Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5550, for Overton Peonix, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Phoenix, Overton
W 5550
"Phoenix,
BLt 26752-160-55
"Nex
"Pinnix, Malinda
CONTENTS

5813
North Carolina
Mahinda Poeniss widow of Preston, Poeniss
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Va Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Dec r 1851 and sent to
J. Cowles Esq Hamptonville N.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 230 Vol. 1,
Set J. Cowles, Feb 24/62

12.392 M c arolina
Overton Peonise — of Surry — in the State of N. Car. who was a pr. — in the Reg t commanded by Captain of the Reg t commanded by Col: Taylor — in the line 100 line for time : 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina at the rate of 20 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Ap r 33. Hamptonville — N.C.  and suit Pensioner
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  41.32 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept —  10.33 51.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 51.
order to pay — July 8, 1837.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 1 st April 1838 from 1 st Sept 1838 to 5 th Decr 1838, the day of his death. At Modified 2 nd Jan y 1840

68055 April 3/53
Act Mch 3/53
Malinda Poenix wife of Overton Poenix Dec Private
Capt -
Col
25/52
N.C. Mil
Rev War
N.C. Reg 48-5813
Husband was a Pensioner
W:160 Dec 17/57
B. [unintelligible]
R.A.H.
J. Coakley Cowles Hamptonville
N.C.
Asf. Combr. Oct 17 1858.
Vol P. page 116.

Molana Paving
68.055-
address Iona, Hampton Me

State of North Carolina
Yadkin County
On this 6 day of April 1855 personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Malinda Poenix aged 89 years a resident of Yadkin County in the State of North Carolina who being duly sworn declares that she is the widow of Overton Poenix deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution in the company commanded by capt in the Regt commanded by col in the War of the Revolution that her said husband was on or about the day of 17 for the term of and continued in actual service in said for the term of (14) fourteen days and was honorably discharged at Yorktown on the day of 17
She further states that she was married to the said Overton Poenix in Warren County No Car on the 14 day Oct 1785 and that her name before said marriage was Malinda Gipson that she has no documentary or record evidence of said marriage except such as is on file in the Pension Office in the case of her Pension Certificate which she now has at the rate of Twenty Dollars & fifty five cents per annum dated at the War Office of the Interior on the 6 day of Decm 1857 and signed by Alex H H Stuart Secy of the Interior & numbered "5813" that she has no evidence in her possession of the service of her husband the names of the officers under whom he served the no of Regt. or other facts relating to his service except such as is on file at the Pension Office

in the matter of his Pension certificate which was granted him under the act of March 1832 and which is now surrendered. That his discharge is later on file at the Department. She does know which that she is now a widow. husband died on the 16 th of Dec r 1838
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land which she may entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855
Malinda X Poirier Mark
We A C Cunnings and Daniel Long residents of Gadsden County and State of North Carolina upon our Oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Malinda Poirier in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. H. Cleary Daniel Long.
The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim G. Long JP
On this 6 day of April 1855 personally and severally appeared Daniel Long & Fannie Long credible persons who having been lawfully sworn according to law declare that they have been for many years acquainted with Malinda Poirier Widow of O. W. M. Poirier Mrs. was a pensioner of the United States. That

Malinda & Overton Poirier lived together in their immediate neighborhood for a great many years as husband & wife that they raised a large family of children and that they never heard the legality of their marriage called in question that the Overton Poirier died on about the 16 day of Decr 1838 at his residence in Surry (now Yadkin) County in the state of North Carolina and that the said Malinda is now a widow they also believe that she is of the age she states herself to be and that her late husband served as a soldier & was a prisoner of the United States
Sworn to and subscribed this 6 day of April 1855-
before me J. D. Long J. P.
Daniel Long Jr. Frederick Long
State of North Carolina Yadkin County
I Thomas S. Martin Clerk of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the county and state aforesaid do certify that — George Long is a Magistrate as above and the foregoing depositions respecting the his and General
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office this 6 th day of April 1855 T. S. Martin Clerk

Capt. Benton Peonix
Delaware
23153
Return to Hamptonville Surry County, North Carolina

State of Maryland } Court of pleas and quarter Sessions Prince George } February Session 1853
On this 12 th day of February 1853 personally appeared in open court before Mr. P. D. Tolson, Marshall Smith & Wm. Minton Justices Assigned to hold the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for the County & State aforesaid now sitting. Overton Peonix a Resident of State and County aforesaid aged 73 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1852 that he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated that he enlisted as a Substitute for one Zachariah early in February in the year 1780 or 1781 in the County of Fauquier State of Virginia under Capt. Wood. Col. Taylor was an Commandant my headquarters at Albemarle Barracks in the County of of Albemarle State aforesaid. This enlistment was for three months that we continued at the said Barracks until we were discharged we were here in service five weeks. Then within the same year I enlisted as a volunteer for myself for three months under Capt. Price of the command of said Col. Taylor. that we marched again to Albemarle Barracks and continued there in service five weeks and were discharged. The next year I enlisted as a volunteer for myself under Capt. Hughes the name of the Col. I cannot recall. we marched to Hanover Courthouse from there we marched from place to place on Eastward of the State of Virginia and joined the Army under the command of Genl. Darnall from there we came to Richmond and were there discharged in this term I served 4 weeks Subsequently for a short time I cannot recall his name I next enlisted as a volunteer I cannot recall the time but it was a little prior to the City of Richmond being burnt

the British. Our Capt was Smith. our Majr McGill we rendezvoused at Richmond from there we marched to the Isle of White Church near the Sea Shore from there to Petersburg and then we got discharged in this Town I served 2 months. and then I enlisted again as a Substitute for one William Smith for three months under Capt. Johnson of the command of Majr. Bateson rendezvoused at York and was at the taking of L. Cornwallis and was then discharged in this Town I served 4 weeks and in all my service I served Six months, that he never received any written Discharge, that he has no Documentary evidence and knows of no Person now living who can testify to his service - the following Answers as made to the Interrogatories propounded by the Court as set down in the Directions from the Department
 1 st I was born in Hanover County in the State of Virginia on the 6 th day of May 1760 -  2 I have no record of my age nor I know not that there was ever a record made. what I learn of my age I received from tradition of my parents when living.  3 I lived in Louisa County Va. in the year 1783 I moved to Guilford County Carolina. from Guilford I moved to Rowan and from Rowan I moved in 1800 to Gundy County and have resided in that County ever since  4 I volunteered twice for myself. Thrice as a Substitute once for Zachariah Leasby. Once for a man I cannot recollect his name & once for one William Smith.  5 There was Col. Taylor. Genl. Denmarks Col. Miley. and others as named in the Declaration. my memory is also very bad as to names - our Adjutant was named Taylor  6 I never received a written Discharge, the Section that I served with were discharged by their officers Verbally  7 Josiah Canby. Thomas Shaff Wright. George D. Halcum Esq & others. 

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a Pension or annuity except the Present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State or Territory Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid Test John Wright Cle Quentonness
We John Angel a clergyman residing in Linn County and Thomas Wright Linn residing in the said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Capt. Quenton Percival who has signed the above Declaration that we believe him to be 73 years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that Opinion. Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Test John Wright Cle John Angel Linn T. Wright
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Angel who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Linn and that Thomas Wright Linn who has also signed the same is a Resident in the said County of Linn and is a credible Person and that their Statement is entitled to credit
John D. [unclear] H. John C. Martin Jr. Mallory, Smith & [unclear]

I John Wright Clerk of the Court of pleas and gaol delivery for the County of Surrey do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Quinton Perrin for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12 th day of February 1833
John Wright Clerk
Capt. Quentin Perrin
St. Helena
23153
Return to Hampshire Surrey County Hospital

7057
Maxinda Pennif
Declaration
widow of Weston
Cl 38
Act 7 July 1838
H. L. Williams H.R.

State of North Carolina § 55 Surry County §
On this 13 th day of May 1840 personally appeared before the worshipful the justices of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Surry State of North Carolina Malinda Peonix a resident of said County Aged 72 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 provisions made by Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & Pension to certain Widows" That she is the widow of Overton Peonix who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution in the Militia of the State of Virginia. He was at the taking of Cornwallis as she believes from his statement when he served three terms. She has no documentary evidence and respectfully refers to the evidence on file at the War department (upon which he was allowed a pension) in support of this her claim for a pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Overton Peonix on the 14 th day of October 1786 that her husband the afforesaid Overton Peonix died on 5 th day of December 1838 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1 st of January 1794 viz at the time above stated.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before the worshipful County Court in Open court
Test F. K. Armstrong CLK
Malinda Peonix mark

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Ivey County } May Term 1840 This day came Phillip Malinda and Levi Chappel Two Respectable Persons of Ivey County and made Oath in due form of Law that they were well acquainted with Boston Peonix & Melinda his Wife. that they had been so acquainted Forty years or more that during that time the said Boston & Melinda lived together as man & Wife raised a large family of Children. that when they moved into our neighborhood. their Oldest Child was at least Ten years old. that they knew that the said Boston was a Person of United States. that he died in the Month of December 1838. that the said Melinda is yet a Widow & has remained a Widow ever since. we should suppose that their Oldest Child was at least Fifty years Old
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court this 13 day of May 1840 before J. H. Armstrong C.R. D. D. Rohomb
State of North Carolina } Levi Hopper Ivey County } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Supplemental to the foregoing declaration. The said Melinda maketh Oath that she has no documentary evidence in support of the proof of her marriage it having been destroyed by being burnt in a School house where the children had left the Bible containing the same. & no witness living Sworn to in Open Court this 13 day of May 1840 before J. H. Armstrong C.R. Melinda & Peonix Marks

State of North Carolina } Surry County } I Francis Armstrong Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Surry County do certify that the foregoing proceedings were had before the said Court in Session at Rockford at the Court House of Pleas on the 13 th day of May 1840 in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court This day & year last above written F K Armstrong Clerk
State of North Carolina } ss I Joseph Williams Surry County } one of the Justices & acting as chairman of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Surry County do certify that Francis Armstrong whose hand appears to the foregoing certificate is the sworn & duly constituted Clerk of said Court & that the Seal used above is the acknowledged Seal of said Court in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal This 13 th day of May 1840 J Williams J P

Pension Claim
Supplemental Testimony in the case of Melinda Poenix
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of North Carolina 3 Be it known that on the 6 th day of erry County 3 November 1847 Personally appeared before me Josiah Bowles a justice of the Peace in and for said County Elizabeth Poenix aged 58 years a credible person and made oath in due form of law, that she is the daughter and Oldest living of Boston & Melinda Poenix. Her older sister Mary (being) dead, that she is of the age of Fifty Eight years, having been born on the 22 nd day of February 1789, that she has always lived with her Parents, up to the time of her Fathers death, which took place the 5 th day of December 1838 that she has since lived with her Mother up to this time, that her Father Boston Poenix was a pensioner of the United States, that she has never heard a doubt expressed by any one of the legality of the marriage of her parents, that they lived together as Husband & Wife from her earliest recollection up to the time of her Fathers death, she recalls (also then but 4 years old) the birth of her Brother Robert, who is now Fifty four years old - her Parents had twelve Children, viz Mary, Elizabeth, Melinda Robert, Martha, Green A., Wm G., Wilie, Melinda Catharine, Sarah & Rhoda, she recalls that there was a Bible in the family which was said to contain the record of the marriage & birth of the children of her Parents, that her Brother Robert had it at School that it was left there & the School House was burnt together with all the books & papers, this Bible among them, about the year 1822
Sworn & subscribed this day & year first above written before me Josiah Bowles JP Elizabeth Poenix Attest Josiah Bowles Jr
State of North Carolina 3 Be it known that on this 6 th day of November erry County - 1847 Personally appeared before me Josiah Bowles a justice of the Peace in and for said County Robert Poenix of age and made oath in due form of law, that he is the Eldest Son and fourth Child of Boston & Melinda Poenix, that he was Fifty Four years old on the 10 th day of February last that he has never heard a doubt expressed of the legality of the marriage of his Parents, that they lived together as Hus- -band & Wife from his earliest recollection up to the time of his Fathers death, which took place the 5 th day of Decr 1838, that there was a Bible in the family which contained the record of their marriage, that said Bible was burnt in a School House, together with many other books, that he has a sister Elizabeth who is about 4 years older than himself, that she is a maiden sister, has always resided with her Parents, up the time of his Fathers death, that she has since & still does reside with her Mother, that he has lived & still lives within 4, or 5 miles of his Parents, or did at the time of his Fathers death & now lives that near his Mother, that his Father was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death
Sworn & subscribed this day & year first above written before me Josiah Bowles JP Robert Poenix Attest Josiah Bowles Jr

State of North Carolina } Be it known that on this 6 th day of Surry County } November 1847 before me John Lowen a justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Phillip Halcomb a Credible Person and Made Oath in due form of Law that he was intimately acquainted with the late Overton Poinip (Sometimes Spelled Pinnip or Poirip) that he is acquainted with Melinda Poinip that she is the widow of the late Overton Poinip. that the said Overton was a Pensioner of the United States that his acquaintance with the said Overton and Melinda commenced in the year 1800 and has since been uninterrupted. that they lived during that time up to his death together as Husband & Wife that they carried a large family of children, that their Marriage was never called in question or doubted, during all that time, that he is well acquainted with their son Robert. he is a credible Person and I should suppose him to be 54 years old as he was a good stout Boy when I was first acquainted with his Father. I also am acquainted with their daughter Elizabeth she is a respectable & credible Person & about of the age she has stated 58 years - that said Melinda Poinip is still the widow of the said Overton having not since intermarried
Sworn & subscribed this day and year first above written before me John Lowen J.P. D. H. Poinip

State of North Carolina  Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Dunn County  Nov Term 1847
I Francis K Armstrong Clerk of said Court do certify That it appears to the satisfaction of the court. That Overton Purnell (sometimes spelled Pournix) died the 8 th day of December 1838. That he was at the time of his death a Resident of the United States. That Malinda Purnell the Applicant in this case is the lawful widow of said Overton That she has not since been married but is like a widow. That the said Overton & Malinda were lawfully married previous to the 1 Jan'y 1791. That they have lived together as Husband & Wife since previous to the 1 Jan'y 1791 up to the time of his death. That the legality of their marriage was never called in question in the community where they lived That Elizabeth Purnell & Robert Purnell are the children of the said Overton & Malinda. That they are respectively of the ages stated by them. That they the said Elizabeth & Robert are credible persons. That Phillip Halcomb whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is an able & credible person
And I further certify that David Bowles whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is a Magistrate of said County and that the foregoing Signatures representing to be his are genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court and subscribed my name in open court This 10 th day of Nov 1847
F. K. Armstrong CLK

Overton Peoria
N. b.
N o . 23153
Admit as a private
6 mo 1 h day $20.66

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Overton Peonix
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Feb. 4 1779 or 80 sub. 5 weeks Pri. Col. Taylor 73 years Louisiana   vol. " " " " Va.   " 4 " " " Traditional   sub. 2 " May. Magill   " 4 weeks " " Bateup   in all 6 mo. 2 weeks  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } ss.
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

✓ 26,752
5 Nov 1892

State of North Carolina Warren County } 3
I John W. White clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County of Warren aforesaid, hereby Certify That I have diligently searched in my Office for a marriage license or Bond of Overton Poenix to Malinda Gibson, and no such license or Bond can be found, I further Certify that the Records and files of were not kept in regular form in for- mer dates as they should of been, or as they are now kept in my Office —
In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Office in Warrenton This 2 nd day of September A.D. 1851 —
J. W. White B.W.G.C

Malinda Poenix wid of Overton N.C.
Act 7 July 1838 No. $20.66 of her An. from 3 rd Dec r 38 when her husband died.
sent to J. Cowles, Hamptonville N.C.

Decr 13th 1857
Rel: to case of Mrs Malinda Ponia
I Cowles Hamptonville Mississippi Co. D.C.
Public Savings Savings
Shelby Co. Pruning Pension Office Washington

Hampton Roads Va Dec 7/87 Sal E. Smith Esq
Pr Sir permit me to call your attention to the Application of Mrs Malinda Davis for a Pension. if the Clerk of the county court of Accom co has done his duty the evidence has been complete for some time. I know the department is over run by applications and inquiries & I would not have written this but that the old lady is truly in need of help & it would seem but fair that the old & worthy claims should be first considered Pleased give it your earliest attention
Respectfully
J. W. Jones

Brief in the case of Malinda Poenix, wid of Overton County and State of North Carolina act 7 July 38 & Supplemental.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $20.66 per An: & died 3 rd Dec r 38. Evidence of marriage, traditionary and ages of children.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
J. Howle, Hamptonville N.C.
Ribz Examining Clerk.

Dear Sir Heath Esq Clerk of Assizes

Hamptonville Me Augt 24/51
Dear B. Heath Esq Clerk of Purvis
As Sir I found in a corner an affidavit showing that Malinda Purvis is still alive & a Widow - I have also taken measures that a certificate of the C.C.C. of Warren County be forwarded to your custody. I hope that you will examine these papers & act on them undoubtedly - as these old Ladies should have provided for all others - in hopes to hear from you soon I subscribe myself Yours & etc
Yours

Camptonville Me April 2 nd 1881
James E Heath Esq Comr of Pensions
Sir
In reference to the application of Melinda Poenip for Pension she is the widow of Boston Poenip late Pensioner of the U.S. who died 3 rd of Decr 1888. It seems that she has applied under the wrong Act of Congress. I had nothing to do with the declaration having been drawn up by another person nor can I procure a copy. If the declaration was under the wrong Law why can it not be withdrawn or a copy of it furnished by the department? so as to enable another person to assist the old lady in drawing one to suit the case. She is now some eleven years older than when that declaration was drawn and no reasonable man can suppose that her memory is so unimpaired as that she should be able to detail the events which transpired so many years ago in the order and procession that she then could.
Her husband was a Pensioner and as his widow she is entitled

to a pension it would seem then that all that would be required of her money be to prove that she is his widow. That she is still a widow that she was married previous to 1794 On the above points it seems to me that testimony is full and complete. Except - as to an alleged informality in the Clerks Certificate in regard to the Marriage Bond.
Could it have possible been the intention of Congress while limiting these Old Lads to come in and partake of their bounty that they should be kept out by such strict conformity to rules and technicalities .
Many of them are so old and feeble both in mind and body as hardly to recollect with dis- tinctness. Many of them Bedridden for years and must shortly depart to be bound from which no Traveller returns.
I wish it understood that she is finding no fault with you personally in the treatment of this case. She now appeals to you to either suffer her to withdraw her former declaration or send her a copy of it.

She also asks you to inform her through me if the testimony already on file in the case will be received in the amended application also if it - will become necessary for her to incur the extra expense of sending 175 - miles to obtain an amended certificate of the Clerk as to the Marriage Bond. When it is in proof that her oldest child was born 1889 and that they have lived together in respectable standing having numerous offspring from that period up to the time of his death. She also wishes you to inform her what Act of Congress she must declare under to obtain relief. By complying with the above you will greatly oblige a worthy old lady and
Yours Obt Servt
H. C. Lewis

State of North Carolina
Surry County Be it known that on this 21 day of July 1851 before the M. G. Folger a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Wm D Jefferson a credible person and made Oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with Melinda Parris Widow of Overton Parris De late a Pensioner of the United States that he saw the old lady yesterday that she was then in her usual health and still a widow
Sworn and subscribed this day and year first above written before me
M. G. Folger JP
Wm D Jefferson
State of North Carolina
Surry County - I Francis K Armstrong Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Ses- sions for Surry county - Certify that M. G. Folger is a Magistrate as above that I also am acquainted with Melinda Parris Widow of the late Overton Parris a pensioner of the United States - that I believe her still alive
In testimony whereof I have affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my Name This 21 day of July 1851 F. K. Armstrong Clerk

State of North Carolina 3 ss
Surry County 3 ss
Be it known that on this 12 day of February in the year 1858 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally John Holcomb a Respectable Person Who maketh Oath in due form of law that he is 61 years of age that he has known Melinda Peenix for something over Forty years that he has lived for that length of time about the distance of Two Miles from her that he was well acquainted with her Husband Overton Peenix up to the time of his death which took place about 12 years since that during the whole time from the day he first knew them the said Overton & Melinda lived together as Man & Wife, that they were Respectable, kept good society that he never heard it doubted but that they were legally married, that they raised a large family of children the oldest which are living are by the names of Elizabeth & Robert, that he has been at school with them many a day that Elizabeth is the eldest and that he always thought her to be as old or older than himself, that she is yet unmarried and still lives with her Mother and bears an excellent character, that Robert is some 4 years younger than Elizabeth & bears a good character that after himself & Elizabeth had ceased going to school, the school house where the Peenix children went was burned down & as he understood all the books of the scholars were destroyed on that occasion this deponent thinks that it has been at least Forty six or 47 years since he went to school with Elizabeth but cannot say how long they had been in the neighborhood previous to that time, the families were very intimate that the said Melinda Peenix widow of Overton is still a widow I own & subscribe this day & year first above written
before me G. C. Taylor
John Holcomb

State of North Carolina 3  5 Be it known that on Surry county 3 This 12 th day of February 1850 before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county Personally appeared Phillip Holcomb a respectable & credible person aged 68 years who upon being sworn agreeable to his death upon his oath say that he has been well acquainted with Overton Perry & his wife Melinda from the year 1800 up to the time of Overton's death which took place about 12 years since, ever since that time he has resided within five miles. That he was called on to write his will. That in doing the said Overton designated the said Melinda as his lawful wife & left her a life estate in his little property. That he knew him for a period of the U. States up to the time of his death. That he has resided near by the widow Melinda ever since & knows her to be still a widow. His deponent further states that he was & is well acquainted with all the children of the said Overton & Melinda And that Elizabeth one of them must be at least 60 years of age. and that Robert Perry is at least 10 years older than his son William who will be 49 years of age next 20 th . The children are all credible persons. This deponent further states that about 1815 the school house in which the Perry children went to school & his own also was burned in the night & all the books were burned by which calamity the deponent lost all the school books including his Bible & he also learned that all church books were burned This deponent's father taught the school. He further states that the validity of the marriage of the said Overton & Melinda was never doubted. that they lived an orderly & pious life as man & wife up to the time of his death
Sworn & subscribed this day & year first above written
before me J. Coles JP
Phillip Holcomb

States of Woke
Surry County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
Feb Term 1858
I Francis K. Armstrong Clerk of Surry County Court do certify that Josiah Crider is a Magistrate as above that the foregoing Register, respecting the his and General
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My hand and affixed My Seal of Office this 13 th day of February 1858
F K Armstrong Clerk

Very
WIDOW, &c.
own
File No. 5550
Malinda Poenix
Wid.
Overton Poenix
Port. Rev. War
Act: Feby. 29/48
Index:—Vol. 66 , Page 135
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hampton Mr
[Signature]
Spec
Official Messenger
March 5/50
Release Melinda Poenix widow of Overton
N.C.
Goldsboro
Respectfully Melinda Poenix
Champion of Russia Dumfries Office Washington

Hamptonville NC Feb 22 1858
St Edward Cours of Persons
Sir enclosed is several affidavits in the matter of Melinda Purvis an applicant for a Pension in hopes they will prove satisfactory and that a speedy & favorable action will be had I subscribe myself yours Att Servt
Glenn

5
Louis Ely Hamptonville  N.C.

State of North Carolina
Warren County } I John W. White clerk of The Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for The County of Warren do hereby Certify that I have examined my Office from The year Seventeen hundred & eighty five to The year Eighteen hun- dred and cannot find The Bond for The Marriage License of Overton Poonix or Pinnix to Malinda Gibson —
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand affix my seal of Office at Office in Warrenton This 1 st day of January A.D. 1880 —
J. W. White clerk of W. C. Court
P.S. There is no such person living in Warren County by name of Rich d Ellis —
Yours &c
J. W. White

Melinda Peonix widow of Overton Act 1838 - No 7051
Ms Let to Hon L. Williams 25 May '40 - To same (with copy of last.) Ldt 17.40.
Act of July '38

- 7051 -
- N. Carolina -
D. Cook, Jun 27/55.
Acts 7 - July - 1838

St
Public Buildings
J. P. Waldo Esq Council of Museum Museum Office Washington City

Ans
March 10 1845.
Hamptonville NC Jan'y 30th 1845
sec or ward
H
5 Feb 1846
Col L. Edwards Esq Clerk of Pension Warrior Office Washington City

Hamptonville NC July 27/45- J. L. Edward Esq. Clerk of Pension
Sir I am requested by Mary Angel & Elizabeth Anthony to ask you about their applications for Pension. & to know of you if there is anything for them necessary for to enable them to get their claims allowed they are each of them in very low circumstances & if they are to receive any thing will find it soon or not also I be pleased to reply to this at your earliest convenience Truly Yours
May. Angel 1836 no 6132 6123
Melinda Penny July 7, 1838- 7051 ne
Melinda Penny of this neighborhood also has an application for Pension in your office. She would be glad to know about it L

1880
Novem 22
Ado tes
Malinda Phoenix
4 Hampton St
Ph
L. Edward Esq Clerk of Court Boston Office Market St

Sturminster Newton I L Edward Esq Counsel of Purvis
Mr uncloud you Will find Affidavits in support of Purvis claim of Melinda Purvis I hope it will prove satisfactory
I have written to the Clerk of Court where Mrs Purvis was married and he informs me that no bond can be found. indeed there is none of our records by any means that part in that respect in that early period at least half or more of the marriages were by publication & there by secured it was not it seems thought of in our time & manner & like the bond so it is not the help of them and now to be found
Yours J. C. [Signature]

Overton Peonship - N. C. Act 7 Jan'y 1832. $20.66. per ann. To what term paid? H F C Rep etc
Peonship Appr Novm 15. 1851-
Died 3 rd December 1838, paid to his death W. B. No.

Warrenton Jany-21 st /48
Dear Sir
In obedience to your request to me by letter rec. lately to examine my office for a marriage License Bond of Overton Poinix to Malinda Gibson I have made a diligent search from 1771 to 1793 and can find no such Bond — I have given a Certificate below The Bonds has been badly used up &c. Yours &c
J. W. White Clerk
State of North Carolina } Warren County }
I John W. White Clerk of The Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for The County of Warren, hereby Certify that I have examined The Marriage Bonds in said Office from 1771 to 1793 and can find no marriage Bond Overton Poinix to Malinda Gibson, and as further Certify that The records are imperfect as regard Bonds of that date &c.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at office in Warrenton This 21 st day of Jany. AD 1848.
J. W. White Clerk

Hamptonville NC
Aug 21 1848
July 7/4
Official business
Adm. to Malvern Point
Edwards Esq. Clerk of Supreme Washington City,

Hamptonville N.C. Jan'y 31/48 J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr Sir I have procured and now forward to you the Clerk of Warren County's certificate. I hope Mr. Garrison Abott will interest & prevent the allowance of this claim which is just in all its parts indeed it seems the law is almost grounded a dead letter by the regulations and restrictions on the claims of Revolutionary widows in regard to those a few remain soon I dare say myself you will hear
J. C. [Signature]
This certificate is offered in furtherance of the claim of Melinda Poenix
J. C. [Signature]

9.111 North Carolina Mahinda Poenix widow of Overton who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Dec r 1857 and sent to
J. Cowles Hamptonville N.C.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 159

11. 214 North Carolina Malinda Poenix widow of Overton who died on the 3 rd Decr 1838 of — in the State of N.C. who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain — of the Regt commanded by Col — in the Resolution less for —
Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 20 Dollars 66 2/3 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th 3 rd day of March, 1836. Decr, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Decr 1837 and sent to J. Cowles Arrears to the 4 th of Hamptonville Semi-annual allowance ending N.C.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. } Recorded by Wrightman Clerk. Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 297

Sept 16 1840
Mad
Pay the Clerk etc Sept 1840
Free Lewis Williams
James L Edmards Esqr Pension Office Washington

Sayy County Wb. September 8th 1840
Dear Sir.
During the last Session I forwarded to your office the pension cases of Mrs. Mary Chamberlain, Elizabeth Bayly & Melinda Poeris, all of this County - The answers you returned to me, I think I forwarded to the agent of the claimants, but they have not come to hand - Will you be so good as to inform me what has been done in these cases, and send me duplicates of your last answers - The claims were not allowed - Yours &c
Lewis Williams
James L Edmondson Esqr.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Dec. 26 th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Overton Lewis, a Pensioner on the Roll of the North Carolina Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and Sixty Six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838, to the 5 th Dec. 1838, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
Abner H. Passmore Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

11087
3 March 1843

Ho Rep's, June 5, 1844.
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose you the Pension Declaration of Melinda Peoria which has been forwarded to me to be referred to your office. Please examine it & let me know the result.
Very respectfully, Your obt. Servt David S. Reid.
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Comm. of Pensions.

Dear Dr. V. Heil
Chas 12/11/11
Chas 12th
1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900

Sir
181 Pen off July 12th 44
I have the honor to inform you that the declaration of Melinda Leonix unsupported by any evidence of her being the widow of the late pensioner Overton Leonix has been examined & filed. of the alleged date of her marriage - The regulations are enclosed with which she should comply - The marriage bond in the Clerks Office or the family register will afford the best evidence of the date of the marriage -
W. 5550
Hon. D. S. Reid Reidsville N. C.

XXXX
Melinda Poonia
N.C.
Act 7. July 38.

State of North Carolina Surry County
On this 18th day of August 1843, personally appeared before me one of the acting justices in and for said county Malinda Peonis, a resident of North Carolina in the County of Surry aged 75, Seventy five 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 7, 1838 "Entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Overton Peonis, late United States pensioner late of the County of Surry North Carolina who was pensioned on the 26th day of April 1833 at the rate of (20 66) Twenty dollars & Sixty six Cents per annum the time of the said Overton Peonis, entering the service and length of service as a soldier in the Virginia Continental establishment will be fully shown on reference to his declaration on file in the pension office in Washington City D. C. - She further declares that she was married to the said Overton Peonis on the 14th day of October 1783 and

that her husband the aforesaid Overton Peonix died on the 5 th day of December 1836 - That she was married to the said Overton Peonix since the last period of service at the time above stated, 1783, - That she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further declares that she cannot go to the Court House to file her declaration in consequence of old age & bodily infirmity -
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year before written.
Levi Chappell J. P. See
Melinda her X Peonix mark
State of N. Carolina Surry County
I do hereby certify That Melinda Peonix who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me is a credible person and to be believed on oath - I also certify that she is by reason of old age & bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court to make her said declaration - and further certify that she is the widow of the Identical Overton Peonix who was a revolutionary pensioner, that lived and died in the County of Surry, as declared by said declarant. That the

parties aforesaid Overton Peonin & his wife Melinda lived together as husband & wife up to the time of said Peonin's death, and that his widow Melinda Peonin has remained a widow ever since -
Given under my hand & seal this 18 th day of August 1843
Levi Chappell (Seal)
State of North Carolina Surry County } I Francis H. Armit- -ring Clerk of pleas and quarter sessions do certify that the court orders that satisfactory evidence was this day introduced that the declaration over the signature Melinda Peonin is genuine, and that she is the widow of Overton Peonin, who was a united States pensioner at the time of his death, and that she is a respectable person & to be believed on oath, and that her bodily infirmity is such that she cannot leave her residence to make her declaration at the Court House -
I further certify that the signature of Levi Chappell to the foregoing declaration & certificate is not an acting magistrate at the time of testimony & that due faith & credit to be given to his official acts or such -
In testimony whereof I have

hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Rockford this 19th August 1843 —
F. K. Armstrong
1843
Melinda Greene
N. G.
Act 7. July 38.

W Melinda Poenise
Hn D. S. Reed O. R.

Ho: Reps. Washington, Feby. 26, 1844.
Sir,
I am requested by Mr. W. W. Paden of S. C. to inquire of you, whether you have decided on the case of Melinda Poenix of Surry County, N. Carolina . If the evidence was not sufficient he wishes you to let me know. Will you be so kind as to give me the information.
I am, very respectfully, Your obh. servant.
David T. Reid.
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Com of Pensions.