Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5566, for Aaron Powell, Virginia

SERVICE
Va.
Powell, Aaron
N 5566
Susannah
CONTENTS

Dead. See letters to J. J. Fry & P. Col. Jan. 9. 1833
2553 Virginia
Aaron Powell of Bedford in the State of Virginia who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Wright of the Regt commanded by Col. Marshall in the Virginia line for 3 years from 1777-
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 120-Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Oct r 32 and sent to R. L. Mitchell, Liberty, Va
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 180- Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar ch 33 60.- $240.-
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice, Clerk, Book D Vol. 7- Page 110,

Aaron Small Declaration for Pension 7942
Bristol Aug 9 th

State of Virginia Bedford County Set.
On this 30 th day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court the same being a court of record Aaron Powell a resident of the said County of Bedford and State of Virginia aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to laid oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That in the month of August in the year 1777 he enlisted for three years in the service of the State of Virginia with Captain Patrick Wright and served in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Col. Thomas Marshall during the said term of three years George Muter was the Lieutenant Col. commanding in said Regiment Thomas Matthews Major Thomas Clay and Christopher Roane were the Lieutenants of his company - He was honourably discharged at Richmond in the month of August in the year 1780 his discharge is now a file in auditors office in the State of Virginia where he was required to deposit it when he received his pay and a warrant for land to which he was entitled from the State of Virginia for his services - at the time he entered the service he resided in the County of Chesterfield in the State of Virginia - He was engaged in a Skirmish with the British when stationed a short distance Portsmouth at the time when the British shipping were endeavouring to get up to Norfolk - Shortly after his enlistment he was marched from Chesterfield the County in which he enlisted to Williamsburg at which place he joined the regiment - From thence he was marched to Hampton at which place and at Portsmouth he was generally stationed until the Spring of the year 1780 at which time he with two or three hundred of his regiment were ordered to march to Charleston in the State of South Carolina under the command of Col. Porterfield at the time they were ordered to Charleston Capt. Wright resigned his commission and the command of the company in which he was attached devolved upon Thomas Clay - They marched beyond Salisbury in the State of North Carolina where understanding that Charleston was taken and that Col. Buford

was defeated the commanding officer determined not to proceed further - but remained in North Carolina until the arrival of Genl. Gates whose army they joined at Hillsborough In a few days he with 30 or 40 others of his detachment were ordered back to Hillsborough to guard some cannon and baggage waggons which were sent back to that place - From Hillsborough he was marched back to Richmond under the command of Capt. William Spiller and was there discharged as before mentioned - A very short time after he entered the service probably not more than a month - He was appointed a Sergeant in his company and continued to act in that capacity during his whole term of service and was discharged as such - I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
his Aaron T. Powell marks
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year aforesaid.
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after perusing the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
I Robert N. Dickenson deputy for Robert Bellitchell Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a true copy of the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Aaron Powell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Office the 17 th day of September 1832 in the 57 th year of American Independence. R. N. Dickenson.

6012. Virginia
Susannah Powell, widow of Aaron Powell, who was a Sergeant, in the Yazoo
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Aug 1844 and sent to
R. H. Gray Esq. Lynchburg Virginia
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book a June 17. 1844
Vol. 1 Page 157.
Robert H. Gray July 9. 1846. to same Aug 24. '46
(Yazoo)

State of Virginia
Bedford county to wit,
I Ben. McDonald a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, do hereby certify that M rs Susannah Powell (of said county) who has this day sworn to, and subscribed by her mark the foregoing declaration before me, is the widow of Aaron Powell dec d . of said county, who was a U. States pensioner - that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband aforesaid - and is the identical person who is claiming a pension of the general government as the widow of said Aaron Powell dec d . Given under my hand this 19 th day of February 1839 - I also certify that M rs Powell is too infirm to attend court - Ben. McDonald J. P.
State of Virginia
In the County Court of Bedford at the Court House of said County, on Monday the 25 th day of February 1839 in the 63 rd year of the Commonwealth.
The foregoing declaration of Susannah Powell together with the annexed two affidavits of George Stanley & Julius Hatcher in this day produced in open Court - and being examined the Court doth find it to be affixed to the Commission of Pension that the said Benjamin McDonald and Martin Blake are acting Justices of the Peace of this County and that their respective signatures to the declarations & affidavits aforesaid are genuine therefor and this Court approves ratifies the proceedings of said two Justices of the Peace. And the Court doth further certify that it appears to their satisfaction that the said Susannah is a lady of respectability & deserving and the widow of said Aaron Powell late of this County who died on the 2 d day of May 1835 - the said Aaron having been a Revolutionary Pensioner in his life time. The Court also certifies that they believe the said Aaron Powell & Susannah were married in 1790 or 1780.
In testimony whereof I, Wm. L. Mitchell Clerk of the Court aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 25 th February 1839 in the 63 rd year of the Commonwealth.
W. L. Mitchell C.P.

State of Virginia
Bedford county to wit,
On this 19 th day of February 1839 personally appeared before me Ben. A. Donald a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, M rs Susannah Powell aged 78 years (the widow of Aaron Powell dec d of said county) 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 Aaron Powell dec d of said county, who was a Sergeant in the U. States Revolutionary war in the continental line of service, and was entitled to, and rec d his land for said service - and that her husband the said Powell also served two or 3 tours in the militia after they were married - but of the particulars of his service she is unable to speak, nor is it necessary so to do, as there is documentary evidence of his services, in the office of the Commissioners of Pensions for the war-department - and to which he is referred, to ascertain what is due her - And she the said Susannah Powell further declares, that she was married to the said Aaron Powell in the month of March, and in the year 1779, or 1780 - and that her husband, the aforesaid Aaron Powell, died on the 30 th May 1835 - That she was not married to him Prior to his leaving the service (as she is enabled to prove but that the marriage, took place previous to the first day of January 1794 - viz. at the time above stated - as will more fully appear by the Proof annexed - witness as to M rs Powell's mark -
William Setzer
Susannah Powell her mark
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, (by her mark) the day, and year as above written -
Ben. A. Donald J. P.

State of Virginia, Buckingham County S. S.
On this 11th day of January 1843, before me — Wm Branch — a Justice of the peace in and for said County — personally appeared Mr John West a respectable Resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say — That he is 75 years old — That in addition to his former Affidavit in this case, he will say — that he was well acquainted with Aaron Powell (who married Susan Taylor) before he West was grown — and that he recollects distinctly that he Powell enlisted in the regular Artillery Service for 3 years — and that after his term of service as a regular soldier was out, he married Susan Taylor, daughter of Anthony Taylor (a close neighbour to Powell in January 1781) — she Susan Taylor, was deponent's step sister — said Taylor having married his dep. mother — dep. was living with his step Father Anthony Taylor, at the time that said Powell married his step sister Susan Taylor as aforesaid in Jan. 1781 — and also at the time that he the said Aaron Powell was called into service with the rest of the Chester field militia from the north part of the County — The said Powell was then living some 3 or 4 miles from Anthony Taylor, his Father in law — Taylor, was also called into service at the same time — deponent thinks it was some 3 or 4 weeks after Powell was married to Susan Taylor as aforesaid — that he went into service as a militia man — to meet the British there at Petersburg — un- -der Taitton — that while the militia to which

Aaron Pounce, and Anthony Taylor belonged was stationed at a place called Sudbury, 3 miles from Chesterfield El House - they were attacked by Partons Light-horse, and nearly all that was in the house were taken prisoners - in- cluding said Pounce and Taylor; Taylor was carried prisoner to Portsmouth, where he died with the small pox - but Aaron Pon- -ce made his escape - and returned home The battle at Sudbury, dep is of opinion took place some time in early part of the spring of the year 1781 - it being the spring after said Pounce was married to his present widow Susan Pounce, now of Bedford County, (and whose maiden name was Taylor, and also the spring before the capture of Lord Corn- -allis - which was in the month of October 1781 - dep did not see his sister (dep) married to Pounce - but he recollects that they went to Parson Benjamin Blagrove (of the church of England), to get married - and that they were married - he always understood - and of which fact he dep has no doubt on his mind - and that it was in Jan y 1781 - and after which Pounce served a militia of two months or more - and was taken prisoner as above stated. And further the said Pounce went up to Bedford at the close of the war, and died in said county in or about the year 1835 leaving his present widow Susan - who dep. understands is still alive. witness - Pounce was a tall slender made man, the only man he ever knew of that name. his
John Hest known to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
Witness Edward R. Grigg Before me Wm Branch J.D.

I Rolfe Eldridge clerk of the County Court of Buckingham in the State of Virginia certify that W m Branch before whom the foregoing affidavit of John West was sworn to, is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County duly commissioned & qualified according to law that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this sixteenth day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three -
R. Eldridge CBC

"We Aaron Powell & Anthony Taylor of Chesterfield Cty acknowledged ourselves to be indebted to the Governor of Virginia this state, in the sum of Fifty pounds; but to be void if there shall be no lawful impediment to a marriage intended to be, between the said Aaron & Susanna Taylor - Witness to this 17th Jany 1781.
"Teste. -
"J. Watkins
"Aaron Powell (S)
"Anthony Taylor (S)"
Virginia as Chesterfield county, Essoit;
J. Parke Comptroller Clerk of the County court of Chesterfield County, hereby certify that the above transcript is truly copied from the original bond now filed among the marriage license bonds filed in my office: Given under my hand this 27th May 1842. and have hereunto affixed the seal of said county court.
J. Comptroller Clk.

7942
7942 Aaron Powell
for 1777 Sergeant 3 yrs. $120.

7942
BRIEF in the case of Aaron Powell County of Bedford in the State of Virginia (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     enlisted Aug t In 17 77 3 — — private & serg t after the 1 st month Gen. Col. Thos. Marshall's Regm. of Artillery  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Charlottesville, Va.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? none of these, (if not on the rolls)  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? no error 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. W. Wray
Examining Clerk.

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5566
Susannah Powell
Wid.
Aaron Powell
Sergt. Non. line
Act: July 4 th 36, des. 3 d
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 135
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lib to R. W. Gray Oct. 14 '46

5623 va
Rejected
Let to H. H. Gray. July 6. 1842 " same " 15 " " " " same Nov 28, '42
act 4 July 36

3101
Pepe
1701 Virginia
Susannah Powell.
Widow of Aaron Powell, decd: who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832. and who died on the 30th: May, 1835 in Bedford in the State of Virginia - who was a Sergeant in the Compy - commanded by Captain Wright of the Regt: - commanded by Col. Marshall in the Virginia line for 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 120 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of June 1839 and sent to R. H. Gray. Lynchburg Va —
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1839 $360.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. — 60.00
$420.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by M c Stewart Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 181
 She came to N. H. Gray. July 6. '42 " " " " " 27. "42 " " " " Oct. 12. '43 " " " " Hoan. J. W. Gilmer Feb. 6. 1844 

Ref Let. to R. H. Gray Retiring papers Nov. 8
Virginide. 442
Susannah Powell widow of Aaron Powell, who died on the 30 th May of Bedford in the State of Virg ia , who was a Sergt in the Co. com by Captain Wright of the Reg. com by Col. Marshall in the Virginian line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 120 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 1 st March, 1834. 30 th May 1835,
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of Nov r 1846 and sent to Gray, Lynchburg. Va.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Deduct what has been paid under Act of 1838, 1843 & H. H.
{ Revolution Act July Section th
Recorded by D. B. Wood Book C. Vol. 1. Page

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Aaron Powell which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ys II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? ys III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? — IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? ys V. * Has he mentioned 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? ys VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? ys VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ys VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ys IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? ys X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? ys

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? no
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? no
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1, 2, 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

State of Virginia
Buckingham County S. S.
on this 18 th day of July 1842, before me thanked a Sworn a notice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr. John West a Res- -pectable Resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 76 years old - that he knew An- -thony Powell (who married Susan Taylor) before he was grown: and he recollects distinctly, that he Powell enlisted in the Artillery of the Regular line, for three years: that after his term of service was out as a Regular soldier, or rather Sergeant of the Artillery - he married Susan Taylor the daug- -hter of Anthony Taylor of Chesterfield; he thinks it was in January 1781 - she was deponent's step Sister - Taylor married his Mother; dep. is in no way interested. Deponent West, also recollects distinctly, that after the said Powell was married as aforesaid to said Susan Taylor - he was called into the service - during the Revolutionary war - with the Chesterfield Militia - Anthony Taylor being in company - in order to meet the Brit- -ish, then at Petersburg. That while the Militia to which Powell, and Taylor was attached - were stationed at a place called Suckersburgs - about 3 miles from Chesterfield Count - Virginia - they were attacked by Tarleton.

Light-horse, and put to rout - and all that was in the house except a very few - was taken prisoners: Taylor was carried prisoner to Danville - month, and died - but Powell made his escape, and came home - The Battle at Sads- -bury, was in March or April of the year 1781 - the same year, that Lord Cornwallis was taken in the Fall. The aforesaid Aaron Powell was a tall slender made man; and lived in the North part of the county of Chesterfield near the coal pits - and is the only man deponent ever known by that name in Chesterfield County or elsewhere. The said Aaron Powell, and wife, moved from Chesterfield to Bradford - about the close of the Revolutionary war - where deponent has seen him since. Powell died in Bradford some 6 or 7 years ago - and his widow is still alive, as deponent understands.
West
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written -
Before me Chas. Asbell - J.P.
I Rolfe Eldridge clerk of the county court of Buckingham certify that Charles Asbell is a justice of the peace as above duly commissioned and qualified, that
the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 18 day of July 1862
Rolfe Eldridge clerk of Buckingham County Court.

N. act 1844 - 92
Aug 3 rd '44
6258.
Pa
Mar 3 rd 1843
Sy. Powell acts 43 & 44 one '44 per cent.
$120 per share
FREE
R. H. Gray Lynchburg Va.
Washington City
Pensions
Esq

Synchs. July 29 1844,
Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Susannah Parnell claiming a pension under the act of March 3. 1843. No. 16 Gray Agent
Mr. [unclear]
Wm
Robert H. Gray Esq.
Superintendent

War dep t Pension office May 19 1840
Sir,
The evidence in support of the date of the marriage of Martha, and Peter Albaum is not satisfactory. The dep t requires record proof in all cases where attainable, and in most of the b. a cases such proof has been found in the office of the clerk of the county court, when the marriage was solemnized. But where such is not the case, and no family register can be found - other proof must be relied on.!! The witnesses in the present case were too young at the time to be able without some data to afford the desirable certainty as to the date. It is said the marriage took place in 1785: Any evidence therefore, (in case no record of the marriage can be found) which may show conclusively that the parties lived together as husband and wife prior to Jan y 1 1794, will be deemed satisfactory.
Ro. W. Gray Esq
L. L. Edwards
Pension office Sept. 8. 1841. (Extract)
Sir, "The claim of M rs Clarke to which you allude as having been allowed on hearsay evidence, differs essentially from M rs Roberts. Micajah Clarke the husband, was in the Virginia line for 3 years from 1776 as was proved by the testimony of witnesses and the Army books at Rich d . He was married in 1779 - and the only point at issue, in order to bring her claim within the provisions of the Act of July 4 1836 - was to establish the fact of a term of service however short, subsequent to that period. That he was in service after his marriage was proven by witnesses - The issue was wholly

immaterial - provided, the fact itself was proven!! Mr. No. H Gray J. L. Evans
Synch 3 Sept. 9 1842
Sir,
I am glad I have it in my power to enclose you your former opinion, and decision on principles of evidence embraced in the 2 cases in your proposition - but which you do not think proper to allow. I allude to the claims of Mrs. Irene Redman of Bedford Co. and Mrs. Susannah Powell of the same county. The principle of evidence laid down in regard to the proof of Marriage between Peter and Martha Mann - if carried out in Mr. Redmans case - would be conclusive: for then, you conform to the letter of the Rules - which says - that when record evidence cannot be obtained - the marriage may be proven by oral testimony! And the Redmans Isaac, and James - does not say merely, that they knew Henry Redman and his present widow to have lived together as man and wife prior to 1794 - (the evidence required by you then) but that they actually saw them married with their own eyes in the Fall of 1790! And when you reflect that all the details of Henry Redmans services (as you will see by his letter to me filed) was furnished by Isaac Redman - you must be forced to admit that he is a man of extraordinary memory.

The date of such an event too, as a Marriage in a family, is more apt to be recollected than any other circumstance in life. Probably not a year has passed from 1790 to the present that Isaac Redman and I has not had their memory refreshed - by conversation or otherwise - in regard to the date of the marriage of their brother to Irene Goode. young I have allowed several cases in which I was agent, when the marriage was proven by such evidence as was deemed satisfactory in Mrs. Mann's case - to wit - that the parties lived together as man and wife prior to Jan. 1794. you objected to the evidence in Mrs. Mann's case because of their non-age - but you have never required in any case prior to Mr. Redman's - that the witn- -ers should show that they had written dates to govern their memory.
The cases of Micajah Clarke, and Aaron Powell are so precisely analogous - that the prin- -ciple laid down by you in proof of Clarke's service after marriage - must necessarily be app- -plied in proof of Aaron Powell's tour of service at Suds- -bury in March or April 1781 after his marriage to his present widow Sarah Powell: and of the 2 cases - Powell's service after marriage is much the most clearly proven - for we not only have more evidence to show that Powell went into service after marriage - and was by reputation at Sudsbury - but we bring 2 witnesses - Goode & Babb - to prove that they saw him there! And all agree as to the Col. that commanded Sudsbury's - Robt. Goode. I do not

wish to be considered inopportune: but believing as I do that these 2 cases stand established on the principles of Truth and Justice - in accordance with the rules: I can not consistently with my duty as agent - cease to urge them until convin- -tion shall supersede prejudice - and their claims be allowed by you. yours Respectfully, No. W Gray
As I have obtained another Aff t in Mrs Oglesby's case - does her death - (which has occurred since your rejection of her claim) vitiate the right of the heirs to any pension which might have been allowed her - or may be allowed now - provi- -ded the additional evidence obtained, should make the claim sufficiently clear and strong in her favour. Please give me an answer in regard to this new feature involved in regard to the claims of pensioners. No. W Gray.
From your silence in regard to my last letter - you have, without just cause, I fear taken umbrage at some of my arguments - which I considered myself as Agent, authorized to use in furtherance of the claims of Mrs Powell, Redman, and Oglesby etc. what I said, was in the capacity of Attorney - not designing to impute to you anything as an individual but as a public officer - whom I considered as bound to adhere strictly to the rules - without rigor, or relaxation. yours Respectfully, No. W Gray

June 22 1896.
as to 6012
Rec. Bureau
5 Dunards Esq 600 in of pensions Washington City D. C.

Syncler June 19 th 1846.
Sir,
I do not like to be considered importunate, but you must excuse me for expressing some surprise in not having received any thing from you in regard to the areas we claim in the case of Mr. Sir Samuel Powell of Bedford Co Va - who claims to be placed on the pension roll of July 4, 1836 - and to receive all the benefits accruing from it.
When I was in Washington last winter, and in Doct. Grunps's Office, he voluntarily introduced the subject of Mr. Powell's claim alone, and said that he never had been satisfied in his mind, in having formerly  hitherto rejected his claim - and promised to review it - and that if the marriage was satisfactory, he would allow it. I held the Doct. to his promise. This is a clear case, and needs no further argument. Please let me hear from you on the subject. Yours in haste -
R. H. Gray atts. for Mr. Powell.

April 18/46
Rec'd
43-7487
Surgeon Pierce
May 18/46
Look in Reg.
Esq.
John H. Lewis
Washington City
D.C.

Syracuse, Apr. 14 th 1846.
Sir, Since writing the enclosed letter, and sealed - I am reminded of Dr. Greenup's promise, in regard to Susannah Powell's claim to be placed on the pension roll of July 1836 - and to receive the benefits resulting therefrom - which amounted to an acknowledgment, that he had improperly rejected said claim - and that if the marriage was satisfactory, he would allow it. I presume, that before this the papers have been returned to your office - and as Congress has adopted a resolution, that nothing more than reasonable proof of marriage shall be required - the rigor of the rules on that score is somewhat modified - and that therefore all difficulty in her case is removed. From the conversation with Dr. Greenup on this subject - I have a right to look, specially for a new certificate in her case with the annuity allowed 8 th - yours - R. H. Gray A.U.S.
11. 255 - '38 - ad o / R

Susannah Powell
Payment to be made at Richmond
Virginia
by
J. W. Pegram, Esq.,
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Richmond
Virginia
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 1 Page 157 .
F. S. Evans Clerk.

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17. 1844 Susannah Powell widow of Aaron Powell, who was a Sergeant and died on the 30 th day of May 1835 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One Hundred and twenty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1848, unless the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 20 th day of August one thousand eight hundred and fortyfour. Wm Wilkins,
Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

2553 Jan 3
Aaron Powell Warwick
PAID
L. Edwards Esq. Comt of Pensions Washington

Richard F. Hens
Dear Sir
Will you be so kind as to authorize the agent here to pay the within
With much respect J. H. S.
J. H. S.

Lynchburg March 1 st 1839
Sir,
Enclosed, I send you the papers in the case of M rs Sasannah Powell of Bedford - the Widow of Aaron Powell dec d of said Co ty - M c and M rs Powell was married in Chesterfield County about the year 1779. and removed to Bedford about the close of the war - I have in this, as in all other cases written to the clerk of the County for any record evidence of their marriage - and have received no answer - although I wrote near two months ago, and should I receive any communication on the subject I will forthwith forward it - I am satisfied however it will result in this, as in most of the Marriages prior to 1785 - that there is no record evidence of the fact to be found, either by the bond or the return of the marriage - in fact, a large majority of the marriages after 1785 - (there being no Statute requiring it prior to that time) have failed to be returned - to the criminal negligence of the Ministers who celebrated the rites of marriage - And as for Family Records, that is out of the question to think of it - for about one half of them who endured service in the Revolutionary war could not write their names, as you will observe by the frequent Marks that are made. In this case however the parties are clearly proven to have been married - or regarded as man and wife as early as 1779. or 1780. by the affidavits of M c Geo. Stanley, and Julius Watchie, two highly respectable citizens of Bedford - and both members of the Baptist Church - In this case I have conformed to the new regulations which

you have prescribed - requiring the proceedings before a single Justice - In case of the infirmity of the widow - to be heard before a subsequent court to receive its Ratification, as to the genuineness of the parties - I have no objections to my work being inspected by the court - But I did say when I returned Mr. Brooks papers - and I do still say that the Department has no right - and therefore ought not to establish new Rules and Restrictions (to have an else post facto hearing) - therefore I am religiously of the opinion that the cases which are in hand - which I have sent - so far as as the same within the Rules we had to work by - ought to be passed - for I do not like the trouble of doing my work over - but in all subsequent cases I shall conform to your new requisition - be so good as to forward the certificates as soon as possible -
W. H. Gray
P.S. direct the certificate to - me in Lynch. W. H. Gray
The case of - Mrs. Savannah Powell - widow of Aaron Powell decd. of Bedford - 69.

Dec 17 1842
Va.
Susan A. Russell
FREE
Samuel H. Janards Esq Vernon of Pensions Washington City -
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Synch s Dec r 13. 1842
Sir,
Yours of the 28 th Nov. has been duly rec d and considered: you say the evidence of Service rendered by Aaron Powell is still unsatisfactory. In my opinion the evidence in this case is conclusive - and certainly much stronger than the evidence of the service of Micajah Blake after marriage - upon which you allowed a pension to his widow Elizabeth Blake - under the Act of July 4. 1836: however; as feeble as I am in health at this time I must still persist, ! and so soon as the weather will permit, I will try and obtain such evidence of Powell's Service after marriage, as will be NOT • rejected. You say further, that if I persist in this claim - the question of the date of marriage will be revived, . In neither of your preceding letters, in Mr Powell's case, have you taken any exception to the proof of marriage - but only objected to the want of satisfactory evidence of Service - and according to the strict rules of constitutional language - silence, in this case, as in all former ones, gave consent, or approbation on those points • not objected to: and I must say, that to revive the question of marriage at this protracted stage of our correspondence - when you had virtually admitted it to be satisfactory - appears treacherous - and a disposition to protract - and lose the subject.

But I can not conceive what there is to object to in the proof of marriage in this case - record evidence of the licence being issued in Jan y 1781 to many the parties is before you - corroborated by the Aft rs of M rs Elizabeth Powell Jacob Flourney and others: and certainly the evidence of marriage in this case (being of the same character) is much more positive and conclusive than in the case of M rs Elizabeth Winfrey. But there will be no difficulty in obtaining further evidence as to the marriage of the parties in Jan y 1781 - You say Feb y ? all I complain of, is the unnecessary labour and expense I am put to in multiplying Affidavits, when, in my humble view of the subject the case is doubly made out.  Yours respectfully Ro. W. Gray
B. It is consistent with your rules - you will be so good as to send me a duplicate of the most material part - or whole, of the evidence in the case of M rs Elizabeth Winfrey - together with your own certificate, that a full pension of £80 p. An. was allowed her, on the evidence of Mrs Winfreys services her husband, and if consistent with your views - that the said Winfrey named in the £100 19.5 certificate of pay - bill with her saps - was declarants husband. Mrs Winfreys widow is no doubt entitled

to land - and with a duplicate of the corroborative evidence your office affords - of his having rendered the service, indicated in the certifi- -cate of pay of £ 100.19.5. pms 29. Aug. 1783. She would be enabled to obtain it from the Exec- utors of Virginia. you will confer a great favour if you will furnish the widow with a copy of said evidence
Yours respectfully
Robt. H. Gray 18 for Mr. Huntington
not in
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

Jan 10. 1843.
via
Sabina Brand
L. Edwards Esq
Hon. S. Grogan M.P.
Champion of Pensions D.L.

Ho. Reps. Jan'y 9 th 1842
Sir
Will you be good enough to inform me what is the difficulty in the case of the application of Mrs. Susannah Pamel of Bedford Co Va. for a pension under the act of 1836 - She has requested me to examine for her - I know nothing of the merits of the case myself - she is of a highly respectable family and her husband Aaron Pamel deceased was reported to have been a gallant soldier in the line in fact an officer -
I am with respect
J. L. Edwards Esq.
W. L. Goggin

July 18 1843
Susan D. Powell
FREE
L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington City

Smeth Feb y 11. 1843
Sir
I have rec d . no communication from you on the subject of my last letter - containing enclosed the Aff t of Mr. John West of Buck- Rever d having in regard to the marriage, and service after marriage - of Aaron Powell to Susan Taylor Miss now Susan Powell of Bedford above. Please communicate the result as soon as convenient, as possible - for if I am to obtain more evidence, the sooner I know it the better - as the evidence in such cases is fast passing away from the stage of Action. The evidence in hand however, I should suppose was entirely conclusive as to both marriage, and service - so as to bring her case fully within the provisions of the Act of July 4. 1836; in hasten yours respectfully
No. W. Gray Ad for Mrs. Susannah Powell.

State of Virginia
Chesterfield County S.S.
on this 27 th day of May 1842, before me William Goode Esq r a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Mr. John Bass a Respect- able Resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 80 years old - that in January or February 1781  1780 , he was called in to service in the militia of said County under Col. Rob t Goode - was marched to and fro - was at Rich d and Petersburg - never staying long at a place - partly to keep out of way and knowledge of the British Light-horse - who formed part of Arnolds force, then at Petersburg Va. That in Feb r . or March 1781  1780 , while the Reg t to which dep. belonged, was encamped at a place called Sudbury, about 3 miles from Chesterfield to d Warrenton, they were attacked and put to rout by Tarletons Light-horse, and deponent himself taken prisoner, together with a man of slender stature, by the name of Aaron Powell, who lived in the North part of said County, near the coal pits - called Heathes - : That dep. and said Aaron Powell and the balance, who were taken prisoners, were carried to Portsmouth, and there detained as prisoners 5 or 6 months; and discharged in July or August - the said Aaron Pow- ell being prisoner with dep. the whole of said time. That the said Powell must have moved out of said county shortly afterwards - as dep. has not heard of him since. dep took small pox while a prisoner as aforesaid - and had not entirely got well of it, when Cornwallis was captured at Yorktown Va. in Oct. 1781.
John Bass
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me William Goode Esq r - J.P.

State of Virginia Chesterfield County to wit,
I William Goode Sw m a Justice of the peace in and for said County, do hereby certify Mr. Jas Bais who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Aff t before me, was at a place called Suckburys 3 miles from Chesterfield to Newse - in company with myself, under Coll Robt Goode, in Feb y or March 178 1 1781 , in the service of our country - when we were attacked and put to rout by Taltons Light horse; who came up from Petersburg. Deponent recollects distinctly, of seeing a man of slender stature, at Suckburys on said occasion - in the service - by the name of Aaron Powell who lived in the North part of said County at the time; and that he was then as a regular drafted soldier and that the said Aaron Powell was taken prisoner, together with said Mr Bais, and carried to Portsmouth, and there detained as a prisoner several months - and was discharged in the Summer of the same year of the capture of Lord. Cornwallis at Yorktown in year October 1781. That dep. can not tell what become of said Powell after he was discharged as a prisoner, as he has not heard of him since - that he must have moved out of the County shortly after. and that figures,, 1781,, was interlined in Mr Bais's certificate, and his own before signed by either. Given under my hand this 27 th day of May 1842.
William Goode Sw m J.P.
Said Powell lived near the coal pits -
now called Heathes William Goode Sw m J.P.

Virginia Chesterfield county, to wit,
I Parke Conductor clerk of the county court of Chesterfield in the state aforesaid, hereby certify that William Goode senior whose signature is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit of John Bais, & is also thereunto subscribed to his own certificate thereto annexed; was at the date of the same, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said county of Chesterfield, he having been duly commissioned and qualified as such, according to law; and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine: In testimony whereof I hereto subscribed my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county court of Chesterfield this 27 th day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty two, and in the 66 th year of the Commonwealth.
P. Conductor C

State of Virginia
Bedford County S.S.
On this 11 th day of June 1842, before me born 76 Wm A White a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county personally appeared M c Julius Hatcher a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 66 years old - that deponent's father moved to Bedford during the Rev s war. and that Aaron Powell and his present widow Susannah Powell (whose maiden name was Taylor) moved to said county about the close of the Rev s war - and deponent can recollect them from that time - or very soon after they came to said county, from the county of Blethenfield - and that said Powell and wife had one, if not two children when dep t first recol- lected them. That the said Powell was a U. States Pensioner at the time of his death - but knows no thing of his Revolutionary services - heard that he was in the regular service. That the said Powell was a tall slender made man - and came from the neighborhood of the coal pits in Bleth- -enfield to said county, where they continued to live together as man and wife, until his death, which was on the day of May 1835 - leaving his present widow Susannah Powell - for whose benefit deponent gave his Affidavit a few years ago in order to obtain a pension under the 5 years law - and that the said Susannah Powell has been a widow ever since the death of her husband to the present time. Julius Hatcher
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above mentioned -
Before me -
Wm A White J.P.
deponent, interlined before signed.
Wm A White J.P.

State of Virginia
Bradford County to wit,
10 th born in
On this 27 th day of June 1842, before me Rev. J. Donald, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, personally appeared Mr. Joseph Clarke a respectable Resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, to the on his oath say - That he is 71 years old - that he lived in the neighbourhoods of the coal pits in the bo. of Chesterfield - near Aaron Powell, and Anthony Taylor - during the Rev d war: and that he recollects distinctly, that said Aaron Powell who was a sergeant in the Regular Service during the Rev d war - married Susan Taylor, daughter of Anthony Taylor above named, during and towards the close of the Rev d war: and that after the said Powell was married to his present widow Susan Powell; he was again called into Service in the Militia from Chesterfield bo. as he heard the said Powell say - and that he told deponent that he was at a place called Suckbunys, near Chesterfield Co. House - when the militia to which he belonged was attacked by Tait's Light-horse and nearly all that was in the house taken prisoners - and carried to Pointomouth - but that he the said Powell made his escape - came home, and was again called out in the Militia into Service from Chesterfield. That the said Powell was a slender made, tall man - and that about the close of the Rev d war he moved up to Bedford County. Dep. with his Father moved up to Bedford in Nov. 1785 - in the same neighbourhood with said Aaron Powell - who then had two children, or more. That the said Powell Rec d a pension of $120. pr An. in his life time as a Sergeant in Rev d war. That he died in May 1835 -

leaving his present widow Susan Pounce - and who has remained a unmarried ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid, to the present time: and that she is the identical Susan Pounce, who had a five years pension, under the law of July 1838 - of $120. per An. from said County: and whose husband Aaron Pounce, was in the service after he was mar- ried to her in Cheshire Co. during the Rev. War.
Joseph G. Smith
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me Ben A. Woodlot J.P.

10. No Gray Agent for Mrs Susannah Powell
no 5623.
5623
Susannah Powell.
Pa
at 4 July 36
m Jany. 81-
adm 2
2 yrs Serg.
may 35 20 A from 30. deduct what has been paid under act of 38. 43044
R.H. Gray Lynchburg Va

State of Virginia, Bedford County ss
At a regular Court held in and for said County at the Courthouse on Monday the 27 th day of June 1842.
The declaration of Mrs. Susannah Powell widow of Aaron Powell deceased of this county being read in open court in order to obtain a pension under the law of July 1836, together with the affidavits of William Goode and John Bais of the county of Chesterfield, and the marriage bond of Aaron Powell and Anthony Taylor and the affidavits of Julius Fletcher and Joseph Clark of the county of Bedford, and the court having examined the same, and being satisfied in their minds, that the parties and evidence are genuine, and not fraudulent, do ratify and confirm the same and the court doth order it to be certified to the War Department, that Susannah Powell above named, is the widow of Aaron Powell deceased of said County, who was a United States pensioner at one hundred & twenty dollars per annum under the law of 1835 and died on the 30 th day of May 1835, leaving his present widow Susannah who has remained unmarried ever since, and who is the identical person who received a pension of one hundred and twenty dollars per annum, under the law of July 1838. And further the court is also satisfied from the evidence, that the said Aaron Powell was in the service of his country during the Revolutionary War, to wit, at a place called Suckbunys in Chesterfield County Virginia, after he the said Powell was married to his present widow the declarant Susannah Powell aforesaid. And the court doth further order it to be certified that Julius Fletcher and Joseph Clark are respectable residents of said County, and that their oaths are entitled to credit and that William A. White and Benjamin A. Sloan are acting magistrates in, and for said County at this time, duly commissioned, qualified & and that the signatures purporting to be theirs attached to the declarations, affidavits &c are genuine.
In testimony whereof I Robert K. Mitchell Clerk of the said Court have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 27 th day of June 1842.
R. Mitchell C.K.

Bedford county June 28. 1842
Sir,
Within is the declaration of M rs Susannah Powell of Scioto Co. and Aff s accompanying. in order to renew her pension under the law of July 4. 1836.
There are two other Aff s obtained in Chesterfield which have not come to hand as yet - to wit M rs Betty Powell, and Jacob Flannery - which will be forwarded as soon as rec d . - Probably they may have been forwarded to you by the clerk of Chs s field Mr. Poindexter (before this time) to whom they were sent by mail to have the county seal and clerk's certificate affixed &c. The evidence I imagine you will find perfectly satisfactory - and if so, please issue the certificate of P. to M rs Powell as soon as possible - directed to myself in Lynch, Va.
Yours respectfully
No. W. Gray Agent for M rs Susannah Powell
No 5623.

Payment to be made at Richmond by James Caskie Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of
Virginia
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C, Vol- ume 1, Page by
D. C. Moor Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claims.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the of the 3 d Section of the Act of 4 th July 1836, Susannah Powell, of Virginia, Widow of Aaron Powell deceased, who was a Sergeant in the Virginia Line, is entitled to a pension at the rate of One hundred and Twenty dollars per annum, commencing on the 30 th May 1835, when her husband died. The amount is payable on demand, after deducting what has been paid under Acts of 7 th July 1838, 3 d March 1843 and 17 th June 1844, she having been formerly pensioned under said Acts; but now in consequence of having obtained the benefits of the Act cancelled by virtue of Act of 4 th of July 1836.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty- 8 six
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.
Duplicate.

Nov 23. 1842
Rev.
Power
PAID FREE
La d L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City.

Lynchburg Nov. 19. 1842
Sir, Enclosed I send you the Aff t of Bartholomew Cyrus - alias Cyre - which I think you will find sufficiently in detail to come within the requisition of your last letter in objection to the evidence of services of Aaron Powell after marriage.
I should have this evidence sooner - but have been prevented by sickness and confinement for 2 or 3 months. I have availed myself of the first opportunity to obtain it since I have been able to venture out.
I am in hopes the Aff t of Mr. Cyrus will be entirely satisfactory - and if so please forward Mr. Powell's Certificate of Pension as soon as practically.
Her Pensions will run I presume from his death to the 4 th March 1836 and from the 4 th March 1841. during her life at $120. per annum. It is not the fault of so much  Witnesses that their evidence is frequently so much of a general cast - as the Agent or drafter of the Aff t gives: I thought the Aff t in regard to Powell's services was sufficiently explicit - but you think differently. I have no doubt, but that all of the Aff t s that I have taken in this case, would have been given more in detail, if it had been required of them; but I am in hopes the one sent will suffice. I think, through courtesy you might have answered my last letter - though official duty might not have required it at your hands - at least that part which asked for information - in reg d and to Mrs. Wade's papers of Georgia &c. let me have the result as soon as you can.
Yours respectfully
No. 76 Gray.
Mr. Plumb's signature you have in this case.

State of Virginia,
Campbell County S.S.
On this day of November 1842 before me for said county a Justice of the peace in and
Nov 23. 1842
Va.
Powell
to J. Francis Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
PAID

Lynch Aug. 2 nd 1842.
Sir,
I labour under great debility and headache while I reply to your very ungenerous demands - requiring me to go into details, and specifications in regard to Aaron Powell's term of service at Sudbury, after marriage. I might animadvert freely, on the apparently less parts bearing of your decisions - instead of acting the part of an impartial umpire - as I conceive your position demands at your hands; but I forbear, as you have said that criticism was not evidence.
I know too, as a rule, you do not like to answer letters furnishing no additional evidence - but in this letter I furnish you with evidence - which I trust will be satisfactory to you - and conclusive - in favour of the claimant.
I propose to give you D. L. Edwards Esq. as authority - that in order to bring a widow under the law of July 4. 1836 - it is not absolutely necessary to go into details, and specifications of the term, the husband's service after marriage - especially when said service, was not expected to enter into the estimate of the pension.
The decision of yours, that I allude to - is to be found in our correspondence - in the case of Mr. Alice Roberts of Bradford: In that correspondence - I took occasion to say, that you were more than generous in your demands, in proving the matrimonial services of Rich d Roberts - that you were in regard to the matrimonial term - performed by Micajah Clarke, after marriage - in order to obtain a pension for his widow - Mrs. Eliz a Clarke of Amherst County Va. In answer to that

suggestion - you laid down this principle - that, in Micajah Blake's case - it was not necessary to go into the details of the service rendered by him after marriage - all that was necessary was to prove the fact - that Blake was in the service after marriage - which you admitted was satisfactorily done - Tho', the service rendered by him after marriage - was not taken into the estimate, that composed the pension allowed her.
Now, here is a precise analogous case - to that of Mrs. Powell - Tho' not so strong as his: And if you will examine the evidence in both cases - you will find that the services of Aaron Powell after marriage - are much more strongly, and clearly proven; than Micajah Blake's was - Powell having served, and proven 3 years services in the Regular line - it was not necessary to bring his term at Sadsbury into the estimate of the widows pensions: Therefore it was - Knowing the decision you had made in Mrs. Blake's case - that I did not request of the witnesses, to go more into the details of Powell's services after marriage. so, if there is any deficiency of evidence in this case - the error is yours not mine. I have been thrown off my guard - and have not got as much in detail - as you now require; and I should take it as very ungenerous to require me to ride some 2. or 300 miles to take the same evidence over in detail (or other evidence) when according to the principle laid down by yourself - in Mrs. Blake's case - does not require it.
you lay same stress on the fact - as you say - that Powell in his declaration - did not call the affair at Sadsbury, a battle - I wonder, that

he named it at all - inasmuch, as he had proven 3 years services, without it - in order to obtain his own pension - and the law of July 4, 1836 - not then being in existence - he could not have anti- cipated any future advantage it would be to his widow - provided she out lived him. Therefore the fact of his reference to that place - should strike conviction to your mind - that the Statements of the witnesses in regard to his being in the service of his Country at Sadsbury - in March or Ap l 1781 - where attacked by Part Tory Troops of horse - routed and nearly all taken prisoners. True the fighting, was all on one side - battle or no battle.
you admit that it is proven that Powell was in the service at Sadsbury, under Col Gooden in March 1781 - and according to your decision in Mrs. Blackes cases - contained in our correspondence in the case of Mr. Alice Roberts - the case is clearly made out - your word is your Bond I hope - and we hold you to it.
But should you still decline to issue her Certificate - until the peculiar evidence required by you is furnished - I shall have again to prove the case thrice over - whereas once should have sufficed. It is a great thing to have power!
you frequently speak of rules, by which you are governed - and adverse too, to your former decisions - which I have never rec d - and therefore work in the dark. Please send me what additional rules you have laid down under the laws of 1836, and 38 - since those laws were published. please give the certificate - or let me hear from you as soon as possible. W. H. Gray

Jan 23 d 1843.
Wa.
David Sussman Powell
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington city.

Syracuse Jan y 18 th 1843
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Aff t of Jno West, which I am in hopes you will consider as sufficiently in detail - conclusive and satisfactory, as to the marriage of Powell, and his present widow Susan, the claimant - in Jan y , 1781 - and of Aaron Powell having rendered Service in the Rev d . War in the Spring of 1781 - after he was married &c ?
Inadvertently I wrote West's name to his Aff t for him to make his mark - which he did - without its occurring to me that he could write his own name: and recollecting that probably - as he stated - that he had signed his former Aff t - he had better write his name again - which he did also; he used his signature both by mark, and his own hand write.
Should the evidence in Mass be satisfactory I am in hopes you will take the trouble to review - please forward her - Mrs Powell's certificate as early as practicable. We claim for her $120 per An m - from the time of her husband's death, for life - deducting the 5 years she has rec d . under the Law of July 7. 1838 from the ann t . Should your decision differ from my view on this subject - please let me know the substance of your decision by letter before you issue her certificate - that I may counsel with the widow, and her children on the subject - and not take the responsibility on myself, as to the ann t that she is to receive. I am satisfied in my own mind however that my views as above expressed are just and correct.
Yours in haste.
Rob t H o Gray Ag t . for Susan Powell.

State of Virginia Chesterfield County S.S.
I Aaron Byre of the County of Chesterfield, and State of Virginia. do hereby solemnly affirm that I was well acquainted with Aaron Powell of said County during the Revolutionary war - the same man that married Susan Taylor - (the daughter of Anthony Taylor of said County) during, and towards the close of the Rev d War. I think it was in Jan y 1781 - the beginning of the year that Lord Cornwallis was taken. The said Aaron Powell enlisted under M c Neill of the Regular Artillery service, and served 3 years - and after his 3 years was out as a regular, was married to Susan Taylor as above - and that in a few weeks after he was married - he was called into service in the militia from Chesterfield County, in company with Anthony Taylor his Father in law and others - to meet the British then at Petersburg - that while they were stationed at a place called Suckley - they were attacked by Tuckers Light horse - (who was shown the encampment by a Tory!) and nearly all taken prisoners. Aaron Powell made his escape, and returned home - but Taylor was carried prisoner to Portsmouth, and died there. Powell was in the service again after he made his escape from Suckley. Powell was a tall slender made man and lived in the north part of the County near the coal pits - the only man of that name in the County or elsewhere that I knew of. Moved up into Bedford and died about 7 years ago. I am 76 years old. Given under my hand and seal this 16 th day of July 1842.
Witnes John B Thurman
Aaron his Byre + mark

State of Virginia
Giles County S.S.
On this 19 th day of July 1842, before me J. H. Plunkett a justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Mr. Bartholomew Ogryns, a respectable resident of the county of Prince Edward - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 84 years old - That he was well acquainted with Aaron Pow- ell of Chesterfield county - during the Revolu- tionary war - The same man that married Susan Taylor the daughter of Anthony Taylor of Chesterfield Co. on Tuckahoe Creek. Deponent recollects distinctly, that the said Aaron Powell enlisted in the Regular State Artillery for 3 years, and was a Sergeant. That after he had served his 3 years out as a regular soldier - or rather as a sergeant. he married Miss Susan Taylor as above - he thinks it was in Jan y 1781 - The same year that Lord Cornwallis was taken, in the Fall after. That in some few weeks after the said Aaron Powell was married to Susan Taylor - say in Jan y 1781 - he was called in to service, during the Rev y war with the Chesterfield Militia - under Col. Robt Goode, the Col. of the County - Anthony Taylor being in company - in order to meet the British then at Petersburg - That while the Militia to which the said Aaron Powell was attached - were stationed at a place called Suckbunys - they were attacked by Tutton's Light horse - and put to rout - and nearly all that was in the house taken prisoners - Taylor was carried a prisoner to Portsmouth Va. and died. but Aaron Powell made his escape - and returned home as he understood - dep. not being there himself - The said Aaron Powell was a tall slender made man - and lived

in the north part of the county of Chesterfield on Tomahawk creek - near the coal pits - now called "Heaths" - and was the only man of that name that deponent ever knew either in Chesterfield County or elsewhere. That the said Aaron and his present widow Susannah Powell moved up into Bedford Co from Chesterfield Co. about the close of the Rev. War - and died in Bedford about 6 or 7 years ago - leaving his present widow Susan - who dep. has heard from, as being still alive.
Test John Sher
Bartholomew X Cyrus mark
sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written -
Before me
J. H. Plunkett J.P.
State of Virginia
Campbell County to wit: I, Alvin Clement Clerk of the County Court of Campbell County in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that the H. Plunkett before whom the foregoing affidavit of Bar- tholomew Cyrus was subscribed and sworn to is now dead at the time of making said acknowledgment an acting justice of the peace in and for said County and Campbell and qualified as such and that the signa- ture purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of office this 21 day of July 1842 in the 67 Year of the Common- wealth
Alvin Clement Clerk
11 11 11

Enclosed are the Aff s of Bart. Clegg, and J no West - and the informal certificate of Aaron Clegg - which not only confirms the Aff s of Belf and Goode - the fact of as to Aaron Powell having been at Sudbury - during the Rev d war - after he was married to declarant Susannah Powell, of the county of Bedford. In fact the evidence enclosed is conclusive of itself - as to Powell's services after marriage - and his identity - as being the same person who married declarant. Aaron is not a common name - and if you could by any stretch of imagination - conceive, that the Aaron Powell, that Belf, and Goode, saw at Sudbury, in March 1781 - is not the same person that married declarant - then, there was 2 Aaron Powells, at Sud- bury - both tall slender made men - and lived in the North part of the Co. of C o near coal pits - called Heaths as we have clearly proven that the Aaron Powell who married declarant was there at the Battle at Sudbury, in March or April 1781 - after he was married to declarant. This case, I con- sider clear - and as such, I wish you to forward the Cert. of Mrs Powell as soon as possible. Inasmuch as you answered none of my interrogatories, in my last - your objections urged - are waived of course. Yours respectfully -
No. W. Gray
13. The certificate of Aaron Clegg was taken on Saturday evening late - in the rain - and would have had to remain until Monday to have obtained a Magistrate - and then the County Seal is - The Aff s of Bart. Clegg, and J no West I believe would be to the same effect - and therefore did not lose the time - and incur the expense necessary to have obtained his Aff s - but should it be absolutely need fray - send Aaron Clegg back and I will put it in legal form is - Yours is -
No. W. Gray

State of Virginia
Bedford County to wit,
On this 2 d day of February 1839 personally appeared before me Martin Burk a Justice of the peace in and for said county M c George Stanley a respectable citizen and resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say - That he is in his 75 th year - That he became acquainted with M c Aaron Powell (who was a U. States Pensioner) about the time he moved to said county from the county of Chesterfield - which he thinks was in or about the year 1782 or 83 - at which time he believes he was married to his present widow Susannah Powell - That he became intimately acquainted with M c and M c Powell and family - about the year 1788 or 89 - at which time they had 2 or 3 children, or more - the oldest of which he supposes was about 7 or 8 years old - That they the said Aaron Powell and Susannah his present widow, lived together as man and wife until the time of said Powell's death - which he believes was on or about the 30 th May 1835 - That she said Susannah Powell has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid, to the present time - and that she is the Identical person, who is now claiming a pension at the hands of the Genl. Government as the widow of said Aaron Powell dec d
George Stanley
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year, as above written.
Martin Burk J. P.

State of Virginia
Bedford County to wit,
1881 Pounds On this 2nd day of February 1839 personally appeared be- fore me Martin P. Burks a Justice of the peace in and for said county M c Julius Watcher a respectable citizen, and resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say — That he is 63 years old in may next — that he has been acquainted with M c Aaron Powell dec d (who was a U. States pensioner), and his present widow ever since he can recollect any person — which he thinks must have been at least 55 or 56 years ago — that they the said Aaron Powell and Susannah his wife, removed from the county of Chesterfield to this Bedford County about the year 1782 or 83, and he thinks he is safe in saying, that he has known them as man and wife ever since the year 1784 or 85 — and that they then had at least two children — the old- est of which must have been four or five years old — That the said Aaron Powell, and Susannah, his present widow lived together as man and wife ever since until the death of said Powell, which he thinks was about the 30 th of May 1835 — That the said Susannah Powell, has remained a widow, ever since the death of her husband as aforesaid to the present time — and that she is the identical person, who is now claiming a Pension at the hands of the Gen l Government as the widow of said Aaron Powell dec d Julius Watcher
Sworn to, and subscribed before me the day and year as above written —
Martin P. Burks J.P.
Ed

State of Virginia
Campbell County S.S.
On this 15 th day of November 1842, before me J. H. Plunkett a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Barthol- omew Cyrus a Respectable Resident of said County, who being first duly sworn accord- ing to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 84 years old - That in addition to his former affidavit in this case - he can only say, that he was well acquainted with one Aaron Powell, a tall slender made man who lived in the North part of the County of Chesterfield - a few miles from the coal pits - during the Revolutionary war - de- ponent being acquainted with said Aaron Powell during said Rev d war, and from his boyhood. That the said Powell mar- ried Susan Taylor, the daughter of Antho- ny Taylor of the same neighborhood - in the month of January 1781 - it being the Jan y of the same year and preceding the Cap- ture of Lord Cornwallis - which was in October 1781 - the Fall after the said Aaron Powell was married to said Susan Tay- lor - now Susan Powell of the County of Bed- ford - the widow of said Aaron Powell who moved to the County of Bedford about the close of the Rev d war - and who died in or about the year 1835. Deponent Cyrus says further, that the said Aaron Powell enlisted and served three years in the Regular Service in the Artillery as a Sergeant in and during the Rev d war; and that af- ter his term of service was out, he was mar- ried as above to Susan Taylor in Jan y 1781. That some short time after he the said Powell was married as above - say 2 or 3 weeks - it being about the first of Feb y 1781 - he was drafted into service with the rest of the

Chesterfield Militia from the north part of the County, to march against the British there at Petersburg). That while said Militia to which Aaron Pounce, and Anthony Taylor belonged - Under Col. Robt. Goddard was stationed at a place called Suedsbury about 3 miles from Chesterfield Court-house they were attacked by Tarleton's Light-horse and nearly all taken prisoners - among which number was the said Aaron Pounce and Anthony Taylor his father in law - but Pounce made his escape and returned home.
Deponent is of opinion that the battle at Suedsbury was in the spring of 1781 - say about the last of March or 1 st of April - and that said Pounce served about two months on said occasion after he was married to Susan Taylor as aforesaid - during the Rev d . war.
That said Pounce and his present widow Susan Pounce moved to Bedford as aforesaid, and died as aforesaid - and that his widow is still alive as dep. is informed. Aaron Pounce aforesaid is the only man of that name that dep. ever knew: Anthony Taylor died in the Small Pox, while a prisoner at Portsmouth.
Int Bartholomew his X legus marks Ro. Holman
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written -
Before me J. H. Plunkett J.P. In presence of -
Robert Stratham

State of Virginia Chesterfield County S.S.
on this 2 nd day of March 1843 before me John J. Worth a Justice of the peace in and for Saia County - personally appeared W. Aaron Byre a respect- -able Resident of Saia County - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 76 years old - that he was well acquainted with Aaron Pounce die d . of Bradford County - during the Revolutionary war - the same person who married Susan Taylor, the daughter of Anthony Taylor of bluer- -terfield in the neighbourhood of the coal pits - the said Aaron Pounce - lived a close neighbour to An- -thony Taylor at the time he was married. The said Pounce enlisted as a regular soldier in the Hstil- -lery Company, commanded by Capt. M c Neill for 3 years - and got to be a Sergeant - that after he had served out his 3 years as a regular, as afore- -said - he returned home on the  discharge of  the war  the war of 1780 - and  That after his return from service  in 1781 - he was married to Susan Taylor, aforesaid, now living in the County of Bradford Pa. That afterwards after he was married to Susan Taylor as aforesaid, he was drafted into service, with the rest of the Militia, from the North part of Chesterfield County - to march against the British, then at Petersburg - that while the militia to which Aaron Pounce, and Anthony Taylor belonged were stationed at a place called Sadsbury - about 3 miles from Chesterfield B t . House they were attacked by Tattous Light-horse and nearly all that was in the house taken prisoners - among whom was Aaron Pounce and Anthony Taylor - Pounce made his escape from the British, and returned home, but Tay- -lor was carried prisoner to Portsmouth, and died there with the small Pox - The militia at Sadsbury was under the Command of Col. Goode and was betrayed into the hands of the British by M c Trent - who gave them information when the

American new Stationed - the said Battle at such -time was in the Spring of  month of March or April in the year 1781 - and  the Spring after Aaron Pounce was married as aforesaid - and before the surren- -der of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in October 1781 - Deponent thinks that Pounce must have lived about two months in the Matilda after he was married as aforesaid - in January to said Susan Taylor now Susan Pounce of the County of Bedford. That said Pounce was overseer for Reuben Winfrey one year after he was mar- -ried as aforesaid - and then moved up in to the County of Bedford - which was just after the close of the Rev d war - when Pounce died about the year 1835. leaving his present widow Susan aforesaid. The said Aaron Pounce was a tall elderly made man, and lived in the North part of Clintonfield County - when he was married as aforesaid - and went into service as aforesaid - and was the only man dep t . ever known of that name during the Rev d war.
Aaron his + by me mark
sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written -
Before me - Geo. J. Worth J.P.
The words "discharged" "That after his return home from service" "Spring of" were interlined, and the words underneath those interlineations were erased, and also the following "in January 1781" "when Pounce died about the year 1835 leaving his present widow Susan aforesaid" before signing -
Geo. J. Worth J.P.

Virginia Chesterfield county, To wit;
I Parke Poindexter clerk of Chesterfield county court, hereby certify That John J. Worth whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date of the same, an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county; and I believe the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 13 th day of April A. D. 1843, and in the 67 th year of the Commonwealth.
Parke Poindexter, C.

5 Oct 31. 1878
In certificate of Marian Ponce
born of peninsular
La. S. Edwards Washington D.C.
h

Liberty Bedford County Oct 26, 1846
Sir Enclosed is the pension certificate of Susannah Powell - in Lieu of which you will forward me one to Lynch's VA under the act of July 1836, - as stated in your last letter on the subject. I have forwarded Mr. Powell's Vouchers to Rich d up to Sept r . 4, 1846, - for 6 mo.
Yours — R. H. Gray att.

July 5. 42
via. L. Edwards Savannah
FREE
L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions. Washington City.
Shepherdville (Colo) no 3 June 24th 1842
Mr. Robert W. Gray.
RL
Synchburg.

Sir;
Enclosed are the affidavits of E. Powell and Jacob Flournoy, with the seal of the court affixed. —
I have not seen Capt. Benj. Graves, but am quite certain, he is not old enough to testify relative to the transactions of the Revolutionary war; he is not more than 70. —
your most obt
R. Poindexter.
1842 June 22 nd

Syracuse Nov 30. 1842
Sir. Enclosed are the Affts of Elizabeth Douce and Jacob Flannery - which you will file with the papers sent you from Bedford Court - in order to obtain a pension for Mrs Susannah Douce - under the law of July 4. 1836. Early action on the subject will be very acceptable to the parties concerned. yours respectfully No. H. Gray Ag.

Sept 14 1872
23.33 278 25.11 3.33 187a 278
275
J. Redman S. Powell
Jan L. Clancey Esq.
Gov. of Pension
Washington City.
FREE

Spch 3 Sept. 9. 1842
Sir
Enclosed I send you a copy of your letter entire in Mrs Mann's case - and an extract in Mr. Clarke's - involving the principle in proof of marriage in Mrs. Redmans case  the  of  Aaron Pease and proof of service after Marriage in the other. The proof of the fact of Service, after Marriage - is as clear as the noon day Sun in the latter - nor does the rule in the case of Pensions require written data to govern the memory of the witnesses in regard to the date of Marriage - when there is other record evidence of Marriage - either in the church office or by family register to be obtained - as is the case with the former - Mrs. Redmans - as we have legally shown, according to your requirements.
Yours respectfully
Robt. H. Gray

Robert H Gray Synchlag
Oct 5 1843
Anthony Christian + Susannah Powell
Washington D.C.
Com. of pensions
J. S. { Laurens Esq
FREE

Syracuse Oct r 2 nd 1843.
Sir,
The widow of Anthony Christian dec d . of Campbell County - wishes to obtain a pension - and her friends assert, that said Christian made an effort to obtain a pension himself - some 10 or 12 years or more ago - either under the act of 1818 or 1832 - and did procure the Aff s of Col s Joseph Scott and others of P'kattaw - and elsewhere - in proof of his services - made his declaration std - and forwarded the papers to Washington - to the Com. of pensions - I presume - and before he had his d any report as to the result - died in said County.
Be so good as to examine said papers - and if consistent with your rules return them to me - if not, please send me a statement of the evidence filed - by whom given - the amount of service proven std - that I may know what has been done - and what else is necessary to do to procure her pension. yours R. W. Gray Ag.
Yours of the 27 th is at hand - I wish I had rec d . it sooner, it would have saved me some trouble & expense - it would have been as easy for the Clerk to conform to the rules sent as otherwise. R. W. G.
I wish you to review the case of M rs Susannah Powell of Bradford - who now claims a pension under the act of July 4. 1836 - The evidence is so conclusive, that I can never surrender this case - and if not allowed in your department - will have to appeal to Congress!! - which, I should very much dislike to do!!! you having waived your first exception, and placed the case upon its merits - that is proof of service after marriage - ensure its against rejection, by any Tribunal what.

Oct 5 '46
va accept for Rawle
5 J. S. Edwards Esq Com. of pensions Washington City D. 6

Lyndes. Sep r . 30, 1826.
Sir, Enclosed I forward you the Aff t of M rs Sally P Sale, the wife of Maj. Tho s Sale Esq r of Bedford County, in the case of M rs Susannah Powell, now at issue between us. which strongly corroborates other evidence filed in the case, and shews conclusively, that Aaron Powell who was in Service at Sudsbury in Ap r . and May 1781, was married to his present widow Susannah, as early as 1780. From M rs Powell's statement to me lately, she must have been married in the spring of 1780 - at any rate not later the Fall of that year. Should this not be considered satisfactory, should there be any family record among any branch of the family in some of the distant counties, I will try and obtain it, but I should suppose, that the evidence enclosed together with what you have in file is sufficient to shew that the parties were married in 1780.
M rs Sale who qualifies to the enclosed Aff t , is not only one of the most respectable persons (as also her husband) in the County, but that she is remarkable for having the most correct memory of any one of her age, in the County. Well, from her statement, in 1782 Powell and wife, had a child walking about - not less than 18 mo - which added to 9 mo. from marriage to birth would bring the marriage in 1780 - if not earlier. M rs Powell says, that she was married over a year, if not 18 18 mo before she had a child which may be accounted for as Powell served 2 terms after marriage - 1 at Columbia on Jas River and the other at Sudsbury in Chesterfield as proven 8 th - I think you can not now hesitate to forward certificate for 1836. Yours Respectfully ————— N o H Gray att s

Aff 1 of Sally P. Dalt in the case of Susannah Darell of Bedford D.

State of Virginia Bedford County to wit on this 11 th day of Sept r 1841, before me Thomas Sale a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Sally P Sale, a respectable resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say - That at the age of about 11 or 12 years, she recollects, first seeing Aaron Powell, and his present Widow Susannah Powell. which she thinks was some time in the year 1782 - They the said Powell and wife having moved to said County of Bedford, from the County of Chesterfield, not long before deponent got acquainted with them, as she supposes. Deponent went to the house of said Powell, where she first saw them, which was about 3 or 4 miles from where deponent now lives - and she deponent recollects distinctly, that they had at least one child, which was walking about. That from the time she first saw them, (say 1782) and having a child walk- ing about - she is satisfied in her own mind that said Aaron Powell and his present widow Sus- annah, must have been married as early as the year 1780. That the said Powell and widow, of whom she is testifying, are the same persons who have received pensions from the Genl. Govt. as she the deponent is informed. her witness Sally P. Sale mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written -
Before me -
T. Sale. J.P.
In presence of - Susan Hobson,

I John R. Stepston Clerk of the Court of Bedford County, certify that Thomas Sate is a Magistrate as above duly Commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his, are genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 28 th day of September, in the year 1846
John R. Stepston Clerk of the Court of Bedford County.

Apr 17 1843
W. A. P. Susan Powell
L Panaras Esq
Com. of Pensions -
Washington City -

Gloucester County March 10 1843
Sir,
Enclosed is the afft of Aaron Byrne of said County in the case of Mrs Susan Powell of Bradford County. Notwithstanding he was thoroughly catechised by the Justice - he still adhered to the main fact - to wit, that Powell was in service after he was married to Susan Taylor - if her certificate is not already found - I am in hope, your mind is now satisfied as to his being in service after marriage &c -
No. H Gray Agt. for Mr Powell

Lansdown 16/1 Jan 4 th 1844
125
Sylvester Butler Esq. Salisbury Rowan Col. N.I.

State of North Carolina Franklin County
Know all men by these presents that we Lewis Powell & Jacob Powell are held & firmly bound To Rich d Lasswell Esqr Gov r H. in the sum of Five Hundred pounds To which payment well & truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs &c. & dated This Tenth day of March Seventeen hundred & eighty four
The condition of the above obligation is such that there is a marriage to be solemnized between the above bound Lewis Powell & Susannah Hall, Now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force & virtue.
Test M c Hill
his Lewis X Powell his mark
Jacob Powell
State of North Carolina Franklin County
I William S. Perry clerk of the court of pleas & quarter sessions for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true & perfect copy of the Marriage Bond of Lewis Powell to marry Susannah Hall taken from the original file in my office with the exception of the date which is written in the copy but in the original is expressed in plain legible figures. This 10 th March 1784 -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at office in Louisburg This 2 nd day of January A.D. 1844.
W.S. Perry

State of Virginia
Bradford County S. S.
On this 27 th day of June 1842, before me Ben D. Donald a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, personally appeared M rs Susannah Powell a respectable resident of said County - Aged 81 years - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath say - that is, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836: That she is the Widow of Aaron Powell dec d . of said County - who was a Sergeant of Artillery in the Regular Service, in the Revolutionary War - for which he rec d . a pension of $120. pr. Annum - under the law of 1832 - to the time of his death - which the records in the War-department will show - and further, that she the declarant is the Identical person who rec d . a pension of $120. pr. Annum under the law of July 1838, from the 4 th day of March 1836, to the 4 th day of March 1841 - having her claim to a pension (at the time she made her declaration) under the law of July 4. 1836 - because she does not know of any person who was then living, by whom she could prove the services of her dec d . husband Aaron Powell, after he was married to declarant; but now having obtained such evidence, she avails herself of the law of July 4. 1836. And she further declares, that her dec d . husband Aaron Powell, and herself was married during the Revolutionary - about 4 or 5 or 6 months after he was discharged from his term of service as Sergeant in the Regular Service - that about 5 or 6 weeks after declarant and the said Aaron Powell was married - he was drafted, and called in to service in the Militia - from the County of Chesterfield; under Col. Groves, to meet the British who were then at Petersburg. And

that while the Militia to which her husband belonged were encamped at a place called Sadsbury, they were surrounded, and attacked by Tattous' Light-horse - and all, except a few who were in the house, taken prisoners - among whom was declarants husband, the aforesaid Aaron Powell, and Anthony Taylor, declarants Father, who died while a prisoner on said occasion, at Portsmouth, with the small Pox: that declarants husband escaped from the British, and returned home, and was then called out again - making two terms that the said Aaron Powell her husband served - after he was married to declarant - from the latter part of the Winter of 1781 - to the close of the summer - or beginning of the Fall of the same year - which said Militia service after marriage, her husband did not attempt to establish - in order to obtain his own pension, inasmuch, as the proof of his regular service, was sufficient to obtain a full pension without it: now therefore declarant, claims the benefit of the law of July 4. 1836 - and a renewal of her pension, under said law, from the time of her husbands death, to the present time, and during life deducting therefrom the 5 years pension, she has rec d under the law of July 7 1838. That in the Fall of 1781. declarant and her husband the said Aaron Powell moved from the County of Chesterfield, to said County of Bedford - where they lived together as man and wife, until his death. And she further declares, that she was married to the said Aaron Powell, in January or February 1781 - it being the beginning of the year - that he was called into service after marriage at Sadsbury - when he was taken prisoner by Tattous light-horse. That her husband the aforesaid Aaron Powell, died on the 30 th day of May 1835 - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear, by reference to the proof annexed. That her maiden name was Taylor; the daughter of An-

Thony Taylor of Chesterfield, that her husband was a a tall slender man made man - and that both him and declarants Father - Anthony Taylor lived in the same neighbourhood, in the North part of the County of Chest erfield - a few miles from the coal pits, now called "Weathos",
Susannah X Powell mark
witness
William Lester
sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written - Ben J Donald J.P.
Before me -
State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
I Ben J Donald a Justice of the peace in and for said County, do hereby certify - that M rs Susannah Powell, who has this day sworn to, and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me - is the widow of Aaron Powell dec d of said County - who was a U. State pensioner under the law of 1832, at $120. pr. Annum - and who died in said County on the day of May 1835 - leaving his present Widow Susannah Powell - who has been and unmarried ever since the death of her husband the aforesaid Aaron Powell to the present time - and who is the identical person, who rec d a pension of $120 pr. Annum, under the law of July 7 1838 - for 5 years to wit, from the 11 th day of March 1836, to the 11 th day of March 1841. as the widow of the aforesaid Aaron Pow- ell dec d of said County. And I do further certify, that the declarant M rs Susannah Powell, is too aged and infirm, to attend Court. Given under my hand this 27 day of June, 1842.
Ben J Donald J.P.

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
on this 27 th day of June 1842, before me Ben A Donald a Notary of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Mr William Powell a respectable resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say - That he is 45 years old - that he has frequently heard his Father Aaron Powell - say that in addition to his services as a Sergeant in the Regular services - during the Revolutionary war - that he was drafted, and called into service in the Militia under Col Groves - from the County of Chesterfield after he was married to his present widow, Susannah Powell - whose maiden name was Taylor - the daughter of Anthony Taylor - near the coal pits in Chesterfield Co. That his Father Aaron Powell - said in his life time, that he was, Sadsbury, when the Militia was surrounded and attacked by Partons Light-horse - and nearly all in the house taken prisoners - including himself and Anthony Taylor his Father in law: That Taylor died with the small Pox, while a prisoner at Portsmouth - but that his Father Aaron Powell made his escape from the British and returned home; and was again called into service - which was two times he served after he was married. That about the close of the Rev war he moved up to Bedford Co. That he rec d a pension of $120. pr. An. under the law of 1832. That he died on the 30 th day of May 1835, leaving his present widow Susannah Powell - and who is the Identical pension who rec d a pension of $120. pr An. under the law of July 7. 1838 - for 5 years - to wit, from the 1 st of March 1836, to 4 th March 1841 - as the widow of Aaron Powell dec d of said County.
Test William Powell
William Powell
sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written - Before me - Ben A Donald J.P.

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 2 nd day of July - 1844, before me Ben St. Donald, a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared M rs Susannah Powell, a resident of said County, Aged 82 years - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Aaron Powell die d of said County, who was a Sergeant of Artillery in the regular State, or Continental line of Service - and served 3 years as such before he was married to declarant, and that he also served a tour of duty in the Militia, from Chesterfield, after he was married to declarant: and that he rec d a pension at the rate of $120.00 per An. under the Act of June 7, 1832.
And that he died in said County on the day of May 1835; and that the annual amount of pension which she rec d from the Gen l Gov t as the widow of said Aaron Powell de d under the Act of July 7, 1838 - was at the rate of $120.00 per Annum.
She further declares, that she is still a widow.
Susannah his Powell mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year, above written -
Before me - Ben St. Donald J.P.
In presence of -
Rob t V. Gray
William Powell
State of Virginia, Bedford County to wit, I Ben St. Donald, a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, do hereby certify, that M rs Susannah Powell, who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me, is the widow of

Aaron Powell dec. d of said County - who was a U States pensioner at the time of his death, at the rate of $120 pr. An. and that said Powell died in said Co. on or about the day of May 1835 - and that the aforesaid Susannah Powell is personally known to me, as the identical person who rec. d a pension as his widow for 5 years under the act of July 9, 1838, at the rate of $120 pr. An. I further declare she is still alive, and a widow, and too infirm to att- -end Court. Given under my hand this 2 nd day of July - 1844.
Benj A Donald J.P.
State of Virginia
County of Bedford Sct.
At a Court of Monthly Session held for the County of Bedford at the Courthouse the 22 nd day of July one thousand eight hundred forty four.
The declaration of Mrs. Susannah Powell was read in Court claiming a pension under the Act of March 3 rd 1843, together with the Certificate of Benjamin A. Donald Esq. - And the Court having examined the same do certify to the War Department, that said Susannah Powell is the Widow of Aaron Powell deceased of said County, who was a United States Pensioner at one hundred and twenty dollars pr. annum, and died in said County on the day of May 1835, and that the said Susannah Powell is the identical person who received a pension under the act of July 1838 at one hundred and twenty dollars pr. annum, and that she is still alive and a widow, and that Benjamin A. Donald is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified as such, and that the signatures purporting to be his, affixed to his several Certificates in this case are genuine.
In testimony that the above is a true & correct transcript from the records of said Court. I Robert O. Mitchell Clerk thereof have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 22 nd day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
R. Mitchell C.P.

State of Virginia, Chesterfield County to wit on this 28 day of May 1842, before me Henry Elam a Justice of the peace, in and for said County personally appeared M rs Elizabeth Powell a respectable Resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law sooth on her oath say - That she is 80 years old - that she was well acquainted with Aaron Powell of said County, who married Susannah Taylor of said County, and same neighbourhood. That said Aaron Powell as she understood - enlisted, and served 3 years as a regular soldier, in the Revolutionary war. That during the war, deponent went up to Bedford and stayed several years - that while dep. was gone to Bedford said Powell , service as a regular soldier expired - and that while dep. was gone the said Aaron Powell as she understood, was mar- ried to Miss Susannah Taylor , the daughter of Anthony Taylor , who was a close neighbour. That dep returned from Bedford to Chesterfield in February or March, of the same year of the close- and just before the close of the war; and that the said Powell was gone from home - but dep. can not say where he was gone to - he may have been gone in the service again - but she can not speak positively. That the said Aaron Powell , was a man of slender stature, and was a tolerably tall man - and was the only man of that name, dep. ever knew - and that he always lived in the North part of said County, within a few miles of the coal pits - now called " Heathes ". That Powell and his wife Susan moved up in to Bedford . That several years ago Powell died - and that his widow Susan as dep. understands is still alive.
Elizabeth new Powell mark
witness - Wm. Winfree Jr Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day, and year above written. Before me Henry Elam J.P.

State of Virginia Chesterfield County to wit.
On this 28 th day of May 1842, before me Woodson W. Hancock a Justice of the peace, in and for said County, personally appeared Mr. Jacob Flournoy a respectable resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say - That he was well acquainted with Aaron Powell, who married Susan Taylor, the daughter of Anthony Taylor of said County, before said Powell and deponent enlisted as regular soldiers in the Artillery - which was for 3 years service. Dep. was under Capt. Thos. Clay, and he thinks that Powell was under Capt. Wright - but they both belonged to the same Regt. - Col. Thos. Marshalls - afterwards Elias Edmunds. That after the said Aaron Powell had service out his regular enlistment in the Artillery for 3 years - he was married to Miss Susan Taylor, daughter of Anthony Taylor of said County - and not long after he was married say a year or two - he moved up in to Bedford Co. Va. dep. saw Powell in Bedford about 20 years ago. dep. does not know of his own knowledge, that Powell was at Sudbury and taken prisoner - all that he knows of it is what he heard - and that he heard also that Anthony Taylor was there and taken prisoner also. That the said Aaron Powell was a tall slender made man - being the only man of that name in the said County - and who always lived within a few miles of the coal pits in North part of the County - now called „Weaths, - up to the time said Powell and wife Susan moved up in to Bedford Co. - which was directly after the close of the Rev. war. The Battle at Sudbury was, dep. thinks, in Feb y or March 1781 - Powell was married in Jan y . 1781.
Jacob Flournoy
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me -
W. W. Hancock J.P.
„Served,, intitled before signed -
W. W. Hancock J.P.

Virginia, Chesterfield county to wit;
I Parke Poindexter clerk of the county court of Chesterfield county, hereby certify that, William H Elen, and Watson W. Hancock whose several signatures are subscribed to the foregoing affidavits of Elizabeth Powell and Jacob Flownoy; were at the date of the same, acting Justices of the peace in and for the said county of Chesterfield, they being duly commissioned and qualified to act as such; and I further certify that, the said signatures purporting to be theirs, are genuine:— In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county court this 22 nd day of June A. D. 1842, and of the Commonwealth the sixty sixth.
P. Poindexter. C.

Spethburg July 10 1842
Sir,
Your letter of the 6 th is at hand - of doubtful import - and from its contents I infer that you have not rec d . the Aff ts of Jacob Howmey, and Mr. Peter Pounce of Chesterfield, which I enclosed to you a few days after I had sent on the declaration of Mrs. Susan Pounce, of Bradford. I infer this, from the language (speaking of Belf and Goode), which age makes them competent &c.
I did not suppose that the Aff ts of John Belf, and Wm Goode per se - were sufficient to identify the Aaron Pounce, that was at Sadsbury, with them in the spring of 1781 - as the same person who married the declarant Sascannah Pounce - but when taken in connection with the strong corroborating evidence of the other witnesses; it would have proven satisfactory; but I now feel, that in order to obtain a pension allowed an old widow - her claim has to be more than doubly proved to before it will be allowed: and I suppose I must submit to your decree, however rigorous they may be; and go on to clear up every doubtful issue.
In regard to your objections to Mr. Pounce's now claiming under the Act of July 4. 1836 - however well they may have applied to others - they do not apply to her - for if you will read her declaration filed, under the Act of July 7. 1838 - you will see, that she expressly states, that her husband had rendered service after marriage - but inasmuch, as she was not then prepared to prove it - she would have to declare (as she was required to do) that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service &c. That is, she swears to what she could prove (at the time) and no more: and therefore, she has not contradicted herself - nor sworn falsely as you suppose.
The late decision of the Atty. Genl. is a most extraordinary one; as you will no doubt agree with me now, as you did, when I was prosecuting the claim of

M c Vicy Stores of Campbell Co. some two years ago - under the Act of July 7, 1836. In her case, when I filed the papers - you were not satisfied that the evidence was sufficient to issue her certificate under the Act of July 7, 1836 - but with me, that if I would make out her declaration under the Act of July 7, 1838 - you would issue her certificate under that law!! now Sir, here is an act of your own, countenancing this Moral Turpitude which you seem to infer that the declarant Mrs Powell has been guilty of.
In conformity with your suggestion, I accordingly prepared a declaration under the Act of July 7, 1838 - (which is also on file in her case) but in which I made the same qualification, that I did in Mrs Powells Case - That is, that as she could not make the time of her marriage appear satisfactory to the War Dept. under the Act of July 7, 1836 - she must say as required - that she could not prove that she was married prior to her leaving the service &c. and too, in Mrs Stores Case, I recollect distinctly, of suggesting to you the difficulty of the situation, in which she would be placed - that she could not conscientiously - after having sworn, that her husband Edward Stores was in the service after they were married - now, to gainsay it - and to say that he was not in the service after marriage &c. but I qualified it as I did in Mrs Powells Case - and you made no objection in either case - but appropriated it.
Now Sir, as it seems that, at the time that Mrs Powell, and Mrs Stores obtained their certificates. The widow could declare, that her husband was in the service after marriage (tho, not able to prove it) and still obtain a pension under the Act of July 1838; it is not now in the month the least of the present Executive - by present decision - having Ex-post-facto operation - to take back from a poor old widow that which she is justly entitled to - according to the true spirit of the law of 1838! It can not, can not be! The acts of the Executive - in construing the law - was as binding then - and of as much moral force; as they are now - at one time, as another - or else;

no one knows when he is safe - or when he is to be called on to refund money paid him or her on pension claims.
The heretofore action of the Executive - in regard to the the  reading of the construction of the Law of July 7, 1838, is the true one no doubt - or else, a widow failing to prove her husband's services after marriage - under her declaration of 1836 - is entirely excluded also. under the Act of July 7, 1838. because she can not then concisely state that her husband, and herself was married after his last term of service.
In Mrs Powells case & supposing the present was her first application - tho' she has proven to your satisfaction, that she was married to Aaron Powell, (who was a regular soldier 3 years) in Jan y 1781 - yet because she cannot satisfactorily convince you that he was in the service after marriage - therefore she is not entitled to a pension at all! - while others whose husbands only served 6 mo. and was married in 1793. are entitled! Is this justice? Is it the true meaning - and spirit of the law? I think not - justice forbids it - common sense repudiates it! Is a reflection on the law making dept. of Govt - Congress - and ought to be amended, or abolished.
Your reflection on Mrs Powell - who is a pious old Baptist lady - is very unjust - wherein you say that she is not at liberty to contradict herself - to obtain a large sum of money &c. We knew at the time of making her declaration under the law of 1838 - that she was entitled under the law of 1836 - if the proper steps were taken to procure the necessary testimony to establish her claim under that law.
But, what will the Govt lose, by allowing her pension under the law of 1836? Nothing. The five years she has drawn will of course be deducted from the amt. allowed her under the law of July 4, 1836.
I see no good cause, why the declarant of 1838, is required to say she was not married, prior to her husband's leaving the service; it being only necessary, to show that she was married previous to the 1 st of Jan y 1794. And

too, in accordance with the principle laid down by yourself, in my Mother Case. Mrs Eleanor Gray - the intention of the law, must be enforced, and not the letter. Therefore, in compliance with this rule of the Executive - to carry out the intention of the law of 1838 - all widows, who were married prior to Jan. 1794 - and whose husbands served 6 Mo. are entitled to a pension, and not disqualified, (because she can not prove her husband's services after marriage, according to the late decision of the Atty Genl. - as I understand you.
Be so good as to inform me whether you have recd. the Aff ts of Jacob Flemming, and Elizabeth Pounce of Chesterfield - and filed the same with Mr. Susan Pounce's papers - and if so - whether the evi. is still unsatisfactory: and also, whether, if the identity of Pounce should be made sufficiently clear, Mrs Pounce's Certificate will then be issued.
Yours respectfully
Ro. W Gray Asst
13. As to the papers of Mrs. Irene Redman - are still with you; you will please read the letter of Isaac Redman to myself - and you will at once have all your objections removed - on the score  in regard to dates that the memory is not to be depended on, after the lapse of 60 years. It, as you will see, that Redman recollected the Capt. that enlisted his Brother, and the Regt to which he belonged - as well as other particulars of his service - surely, he never would have the year effaced from his memory - that his brother was married - he being at the wedding &c. an event of this kind, in a family is never forgotten - nor the time it occurred. The letter of Redman proves him to be a man of strong, and acute memory - and corroborated as it is, by other evidence from Redford - it should be conclusive.
Be so good as to review this case -
Yours in haste -
Ro. W Gray
I did not, because I could not suggest anything to Redman in my letter to him asking information as to his brother's services -