed May 24, 1838 while residing in Portsmouth, Virginia.
They has several children. a son Joseph only name stated. A grandson, Fletcher G. Porter of Portsmouth, Virginia was living in 1846.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Send history to Miss Martha B. Porter, 203 Washington St., Portsmouth, Virginia.
Through Mr. Burley Army + Navy Division. letter returned.
MAY 12 1914

QW Vge Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Can you give me the record of Capt. William Porter, Revolutionary War soldier, 12 th  Va Infantry, whose widow, Elizabeth Porter, drew a pension? I should like to know the volume and page where the record is found.
Yours truly,
(Miss) Winnie Lee Moore 41 - Court St. Portsmouth, Va.

Elizabeth Porter, widow of Lieut. Porta
$320 per ann
act 11 July '36 - 3 d sec
- Va 10 th
Send cut: to J. W. Mendenhall Esq. Post mount, Va.

House of Representatives
Washington City Jan 16 th 58
Hon Geo W Whiting Comr of Pensions &
Dear Sir
Enclosed
please find the letter of Mr Palmer Patrick of Indiana covering a small slip containing the opinion of the Attorney Genl. &c. will you please inform me as to the rights of the children in the case given in the letter, if any under the practice &c.
Respectfully yours &c.
D. Kilgore

Portsmouth Virginia July 13 th 1838
Dear Sir
I hope to be excused, in writing you again, relative to the claim of Elizabeth Porter under the Pension laws. I am exceedingly anxious on the old lady's account, that this claim should be disposed of. Therefore permit me to request your attention to this claim, so soon as your other duties will permit. The claim I have no doubt is fully sustained by the evidence transmitted, and should be pleased to hear that it had been examined and allowed.
Yours Respectfully
James Mendenhall

Feb. 8/99 Nat. Hist. 65 John W. H. Porter, Portsmouth, Va.
Mch. 5-1903 - Hist to Miss Evelyn M. Porter Jeffersonville Ind
Mch. 18-1903 Hist to Newton A. Wooten City
apl. 6, 1905 History to Miss Minnie L. Moore, Portsmouth, Va.
1909 Feb. 2. Hist. to Mrs. R. F. Eakes
1925 June 26 Hist to Miss R. L. Sava
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5159
Eliz a the Porter Wid.
W m Porter
Lieut. 2 nd War. Vol.
Act: July 4 th 86, Dec. 3 rd
Index: Vol. 66 , Page 135
[Arrangement of 1870.]

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Porter a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. Wid. File 5,159
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Fall 75 and served until the end of the war Over 7 years was Lieut Ballard ✓ ✓ James Wood 12 Va  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Portsmouth, Va
Date of application for pension, May 24, 1836 , Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Portsmouth, Va.
Age at date of application, Born Feb. 14, 1764
Remarks: He mar. Oct. 31, 1782 Elizabeth Luke dau. Isaac Luke; soldier died June 22, 1807, his wife and son Joseph were his executors. Her death not shown.
Grandson, Fletcher G. Porter of Portsmouth, Va. in 1846
several children

OFFICE OF COUNTY CHAIRMAN
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
FIFTH FEDERAL RESERVE DISTRICT
WAR LOAN ORGANIZATION
Hendron, Va
Apr. 23, 1955.
Commissioner Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I am preparing data for application to the Society of Daughters of American Revolution and will be glad if you will send me a statement of the pension granted to Elizabeth Duke Porter, Portsmouth, Va. for services of her husband William Porter, Lieut. 12 th Va. Reg. He entered the service in the fall of 1775 - and served until the end of the war of the Revolution - Thanking you for any service you may render
Yours very truly Mrs. R. A. Davedge

The Commissioner of Pensions - Washington D. C.
Dear Sir;
Please give me what information you have con- cerning William Porter - who fought in the Revolutionary war - having served from the beginning to the end - He enlisted I think from Norfolk Co. Virginia - and died June 20 - 1807 - His widow Elizabeth (Luke) obtained a Revolutionary war pension and died in 1847 -
The record there speaks of him as lieutenant -
Respectfully -
Mrs R. F. Eakes -
Elberton -
Ga.
Jan 18/1909

5313 Illinois Avenue, Brightwood, Washington, D.C. March 8, 1903.
The Honorable The Commissioner of Pensions:
Sir: I have the honor to request to be advised whether either of the Revolutionary soldiers mentioned on the inclosed sheet, or their widows, ever drew pension, and if so from what date to what date, and if there is a fee or charge for furnishing information of this nature I would further request to be advised the amount in order that the same may be promptly forwarded.
This information is desired for the use of a descendant of the soldiers mentioned, and an early reply will be greatly appreciated.
Very respectfully,
Newton A. Woodson
P.S. If under the rules of your Bureau it is forbidden to furnish such information, will you kindly inform me if such rule can be waived if application therefor is made through a Representative or Senator or both or more than one of each class?

213 Illinois Avenue Washington, D.C.
The Honorable The Chairman of Pensions
Sir: I have the honor to submit to you the following information the Revolutionary soldiers mentioned on the enclosed sheet or their widows, over their pension, and it is for what date to what date, and if there is a fee or charge for furnishing information of this nature I would further request to be advised the amount in order that the same may be promptly forwarded. This information is desired for the use of a descendant of the soldiers mentioned, and as early reply will be greatly appre- ciated.
Very respectfully,
Newton A. Woodson
P.S. If under the rules of your Bureau it is considered to furnish this information, will you kindly inform me if such rule can be waived in application I enclose to make a representative of Senator or both or more than one of each class.

Information desired:
Whether a pension was ever drawn by either of the following named and if so from what date to what date? Or by their widows?
1. Nathaniel Bowman, Major, 2d N.J., (Col. Isaac Shreve's Regt.) Commissioned 1st Lt. Jan. 1, 1777; Captain Sep. 11, 1777; Major Feb. 11, 1783; (per information from War Dept.) 2. Wm. Porter, 2d Lieut. in Capt. Thomas Boyer's Co. of 4th Va. Reg. of foot, also known as 8th Va. Reg. of foot, commanded by Col. Jas. Wood. He was commissioned July 21, 1777 and his name appears on rolls to Dec. 1779; (per information from War Dept.) 3. Wm. Huston, Lt. 11th Penna. Regt., ensign Hartley's Additional Continental Regt, May, 1777; 2d Lt. & Adjt. 2d June, 1778; regt. designated 11th Penna, Dec. 16th, 1778; 1st Lt. Feb. 24, 1780, transferred to 8th Penna. Jan. 17, 1781; transferred to 2nd Penna. Jan. 1, 1783 and served to 3rd June, 1783; (vide Heitman's Historical Record) 4. Wm. Vaise (sometimes written Voss and so pronounced) Capt. 8th Va. Reg. of foot commanded by Col. James Wood, commissioned Jan. 8, 1777; name appears on rolls to Dec. 1779; (per information from War Dept.) 5. Samuel Huston (probably written Samuel E. Huston) Major in the War of 1812 (under General Potterfield or Porterfield) --his widow living in Troy, Lincoln Co., Missouri, drew a pension from some time about 1872 until her death; time of commencement of pension is desired.
3943-
Catharine wife Samuel Huston (1872) Major

Whether a pension was ever drawn by him or his wife and if so from what date to what date of death.
1. National Bureau, Major, U.S.N. (1841-1898) On retirement Jan. 1, 1877; Captain, U.S.N. Feb. 11, 1883; (see information from War Dept.)
2. His father, Lt. Col. John Brown, U.S.A. (1800-1864) Also known as B.H. Brown, Col. of the 1st Va. Inf. He was commissioned July 21, 1861 and his name appears on rolls to Dec. 1861; (see information from War Dept.)
3. His mother, Mrs. Mary Brown (1800-1864) Contested Will, May, 1861; B.H. Brown, Esq., administered Will, Dec. 1861; (see information from War Dept.) transferred to B.H. Brown, Jan. 1, 1862; transferred to B.H. Brown, Jan. 1, 1862 and served to Dec. 1861; (see War Dept. Historical Record)
4. His son, B.H. Brown, Jr. (1864-1898) Commissioned Jan. 8, 1877; name appears on rolls to Dec. 1877; (see information from War Dept.)
5. General Union (probably United States) Major in the War of 1812 (under General Patterson or Patterson) -His son living in Troy, Pennsylvania, Minor, B.H. Brown, Jr. -His son living in Troy, Pennsylvania, Major, B.H. Brown, Jr. -His son living in Troy, Pennsylvania, Major, B.H. Brown, Jr. -His son living in Troy, Pennsylvania, Major, B.H. Brown, Jr. -His son living in Troy, Pennsylvania, Major, B.H. Brown, Jr.

John M. [unclear]
February 19, 1903.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington D. C.
I would like to have the record, officially signed) of the following soldier in the Revolutionary War, and for the purpose of becoming a Daughter of the Revolution. Am a direct descendant of the soldier mentioned, viz:--
William Porter , - served in the Revolutionary War from the fall of 1775 until the close of the Revolution as Lieutenant and Captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Col. Wood commanding. His widow, Elizabeth Porter, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Luke and who was married to said William Porter on Oct. 21, 1782, at Portsmouth, Va., drew a pension from 1837 until her death in 1846 as the widow of the said William Porter.
Will greatly appreciate the favor if I can get this information as soon as possible.
Yours truly,
Evelyn M. Murray
Miss Evelyn M. Murray, Box 115, Jeffersonville, Ind.

February 12, 1903.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
I would like to have the names of the following soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and for the purpose of securing a pension for the Revolution. An extract therefrom of the soldier mentioned, viz:--
William Porter - served in the Revolutionary War from the Fall of 1776 until the close of the Revolution in New Jersey and Captain in the 12th Virginia Regiment, Col. Wood commanding. His widow, Miss Mary Porter, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Dink and who was married to said William Porter on Oct. 21, 1782, at Port Republic, Va., drew a pension from 1837 until her death in 1848 as the widow of the said William Porter.
Will greatly appreciate the favor if I can get this information as soon as possible.
Yours truly,
Miss Evelyn M. Murray, Box 115, Jeffersontown, Ind.

Portsmouth, Va.
Jan. 3, 1893
Porter, John W.H.
Desires the Revolutionary record of Mr. Porter.
Mr. A.H.L.
Department of the Interior.
Jan. 4, 1893.
Respectfully referred to the Commission Pension
Joseph Am Davis
Chief Clerk.

P Portsmouth Va. Jany 3 d 1894
Mr. John Smith
Secretary of the Interior
Dear Sir - In looking over an old census of Revolutionary war pensioners issued by the Government in 1840, I find the name of Elizabeth Poren, age 75 of Portsmouth Va. She was the widow of William Poren - Will you do me the kindness to let me know what company or Regiment William Poren served in and what was his rank, if any - He was living in this town before and after the revolutionary war as was Charles Poren in a Virginia Regiment.
Very Respectfully
John W. H. Poren

Virginia Portsmouth Augh 1 st 1838
Dr Sir
The mail which has just arrived from Richmond, has brought me the inclosed account, from the Auditor of Virginia. As this can be considered as evidence, which there can be no doubt of, the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Porter to the Pension, I am sure will be no longer delayed. It shews a service to the 31 st of Dec r 1782 and he was married in Oct 1782. shewing therefore clearly a service after his intermarriage. This account you will perceive is sworn to by Lieut. Wm Porter, and allowed by the proper officer. I would reply fully to your letter, but I deem it unnecessary, as the account with the United States, shews a service to the 31 st Dec r 1782, and the service is acknowledged by the United States in the payment of the account. Be pleased to transmit the amount, which I have no doubt you will do. In haste
Yours Respectfully
James M c Laughlin

Brumfield Aug. 30th. 1846.
Dear Sir
You will please inform me whether Link William Pater of the Va. Continental line of the Revolution has ever drew his bounty land due from the U. States. I am requested to make this enquiry by one of his grandsons for who I am agent. Fletcher G. Pater of Portsmouth Va.
The widow is now at Portsmouth and who draws a pension as Link. Elizabeth Pater.
There was a William Pater an Ensign who also drew in the war. He died in Ky.
I also wish to know John Bears a soldier for the war. by a request in the Va. line and drew his U.S. land. I have the agency for the Va land which is allowed to not yet drawn. He died in this County.
W. Gardens Esq.
I am with much respect your ovt. Servt. William Thomas.

Virginia Portsmouth July 19 th 1838
Dear Sir
Your letter under date the 15 th Inst. reached me by the mail this morning. I had supposed no difficulty would exist as to the claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Porter. You state no proof is submitted shewing the time he left the service and that the general expression used in the certificate of Genl. Wood del. That Lieut. Wm. Porter "served to the end of the War" is to indefinite. I hope to be excused, when I express my astonishment that a gentleman of your intelligence, should entertain the opinion, that the expression used in the certificate "served to the end of the War" is too indefinite. The definition of the word "indefinite" I think means: not determined; not limited; not settled. Then how can this expression be indefinite, when the evidence shows that the service of Lieut. Wm. Porter was determined at the "end of the war"? Is it not as definite, as if the witness had stated that he served to end of the war, stating the day month and year when he left the service. There can be no doubt upon this subject on this point. There is a maxim of law, applicable to this as well as to every case. Id certum est quod certum reddi potest: Can then it be ascertained and rendered certain when he left the service, at the end of the war according to the evidence, when did the war end in the year 1783, according to the history of that eventful period. And if he was in service in 1783, it must have been subsequent to his marriage which took place on the 31 st Oct. 1782.
I had supposed there was abundant evidence in your office, to prove every thing relevant to this claim, but presume from the examination you have given this claim, that it is to be found at Richmond. I perceive from the report of John H. Smith commissioner to examine

Revolutionary Claims, made to the Legislature of Virginia the 10 th Dec r 1835. Doc. N o 6. In reporting on the claim of Lieut. William Porter, he reports, That "This Officer entered the Army in Capt Ballard's company in the fall of 1775; was appointed an officer in the twelfth Virginia Regiment, and continued in service until the end of the war, and at the end of the war was one of the oldest lieutenants. He settled his accounts with the State Auditor from September 1 st 1777 to December 31 st 1781, and with the Continental Commission for the year 1782 and received his commutation $1600. He received $48. 77 /100, the balance of his subsistence account for the year 1782, and down to May 1 st 1783 [See the copy of the "return of subsistence due sundry officers of the Virginia line, being balances of 1782 and 1783" from the office of pay-master general)
This Report of Mr Smith Com r shows clearly that Lieut. W m Porter served in the year 1783, which was subsequent to his marriage on the 31 st Oct 1782, and I would here remark that the Commission reports that he served to the "end of the war" which expression you deem to be too indefinite; so far as the anticipations of Genl Wood & Lieut Morton are concerned. You state that it should be shown that the William Porter mentioned in the certificates of James Morton and Genl Wood is the same William Porter who was the husband of the claimant. Can this be expected, and is it required by the Department, at this late period that it should be shown, when it is known that those who could testify to these facts, are in their tomb and that few, very few are now living who were in the war of the Revolution. The evidence shows the service of William Porter as a Lieut in 1783, and it also shows his marriage in 1782. And I presume no other evidence

ought to be required, I could procure abundant of traditional evidence as I suppose to show that Lieut. Wm Porter was in service, and that the claimant was his wife.
If I could believe for a moment, that this claim was not founded in justice, I would not reply to your letter, but let it sleep in its present condition; But I think I perceive from your letter, you are satisfied of the correctness of this claim, and its justice, but from an oversight (if you will permit the expression) to the duties of your office, you apprehend some fraud may be practiced upon you, or is about to be practiced. I assure you, I have no agency in such works; I am aware of your duties, and of the vigilance necessary to be observed; and if the evidence is not sufficient to authorize the allowance of this pension, I ask you to reject it, which I am sure you would do. Upon the other hand if any of the documents referred to in Mr Smith's report, you shall deem necessary, if you will do me the favor to communicate as necessary, I will endeavor to procure copies and forward to you.
Yours Respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions
James Mendenhall
A large, stylized signature of James Mendenhall, featuring a long horizontal line with loops and a cross-like flourish.

Richmond July 25 1797
I certify that William Porter entered into the American Army in Capt. Ballard's Company in the fall 1775 after that he was appointed an Officer in the 12 th Virginia Regiment and continued until the end of the War, which was over seven years that he continued in service & at that time he was one of the oldest Lieutenants
James Norton Lieut. 4 th Virginia Regiment
Mr. William Porter was a Lieutenant in the 12 th Virginia Regiment under my Command, and continued in service until the end of the War
James Wood late B. Genl.
Heads Dept. of State May 31 1838
The above is a true copy of a paper filed in Mrs. Department Y. H. Ridgely Secy Com te

Dr Sir
Virginia Portsmouth May 25 th 1838
I have the honor to inclose to you, the Declaration of Elizabeth Porter widow of Lieut W m Porter dec. d ? The deposition of Arthur Emmerson Esq. r The marriage License bond of W m Porter, and the certificate of Isaac Luke the father of Elizabeth, authorizing the Clerk of Norfolk County Court, to issue a marriage License, to W m Porter to marry his daughter I also inclose an authenticated copy of the will of W m Porter dec. d ?
I also send the certificate of James Morton Lieut of 4 th Virg. inia Regt. and the certificate of Brig. Genl James Wood which shew that Lieut W m Porter served to the end of the war.
Elizabeth Porter claims a pension under the 3. Sec. of the Act of Congress passed July 4. 1830
You will perceive accompanying the papers, a power of Attorney executed by Elizabeth Porter to me to do all things necessary, in receiving the pension money due her under the act aforesaid. Permit me to request an early consideration of the same
Yours Respectfully
N.B. If you desire that the certificates of James Morton & Genl Wood should have the seal of the Com te Office have it attached
James M c Donald
JM

Dr The United States in Ac with William Porter 6 o
   1782 To pay as Lieutenant from Jan 1st to Dec 31 320 90 By Three Months pay 80 -   - Balance due 240 -   $320 - $320 -   To first years full pay in lieu of half pay for life 1600 - By Certificates 1600 -  
Sworn to October 1st 1784.
(William Porter)
by Mr. Richardson jr
Settl. May 12th 1785.
The foregoing is truly copied from Book of settlements of Accounts made by Andrew Duncomb with the Officers & Soldiers of the Provincial Army.
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office Richmond this 30 day of July 1838. J. M. Heath and

Know All Men by these presents, That I Elizabeth Porter (widow of William Porter dec d who was a Lieutenant in the 12 th Virginia Regiment during the Revolutionary War) of the town of Portsmouth, county of Norfolk and State of Virginia, do hereby constitute and appoint James Mendenough of the town, county and State aforesaid my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, to ask, demand and receive from the Secretary of War, Commissioner of Pensions, or such other officer as is appointed for that purpose, such pension as is due and owing unto me as the widow of Lieut William Porter as aforesaid, by and under the Act of Congress passed the 4 th day of July 1830, entitled "An Act" Granting half pay to widows or orphans, when their husbands and fathers have died of wounds received in the Military service of the United States, in certain cases, and for other purposes". With power to my said Attorney to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the premises; hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall do therein by virtue hereof In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 th day of May 1838
Elizabeth Porter
Norfolk County to wit
This day Elizabeth Porter personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, and in my presence, signed, sealed and acknowledged the above letter of Attorney to be her voluntary act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 th day of May 1838.
Arthur Emmerson
Norfolk County to wit
Be it known, that on the 24 th day of May 1838, before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the said county, personally appeared James Mendenough the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney, and made oath that the same (turn over)

was not given him, by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the said pension that may be due; and that he the said James Mendenhall the Attorney as aforesaid has no interest in the said money or pension (which may be due) by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any other person whatever.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me
Arthur Emmerison J.P.
Virginia
I William H. Wilson Clerk of the County Court of Norfolk County in the State aforesaid hereby certify that Arthur Emmerison J.P. who has given the above and within certificate is a Justice of the peace in and for the said County duly commissioned and qualified to said Office according to the Constitution and laws of this State.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this twenty fifth day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and of our Independence the sixty second.
W. H. Wilson C.C.
8881