Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,838, for William Nelson, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Nelson, William
A. 21,838
Mary
CONTENTS

6867. Increase. Richmond
Virginia.
Reported
Mary Nelson dec d
Widow of William Nelson who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 7 Novem r 1796 of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia who was a Capt. in the commanded by of the the Virginia line for two years
Mrs E. S. ... Nov 24/51-
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Nov r 1850 and sent to F. L. Brockett, present
Increased from $180.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [Signature] Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 275
Payable to Elizabeth M. Sulton her only surviving child.

V 4812 (For J. Hood)
Act 7 July 1838 Declaration of Va Mrs. Nelson -
Mrs Mary Nelson Decla. widow of Capt. Wm Nelson -
Westmoreland Co. Va.
Thos. Hood his agent -
Virginia

State of Virginia - Westmoreland County. To wit.
On this 33 rd day of November 1838, personally ap- -peared before the subscribers, a justice of the peace for said County, Mary Nelson, a resident of said County & State aforesaid, aged 72 years and upwards, 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 th 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of William Nelson who was a Captain of an independent company & Major of Militia as she has heard and believes, in the War of the Revolution - that she has frequently heard her said husband speak of the many privations and hardships he had to encounter whilst he was in service - that she cannot state the particulars of the services of said Officer, but that she has heard him speak of being in Command at the Siege of York when Cornwallis was taken - from all she has ever heard she thinks her said husband commenced service at the commencement of hostilities, and continued in service with his said company for the period of three years or more - and after that was frequently out in service - she cannot say whether the services of said Officer were confined to Virginia - He was a citizen of Westmoreland County Va. when he entered service - It is impossible for her to speak more particu- -larly of her said husband's services - His regimental

and sword he had at the time of his death - She knows of no other officer that knew her said husband in service than William Starke Sett of this county - She formerly knew some of his men, but believes they are dead or beyond her reach - She thinks she has heard him speak of Col. Thos. Jenkins - and of engagements he was in but cannot recollect them - that she once had knowledge of many circumstances which have escaped her recollection - and has no documentary proof that she knows of, as all of his papers were taken from her possession immediately after his death, and she has never seen them -
She further declares that she was married to the said William Nelson on the day of September in the year 1791 - That her husband the aforesaid William Nelson died on the 7 th day of April 1796 - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, eighteen hundred and twenty four - to wit, at the time about above stated -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, the justice as aforesaid - She the declarant being unable on account of bodily infirmity to attend court in person to make her declaration above written -
her Mary X Nelson mark
Reg. F. Stewart. J.P.

Virginia a Westmoreland County, to wit - 6 Elizabeth M. Tutton, a respectable inhabitant of said County, personally appeared before the same justice and made oath in due form of law, that the declarant Mary Nelson is now the widow of the late William Nelson of said County who was a Captain during the Rev- -olutionary War, and she has remained his widow since his death. Elizabeth M. Tutton
Subscribed and sworn to before me, justice as afore- on this 30 th day of Nov. 1838
Benj m F. Stewart J. P.
Washington City - Dec 8
This is to certify, on my own knowledge, that Benjamin F. Stewart, who has subscribed his name to the above certificate, as also to the Affidavits of Frances Stewart, and Wm. S. Jett, was at the time he subscribed his name to the said three certificates, a qualified, acting Justice of the Peace in the County of Westmoreland, Virg a ; and I am well satisfied the several signatures mentioned are genuine. Given under my hand this 8 th day of Dec r 1838-
John Taliaferro - M.C.

✓ H 812 (For: Hora)
Act of July 1838 Declaration of Va Mrs. Nelson -
Mrs Mary Nelson Dula. Widow of Capt. Wm Nelson, - Westmoreland Co. Pa.
Thos. Hood his agent -
Virginia. It is least likely for misunderstanding during the 25th day of January 1869. The declaration of alien & hostile action of the late United States election of this country must be free from any suspicion of fraud or corruption of the ballot box. The day of election was a day of peace and quiet. The result of the election was of Elizabeth. In June, 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. (The text continues with a list of years and names, but is heavily obscured by a large horizontal stain.)

No 3
Mrs Nelson Widow of Capt. William Nelson late of Westminster Co. Virginia -
Mrs. Nelson Marriage -

Know all men by these presents that the William Nelson and John ... are late and formerly ... with his ... Province of Virginia in full payment ... to be paid to the said ... the bond ... and each of us and each of our heirs ... be these presents sealed with our seals, and dated this 31 day (Thirty first day) ... of August 1831 (One thousand eight hundred and thirty one).
Whereas there is a mortgage ... intended to be ... the above bound William Nelson ... and Mary Harrison ... The condition of this obligation is such that if there be no default ... to satisfy the same then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force.
Sealed and Delivered in presence William Nelson Mary Harrison
Virginia We the undersigned Clerk of the Court of ... County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original paper on file in my office with the exception of the date which is copied on the face of the said original paper in plain legible figures as follows 31 st day of August 1831. Truly speaking of days. Nineteen hundred and thirty one. (William Kirk Clerk)
We the undersigned above named Clerk and say that Smith the Clerk of Clerk of the County Court of ... County Virginia, and that the above is a true extract from the files of said office with the exception above named as certified by me — (William Kirk Clerk Sicura before me.
James ... above named is a justice of the peace in and for said county duly qual- ified as such and that his official acts are entitled to full faith In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and affixed the seal of said office the 27 th day of November 1835 — (William Kirk Clerk)

Sept 6 1847 Oak Grove. Sept 2. 1847.
Elizabeth M. Sutton,
Mrs Nelson
Applicant for a pension.
S. 202 Sec 1 Sept 1847
Pension before
Im ad

Oakland. September 2 1847
Dear Sir
I call on you for a favor, which I hope for the sake of God you will not refuse and particular one which is unpreluded a widow and No better my Father was a Capt William Nelson of Westmoreland County, my Mother loved his Widow until the congress pass the law for the Widows to have a pension for 5 years, but my Mother never loved to receive this pension she died nine months before I received some hundred Dollars her agent tolde me I was the only child then living and I was the only one that my Mother could not will it if she had wished it, and that Benefits allowed by congress did not go to the third generation, I had one sister married and died long before my Mother left children her husband Sors me for this pension one half I never heard the pension was in the account until a few days ago, please let me hear immediately the pension as I have but a few days to put of and if it gives you some trouble I hope you will be receive in a better world than this and what a satisfaction to then be you have released the distressed For I can say that is me, your quick attention to this important request to me, I hope will be rewarded in a better world I have had every advantage taken of me by my sister's husband on earth,
I shall ever consider myself under great obligations to you if you will favor me with the pension hereafter With the greatest respect Elizabeth M Sutton

Oak Grove, Westmoreland Co. Pa. (Sept 2 1847)
Hon Secretary of War Washington City
Col. Geo. A. Smith C. S. M. 47.
Elizabeth M. Sutton,
My Mother
Appointed for a pension.
I am also entitled to
James M. [?]
for co

William Nelson W. 21,838 Va.
Three receipts (two being for pay and ammunition received of Capt. William Nelson) bearing dates Jan. 25, 1777 and Dept. C, 1779, & April 6, 1781, 28
An account of goods delivered to officers, dated Leeds, June 21, 1781, have been removed from this case in order to be sent to the War Dept.
F.W.
Apr. 28, 1911. Sent to War Dept. Jan. 16, 1913

ap of Hist Bubber City T.S.
1892 to Julia
WIDOW, &c.
1907 Sept. 10. Hist. to Robert H. Tucker letter in S. File 46.427. see. 1913 Nov. 15. History to Mrs. C. N. Leete. p.
File No. 21838
Mary N. [unclear] Widow of William Nelson Capt. B. & B.
Act: July 4 th 1839
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 81
[Arrangement of 1870.]

William Nelson
Captain for independence Col V a for 3 y s — was at the Siege of York

Reported.
Let to Mrs. Elizabeth Mr. Snell
Sept 17 47
to same Nov 13 48 to letter R. L. Beale H.R. Feb 8 1849
6867
Virginia
Mary J. Nelson,
widow of
William Nelson
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 7th Dec. 1836 of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia who was a Captain in the Company commanded by Captain
Regt commanded by the P. C. line for 9 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 18 C Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th Nov. 1832 and received the 2nd Nov. Present Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 Semi-annual allowance ending
19
[Act July 7,
Recorded by Thos. Bell
Book A Vol. 2. Page

H. H. Addison Esq. July 30. 49.

Mary Wilson widow of William va
act 1838 - Set to Tho.
Note 12 June 1839
do 14 Jan. 1840.
to Tho. Hord: Esq
June 13. 1840.
do do 2 o May 25. 1841
Act July 38 do to Hon Salafeno H.R. Feb 21. 1842

The Representative of William Nelson is entitled to the proportion of land Allowed a lieutenant of the Continental line for the war Council Chamber Sam Coleman
March 1 1797
James Wood
A true copy of an Evacuation order on file in the Virginia Land Office
Test J. H. Parker Secy. P. Office

UW 57

Inverness -
Mary Nelson decd. widow of Wm who died 7 th Nov 1796. in Westmoreland Co. Va. pa.
Act 7 th July 1838 -
Act? Cap te 2 yrs $1180. per ann. from 4 th March 1836 to 4 th March 1841 -
Payments under said Act to be deducted at the rate of $180. per ann -
Payable to Elizabeth M. Sutton, her only surviving child -
Certificate sent to
H. L. Brockton
Present -

Evidence in The case of Mary Nilson

Templeman Mustica Capt. Nelson's 6 o in 1776 - & there is documentary evidence to show, that he was in service, as Capt. 25 th of Jan y 1777 - the 6 th of Sept r 1779 & 21 st of June 1781 -

Geo: Estriaga Affidavit
No 7.
M rs Mary Nelson of Chestnut and Geo. b rd widow of Capt. Wm Nelson dec d .
Thos. Hood her agent - Walnut Market Va

State of Virginia - Winchester to wit This day 27 th July 1841. George Eskridge a respectable person & resident of the Coun- ty of Frederick, personally appeared be- fore me a justice of the peace in & county of Frederick for said Town of Winchester and made oath in due form of law that in the year 1776 he will remember that Cap- -tain William Nelson then an officer in the Virginia minute Militia was in service & that he was a militia officer. He 1 st W m Nelson was from the County of Westmoreland State of Virginia - Aff t cannot for want of recollection state the period when he entered or when he left the service - But he recalls that 1 st Nelson was a long time in service - That he certainly was an officer in service at the time he

above Specifics - That during the time he was with 1 st Nelson they were stationed at Self's old Field, Northumberland Geo. Va. near the Horse-head - That was a series of several months' duration. Affiant further states he was himself on officer in the Revolutionary War, and at the time he saw 1 st Nelson in service he himself was on officer -
Geo. E. E. E.
Subscribed and sworn to before me the day & date above written -
Al. Miller

Virginia I Thomas Allen Fithlee, clerk of the County Court of the County of Frederick do hereby certify that Abraham Miller is a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal of Office the 27 th day of February 1841. and in the 65 th year of the Common wealth
T. A. Fithlee
By reference to Capt. Geo. Eskridge's Statement dated 26 th July 1838. on your files it will appear what the nature and extent of the service in the Northern Neck of VA was at the period he speaks of - all of which goes to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the service at that time performed by Capt. Wm. Nelson as the head of his Volunteer Company was more than 12 months. All the evidence goes to prove this fact - It is requiring too much and is unreasonable to call on the claimant to prove the pre- cise day on which her husband entered & on which he returned as there were no records kept of such service & therefore unreasonable to expect that persons living in the country could remember to a day or at week or a month the service of another -

Mr. Annes. —
J. G. Darrell Esq. Clerk of Pensylvania Washington City
Mr. Annes

Washington February 1864
Dear Sir
I hope you will excuse me for writing to you, when we are in trouble, as I do things that otherwise we should not think of. I received a letter from a gentleman in the city saying I am entitled to certain areas of pension. I answered it but have received no answer. I can't tell why, he told me he had been a clerk in the pension office for eleven years, then had a pension given him as a pension agent in Washington City, and requested in his letter a reply to the letter I had so attended to it, but no reply. I therefore ask the kind favor of you if you please to see Mr. D. G. Adison, he signs his name and address. The amount of areas of pension and if there is any payment of my getting it, I am entitled to a pension. My father was a volunteer but raised a volunteer company heavily. March 1st to York and fought for his country. One of the bravest men of his day, so says the deposition of Rev. D. G. Adison to Mr. William Stocke that he received a pension as large as he lived, said I am his only child living, and his home house is to be sold to Mr. Adison, after a large sum. Years I defended, it was due to the survivor of his company. Which was me, but the judge decreed against me, said it was his. He is taking lands which was not lawful, it is the place of his death also the place he is forced under sister's will, and I feel to day as if I could not give it up, but dislike to involve myself in debt. So if I am entitled to certain areas of pension please for the sake of my father let me have a letter from you. So soon as you can attend to this, several gentlemen has offered to endorse for me, to get money from banks to buy the property, I think I shall, but I know it will give me a great deal of uneasiness, but I hope to get a satisfactory letter from you, and if I receive a letter from you will have my wishes and pray to god to reward you in this world and in a world to come, when our troubles will cease to end. I could not express the gratitude I shall owe to you for your attention to this.
I am yours with great respect
Elizabeth M. Sutton

J. W. Nelson
No. 8.
Thomas Hord Esq City of Washington D. C.

Richmond, Aug. 14 th 1839.
To Thomas Hood Esq.
Sir,
There is no documentary evidence in the Council Chamber, the office of the Secretary, or the Auditor's office, shewing that William Nelson was a captain. The only evidence there, proves that there was a Lieutenant W m Nelson. That fact has been certified, and the copy delivered to you . I can certify from the Records in my office that there was a Lieutenant W m Nelson. A certificate to this effect, I will forward to you, if desired. There is some reluctance here to certify that there never was a Captain by that name.
If you can possibly comply with the request, contained in my last letter, you will greatly oblige
Yours most truly J. H. Parker
N.B. I thought you knew that the claim of Dr. Gilder had been rejected long since. During the last session of C. I wrote to Wash n and was informed that he had rec d all that he was entitled to.
The other cases named by you have not been acted on. N.B. This will not be caused until the Governor's return in October.
* Mem - I have no such certificate -

To what time was Mary Nelson, of V. a act July 7. 1838, last paid?
J. L. Edwards Feb. 8. 1840
Paid in full to 4 th Mar. 1841. - there is a Mem. on our Books, that she died 7 th March 1842. W. S. Morgan

Santa Barbara Cal Aug 11 1913
To the War Department
Washington D. C.
Will you please send me the war record of William Nelson who served in Virginia in the Revolution Also of John's brother who enlisted in Lynde County in the same war They were both my Great-Grandfathers
Sincerely
Mrs. Caroline Nelson Seete 1521 Laguna Street Santa Barbara California

H. H. Lykeston Esq. Washington D.C.

My Dear Sir
Oct. 14 th 1842
I have called on Mr. Berry of the Clerk's Office of the House, and on reference to the case of Mrs. Mary Nelson, widow of Capt. Wm. Nelson late of Westmoreland Co. Va. find that in Augt. last there was a favorable report made by the Com te on Natl. pensions accompanied by a bill, no 581- and no further action. This case I presented at the request of Mrs. Nelson to the Pension department some 2 or 3 wks ago, and the ground on which it was disallowed, I in some measure blame myself for. but it was from probably misunderstanding one of the communications from that department. The circumstances were as follows. The claim was as widow of Capt. William Nelson for Militia service as set out in her declaration. All the proof and other proof filed in support of the claim was intended to prove that service. but in one of the communications addressed to me I perceived that Recd proof from the Va. Auditor was required, as I supposed, & I wrote to the Auditor requesting such proof as might be found in his office to be forwarded which he did. That proof had reference to another Wm. Nelson who was in the regular line, and no sort of

connexion with the case to which I now call your attention. I felt myself bound to have the evidence filed as I considered it called for, but I thought then that it had no application - I was fearful Mr Nelson won? Think I had ruined her case & therefore called the attention of the some of the members to it which has led to the present favorable report - This is I assure you a case of great merit. There was scarcely such a man of Nelson's grade in the Army - I was born & raised in that section of the country, and the high standing of Nelson as an officer was, and is now a theme of praise & his family in consequence of it are very highly esteemed - If something is not done soon I hardly think the old lady will ever receive any benefit from it - She has had a severe paralysis which disables her from walking and several grand children to support in consequence of the decease of her daughter Mrs Betty - Mr Berry says he will forward the papers to Mr Edwards when called for, and I now request you to look into the case, get the Comt to call the papers and read & decide it - To wait the tardy action of Congress will deprive Mr

Nelson of all benefit undoubtedly - For your trouble and attention I shall feel fully authorized by Mr. Nelson to make you handsome compensation if the case is established - I was informed by the Com. on pensions that the evidence of Saml. Templeman who was muster Master, who mustered Capt. Nelson's Co. into Service was decisive of the claim inasmuch as sufficiently specific & certain - The case of the late Capt. Wm. Paine late of Fargt. Co. V. was a case I am told precisely in point - It was the same form - I believe was allowed $480 p. an. L
The papers in that case will no doubt explain the case - If any proof giving to show the great respectability of Saml. Templeman, and high standing for integrity etc. be required you will please inform me - He was Compt. in Channing for many years of his life to his death -
My post office is Walnut Branch N.C. And am with great respect at. friend Saml.
Thos. Hood atto. in fact for Mrs. Mary Nelson -

(Copy)
Pension Office
May 25. 1841
Sir,
I have received your letter with the additional proof in support of the claim of M rs Mary Nelson for the services of her late husband William Nelson, dec d . and have placed it on file with her original papers. The proof now filed does not furnish any data from which a satisfactory conclusion can be drawn respecting the duration of the actual service of Captain Nelson. It is alleged that he had the command of a company of minute men, and was subsequently a Captain in the local Militia in the State of Virginia. The battalions of minute men were organized in the Fall of the year 1775, and dissolved again at the close of the year 1776. Although held subject to military orders under a separate organization from the militia, for the period of one year, they were not required to perform actual service except in cases of sudden alarm, and then only for short periods. The regular militia tours which were authorized by the State, were generally of 3 months duration. I find nothing in the declaration of George Eskridge which throws any light upon this claim. To be entitled, the widow will be required to establish

by satisfactory proof the number of times her late husband was called out into actual service and the duration of each such term.
I am respectfully &c. (Signed) S. L. Edwards
Thomas Ford, Esq. Present

10
Conway, Parisian
Thomas Ward Esq.
of Conway Warrenton Lea
Mr. Adams, Esq.
Sam. L. Pennycuick off. Fernando Bay Mail June 18/1860

War Department, Pension Office,
January 14. 1840.
Sir,
The documents enclosed in your letter of Nov. last do not afford any evidence in support of the Revolutionary services of the late Capt. William Nelson. It is alleged by the widow, Mary Nelson, that her late husband was a Captain of an Independent Company, in Virginia, for 3 years. The paper from Richmond furnished by the Register of the Land Office, shows that there was an officer of that name in the Virginia Continental Line, but who only held the rank of Lieutenant. It affords no evidence therefore of the service of her said husband.
Her papers remain on our files.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedt. Servt.
J L Edwards
Thomas Hord, Esq.
Present.

Washington June 13 th 1849
Mr. Sir,
I have rec d some six or eight letters from Mrs. Sutton requesting me to procure an increase of the pension of her Mother Mrs. Mary Nelson, widow of William Nelson, under the act of July 7 th 1838, Virginia act. I would therefore be greatly obliged to you if you would inform me, by letter, of the particulars of the service, as set forth by Mrs. Nelson, that I may endeavor to procure the evidence required.
I am, Very respectfully, Yr. mo. ob. St.
H. B. Addison
J. S. Clavarex Esq Commr of Pensions

Washington October 29, 1850
Sir,
I have the honor herewith to enclose to You my authority for attending to the case of Mary Nelson deceased, placed as a pensioner under the act of 7 July 1838, on the Virginia Roll, I respectfully request that the case may be re-examined with a view to an increase of the pension,
I am Sir
Very Respectful
Your ob t Servt.
F. L. Brockman
7
Hon James L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions

Pension Office, February 21. 1842.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith the original papers of Mary Nelson, numbered from 1 to 8 inclusive, and a copy of my letter of the 25 th of May 1841 to Thomas Ford, Esq., shewing what proof would be required to substantiate the claim. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the papers.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Ob t . Serv t . J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. T. Tatiáfero, Chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, House of Representatives.

Hon J S Edwards
banner of Penscons

Hon J S Edwards
Sir, Commr of Pensions
you will please allow My agent J S Brockett of Washington D C to examine the papers on file in your office upon which a pension was originally granted to my Mother, Mrs Mary Nelson, the widow of Capt William Nelson, commanding company of the Virginia State line, at the rate of $180 per year, very respectfully
Elizabeth M Gutter
October 26 1850

Feb 18. 1842.
Ann Nelson
J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. Wahafeno A.R.
— Pension Office — Un: Feb 18 1842
May Nelson
May - Nelson

Committee Room, 18 th of Feby - 1842
Dear Sir,
Be pleased to send to The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, The Papers of Mary  Ann Nelson of Virginia, filed in your Office, in support of her application for a Pension, accompanied with with your reasons for disallowing her a Pen- sion - Yours very respectfully,
John Taliaferro
J. L. Edwards copy
alluded to Mary after the letter had been Mrs. White at the Office on the 19 th

To Mrs. Hall from Col. S. H. Elms - Wards - Camp - Fleming
Mary Nelson of Westmoreland -

Pension Office
May 25th 1841.
Sir,
I have received your letter with the additional proof in support of the claim of Mrs Mary Nelson for the services of her late husband William Nelson deceased, and have placed it on file with her original papers.
The proof now filed does not furnish any data from which a satisfactory conclusion can be drawn respecting the duration of the actual service of Captain Nelson.
It is alleged that he had the command of a company of minute men, and was subsequently a captain in the local Militia of the State of Virginia.
The Battalions of minute men were organized in the fall of the year 1775 and dissolved again at the close of the year 1776.
Although held subject to Military orders, under a separate organization from the Militia for the period of one year, they were not required to perform actual service except in cases of

sudden alarms, and then only for short periods. The regular militia tours which were authorised by the State, were generally of three months duration. I find nothing in the declaration of George Esbidge which throws any light upon the claim.
To be entitled, the widow will be required to establish by satisfactory proof the number of times her late husband was called into actual service and the duration of each such tour.
I am, very respectfully Your Wife's, J. L. Edwards
Thomas Ward Esq.
Present

M rs Mary Nelson widow of M r Nelson Westmoreland Co. Va.
Pension Office. June 13. 1840.
Sir,
The affidavit of Mrs. Templeman has been received, and filed with the papers of Mrs. Mary Nelson, widow of the late William Nelson. The testimony of Mrs. Templeman does not afford any satisfactory evidence in her behalf. The fact is now clearly established, that Capt. Nelson belonged neither to the State or Continental lines of Va. Whatever service he may have performed therefore, was in the local militia of the State. Under the rules adopted for the execution of the law of June 7. 1832, his original commission, or other documentary evidence, showing his grade in the service, is required. Also that the service be particularly specified, showing the number of tours, and the duration of each, which should be accompanied by direct and positive proof.
I am, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
J L Edw ds
Thomas Hord, Esq. Walnut Branch, Va.

Additional testimony filed by letter 19 th May 1846.
Original documents - to wit - A roll containing the names of 18 men subscribed to a rec d in three words - "We and each of us the subscribers do hereby certify that we have rec d from Wm Nelson Capt. of the Multnomah Militia Company of Clackamas County the sum of the principal of said County of Clackamas which must be as obliged ourselves to keep in proper for actual service and to return the same when called for. Witness our hands this Sixth day of Sept. 1779. Signed by 18 men - to wit -
 "Wm Price - John Woodson jr - Wm Thompson - Wm Daykin  "Sam l Baker - Andrew Monroe - John Ross - Thos. Mear  "John Bowcock jr - George Woodson - Sam l Mear - George  "Spence D.O. - Wm Weickiffe - John Jenkins - Wm  "Redman - Thos. Payton - Jno. Ward - Walter James - 
a Mem. also endorsed at foot of same paper as follows "in the Boxes - 109. Capt. Triplett - 12. Capt. (Mear) lodged in "the corner of the room 111 - Wm Nelson 15 - 150" = another document - "July 25. 1777. Then rec d of Capt. Wm Nelson 30. 3. 0 if Being the money that was lodged in his hands for the payment of the militia that was called out on the Potomac River as witness my hand - Peter Jett -
 Endorsed on back. Jett to } Rec d for publick, Money -  another Nelson }  "Leds June 21 st 1781. Delivered to Capt. Monroe 11 Rattles & 2 arms  "Maj r Redman for the Rich d Troops 9 Rattles -  "Capt. Edwards 5 Rattles 1 ax 1 bay -  "Lt. Markley 5 Rattles 1 ax -  "Lodged at Mr. Dickie's 8 Rattles 1 ax - 
Signed on the back (Wm Nelson) [Wm Nelson] (Wm Nelson) (Wm Nelson) (Mem. Sep d 1777 letter also filed)
The aff t of Geo. Estlin taken on the 27 th July. 1846. in

* of the first off? that was appointed after hostilities commenced and under the impression his Service Command in the beginning of 1775. Was actually engaged in said Service in Com. of S. Co. which was afterwards called Militia for several years for 2 or 3 constantly engaged. He was at the siege of York - having been promoted to Majority - after the capture of same. They marched together to Gloucester. Retained his Com. to the end of the War - was much loved. after War and died in said Co. and was considered the best officer in the Co.
(Marriage proof complete)
David Templeman's aft. taken 20 th Mar. 1840 - That Capt. Wm. Nelson served as Capt. in said War - and aft. as master in S. War, mustered, said Nelson's Co. after the battle of Long Bridge - which he thinks was in Nov. 1776. I believe then in Com. as Capt. During this time the army was constantly in the River between the Narrows and mouth of Potomac - and he believes Capt. Nelson was constantly out in S. Service. The exact period he can not state - but he was in actual service at that time at least a year - after returned to the State of N. Carolina in 1779. I know but little of Capt. Nelson after that date - etc.
* Winchester State that in the year 1776 he well remembers that Capt. Wm. Nelson then an officer in the V. Minute Militia was in Service and that he was a mentoring officer - that S. Wm. Nelson was from the County of Westmoreland State of Va. He states that for want of recollection he cannot state the period when S. Nelson embarked or when he left the Service - but he recollects that S. Nelson was a long time in Service - that he certainly was in Service at the time he above specifies - That during the time he was with S. Nelson they were stationed at Self's old fields, Northumberland Co. Va. near the Horse head - That was a service of several months duration - states that he was himself an officer at the time he saw S. Nelson in Service he was commissioned - Second Service

Mr. Nelson's Decla. states that she is upwards of 72 years of age - widow of Wm. Nelson who was a Capt. of an independent Co. and Maj. of Battalion. Frequently heard him speak of his services & Can't tell particulars. Heard him speak of being in command at Siege of York - when Cornwallis was taken - Com menced service about commencement of Revolution - and continued a service 3 yrs or more - and after that was frequently called out Can't say whether his services were confined to Pa.
Was a citizen of Ulster Maryland Co. Pa. Had his regiments at the time of his death in Rooms of no official who knew him in service but Wm. S. Lett. Heard him speak of Col. Gaskins - Has no documentary proof. Papers were all taken out of his possession when he died - his married Sep. the 1791.
His Mother
The aff. of Frances Stewart proves that she knew S t John Nelson to be a Capt. of a Co. raised in the early part of the War and was actively engaged in the service for more than 3 years. Was intimately acquainted with him and positive that he served that time - A member of the officers - was under com d of Col. Nelson a considerable time -
The aff. of Wm. S. Lett proves that 1 st Wm. Nelson was a Capt. of an Independent Co. as it was called and commenced service early in the War - was one of *

4812 Mary Nelson. Pa
abt 7. July estimated serv at 9 mo
No 1. admd 9 mo pay 180 $
Thos Hood Esq. Present

4812 Mary Nelson. Ia alt 7 - July estimated service at 9 mo
July 12 1882
No 1. admd 9 mo left. 180 $
Thos. Hood Esq. Present.
25

...in of Virginia Westmoreland County § 3.3.
On this 28 th day of November 1838, per- sonally appeared before me a justice of the peace in said County, William Stokes Lott, a respect- able citizen of said County, and made oath in due form of law that he knew the late Col. Wm Nelson of said County in the War of the Revolution - He was a cap t of an independent Company, as it was called, and commenced service very early in the war. He was one of the first officers that after the commencement of the War he is under the impression his service commenced the beginning of the year 1776 - said officer was actively engaged in said service, commanded said which was afterwards called Militia , for several years, for two or three years constantly en- gaged - He was at the siege of York, & having been promoted to the rank of cap t , this officer became an officer in the same Regiment Marched with him to Gloucester as he returned his commission the the War closed, and was afterwards promoted to the grade of Col. He died in said County many years since & left a widow living at this time in this county The said cap t Nelson was considered the best Militia officer in the County - was an active military officer - The words "commanding said" interlined before the justice -
Subscribed and sworn to before me justice as aforesaid
J. M. Stewart
Rev. J. Stewart W.P.

Samuel Tann - - pleads off - in Mrs. Mary Nelson's case -
Claim for a pen- sion under the Act of 1838 -
104.

State of Virginia Westmoreland Co. To wit:
Samuel Templeman a respectable citizen of said county, this day personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County, and made oath that he knew the late Col l : William Nelson of said County during the Revolution - He served as a Captain in said War, and this affiant acting as Muster Master in said War, mustered said Nelson's Company after the Battle of Long ridge, which he thinks was Nov. 1776. Said Nelson was then in command as Captain - During this time the Enemy were constantly in the River between the Narrows and the mouth of Patomac and he believing that Cap t : Nelson was constantly out in said service - The exact period of his service he cannot state, but he was in actual service at that time at least a year - This affiant removed to the State of North Carolina in 1779 and knew but little of said Nelson after that date. - Subscribed and sworn to this 20 th day of March 1840 -
Samuel Templeman
Subscribed and sworn to before me justice as above stated. -
John T. P.

General Jones - pleadings off. in Mrs. Henry Nelson's case - Claim for a ju- ris under the Act of 1838 -
104.
State of Virginia
Westmoreland County Court.
I William Scott Clerk of the County Court of Westmoreland in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that James Scott Esq. before whom the within affidavit was taken and who has given his certificate in attestation thereof, is and was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly Commissioned and sworn, and that the signature within purporting to be the signature of the said James Scott is his true and legal signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 27 th day of March 1840, in the 6 th year of the Commonwealth.
William Scott Clerk of Westmoreland County Court
Clerks for 37 th

Oak Grove W. Nov 6/48.
Elizabeth M. Sutton
For arrears of pension due her mother.
S. 481. Rec Nov 8/48.
Pension Office
William A. Slemmer indng v case

Oak Grove Nov 6
10
Secretary of War Washington

Oakland Nov 5 1848
My Dear Sir
And think I need not hesitate to Say kind friends in time of need, I owe you some time ago about a part of a pension I received which my Mother was entitled to you so kindly and promptly attended to it that I now take the liberty, I got the pension by your kind settle, but like all ladies that has no friends been greatly degraded out of my right, the costs decreed against me the in of odious for the sale of property I have had in dearable possession for 48 years and paid tax and Scavenger My Mother held her life left to my sister and me at her death, the mean that instead my sister claimed more of the dower property than I was willing to give her My sister died, and we had half sisters and a half brother the Michels keep in her will, and sister's children came In the decree says but I think I have been greatly imposed on, and don't intend to consent to this decision, I intend to make an appeal and see if it can't be better It can't be worse, and I have had this such in cost five years 3 lawyers and I can't tell how much it has cost me, I am now short of money and dislike to sell property And wish to ask you to say to me if I am not entitled to the balance of my Mother's pension, she lived out the 5 years and part of the sum a widow of Capt William Nelson Who had a volunteer company and himself went on to York and William Stock still his letter read Gives her deposition to that also says he was one of the Braves men of his day beloved by all that knew him Particular his me, I wish you Sir if you please to send me a copy of Mr Pitts deposition also your opinion, saying how much money Mr Stone received from your office I only received five hundred and fifty dollars, and my Mother was entitled to twenty five hundred dollars, I beg your patience and pardon to for relating this disinterested letter to you, But a gentleman called on me a few days ago

And wish me to give him a power of attorney to collect it saying that I am indebted to the Balance, which I refused to do I knew I could be right to you, and did not wish to give it to every one if I could get it I am now in need of it, I have property if I had sold, in haste I hope you can read this and excuse me for pesting you I have slept near and my hands tremble so I write right, & that I thought it could be in my power to serve you or yours I hope to get an answer to this way soon with the requir- ing, your attention to the above will greatly oblige your sincere friend
Elizabeth M. South...
Oak Bros. Mt. Hotel /48. Elizabeth Mt. Station Foreman of pension due her mother. J. 481. See Mrs. /48. Pension Office William Clinton at the end of the year
South of War Washington
Ann Smith

J. J. H.
Westmoreland
Rev. Stone 603 28 th Mar. 1840
Ans o . - requesting him to find and forward the papers referred to by mail and I shall print a few. but no further
Rev. 8 th Ap.!
W m Mary Nelson Westmoreland Co. Va. N.H.

Rice's Store Mar. 27th 1846
Dear Sir,
I have just received a letter from the author of the "Life of St. Stephen" with the enclosed pamphlet. I thought it might be interesting to you, so I have the pleasure to send it to you. I have been unable to see the book until the other party had left it. I hope to hear from you soon.
The next time I have the pleasure of writing to you, I shall be very sorry to hear that Mr. Wilson is ill. I hope he will be well soon. I have been thinking of the "Life of St. Stephen" and how much I should like to see you again. I have been very ill, but I am now better. I hope to see you soon. I am, Dear Sir, Yours truly,
Yrs truly J. H. [Signature]

Thomas Wood esq. Walnut Branch P.O. Fauquier Co. Va
Thomas Wood esq. Walnut Branch P.O. Fauquier Co. Va

Richmond 21 Oct. 1839
D r Sir
Yours of the 18 Inst. was rec d on Saturday - & in answer to the contents. I have to inform you that St W m Nelson never settled his pay account Nor do I find his name on our Books &c - He received Land for the War - You had better get copies of the papers on which his Land bounty was allowed -
Very Respectfully
Yours &c
R Darrington

27. Congress 2. Session
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives February 14. 1842.
On motion of Mr. Salafeno
Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, be instructed to inquire into the propriety of allowing Ann Nelson of the county of Westmoreland, Virginia, a pension, in consideration of the military service of her husband, in the war of the revolution.
Attest
M. S. Clarke Clerk

e Knapp Knapp Decem 3. 1838
12 1/2
12 1/2

This is to certify that Francis Stewart a lady of respectability residing in Westmoreland County was formerly offered by the subscription of parties to her been for some time past in the following statement that William Nelson late of said County was a Captain of a company raised during the war of the rebellion and was actively engaged in service for more than three years - She was intimately acquainted with him and is positive that he was in actual service that length of time & he was a distinguished officer & performed all the duties he was engaged in with cheerfulness and was thought to be the best officer in the country & much liked by all - He was one of the commanders of the Nelson brigade & served with it during its entire existence except for short furloughs whereupon she went to Washington.
Frances Stewart
State of Virginia Westmoreland County
The above is a true statement of the matters relative to the truth of the above statement on this 30th day of Nov. 1858
Brig. F. Stewart P.P.

Dec 4/50 Elizabeth Sutton Respecting her right to a pension. To Mr. Sutton
Paid 5
Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.

Calgary December 1850 Hon Mr Heath Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
you will be surprised No doubt when you read this letter from a stranger That you never see nor heard of, but in my place And humble manner I set down to introduce Myself, I am the only daughter of an revolutionary Officer, Capt William Nelsons of Westmoreland County Volunteer Capt raised a company March to York and bravely fought for his country, One of the bravest men of his day, and beloved By all that knew him believe me by his men And every man at his command was willing To march to the point of the sword or man Of the cannon, they would march all day, Hungry and tired, and night brought them No comfort for they often had the snow to clear away and lay on the frozen ground, My Mother has often told me my Father Has told her, that often has he left his Men and gone in the woods and wept, to see What they suffered, I have been told he Was a Lieutenant in the regular army, And a brave and valuable man to his country, Dear Sir you have not only to take my word for This, but it is proved by his Lieutenant on File in your office, Mr William Stocksett Of Westmoreland County was his lieutenant And received £190 up to his death for his Services and 1842 they gave me nine hundred Dollars, I was disappointed in my agents Mr Edwards refused the examined the papers Are file, but I had read all the affidavits And still persevered, I knew I was entitled To more, well, I thought I would go myself to Mr Edwards, and for the sake of my Father

That he would let me see them and explain to me why I was kept out of my rights, Well I have no brother or relation to call on But in want of my money and the new money Difficulties for I lost my trunk and every thing I had along was in it, I arrived in Mr Edwards Office, introduce to Mr Edwards, and the gentleman At the same time tolde Mr E that I was in a Strange place and had the bad luck to loose My trunk and all my things, and if there Was any thing due me, he hoped he Would examine the papers of file and let Me have it, I was soon introduce to the gentleman By Mr Hunter he said there was nothing coming to me that the proof was very strange, I then ask him if he would be so kind as to Let me see my Fathers Sewerments Affidavids that I had read that, He never made an effort to get it, But tolde me he knew of no such paper, Well I came home with the file so, that, the trip and trouble give me a severe letter Devon, and not seen a well day since, Well one of his clerks heard of it I suppose In about two weeks he came to my house And tolde me if I would employ him He would get a such place in a few days, That he knew the circumstance well, I did so and he got the such place and I got part of the money but he got his Good part, now what is the result Mr Edwards turned out of his office, I am sorry for him, yet I am glad to hear there is a gentleman that, Will remember the orphan and widow, I am both and who ought ladies to look to For justice gentlemen, you are a blast with Wisdom and power to execute justice And from I was tolde of you yesterday

I have the greatest confidence I shall get My rights, my Father was promoted mayor Some time before the close of the war, How large I forget but it, is proved in your Office by Mrs Frances Stewart, That knew him well, and as giving me my Rights don't improve you nor withholding much you, that from the recommendation I have had of you, I will know I shall get all that I am intitled to those affidavits has Been proved then he 12 or 13 years ago, see the interest of fifteen hundred dollars is $90 per year Note that a sin to keep me out of this, Besides Mayor's pay never has been mentioned Sir please don't let no pears on have any thing to do with the papers on file of mine, for I have Full confidence in you, and if you will Honor me with an answer to this and wish me to come I will immediately come up, And whatever I am intitled to give it to me, And not to the agency as it is all ready proved And on file in your office, I hope the Lord is Place you there to do justice, particular to see That can't help them selves, My Father died rich And I was by the second marriage and he left Me my Mother's produce property at her death, At her death the half blood took me for the Property, and the judge decided against me The plea was it would be in taking property And put it all up to the highest bidder, and The place of his birth and where his remains Is, I bought and some of the servants, Hoping I should get this money to pay, The Lord turns around all things for the best, Please examine the papers on file, and Particular Mrs Frances Stewart where she Clearly proves that he served as Mayor for Some considerable time,

And when you are attending to the matter remember Who you are doing it for, a poor widow that has to do for her self, and I hope all your days will be peaceful and happy and you will be rewarded in a better world than this, With the greatest respect I hope ever to remain your friend Elizabeth M Sutton
Paid 5
Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
in New a is,
Dec 4/50 Eliz M Sutton Respecting her right to pension to Mr. Sullivan Oak Grove Dec 10/50

26 Dec 1850
Dear Nelson
W. H. Green Dec 23
Ans Jan 25 1850
to ref d to Capt. Trefle for the examination of the case
W. H. Green
Superintendent of Service Washington 80

acknowledged December 23 1850
My Dear Sir
I took the liberty to write to you a few weeks ago and as I have received no answer yet, I think the letter never reached you, I was informed by a gentleman from the City of Richmond that you would stop in the street to give every information that you could any benefit to them, perhaps I note too soon, as you had so recently taken your office, and I suppose it takes some time to find the papers on file, Where there is so many, if you have not received my letter, I am the only surviving child of a old Revolutionary officer, Capt William Nelson of Westmoreland County, proved by his Secretariat that he raised a volunteer company went to York They bravely fought for his country, and see many hardships and difficulties, Congress gave my mother a pension for five years she lived the five years out and one after which was sine, she employed an agent to get it But he did not get any thing until her death He got nine hundred dollars he took half, I always knew I was entitled to two thousand five hundred, $ 400 per year for five years, I have been an applicant for the balance ever since, had fore agents all failed, until one of the Revenue clerks came to see me the first of Nov And told me he could get a sum of money for fifteen hundred dollars in a few days if I would employ him I did so and the 18th of Nov I met my agent in Richmond City and was paid fifteen hundred dollars, he told me I was still entitled to some more pay my Father was promoted Major some time before the close of the war, I then recollected that was proved And sent to your office to be put on file,

And I wish you to examine the papers and among them you will see Mrs Frances Stewart Affidavits proving My Father was a Major in The revolutionary war some time before the close of The war, the agents has got the best parts of What I have received, and I don't wish them to have any more, and I believe you will give me what I am intitled to without implying me, as I have read all the affidavits And Mrs Frances Stewart's of Westmoreland county, the gentleman on that paid me in Beckin on scene so sorry he said Mr Edwards could give my money back as well and Not cost me one cent, it was all lawfully owed for 12 years ago, dear sir as giving to me Does not impoverish you nor withholding which you, and as I am the Father's wife and widow And you are blest with wisdom and power, I humbly call on you, for what I am intitled to As you can see how I have been treated for 9 or 10 years the interest of the money would Been 90 per year, and not one particle of profit Has been brought forward since, not was required All there, the Scriptures says we must relieve The Father's wife and widow, and even in this case Shows plainly how dependent we are on Gentlemen, if I had been a gentleman after Reading those affidavits I could have gone and Demanded the issue of the papers of file that I had received nine hundred dollars in 1842 And Mr Edwards had no right to refuse My seeing them, but when I went to him and so politely ask the favor of him to let me See them, he told me he knew of no such papers And he never rose from his seat nor made the least effort to look for them, I had got to Washington with so much difficulty and Had been so sea sick, and contemplated when I sa

Mr Edwards my self that he would let me see the papers if not for me for the sake of my Father that was proved to be one of the greatest Men of his day by Mr William Storer he sett his Sister in man to have lost my trunks with all I had in it, than with no acquaintes, in a strange Land, I felt the tears run down my cheeks, And I compared myself to Joseph brethren when he great distress in the land of egypt, my cons ors Ded not condemn me as they did, I had a clear Conscience, but I never understood why was all this trouble come on me, perhaps I had done Wrong, but if Mr Edwards had given me what I was sent by intitled to have differently My feelings would been, and done him no harm But when we do right and have a clear conscience all is well, and I beg for an answer to this If you pleas I believe you will and if you then he I best come to Washington I will immediately do so, I am tolde they have five Day in truth in such a case as mine, then Plus honor me with an answer as soon as you get this, and excuse an imperfect Letter from them that wishes you all happiness on earth And happy in a better world than this I am still your Obedient servant
Elizabeth M Sutton