Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 17293, for Thomas Ransone, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Ransone, Thomas Margaret
R. 17293.
Va. Half Pay.
CONTENTS
Ad. 1861-1865

Susp.
See letter July 28. 1838 to V. Agt.
& W. Stock, do do W.
Stock, Aug. 22 o 1838
do. to same Sept. 8. 1838
do. to same Sept. 29. 1838
do. to same Oct. 13. 1838
do. to same, Nov. 14. 1838
Suspension removed. See letter to W.
Stock & P. Agt. 20 March 1839
let. to Jno. Bourn July 29. 1841
clo. to same Sept. 14. 1841
do. to same & Hea. T. H. Mayly
Jan. 6. 1847.
2.196
Richmond Virginia
Margaret Ransom
widow of Thomas Ransom do.
who died in the year 1817 V a of Mathews in the State of V a
who was a Liberty in the Company commanded by Captain Barnes of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the V a line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Regt of Richmond  V a at the rate of 100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued, the 13 th day of July 1838 and sent Claim ant Mathews C.H. V a
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $1120.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. " 80.00
$1200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 4, 1836, } { Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by H.H. Addison Clerk, Book 17. Vol. 2. Page 189

I Mildred Brounley of the County of Matthews and state of Virginia do upon oath testify and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom and Margaret his wife who was Margaret Gwynn before she married Thomas Ransom and ever since I know that they were married in the time of the Revolutionary war but the year I do not recollect parson Fields married them I am a sister of the above mentioned Margaret Ransom I was present at the marriage I was young at the time they were married is the reason I do not recollect the date of the marriage I think Mr Ransom came home of guard to get married
Mildred Brounley Oath
State of Virginia Matthews County to wit Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Mildred Brounley who has subscribed to the foregoing affidavit and made oath that the matters and things therein contained is the truth to the best of her recollection and I do hereby certify that she is a woman who has ever sustained a character for veracity given under my hand and seal this the 15 th day of March 1897
Richard B. Brounley J.P. Seal

Virginia / Mathews County Ss. I, Shepard G. Main Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby certify, that Richard D. Brown, Esq., before whom the in law affidavit was made is a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly com- missioned & qualified according to the Constitution and laws of this State, and that his signing hereunto annexed, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand baffixed the seal of the said Court this 10th day of April 1837. Shepard G. Miller

3 Ransom 1/20 Paper

Executive Department, Richmond January 27. 1851.
The heirs of Thomas Ransone are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Lieutenant in the State line three years
The Register will issue a Warrant accord- ingly, if not heretofore drawn
John B Floyd
A Copy of a paper on file in the Virginia Land Office by virtue of which Warrants, Nos 9205, 9206, 9207, 9208 & 9209 for 2666 acres issued the heirs of Lieu- tenant Thomas Ransone
Teste,
S. H. Parker Reg. L. Office

At a court held for Mathews County on Monday the 11 th day of July 1858 Satisfactory evidence was this day produced in court to prove the following facts. to wit. That Thomas Ransone who is reputed to have been Lieutenant in the State Line in the revolutionary War of the United States with Great Britain, died intestate in the County of Mathews State of Virginia on or about the year            leaving the following children, to wit: Thomas, Daniel, Henry, James, Martha, Lucy, Frances, and Elizabeth. That Thomas Ransone died leaving no issue & intestate, That Daniel died intestate, leaving the following children, to wit: Caroline, Lucy, William A, Thomas R, Mary and Martha, that they are all of the children of said Daniel and are of the age of twenty one years, that Caro- line intermarried with James Gwynn, Lucy with Thomas Ash and Mary with Thomas Green and that all of said children are now living, that Henry died intestate leaving no issue, that James died intestate leaving the following children, to wit: Susan, James & Elizabeth, that Susan inter- married with James H. Oliver both of whom are now dead leaving an infant W m Oliver, that James H. Oliver died leaving a will and his son his sole heir, Mrs Oliver died intestate, that Elizabeth intermarried with Thomas Johnson, that she and James are of the age of twenty one years and still living. That Martha intermarried with John B. Roberts both of whom are now dead, Mr. Roberts left a will making all his children equal heirs. Mrs Roberts died intestate, that she left the following children, to wit: Thomas, William, Richard & Martha and that these are all the children of said Martha, That Thomas died intestate leaving the following children, to wit: John, William George and Thomas all of whom are infants, that William is still living and of the age of twenty one years, and that Richard is still living and of the age of twenty one years, Martha died an infant, That Lucy intermarried with William A Bellups both of whom are still living and of the age of twenty one years. That Frances intermarried with George P. Evans both of whom are still living and of the age of twenty one years. That Elizabeth intermarried with James W. Horvan who is now dead, and that she is still living and of the age of twenty one years, and that these are the heirs and only heirs of the Aforesaid Thomas Ransone dec d . Lieutenant as aforesaid, who resided and died in the County of Mathews
In testimony that the foregoing is a

is a true Copy from the records of the said Court I have hereunto subscribed my name and af- fixed the seal of the said Court this 3 rd day of November in the year 1854
Shepard G. Miller 66

State of Virginia
Norfolk County to wit
This day Iversen Hall aged Sixty one years personally appeared before me and made oath, that he was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom dec d who was reported to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution, that the said Thomas Ransom resided all his life in the County of Gloucester, and died in the said County about the year 1818. he was well acquainted with the said Thomas Ransom having lived within three miles of each other, and that he went to school with his children. That he has three sons now living, viz James H. Ransom who now resides in the City of Norfolk, Thomas Ransom and William F. Ransom who now reside in the County of Gloucester, and a grandson named Edward Ransom (son of John Ransom dec d also was a son of the said Thomas Ransom dec d .) who resided some years ago in the City of Norfolk, and I have understood he now resides in Richmond. Given under my hand and seal this 23 rd day of April 1851.
Dempsey Nash J.P.
State of Virginia. Norfolk County to wit:
I Arthur Emmanuel Clerks of the County Court of Norfolk County in the State of Virginia aforesaid hereby certify that Dempsey Nash J.P. who has given the preceding certificate is a Justice of the peace in and for Norfolk County duly Commissioned and qualified to act as such according to the Constitution and Laws of this State. Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 23 rd day of April 1851 in the 75 th year of the Commonwealth.
Arthur Emmanuel cc

Know all Men by these Presents, That  we James Patterson Henry Patterson Francis Lavin Lucy Billings and Elizabeth Patterson Caroline George Richard Roberts do by these presents appoint James Patterson
our Agent and Attorney for us and in our name and stead, to demand and receive from the Register of the Land Office of Virginia, any and all Warrants for Bounty Lands to which we may be entitled on account of the services of Thomas
Patterson our father and grandfather in the Revolutionary War; and said Agent and Attorney is hereby authorised to sell, transfer, or surrender, all such warrants to any person who may purchase or be authorised to accept the same, and to receive therefor any money, certificates of scrip, or other equivalent or substitute, or consideration, which is, or may be, hereafter provided, or offered for the same. And our said Agent and Attorney is also empowered and authorised to sell, transfer and assign, all such scrip or other equivalent, substitute, or consideration, and in any and all ways to control and dispose of the same in as full and ample a manner as we could do if personally present. The meaning of this deed is to invest our said Agent with full powers to assert and obtain our rights to any and all bounties due for the services of the said
Thomas Patterson in the Revolutionary War. And our said Agent and Attorney shall have power to appoint one or more substitutes under him, with the aforesaid powers; and all his or their acts we will ratify and confirm by these presents. And our said Agent, and attorney may retain out of the proceeds of said Warrants, Scrip or Substitutes, one half thereof, as compensation for his services and expenses, for which this deed shall be a lien; and this power shall be irrevocable.
Witness hand and seal this _____ day of _____
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of us
James Patterson  Henry Patterson  Elizabeth Patterson  Geo. P. Evans  Francis Evans 
STATE OF VIRGINIA, County of Mathews } ss. April 1838
This day James Patterson Henry Patterson Francis Lavin Lucy Billings Elizabeth Patterson Caroline George Richard Roberts
personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and severally acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be act and deed. Witness my hand and seal, this _____ day of _____
W. M. Binns J.P. 

Raw
County of Mathews ss State of Virginia ss
I Shepard G Miller Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do certify that William M. Brownley Esq whose name appears to the within acknowledgement, and before whom the same was taken, was at the time of his signing the same, a Justice of the peace in & for the County & State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine. Given under my hand & seal of Office, at Mathews Court house, this 20th day of January A.D. 1854. Shepard G. Miller

State of Virginia Bathum County to
On the 16th day of October 1836 personally appeared before me a Doctor of the peace in the County aforesaid Margaret Ransone, who was Margaret Gwynn a resident in sd. County and State aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn 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 4th. 1836.
That she is at present the widow of Thomas Ransone, who was a Lieutenant in the revolutionary War. That he entered the service of the United States 1770 under command of Capt. Peter Barnard. At the time Lord Dunmore came to Gwynn's Island that he then was Lieutenant under the sd. Barnard and so continued until the end of the War. That he entered the service as a Colitica-man, but afterwards enlisted under Capt. Barnard. That he resided in Bathum County when he entered the service (where he resided all his life time.)
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Ransone, in the year of 1777; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Ransone, died in the year 1817; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
her Margaret Ransone Mark

Oath and Subscribed on the 6th day of October 1836. before me a Justice of the peace in and for Elbow River County, and I do hereby certify that Elizabeth Ransom, who has subscribed and sworn to the fore- going declaration is a woman of good character and that she cannot attend the court by reason of bodily infirmity. Given under my hand and seal this day, and year above written.
Wm M Bromley D. C.

Brief & Letter of James Murdoch
Ran

Case of Lieutenant Thomas Ransom's admt This is a claim for Half Pay under the Act of 5 th July 1832 - Lieutenant Thomas Ransom having died on the 18 th day of April 1818
The facts of the case are as follows
Lieutenant Thomas Ransom was commissioned as Lieutenant in the second Virginia State Regiment on the 8 th day of October 1777, as will appear by reference to official papers filed with memorial, which is a copy from the Executive Journal of Virginia under date the 19 th March 1778.
He went with the said Regiment to the North, and remained in service while said Regiment was with the Continental Army at the North, as will be shown by reference to the regular Rolls of said Regiment on file in the Pension Office
All these facts are proved by the most satisfactory testimony (See the Depositions of W m Dugger, Matthias Gayle, Jonah Pugh and Isaac Smith filed with memorial) - That the second Virginia Regiment was with the Continental Army at the North up to September 1779, will appear by reference to the Muster Rolls of the said Regiment on file in the Pension Office.
The Commission hereon must be satisfied, that when Lieutenant Ransom left the service, he left it as a Supernumerary . He never left the service as a Supernumerary , or he must have resigned . The Court of Appeals have expressly decided in Marston case 9 Leigh. 42 , that a resignation was not to be presumed "that if the Commonwealth alleges it, the burden of proof rests upon her" Therefore under the authority of this decision, a resignation cannot be presumed. But if a resignation could be presumed , it would be peculiarly unreasonable in the case of Lieutenant Ransom. The first and second Virginia State Regiments marched to the North to join the Continental Army in the Fall of 1777, and remained with the Continental Army at the North until the Fall of 1779 (See Barbour's Report. Doc. 191. 1 st Session 22 nd Congress, page 4.)
During this time these Regiments were in every hard fought action at the North, from that at Brandywine to the victory of Monmouth Court House (See Barbour's Rep. Doc. 191. 1 st Session 22 nd Congress.)
It is a matter of well known history, that during this service, these regiments became so reduced that in the Fall of 1779 a large proportion of the Officers were compelled to retire as supernumeraries , and that in December of that year both Regiments were ordered back to Virginia, where they were disbanded - When the first Regiment was ordered to the North in 1777, it consisted of 530 men rank and file When ordered to Virginia in December 1779, it contained but 195 men including non commissioned officers (See Report of Board of Officers Doc. 191. aforesaid page 53.) - The Second Regiment having been all

the time with the first, and in the same engagements, should be similar fate, as the same document will show
Now seeing all this hard service, Lieutenant Thomas Rousome is shown to have remained at his post, until the Regiment returned to Virginia and was disbanded.
In May preceding an act had been passed by the General Assembly of Virginia promising Half Pay for life to such officers as should remain in the service until the close of the War, or until they became supernumerary - Lieutenant Thomas Rousome of course knew, that by resigning he would forfeit all claim to Half Pay - He also knew that he must necessarily soon retire as a supernumerary, as the Regiment to which he belonged had become reduced to a mere handful of men. It is under circumstances, peculiarly like these, that the Court of Appeals in Marston's Case , decides that a resignation is not to be presumed .
But in this case it is perfectly unnecessary to insist upon the principle that a resignation is not to be presumed, inasmuch as Lieutenant Thomas Rousome is proved beyond all reasonable doubt to have remained with the second Virginia Regiment until it was disbanded.
Now how could there well be stronger proof that Lieutenant Thomas Rousome became supernumerary
The evidence in the case, shows that Lieutenant Thomas Rousome, was afterwards in service, as a Lieutenant in the militia until the close of the War (See Depositions before referred to). Now as this evidence has no direct bearing upon the claim to half pay, except to show that Lieut. Thomas Rousome went to the North, and returned with the Regiment , which was the 2 nd Virginia Regiment, it is not deemed necessary to take much notice of it in this place - When he became supernumerary in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment, his title to Half Pay became complete, on the condition that he should re-enter the service if required - In May 1780, the General Assembly passed an act authorizing the Governor to call out any number of militia not exceeding twenty thousand, and provided that the field Officers should be chosen from the militia field officers in the Counties, or from the supernumerary officers who had acquired experience in the Regular Service (10 Rev. Stat. 310) - In September 1780. Col Allister advertised for such supernumerary officers as were willing to re-enter the service to report themselves &c. (See copy of Advertisement marked 2. and herewith filed)
It is evident and conclusive, from the testimony that Lieutenant Thomas Rousome re-entered the service, under this call, as it is well known that many of the supernumerary officers of the State line did re-enter the service as militia field officers. The cases of Thomas Barfield and Nathaniel Welch, not long since

determined are cases of this kind. But it is perfectly immaterial whether Lieutenant Thomas Ransone was Lieutenant of Militia to the close of the War, by virtue of being called into the service as a supernumerary, or by virtue of an appointment as a militia officer of his county. If in the former capacity, it only proves that when called upon to re-enter the service, he complied with the call. If in the latter capacity, it has nothing to do with the case, except so far as the fact goes to rebut any presumption that he resigned his commission in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment. If he had become so tired of the service as to resign his commission in the 2 nd State Regiment, it is not probable he would have voluntarily gone back to the service either as a supernumerary under Col. Allen's call, or as a County Militia officer, as soon as it was discovered there was more hard fighting to be done.
By reference to the list of claims already in your office, you will find nearly all the officers belonging to the 2 nd State Regiment, or their Representatives have received the Half Pay due for their services - and there is no good and valid reason why the claim of Lieutenant Ransone's adm l . should not be allowed, but on the contrary reason and justice both demand its allowance and payment. Therefore as the Attorney for the administrator of Lieutenant Thomas Ransone deceased, I ask for the allowance of half pay, due for his services in the War of the Revolution.
James Mendenhall Atty. for adm l . &c.
Portsmouth Va Dec r 7 th 1850.

War Office Richmond September 12 th 1780
Such of the gentlemen officers who have borne command in the Regular Army, and are now out of employment, either as Supernumeraries or by resignation, and are willing to enter into the service again, in the same or a higher rank, are desired to notify themselves immediately to me by letter, expressing their former rank, date of their commission, and where they are now to be found. George M c Intire Com.
Library of Congress February 18 th 1858 This is to certify that the above is a true copy from the "Virginia Gazette" published in Richmond on the 20 th Sept r 1780, by Dixon & Nicholson and now to be found in the Library of Congress, among the books purchased from the late President Jefferson. John S. Meigs Lib.
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper on file in this office in the case of Thomas Rucker — Treasury Department Check Auditor's Office December 2 nd 1858 Thompson Chf. Clk.

Thomas Ransone
R. 17,293
Va.
A pay roll of Capt. Peter Bernardi and Lieut. Thomas Ransone's quota of men etc (com) in York Garrison for one month from March 16 to April 16, 1778, indorsed with a receipt to Capt. James Lucas for the sum of seventy nine pounds, and fourteen shillings for the above pay roll, signed Peter Bernard, Capt., and dated April 20, 1778.
The above paper has been removed from this claim in order to send it to The War Dept.
L.W. Dec. 8, 1911.
Sent to the War Dept Jan. 16, 1913

Nº 17293
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871.
WAR OF 1812. 3262
REJECTED
Thomas Ransome
Ex-
La Line
Revolution
Discharged _____, 18
506-
87 Pay — act 32
Received _____, 187
Attorney.

With the Audubon at Richmond Sept 17 1835
U

Oct 76. 6 Bal. ord o to be rais d for dunny War. unless soon disch d . Ev y Comp y shall enrol 28 m. Lieut. 20. In case of failure — they may be superseded & others placed in their stead. In Council 17 N. Apr 1777 Thomas Ransom was app d . Lieut for Continental Service in room of Mr Cook who had failed to recruit his quota. Thomas Ransom  Ransom was a Lieut. Apr. 1778 in a Lieut. in Capt P. Barnard Co. Barnard was paid as Capt in 1783 for his services as Capt from 1 Apr  Feb 77 to 1 Sept 1779. Ransom's name is not found upon the V- Cat roll. Vid. cert. Sec G.W. Ad detach d roll of Barnard Co — I m c pay roll by Rev d . Rev d Johnson. Oct 5 1778

Margaret Ransom Jr.
St. Elizabeth Jun
19 1838 do to W Stokes, June 26. 1838

Thos Ransom Sims State Attorney
Paper on which Peter Barnard (Ransom's Capt) recd land.
Suspended Oct 18 57

V 706 Margaret Ransone widow of Thomas V Ransone 165
Sus a b a M a Broom
Apr 19 1837
dodo Sept 2 1837
Rejected
Le N. Stock Jan 9 38
" " Feb 9 38
" Clarendon Apr 16 1838
Act 14 July 1838

Reproduction of photograph evidence found
Sept 17/51

Inverness Margaret Ransone dec. Wid of Thomas Virg a
Aol 4 July 1836
2 yrs Sicut $320 per An from 4 March 31 to 8 Feby 1840 when she died. Ded n at former payments at $160 per An:
Payable to Lucy Billings, Frances Evans & Elizabeth Howson, only surviving children
H. C. Hall
cert to
R. W. Young Present.

Mrs Thomas Ransom Adm. Va. Ransom—

Hon. Roland Jones. -
Sister of Thomas Crawford. -
Sam. Smith v. Samuel de Gowan
Anastasi Dimillo
filed March 4, 1854, -

United States S. P. Waldo Esq. Counsel of Peruvian Washington City
Peru

L. P. Waldo Esq
Plymouth V a Oct 23 d 1854
Mr Sir
Some four weeks since, I requested to be furnished with two affidavits filed by me in the Half Pay claim of the estate of Thomas Ransom dec d . and next copies of the affidavits therein and as I informed you were important for me to file in a suit yet I have not been able to get these copies, which I presumed could be copied in half an hour. and consequently, I shall have to file my bill in Chancery, in the absence of this testimony which in the progress of the cause may be important. Can I get these copies by Thursday morning next
Yours Respectfully
James M c Donald

Mathews Court House Virginia
September the 3 rd 1888
Sir
Your letter of the 22 nd instant has been received and in reply I am authorized to say to you by Mrs Hansone that she will receive the allowance made to her by the department on account of her husband Thomas Hansone services in the revolutionary war under the following condition viz - if she shall here after be able to show to the department that she is entitled to receive full pay it will make the allowance in her favour. - if the department will not agree to this proposition the case must rest just where it is untill a further opportunity offers it self so that she may be able to get a rehearin on the matter. if the department accede to the proposition it will give the pension agent in Richmond orders to pay the amount allowed to her as her attorney let me hear from you as soon as this letter comes to hand
I am Sir very respectfully yours
William H. Hoake
J. L. Edwards Esqr Washington City pension office

Matthew C. H. Van
August 25 1857
Sir
Enclosed you will find the paper of Mr. Margaret Ransom with the amendment hoping therefore that the object for which you alleged is now removed and a full notice can be had upon the papers as all the Records Testimony that can be had is now in your possession
As I am yours Respectfully
John Boreum
J. L. Edwards Esqr Washington City Pension Office

Washington Jan: 1 st 1847
Dear Sir
Be pleased to let me know of the papers upon which the pensions of Margaret Ransom widow of Thomas Ransom of Virginia was granted by you was  here not filed by John Boren of Matthews Co. Va.
Very respectfully Your ob t Servant
Col: Edwards
M. H. Bayly

France
James E. Heath Esq.
Court of Peers

P 52
Portsmouth V o . April 23 rd 1851
On the 16 th of the present month, I wrote you from Suffolk, in reply to your letter relative to the Half Pay claim of the legal Representative of Lieut Thomas Ransom, in which I attempted to show you, that the evidence was insufficient as to the service, for there was no evidence filed showing his service in the Continental , but all the evidence proved he served in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment
In compliance with the regulations of the Department - I enclose an affidavit showing that the County of Gloucester was the domicil, and place of the death of Lieut. Thomas Ransom, and the names and residences of his children &c. I presume this is sufficient - as the administration was granted in Gloucester, and a certificate of herewith has been also filed - I hoped to have heard from you this morning as on this subject
James E. Heath Esq r Counsel of Petitioner
Yours Respectfully James M c Laughlin

Mathews & House Feby 18 th 1857
Genl Whiting Esq Comr of Pensions Washington D C
Since your of the 3 rd of February last issued in reply I would respectfully say that I thought and as it was intimated to me by the former comr Mr Waldo, that the only obstacle in the way of paying the claim claimed under act of 5 th July 1832 for the services of S t Thomas Hanson in the revolutionary war was the contention of James Mendenhall Esq, for the heirs he represented or by whom he was employed and it having been established that Hanson served three years and thereby had allowed his heirs for three years services I thought that the claim was fully established and would be allowed to the rightfull & lawfull heirs without delay which may be seen by refer nce to the evidence of his serv ice filed in your office and also letter of my administration
most respectfully
yours etc
Sir
W. J. Bellinger

Martins C.H. Virginia
March 16th 1855
To S r P Waldo Esqr
Sir this will inform you that yours of the 8 th Inst is at hand, in which you state I was mistaken in what you meant in your former letter you now state that you think it very doubtful whether or no the claim of Ransom will pass. If it does you say that my remedy will be against the administrator, that what I have supposed but Sir would it not be best for the administrator to retain the amount claimed by me which is one forth under a court order such order can be secured. pay or over to the administrator 3/4 which he can distribute amongst the heirs and let the other forth remain till the suit decided and the fact be ascertained whether or not I am entitled, I am satisfied that Belcher is the only one that I shall have to contend with, I do not wish that any of the money that there is any contested about shall go into Mr Bland's for one or two reasons first he would be entitled to the commissions and there are other reasons that I do not care to specify here, I am in hope you will consider this matter and let me know from you, send me a copy of declaration of the act of conscript March 31st 1855. Sir I am very respectfully J. H. Strother

Mathews Co. House Va., Feby, 21 st 1855
Sir in The allowance of bounty land made to the heirs of Thomas Ransone who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State line (revolutionary war) he is entitled for Three years services, and entitled to pension & his widow Margret Ransone received pension and half pay for life for one year, and after her death a nother years servs was proved and her heirs received pension for that years servs but no half pay as yet, all of which may be seen by referance to the records. as the law provides that pension money shall be paid to representatives. I am adviced that all that is neccessary to be done is to present to you letters of administration showing who is the representative in this case in order that the pension money be due for the Third years service may be paid any information you may please to give touching the above will be thankfully received and place me under obligations you addrs the subscriber at Mathews Co. House Va
L. N. Waldo Esq Com r of Pensions
Respectfully your most ob t servant W. A. Bellairs

Dear Sir
Mathews County Aug. 30 th 1841
I rec d your letter in which you state you cannot comply with My request in sending me the copies requested of you, thus favour would not have been asked if I had not good reasons to believe that John P. Steaks and his brother William, have written and forwarded letters to your Office speaking disrespectfully of me, John P. Steaks particularly as I have reason to believe would do anything in his power to injure me in prosecuting pension and Revolutionary claims, John P. Steaks and myself were at one time prosecuting the claim of old Mrs Margaret Ransome together, and for some cause unknown to me, he fell out with me consequently we ceased to prosecute claims in conjunction together any further, for there were many claims which we had entered in a contract to prosecute together, his brother William then went forward to Mrs Ransome, and by some tale which he told her such as, I never would get her money for, and if she depended on me she never would get it. obtained from her a power of attorney and took the certificate and went forward and drew her money, and at 10 O'clock of the night as I have been credibly informed, went to her house and paid her one half only, of what she rec d of course he kept the other half, when in fact I myself who had, had all the trouble and expense of the claim up to that time ought to have rec d some compensation instead of his receiving any. I have been told this by her children and

the old lady herself - I think this is a great compensation for what little trouble they were at. I do believe that John P. Stokes rec d one half if not \frac{2}{3} of one half of W m Raineones pension
I am Sir yours respectfully
John Boren sen r .

Matthews Court House Virginia
Sir
November the 9 th 1838
Your letter of the 13 th instant has been Recd in which you say, you cannot give any information relative to the alleged two years service of the late Thomas Ransone. — Sir in your letter to Mrs Margaret Ransone of the 19 th of June 1838 you inform her that her decd, husband Thomas Ransone was appointed lieutenant in April 1777 and this is established by documentary evi- dence also that he was stationed at York Garrison in April 1778 which is also proved by an original roll of Capt Barnabas after that no farther trace can be found of his service for which you have granted her 12 months pension you farther say in the same letter that if she can prove farther service it shall be allowed she request that you will examine the testimony of Messrs Diggs Smith and others in the case and inform her as she has not a copy of their evidence, Whether they do or do not say that he Thomas Ransone the decd mentioned above was in the service of his country after April 1778 and if they have not she says they are ready to testify to the fact that he did serve in the war much over one year to their own knowledge after April 1778 she request to be informed by you (if the evidence before you is not satisfactory whether there additional evidence will be if it will not she thinks it is useless to procure evidence as the department seems to be inclined to pay little or no attention to the testimony of living men in the case she thinks it is hardly probable that Mr Ransone should be stationed at York in

April 1778 and discharged or left the garrison at the same period. She says that she wants no more than what she is justly entitled to under the act of Congress and can but believe that you will allow her at least two years pension if no more. The evidence of the witnesses in the case and the record evidence that you speak of in your letter seems as well as I can recollect to correspond and as you say there is no farther trace of his service on record she can only prove it by respectable men who were acquainted with him and the services he rendered his country in the struggle for freedom. Please to answer this letter as soon as it comes to hand.
I am very respectfully yours William Starks
J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City pension office

I Matthias Gayle a resident of the County of Mat- thews and State of Virginia do upon oath testify and declare, that some time in the latter part of 1776 or 1777 Capt. Peter Bruner raised a volunteer company in the parish of Kingston (Gloucester County) for the term of three years (as well as I recollect) in which Thomas Rawson enlisted and was commissioned as Lieutenant; some time afterwards he was, under com- mand of Capt. Bruner, marched to the North, where he remained until 1779 or 1780 - then he returned to the County, with Col. Bruner, and afterwards Capt. Bruner commanded a Militia company for the County aforesaid and I do not recollect whether Rawson continued un- der his command or not - no further I say not.
his Matthias Gayle notary
State of Virginia Mathews County to Wit. Personally appeared before us, the undersigned, Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Matthias Gayle a resident of said County, and made oath that the fore- going Affidavit contains the truth; and we do hereby certify that he is a Man who sustains a character for Veracity. Given under our hands and seal, the 11 th June 1837 W. M. Brumley J. P. Isaac Foster J. P.

Virginia Mathews County Sc.
I, Shepard G. Wilson Clerk of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby cer- tify that William M. Browning and Isaac Foster Esquires, before whom the within affida- vit was made, are Justices of the peace in the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that their signatures hereto are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 25th day of August 1837.
Shepard G. Wilson Clerk

Mathews Court House Va June the 18 th 1838. Mr Edwards
Sir I have been waiting for some time for a copy of Mrs Margaret Hansome papers which you promised that you would send down to me when I was in Washington some time back as you told me you could not let the original go out of the office. you will please send them down as soon as you receive this note if you have not done so and oblige yours very Respectfully
William H. Stokes
washington city pension office

Thomas Ransom
Was Commissioned a Lieut in the 2 Virginia State Reg't - on the 6 th day of Oct 1777 - Went with the said Reg't to the North, & remained in service of the Reg't while said Reg't was with the Continental Army at the North - the said Virginia Reg't was with the Continental Army at the North up to Sept 1779 - Resignation cannot will not be presumed in case of Super Numerary - Morgan p. 1 "if the Com- Monwealth alleges it, the burden of proof rests upon her" - The 1 st & 2 nd Va State Reg'ts marched to the North to join the Continental Army in the fall of 1777 & remained with the said army (Cont'l) until the fall of 1779 (See Babbs Rpt p 4) After his return he was for awhile in the Militia - The 2 nd Va Reg't were in several engagements while at the North from Brandywine to Monmouth Court House -
Thomas Ransom was a Lieut of Minute men in 1776 for a six months service - Afterwards in Spring & Summer of 77 raised a Company (with Capt Bernard) & marched North -

Land of Prussians
Memorandum

Mathews CH vw
Sept 1 st 1854
Miss Evan B Fane
This will inform you that some of the 26 Wds last week, in reply I have to state in relation to Dr Young's statement I know to be incorrect, I am the legal administrator of Thos Ransom and am acting for all the heirs except one and that one Mr Young may be acting for. I have given the order of court which appointed me the administrator of such Thos Ransom with a order from under my hand to prosecute that claim. If you have lost the papers which I left with you and want others you can have them, I was in Richmond the first of July last and paid for the copying of the papers to be sent to the General Land Office in Washington the sum of Sixteen Dollars. If my situation was not as it is I would come to Washington immediately and test Dr Young's right in this matter. I shall be up shortly after our circuit court is over which will take place the first of October, any power of attorney which may be wanting from me can be furnished either from me or the heirs except one.

in relation to the prosecution of the Clare I relied on you to do it I had other applications and causes of giving it to others but from the fact I was dealing with you, if you do not feel disposed to continue the prosecution let me know it as early date as possible, I assure you that I know all about the whole matter I have the right here young Knowles it too let me know from you as soon as possible I am writing at least host
Yours with Respect Isaac Stokes -

Executive Department Richmond, January 27 th 1851.
The Heirs of Thomas Ransome are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Lieutenant in the State line, three years.
The Register will issue a Warrant accordingly, if not heretofore drawn.
John B. Floyd.
Richmond May 17 th 1858. I certify that the foregoing is a copy of a paper on file in the Virginia Land Office and I further certify that the following Warrants appear to have been issued to the heirs of Thomas Ransome.
Warrant No. 9586 for 592 2 / 3 acres issued 24 th February 1854. Warrant, No. 9589, 296 acres issued 8 th March 1854. Warrant, No. 9597, 197 2 / 3 acres issued 20 th April 1854. Warrant No. 9598, 98 2 / 3 acres issued 20 th April 1854. Warrant, No. 9608, 246 2 / 3 acres issued 15 th day May 1854. Warrant, No. 9609, 123 2 / 3 " issued 15 th May 1854. Warrant No. 9612, 444 2 / 3 " issued 21 st June 1854. Warrant, No. 9610, 98 2 / 3 " issued 1 st May " " Warrant, No. 9611, 49 2 / 3 " issued 17 th May " Warrant No. 9620, 66 " issued 18 th July " Warrant No. 9644, 98 2 / 3 " issued 24 th October " Warrant No. 9650, 118 2 / 3 " issued 7 th November " Warrant No. 9651, 49 2 / 3 " issued 4 th of November.
S. H. Parker Reg. L. Office

Mathews Co. Horse Gap Sept 22 nd 1855
Sir
I wrote in Abbe last to Mr. L. P. Waldo former Comt. in reference to the half pay claim of the heirs of Lt. Thomas Ranrene, claimed under the act of July 5. 1832. he Mr. Waldo informed that the claim had not been decided. I also sent on the evidence of his life. Since then I have heard nothing from him. any information which you may please to give touching the above claim will be thankfully rec d and place me under obligations to you. if it is necessary for me to come to Washington I will do so immediately on hearing from you, or an agent.
yours obt
Hon. J. Minot Comt. of Pensions Washington
Servant W. A. Billings
L. C.

In Council 17 th day of April 1777
Ordered that Thomas Ransome be appointed first Lieutenant in the County of Gloucester for Continental service in the room of Mordcai Cooke, who has failed to recruit his quota of men, and that he receive of the said Cook his quota of recruiting money. Bond executed
Executive Department, Richmond Va March 20 1857
The above is a true copy from the Council Journal Henry H. Richardson Secy Comm ee

Portsmouth Va May 26 1853
Mr Waldo
Comm. of Pension
Dr Sir
The case of Saint Thomas Ransone was presented to your predecessor for half pay as a Saint in the 2nd Va State Regt for the War of the Revolution. I am desirous of obtaining copies of the affidavits filed in this case to use in another Department of the government - Will you be pleased to furnish me with all the affidavits filed, I do not remember all the names of the affiants - I should be pleased to have the same properly certified at the earliest day
Yours Respectfully
James Mendenhall

James E. Heath Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Dr Sir
I have engaged V. Ellis Esq to aid me in prosecuting the claim of the Representative of Thos Ransom dec d who was a Lieutenant in the 2 nd V a Reg t during the War of the Revolution. Permit him therefore to examine the papers in the case, and take any steps in relation thereto, which he may deem expedient & proper
Yours Respectfully
James M c Dough
Washington April 30 th 1851

Yanone

L. P. Waldo Esq
Portsmouth 1 st Sept 22 nd 1852
Genl. Parsons
Dr Sir
Your letter was received this morning in reply thereto I have to say, I do not care for copies of all the papers filed in the name of Thomas Ransome adm l of Thomas Ransome who was a Seaman in the War of the Revolution - The only papers I want are the affidavits of Ipson Hall & Wm Hobdy, the former taken the 23 rd April 1857 & the latter the 25 th April 1857 - the copy of the order of Gloucester County Court granting administration to Thomas Ransome (his son) on the estate of Lieut. Thomas Ransome dec d , and the power of Attorney from the adm l to me.
Inclosed you will find copies of the affidavits I want - these were obtained from your office with other papers - and I perceive in the copies the name is spelt wrong. it is spelt Ransom in the copies, in the original you will find it spelt Ransome
The Affidavit of Hobdy enclosed you can use, by altering the name Ransom if you find it spelt in the original Ransome - I send these papers so the copies may be expedited - Let me know them at once
Yours Respectfully James Mendenhall

Ranson

Mr Heath
Norfolk July the 11 1852
Des Sir Will you be so kind as to inform me what has been done with the Estate of Lieutenant Thos Ransone My Father as I am one of the heirs and am Very Poor and Much in Need at this time under this cursed Law of the State of Virginia Extending the Wright of Suffrage I with a grate many others have bin taxed out of employment and what or where I again shall get I am unable to say, and for some back having a hope that if that Estate Pass your Honor in favour of the heirs of Thos Ransone I being one would inable me to make a better way to support My Self and family than what I am able to do at this time and any information from you in Relation to it will be thankfully Received and Ever Remembred by me if this are intruding on your Honor too far I am in hopes you will me excuse by my having some acquaintance with you and being Much in Need I Ventured to take this liberty of Wrighting to you in Relation to that Case and ask your favour to it if you Please Yours with Due Respect
Jas H. Ransone

For evidence of marriage see book called "Exercise upon Confirmation" "The obligation to receive the Holy Com- munion" &c &c deposited in the Com- room-
H. H. Addison
July 13. 1838

Commission of Pensions
City of Portsmouth Va. June 16 1858
My Sir
On the 5 th day of the present month I in closed to you - certain papers re respecting the Half Pay due to Thomas Ransom who was a Sernt in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution; and their weight has not been acknowledged, which I asked the favor of you to do, and also to inform me at what time you would consider and decide the case. Be pleased to let me hear from you
Yours Respectfully James Mendenhall

Pension Office June 21 st
Thomas Ransom
Papers & evidence filed in case
No 1 st Brief & Argument in case by J Murdough ~ " 2 nd in Evidence from Ex Dept Va filed there for the purpose of obtaining Bromley bond ~
Memorial of Ransom
Ransom ~

Aug 12 '58
R

Portsmouth 10 August 1858
Johnson Smith Esq Dear Sir
Thos Ransome was a Sub: in the Revl. Army. He was from Glou- cester County Virginia. He was afterwards a boatswain in the Brig Jefferson which was burnt near Richmond in James River by the British forces.
Application has been filed by Thos Ransome Jas A Ransome and Wm S. Ransome and John F. Ransome: this application was made by Jas Murdaugh Esq as counsel for such Compensation as might be due these heirs. Deed issued upon this application in the name of these heirs.
At this stage of this application other parties pretending to be the heirs, by John C. Strates filed a caveat and arrested proceedings. Will you please let me know in what way this was finally settled, and to whom Compensation was allowed, and what, and at what time? I add up

You in behalf of the first named heirs one of whom is now in my office—
John V. Crew was an officer also in the Rev. War. Mrs. Elegast Rowe Claims to be an heir of said Crew a grand daughter This I shall very soon establish beyond a doubt. I think when I saw you in Washington we had some talk about this business: and that you informed me that other parties had appeared claimed and recd full compensation for the services of said John V. Crew. Will you please allow me to enlighten me upon this point as above requested? If you can do this I will esteem it a favor and be ever ready most willingly to shew my appreciation of your kindness.
I am afraid that I give trouble much more than my acquaintance may justify. But I shall rely upon your courtesy to justify this trouble— If this communication should go before the Commission of Pensions

I hope you will let it take that direction.
I since not longer trust upon your attention only to assure you with what truth and sincerity
I am sir
very Respectfully Your obt. Servt
Leopold C. P. Bowler
Rev. J. Johnson Smith
Washington City
D.C.

... of new No 1 st Brief & Argument by J Mordaugh, Atty ~ 2 nd - Evidence from Ex Dept Va upon which Bony Vand was obtained ~ page 1 - Memorial states that Thomas Ransom was Commissioned in 1777 as Lieut & served three or four years in the Continental Line under Capt Barnard ~ page 2 nd ~ Mr. Dugge states that sd Ransom was an officer under Capt Barnard (1st Lieut in) in 1776, a Minute Company of Militia for six months - in the summer of 1777, he with said Capt Barnard organized a Company & he marched as Lieut (under said Barnard) of said Company to the North, & remained until winter of 1780

In Mathews County Court. March 1840.
On the motion of William A. Billings, who made oath, and together with Isaac Foster, George P. Evans and James Ransom his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $6,000, conditioned according to law. Certificate is granted the said William A. Billings for obtaining letters of administration of the estate of Thomas Ransom sen. decd. administered by Thomas Ransom jr. in due form.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the . . . . . said Court, at Mathews Court House, on this 19. day of May A.D. 1852.
Shepard G. Miller C.C.

No 2. Certificate of Death of Thomas Ransom
[Faint, illegible signature or mark]

Virginia. In Mathews County Court May 1858.
On the motion of William Stokes the Court doth certify, upon satisfactory evidence produced before it, that Thomas Ransone who was Lieutenant in the Virginia State line du- ring the War of the Revolution, died intestate on the _____ day of May in the year 1808.
Virginia
Mathews County, Ss
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia do hereby certify, that the foregoing order is truly co- pied from the Records of the County Court of Mathews. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court, this 11th day of May 1858. Shepard G. Miller CC

Mathews Court House Virginia
September 22 nd 1838
Sir
I received your letter of the 8 th instant in reply to one written to you by me of the 3 rd relative to the claim of Margaret Ransome. in that letter you say that the department will not give the pension agent in Richmond no orders whatever until Mrs Ransome signifies her acceptance of the pension which has been offered or produce proof of her being entitled to a higher - Sir I suppose if a warrant could be shown to the department in favour of the heirs of Thomas Ransome deed for Bounty Land for his services in the revolutionary war as a continental officer it would be satisfactory evidence to show that Mrs Ransome widow of Thos Ransome would be entitled to receive a higher pension. This is the best proof that can be furnished to the department at present to show that she is entitled to receive a higher pension which I think ought to be satisfactory if satisfaction could be given you will answer this letter as soon as it comes to hand
I am Sir yours very Respectfully William Hawkes
J. L. Edwards Esq Washington City pension office

Mathews Court House, Virginia October 6 th 1838
Sir
I have received your letter of the 29 th inst. in relation to the Claims of Margaret Ransome in which you state that the fact of their having received bounty money would not be considered satisfactory evidence to increase her pension - Sir I would be glad to know what the department would consider satisfactory evidence, please inform me of that fact so that I may see if it can be furnished - you will answer this letter as soon as it comes to hand.
I am Sir very respectfully your William. H. Baker
J. L. Edwards Esqr Washington City Pension Office

Waltham Court House August 17 th 1828
Sir
I received your letter dated the 2 nd of July in relation to one written by me to you relative to the allowance max to Mrs Margaret Ransone as an applicant for a pension for her husband's services in the revolutionary war I should judge from the haste and wording of your letter above alluded to that mine gave some offence, there was nothing like that intended and I hope that it is not the case.
You stated in that letter that I said to you in a former letter that Mrs Margaret Ransone would thankfully receive any thing which might be justly allowed her from the testimony and hope that you would disposed of the matter in one way or the other. From this sentence you said it was supposed that she was willing to accept whatever the department decided to be justly due it is very true that I did use the language above mentioned but I did not say that she intended to receive a pension for twelve months and if you will again examine that letter you will find there pointed out to you a period of six months services in a minute company which I particularly called your attention to, besides if I have been correctly informed Mrs Ransone served three years after that in the regular service making in whole three years and six months and for those services Mrs Ransone the widow of the above mentioned deceased are offered a pension for not one third of the time. Sir has the department come to just conclusions if this be the fact I do not know whether such proof has been furnished no farther than I have been informed, but I am satisfied that such proof can be furnished if men statements are to be credited who knows the fact I therefore hope that you will again examine the matter and if you are un-

willing to make any farther allowance I hope that you will not be against furnishing a copy of the papers to let Mrs Ransome see what evidence has been furnished in the case and to see if no other cannot be obtained so that she may get her just rights. You also requested me to return the certificate which was issued in her favour for the twelve months pay above alluded to this she is unwilling to do until the matter are further investigated and the result made known it seems that the department hold on to all the papers that it gets hold of, and refuses ever to furnish a copy of them. I hope you will let me hear from you as soon as you receive this letter and oblige yours very respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq Washington City War Department
William Hoake.

Richmond 20 th Oct r 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions.
Sir,
Some time since I filed in your Department evidences of a claim in favor of Margaret Ransom Widow of Lieut Thomas Ransom for a Pension. If this claim has been acted on and allowed. I beg of you to stop the issuing of any certificate, until I can be in Washington the latter part of next month, as other application may be made to receive it.
Very Respectfully
Your most ob t serv t
John Brown
MS
Should it be necessary to write me please - address to Mathews Court House Va.

Mathews Court Room
Dear
July 25 th 1838
Sir Mrs Hansone received a pension certificate last mail in her favor for one hundred and sixty dollars as the widow of Thomas Hansone died. She requested me to write to you to know for how much time did you allow her if for only twelve months she is not satisfied and I hope that you did not understand from the letter which was written by me to you that she intend to except the offer made by you for twelve months pay I do not think that I intimated any thing like that in it if they was it was not intentionally done and it was with out her consent tho I am under the impression that there was nothing in it like that I did not keep a copy of it but I think I recollect nearly the amount of it you will please give the information asked for and be so good as to send me a copy of Richard Hurst application with your certificate at the bottom of it certifying that it is a true copy and the purpose for which it was filed in the office as he is dead and a notice cannot be procured
Sir I am very respectfully yours William. Hoake.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Washington City pension office

Brief in the case of Margaret Ransone, widow of Thomas County and State of Virginia act 4 July 1835.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, ( if original. )
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
This claim was originally allowed for one year service as Lieut. The evidence in the papers is quite sufficient to show two years service in that capacity. There is evidence also on file in the Commissioners room in the half pay claim that shows it conclusively. I therefore allow a full pension.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
R. W. Young Present.
F. F. King Examining Clerk.

Portsmouth Va - Sept 30 th 1855
Com. of Pensions
Dr Sir
I am one of the heirs of Thos Ransom who was a Sernt in the 2 nd Virginia Regiment - William A. Billings has administered on his estate with a view of obtaining the Wolf Pay for his services. My object is to ascertain if Billings has received the amount of the Wolf Pay, and what was the amount paid him - being interested in this matter, as one of the parties entitled I desire to know the situation of his claim.
Yours Respectfully
Wm P. Roberts

In Mathews County Court, February 13. th 1854
On the motion of John P. Stroake, who made Oath and together with Daniel N. Foster and George P. Evans his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $2000 conditioning according to law. Certificate is granted the said John P. Stroake for obtaining letters of administration de bonis non of the estate of Thomas Rawson Law died in due form of law.
State of Virginia
Mathews County Ss.
I Shepard G Miller Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid, certify that the foregoing order is truly copied from the Records of the County Court of Mathews
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of the County aforesaid, this 25 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Shepard G Miller

Mathews 6.86 V 2 March 12
Full
Mar. 19. 1839
J. L. Cassander Esq. Washington City Pension Office

Mathews Court House Virginia March 1th 11 th 1837
Sir
Your letter of the 9 th inst. has been received in which you state that the department is fully satisfied that Thomas Hanson did not serve two years in the revolutionary war and I suppose if it has made up that opinion it is not worth while to file any further testimony in the case. Mrs. Margaret Hanson now relinquishes all further claim and hope that the department will give the pension as per in Richmond order to pay over what has been already allowed you will please answer this letter as soon as it comes to hand and let her know so that she may draw what has been allowed and oblige yours
Very respectfully
William Morton for Margaret Hanson
J. C. Edwards Esq. Washington City Pension Office

General and Spec. May 10 th 1852.
Sir, You are informed in reply to your favor of the 8 th instant, that as soon as the papers in the case of "Genl Thomas Ransom, of the Va. State Univ", are returned to this Office by the Reg. at Richmond, I will write further forward them to you.
Respectfully &c. Chas. W. Linnell, John Wilson Dennis Biemer.
J. P. Waller Counsel of Virginia.

Mathews & Hance Feb y 19 th 1856
Sir
James Murchough has claimed any further sum to the half pay claim due the heirs of Lt. Thos. Hansone for the benefit of the heirs of Thomas Hansone whom he represented or by whom he was employed (as I rec d a letter from him some days past). I suppose the case can now be disposed of and the amount due allowed to the lawful heir of Lt. Thos. Hansone whom I represent, and I as the adm te draw the amt. so allowed. I have heretofore filed in your office evidence of kinship and letter of my administration any information which you may please to give in the case will be thankfully received and place me under obligations to you
Very truly yours
To the comm te of Pensions, Washington
ob t sent
W. A. Hillyer
P. S.

Washington Court House Va. Feb. 16 th /53. S. P. Waldo Esq. Dr. Sir
This will inform you that on the 13 th of the present Month that being our County Court day a large portion of the heirs to the Estate due for the services of Thomas Harrison who was a Lieutenant in the State line during the Revolutionary War moved said Court by petition to revoke the powers of William A. Bellings as Administrator of said Estate. The Court refused to grant their petition. Consequently under a late decision of the Attorney General, Mr. Bellings as the Adm r will be entitled to receive the amount due said heirs as half pay for the services of the said Harrison.
Now Sir there is one thing which I call on the Department to do, and that is to retain the portion of said Estate which the heirs agreed to pay me for prosecuting it.
I can show to the satisfaction of the Department that I have furnished every particle of testimony in the case except a little brief testimony, which I am informed was filed by James Armadough of Portsmouth, Va.
Not one jot or tittle of evidence has been filed on the part of Mr. Bellings.
I enclose to you all of the Powers of Attorney executed to me by the heirs, with a Copy of the guardianship also an old power of Attorney which will show how long I have been engaged in the case, Mr. Bellings has been

the Adm rs . on the Estate of Thomas Kanon due for 18 or 20 years and knowing all the time that I was engaged in the promoting the Claim and he taking no steps towards its promotion, until I had furnished testimony sufficient to establish it, and then he steps in because the law is in his favor and wishes to secure the money I procured the Claim for the Bounty land and obtained the Warrants for the heirs,
Should this be a matter which you do not feel free to act on yourself I wish to have it referred to the Secretary and the Attorney General,
I do not know whether or not the Depart- ment require the County Seal attached to the power of attorney in this case. If it should you will oblige me by returning them, and I will have the Seal affixed and sent back to your office
Very Respectfully Yrs
John P. Stokhus

1
Ransom

James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
As the Attorney of the Representative of Thomas Ransom dec d , who was a Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution, I submitted on last saturday, an argument addressed to you to show that he was entitled to Half pay for life - As the Attorney as aforesaid I abandon the claim for Half Pay for life , and ask for the Commution Pay and interest . I do this for the simplest and best of reasons, that by calculation, the Commution Pay and interest will make the amount to which I am entitled, to about $2400, more than the Half Pay and this as something to be saved - The Department has now allowed the claimant, choice of Half pay for life, or Commution Pay and interest, and the choice has always been made with reference to the sum to be received. The argument submitted applies as well to the pay in the one case, as to that in the other - and is conclusive, and I am sure will satisfy you, that the claim must be allowed.
I would therefore earnestly, though respectfully, urge upon you, early action upon this case, the parties interested are laboring under some pecuniary embarrassments, and are looking to the allowance of this claim for relief, which I hope will be speedily given
Portsmouth V a Dec r 11, 1850
Yours Respectfully James Mendenhall

Lansone

James E. Heath Esq.
Suffolk April 16 th 1851.
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 12 th ult. was received by me, on the eve of leaving home to attend the Court of this County, where I shall be detained for two or three days. I confess your letter on its contents was one of astonishment and surprise, informing me, you had examined the Half Pay claim of Lieutenant Thomas Ransome due under the Act July 5 th 1832, and that the evidence was satisfactory to prove that Ransome was an officer of the continental line, and his case was not embraced by the Act of Congress above referred to. This conclusion to which you have arrived, I cannot account for in any manner whatever, except that you have mistaken the evidence filed. for not one particle of it shows a service as a Continental officer. and therefore permit me most respectfully, to ask a reconsideration of this case, and a critical examination of the evidence filed, and the additional evidence filed herewith. In the first place, I will call your attention to the affidavits of Diggs, Gayle, Callis and Smith, which prove beyond all question, that Lieutenant Thomas Ransome first entered the service in 1776 as a Lieutenant in a minute company commanded by Capt Peter Bernard. That in 1777 Bernard and Ransome were engaged in raising a Company, after it was raised, the same was organized, and Thomas Ransome was a Lieutenant therein. This evidence is fully sustained by the second evidence filed, which is an extract from the Executive Journal of 19 th March 1778, which shows he was confirmed a Lieutenant in the Second Virginia State Regiment on the 5 th day of October 1777. There can be no question, for this record cannot be denied, that in 1777 and 1778 Thomas Ransome was a Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment . What became of this Regiment in 1778. the preamble to the issuing of the Commissions to the officers of the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment to be found in the extract from the Journal of the Executive Council, that there had been repeated orders of His Excellency for the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment to march to join the grand army &c. Where was the grand army at this time - it was at the North, as is established by history, and the

evidence furnished by the affidavits, prove that Lieutenant Thomas Ransone went to the North and did not return until the winter of 1780. Who were these witnesses, they were the countrymen and neighbours of Lieutenant Thomas Ransone. - The history of the Revolution proves that the 1 st and 2 nd Virginia Regiment marched to the North in 1777 1778 and joined the Continental Army, and remained with it until the winter of 1780. When the 1 st Virginia Regiment was ordered to the North in 1777, it contained 530 rank and file. When ordered back to Virginia in the winter of 1780, it contained but 195 men (See Report of Board of Officers, Barbour, Report. Doc. 191. page 53. 1 Session 22 nd Congress) The 2 nd Virginia Regiment having been all the time with the 1 st Virginia Regiment, and engaged in all the hard fought battles at the North, shared the same fate, as the same document above referred to will show.
During all this hard service Lieutenant Thomas Ransone is shown to have been at his post, performing duty in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment, and on the return of the two Regiments to Virginia, their numbers being so reduced, the two regiments were united into one, by the reduction of the said regiments, and their consolidation into one, many officers became supernumerary for want of commands. Said Baron Stuben who then commanded in Virginia, directed all officers of the Continental and State lines who had not regulars to command, to take commands of militia (See Certificate of Capt Charles Ewell herein enclosed marked No 2)
Now is it not perfectly evident, that upon the reduction of these regiments by loss of men, so that the two did not contain a sufficient number of men to form one Regiment - though formed into one, that Lieutenant Thomas Ransone became a supernumerary, and by virtue of the order of Baron Stuben entered into the service as a Lieutenant in the militia, in which capacity and service he served until the close of the War, and being a supernumerary, and entering the service by virtue of the order as aforesaid, he became entitled to half pay for life . There can be no

doubt upon this point. But in addition to all this, the Executive of Virginia have allowed his heirs bounty land for a service in the State Line .
Permit me to ask the question? What reason could Lieut. Thomas Ransome have, or what motive to influence him to resign as Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment , to enter the Continental Line as an officer of no higher grade , than that he held in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment . But if he was an officer in the Continental Line , you must produce some evidence, which I have never heard of and which merely has not been filed by me? Will you permit me in the most respectful manner, to ask you, and if the question shall be improper, consider it as not asked? What evidence is on file or to be found in your office which shows that Lieut. Thomas Ransome was ever commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Continental Line . I have deemed it proper to enclose to you an extract from the Executive Journal of the 19 th March 1778 (which is not a utipic copy) to show that he was commissioned as Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia Regiment . I send this so as to ascertain if you have on file a certified copy of this document complete I think it is filed, if not I will procure one and forward to you. for that with the other evidence filed, is incontestable, and the claim for half pay must be allowed.
In conclusion allow me to say, if from your known character for intelligence, and a strict regard for the principles of justice this claim shall be rejected under the evidence, I shall come to the conclusion that justice cannot be obtained from the Federal Government. I know the duties and labours of your office, and nothing but the importance of this claim to my clients as well as to myself, would induce me to ask an early answer to this letter; for I am satisfied of the justice of this claim, and am convinced you will feel yourself bound by every principle of justice to allow the claim. There-

for be pleased to favour me with an answer
I am Dear Sir
James E. Heath Esq
Your Obedt Servt
Comr: of Prisoners
James Mordaugh
N. B. I shall be at home in two days therefore address your letter to me at Portsmouth
Yrs.

Copy order proving death & heirs of Margaret Ransone

In Mathews County Court April 1840
This day satisfactory evidence was ad- duced in open court by the oath of Michael Foster a credible witness to prove that Margaret Hanson a resident of this county, and a prisoner of the United States, died on the 8 th day of Feby. 1840, and left the following children to wit: James Hanson Henry Hanson, Lucy Hanson who intermarried with William A. Bickel, Frances Hanson who intermarried with George F. Evans and Elizabeth Hanson who intermarried with James V. Howard, these are all the children of the deceased and are all of age.
Albany
Teste
Shepard G. Miller Clerk.

Virginia Mathews, C. H. H. April 3 rd 1855
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 2 nd ult. I would say that I was of the opinion. that after the for ounty land claim was decided in favor of the heirs of Lt. Thomas Ransome that Mr. James Murdaugh had declined all further contention for the heirs of Thomas Ransome (that was his name and not Thomas Ransome) and further Mr. Murdaugh has instituted a suit against the heirs of Lt. Thomas Ransome to recover of them \frac{1}{3} third of the cmt p of land allowed them. as compensation for his services in the case. as if he was engaged for. or employed by them so it seems that he is working for one party at the expense of another.
I enclose herein letters of administration and evidence of heir ship thereby who is the true and lawfull heirs of Lt Thomas Ransome. which you will please acknowledge
Very Respectfully
your obt servant
W. A. Billings

To his Excellency David Campbell, Governor of Virginia and the Hon ble Council.
Your petitioner James Ransone one of the heirs at law of Lt. Thomas Ransone late of the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution. Respectfully represents to your Excellency and the Hon ble Council, that his father Thomas Ransone entered the service early in 1777. That he received his appointment as Lieutenant from the Hon ble Council early in that year, he believes and as he have been informed about the middle of April. But of these matters he prays your Excellency to have the Journal examined about that period. I am certain however from what I have herd my father say and from the report of tradition and the neighbourhood. That he entered the service about that period and served in the Continental line of the Army from three to four years and afterwards served a considerable time in the militia - Your petitioner has been informed That Captain Barnard has received Bounty land. Lt. Ransone entered the service at or about the same time period as Capt: Barnard with whom he served and quitted the service at the same period as I have been informed. He further represents to your Excellency and the Hon ble Council The Heirs of Lieutenant Ransone have never received Land Bounty and pray that an order may be issued allowing it should your Excellency and the Hon ble Council be satisfied that the claim

is just. In support of which he herewith files the affidavits of William Dagg, Mathias Gayle, Josiah Pugh, Isaac Smith and George Callis all of them men of veracity and Respectability. He prays that this petition and the evidence filed may receive the favourable consideration of your Excellency and the Honable Council and that Land Bounties be allowed as prayed for.
And your petitioner will ever pray &c, &c.
James Ransone. one of the heirs at law of Lt: Thomas Ransone of the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution.
State of Virginia Mathews County } to wit.
This day James Ransone one of the heirs at law of Lt: Thomas Ransone of the Army of the Revolution personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that the foregoing petition subscribed by him contains the truth to the best of his knowledge and belief and I further certify that he is a credible witness and that his statements is entitled to full credit.
Given under my hand and seal this 22 d day of September 1838.
W. M. Brownly J.P. E.S.

I, Isaac Smith who was Borned and Raised in Gloucester County, Rensselaer Parish now Mathews County do upon oath testify and declare that I new and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransone who was Borned and Raised in this parish we was boys together and I also knew and was well acquainted with Peter Barnard who Resided in this County. sometime in the fall of 1776 Peter Barnard Raised a Volunteer Company for the period of six months called a minut company in which Thomas Ransone enlisted and obtained the appointment of lieuten- ant and after that term of enlistment had expired Capt. Peter Barnard commencing making up a nother Volunteer company for the period of three years in which Thomas Ransone again Enlisted and hope to get the quantity of men and after the com- pany was made up Ransone obtained a commission as Lieut- enant I think they got as many men as they wanted in the Spring of 1777. I do not recollect whether or no the Company was made up under the State or Continental Line. Tho I think it was made up under the Continental Line I do not know the Regt it was Attached to - Some time after Captain Peter Barnard had got his company properly organized he march them off to the north as I under stood and Ransone with him where they remained until the winter of 1779 or 80 I am not serlin which. Then They both returned to this County

and the term of their enlistment having expired they both went into the Militia service where they continued until the end of the War.
Isaac Smith.
State of Virginia
Mathews County } to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Isaac Smith of lawful age a Resident of said County and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are the Truth according to the best of his recollection at present — And I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity. Given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of August 1838.
W. M. Brownley J. P.
I Mathias Gayle of Mathews County State of Virginia do upon oath testify and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransone Late a Resident of this County and I also know that he at belong to the United States service during the Revolutionary War. He entered the service in 1776 under Capt. Peter Barnard who commanded a Volunteer company which he had made up for

six months it was called a minut company, and after The time for which That Company was made up had expired Capt. Peter Barnard Raised a another Volunteer Company For the period of three years in which Thomas Ransone a gain en- listed. I think he held a Commission as Lieutenant under Capt: Barnard in both of the above mentioned period of service. I think that Captain Barnard got his quantity of men under the last period of three years service some time in the latter part of the Spring or the early part of the Summer of 1777 - and after the Company was made up Capt: Barnard march of for the North and Ransone with him where they remained until the winter of 1780 as well as I now recollect at which time they both returned to this County together and after the time for which The Company was made up had expired they both went into the Militia service where they continued until the end of the War - I do not recollect at this time whether or no the Company was attached to the State or Continental line nor neither do I recollect the number of the Regt that they belong to Mathias Gayle. 
State of Virginia
Mathews County } to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the

peace in and for the said County Mathias Gayle of lawful age a Resident of said County and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are true the truth according to the best of his recollection at the present and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for Veracity given under my hand and seal this the day of 5 th Sept: 1838.
W. M. Brownly E. J. P.
I Josiah Pugh of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia do upon oath testify and declare that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransome late a Resident of this County. I also know that he belong to the United States service during the Revolutionary war in the early part of the War as well as I now can Recollect. Peter Barnard a resident of this County turned out for the purpose of getting men to enlist in the service of the United States and Thomas Ransome above named enlisted under Barnard and helped him to get men to enlist in the service and after Capt: Barnard had got as many men as he wanted or as many as he could get he organized them into a company and I think that Ransome was a officer in that company, I think that he was first Lieutenant and after the company had been made up for sum time Capt: Barnard march of some where it was said to the north and Ransome with him when they continued for two or

three years I do not know no the exact time the company was made up for but I think it was made up for three years and after Barnard and Ransone returned to this count y and the term of their enlistment having expired they both went into the militia service where they continued until the end of the war I do not no the line  XXVII nor the Reg t that the company was attached to Capt. Barnard commanded a militia company before he turned out to make up the Volunteer company above mentioned.
Josiah Pugh.
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid Josiah Pugh of lawful age a resident of this County and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are the truth according to the best of his recollection at present, and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity.
Given under my hand and seal this 5 th day of September. 1838.
W. M. Brownly, J. P. Seal
I William Diggs of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia

do upon oath testify and declare that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransone late a Resident of this County we were together and I also know that He entered the service of of the United States as a officer in the Revolutionary war in the year 1776 under Capt. Peter Barnard who commanded a militia company, the Company was called a minut company and was made up for the period of six months. Ransone was first Lieutenant in that Company under Barnard and after the time had expired for which that company was made up for. Capt. Peter Barnard commenced making up a nother volunteer company for the period of three years as well as I now recollect and Ransone join him in doing so and after they had got as many men as they wanted they organized them into a company and Ransone was a lieutenant in that company too. I think that they finish making up the company some time in the latter part of the Spring or early part of the summer of 1777. I saw them both frequently whilst they war making up the company and afterwards and some time after the Company was made up. Capt. Barnard marched it off to the north and Ransone with him where they remained until the winter of 1780. I think I do not know whether or no they war all the time to the north but they war some where else from a bout here and after they Returned here and the time for which the company was made up having expired they both went into the militia service where they continued until the end

of the war. I do not recollect the Regiment or the line that the Company was attached to.
William his x mark Diggs.
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County aforesaid William Diggs of lawful age a Resident of the county and made oath that the matters & things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are the truth according to the best of his recollection at present and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity.
Given under my hand and seal this the 8 th day of September 1838. Isaac Foster J. P. Seal
I George Callis of Mathews County do upon oath Testify and declare That I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransone late a Resident of this county I also know that he belong to the United States service during the Revolutionary War. by sometime in the Early part of the War Captn: Peter Barnard turned out as a recruiting officer For the purpose of getting men to

enlist in the Regular Army and Thomas Ransone enlisted under him and assisted him in getting men to enlist, and after Capt. Barnard had got as many men as he wanted or as he could get he  he organize them into a company and Ransone was some kind of an officer in that company but what kind I do not know no. perhaps it might of  have been a lieutenant and after Capt. Barnard had got his company properly organized he march them of some where and Ransone with him it was said they went to the Hall but That I no nothing of They was gon some two or three years before they returned to this part of the county again after awhile they both Returned here and went into the militia service where They Remained untill the End of The war I do not no the pecu for which the company was mad. up.
his George + Callis. marks crops
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersign a Justice of the peace in and for the said county George Callis of lawful age and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit is the truth according to the best of his Recollection at present and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for honorably veracity
4 in 1838 I upro and Con in P w co I a u c u w 7 u of 17 the

Given under my hand and seal this the 8 th day of September 1838
Isaac Foster I. P. Seal
I George Callis of Mathews County State of Virginia do upon oath make the following statements to wit, that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransone late of this County I also know that he entered the service of the United States in the Spring of 1777 as a lieutenant under Captain Peter Barnard where he continued until the spring fall of 1780 as well as I now recollect in the spring of 1777 Captain Barnard commence making up a Volunteer company and Ransone join him and hoped him to make up the company and after they had obtain as many men as they wanted Barnard was made Captain and Ransone Lieutenant of the Company and after they had gotten the company properly organize they march off and ware gone for some considerable time where to I do not know it was said that they went to the North, they was gone some two or three years after they returned here they Remained in the service until the time of enlistment had expired which I think was in the fall of 1780 they both then left the Regular service and went into the Militia service where they Remained until the end of the

war I know that Ransone was in the Regular service as long as Captain Barnard was for they boath entered the service together and left it at the same time I saw them after they had entered the regular service before they went away and after they had returned and I am satisfied that Ransone was in service as long as Barnard and further this deponent sayeth not.
George his  at  mark Callis.
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County of George Callis a pensioner of the United States and a Resident of this County and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit is correct according to the best of his recollection and belief at present and I do hereby certify that he is a man of good character. Given under my hand and seal this the 16 day of September 1840
W. M. Browne J. P.
I Matthias Gayle of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia and a pensioner of the United States do upon oath make the following

statements medicinal to some made by me before Relative to the services of Lieut: Thomas Ransom in the Revolutionary War, I know that he entered the service of the United States as a Regular Officer in the Spring of 1777 and continued in the same for more than three years he never left the regular service until sometime in the fall of 1780 he was a Lieut: when he left the Regular service and then he went into the Militia service where he continued until the War ended. I saw him after he entered the Army I was well acquainted with him he was attached to the Continental line.
Mathias Gayle.
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Matthias Gayle a Resident of said county and made oath that the foregoing affidavit contains the truth according to the best of his Recollection and I do hereby certify that he is a man of good character.
Given under my hand and seal this 6 th day of April 1840
Isaac Foster J. P.
I Josiah Pugh of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia in

a pensioner of the United States do upon oath make the following Statements medial to some made by me before Relative to the services of Thomas Ransone who was a Lieutenant in the Reg- ular army in the Revolutionary war, I knew and was well acquainted with the said Thomas Ransone we were raised in the same parish and I know that he entered the regular service in the Spring of 1777 and continued in the same for more than three years which I thought I had mentioned in a former deposition which I gave of his services. He entered the service in the Spring of 1777 as Lieutenant under Capt. Barnard and continued in the same until some time in the fall of 1780 at which time he left the regular service and went into the Militia where he continued until the War ended He was Lieutenant when he left the Regular army I saw him after he had enlisted and before he left the service he was attached to the Continental line.
Josiah Pugh.
State of Virginia } Mathews County } to wit.
personally appeared before this day the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said County Josiah Pugh a resident of said County and a pensioner of the United States and made oath that the matters and things set forth by him in the foregoing af- fidavit is the truth according to the best of his Recollection at present

and I do hereby certify that he is a man of character. Given under my hand and Seal this 7 th day of April 1820.
William M. Brownly.
Executive Department
March 19 th 1834.
The heirs of Peter Bernard are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Captain in the continental line for three years the Register will issue a warrant accordingly if not already drawn.
John Floyd.
Teste
J. B. Richardson.
On the thirteenth day of October 1834 a warrant N o 8032 for 250 acres issued to Henningsham C. Copland wife of Charles Copland and niece and one of the heirs of Peter Bernard deceased.
A Copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office.
Teste
S. H. Parker Reg L. Office
Thursday the 17 th day of April 1777.
Ordered that Thomas Ransome be appointed first lieutenant in the county of Gloucester, for continental service, in the room of Mordecai

Cooke, who has failed to recruit his quota of men; and that he receive of the said Cooke his quota of recruiting money.
Bond executed.
Executive Department Richmond V a March 12 1840
The above is copied from the Journal of the Executive of 17 April 1777.
W m H. Richardson Secy Com tee
The Board moreover taking under their consideration the repealed orders of his Excellency for the second Virginia Regiment to march to join the grand army and for the officers belonging to the said Regiment to make returns of their enlistments in order that their Commissions might issue - and notwithstanding such orders it appears that the Officers in many in- stances have failed to make any returns, and others have only recruited only part of their quotas. They do advise the Governor to proceed to the issuing commissions upon such recrews and other documents as are now before the Board in order that the said Regiment may march to Head-Quarters without delay which his Excellency did in manner following; —

   Colonel Date Lieut. Colonel Date Major Date     Gregory Smith 1777 June 20 Chas. Dabney John Lee Feb. 1. 1878   Captains Dates First Lieutenants Dates   James Quarles 1777 Aug. 4 John R. Davis 1777 Feb. 26   Philip Taliaferro " 7 Thomas Minor " 27   Thomas Buford " 8 John Dudley Sept. 22   Henry Gannett Feby. 12 Augustine Tabb Oct. 3 rd   Peter Bernard Apr. 14 Machen Boswell " 6   Benj. Spiller May 9 John Hudson Nov. 17   Henry Dudley Sept. 1 Robert Lovell 1778 March 6   John Lewis Nov. 1 William Long " 7   2 d Lieutenants Dates Ensigns Dates   James Moody Jan. 1 Thomas Boush Mar. 31   Richard Hogg June 26 John Fleet Aug. 31   William Lawson Sept. 7 Gideon Flournoy Sept. 1   Thomas Ransone X Oct. 6 Isaac Holmes " 2   David Biller " 8 John Hardyman " 3   John M c Elhany " 9 John May " 4   Nathaniel Welch Benjamin Edmondson " 22   Levin Walker Dec. 18  

And whereas, it appears to be absolutely necessary, upon the march of the aforesaid Regiment to call in Militia for the protection and defence of this garrison, public stores, magazines, public treasury &c the Board do further advise the Governor to call in one Division of Militia from each of the Counties of New-Kent and Surry to do duty at this post to be relieved once a fortnight by an equal number of militia from adjacent counties.
Copied from Journal of Council of March 19 th 1778.
Executive Department
Richmond V a Aug. 8 1850.
The foregoing is a Copy from the Council Journal of March 19 1778.
W m H. Richardson S y : Com te
Executive Department
Richmond May 19 1858
The foregoing is a true copy of papers on file in this Department.
George W. Munford Secy of the Com te
Ms. A. 9. 2. 6

Matthews Courthouse Virginia
July 2 nd 1858
Sir
Your letter of the 19 th inst. came to hand and the contents have been examined by Mrs Ransone herself, in that letter you stated if Mrs Ransone would produce the family record mentioned by one of the witnesses showing the date of her marriage, a certificate might be issued in her name for twelve months pay as Lieutenant for the services of her late husband Thomas Ransone, this you say is all the thing that is sustained satisfactory from the papers now before you.
But if she could show satisfactory that he served any more than the time mentioned above it should be allowed her. Sir that is impossible, for so far as I can understand any thing about the matter you will not take oral testimony in support of that fact and record testimony cannot be had merely because Mr Ransone failed to settle his account relative to his depreciation pay, if oral testimony would be received as satisfactory evidence it can be furnished. I also understand from Messrs Isaac Smith and William Diggs that they have given a deposition proving that Mr Ransone served six months in the militia service in a minute company as lieutenant under Capt Barnard before he entered the regular service that it seem you have taken no notice of at all. I have enclosed the little book which was kept as a family record by Mr Ransone which you have alluded to in your letter which the births of their childrens names are registered that is her all the family record she has in her possession to show the date of her marriage, the very age of the book carries upon its face the truths which it speaks forth.
Mrs Ransone would thankfully receive any thing which might be justly allowed her from the testimony and hope that you will dispose of the matter

in one way or the other
J. L. Edwards Esqr Washington City Pension Office
I am Very Respectfully yours
William. Stocker for Margaret. Ransom.

Pension Office June 24 th
Thomas Ransom
Papers & Evidence filed in case
No 1 in Brief of Evidence & argument by J Murdaugh, Atty.
"2 in Page 1 st Memorial of Heirs -
" 2 nd - Affidavit of William Diggs, that Thomas Ransom entered Rev d War in 1776 as a Lieut under Capt Peter Barnard in a minute Company of Militia, made up for six months. That after this service had expired, Capt Barnard made up another Company, & with said Thomas Ransom as Lieut marched to the North sometime in the spring or summer of 1777 & returned in spring of 1780, after their return, went into militia &c -
" Affidavits of Mathias  Gale , Josiah Pugh , Isaac Smith , & George Galt corroborate the material facts set forth in said Diggs affidavit -
"3 in County Land warrant for services in Pa State Line 3 years as Lieut -
"4 in Extract from "Journal of

Council of March 19 th 1778 ~ showing that the Genl As ly ordered the 2 nd Va Regt to join the grand army ~ & that Peter Bernard was a Captain & Thomas Ransom 2 nd Lieut in said Regt ~ his Commission dated Oct 6. 1777 "6," "7," "8" & "9" ~ Proof of Neutrality ~ Letters of Adminis- tration & Power of Atty ~ "10" ~ Letter from Atty ~
It also appears from doc "2," that Thomas Ransom was appointed 1 st Lieut for Continental service on the 17 th day of April 1777
Also that Peter Ber- nard was allowed Bony Land as Captain in the Continental Line ~

Anduler Office V a
21. April 1838
Sir
Yours of the 19 inst is rec d , and I have caused due examination to be made in reference to the Revolutionary service of Lieut Ransom. Except the order in Council to which you refer appointing him first Lieutenant — I find no evidence whatever of his service.
Yours very resp y
W. E. Heath
J. L. Edwards mgf

Portsmouth Va. June 5 th 1858
To The Commissioner of Pensions: -
Sir: - As the Attorney for the administrator of Thomas Rausone dec d , who was a Lieut. in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment, during the war of the Revolution, I submit the claim for half pay for life, under the Act of Congress of the 3 rd July 1832.
The following papers are inclosed, which are all that are deemed necessary.
1 st The order of Court granting administration to Billups in the year 1840. 2 nd The certificate of the Court, shewing that Lieut. Thomas Rausone died intestate in May 1818. 3 rd The "Power of Attorney" from Billups to Stokes, and the "Power of Attorney" from Stokes to Mundaugh. 4 th The certificate of the Register of the Land Office of Virginia, shewing that Bounty Land Warrants issued to his heirs in 1854, upon the Executive allowance made the 27 th January 1831. 5 th A copy from the "Executive Journal", shewing the names of the Officers of the Second Virginia Regiment - their rank and date of commissions. 6 th Copies of depositions &c. shewing the service of Lieut. Thomas Rausone.
From the evidence herewith transmitted, there can be no doubt of the justice of this claim, and consequently

no doubt of its allowance by the Commissioner of Pensions. From an examination of Smith's Reports, it will be found, that all or nearly all of the Officers attached to the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment, have received the Bounty Land to which they were entitled; and I presume the records of your office will show, that a large majority of the Officers attached to this regiment, have received the "half pay" to which they were entitled; and every application made for the "half pay" by the representatives of said Officers has received favorable consideration, and been allowed. I have no means of stating this as a fact, but an examination of your records on this point, I believe will establish it to be so. I can however speak confidently of one case, viz, that of Capt. Thomas Breppie, which was allowed by Col: Edwards, when he was commissioner.
The record furnished by the Executive Journal shews that Thomas Ransone was commissioned as a Lieut: on the 6 th October 1777, and the repeated orders for the 2 nd Virginia Regiment to march to join the grand army &c, was the cause of their being commissioned as therein indicated. That this regiment, and the Officers thereunto attached, marched to the North, and performed service cannot be questioned.
I do not deem it necessary to submit an argument to shew the justice of this claim, as it surely is not necessary from the evidence furnished. I therefore respectfully ask for a consideration of this claim, at an early day, as the duties of your office will permit. Will

you be pleased to inform me, about the time you will consider the same, and oblige,
Yours respectfully,
James Mundaugh

envelope of Genl. Thomas Ransom d o for his services in the War of the Revolution
I want copies of all the papers filed in this case, as also a copy of my letter to the Court designating them to postpone any action in the case, as a difficulty had arisen as to who were the true parties or parties entitled. Give me copies of all the papers, I want them immediately to serve in a Chancery suit, which I have a limited time to bring the same - be pleased to let me have them in three or four days, and oblige Yours Respectfully James Allen Dargh N. B. Set copies be certified under seal
Must designate the papers wanted - the letter not among them. Not time

Brasone

(rough Copy)
Pension Office, December 26, 1854.
Sir,
In reply to your verbal enquiries, I have to state that upon investigation I find that under the act of June 18th of 5th July 1832, the uniform practice of this office has been, (and that practice has been sanctioned by an opinion of the Attorney General of the United States ) to regard the person the legal representative of the deceased  the person soldier in virtue of whose services a claim is asserted, as the only person authorized to prosecute such claim, and to receive the amount found to be due, such amount being held to be liable in the same manner as any other assets of a deceased person. Therefore the children of Thomas Ransom, is not sufficient to authorize you to act as the attorney in the prosecution of the claim for half pay alleged to be due in virtue of his services, in the revolutionary war.
I have already stated in my letter to Mr. Evans, of the which has been communicated to you, that the letters of administration obtained by you upon the estate of Ransom, must be considered as void, another administrator having been previously appointed, and his authority never having been revoked. I have only to add that the question of administration, must be decided by the proper legal tribunal in Virginia, before the merits of this case

can be considered.
I enclose, agreeably to your request, the powers of attorney from the children of Ransom to you,
Very respectfully Sc
John P. Straker Esqr
Mathews County Va

(Rough Copy)
Pension Office,
March 2, 1855.
Sir,
In reply to your communication of the 21 st  inst ultimo, in respect to the claim of the heirs of Thomas Rawson for half-pay under the act of July 5, 1832, I have to state that James Mordaugh Esqr of Portsmouth, Virginia, has filed evidence and an argument in the case, and claims that any money may be found to be due, for  than those for whom you act a different administration, and for the benefit of other parties, who claim to be the rightful heirs of the Thomas Rawson, who was the  a soldier in the revolutionary war.
Until this point is settled I am constrained to decline entering into correspondence upon the merits of the claim.
W. A. Billings Esqr Mathews Court House Virginia
Very respectfully Yours H is Servt
Commr

Washington, March 21 st 1854.
Rev. S. P. Waldo Care of Pensions.
We herewith enclose letters of Administration, granted to John P. Stocked in the case of Thomas Ransom, Senr. whose papers are now in the files of your Office under the Act of July 5 th 1832.
Thomas Ransom, was commissioned a Lieut in the 2 nd Va State Regt 6 th Oct 1777 and continued in service until the Winter of 1780. Upon the return of the fragments of the 1 st & 2 nd Va State regts, from the campaigns in the North, the most of the Officers became Supernumerary, and as the exigencies of the service required, and particularly about the time of the siege of York, many of these Officers were in command of the Militia.
This was the case in reference to his Capt Barnard, and also Mr Ransom.
We would not only refer to his papers under the Act of July 5 th , but to those of his widow, who has been pensioned under the Act of 4 th July 1836, and more particularly to the papers now in the files of the Gen Land Office claiming Land Scrip.

The courts of Virginia having decided that • All officers who were in service to the 21 Oct • 1780, who did not resign, or who were not " cashiered, are entitled to half pay for life. And in the case of Mantow 9 th Leigh page 42, it was decided that a resignation was not to be presumed.
The papers on file in the Gen Land Office, show that Thomas Ransom, was in service as a Lieut in the 3 d Va State Reg until the winter of 1780, and if this be the fact he is entitled to the benefits of the Act of July 5 th 1832.
Very respectfully Edwars J. Hart
memorandum

Henry
Hansone

Frank S. Evans late Chief Clerk Pension Office.
Hamilton G. Fant. Missouri.
Evans & Fant, Bankers.
Claims against the Government Collected
Pennsylvania Avenue bet. 4 th and 6 th Street.
Washington, D. C. Sep 11 th 1854.
Dear L. P. Waldo Counsel of Pension of Dear Sir
Sometimes since I have presented what I deemed authority to prosecute the claim of the Heirs of Sign t Thomas Ransom, under the Act of July 5 th 1832.
I have been verbally informed that Mr R. W. Young, was the only properly authorized Agent, of which fact I advised my client.
Mr Hooley has replied to our communication, which I herewith enclose, and have to request full information in relation to the case.
Please return Mr Hooley's letter with your reply.
Very respectfully H. G. Fant per H. S. Evans

Ransom
4 4
[A large, stylized, and illegible scribble or signature.]

Matthews C.A. wa
March 2 nd 1835
Dear Friend,
Since the receipt of your last your letter of 22 nd ult m was duly rec d in which you state it is not in the power of the Government to release the portion which they have agreed to pay me for prosecuting the claim, you further state that the act of July 5 1832, for the recovery of such portions in force, if you have a copy of said act in your office that can be obtained you will make a favor by sending me one at the same time if you know of any legal means for me to recover you will consider a favor by answering me, you will also please inform me what you suppose to be the probable amount of the claim should it pass, you will take care of my power of attorney till you hear from me about them
I am yours with Respect Wm Strother

No 1. Order Granting admin- istration on Est of Thomas Ransom
R

Virginia In Mathews County Court March 1840.
On the motion of William A. Billings who made oath together with Isaac Foster, George S. Evans and James Ransone his securities entered into and acknowledged, a bond in the penalty of $6,000, conditioned according to Law, certificate is granted the said William A. Billings for obtaining letters of administration of the estate of Thomas Ransone decd. in administered by Thomas Ransone St. in due form.
Virginia
Mathews County, Sc.
Shepard G Miller Clerk
of the County Court of Mathews County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Order is truly copied from the Records of the Said Court
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Said Court this 28 th day of May 1838.
Shepard G Miller -

Mathews may 10th 1853- To L P Wood Esq
Sir This will inform you that I received a letter from you some time back in relation to the power of attorney since your execution to me by the heirs of Let Miss Ransom I should of answered the letter before this time but from the fact of my having met with a accident just before I recd your letter from which I lost the use of my right hand From the time of that letter I suppose the claim had passed if it has you will please inform me of the fact and for how much it was passed for or the amount for which the heirs were entitled to receive and whether or not the administration has commenced or not. If the claim has passed and been paid over to any one you will please inform me of the fact you will hold my power of attorney from me from a far
Yours with Respect Isaac Stodden

Know all men by these presents, That I W. A Billings Administrator of Thomas Ransom Esq. (who was an Officer in the State line of Virginia) Do hereby constitute and appoint H. W. Young of Washington D.C. My true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim, as adm r aforesaid, to Halfpenny under the Act of Congress of 5 th July 1832, and fur- ther by these presents to empower my said Attorney to examine any papers on file or records in Washington on the above, touching the case, that he may there- in pursue to further the prosecution of the same. Witness my hand and seal this 19 th day of May 1832.
Witness
W. A. Billings
W. A. Billings Seal
State of Virginia
Mathews County ss
Be it known that on this 19 th day of May 1832 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, personally appeared W. A. Billings and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year above mentioned.
W. M. Brumley J.P. & C.C. Justice of the Peace

General Land Office, April 1 st 1854.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 31 st ultimo requesting the loan of the papers in the case of Lieut. Col. H. H. Hunsicker of the 1 st State Line, I have to state that they are now in the Office of the Reg. at Richwood Va. having been sent to that Office to assist him in the examination of a question of pension. As soon as they are returned, I will with much pleasure forward them to you.
Respectfully E. A. Mendenhall John Wilson Commissaries.
H. Hunsicker Commiss. of Pensions.

I Richard Hurst a Resident of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia do upon oath testify and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom sr. later President of this County I know that he belonged to the United States Service during the Revolutionary war in the early part of the Revolutionary war capt Peter Barnard raised a Volunteer company called Minnis company for the period of six months in which Ransom enlisted and obtained a commission of Lieutenant and served his time out and after his term of enlistment had expired in said company capt Barnard and Ransom commenced making up a another Volunteer company for the period of two or three years I am not certain which I know that it was for not less than two years I think they got as many men as they wanted some time in the spring of 1777 Ransom assisted in making up the company and after it was raised he obtained the appointment of Lieutenant in it some time in the year after they had got their company properly organized they marched to the north together as I understood where they remained until some time in the year of 1779 as well as I recollect at which time they both returned to this County and went into the militia service where they remained until the end of the war.
Richard his Hurst Mark
State of Virginia Mathews County to wit personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Richard Hurst a Resident of said County and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity given under my hand and seal this the 24 th June: 1837.
A. M. Braxton J.P.

Virginia
Mathews County ss
I Shepard G Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews do hereby certify that Augustine W. Bragton Esq. before whom the within affidavit was made, is a Justice of the Peace within County aforesaid, duly commission- ed & qualified, and that his signature hereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 25th day of August 1837.
Shepard G Miller Clerk.

We Isaac Smith, and William Diggs do upon oath testify & declare, that we were acquainted with Thomas Pason, before the Revolution, at and until the time of his death. In the latter part of the summer 1776, or in the early part of the fall, Capt. Peter Barnett made up a Pulaski company called the Minutemen, for the term of six months, in which Thomas Pason enlisted as Lieutenant, and served his term of service: during which we frequently saw him. In the spring 1777, after the aforementioned term of duty, having ex- pired, Capt. Barnett raised another company for a term of two or three years, in which Thomas Pason again enlisted as Lieutenant. Some time after his enlistment, Capt. Barnett marched with his company to the Battle of Brandywine and fought with him, where they remained until the latter part of the year 1777 or the early part of 1778, when they returned to their country, and Capt. Barnett's term having then expired, he took the command of a Militia company, to which Pason continued under his command, but of this we are not positive. The above is according to the best of our recollection at present. Isaac his Smith
William his Diggs
State of Virginia (Mathews County ss 1781. Personally appeared before me Justice of the peace in and for the said County Isaac Smith and William Diggs, and made oath, that the matter and things contained in the fore- going Affidavit contain the truth according to the best of their recollection, and we do hereby certify that they are men who have ever sustained a character for veracity, and that they cannot attend the court by reason of bodily infirmity. Given under my hand and seal this 8 th day of John W. Tyler J.P. Clerk Isaac Foster S.P. Clerk

Virginia - Mathews County Ss.
J. Shepard G. Miller
Court of the County Court of Mathews, do hereby certify that John M. Sale and Isaac Foster before whom the within affidavit was made, are justices of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified according to the Constitution and Laws of this State, and that their
signatures hereto annexed, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 10th day of April 1837.
Shepard G. Miller C.C.

J. Randolph
amend
Verhann Ellis Esq
Washington City
D

Dr Sir
Portsmouth V a May 17 1851
I write you this day quick, and inclosed to you some papers relative to the service of Capt Peter Bernard, bearing on the case of Peter Thos Ransom - I have had all the papers in Bernard's case copied, which are herein inclosed, and if after perusing them you think it advisable or proper to hand them over to the Comt. of Pensions you can do so. The evidence filed connects Ransom's service with that of Bernard, and from the fact that Bernard received his dismission pay as a Continental Officer, and the Executive allowed his heirs Bounty land as a continental Officer - Mr Heath therefore concludes that he was in the Continental Line, and consequently Ransom must have been in the same kind of service. It seems to me the affidavit of Almon Denslow (which you will find among the number) as conclusive that Bernard was in the 2 nd V a State Regt, he states that he was in the Regt commanded by Col Brent or 2 nd V a State Regt. If I am not mistaken, Denslow states he was a soldier in Asahel Boswell's company & marched that is his company with the company of Peter Bernard to the North. Was not Boswell an officer in 2 nd V a Regt - It seems to me the recent evidence showing that they were commissioned as officers in the 2 nd V a State Regiment, the affidavit of Denslow, and the account of July 29 th 1779 in which he is acknowledged to be a Capt in 2 nd V a State Regt. must be sufficient to satisfy a reasonable gentleman like our friend Heath. I am exceedingly anxious to have this claim decided - therefore prop. it, as I do not see how it can be rejected. I wrote you respecting two or three other claims but have not heard from you.
Yours Respectfully James M c Clough

W. A. Billings in reference to Mrs. Margaret Ransom
Margaret Ransom on the 7 th Roll under the act of 1836.
Mathew C. Bell March 20 th
Paris 5-
R. W. Young Esqr
Washington D.C.
Q 6 R. W. Young Present April 5-57

Mathews Court House Va mar 15 th 1887
Dear Sir:
Your letter to Mrs Margaret Ransone of the 13 th of Sept Last was rec d (respecting her portion) I wrote you a letter immediately informing you that she was dead, and that she had left five children and some grand children also that we thought you charged too much as you had not to take the claim at the beginning and also that the form of the letter at the bottom of your letter to the commissioner would not do for the heirs or children to sign here and I respectfully requested an answer but have not as yet rec d one. and therefore conclude that you have not rec d my letter If you did not receive my letter, and should receive this please to write to me the lowest percent you will undertake the claim for. I have been talking with the parties and they are willing that you should  that you undertake the claim we will attend to the getting all affidavits certificates of heirship that you may want from her, and any evidence that you may point out and forward them all to you &c I shall wait in expectation
Very respectfully your ob t servant
W. A. Billings

I know all men by these presents that we William Roberts and Richard Roberts heirs at law of the late Richard who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolu- tion; do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Bro. Stowe of the county of northern district and lawful attorney for us to ask for commands and receive from the commissioners of pensions at Washington city or any other officer who may be authorized to give a warrant in our favor to which he may be entitled to for the services of the aforesaid Bro. Stowe within a half of a cent per day, and we agree to pay our said attorney Bro. Stowe one fourth part of all the amount which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the pro- secution of our right and the power shall be irrevocable as witness our hand and seal the 2 nd day of February - 1834
Wm Roberts (seal) Richard Roberts (seal)
State of Virginia Norfolk county Court This day William Roberts personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the plan and for said county and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed known under my hand and seal the 2 nd day of February 1834
Robert Dickson J.P. Clerk "

State of Virginia Gloucester county to wit This day Richard Roberts personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for The said county and State and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed Given under my hand and seal this 6 th day of July 1837
Jonathan Smith

I know all men by these presents that I James Ransone heir at Law of Thomas Ransone who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution do hereby nominate consti- tute and appoint John D. Stooke of the County of Mathews my true and Lawful attorney for me to ask for demand and recei- ve from the Commissioners of Pensions at Washington city or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a warrant in my favour to which I may be intitled to for the service of the aforesaid Thomas Ransone either as half or Computation pay and I agree to pay my said attorney John D. Stooke one fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for me to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of my right witness my hand and seal This The 26 th day of December 1854 James Ransone (Seal)
State of Virginia county of Lancaster to wit This day James Ransone personally appeared before me Richd Mitchell a justice for the county aforesaid in my county and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed given under my hand and seal this 26 th day of December 1854 Richd Mitchell J.P. Seal

Know all me by these presents that We Thomas Ash
knows at law of Thomas Ransome who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John P. Straker of the County of Mathews our true and lawful attorney for us to ask for demand and receive from the Commissioners of Pensions at Washington City or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a Warrant in our favor to which we may be entitled to for the services of the aforesaid Thomas Ransome either as half or Computation Pay, and we agree to pay our said attorney John P. Straker one fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of our right and the power shall be irrevocable as Witness our hand and seals this 4 th day of December 1854.
Eugene A. Dutton
Thos. Ash
State of Virginia Gloucester county to wit
This day Thomas Ash personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and was ind acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed Given under my hand and seal this 4 th day of December 1854
H. G. Bridges J.P.

Mrs Johnston Powerfully
am

I now all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Johnston hereat last of Thomas Rankin who was a lieutenant in the war of the rebel Revolution, do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John P. Stokes of the County of Mathews Mytime and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to ask for payment and receive from the commission of pension at Washngton City or any other officer who may be authorized to issue a warrant in my favor to which I may be intitled to for the services of the aforesaid Thomas Rankin within a half or computation pay and due. I agree to pay said attorney John P. Stokes one fourth part of all the amount which he may receive for me to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of my right and the favor shall be allowable as to keep my hand and Seal this day 1884
Test John P. Stokes
Elizabeth Johnston (S)
State of Virginia Gloucester County to wit The day Elizabeth Johnston personally appeared before me B.B. Dutton a justice of the peace in and for the said county and then acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed Given under my hand and Seal this day of 1882 B.B. Dutton J.P.

Know all men by these presents that we William A. Ransom and Thomas R. Ransom heirs at law of Thomas Ransome who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John D. Strathers of the County of Mathews, our true and lawful attorney for us to ask for demand and receive from the Commissioners of Pensions at Washington City or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a warrant in our favour to which we may be entitled to for the services of the aforesaid Thomas Ransome either as half or competition pay. (And we agree to pay our said attorney John D. Strathers the fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of our right and the power shall be irrevocable as Witness our hands and Seals this 18 th day of Oct. 1854
W. A. Ransom Seal Thos R. Ransom Seal
State of Virginia Mathews County to Wit. This day Mr. A. Ransome and Thomas R. Ransome personally appeared before me W. G. Lane a justice of the peace in and for said County and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their act and deed given under my hand and Seal this 18 th day of Oct. 1854
W. G. Lane Seal

Know all men by these presents that we James Gayn also Caroline Gayn being at law of Thomas Ransome who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution do hereby nominate constitute and appoint John D. Strates of the County of Mathews over time and lawful attorney for us to ask for annuities and recd from the Commissioners of Pensions at Washington City, or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a warrant in our favor to which we may be entitled to for the services of the aforesaid Thos Ransome either as half or competition pay, and we agree to pay our said attorney John D. Strates one fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of our right and this power shall be irrevocable as Witness our hands and seals this 17 th day of Oct 1854. James H. W. Gayn Caroline Gayn
State Virginia Giles County To Wit. This day James Gayn and Caroline Gayn personally appeared before me F. G. Bridges a justice of the peace in and for said County and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their act and deed given under my hand and seal this 17 th day of Oct. 1854 F. G. Bridges

Lawrence
Sam Penn

do hereby Nominate constitute and appoint John P. Stuckes of the County of Matthews and State of Virginia our true and lawful attorney for us to ask for demand and receive from the commissioners of pensions at Washington City or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a warrant in our favour to which we may be entitled to for the survivors of the aforesaid Thomas Hansum either as half or compensating pay and we agree to pay our said attorney John P. Stuckes one fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expenses in the prosecution of our rights and this power shall be irrevocable as witness our hands and seals this 19 th day of October 1854
Geo P. Coomical
Frances Evans (seal)
Elizabeth Howard (seal)
State of Virginia Matthews County
To wit This day Geo P. Coom Frances Evans and Elizabeth Howard personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for said county and acknowledged the foresaid power of attorney to be their act and deed given under my hand and seal this 19 th day of October 1854
Albert Digg P.P. (seal)

7 ~ Transore

Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Ransome, Wm F Ransome & Edward Ransome & James H Ransome are held and firmly bound unto The Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars for the payment whereof well and truly to be made to the said Commonwealth of Virginia, we bind ourselves, our heirs, ex- ecutors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this, 7 th day of October 1850.
The Condition of the above obligation is, that if the said Thomas Ransome administrator of Thomas Ransome deceased who was a Lieut: in the 2 nd Vir- ginia State Regiment in the war of the Rebellion shall faithfully discharge his duties as such administrator, then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force.
Thos Ransome. Seal Wm F Ransome Seal Jas H Ransome Seal Edward Ransome Seal by Thos Ransome his attorney
At a Court held for Gloucester County at the Court House on Monday the 7 th day of October 1850 this bond was in open Court acknowledged by the obligors to be their act and deed and order to be recorded. Test John R. Carey Clerk

At a court held for Shenandoah county at the Court House on Monday the 7 th day of October 1850
On motion of Thomas Ransome (with the consens of the distributees) adminis- tration is granted him on the estate of Thomas Ransome dec d who was a Lieu- tenant in the Second Virginia State Re- giment during the war of the Revolu- tion, who made will and together with W m F Ransome, James H Ransome, and Edward Ransome (by Thomas Ransome his attorney in fact) entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of Ten Thousand Dollars, payable and conditional as the law directs, which bond is ordered to be recorded
On satisfactory evidence produced before it, the Court doth Certify that Thomas Ransome who was a Lieutenant in the Second Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution died on the 18 th day of April 1818.
State of Virginia } Shenandoah County } ss
I, John R. Clegg Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do Certify that the foregoing are true Co- pies from the records in the Clerk's office of the said County Court
In testimony whereof

I have herunto subscribed my name as Clerk afore- said and affixed the seal of the said Court this 8 th day of October 1850 in the 75 th year of the Common- wealth
John R. Loney Clk

Lawrence

Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Green & Mary A. Green his wife heirs at law of Thomas Ransome as hereby who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution as herein Nominate constitute and appoint John P. Stokes of the County of Matthews our true and lawfull attorney for us to ask for annuities and receive from the Commissioners of pensions at Washington City or any other officers who may be authorized to issue a warrant in our favour to which we may be entitled to for the services of the aforesaid Thomas Ransome either as half or competitor pay, and we agree to pay our said attorney John P. Stokes one fourth part of all the amounts which he may receive for us to compensate him for his trouble and expense in the prosecution of our right and the power Shall be irrevocable as witness our hands and Seals this 19 th day of October 1854.
Thomas Green (Seal)
Mary A. Green (Seal)
State of Virginia Matthews County to wit This day Thomas Green & Mary A. Green his wife personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County and acknowledged the foresaid power of attorney to be their act and deed given under my hand and Seal this 19 th day of October 1854
Albert Digg J.P. (Seal)

Ransom 8 adw s.
to } Power of Attorney
Murdaugh

Know all men by these presents, that I, Thomas Ransom of the County of Gloucester in the State of Virginia administrator of Thomas Ransom deceased who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, and Lieutenant in the second Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint James Mendenhall of the Town of Portsmouth, County of Norfolk and State of Virginia my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name and stead to ask, demand and receive of and from the government of the United States, Commissioner of Pensions, Secretary of the Treasury or such other officer of the said Government as may be appointed for that purpose, such sum or sums of money as is or may be due as administrator as aforesaid, for the half pay or commutation pay and interest thereon due and owing for the services of the said Thomas Ransom Lieutenant as aforesaid in the War aforesaid. Full power and authority is hereby vested in my said Attorney to do and perform every thing in the premises in as full and ample a manner as I could do, if I were personally present, at the doing thereof; and I hereby agree to pay to the said James Mendenhall my Attorney one third part of whatsoever sum may be received by him as aforesaid, which is to be in lieu of his services, and for a lien on which this power of attorney shall be invariable: Hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney shall do in the premises by virtue hereof. Witness my hand and seal this 8 day of October 1850
Thos Ransom
State of Virginia
Gloucester County to Wit
This day Thomas Ransom administrator of Thomas Ransom deceased who was a Lieutenant in the second Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be his act and deed. Given under my hand & seal this 8 day of October 1850
Ino A B Thornton J.P.

State of Virginia } Gloucester County } ss.
I John R. Burg clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John A. D. Thompson esq before whom the within power of attorney was acknowledged was at the time of subscribing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as clerk aforesaid and affixed the seal of the said County Court this 8 th day of October 1850 in the 75 th year of the Commonwealth.
John R. Burg. Clk

In a Court held for Mathews County, at the Court house thereof, on Monday the 11 th day of July in the Year 1853.
Satisfactory evidence was this day produced in Court to prove the following facts, to wit: That Thomas Hanson who is reputed to have been Lieutenant in the State line in the revolutionary war of the United States with Great Britain died intestate in the county of Mathews State of Virginia, on or about the year _____ leaving the following children, to wit: Thomas, Daniel, Henry, James, Martha, Lucy, Frances and Elizabeth. Thomas Hanson died leaving no issue & intestate. That Daniel died intestate leaving the following children, to wit: Caroline, Lucy, William A, Thomas R, Mary & Martha, that they are all of the children of said Daniel and are of the age of twenty one years, that Caroline intermarried with James Gwyn, Lucy with Thomas Ash & Mary with Thomas Green and that all of said children are now living, that Henry died intestate leaving no issue. That James died intestate leaving the following children, to wit: Susan, James, & Elizabeth, that Susan intermarried with James A Oliver both of whom are now dead leaving an infant H m Oliver, that James A Oliver died leaving a will and his son his sole heir, M rs Oliver died intestate, that Elizabeth intermarried with Thomas Johnson, that she and James are of the age of twenty one years and still living. That Martha intermarried with John B. Roberts both of whom are now dead, M r Roberts left a will making all his children equal heirs, M rs Roberts died intestate, that she left the following children, to wit: Thomas, William, Richard, & Martha and that these are all the children of said Martha, that Thomas died intestate leaving the following children, to wit: John, William, George & Thomas, all of whom are infants, that William is still living and of the age of twenty one years, and that Richard is still living and of the age of twenty one years, Martha died an infant; - That Lucy intermarried with W m A. Phillips both of whom are still living and of the age of twenty one years, Frances intermarried with George P. Evans both of whom are still living & of the age of twenty one years. That Elizabeth intermarried with James W. Howard who is now dead, and that she is still living and of the age of twenty one years. And that these are the heirs and only heirs of the aforesaid Thomas Hanson dec d Lieutenant as aforesaid who resided and died in the county of Mathews.
Close
Teste
Shepard G Miller C.M.B.

Virginia. Mathews County ss.
I Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the within order is truly copied from the Records of the County Court of Mathews in the State aforesaid -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court, this 2nd day of April A. D. 1855 -
Shepard G. Miller C.M.

I James Ransom a Resident of the County of Mathews and state of Virginia do upon Oath testify and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late a Resident of the County and was well acquainted with his hand Writing and I am very certain that the hand Writing in the Old prayer Book where the names of the Children are Registered which he had by his wife Margaret which the Magistrates have alluded to in their certificate is the hand Writing of Thomas Ransom deceased.
Given under my hand and seal this 24 th day of July 1837- J. Ransom.
State of Virginia Mathews County to wit personally appeared before me the under sign a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid James Ransom a Resident of said County and made Oath that the foregoing Affidavit contains the truth and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity given under my hand and seal this the 24 th day of July 1837- Edm. Jones W.P. Lead.
Virginia
Mathews County Se
I, Richard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews do hereby certify that Edmund Jones Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, is a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned & qualified and that his signature hereunto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 25 th day of August 1837-
Richard G. Miller C

Margaret Ransom Widow of Thomas Ja Roll. act. 1836.
James P. ...
James P. ...
L. W. Young att

State of Virginia
County of Mathews } ss:
Be it known, that on the 8 th day of September A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Lucy Billings and made oath according to law, that she is the child of Margaret Ransom deceased—widow of Thomas Ransom (who was an officer of the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160. per annum; that she has reason to believe that the said pension ought to be increased; and that she is directly interested in the same, and makes this affidavit to be filed by her attorney, with any additional evidence or arguments he may deem necessary in the prosecution of said claim.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me,
Thomas M. Hensley
Justice of the Peace.
Lucy Billings
State of Virginia
County of Mathews } ss:
Be it known, that before me, Thomas M. Hensley —a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Lucy Billings who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that she is the child of Margaret Ransom deceased, widow of Thomas Ransom (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160. per annum, that she now makes this declaration to recover any increase and arrears of pension, that may be due, on account of the services of Thomas Ransom as aforesaid, for the benefit of herself and surviving children under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case.
Sworn and subscribed this 8 th day of September 1851, before me,
Thomas M. Hensley
Justice of the Peace.
Lucy Billings
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Lucy Billings child of Margaret Ransom deceased, widow of Thomas Ransom (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) do hereby constitute and appoint Robert W. Young, Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim to any increase and arrears of pension that may be found due on account of the services of said Thomas Ransom as aforesaid; and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim, on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere, and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper, to ensure the recovery of the same.
Witness my hand and seal this 8 th day of September A. D. 1851.
Signed and sealed in the presence of
WITNESS,
John R. Green Thomas Green
WITNESS,
Lucy Billings
{L.S.}
State of Virginia
County of Mathews } ss:
On this 8 th day of September A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Lucy Billings and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Thomas M. Hensley — Justice of the Peace.
State of Virginia
County of Mathews } ss:
Be it known, that on the 8 th day of September A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared William D. White and William H. Stokes two disinterested and respectable witness, and made oath according to law, that they were well acquainted with Margaret Ransom deceased, widow of Thomas Ransom (who was an officer in the Revolutionary War,) and that Lucy Billings, Francis Evans, and Elizabeth Homan are her only surviving children. And that she the said Margaret Ransom departed this life on the 12 th day of February A. D. 1840.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me,
Thomas M. Hensley
Justice of the Peace.
William D. White W. H. Stokes
I Shepard G. Miller clerk of the County Court in the County of Mathews and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Thomas M. Hensley Esq. before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and his name thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 11 th day of October A. D. 1851.
Shepard G. Miller

Know all men by these presents, that I William A. Billings, administrator of Thomas Ransone deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Line in the War of the Revolution, have made ordained, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make ordain, constitute and appoint William Stokes of the County of Mathews in the State of Virginia my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name as administrator as aforesaid, to ask, demand and receive of and from the Commissioners of Pensions of the United States government, or of any other office of the said government, the Half pay for life, or commutation pay, due for the services of the said Thomas Ransone deceased as Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, or any sum or sums of money which may be due for the services of the said Lieutenant Thomas Ransone deceased as aforesaid, in virtue of the laws in such cases made and provided; with power also one or more Attorneys under him to make and substitute, and to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the premises, in as full and ample a manner as I could do, as if I were personally present: Hereby ratifying all and whatsoever my said Attorney, or substitute or substitutes, shall do in the premises by virtue hereof. And I hereby covenant to pay to the said Attorney as aforesaid ten per cent on the amount which may be received as aforesaid, and for the payment of which this power of Attorney shall be a lien. Witness my hand and seal this 10th day of May in the year one Thousand eight hundred and fifty eight
William A Billings
Ex 28 Recd
State of Virginia
Mathews County to Wit
I W. M. Browne a justice of the peace in and for the County of Mathews in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that William A. Billings administrator of Thomas

Ransom declared personally appeared before me, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed. Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight
W. M. Bromley Virginia. Mathews County ss.
Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County of Mathews in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that William M. Bromley Esq before whom the foregoing acknowledgment was made is now & was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereunto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this 11th day of May 1858 — Shepard G. Miller

Ransom 2
Papers (Evidence) Ransom
Proof of Evidence
Ransom

1 To his Excellency Dairo Campbell Governor of Virginia - and the Honorable Council -
Your petitioner James Ransom one of the heirs at law of Lt Thomas Ransom late of the Continental service of the army of the Revolution, respectfully represents to your Excellency and the Honorable Council, that his father Thomas Ransom entered the service early in 1777. that he received his appointment as Lieutenant, from the Honorable Council early in that year - he believes and as he have been informed about the middle of April - but of these matters he prays your Excellency to have the Journal examined about that period. I am certain however from what I have heard my father say and from the report of tradition & the neighborhood, that he entered the service about that period and served in the Continental line of the army from three to four years and afterwards served a considerable time in the Militia. Your petitioner has been informed that Capt Barnard has received bounty land Lt Ransom entered the service at or about the same period as Capt Barnard with whom he served, and quitted the service at the same period as I have been informed. He further represents to your Excellency & the Honorable Council, the heirs of Lieutenant Ransom have never received land bounty, and pray that an order may be issued allowing it, should your Excellency & the Honorable Council be satisfied that the claim is just. In support of which he herewith files the affidavits of W m Doye, Matthias Gayle, Sarah Pugh, Isaac Smith & George Wallis, all of them men of veracity and respectability. He prays that the petition and evidence filed may receive the honorable consideration of your Excellency and the honorable Council - and that land bounty be allowed as prayed for - & Your petitioner will ever pray &c. Jas Ransom

one of the heirs at law of Revd. Thomas Ransom of the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution.
State of Virginia - Mathews County, to wit,
This day Jas. Ransom one of the heirs at law of Rev. Thomas Ransom of the army of the Revolution personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid and made oath, that the foregoing petition subscribed by him contains the truth to the best of her knowledge and belief, - and I further certify that she is a credible witness and that her statement is entitled to full credit. Given under my hand and seal this 22 nd day of September 1838
W. M. Brownly J.P. [Seal]
I William Duggs of the county of Mathews & State of Virginia, do upon oath testify and declare that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late a resident of this county; we were boys together and I also know that he entered the service of the United States as a officer in the revolutionary war, in the year of 1776 under Capt. Peter Barnard who commanded a militia company that Company was called a minuteman Company and was made up for the period of six months. Ransom was first Lieutenant in that Company under Barnard and after the time had expired for which that Company was made up for Capt. Peter Barnard commenced making up another voluntary Company for the period of three years, as well as I now recollect and Ransom joined him in doing so, & after they had got as many men as they wanted, they organized them into a Company & Ransom was Lieutenant, in that Company too I think that they finished making up the Company sometime in the latter part of the Spring, or the early part of the summer of 1777 - I saw them both frequently

whilst they was making up the Company & afterwards, and sometime after the Company was made up, Capt Barnard marched it off for the north, and Ransom with him, where they remained until the winter of 1780. I think I do not know whether or no they was all the time to the south but they was somewhere from about here, and after they returned here and the time for which the Company was made up having expired, they both went into the militia service, where they continued until the end of the war. I do not recollect the Regiment or the line that the Company was attached to.
William D Deyo Esq
State of Virginia - Mathews County to wit:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said County, affirmed William Deyo of lawful age, a resident of the County, and made oath, that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are the truth according to the best of his recollection at present - and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity.
Given under my hand and seal this the 8 th day of September 1838.
Isaac Foster J.P. Esq
I Mathews Gayle of Mathews County State of Virginia depose upon oath, testify, and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late a resident of this County, and also knew that he belonged to the United States service during the Revolutionary war - he entered the service in 1776 under Capt Peter Barnard, who commanded a volunteer Company which he had made up for service - it was called a minuteman Company, and after

the time for which that Company was made up, had expired, Capt. Peter Barnard raised another volunteer Company for the period of three years - in which Thomas Ransom again enlisted - I think he held a commission as Lieutenant, under Capt. Barnard in both of the above mentioned periods of service - I think that Capt. Barnard got his quota of men under the last period of service some time in the latter part of the Spring or the early part of the summer of 1777, and after the Company was made up, Capt. Barnard marched off for the north, and Ransom with him where they remained until the winter of 1780, as well as I now recollect, at which time they both returned to this County together, and after the time for which the Company was made up had expired, they both went into the militia service, where they continued until the end of the war. I do not recollect at this time whether or no the Company was attached to the State or Continental Line, nor neither do I recollect the number of the Regt. that they belonged to.
Mathias Gayle,
State of Virginia - (Mathias Gayle being first Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said County, Mathias Gayle of lawful age, a resident of said County, and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavits, are the truth according to the best of his recollection at present and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity - Given under my hand seal , this the day of 5 th Sep r 1838.
WM. B. Brien, J P Seal

I Isaiah Pugh of the County of Mathews and State of Virginia, do upon oath testify and declare that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late a resident of this County. - I also know that he belong to the United States service during the revolutionary war - in the early part of the war, as well as I now can recollect, Peter Barnard a resident of this County, turned out for the purpose of getting men to enlist, in the service of the United States, and Thomas Ransom above named enlisted under Barnard and helped him to get men to enlist in the service, and after Capt. Barnard had got as many men as he wanted or as many as he could get, he organized them into a Company - and I think Ransom was an officer in that Company. I think he was first Lieutenant, and after the Company had been made up for some time - Capt. Barnard march of some where it was said to the North, and Ransom with him where they continued for two or three years, I do not know the exact time the Company was made up for, but I think it was made up for three years - and after Barnard & Ransom returned to this County, they both went into the Militia service where they continued until the end of the war - I do not know the time nor the Regt that the Company was attached to, Capt. Barnard commanded a militia Company before he turned out to make up a volunteer Company above mentioned.
Isaiah Pugh " )
State of Virginia Mathews County to wit -
Presently appears before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Isaiah Pugh of lawful age, a resident of this County, and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit, are the truth, to the best of his recollection at present -

and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity. Given under my hand and seal this 8 th day of September 1828.
W. M. Drownley S. P. [unclear]
I Isaac Smith who was born and raised in Gloucester County, Kingston Parish, new Brunswick County, do upon oath testify and declare that I now & was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom who was born and raised in this parish - we were boys together. I also knew and was well acquainted with Peter Barnard who resided in this county. Some time in the Fall of 1776. Peter Barnard raised a volunteer Company for the period of six months, called a minuteman Company, in which Thomas Ransom enlisted and obtained the appointment of Lieutenant, - and after that term of enlistment had expired Capt. Peter Barnard commencing making up another volunteer Company for the period of three years in which Thomas Ransom again enlisted, and hope to get the quantity of men; and after the Company was made up, Ransom obtained a Commission as Lieutenant I think. They got as many men as they wanted in the spring of 1777. I do not recollect whether or no the Company was made up under the State or Continental line tho' I think it was made up under the Continental line - I do not know the Regt it was attached to. Some time after Capt. Barnard had got his Company fully organized he marched them off to the north as I understand and Ransom with him where they remained until the winter of 1779 or 80. I am not certain which. Then they both returned to this county and the time of their enlistment having expired, they both went in the militia service where they continued until the end of the war.
Isaac Smith

State of Virginia - Mathews County to wit.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for the said County, Isaac Smith of lawful age a resident of said County and made oath that the matters and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit are the truth according to the best of his recollection at present - and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for veracity.
Given under my hand and seal this the 28 th day of August 1838.
W. M. Brownlee E.D.P.
I George Wallis of Mathews County do upon oath testify and declare that I was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late a resident of this County - I also knew that he belonged to the United States since during the revolutionary war - Some time in the early part of the war Capt. Peter Barnard turned out as a recruiting officer for the purpose of getting men to enlist in the regular army - and Thomas Ransom enlisted under him and assisted him in getting men to enlist - and after Capt. Barnard had got as many men as he wanted or as he could get, he organized them into a Company and Ransom was some kind of an officer in that Company, but what kind I do not know, perhaps it might be a Lieutenant - & after Capt. Barnard had got his Company properly organized, we marched then off some where and Ransom with him - it was said they went to the north, but that I know nothing of - they were gone some two or three years before they returned to this part of the County, again - after a while they both returned here and went into the

Military service where they remained until the end of the war. I do not know the period for which the Company was made up.
George his X Callis unf.
State of Virginia - Mathews County to wit,
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for the said County, George Callis of lawful age, and made oath that the matter and things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit is the truth according to the best of his recollection at present, - and I do hereby certify that he is a man who has ever sustained a character for honesty.
Given under my hand & seal this the 8 th day of September 1888.
Isaac Foster J.P. Esquire
I George Callis of Mathews County State of Virginia do upon oath make the following statement to wit - that I knew and was well acquainted with Thomas Ransom late of the County - I also knew that he entered the service of the United States in the Spring of 1861 as a Lieutenant under Capt Peter Barnard where he continued until the fall of 1860 or well as I now recollect. In the spring of 1861 Capt Barnard commenced making up a volunteer company and Ransom join him - and after they had obtained as many men as they wanted Barnard was made Captain and Ransom Lieutenant of the Company - and after they had gotten the Company properly organized they march off and were gone for some considerable time where to I do not know - it was said that they went to the North - they were gone some two or three years after they returned home, they remained in the service until the time of enlistment had expired, which I think

was in the fall of 1780. They both then left the regular service where they remained until the end of the war. I know that Ransom was in the regular service as long as Capt Barnard was, for they both entered the service together and left it at the same time. I saw them after they had entered the regular service before they went away and after they had returned, and I am satisfied that Ransom was in service as long as Barnard. Not further this deponent saith not.
George his Callis crp.
State of Virginia Mathews County to wit.
Personal appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the said County, George Callis, a prisoner of the United States, and a resident of this County, and made oath that the matter & things as set forth by him in the foregoing affidavit is correct according to the best of his knowledge at present. And I do hereby certify that he is a man of good character. Given under my hand & seal this the 16 th day of September 1840.
W. M. Brownley J.P.
I wish the rest of the papers examined which is in connection with them.
The testimony set forth that S t Ransom enlisted under Capt Barnard and went off to the north with him and returned with him. Of course he must have returned rendered the same kind of service that Capt Barnard did.

Thursday the 17 th day of April 1777
Ordered that Thomas Ransome be appointed first lieutenant in the County of Gloucester, for Continental service, in the room of Mordecai Cook, who has failed to recruit his quota of men; and that he receive of the said Cook his quota of recruiting money. Bond executed.
Executive Department
Richmond 10 th March 12 1840
The above is copied from the Journals of the Executive of 17 th April 1777
W m H Richardson Sec y Com te
Executive Department
March 19 1834
The heirs of Peter Bernard are allowed land bounty for his services as a Captain in the Continental line for three years. The Register will issue a warrant accordingly if not already drawn.
W m H Richardson
John Floyd
On the thirteenth day of October 1834, a warrant No. 8032 for 250 acres issue to Heningham C. Copland wife of Charles Copland, a niece and one of the heirs of Peter Bernard dec d .
A copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office.
Teste
J. H. Parker Reg. R. Office

Executive Department Richmond Va. Mar. 23. 1850
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of papers filed in this department.
Wm H Richardson Secy

The Memorial of Thomas Ransom administrator of Thomas Ransom deceased who was a Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment during the War of the Revolution
Your memorialist begs leave to state that Thomas Ransom was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment on the 5 th day of October 1777, as appears by a certificated copy of the Journal of the Executive Council of Virginia, marked (A.) and prayed to be considered as a part of this memorial. This extract from the Journal of the Executive Council of March 19 th 1778 is conclusive he was a Lieutenant in the 2 nd V a State Regiment, and it shows further that repeated calls had been made on the Governor for the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment to march to join the Grand Army , and that the militia from the Counties therein named, was called in to supply the place of this Regiment. The testimony is also conclusive. See the Affidavits of William Duggs and Matthias Gayle
Prave that they were boys together with Thomas Ransom, and knew him well - That Capt. Bernard and Lieutenant Thomas Ransom were officers of a Minute Company raised in 1776 for a six months service - After the termination of this service Bernard and Ransom commenced raising or recruiting a Company in the latter part of the Spring or early part of the Summer of 1777 - That the said Officers with their company went to the North , and did not return until the winter of 1780 -
Isaiah Pugh
His testimony is in accordance with the testimony of Duggs & Gayle
Isaac Smith
His testimony is to the same effect as above. The facts of the case are as follows - That Thomas Ransom entered the service as a Lieutenant in a Minute Company in 1776, and served for Six months, the period of its enlistment. After the termination of this service, he entered into the Second Virginia State Regiment in the Spring or Summer of 1777, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the said Regiment , and that he marched to the North with the said Regiment , and did not return until the winter of 1779 or 1780 when the said Regiment was disbanded , and Lieutenant Ransom becoming a supernumerary, and therefore entitled to all the benefits and emoluments as if he had served in the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment to the close of the War. The evidence is conclusive that he entered the service in the Spring of 1777 , in the Second Virginia State Regiment and that he continued in the service of the said Regiment until it was disbanded . History proves the fact that the second Virginia State Regiment marched to the North to join the Continental Army and remained with it, until the said Regiment was  disbanded .

There is a perfect co- of incidence between the testimony of the witnesses with the said evidence, that is with the extract from the Journal of the Executive Council herewith filed as a part of this memorial. The Affidavits contained in paper B are also filed, and prayed to be considered as a part of this memorial.
The evidence furnished proves that Lieut. Thomas Ransom served in the Second Virginia State Regiment, at the North and returned with it to Virginia, when it was disbanded. Then the testimony of the witnesses, and the Journal of the Executive Council, is established by the subsequent history of the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment - after the 2 nd Virginia State Regiment was disbanded, he entered into the service of the militia and continued therein until the end of the War (See all the affidavits.)
In May 1780, the General Assembly passed an act authorizing the Governor to call out any number of Militia not exceeding Twenty Thousand, and provided that the officers should be chosen in the Counties, or from the Officers who had acquired experience in the Regular service (10 Hen. Stat. 310). In September 1780 Col. Hunter advertised for "such officers as were willing to re-enter the service to report themselves, &c". Is it not conclusive that Lieut. Ransom entered the Militia service by virtue of such call - and continued in service until the end of the War.
From the evidence submitted, your memorialist prays for the allowance of the half pay for life of the said Lieut. Ransom from the end of the War to the 18 th day of April 1818 the time of his death.
James Mendenhall
Attorney for Thomas Ransom widow of Tho Ransom decd
Petersburg Va Oct 11 th 1850
B. L. Edwards Esq Counsel of Petitioner

(12) V706. 3. Dec.
Re: from John Borman 29 Nov & filed 2 nd Dec. 1836 by F. A. Dickinson.
Margaret Ransom
wid of Thos Ransom Jr
M Married 1777
Died 1817
Allow Genl. 12 mo p . $100 per ann. comf. March 4. 1838.
Send cert. of claim and Matthew C. H. Jr

We William Diggs aged 70 years and Isaac Smith aged 75 years, do upon oath testify and declare, that we knew Thomas Ransome in or about the year 1776, which was about the commencement of the Revolutionary War. We think he was married in the year 1777. We were not acquainted with the lady whom he married, but think her name was Margaret Gwynn. She has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband Thomas Ransome, which we think happened in the year 1818. In the year 1778 Capt Peter Barnett raised a Volunteer company called the Abner company for the term of six or twelve months in which Thomas Ransome enlisted and served the term of enlistment as Lieutenant. After the Abner company had served its term of enlistment Capt. Barnett raised another Volunteer company for the term of either two or three years, in which Thomas Ransome again enlisted and served the term of enlistment as Lieutenant. In the time of the last enlistment, and service, the company marched to the North, served some time there, and returned to the County. After the last mentioned company had served its time of enlistment Capt Barnett took command of a militia company and we think Thomas Ransome served under him again as Lieut. and so continued until the end of the war. William Mr Diggs Isaac Mr Smith
State of Virginia Mathews Cty to Wit: Nov. 8 th 1836. Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for and in the County aforesaid William Diggs and Isaac Smith residents in said County and State and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit contains the truth to the best of their knowledge and belief. And they do hereby certify that they are men of veracity and that I believe they are of the age set forth above. Wm M c Brownly J.P. Clerk

Virginia
Mathews County S c .
Shepard M c Geer
Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that William M c Brannan Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavits were made, is a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signatures, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Court the 10 th day of November 1836
S c M c Geer C lerk .

The Board moreover taking under this consideration the repeated orders of His Excellency for the Second Virginia Regiment to march, to join the grand army - and for the Officers belonging to the said Regiment to make returns of their enlistments in order that their commissions might issue, and notwithstanding such orders it appears that the Officers in many instances have failed to make any returns, and others have only returned part of their quotas - They do advise the Governor to forward to the issuing commissions upon such returns and other documents as are now before the Board, in order that the said Regiment may march to head quarters without delay, which His Excellency did in manner following. -
   Colonel Date Lieutenant Colonel Date Major Date     Gregory Smith 1777 June 23 Charles Dalbey John Lee 1778 Feb. 1 st        Captains Dates First Lieutenants Dates     James Charles 1777 January 4 th John K Davis 1777 February 26 th   Philip Taliaferro " 7 th Thomas Minor " 27 th   Thomas Brofies " 8 th John Dudley September 22 nd   Henry Garnet February 12 th Augustin Tabb October 3 rd   Peter Benard April 14 th Machen Brawell " 6 th   Benjamin Spiller May 9 th John Hudson November 17 th   Henry Dudley September 1 st Robert Lovell 1778 March 6 th   John Lewis Nov r 1 William Long " 7 th        Second Lieutenants Dates Ensigns Dates     James Moody 1777 January 1 st Thomas Boush 1777 March 31 st   Richard Hogg June 26 th John Fleet August 31 st   William Lawson September 7 th Gideon Flannery September 1 st   Thomas Ransone October 6 th Isaac Holmes " 2 nd   David Bellew " 8 th John Hardyman " 3 rd   John M c Elhany " 9 th John May " 4 th   Nathaniel Welch Benjamin Edmondson " 22 nd   Lewin Walker December 18 th  
And whereas, it appears to be absolutely necessary, upon the march of the aforesaid Regiment to call in Militia for the protection and defence of this Garrison, public stores, magazines, public treasury &c. The Board do further advise the Governor to call in one division of Militia from each of the Counties of New Kent and Surry to do duty at this port, to be relieved once a fortnight by an equal number of Militia from the adjacent Counties.
Copied from Journal of Council of March 19 th 1778.

See also Report and Redmond V Aug 87 850 The design is a copy from the Canner Journal of March 15 1798 J. H. Richardson V. G.
(4) 4. /

The Board moreover taking under their consideration the repeated orders of His Excellency for the Second Virginia Regiment to march to join the grand army and for the Officers belonging to the said Regiment to make returns of their enlistments in order that their commissions might issue, and notwithstanding such orders it appears that the officers in many instances have failed to make any returns and others have only remitted part of their quotas - They do advise the Governor to proceed to the issuing commissions upon such reviews and other documents as are now before the board, in order that the said Regiment may march to head quarters without delay which His Excellency did in manner following:
   Colonel Date Lieut. Colonel Date Major Date     1777 1778   Gregory Smith June 13 th Charles Dabney John Lee February 1   Captains Date First Lieutenants Date   1777 1777   James Quarles January 4 John R Davis February 26   Phillip Taliaferro January 7 Thomas Minor February 27   Thomas Buford January 8 John Dudley September 22   Henry Earnest February 12 Augustine Tabb October 3   Peter Bernard April 14 Mackie Boswell October 6   Benjamin Spiller May 9 John Hudson November 17   Henry Dudley September 1 Robert Powell 1778 March 6   Second Lieutenants Date Ensigns Date   1777 1777   James Moody January 1 Thomas Brugh March 31   Richard Hogg June 26 John Fleet August 31   William Lawson Sept: 7 Eideon Flournoy September 1   Thomas Ransom Oct: 6 Isaac Holmes September 2   David Bellon Oct: 8 John Hardyson September 3   John M c Elhany Oct: 9 John May September 4   Nath l Welch Benjamin Edmondson September 22   Irvin Walker December 18  

And whereas it appears to be absolutely necessary, upon the march of the aforesaid Regiment to call in Militia for the protection and defence of this garrison, public stores, magazines, public treasury &c, the board do further advise the Governor to call in one division of militia from each of the counties of New-Hamp and Surrey to do duty at this post, to be relieved once a fortnight by an equal number of militia from other adjacent counties
(Copied from Journal of March 19 th 1778)
Copy from Executive Journal 19 March 1778

State of Virginia
Norfolk City to wit
This day William Hobday personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the Corporation aforesaid and made oath, that he is now in the fiftyfifth year of his age, and was born in the County of Gloucester, and has always resided in the said County, with the exception of three years that he was intimately acquainted with Thomas Ransome now deceased, who was reported to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution. That he verily believes the said Thomas Ransome died in the year 1818 - and he makes oath further, that the said Thomas Ransome always resided in the County of Gloucester, and died in the County of Gloucester; that the said Thomas Ransome now deceased, has three sons now living, namely James H. Ransome who resides in the City of Norfolk, Thomas Ransome and William F. Ransome who reside in the said County of Gloucester; and a grandson named Edward Ransome (son of John Ransome dec d . who was a son of Thomas Ransome dec d .) who resides in the City of Richmond. And that the said James H. Ransome, Thomas Ransome, William F. Ransome and Edward Ransome are the only heirs and distributees of the said Thomas Ransome deceased. Given under my hand and seal this 25 th day of April 1851.
H. C. Whitehead J. P.
State of Virginia City of Norfolk to wit:
I John Williams Clerk of the Court of the Corporation of the City of Norfolk aforesaid do hereby certify that Nathan C. Whitehead Esquire before whom the above affidavit was made, is a justice of the peace in and for the said City duly appointed and qualified - that he is authorized by law to administer oaths that full faith and credit are due to all his acts as such - and that the signature "H. C. Whitehead" is in his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto annexed the seal of the said Court and subscribed my name this 28 th day of April in the year of our Lord 1851. and of the Commonwealth the Sixty fifth
John Williams Clerk

Lansone

Matthew County Se I George P. Evans one of the Distributors of Thomas Ransome dec d in right of my wife Frances, who was Frances Ransome do hereby certify that I was in Court when letters of admin. de bonis non of the estate of Thomas Ransome was granted to John P. Stooke, at February Court 1854, & that the object of that administration was to prosecute a claim due the Heirs of Thomas Ransome for services in the Mexican War - and I further certify that the object of Wm. T. Billings' qualification on the said Ransome's estate was to divide certain donor property in the proportion of Margaret Ransome, the widow of the said Thomas Ransome and that I was the surety in the two admin. bonds of Stooke & Billings -
Geo P. Evans
Sworn to before me this 2nd day of November 1854 -
George E. Lubb Presiding Justice Matthew Co. Ct.

Mathews County, Va 2 nd Nov: 1854
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 13 th Sept r last addressed to Mr. Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews has this day been handed to me by Mr. Miller and I have been requested by Mr. J. P. Stokes to state - with a view to meet the object of your letter - the circumstances under which the Court of this County granted to him letters of administration on the estate of Thomas Ransome Sr. deceased.
At the monthly term of the Court held for this County on the 13 th day of Feb: last on the application of Mr. Stokes the Court allowed him to qualify as administrator de bonis non of the estate of Thomas Ransome Sr. deceased & he entered into a bond, conditioned according to law with satisfactory security which appears by the records of the Court. The Court was not apprised of the fact that there had been a former representation of the estate of said Ransome at the time when letters of administration were granted to Mr. Stokes & he stated in open court that his only object in qualifying was to prosecute a revolutionary claim & to receive the amount due his intestate for military services. One of the distributees of the estate of s d Ransome was in court at the time & became one of the securities in the administration bond.

The powers of the former administrator have never been revoked as far as I know nor does it appear by the record that they have been - & the court as I before said did not know at the time Mr. Stockes qua- lified that the estate had been afore- mentioned before - I believe from what I have been told that all the estate of the said Hanson in this state has been administered by the former repre- sentative - I was one of the court at the time letters of administration were granted to Mr. Stockes sitting as the Presiding Justice of the court Respectfully Your ob. Servt. George E. Ladd

Clerk's Office of Mathews County November 2 1854.
Sir.
In answer to your communication of the 13 th September 1854, wishing to be informed upon what grounds, letters of admin: de bonis non of the estate of Thomas Hansme were granted by the County Court of Mathews County to John P. Stokes on the 13 th day of February 1854. I have to state that the record does not show upon what grounds said admin: was granted: nor does it appear from the record that the letters of admin: granted to Wm. A. Biffle, in the March 1840 of said estate, have been revoked -
Very Respectfully
Shepard G Miller Clk of the County Court of Mathews -
This is to certify that George E. Fabb of the County of Mathews is the presiding Justice of the County Court of Mathews and was sitting as such when letters of admin: of the estate of Thomas Hansme were granted to John P. Stokes on the 13 th day of Feby 1854
Shepard G Miller Clk

Know All Men by these presents, That I, William Stokes of the County of Mathews in the State of Virginia, by virtue of the power and authority to me given by a certain letter of Attorney bearing date on the 10 th day of May 1858, and executed by William A. Billings, (administrator of Thomas Ransom deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Line in the War of the Revolution) of the County and State aforesaid, have nominated and appointed, and by these presents do nominate and appoint James Mendenough of the City of Portsmouth in the State of Virginia, as my substitute and the Attorney of the said William A. Billings, administrator of the said Lieutenant Thomas Ransom dec d . to prosecute and recover from the United States Government, the Half Pay for life or Commutation pay, or other pay due for the services of the said Thomas Ransom deceased who was a Lieutenant as aforesaid; and the said James Mendenough is to present the said claim to the Commissioner of Pensions, or other Officer of the United States Government whose duty it may be to allow the said claim or claims; and upon the said James Mendenough presenting the said claim, together with the necessary and proper evidence to establish the said claim, That I the said William Stokes by virtue of the power and authority given me as aforesaid, am to receive the amount which may be so allowed, and as a compensation to the said James Mendenough for the expenses, loss of time, and the services he may render in the prosecution of the said claim or claims I am to pay and allow him a commission of Seven per cent on the amount so to be recovered and which by agreement is to be received by me. Full power and authority is hereby vested in the said James Mendenough, to examine all papers and to do and perform every act and thing necessary to a successful prosecution of the claim aforesaid. And for the payment of the compensation aforesaid this power of Attorney is to be irrevocable and is to be a lien for the said compensation before mentioned. Given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of May A D 1858
W. Stokes
Seal
State of Virginia
Mathews County to Wit:
I W. L. Sare a justice of the peace in and for the County of Mathews in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that William Stokes whose name is subscribed to the power of Attorney or foregoing power of Attorney bearing date on the 28 th day of May A D 1858 personally appeared before me in my County aforesaid, and acknowledged the same to be his

his act and deed. Given under my hand and seal this 28 th day of May A.D. 1858
W. L. Lane J.P.
Virginia - Mathews County S.C.
Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Walter S. Lane Esq. to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney was acknowledged, was at the time of executing the same a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature hereunto is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the seal of the said Court, this 28 th day of May, 1858 - Shepard G. Miller
Shepard G. Miller to the Hon. of Attorney Walter S. Lane Esq.

The Board moreover taking under their consideration the repeated orders of his Excellency for the Second Virginia Regiment to march to join the grand Army & for the officers belonging to the said Regiment to make returns of their enlistments in order that their Commissions might issue, and notwithstanding such orders it appears that the officers in many instances have failed to make any returns & others have recited only part of their Quotas, they do advise the Governor to proceed to the issuing Commissions upon such reviews & other documents as are now before the Board in order that the said Regiment may march to head Quarters without delay - which his Excellency did in manner following -
   Colonel Date Lieut. Colonel Date Major Date     Gregory Smith 1777 June 23. Charles Dabney John Lee 1778 Feb'y 1 st        Captains Dates First Lieutenants Dates     James Quarles January 4 1777 John K. Davis February 26 1777   Philip Taliaferro - - 7 Thomas Minor - - 27   Thomas Brepsie - - 8 John Dudley Sept r 22   Henry Garnet February 12 Augustine Tabb October 3   Peter Bernard April 14 Machen Boswell - - 6   Benjamin Spiller May 9 John Hudson Nov r 17   Henry Dudley Sept r 1 Robert Lovell March 1778 6   John Lewis Nov r 1 William Long - - 7        Second Lieutenants Dates Ensigns Dates     James Moody January 1 1777 Thomas Boush March 31 1777   Richard Hogg June 26 John Fleet August 31   William Lawson September 7 Gideon Flournoy Sept r 1   Thomas Ransone October 6 Isaac Hoomes - - 2   David Bellew - - 8 John Hardyman - - 3   John McElhany - - 9 John May - - 4   Nathaniel Welch Benjamin Edmondson - - 22   Levia Walker December 18.  
And whereas it appears to be absolutely necessary upon the

march of the aforesaid Regiment to call in Militia for the protection and defence of this Garrison, public Stores, Magazines, public Treasury, &c. The Board do further advise the Governor to call in one division of Militia from each of the Counties of New Kent & Surry to do duty at this post, to be relieved once a fortnight by an equal number of Militia from other adjacent Counties. —
Executive Department Richmond Va June 3 rd 1858
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the Journal of the Council of State, of March 19. 1778. George W. Munford Secy of the Com te
Allowance to the Heirs of Lt Thomas Ransone for his services in the Revolutionary war, as endorsed upon the papers —
"Proof is clear of three years service - land allowed accordingly — J. B. Floyd.
"1857 Jan'y 27. Cert d ip o Lt State line."
A true copy from the back of the papers in Ransone's case — Teste
Executive Dept o Richmond Va June 3 rd 1858.
George W. Munford Secy of the Com te

State of Virginia, Mathews County, to wit:
Whereas at a Court held for the said County of Mathews before the Justices of the said Court, on the 9th day of March 1840, on the motion of William A. Billings who made oath accordingly law, and with Isaac Foster, George P. Evans and James Ransom his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of six thousand dollars, conditioned according to law, Certificate was granted the said William A. Billings for obtaining letters of administration of the personal estate of Thomas Ransom decd. undistributed by Thomas Ransom Jr.
And whereas by the Code of Virginia Chapter 130 page 342 Section 10 it is among other things provided that the Clerks of Courts shall when required by any personal representative make out such probat or letters in due form the same when so made out shall be signed by the Clerk, sealed with the Court seal and attested by the presiding Justice or Judge thereof.
Therefore, I George E. Hall being the first Justice of the said Court in pursuance to the provisions of the Code of Virginia, do issue these letters of administration and do hereby authorize & empower the said William A. Billings well and truly to collect and administer all & singular the goods, chattels & credits of the said Thomas Ransom decd. deceased, in all matters & things concerning the same according to law, hereby requiring the said William A. Billings to make and exhibit into the said County Court a true and perfect inventory of the said goods, chattels and credits and also to make a just and true account of his acts & doings therein when thereto lawfully.
Given under my hand with

the seal of the court annexed. this 31 st day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Shepard G. Miller. Clerk
Attest.
George E. Tabb Presiding Justice } = of Mathews County Court. Va }
Virginia Mathews County, to wit:
I George E. Tabb Presiding Justice of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia, do certify that Shepard G. Miller who hath given the preceding cer- tificate, is Clerk of the said Court and that his said attestation is in due form.
Seal in my hand this 31 st day of March A. D. 1855 -
George E. Tabb J.P.
Virginia. Mathews County, Se
I Shepard G. Miller, Clerk of the County Court of Mathews County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that George E. Tabb Esq who hath given the preceding Certificate, is the Presiding Justice of the said Court, duly elected, commissioned & sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this day of March 1855 -
Shepard G. Miller Clerk

At a Monthly Court held for the County of Matthews at the Court House thereof, on the 12th day of February 1855. On the motion of William R. Roberts, James H. W. Gwynn, Thomas Ash, Richard B. Roberts, Thomas Green, George P. Evans, Thomas R. Ransom, Elizabeth Howard, John H. Ransom and Andrew Gape administrators of Thomas H. Roberts to revoke the powers of William A. Billings administrator of the estate of Thomas Ransom last decd: and it appearing to the Court that they have duly executed notice upon the said William A. Billings administrator of the estate of Thomas Ransom to appear at this Court to show cause why his powers as admr. of the estate of the said Thomas Ransom should not be revoked and they having introduced evidence before the Court to sustain the motion in their behalf, which was argued by counsel: on consideration whereof the Court being of opinion that there is no good reason to revoke the powers of the said William A. Bill- ings as admr. of the estate of Thomas Ransom, refused to sustain the motion to revoke the powers of the said administrators & quashed the same: and orders that William R. Roberts James H. W. Gwynn, Thomas Ash, Richard B. Roberts, Thomas Green, George P. Evans, Thomas R. Ransom, Elizabeth Howard John H. Ransom and Andrew Gape admr. of the estate of Thomas H. Roberts, pay the said William A. Billings administrator of the estate of Thomas Ransom his costs by him about his defence in this behalf expended.
A Copy Teste Shepard G. Miller Clerk

Virginia. Mathews County to wit.
I, Shepard G. Miller Clerk of the County Court of Mathews in the State of Virginia hereby certify that the within order is truly copied from the Records of the County Court of Mathews.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court, this 30th day of March 1855.
Shepard G. Miller Clerk
R