Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,687, for Daniel Reeves, South Carolina

SERVICE
S.6.
NUMBER
W. 5,687
Reeves, Daniel or Reaves, Eleanor
CONTENTS

State of Tennessee } I, Joseph Reaves a citizen of Maury County } the County & State aforesaid made oath before us Joseph Henson & James Black two of the acting Justices of the peace of said County. That some time during the revolution- ary war that Daniel Reaves who is now a citizen of Davidson County & State aforesaid, but was at that time a citizen of the State of S. Carolina served more than twelve months in the U. States army against Great Britain, That he recollects distinctly, that he came home on furlough & was there a short space of time & being related to sd Daniel Reaves (now) Cousin & his Father & sd Daniels residing near to each other & consequently were in each others company frequently enables him to recollect the time better, than he would otherwise have done, That when sd Daniel was home on furlough he was in the guise of a soldier & the connexion & all he heard speak of his absence said sd Daniel was in the service of his Country & further the deponent says not. January 21 st 1819
Sworn to and subscribed before us the day & year last above stated Joseph Henson James Black
Joseph Henson J.P. James Black J.P. Exhibit "B"

State of Tennessee - Maury County, I Joseph B Porter Clerk of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for said County do Certify that the within named Joseph Worndon and James Black Esquires whose signatures appear within are now and were at the time of signing the same acting Justices of the peace in and for said County full faith & credit is and of right ought to be given to all their official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my office at office this 21 st day of Jan y 1819.
Joseph B Porter Exhibit "B"
State of Tennessee - Maury County I James L. Sanford Presiding Justice of the peace of the County of pleas & quarterly sessions for the County aforesaid do certify that Joseph B Porter whose name is subscribed to the above certificate is & was at the time of his sign- ing the same acting Clerk to said County Court, & his certificate is in due form of Law. and full faith & credit should be given to all his Official acts as such, given under my Hand & Seal, this 21 st day of January 1819.
James L. Sanford Presiding Justice

Subst. of West Tennessee
Daniel Reavis, a native of Davidson county in the state of Tennessee, aged sixty four, came before me & made oath that he enlisted into the service of the United States as a soldier, in the revolutionary war, under the command of Captain Elisha Goshaw, he believes in the Third South Carolina Reg t commanded by Col o Thompson. That he served about fourteen months, that he enlisted for fifteen months, that he enlisted about a month after the establishment of the Reg t . Therefore was discharged with the others at the end of their term, but that he has long since lost or mislaid his discharge, that he served his time faithfully, he believes the troops he belonged to were called the Rangers. That he is old and infirm, being possessed of very little property.
Exhibit "A,,

State of Alabama Lauderdale County
On this day to wit 4 th Day of November 1846 personally appeared Jesse Reeves a resident of the county of Lauderdale and State of Alabama before me John M c Coakle one of the acting Justices of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he is about eighty one years of age having been born in 1766 and was ten years old in 1776 at the time of the Decla- -ration of Independence. This Deponent recollects after the act of 1818 was passed giving the first Pensions to the regular soldiers of the Rev- -olution. That he made a statement or affidavit before Edg r Herndon in favour of his Cousin Daniel Reeves then a resident of the county of Davidson near Nashville who was trying to be placed on the Pension roll. This affidavit as well as now recollected contained the following statement That the said Daniel Reeves enlisted in the regular service of South Carolina for a Period not now recollected but thinks it was twelve eighteen months or the time might not have been mentioned in the affidavit It was however the usual Period of enlistment of that State and during his enlistment he came home on furlow and Stayed some time wearing his uniform cast a blue faced with white U.S. on the buttons and stayed until his furlow was nearly out and then returned and served out his time and was honourably discharged Deponent never saw him from the time he was on furlow until discharged. This is what Deponent recollects he stated in his first affidavit but he might have stated other particulars as it has been upwards of twenty years ago But this Deponent recollects very well that no questions were asked him in regard to the volunteer or Militia Service of Daniel Reeves the Judge telling them none but the regular service was necessary. And after the Declaration was drawn up by a lawyer by the name of Egnew he told Daniel Reeves that he must swear that he could not live comfortably without the aid of Government which Reeves said he could not do because he had some property so the matter was dropped since when Deponent had not heard what was done further Deponent was also never asked any thing about

about the Marriage of the said Daniel And now at this day being further asked and interrogated Deposeth and says That the Service in the regular line was performed in the years 1779 or 1780 and during the Spring of 1780 the said Daniel Reeves came home on his furlow as above stated. He had before his enlistment engaged himself to marry Ellenor Guthrie and this Deponent believes this was the main cause of his return on furlow. Ellenor Guthrie was an Orphan girl and was cared by her near relation Mr Sand who lived a close neighbor and the said Daniel Reeves and Ellenor Guthrie were married at the house of Sand and on next day took dinner at the house of this Deponent's father because the said Daniel did not like his Stepmother the second wife of his father who also lived not far off This same cause of dislike made Daniel Reeves leave his wife at the house of this Depon- ent's father after his furlow above spoken of was nearly out while he went and served out the balance of his time and thinks that after this he was at the Siege of Charleston he is certain of his being there but will not say whether before or after the Marriage but believe is certain the longest period time of the Service was after the Marriage as he never came home until he had served out his time from these circumstances and particularly Daniel Reeves leaving his wife at his father's during the time of the balance of Service and the Militia tours he afterwards served this Deponent has a perfect knowledge and recollections of these transactions. He recollects his saying during the Siege of Charleston the British would throw Dog heads over to them instead of bomb shells And this Deponent being further asked and interrogated Deposeth and says that after Daniel Reeves was dis- charged from his tour of regular Service and had come home some time and lived at his Deponent's father's with his wife. He served two Militia tour of three months each one under Capt Steel and the other under Captain Sand one of these was as a volunteer

The other was as a drafted Militia both these tours were served in the latter part of 1780 and 1 st of 1781 and the reason was the British had during this time marched up and invaded the whole country and it was safer to be out in the army than at home on account of British and Tories. and the reason of these tours was as he heard Reeves say at the time was that as he was a married man he could come home oftener but if he was not and he had his choice he would rather be a regular soldier as they were better treated fed and clothed
He also served one other tour of three months but does not recollect the Captain's name at this time. Thus he believes the said Daniel served about three  three or four months in the regular service part of which was after his marriage with Eleanor his wife and three Militia tours of three months each after the regular service in all about two years
This Deponent will state some of the most remarkable circumstances these were the battles of Camden and Sackets defeat the latter was fought within three miles of this Deponent's father and this Deponent was there next day or day after and saw the dead and the wounded the latter out of their senses and crawling about. There were a great many dead horses and the wagons were cut to pieces with axes and destroyed in that manner. Daniel Reeves was not in service at that time under Sackets as he thinks but cannot positively and this Deponent does not recollect whether he got any of his wounds in this battle or not so it was however he was wounded in two places one a cut with a sword and the other a ball piercing his side and coming out again neither of which done him material injury. Daniel Reeves died in Davidson County and this affiant lived in Maury County and afterwards moved to Alabama where he now lives. He knows a great many more circumstances about the Revolution and could relate them having been an eye witness to many of them but is advised

the same is not material affiant is blessed at this time with a good memory a sound constitution and can ride to mill and do his other riding in the neighbourhood and has a tolerable history of the Reeves family
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned
Jefferson
Seal
John McCorkle (P.P.) Justice of the Peace
State of Alabama Sanddale County
I John McCorkle one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with J. H. Reeves and have been for the last fifteen years that he is a man of good character and a man of truth and veracity and that full credit should be given to his statements and I have heard him frequently talk about the Revolution war and as such have no hesitation in believing the foregoing statements to be true I also know him to be of good memory and now full able to go about and transact his business
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 4th day of November 1846
The State of Alabama Sanddale County
John McCorkle (P.P.) Justice of the Peace
I Wiley J. Hawkins Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid, hereby certify that John McCorkle whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit of J. H. Reeves, & to the above certificate is now & was at the time of subscribing to the same, an acting justice of the peace in & for said County aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified and that full faith & credit is due to his official acts, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand & seal of office at Florence the 3rd day of November A D 1846
W. J. Hawkins Clerk

5098 Tennessee
Eleanor Reeves deceased widow of Daniel Reeves who died on the 28 of August 1824 of Davis in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Cavalry commanded by Captain Caton of the 3 Infantry Regt commanded by Col Thompson in the South Carolina line for 14 mos Cavalry 3 mos Infantry
Inscribed on the Roll of Tennessee at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the fourth day of March, 1831. and ending 22 years 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of January 1852 and sent to the Sons of John Russell
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by W. M. Meyer Clerk Book D Vol. 2 Page 416

V3312 Eleanor Reeves Tennessee act. 4 July 36
11 March 1775
Exhibit A
was

State of Tennessee Davidson County
On this 3 rd day of February in the year 1838 personally appeared before me Jonathan Garrett one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county of Davidson aforesaid Eleanor Reeves a residen- dent of Davidson County and State of Tennessee aged Seventy eight years in next month 78, being first duly sworn according to law both 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 th 1836 That she is the Widow of Daniel Reeves who was a Soldier of the Revolution and served his first term of Service was in the Third South Carolina Regiment commanded by Col Thomson his captains name was Eli Leachman and served 14 months under an enlistment This Declarant would here refer to an affidavit drawn by a Justice of the peace at Nashville in order to obtain his Pension under the act of Congress 1818 but which was never signed by her husband nor sworn to upon the ground given for the reason that he was then possessed of more property than was contemplated by the then Pension laws marked Exhibit "A" and prays may be taken as part of her Declaration and proof She would further refer to the proof taken in Maury County and duly authen- ticated from Jesse Reeves who is appearing was well acquainted with the time of the Service and recollects his Services all of which is contained in said affidavit marked Exhibit "B" and prays may be taken as part of this Declaration

and proof. This proof marked and herewith annexed bearing date 21 st January 1819 was considered sufficient to enable her husband to obtain his h Pension but after he came to consider that he was possessed of more property than was allowed to Soldiers to possess he abandoned the idea of obtaining his Pension. He was at the battle of Bunker Hill near Charleston after this he entered the Service in was at the battle of Cowpens and was wounded in the body. He served this town 3 months he entered the Service again as a Militia and was drafted for a term of months and served in the Company commanded by he was at the battle of and there received a wound in the arm by a cut of a sword. He entered the Service again and served as a drafted Militia man for the term of but this affiant cannot recollect the names of his officers and must rely on other proof. This affiant has the names of her children and those of her husband and herself kept in the family Bible which is her annexed marked Exhibit "C" and prays may be taken as part of this Declaration and proof. She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Reeves on the 17 th day of March 1779 and that her husband the said Daniel Reeves died on the 24 th day of August 1824 and that she the said Eleanor Reeves has remained
a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written J. R. Garrett J. Eleanor Reeves Justice of the Peace for Davidson County mark
State of Tennessee Davidson County Jonathan H. Garrett one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Eleanor Reeves who has this day appeared before me and was able to the foregoing Declaration that she is a woman of truth and that full faith and credit are due to her statements. I further certify that she is now very old and helpless and from sickness old age and bodily infirmity she cannot appear in open court to make this Declaration and I hereby certify the same. Given under my hand and seal this 3 rd February 1838 J. R. Garrett Esq. H. H.

State of Tennessee Davidson County } I Jonathan R Garrett one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the annexed record of the ages of Daniel Reeves and Eleanor his Wife and their Children was taken from the family Bible in my presence and attached to this declaration and that I believe the same to be genuine Given under my hand and seal this 30 February 1838 J R Garrett
State of Tennessee Davidson County } On this day personally appeared Ormond A Simkins before me Jonathan R Garrett one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County and made oath that he has been acquainted with Daniel Reeves for the space of thirty years past That he was a Soldier of the Revolution and served both as a regular soldier and a militia man and to his knowledge he may have been so that he was married during the first service or enlistment in 1779 when at home on furlough. In 1819 Judge McHenry made out his declaration and when the said Daniel Reeves was informed that he must swear that he was not able to live without the assistance of a pension he could not because he was then possessed of property The said Daniel Reeves was wounded in the war of the Revolution in the side and on the arm Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of February 1838 J A Simkins J R Garrett

State of Tennessee Smith County 3 On this day personally app- -eared William Reeves before me Alfred Bains one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county aged Seven years of age who being duly sworn audi- ng to law makes oath that his Brother Daniel Reeves was about fifteen years older than himself That he entered the services of the United States under the command of Captain Eli Cashion in the 3 d South Carolina Regiment and continued to serve for the space of fourteen months This Deponent cannot recollect but very little of the circumstances during the time his Brother was out before the Battle of Camden or Gates defeat was fought during the time. It was after this a little he cannot say whether it was when Genl Sumter was defeated or some other battle that soon followed but This Deponent distinctly recollects of his Brother coming home wounded from one of the above mentioned battles he was shot through the abdomen and the bullet was cut out near the naval he was also chopped on his arms with a sword and was in that situation taken prisoner but was left in the neighborhood of his affiant's father lived at that time above Camden about 1 miles who was taken at Sumter's Defeat This affiant recollects of his Brother being cured at home. This Brother was married to his present widow Eleanor Reeves some years before this age he thinks had one child. This affiant recollects the marriage they were married legally at the time she mentions on the 1 st day of March 1779 This Deponent further states that

his Brother's residence lies at this time about Sixty miles from him and has not seen her in three years. She must however be very old and infirm. His Brother served fourteen months and was regularly discharged but cannot say what became of it. And further this Deponent is advised it is not material for him to state known to you and subscribers before me this 30th day of March 1888 A. L. Baird J. P. for Smith County
State of Tennessee I, John S. Darnell Clerk of the County Court of said Smith County do hereby certify that affidavit of William R. Rhea was made was at the time the same purports to be as then and now is one of the acting Justices of the said Court of Smith County Commissioned and qualified at the last said
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office the 14th day of April 1888 46 1/2 years of our Lord's reign
John S. Darnell Clerk of Smith County Court

State of Tennessee Smith County
I John S Bennett Clerk
of Smith County, do hereby certify that William Rees, whose affidavit, or depositions appended is a citizen of Smith County and that I am well acquainted with him and that he is a man of good character and standing and that full faith and credit are due to his statements given under this 14th day of April 1838
John S Bennett

State of Tennessee Davidson County
On this day personally appeared Thomas Hickman before aged 75 years a resident of the county and State aforesaid before Me Jonathan K Garret one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county and made oath by due form of law that he has been acquainted with Daniel Reeves in his life time for the last forty years past. They lived close neighbors most of that time and were intimately acquainted they had frequent conversations about the War of the Revolution and from these conversations (which) were frequent say from 1796 the time he moved to this county until his death he understood from him that he had served more than one town at least had been in the service a considerable time and thinks he heard him say in the War but cannot say but it is possible he may have been in the regular troops. This affiant recollects that when he was out in 1780 say at the time of Gen Sullivan's Defeat that he saw Daniel Reeves was out in the service but was in a different division of the army he belonged to the S. Carolina troops and this affiant was in the North Carolina troops This affiant cannot particularly state the names of the officers under whom Mr Reeves served nor the particulars of his service but has no hesitation in believing him a soldier of the Revolution and served a considerable time as he believes part of it must have been with General Marion. Given to me and subscribed before me This 4th day of February 1838
J. K. Garrett (Jd) 44
Thos. Hickman

State of Tennessee
Davidson County
I Jonathan R Garret one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Hickman and Orman A Jenkins That they are men of respectability and truth and that full faith and credit are due and of right ought to be given to their statements and I hereby certify the same Given under my hand and Seal the 4th day of February 1838
J R Garret Seal
State of Tennessee, Davidson County.
I Smith Briddle clerk of the county court of said Davidson County do hereby certify that Jonathan R Garret whose name is signed to the foregoing certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in & for the county & state aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified, & as such full faith & credit are due & ought to be given to his official acts.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said court at office in Nashville this 9th day of April 1838. Smith Briddle.

State of Tennessee Davidson County
On this 16th day of May 1851, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Aquila Price, Administrator of Ellenor Reeves deceased, who on his oath makes the following Declaration, in order to obtain the amount of Pension due the said Ellenor Reeves deceased, in her life time under the 3 rd Section of the Act of Congress of July 15 th 1836, and which is due to her surviving children and only heirs, to wit, Ann Price, (Wife of Declarant) Nancy Simpkins, Sarah Cheever, and Ellenor Davis, who are the only surviving children of decedent; That said Ellenor Reeves was the Widow of Daniel Reeves, late of Davidson County, Tennessee, a Revolutionary Soldier, and made application for a Pension previous to her death under the Act of Congress aforesaid, Declarant has been intimately acquainted with the said Daniel Reeves and his Wife Ellenor ever since the year 1815, and from that time afterwards frequently heard the said Ellenor re- late the trials and hardships they both suffered, during the War of the Revolution, Declarant states from said information which he believes to be true, that the said Daniel Reeves was an enlisted Soldier, and served for nearly two years, but would here refer as to length of time to the record or original declaration made by the said Daniel Reeves in his life time under Act of 18 March 1818, and now on file with the original paper in the Pension Office at Washington, Declarant states that he has frequently heard him relate that after his enlistment, and return home, that is to say about the year 1780, he and the said Ellenor were married, and that living at that time in South Carolina in

in the most dangerous part, being near the seat of war, he could remain at home but very little after his marriage, but volunteered, or was drafted, (he can not now tell which) and served several tours of service, each of three months, all of which he is informed and believes, has been furnished in her original paper, and to which he now refers, and which he prays may be taken as a part of this Declaration, Declarant further states that their marriage, agreeable to the original family record kept in their bible, and the ages of their children, he has often seen and has no doubt whatever is correct, as it showed the ages of his children, and Declarant's Wife, and was frequently in his possession, is also now on file with the original papers, and that their marriage took place long before the last term of service; That the reason the said Daniel Reeves did not include his militia service in his original Declaration, was, that he was told at that time, that no militia service was necessary to be stated under Act of 18 March 1818, and that the regular service was all that was necessary to be stated; That said marriage agreeable to his recollection took place in the spring of 1780, and the militia service was performed after that time, which is fully proven, in the original paper, and to which he here refers.
That his wife Ellener had to shift from one plantation to another, while her husband, the said Daniel was out in the military service of his Country, as it was safer to be in the Army than at home, and this he has frequently heard him relate in his life time, and a great many particulars which he is advised are not material to mention, Declarant further states that he always understood, that the said Daniel, so soon as the War was concluded, and before any arrangement had been made or was expected to be made, for the payment of the soldiers, (as it was then said they had fought for liberty, and obtained, and expected nothing else), he and the said Ellener removed to the State of Georgia, and there lived till they came to Tennessee, and that he never applied for, nor

received, any pay or other Compensation for his military Service, as a regular or Militiaman, which accounts satisfactorily as Declarant believes, for the omission of his name, being not found in the Comptroller's Office of South Carolina, in the settlement of accounts, with other soldiers of the Revolution; That said Claim to a Pension is just and lawful he has no doubt, and that it appears from one of the Reports, with others, that Mr Edwards Commissioner of Pensions was satisfied of his military Services and was willing to allow a Pension to said Ellenor under Act of July 9 th 1838, (see letter of that date) but was refused by her Attorney A Ferguson; That said Ellenor Reeves died to the best of his recollection on the 22 nd day of April 1838, and that the said Daniel Reeves died on the 28 th day of August 1824, that said Ellenor did not again marry, but remained the Widow of the said Daniel Reeves, to the day of her death, sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written, Before me
Aquilla Price seal of Ellenor Reeves
Isaiah T. Goss
Hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Aquilla Price the declarant aforementioned, that he is a person of veracity and the statements made by him are entitled to full faith and credit.
Isaiah T. Goss
State of Tennessee Davidson County I D A Clanton clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Isaiah T. Goss whose genuine signature is signed above is now & was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the peace in the said County duly elected & commissioned & qualified as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Nashville This 7 th day of May 1851 D A Clanton Clerk

Daniel Reeve the son of John Reeve and Nancy his wife was born october the 10 day 1754
Elenor Reeve the wife of Daniel Reeve in March in the year of our Lord 1780
James Reeve the son of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born october the 10 day 1788
Daniel Reeve the son of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born march the 2 day 1781
William Reeve the the son of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born may the 25 day 1783
Elijah Reeve the son of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born february 20 day 1786
Elisha Reeve the son of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born august 20 day 1788
Sallie Reeve the daughter of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born may the 15 day 1791
Nancy Reeve Reeve the daughter of Daniel Reeve and Elenor his wife was born february 24 day in the year of our Lord 1794
Glendy Reeve the daughter of Daniel Reeve was was born November the 6 day 1796
Annah Reeve the daughter of Daniel Reeve was born July the 21 day 1799

State of Tennessee Davidson County Court May Term 1851.
In the matter of the administration of the Estate of Eleanor Reeves dec d It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Daniel Reeves, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, died leaving his widow, Eleanor Reeves, who has since died, but who remained unmarried after the death of her husband up to the time of her death. And it further appearing to the Court, that there are four surviving children and heirs of the said Eleanor & Daniel Reeves dec d & dec d - Anne Price, Nancy Price, Sarah Price and Eleanor Davis. And application being made by Regula Price to have letters of Administration granted him, in the estate of the said Eleanor Reeves, for the purpose of receiving and receiving for the said heirs, each person due them as heirs of said Eleanor & Daniel Reeves dec d . It is therefore ordered by the Court that the said A. Price have letters of Administration granted him, on the estate of the said Eleanor Reeves dec d . Whereupon the said Regula Price in Court here gave bond in the sum of Six Hundred Dollars, with W. D. Pringle his security and qualified according to law.
State of Tennessee } I J. A. Cheetham Clerk of the Court Davidson County } Court of said law. It is hereby certified that The foregoing is a true & perfect transcript from the records of the proceedings of said Court on application of Regula Price to have letters of Administration granted him on the estate of Eleanor Reeves dec d .
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Office in Nashville, this 14th day of May 1851.
J. A. Cheetham Clerk

Ray  WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
Emerson Edward Wid. Samuel Edward Br. Edward's wife
Act: _____
July 14/86
Index:—Vol. _____
16
Page _____
154
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Clavor Reeves of Daniel Terence
(12)
Suspended
See let. 19 th July 1838 to A. Ferguson do, 14 Oct 1838 do. 27 March 1839 do. 26 April 1839 to do: 11 July 1842 to do. 23 Aug 1842 do 21 June 1845 same Dec 21, 1846 Act 4 July 1836
Act to Hon. E. W. Cuming July 27. '46 same Jan 13. '47. Hon W. L. Macey Feb 23. '47 to Hon. E. W. Cuming March 13. '47 " same May 25. 1847. Act to Hon. E. Cuming Dec. 21. '49. " W. E. Jones Jan 6. 1852

Brief in the case of Eleanor Reeves, wif of Daniel County and State of Tennessee, act 4 July 1830.
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Evidence of servia; Records of parole " of Marriage; Family register, showing the births of the children.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Wm E. Jones of Tenn Present,
Kirby Examining Clerk.

Carthage Tennessee 25 th June 1872
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find the amended affidavit of Conrad Coon in support of the claim of Ellena Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves deceased for a Pension under act of 4 th July 1836. The Statement made by him two or three years since was not particular in giving dates. I was confident therefore that he possessed more information about it and on my calling on him I found he had a personal knowledge of the most material facts to wit the Service and the date of the same. He is positive that he saw Reeves in Service after the battle of the Cowpens in 1781 and he says it was in the Summer of that year he had frequent conversations with him while in actual Service. Agreeable to the family record furnished you under act 4 th July 1836 his first born child was born in October 1781 so that the date of the last Service was after the marriage. Add to this the traditionary history of the family that there were two children born who are not living before the oldest living one in 1781

and you have the period of marriage fixed at least three years previous to 1787. I think also William Reeves stated that the last Service was done a considerable time after the marriage. Now two witnesses are certainly sufficient to prove a State of facts. I think William Reeves and Leonard Coon agree in their statements. I hope you will allow the claim without delay as there are other witnesses living at a considerable distance that can prove the same facts. I hope you will not cause the heirs to be at any further expense but allow what is due them. I have no hesitation in saying the claim is a genuine claim and if I have taken the right view of it the testimony furnish will upon trial prove to be conclusive. I hope therefore to receive the certificate as soon as possible.
Respectfully
A. G. Hergutson
P.S.
See your letter of 21 st April 1839
Stating that if the marriage could be clearly proved to have taken place previous to the last Service the claim would be allowed according to act of 4 th July 1836 which is now done conclusively as I believe. A. G. Hergutson
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Carthage 23 d January 1850
Dear Sir
Yours of the 4 th instant in regard to the case of Elena Reeves is before me at which I am not at all Impressed. If you had been as often disappointed as I have been by the unjust decisions of J. S. Edwards commissioner of Pensions you would not be disappointed only when a decision in your favour was made. In this case I discover that Mr Edwards has written out as usual a one sided report of the case and submitted the same to Mr Ewing and thus the proof filed to substantiate the validity or legality of the claim having been omitted by Mr Edwards and not mentioned at all and the only testimony referred to being erroneously stated by him. Mr Ewing for lack of some one acquainted with the case to explain could not do otherwise but "affirm" the decision. To show how Mr Edwards or his clerks have mistated the evidence. 1 st He states that on at least makes her State that the battle of Camden was fought in April 1780 now all history shows that the battle of Camden a Gales defeat was fought on the 11 th of August 1780 by this misstatement Mr Edwards thinks he gains one clear point to wit that Mrs Reeves could not have been married to her husband 10 th April 1780 because because he was

then engaged in battle and could not be at Home as a bridegroom. Now the truth is the bible record shows that Daniel Reeves was married to his wife Eleanor as before stated 10 th April 1780 and consequently the proof is full on this point that he was engaged in August following at the battle of Womdun Corners Coon and Deffen Reeves two respectable witnesses state these facts they were present and had a personal knowledge of them. Mr Edwards avoids stating anything about the date of the marriage in the bible record and mentions a second or third son whose year of age is in 1781 but says he must have been illegitimate. Now he makes this bold assertion when the record itself and the living witnesses show how the oldest son was put in the wrong place instead of being set down as the first born. So much then for this misstatement which if I am correct and I speak from a know- ledge of the case ought to be satisfactory to Mr Edwards and he should forthwith correct his decision.
Mr Edwards calls upon the old tho' decayed & helpless Relick of the Revolution whose memory cannot recollect but few circumstances and those only of a nature that could not be forgotten such as her marriage and the birth of a child the only circumstances that Old women can or ever will talk about. I say he calls on her to recollect 70 years ago and state facts.

the date of her husband's services the complainant and officers he served under (as though she had been in service herself) while the proof shows that she was at home under the protection of her friends while her husband was fighting the battles of his country. Verily he is the attorney for the Government and every excuse but shows how determined he is to save the money set apart for that purpose at the expense of honest and just claimants. I could point out the rest of his misstatements were I certain he would listen to them. I contend from his own letter that her statements in regard to her marriage goes to her credit which explained by the proof and the bible record. Mr. Edwards has been informed that the records of the Comptroller General of South Carolina afford no evidence that Daniel Reeves ever settled his balance for services as I have made search and the cause was that he moved at the close of the war to Georgia consequently he never applied for any balance of pay not knowing that such was due him. I have this information and I do not know whether it is so stated in the proof or not. I "decline" according to a compromise Mr. Ewing must allow the whole or none. Several Agents have proposed to have this claim allowed on

the present proof I suppose they have examined the case Mr Edward has been in the habit of allowing New Agents and attorneys to come forward and assume the control of cases of this kind after long and laboured services have been performed by others and thus I have often been deprived not only of the value of my services but of the money laid out and expended for the claimants. You will be pleased to request Mr Edward to consider the claim as under your immediate control and that he is not to allow any other agent to come in and obtain possession of the claim without your permission. You may submit this letter to him if you see proper and if he will correct his statement let him do so if not I will take such a course as I feel authorized to do all of which I will advise you Respectfully
R Hergussdorf
Honble Andrew Ewing Esq. House of Reps Washington
John Adams Jan 20 36

Eleanor Reeves dec d wid of David Tenn.
Act 4 July 1836
14 Mopir Cavalry. $70 3 " " Infy 10
$80 Per An: to 22 d Apr 1838 when she died.
Payable to Aquila Price Adm 2 for the benefit of Ann Price, Nancy Simpkins, Sarah Chefer & Eleanor Davis, only surviving children.
bequeath to Wm E. Jones of Tenn Present,

Carthage Tennessee 11 th April 1839
Sir
In answer to your letter of 27 th ultimo, informing me that the claim of Mrs Eleanor Reeves could not be allowed on account that the proof was not sufficient that the Witness's Testimony did not agree with the Declaration of the claimants husband. I have to inform you that a brother of his lives in Alabama who I am informed knows perhaps all about the Period of marriage as well as the services. I have further to inform you that Mrs Reeves died a short time after making her Declaration in 1833, and I will take your advice on the course to pursue, I will yet try to establish the claim under act of 4 th July - 34 but if you think that impossible under any circumstances. Then you will be good enough to give me what kind of Declaration her heirs must make to obtain the benefits the acts of July 4 th - 38 but if you will, the case open I will yet try one more. Please inform me which course would be right
Respectfully
J. S. Edwards Esq r commissioner &c
A. H. GUNNISON

Carthage Tennessee 26 th December 1858
Sir
Inclosed you will find the affidavit of Mr Coon a Pensioner in support of the claim of Ellen Reeves Widow of Daniel Reeves of Davidson County. I am in hopes the proof is now compleat as to the Service and I think as to the period of marriage. I have to inform you that the friends of the Widows Oakley - Torney - Smith - Christian and others in this county and Mrs Nancy Bandy and Catharine Bradley of Sumner County are loud in their complaints against me on account of the very great delay in establishing their claims. I have therefore to request of you as early a decision as possible on account of the very unpleasant situation in which I am placed. I have not received the first letter from you since these claims have been compleated as to proof.
Please accept the assurances of my continued esteem and respect James L. Edwards Esq. A. H. G. Nelson Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Aug 22. 1842
Term.
Eleanor Reece
10
file
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper] Mrs. Eleanor Reece New York

Carthage Tennessee 28 July 1842
Sir
Your letter of the 11 th inst t is just recieved - I informing me that the claim of Mrs Ellener Reves Widow of Daniel Reves deceased could not be allowed because her husband's declaration under act of March 18 th 1818 and the witness to the service did not mention any other service other than that in the regular service. and that proof by witness of his service after the marriage is not sufficient unless documentary or record evidence be exhibited In prosecuting this claim for the heirs of Mrs Reves. I wish to call your attention to what I believe to be a wrong construction of the laws in this case. First the act of March 18 th 1818 as well as I recited had no reference to Militia Service consequently no Militia Service was admissible under that act and of course was not given in by the applicant or the witness which accounts to my mind most satisfactorily why no evidence of Militia Service was spoken of in their testimony. Secondly you reject a witness who had a personal knowledge of the service and ask for record proof when it is well known that but little record proof if any exist of the Militia Service of the United States and that the Pension Law of 1832 June 7 th has special reference to Militia Service and that

That too proveable by witness or in want of witness, the rules of Eng by traditionary or common report Super- ted by publick opinion. My recollection is if I am not mistaken that the witness William Reeves brother to Daniel Reeves and old Mr Loon both testify to the notice Service of the husband of the Applicant after the marriage took place and this is as the record of the births of her children abundantly show. The act of 4th July 1836 has reference as I understand it to those whose hus- bands served in the revolution contemplated by the act of 4th June 1832 as well as previous acts allowing pensions Therefore I insist that parole proof is admissible to prove all kinds of Service under the last mentioned act We have proved a fact by two witnesses which although sufficient in a court of Justice yet (when not contradicted by record or other sufficient circumstances) to establish any fact yet it is rejected on the ground that a witness or witnesses although not asked did not speak of it on a previous occasion
I must think therefore that your decision in this case however laudable the same may be to guard against frauds and impositions in other cases yet is and ought to be susceptible of 'alteration' and to be made on a more careful and thorough investigation and with a view of obtaining such an alteration in your decision. I respectfully ask you to reconsider the claim and lay these reasons should you deem it

Material) before the Honorable the Secretary of War in order that Justice may be done the claimants and those in like cases hereinafter. In the absence of all record or documentary evidence in support of the Revolutionary Services of the few applicants in the Western States if the rules are that no parole proof can be admitted then the Pension law is of no use here as all the records are in the older states and even there cannot be procured in regard to Militia Service. I once more respectfully call your attention to the reasons I have here endeavoured though in a very imperfect manner to offer and let me know your opinion as it will be useless to go any further with the claim to a pension in almost all the cases if the opinion prevails as expressed in your letter of the 11 th inst. With great Respect I am, Sir, A. H.ergerson.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Carthage Tennessee 14 th April 1858
Dear Sir
Inclosed are the papers relative to the claim of Elenor Reeves Widow of Daniel Reeves. Decd It is one of those plain cases that do not often occur in the investigation of Widows claims to a Pension The Declaration made by her husband in 1819 is also appended, and the affidavit written by Judge M c Nairy (as some say) for Mr Reeves to take is on the same paper but when Daniel Reeves understood that he had to make affidavit that he could not live without the assistance of Government or that he was possessed of but little property he could not do it as he at that time was in easy circumstances therefore the matter was dropped until after his death at which time his creditors took most of his estate to pay his debts and now his Widow is needy of something. Should it be important to prove Judge M c Nairy's hand Wright you can easily refer the same to Mr Grundy or Bill Who I have no doubt will recognize the same should it be Judge M c Nairy's but as I consider that as unimportant You be particular in noticing a mistake in the record taken from the family Bible in which the 3 d Son is placed first by mistake as the old Lady says When his name should have been placed in 1784 The Second Son is the oldest and you will see by the record was born in 1781 which brings the record of all the rest of the children correct and corresponds with the statements made by her and others about the period of her marriage

I have therefore no hesitation in recommending it as a genuine claim So far as the circumstances have come to my knowledge and I believe I understand them pretty well The character of the Witness Mr Daniel Piers stands unimpeached and Thomas Hickman is well known to Messrs Grundy and Bell The certificate of the Justice of the peace before whom the affidavit was taken so far as to give his certificate as to his credibility but I have got Mr Barnett the clerk to give a certificate which I hope will do as the Magistrate lives some distance off I hope you will have no difficulty in passing upon the claim as soon as practicable and place her on the roll of Pensioners Very Respectfully A. Mergerson
James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Washington Feby 28 th 1847.
Dear Sir.
A week or two since, I left with you a brief of Mrs. A. Ferguson in the case of Ellinor Reeves applicant for a Pension with a request that you would reconsider your decision & in case your conclusion should be still adverse, that you should inform me of that fact & that you would allow an appeal to the Secretary of War. Please inform me what you have done & whether the papers have been sent to the Secretary.
Yrs with Respect E. H. Ewing -
J. L. Edmund Esqr. Comm. Sec.

Feb. 9, 1897
Recd of Eleanor Reary
Hon E. H. Ewing H.R.

J. L. Edwards Esqr
In the case of Eleanor Reeves, now before you, if you should not allow the claim, upon a review of your previous decision rejecting it, with the aid of the argument of Mr A Ferguson now submitted, you will please allow an appeal to the Secretary at War & send the paper to him for his decision, & upon so doing inform me of that fact.
E. H. King.

Camp Rice's Ferry
Okanogan Co. Cal. July 25 th 1851.
Judge Jos Bryan
Dear Sir,
Having been called on by W m E. Jones Esq. of Tumpea to furnish you with information as to what time the 3 d Regiment on the Continental Establishment were raised, &c, I cannot better comply than by referring you to "American Archives, Fourth Series Vol. 2 d pages 953 & 954 - Again Am. Archives, fourth Vol. 4 th Series, Second Provincial Congress So. Ca., pages 40 & 49 - see also 5 th Vol. 4 th series page 579 - 6 th Vol. 4 th series, 175 th page - 2 d Vol. 4 th Series page 1899 - Vol 6 th pages 1183 - 45 - 16192 - page 1129 - The name of Sam l Rivers does not appear among our Militia Records so far as I have been able to find.
Very respectfully Y r obed t Serv t James V. Blake D. R. B. G.

Pension Office, May 25. 1847.
Sir,
The case of Mrs Eleanor Reeves, to which the enclosed letter of the Hon. E. H. Ewing alludes, was submitted for your decision thereon, on the 23 d of February last. Your action has not yet been made known to this office, and hence the reference of the Hon. Mr E's letter to the Department this morning.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedt Servant, J. L. Edwards
Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War.

Nashville May 17 th 1847.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr etc
Sir.
I am this day reminded by Mr A Ferguson of Catharine Town, of the case of Eulalier Reeves which was before you for a Pension. At his request I took an appeal from your decision to the Secretary at War & you informed me that you had sent up the papers. As neither I nor Mr Ferguson have as yet heard any thing from the appeal, I request that you will inform me what has been done in the case, or if you cannot that you will have this letter transmitted to the War office, that I may hear directly from the Secretary
Yrs with Respect Edwin H Ewing

Carthage Tennessee 9 th December 1849
Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the claim of Eliza Skeneas widow of Daniel Skeneas late of Davidson county for a Pension. This claim as you will find from Mr Edwards reports as Commissioner of Pensions has been pending in his office since February 1838. With the original papers was filed her declaration setting forth her husband's services and also her own declaration made during her lifetime setting forth her services in the war of the Revolution but owing to her having property prevented her from getting a Pension under acts of 1818 and 1823. Mrs Skeneas application was made under act 4 th July 1836 and the record of Marriage as well as ages of her children taken out of their family bible and duly sworn to be the genuine hand write of Daniel Skeneas in his lifetime show their Marriage to have taken place as well as I recited "10 th April 1780". The proof is ample and sufficient to show also that he served as he states and that the Marriage took place about that time. And afterwards the said Daniel Skeneas was out in the service of the United States which entitles her to a Pension under the above act. In a report made subsequently Mr Edwards states to me in a letter that a claim might be allowed under act 7 th July 1838 Thus

Admitting the evidence of Service as "Satisfactory" for a Pension under the last enacted act; but I felt bound as the attorney of Mrs. Reaves to reject this compromise and insist on the claim under the act of 1834 which would allow her pension to commence six years sooner than the latter. The affidavits of Conrad Leoon an old Revolutionary Pensioner of Davidson County was retaken and that of Thomas Hickman your old acquaintance also Sister Reaves of Alabama. Now about Ninety years of age these men stated positively as to the Service of Daniel Reaves and his marriage; but Mr. Edwards in his last report to me says that all this is not "Satisfactory", although Conrad Leoon a fellow Soldier Thomas Hickman an old acquaintance Sister Reaves a Cousin all have been duly certified to be men of credibility agreeable to the rules of the Department yet Mr. Edwards says they are not Satisfactory. Now agreeable to Mr. Edwards own showing under one act these witnesses would be a their evidence would be Satisfactory but in the other case the same would not. The only difference is the one act gives the Pension to the widows to commence 1831 and the latter in 1834. I insist that the evidence is as strong in one case as the other and that the Proof of Marriage 10 th April 1780 proved by Conrad Leoon Thomas Hickman and Sister Reaves must be conclusive beyond all doubt taken in connection with the Marriage Record permitted. and Reaves having served off. the marriage certificate her By reference to my file.

files of letter of 13 th January 1847 while your Brother Edwin H Ewing was in Congress I directed him to bring the case before Mr Edwards for a reexamination and if he did not allow it take an appeal to the Secretary of War. Under date of 3 rd March 1847 your Brother writes me that Mr Edwards refuses to "reconsider" his decision and that agreeable to (My) his request had sent up the papers to the Secretary of War and that the Secretary would give these papers his attention. On the 17 th May 1847 your Brother writes me from Nashville after his return that Mr Edwards had not informed him as yet what had been done. On the 2 nd June following I received a letter from your Brother stating that Mr Edwards had informed him that "Mrs Hews case was still before the Secretary of War" which letter of Mr Edwards was "dated 25 th May 1847". I have this stated letter and date having the originals before me. No further in- formation has even been received by me and I infer nothing further was ever done. It is therefore for Mr Edwards to inform us what has been done in the matter to have the original papers forthcoming ready for your inspection. I am informed Mr Ewing Secretary of The Interior has more liberally construed the various Pension laws and I look to him for a favorable decision in this case if laid before him and I stand pledged to support what is contained in this letter. A case better sustained by proof has rarely been sent by me and treated with so much apparent neglect. Mr Ed- -wards
* Under act of 4 th July 1836 there entitled "An act to revise the pension laws"

Edwards ought in all reason to revoke his decision and allow the claim on the proof furnished and so contend and insist under the act of Congress and the rules adopted by himself for the government of his official acts. I fear I have thus trespassed upon your time by my informal narration. Be pleased therefore to bring the whole matter before the commissioner and if he refuses to allow the claim take an appeal appeal immediately to the Secretary of the Interior and ask his decision without delay. You will please let this letter accompany any other you may write to the Commissioner of Pensions or the Secretary of the Interior as most of the facts are here stated.
Respectfully
N. Bergquist
Honble Andrew Ewing Esq. House of Reps Washington City

Carthage June May 1/47
A. Ferguson!
Acknowledgment of decision on Ellenor Leaver's pension claim.
D. 45. See May 22/47
Minion Office!
D. 6

Carthage Tennessee
Dear Sir
12 th May 1847
The letter of the Honble E H Ewing member of Congress from this District dated 3 d March at Washington is now before me in which he states That Mr J S Edwards Esqo commissioner of Pensions having refused to reverse his decision in the case of Eleanor Reeves for a Pension That agreeable to my request Mr Edwards had promised to send up the papers and memorandums and other Documents by way of appeal to you the Honble the Secretary of War for your Decision. Having waited until now without hearing any thing relative thereto I deem it my duty in behalf of the claimant to renew the application for a reversal of Mr Edwards decision or an affirmation of the same. Being so confident of the justice of the claim and having proved the marriage as well as services by three disinterested witnesses who had a knowledge of the facts I feel warranted in asking a reversal of Mr Edwards decision . I am pleased to have before you my memorandum or brief of the case which I furnished Mr Ewing when you investigate the claim. This is the first appeal I ever took in a case of this kind and I have attended to great many. The brief refers to the papers and proof and I trust are to be found with them. Please attend to the same as soon as convenient
Honble Secretary of War Respectfully N. Gerguss Sove

Washington Jan'y 1 st 1847.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm'r &c
Dear Sir.
Adam Ferguson of Smith County Tenn, writes me that he has furnished you with additional proof in the case of Elliner Reeve widow of Daniel Reeve of Davidson County Tenn, & requests that you would inform me whether any thing is still lacking, & if not that you would send me the certificate. your attention to this matter will much oblige
Yrs with Respect Edwin H. Ewing

Pension Office
July 11. 1842
Sir,
The amended affidavit of Conrad Coon in support of the claim of M rs Eleanor Reeves, widow of Daniel Reeves, dec. has been examined and filed. In the statement made by the claimant's husband under the act of March 18. 1818, and by the witness to the service, no mention is made of any other service than that as an enlisted soldier, which was before the period of the claimant's marriage. The testimony of a witness now exhibited as to the service after the marriage, is not sufficient. Unless some record evidence of the alleged service as a militia man be produced, a pension cannot be allowed under the act of July 4. 1836. A claim may be made under the act of July 7. 1838.
I am respectfully,
Your obed. Servt.
J L Edwards
he ad 1824 18 April 27 o 1838
C. H. Ferguson Esq r . Carthage Tennessee
111114 11

(Copy)
Department of the Interior, January 27th, 1887.
Sir:
I herewith return the papers in the case of Eleanor Bates, and have to inform you, that your report of the 21 st ultimo, has been affirmed.
I am, very Respectfully
Yours O. D. Diment.
(Signed) H. Cuning, Secretary.
James F. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions.

Washington City May 16. 1851.
Ja s E. Heath Esq. Com d . of Pensions Sir.
I have the honour to submit herewith the declaration of A. Prin- adm t . of Eliza Reavis in t asking for a Pension under the Act of 4 th July 1836. I ask respectfully that I may be permitted to examine the papers on file in support of the claim of Mrs Reavis
Very respectfully
Your obed t Serv t
Joseph D. Bryan

Carthage Tennessee
14 th November 1846
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will find the Deposition or affidavit of Jesse Reeves Sen r in favour of the claim of Ellenor D Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves. You will recollect by reference to some of your letters to me that you expressed an opinion that a Pension might be allowed her under act of July 1838 but This I declined as I knew she was strictly entitled under act of July 4 th 1836. I have travelled to Alabama and procured the testimony above mentioned. You will also be pleased to recollect that the marriage was proven before by the Bible record and the testimony of two witnesses. I now introduce a third who speaks for himself and from his good memory and knowledge of the facts is entitled to every species of credit.
I trust you will be satisfied now as a court of chancery would not require such rigid proof in any case. Be pleased to allow the claim and if necessary inform me whether I must procure the power of attorney of the Administrators or the heirs to authorize me to receive the Pension certificate from you or whether you will forward it to me as usual. My object in this is to secure my travelling and other expenses which I cannot do for nothing. Be pleased to act on the claim without delay.
Respectfully James S Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
A Bergussone

Case of Ellener Reeves Claiming a Pension The husband Daniel Reeves made a declaration about the year 1820 or say 24 time not recited under act of March 1818 and after making his declaration setting forth that he served as a regular soldier in the South Carolina line he found he owned too much property to be admitted as a Pensioner therefore he could not take the oath. The declaration was drawn up by Mr Egnell an attorney with whom you were perhaps acquainted (See Jesse Reeves affidavit lately furnished) At the same time of making the Declaration Jesse Reeves a cousin made an affidavit before Esq. Herndon of Columbia stating the facts of the regular service. Both these papers remained in possession of the widow Ellener Reeves after the death of her husband and in 1838 she filed her Declaration for a Pension under a act of July 4 th 1836 annexing these papers as proof together with the Bible record kept in the handwriting of her husband showing the date of her marriage and the ages of her children Her marriage was 10 th April 1780 (See the papers) William Reeves another cousin equal in age or old enough to have a knowledge of all the facts testified to the regular service and the Militia service part of which took place after the marriage. By a letter of Mr Edwards the claim was not allowed and further proof required
The second affidavit of Conrad Boon an old Pensioner was obtained stating very full and satisfactory all the services and the date of the marriage. Showing the service to have taken place after the marriage.
On the 11 th July 1842 Mr Edwards wrote the following letter (copy) "The amended affidavit of Conrad Boon in support of the claim of Mrs Ellener Reeves widow of Daniel Reeves deceased has been examined and filed. In the statement made by the claimants husband under act of March 1818 and by the witness to the service no mention is made of any other service than that as an enlisted soldier which was before the period of the claimants marriage. The testimony of a witness now exhibited as to the service after the marriage is not sufficient. Unless some record evidence of the alleged service as a Militia man be produced a Pension cannot be allowed under the act of July 4 th 1836. A claim may be made under act of July 7 th 1838."
Mr Edwards having taken the evidence as true in order to exclude any Militia service, he must take it as true also that the regular service was performed. This is the rule of law as well as equity if you make use of the evidence in your favour you must also take it as far as

against you. Then agreeable to Mr Edwards own showing he admits the regular service but excludes the Militia Service. The Period of Marriage is also fixed by record evidence under the Rule of the Department. This all being accomplished the claim remains until last year suspended.
Some time in November I travelled to Alabama found Sepia Reeves a man of extraordinary memory eighty years of age and upwards able to ride to mill and do all other business about his little farm a full State -ment is made by him his character fully certified to for veracity and truth by those who knew him in conformity with Mr Edwards own Rules. He Reeves mentions the affidavit made by him and its contents more than twenty years ago and recites what he then stated which shows his powers of mind. All of this is furnished Mr Edwards.
On the 31 st December 1846 Mr Edwards writes that the evidence of Sepia Reeves is not satisfactory because his affidavit furnished in 1839 does not mention the marriage to have taken place during the time the husband came home on furlough and such omission then is taken as conclusive to overthrow the balance of his explanations and statements. I am very sure Mr Edwards is here mistaken as to dates or it may be an error by one of his clerks. There was no affidavit made by Sepia Reeves in 1839 but he made his affidavit when Daniel Reeves the husband made his Declaration 20 years ago as before stated and that was furnished. It was William Reeves that made his statement in 1839 or thereabouts.
By what rule of chancery or law Mr Edwards can set aside an affidavit duly certified because it happens to give a full description of a transaction which witness did not happen twenty years ago to mention of make one particular I cannot for my life see the justice of it.
Inverness did Mr Egnew the attorney who drew up his affidavit twenty years or say 25 years ago know that an act of Congress would be passed placing the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers on the Pension roll? Did he know it was necessary to mention the Period of Marriage? was there any thing under act of 1818 to be stated about the marriage of a Soldier? Emphatically every one would say there was not.
The witness instead of being discredited is greatly sustained. He was not asked 20 years ago anything about the marriage nor was asked anything about the Militia Service - nothing but the regular service would entitle a Soldier to a Pension at that Period consequently hardly any draftsman ever thought to mention it.
Mr Edwards should have allowed this claim long ago. There are three respectable witnesses proving the facts alleged in Mrs Reeves declaration and a denial of their statements is a violation of all law and justice.

The witness instead of being discredited is greatly sustained he was not asked 20 years ago anything about the marriage nor was asked anything about the militia service - nothing but the regular service would entitle a soldier to a pension at that Period consequently hardly any draftsman even thought to mention it
Mr Edwards should have allowed this claim long ago. There are three respectable witnesses proving the facts alleged in Mrs Reeves declaration and a denial of their statements is a viola- tion of all law and justice
With all due respect to Mr Edwards as a public officer I think he should review this case and allow it without further trouble
We have no records or documentary evidences here in the western States as they have in the eastern States Mrs Reeves cannot refer to the payments made by South Carolina from the fact of their moving away to Georgia soon after the Revolution without settlement as many soldiers did. Therefore it is unsafe to exclude a soldier because his accounts were not settled and indubiously Mr Edwards himself was about to exclude a claim from North Carolina although the Comptroller had perused the record where the soldier from the books in his office declaring to me when I was at Washington in June 1845 that no reliance ought to be placed in such records as to length of service
Mr Ewing will please see the papers and compare this statement with the facts contained in them and insist upon having the same allowed under act of July 4 th 1836
Respectfully
A. Hergutsson
N B Mr Edwards admits in his letter above quoted that a claim may be made under act of 7 th July 1838 why not under act of 4 th July 1836? surely because it takes more money, here where is the justice of this Kasp AA

State of Tennessee
Davidson County
On this day personally appeared Conrad Olson aged eighty four years before me Thomas W. Sheron one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county and made oath in due form of law that since making his affidavit some two or three years past in relation to the services of Daniel Reeves and his marriage with Eliza his wife he has recollected some things perhaps that was omitted at the time he made his statement particularly as to dates this was owing to his having but a few minutes to reflect on transactions that took place so long as the war of the Revolution
This affiant now states that he well recollects that Daniel Reeves served a considerable time as a regular soldier he became acquainted with him in Service saw him in the State of Georgia he was at the battle of Savannah had been at the battle of Camden Road and Sullivan Island. At the time of the battle of the Cowpens this affiant recollects Daniel Reeves and others were stationed a while at Charlotte Court House and on the Congaree in this body of Service affiant thinks Daniel Reeves served under a Captain Laing or some other volunteer Captain whose name is not now recollected. But they were marched over into North Carolina directly after the battle of the Cowpens in 1781 in order to join the Army of Greene but on hearing that the British had been roughly handled at Guilford and had retired toward the sea board the Congress in which this affiant and Daniel Reeves served in were recalled to the South again during these trips affiant had frequent conversations with Daniel Reeves and he Reeves told affiant that he was married and seemed to be uneasy about home affiant does not know how long he had been married does not know whether Reeves was married before his first towns in the regular Service or not, Reeves in the early part of the war went to Florida this affiant was out at the same time when they served at Savannah it was under General Williamson but this affiant served himself under General Moultrie part of the time from the above facts and what Reeves stated to affiant his marriage must have taken place during the war and previous to town of Service in 1781 there were other Captains under which Reeves might have served under Captain Goddin he was one last  last  lastly  lastly was another after the Revolution affiant did not see Reeves until 40 years since so that all the above facts took place in Service affiant saw Reeves in actual Service before the battle of the Cowpens and after which was in 1781 Reeves was called to the South due to Georgia in the sum of that year the weather was bad

When they were ordered there the Service of Reeves must have been more than two years but as affiant was not with him all the time affiant cannot state how long nor the particulars but is induced to believe that he served in the regular Service fifteen months he understood this from men in Service at the time with Reeves. The battalion of Reeves' Service was in the Volunteer Militia either of North Carolina South Carolina or Georgia. Reeves stated to affiant the danger of his remaining at home and that it was safer to be in the army than in the country where he lived when affiant knew these facts affiant has had confirmed by conversations with Reeves in June before his death. Affiant is therefore satisfied he Reeves was married previous to the time he left home him in service in Seventeen hundred and eighty one and the battle of the Appomattox the date as Reeves was in actual service afterward.  Sworn to and Subscribed before Me this 24th Day of June 1842  Attest Tho. W. Shearson Justice of the Peace his Conrad X Coon Mark
State of Tennessee Davidson County  On this day personally appeared Tho. W. Shearson one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for the county aforesaid hereby certify that I am partially acquainted with Conrad Alcorn who has made the foregoing affidavit before me that he lives about Six or Seven Miles from me and from my acquaintance with him I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit are due his statements.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 24th Day of June 1842  Tho. W. Shearson Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee Davidson County
I Robert B. Cartwright Clerk of the County Court of said County certify that Thos M. Shear whose name is subscribed to the within affidavit is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected & qualified & that his signature thereunto is genuine. Given under my hand & the Seal of said Court at Office in Nashville this 24th June 1842
Robt B. Cartwright Clerk of said Court

State of Tennessee Davidson County } on this 13 th day of December 1838 personally appeared before me William J Drake one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Conrad Coon and made oath in due form of law that he is now about Eighty three years old and a Pensioner of the United States that he was well recog- nized with Daniel Reams before and after his marriage with Eleanor his wife and that Daniel Reams was not in a tour of Service in the Regiment commanded by Col Thompson and served the period of six months some time in the year 1779 This affiant states that said Reams then after having served the tour above mentioned enlisted for fifteen months as a Regular and was out at the same time of the battle of Garrison or Gates defeat and served the out the fifteen months tour but this affiant does not now recollect the names of his officers or the Regiment he was in
Conrad his Coon mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written
Wm J Drake J P
JP
State of Tennessee, Davidson County. I Smith Criddle clerk of the County Court of said county do hereby certify that William J Drake Esquire whose name is signed to the above certificate is now & was at the time of signing the same, an acting Jus- tice of the Peace in & for the County & State aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified, and as such full faith

faith & credit are cial acts.
due & ought to be given to his offi- In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said court at office in Nashville this 18 th day of December 1838. Smith Gridle.