Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8540, for Jacob Puckett, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Puckett, Jacob Nancy
N. 8540
CONTENTS

Virginia 16.226
Jacob Puckett of Campbell in the State of Virginia who was a Pri: in the company commanded by Captain Thorney of the Regt. commanded by Col: Mason in the Virginia line for 12 months & 14 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of $1 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July 33 and sent to Ely Campbell C. H. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 83.10 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept " 207.77 1/2 $103.87 1/2
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Milles Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6. Page 21

The declaration of Jacob Puckett, made in order to avail himself of the benefit of the act of Congress in relation to the officers & soldiers of the revolutionary war.
State of Tennessee Campbell County ss
On that first day of October 1852, personally appeared before me the undersigned, James L. Jones, one of the justices of the peace for the County aforesaid; and the nature of his said office and the premises of the County Court of Campbell County, Jacob Puckett, a resident of said County, aged Seventy Seven Years; who, being first duly sworn, according to law, do hereby make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832, in relation to the officers and soldiers of the revolutionary war.
The said Jacob Puckett, saith that he entered the service of the United States as a private in the militia for the war of 1812. Colored man, in the year 1777, being drafted, under Captain Thomas H. Murray, Thomas Moore Lieut. and marched from Prairie Gap to Red Bank and where the Company encamped. Was in the engagement of Colo. Mason, from which he was wounded. Was not in his own regiment until he received Williams' order. Were stationed at New College. When there he remained some time.

We shortly were marched three or four miles out of town, to guard a magazine; then to Burnside the new magazine. Still under the command of Col. H. H. May. From there we were marched to Little York, where we remained some time under the command of Col. H. H. May. where we were discharged after serv- ing about three months. While we lay at York, the British fleet came within the river having been up to land their army that fought the Battle of Bran- denburg. His next service was from the County of Cumberland, also in the militia; at which time 1780, he served as a substitute in the place of John Woodson, drafted from that County for six months. While there he served with a detachment of Captain Charles Bollee's M c Bollee's Light from Cumberland, marched to to the neighboring North Carolina, where we were under Col. Spencer of E. Virg. Infantry militia. at Roadside, where we found Gen. Lord Cornwallis, who commanded under Gen. Gates. Gen. Gates was the military General. He was at Gates' defeat near Cam- den, was in the advanced guard of the American army at the battle. His loss was six months. His next service was as a volunteer from Fauquier Co. County, under Col. Thomas M c Dowell, marched to Petersburg, and remained

but a short time; this tour could not more than two weeks.
His next service was as a drafted militiaman from the same County, under Capt. John B. Allen, who for he left the County re-signified his commission; and then were re-issued under Capt. Cunningham. Charles Allen Col. We marched to Yorktown, was there at the siege of Yorktown and Genl. Washington. This tour was about three months. He served in all 12 months. He hereby hereby wishes every claim substantiated; to a pension or annuity except the present, and de- clares that his name is not on the pension roll of Army of Am. & etc. about 1832. He has lost his discharge; he has no documentary testimony substantiating nor no witness to his said services. _____ _____ _____ _____
He says he is not able to go to Court. I sworn to & subscribed, before me a Justice of Peace in the C. Ct.
1832.
James S. Jones
Mr. Samuel Armstrong, a Clergyman residing in the County of Campbell, and Benjamin Wyatt, also residing in said County, do hereby certify that

Interrog a Court, put to Jacob Puckett, a revolutionary soldier, by Mr. James T. Jones, a Justice of the peace for Campbell Co. Va. & one of the Justices of Campbell County Court, to be annexed to his declaration, heretofore, made re before me.
1 st Where, and in what Year were you born?
Ans. I was born in the County of Prince Edward in the 15 th Octo. 1755.
2 o Have you any record of your age, and if so, when is it?
Ans. There is none at present: the book where it was first shown has been lost or worn out, a son of the old children have got it.
3 o Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans. I lived in Prince Edward County when called out; I lived nine years in Buckingham County, and then moved to Charlotte County, where I lived till 1821; when I moved to Campbell County, where I now live, & have ever since resided.

4 th How soon You Called in to Service, were You drafted, did You volunteer, or were You a substitute; and if so, for whom?
Ans. I was twice drafted; volunteered once; and one time was a substitute for one John Woodson, from Cumberland County.
5. State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops when You served; such Continental and militia units as You can recollect; and the general or commanding officers of your division.
Ans. There was Col. Stearns, H. Col. Faulkner  Stearns of the reg. line, was a staff officer at Grafton defeat; the old Gen. Baron Lee Noble, was killed, or mort- ally wounded at that battle. I don't recollect many more at that time; but Grafton himself and Gen. Stearns; and my Capt. & Chs. Follow. - I recollect, Capt. Horn  Horn roy; Col. Mason, Stearns , in my first term. At the taking of Mobile, I recollect besides our division Chas. Washington; Gen. Lowdon, Lay Foyette; Capt. Cunningham, and others. The particulars I have not in my recollection.

Said You receive a dis Charge from St. Lucia; and if so, by whom was it given; & what has become of it?
Ans. I rec d three dis Charges; but the names of the officers who gave them, I don't recollect. They have all been lost.
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.
Ans. Revd Samuel Armistead, Francis Armistead, Colo. Le. B. Hancock, Martin Hancock, & Henry Madison.

11 11 Campbell County Va. Personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the justices of the peace for the County aforesaid, and one of the justices of the County Court of Camp- bell: Jacob Prekett, a revolutionary soldier; who acknowledged the foregoing interrogatories, under oath, as before written - he having been on the 10 th of Feb y last made his declaration before me: being then and now unable, from bodily infirmity to ride to Court. He both made oath to his de- claration & to the answers to the questions now put. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal: this 29 th May. 1833
Jas S Jones

Kentucky
Nancy Puckett widow of Jacob Puckett deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 1832 and who died on the 11 th of July 1834 of Warren Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Hancey of the regt commanded by Colonel Mason in the Virginia line for 9 months and 11 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 31 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of August 1841 & sent to and Hon. J. R. Underwood House of Representatives.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841. $ 157.75 Semi-annual allowance ending
$ 157.75
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Theo L. Moody Clerk, Book a Vol. 2 Page 214

✓ no 7405. Nancy Puckett of Jacob Kentucky
Nancy Puckett her Jonathan Woodson's of no of Nancy Puckett to certify that John Woodson is a justice

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 titled An act granting half pay pensions to certain widows -
State of Kentucky Warren County S ct . On this 9 th day of October 1840 Mrs Nancy Puckett personally appeared before the undersigned an acting justice of the Peace in open the county aforesaid - Mrs Nancy Puckett, a res- ident of the adjoining county of Butler and State aforesaid, aged about Seventy 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 passed the 7 th July 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Jacob Puckett who was a private in the army of the Revolution That she is unable from the loss of memory by reason of old age and the long lapse of time to remember many of the particulars of her husband's services - That to the best of her knowledge & belief he joined the Service from the county of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia - That she remem- bers to have heard & learned of him that he was out on three several tours of Military duty - And that his services were chiefly undered in the Southern portions of the United States - She has heard him speak of being at the Battle of Guilford & Gates defeat and also at the capture of Cornwallis at Little York - She is advised that the deficiencies of her memory is materially supplied by the declaration made by her said husband Jacob Puckett then resi- ding in the county of Carroll and State of Virginia, in order to obtain the benefit

of the Provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832 - She refers to this Declaration of his as evidence of his services - on file among the Records of the War Office - being herself unable to speak the time her husband entered or left the service or the officers under whom he served -
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Puckett in the month of July in the year (1790) Seventeen Hundred and Ninety in the County of Prince Edward and State of Virginia - That she does not recollect the day of the month of her marriage - That her husband the aforesaid Jacob Puckett died on the 11 th day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred thirty four - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen Hundred nearly four hundred at the time above stated.
She further declares that she is advised she would be unable to procure any record evidence from the office of the Clerk of the County of Prince Edward, of the date of her said marriage - being informed that at its date, Licenses & Certificates of marriage were not returned to the Clerks Office - On that subject she refers to the certificates which follow as the best evidence it is in her power to procure -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before the undersigned "Gates defeat" Subscribed
John Heard
Nancy her Puckett X mark
State of Kentucky - Warren County Set-
I John Heard, a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration was subscribed and sworn to before me by the said Nancy Puckett she being unable, by reason of bodily infirmity to attend Court - Given under my hand this 7 th October 1840.
John Heard

State of Kentucky - Warren County Sct.
Be it also known that on this 9 th day of October 1840 at the same place personally appeared before me John Heard a justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid, Charles J. Sublett of said county aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, deponeth and saith that he became acquainted with Jacob Puckett husband of Nancy Puckett, the present declarant for a pension, about fifty three years ago - That Jacob then resided in the county of Charlotte State of Virginia - That he was not present at the marriage of the said Jacob to the said Nancy, but that he became acquainted with her shortly thereafter - That he the said Jacob & she the said Nancy lived from the time of his acquaintance with her, as man & wife, and were reputed & regarded by all their acquaintances as such - That from the date of his first acquaintance with the said Jacob & Nancy - and from the age of their oldest child, John Puckett, now about fifty years of age - he has no hesitancy in saying that the said Jacob & Nancy were married as early as she has stated - about July 1790. -
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid
Chas J. Sublett
John Heard J.P.
State of Kentucky Warren County Sct.
Be it also known that at the same time & place personally appeared Mr. Walthall aged about forty six years and made oath in due form of law, that he was intimately acquainted with Jacob Puckett late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and with the present declarant for a pension, Mrs. Nancy Puckett his wife, whilst they resided in Campbell County Virginia - That from his earliest acquaintance with them, commencing between twenty & thirty years ago, they resided together as man & wife and were known & reputed as such - That from the age of their children, & particularly their oldest son John Puckett, he has no hesitancy in saying that said Nancy was married to the said Jacob Puckett as early as the year 1790 - In witness whereof the said Walthall

hath hereunto set his hand Sworn & subscribed before me this date first written.
A Mr Walthall
To Mr Beard J.P.
State of Kentucky. Warren County Set
I John Beard, an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Warren hereby certify that the foregoing Certificates of Charles J. Sublette and Archer M. Walthall were sworn to & subscribed before me. That the said C. J. Sublette & A. M. Walthall are credible persons And that their statements are worthy of belief - In testimony of which I have hereunto subscribed my name this 9 th day of October 1840
John Beard J.P.
State of Kentucky. Warren County Set
I Jonathan Wilson Clerk of the Court of Warren County do certify that John Beard is a Justice of the peace for said County, duly qualified & acting as such, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 10 day of October 1840
Jon s Wilson Clerk Warren County Court
ms 7/45. Nancy Puckett of Jacob Kentucky

REC'D
Hon. J. R. Underwood
House of Representatives
Washington City.

Sir, This will indemnify you to grant Jacob Puckett license to marry my daughter Nancy Wootton. As witness my hand this the sixteenth day March 1791.
Elisha Wootton
Teste
Ephraim Nelson
Abraham Wood. — To Mr Watkins clerk Prince Edward County.
Know all men by these presents that we Jacob Puckett and Richard Gauling are held and firmly bound unto Beverly Randolph Esquire, governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the sum of Fifty pounds current money, to which payment well & truly to be made to our said governor and his successors, for the use of the Commonwealth, we bind ourselves and our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, and dated this 18 th day of March 1791. — The Condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas there is a marriage, shortly intended to be solemnized between the above bound Jacob Puckett and Nancy Wootton. If therefore there be no lawful cause to obstruct the same, then this obligation to be void, else to remain of force and virtue.
Signed and delivered in presence of Rich d Watkins
Jacob Puckett
Richard Gauling
I Branch J. Worsham clerk of Prince Edward County court, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the original, now on file in my office: I further certify that there is no certificate of the marriage between the parties-named in the bonds, or any other evidence known to me of said marriage.
Given under my hand with the seal of the court of said County affixed this 30 th day of July 1841.
B. J. Worsham clerk ,

22,696.
Jacob Puckett. Virginia.
Admiral's purchase - 12 mo 14 days 44. 85
e. not authenticated
H. B. Ely.
John Alexander, 6th. Campbell County, Virginia.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 7 th 1833
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 subjunct 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 Jacob Puckett, of Campbell Co., Va.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Drafted '77. About 3. Pr. Capt. Th. Flournoy Lt. Th. Moore. Col. Ma- son. From Prince Edward to Richmond; thence to Williamsburg; thence to Little York. Prince Edward County, Va. Aged then 77 years. Tradition.   Sub: in 1780 for John Woodson. 6. Pr. Capt. Chas. Bolleeon Lt. Wm. Bolleeon. Col. Spren- cer; Gen. Gates. Cam- den. From Prince Edward to Hillsborough, N.C.   Vol. - Not more than 4. Pr. Capt. Moore.   Drafted - About 3. Pr. Capt. Birt Capt. Cunningham. Col. Chas. Allen; Gen. Wash- ington. York- town. From Prince Edward to Petersburg. From James County to York- town.   12 14  
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 }
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 day 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 he 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.
W. P. Furness

Mary Puckett of Jacob Kentucky Suspended
See let 27 Oct 40 W. L. Underwood let to do 19 March 1841 to Clark Co. Prince Edward Co. Va. let to W. L. Underwood 18 May '41 let 23 July 41 Rev. J. R. Underwood
let 7 July 1838

See letter to Mr. W. L. Underwood, Basing Green, Kan. respecting Mr. Puckett's cafe. Got the papers of Mr. Puckett, & report the cafe to the Hon. J. R. Underwood H. R.
3 Report the cafe of Mrs. Meriwether to Hon. J. R. Underwood H. R. minerals.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8540
Nancy Puckett Wid. of Jacob Puckett Port Va. line
Act: July 7/98
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 144
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Bureau
fill
To the Hon John Bell
in ab the
Secretary of War
Washington City

W d Ave near Bowery green N.Y. May the 9 th 1841
To the Hon John Bell Secretary of War
Sir
Some eight months ago I forwarded to the War Office the application of Mrs Nancy Pritchett for a pension, — A letter from the Com d of Pensions informing me of some small defect in her Declaration was by mistake directed to Bowerygreen Virginia, instead of Kentucky — and was only rec d about two months since — The defect was immediately supplied, and I was notified that a letter had been addressed to the Clerk of the County where the Applicant alleged her marriage had taken place, in order to obtain if practicable some record testimony of the marriage — and was informed that so soon as an answer should be received — I should again hear from the Pension Office on the subject — I have not as yet had the pleasure

to hear from it - had the very advanced age, the bodily infirmity & the frequent unfortunate of the applicant, induce me to call the attention of the pension office to this subject again - Since if her Gove's benefit is much longer delayed it will be too long delayed to yield any benefit to her - I hoped may be excused then, for expressing the hope, that whatever may be done for Mrs Puckett may be done quickly and the opinion that she will merit the pension she seeks -
I have the honor to be Yr obed servt
W. L. Greville

Aug 5. 1841 Puebla
Genl.
2 uncles
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com y of Pensions Washington City
J. R. Madden Esq. H on ble

House 4 th Augt 18277
Sir
Enclosed you have evidence of Mrs Purkett's marriage which I hope will be sufficient. The marriage licence bond is often all that can be found in our clerks offices. The Kentucky system is identical with that of Virginia in this respect. Upon the execution of the bond the marriage licence issues directed to a clergyman or other person authorized to celebrate the marriage. He is required to return the licence with a certificate that he actually united the parties in marriage to the clerks office; but this is not done in half the cases owing to ignorance or ne- gligence. Send me a pension certificate for the old woman & oblige you O bt J. R. Underwood

7405 Nancy Puckett of Jacob Kentucky
Admitted
Pri. 9 mo 14 days, $ 31, \frac{55}{100} Capt. Housney Col. Mass. v. v.
died 11 th July 1834
Act 7 th July 1838,
Hon. J. R. Underwood H. R.

No 7405.
Ken
July 7. 1838
Puckett.
Monroe,
Pa.
J. R.
Poinsett
Secretary of War
Washington City
D.C.
Free

Bowling Green Ky October 10 th 1840
Hon J. N. Prewitt Secretary of War
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs. Puckett widow of Jacob Puckett dec'd, of Ky late a Revolutionary Pensioner for a pension - Be pleased to give to it the requisite attention - and return her certificate, if granted, to
Very respectfully yr obt servant
Wallenwood

U 13. 3 mch 41
March 18. 1841.
Station Offic.
Ken.
Adcliff
Nancy Puckett
1/2
To the Rev. Sec.

To the Hon. Secretary of War of the United States Washington City.
Henry D. Buckett Q.M. Capt
Rev.
Quaker Office
March 18 1841.
W. B. Smith

Bowling Green Ky., March 5 th 1841
To the Hon. The Secretary of War
Sir
I enclose you an affidavit of Mrs Nancy Puckett, in obedience to the requirement of the Commission of Pensions, Mr J. L. Edwards to be considered in her reading appli- cation for a pension, as the widow of John Puckett died, —
The letter of the Commission of Pensions, Mr Edwards requiring the amended statement of Mrs Puckett here sent, was addressed to me some time in October last, but was unfortunately directed to Bowling- green Pa and was not received by me until about a week since — —
I am very respectfully Sir Yr obed servt
W. L. D. Wood

Campbell County Virginia, to wit:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace, in and for the County aforesaid, Jacob Puckett, who, being first duly sworn, deposes 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 in the revolutionary war; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below; to wit, a term of three months , as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. County, under Capt. Thomas Flannery, in the year 1777 - a term of six months , as a private, in the militia, from Cumberland County near, as a substitute for John Woodson, in 1780, under Capt. Charles Bollman; a term of two weeks only, as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. Co. nty, under Capt. Thomas Moore; another term of three months , also, as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. County, under Capt. John Pickett, and last marched on to the army at the siege of York, under Col. Cushing Liam - & Col. Chas. Allen. He thus served, twelve months, and two weeks.
Jacob Puckett
The foregoing, was subscribed, and duly sworn to, by Jacob Puckett, the same man who has heretofore, made oath to his dis- -closes, before me. Given under my hand and seal. This 28 th day of May 1833.
Jas S Jones

Campbell County Virginia, to wit:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned justice of the peace, in and for the County aforesaid, Jacob Puckett, who, being first duly sworn, deposes 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 in the revolutionary war; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below; & in the following grades. To wit, a term of three months , as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. County, under Capt. Thomas Flann- ery, in the year 1777 - a term of six months , as a private, in the militia, from Cumberland County, as a substitute for John Woodson, in 1780, under Capt. Charles Bollman; a term of two weeks only, as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. Co- unty, under Capt. Thomas Moore; another term of three months , also, as a private in the militia of Prince Ed. County, under Capt. John Pickett, and last marched on to the army at the siege of York, under Col. Cunningham & Col. Chas. Allen. He thus served, twelve months and two weeks.
Jacob Puckett
The foregoing, was subscribed, and duly sworn to, by Jacob Puckett, the same man who has heretofore, made oath to his dis- -cernment, before me. Given under my hand and seal, this 28 th day of May 1833.
Jas S Jones

State of Virginia Campbell County Do: I Am Alexander Clerk of the County Court of Campbell in the State aforesaid do hereby Certify that James D. Jones Esq: before whom the within affidavit of Jacob Puckett was Subscribed and sworn to and was at the time of the subscribing of the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County & State duly Commissioned and qualified and that his acts as such are entitled to Credit and that his Signature affixed is Genuine.
IN testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of Office this 3rd day of May June 1833 In the 57 th Year of the Com th interlined before signed Am Alexander Atty as A for C

M. 13.

State of Kentucky } ss Warren County } ss
Be it remembered that on this 27 th day of February 1841 personally appeared before me John Beard a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid Nancy Puckett and made oath in due form of Law that she has no Bible or other Record of the date of her marriage - That the Record and the Bible containing it was left in Virginia her former residence, from which State she has recently removed to this - And I do further certify that the statement aforesaid is worthy of credit - And that the said Nancy Puckett from bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court -
Given under my hand this date first above written - John Beard Jp
Kentucky, Warren County ss. Wood S. Robson Clerk of the Court for Warren County do hereby certify that John Beard is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office this the 5 th day of March 1841 -
W. S. Robson Clerk Warren County Court

State of Virginia Campbell County ss: I John Alexander Clerk of the County Court of Campbell in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that James D. Jones Esq. before whom the declaration of Jacob Puckett was taken and sworn to, and before whom Samuel Armistead and Benjamin Wyatt were sworn as an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County and by virtue of that Office is one of the justices of the Court of the said County duly Commissioned and Qualified According to the Constitution and laws of said State and that Full Credit ought to be given to all of his official acts as such and that the Signature annexed is his Genuine Signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of Office this 17th Day of February in the Year 1833 and of the Independence of the United States the 57th
John Alexander Clerk as for
Jacob Puckett 22595
For a Foundation