Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21434, for Andrew Presley, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
Nb.
Presley, Andrew Presly
S 21434 B.L.M. 28522-160-55
CONTENTS

East. No. 27. 547.
Inscribed on the Roll of Castleton at the rate of 10 Dollars 0 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Sept r 1811 and sent to - M c B. F. Cloud, Paymaster,
Arrears to the 4th of Septs '34 70.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mch '35 10.00 80.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Agt June 7, 1832.
Recorded by C. J. Sprague Clerk Book 6, 2 Vol. 7 Page 71

Order to pay & letter to G. Hain. Oct 10. 1844
Letter to R. G. Hain 24. Jan'y 1845
New certificate issued 20. May 1845. Sent to R. G. Hain Rogersville Tennessee

State of Tennessee } Be it remembered that Glaibourne County } this Being the 17. of March  of 1833 personally appeared in open court Before the court of pleas and quarter sessions held for said county the same being a court of Records Andrew Presley aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law I do on his oath Make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832
The States that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
That he Resided in the county of Rhea in the State of North Carolina in the year of 1779 and in the month of May in said year that he was drafted to perform a three months Service of Duty in the cause of his country under Capt Daniel Randleman and we marched to various places in said county after the Tories and the said company to which I belonged was attached to the Regiment Commanded by Col. George Henry Barrier we had no General Engagement but a several skirmishes with the Tories and after my term of Service had expired I Recd my discharge from Capt Randleman

and Returned Home after having been three months in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war as a private which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce the same.
and this applicant begs leave to represent further to the department that some time in the month of July 1781 that he volunteered his services in the army of the United States for the term of three months under Capt Dowel which company was attached to the Regiment commanded Colonel Malmonda and we marched from Roan to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from there we marched and crossed the Congaree River in said State and from there we joined General Greene Briggaid and we marched from there to the Fontan Springs in the said State of South Carolina where we arrived as well as applicant can recollect about the 7 th of September Sept. in the said State and as well as he can remember it was on the next day that the Battle commenced between Green and Cornwallis which lasted about one hour and three quarters and this applicant states that he was in the Battle from the commencement to the ending of the same he states that he received no wounds in said Battle but that he received several balls through my Garment.

and he states that we then defeat the British and we made prisoners of about five hundred of them and from there we marched up into Roan County in the State of North Carolina where we gained them and I was under the command of General Lock and after my time of service had expired I returned home after having Recd my discharge from Colonel Lock which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce the same he states that putting the whole to Gatter that he served his country in the army of the united States for the term of Six months putting the whole to Gatter he states that he has no Documentary Evidence of his Service nor does he know of any living testimony by whom he can prove the same he hereby Relinquishes Every Claim to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency of any State what so ever.
questions propounded by the court
1st where and in what year were you born and answer I was born in the County of Roan in the State of North Carolina in the year 1754 question the 2d have you any Record of your age and if so where is it answer I have no Record of my age I only know it by what my parents told me

3 Where were you living when you were called into service and where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live I lived a while in the state North Carolina I now live in the state of Tennessee Claiborne County and I lived in Noan County when I was called into service 4- How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you substituted for if a substitute for whom answer I volunteered 5 did you ever receive a discharge and if who from answer I recd two one from Colonel Lock and one from Colonel George Barrier both of which I have lost or mislaid so that I cant come at them 6 state some of the names of some of the regular officers whom you knew and such continental and militia regiments as you are acquainted with answer - I knew Col. Washington General Lee and many other that won the battle at the Utah Springs 7 state the names of some of your neighbours who know you in your neighbourhood and can testify as to their belief of your services as a soldier Saml M c Bee Valentine Phelps and many others
I could not find your name 18 th March 1884 Andrew P. W  W  W (Mack) Benj. F. Wood et al

138818 A. C. McLaughlin May 18 1855
Andrew Gray Priv.
Capt. Joseph Col. Malinov
tony.
20/10/12
Bew^n war
Bye & pensioners.
Learn June 32-27647
Willoughby May 26/82 B. A. D.
I am Powell Rogersville, Tenn.
Civ. S. Powell Mar 11/56
May 27/58 Walnut St from Corn-Granary to State St Dec 15/58 Walnut between Corn-Granary & State St
Vol R page

138818 Claim of Andrew Pringle to Bountys Land presented by Sam Powell of Rogersville Tennessee

State of Tennessee Hawkins County
On this 27 th day of April A.D. One Thousand eight hundred & fifty five personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County & State aforesaid Andrew Presley aged 105 years a resident of Hawkins County and state of Tennessee who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Andrew Presley who was a private in the Company Commanded by Captain John Dovel in the Regiment of Infantry Commanded by Col. Malmoody in the Revolutionary War and that he was in the service of the United States on the 28 th day of 1812, that he enlisted volunteered at Salsbury N.C. on or about the day of A.D. for the term of three months and entered in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days and was honorably discharged at Salsbury N.C. on the day of A.D.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855. He also declares that he has not rec d a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor. He also states that his name is on the pension rolls, that he is now drawing a pension of $20. per annum.
Witnesses Abigail Anderson Henry G. Hartley
Andrew Presley mark
We Abigail Anderson and Henry G. Hartley, residents of Hawkins County in the State of Tennessee upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by said Andrew Presley in our presence and that we believe, from the appearance & statements of the applicant that he is the identical person, that he represents himself to be
Abigail Anderson Henry G. Hartley
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was 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 he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Clinton A. Manis (PP)
I certify that the 9 th line & figure 1812, in the 12 th line in the sentence in the 14 th line was erased and the words in the following words volunteered, were understood before signing Clinton A. Manis (PP)

State of Tennessee } ss Hawkins County } I, James St. Vance Clerk of the county Court of said County do certify that Clinton A. Harris Esq before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County legally commissioned and qualified and that his signatures thereto are genuine
Given under my hand and official seal at Office in Rogersville the 11 th day of May 1855 J. St. Vance Clerk

31. 157
Andreu Presley Tampere
9.
for 1779 p 16 mo. $20.
✓
Benj. F. Gloud Esq. Tazewell P.O. Tampere

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
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 Andrew H. Sley
   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.     1779 3 P o Capt Rundleman Col Barron 80 Traditions   1781 3 R. Capt Duval Col Melvody N. E.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] 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, (1) 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 inquiry 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.
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.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

FREE
[Handwritten signature or initials]
Leo G. Whiting Commissary Washington City D.C.

2
28 522
[Large cursive flourish] Miss. Amys

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D. C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
left jacket

Prohibito
21434.
INVALID.
am
File No. 21434
Andrew Presley
Pris New War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Andrew Preshy 160 acres
Warrant returned to W. M. Hall Rogersville
Term Dec 15/58
E 34.633
Hon A. G. Watkins
Co of Inf Rec. May 4/58
Files a letter from C. W. Hall covering Warrant No. 28,522 - for 160 acres act 1855 for age. also in ref to certain survey. in Ohio &c.
Genl Land Off. May 21/58
Respectfully referred to Comm Pensionis
J. A. H. G. Comm
May 6 1858
May 10/38 V. M. Mic
L (Hood)

Xerox from Letter of C. W. Hall  without date or residence - addressed to "Hon. A. G. Watkins" - House of Reps -
"Dear Sir,
"I send a Land Warrant, issued "to Andrew Presley. It came after the old man died - but "whether he was dead at the date of its issuance, I do "not know. The date of the warrant and the old man "death occurred very nearly together, as I understand, but, "which occurred first I cannot tell, nor do I suppose "that any one certainly knows.
"John Presley is his only surviving "son; an obscure and ignorant man. The old man "had some daughters, but where they reside I know "not. The warrant was handed me by John, and I was "requested to get it fixed up. But as the old man "left no widow, and the existence and residence of the "daughters not known; and as it is uncertain whether "the old man was alive at the date of the warrant, I "thought the only chance would be to get an Act of Congress "passed, directing the Commissioner to issue a duplicate of "this warrant to John Presley, & myself, for the benefit of "the Heirs at Law of Andrew Presley; and thus upon the "doubt as to whether its issue in the old man's life time, "and the difficulty of locating it under the present law, "in the want of information about the heirs and distributees,
It is unquestionably just that the

family of the old man should have the warrant; and that it should be made available to them. This can be done by having it issued in the name of a Trustee for them all.
"I have no personal knowledge of these matters, and speak from information; will you enquire into this case, and if any thing can be done, have it done".

Issue a new certificate
R. G. Fain Rogersville Tenn.

Rogersville May 9 th 1845
Sir
In addition to Mr Churchills certificate already for I send you the enclosed which I hope will be satisfactory not being known at the Department reference is made to the President of the United States
Very Respectfully your obedt Servt. R. G. Hain
J. G. Edwards Esq Comm r . of Pensions -

Hem Rogerville Dec 17 th 1858
Rev C Whiting
Comm d De
Dear Sir - Your letter of the 5 th November has been rec d . And as has innuendo unanswered because I have been in Court almost every day (Sundays excepted) since the middle of November -
The warrant which I sent you was issued to 'Andrew Presley' - I do not remember whether I stated his name in my former letter - I may have called him Lawson for I got the names confounded.
The Land warrant was issued to Andrew Presley - whether he was dead at the date of its issuance I know not -

He was dead, when it came to hand - I sent it back inquiring what could be done with it - Since I sent it, Congress has passed an Act providing for such cases as I understand -
I do not remember the date of the warrant - I sent it within the last eighteen months -
Please inform me whether the estate of Deborah Frey is entitled to draw the Warrant for the money at law - Under the Act of last session making it a chattel - I am Sir very respectfully Yours
C. M. Hall

State of Tennessee } Hawkins County } I Robert Johnson Clerk of the County Court of said County, do certify that Eli Reaman Esqr. whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid, and that his signature appears to be in his own proper hand writing
Given under my hand & seal of office, at office in Rogersville this 10 th day of May 1843.
R Johnson Clk by J. A. H. Bond Alt

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.
County of Wartkins  State of Tennessee ss.
On this 4 th day of March 18 45 , before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Wartkins personally appeared Andrew Presly who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain John Dovel in the regiment commanded by Colonel Malmoody in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Tennessee that he received a certificate, of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the latter part  of of the year 18 44  the certificate , was sent to Mr Churchman of Knoxville to draw my pension money as I have understood is believe and as I have further understood he put said Certificate in his trunk to bring to my attorney at Rogersville and that the trunk was lost from Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid.  the stage
his Andrew Presly mark C. M. Runcan (JP)
The words "day, at or near the certificate, were erased before signing" C. M. Runcan (JP)
NOTES.—The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
¶ If the Pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics , and insert, in lieu thereof, "but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one."
The Pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.
When a person acting as an agent or Attorney for a pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
¶ In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
¶ Mode of authenticating papers.—In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officers who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small 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.
¶ No attention will be given to applications from persons who act as agents, unless they are known at the War Department, or are vouched for as respectable persons by some one who is known to the Department.

County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee
On this 5 th day of May 1845, before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County appear as John Presly who on his oath declares that he well knew Andrew Presly who is now applying for a new Certificate to be the same person, who has been drawing a Pension from the United States under a Certificate that had been granted to him; and which he has understood and believes to be lost.
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid. John X Presly mark
C. M. Renae (JB)
I certify from my knowledge of said deponent John Presly that he is a man of veracity C. M. Renae
County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee
On this 10 th day of May 1845, before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County appear as R. G. Hain who on his oath declares that he was the agent for said Andrew Presly, and that he knows the Certificate was forwarded to the church well at Knoxville Tenn, and that he is well satisfied that said Certificate was lost by the said Church well
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid
R. G. Hain
C. M. Renae (JB)

Jan 24 45 Mr. Evans
FREE
J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

State of Tennessee } Personally appeared Hawkins County } before me Charles M. Reneau Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid. William M. Churchwell having made oath that the original certificate issued from the war department in favour of Andrew Priestley a prisoner of the County of Hawkins, has been lost or mislaid, and that the same cannot be found - Sworn to & subscribed W. M. Churchwell before me this 11 th day of January 1844 C. M. Reneau (S)
State of Tennessee } Hawkins County } I Robert Johnson Clerk of the County Court of said County, do certify that C. M. Reneau Esq. Whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is now and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the peace for said County, and that full faith and credit is due him for all his official acts as such Justice under my hand and seal of office at office in Rogersville this 14 th day of January 1845 R. Johnson By Jas. H. Hodges

Rogersville Tn
Jan 7 15 1845
Dear Sir
Annexed you will find the Churchman's affidavit as to the life of Andrew Priestly, previous Certificate as also a new Certificate to this place
Mr. Priestly I believe lived in Clarkson County Tn, previous to removing to this County.
J. L. Edwards Esq Power of Attorney
Very Respectfully your obed Servt R. G. Starn
for redaction

Oct 9. 1844
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Physicians Washington No 6

Rogersville Sept r 26 th 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
Enclosed is Andrew Praelys pension claim for twelve months - for the payment of which you will be kind enough to give the necessary instruction -
Very Respectfully Your obedt Servt R. C. Hain

138818
FREE
J P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

31. 151
Andrew Presley Tennessee

State of Tennessee } I Samuel McBee and Claiborne County } of the clergyman of the Baptist Church } His estate in said county do hereby certify upon Oath that I am well acquainted with Andrew Presly who is making this application for a pension and I believe him to be the year of age he states and that it is reputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he Resides that he was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states and that I concur in that opinion
Sworn to me this 17th day of March 1831
Sam l McBee
Byg Fellows C.M.
State of Tennessee } I Valentine Fulps Claiborne County } one of the citizens Resident in said county do certify upon Oath that I am well acquainted with Andrew Presly who is making this application for a pension and that I believe him to be the year of age that he states and that it is reputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he Resides that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and that I concur in that opinion
Valentine Fulps

and filed in said Court this 17th day of 1854 J. F. Wilson CLK
State of Tennessee
I Benjamin F. Wilson Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions, filed for the County of Maury in said state do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Andrew Preston for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of office at office in Nashville the 16th day of May 1854 Benjamin F. Wilson CLK
State of Tennessee } Sept Term of the County Clairborne County } Court 1854
Amendment of Andrew Preston For a Pension
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 soldier of the Revolutionary War and served as in Natas and the Court further states and certifies that it appears to them that Samuel McBee who has signed a certificate is a clergyman Resident in said county and that William Fulford who has also signed a certificate is a Resident in said county and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Benjamin F. Wilson Clerk of the Court of Clairborne do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the amendment of the declaration of Andrew Preston for a pension
Given under my hand & Seal at the Court this 16th day of September 1854 B. F. Wilson CLK