Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2869, for James Morrison, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Morrison, James
S. 2869
carded.
CONTENTS

7541 Jonesborough Agency East Tennessee
James Morrison of Hawkins in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Martin of the P. H. commanded by Col. ————— in the 6 th Regt line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Jonesborough age at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of April 1833 and sent to P. Parsons Rogersville
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sept 40.00 $200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Bay Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 129
3 rd Ind. June 17/55
A. L. Burnum
June 20/55
To Same June 16/
Same June 19/1856
Same Feb'y 26/1857
Same May 1. 1857
Same Jan 27/
Same May 26/59/

10. 041
James Morrison Hawkins 6 th Jan 18
Waverly
On line in Roll from 1776. private 2 years $80
Cap Martin 6 th Jan
P. Parsons Rogersville Tenn

BRIEF in the case of James Morrison Bounty of Heowt's vs in the State of Tennessee (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  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.     In 177 776 2 Private Gen. Capt Martin Capt Hutchings Gen Wheaton Capt Deane 6th Regt Va line.   2 "  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Pittsylvania Co Virginia  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? His own declaration  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard Catts Examining Clerk.

State of Tennessee, Revolutionary Pension Claim, Hawkins County, James Morrison of Tennessee County Court, Declaration of heirs by Apr. term 1855, James Morrison, an heir.
On this 2 nd day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally came before the Hawkins County Court for the state aforesaid James MORRISON , a citizen of the said county and state of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath declares, that he is a son of James MORRISON , the identical person who was a revolutionary pension- er, and who is now dead and the identical James Morrison to whom a certificate of pension issued under act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832, and dated the 26 th April 1833 for the sum of Eighty Dollars per annum commencing on the 4 th of March 1831- which is herewith surrendered, that the aforesaid pensioner resided in Hawkins County Tennessee during the whole term of his being paid as pensioner and for thirty one years before and previous thereto he resided in the County of Pittsylvania state of Virginia that the said James Morrison pensioner died on the 3 rd day of March 1842, in the County of Hawkins and state of Tennessee, that he left no widow, but left the follow- ing lawful children to wit: John, Anna, David, Polly, Betsy, James, Kelly, William, Jane, Rhoda, and Rachel, all of whom or their heirs are still living, that the administrator of said pensioner's estate is dead.
And the said James Morrison for himself and for his brothers and sisters aforesaid all of whom are the only lawful heirs of his father aforesaid, alleges, and to the best of his knowledge information and belief declares and states, that, besides other the said James Morrison aforesaid served in the aggregate a period of two years , or upwards, in the revolutionary war.

in such grants acts entitle him to nine Ninety Six Dollars per annum, as will appear by a review of the testimony upon which his said Certificate for eighty Dollars per annum was issued, that he never received during his time of being pensioned that is to say from the 11 th March 1831 To the 4 th day of September 1841 but eighty Dollars per annum as is set forth in his said Certificate herewith, that since the said 4 th of September 1841 neither the said pensioner his father aforesaid, his personal representative, or heirs were ever paid, what was due upon the said Certificate from the said date to the date of said pensioners death, aforesaid to his knowledge.
In view therefore of the facts and allegations aforesaid The said James Morrison for himself brothers and Sisters Claims, Ninety Six Dollars per annum as per said act of Congress passed Commencing on the 11 th of March 1831 and ending on the 3 rd day of March 1842, to be credited with payments of eighty Dollars per annum from the 11 th of March 1831 to the 4 th day of September 1841, and in support of said Claims submits the annexed additional testimony and prays that Certificate is due payable to himself and his brothers, and Sisters aforesaid and herein identified for the amount due to be paid at Jonesboro Tennessee.
James Morrison
Witness as to signature
Sworn to in open Court This 2 nd day of April 1855 before me, and subscribed in my presence and the witnesses aforesaid who are members of said Court.
George P. Fitt John H. Harn
J. R. Kennington Chairman
And then came into Court John Ball Jr and William Light - who are respectable Citizens of

the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee aforesaid and after being duly sworn according to law. From their testimony it appears and this Court is satisfied, that James Morrison deceased was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of eighty Dollars, commencing on the 4 th day of March 1831 and ending on the 4 th day of April 1841 that said Morrison died on the 3 rd day of March 1842, that he left no widow; that the following are the names with their residences of his lawful children that beside them there is none or their heirs surviving, that is to say 1. John Morrison Roane County Tennessee. 2. Anna, who intermarried with Lewis Dalton, both said in Hawkins County Tennessee but left five living children as surviving heirs none of whom live in Hawkins County Tennessee. 3. David Morrison Hawkins County Tenn. Blind and unable to attend Court. 4. Polly Morrison Greene County Tennessee 5. Betsy who inter- married with Abner Deatherage Roane County Tennessee. 6. James Morrison, Hawkins County Tennessee. 7. Sally, who intermarried with James Hall, Greene County Tennessee. 8. William Morrison Greene County Tennessee 9. Jane, who intermarried with John Light Hawkins County Tennessee. 10. Rhoda, who intermarried with Stacy Light of Hawkins County Tennessee, 11. Rachel who intermarried with Jonathan Light, Washington County Tennessee, and that James Morrison the applicant foregoing and all his said brothers and sisters herein named are the identical Children of the said James Morrison deceased pensioner as aforesaid, that Lewis Dalton as the wards of this Court shows administered upon the Estate of said pensioner that said Lewis is dead, to all of which I testify and it is ordered by the Court that the Clerk Certify sign and affix her seal to the same. Done in open Court this 2 nd day of April 1855 aforesaid
By R Armstrong (S) Chairman Hawkins County Court

State of Tennessee } S.S.
Sevier County } April term 1855
I James H Vance Clerk of the County Court for the County and state aforesaid do certify the facts set forth in the foregoing, was verified in open Court, that Joseph R. Armstrong Esq. is Chairman of our said Court duly commissioned and sworn, that his signature to each of the foregoing Certificates is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County done at the Court House in Rogersville this 2 nd day of April A.D. 1855
J. H. Vance Clerk.
James Madison Min. of Commerce Parker Hannifin Chairman

10.041
Pension Dulerahm B
James Morrison

State of Tennessee Hawkins County
August Session 1832
On this 27 th day of August 1832, personally appeared in open court before the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County now sitting - James Morrison a resident of said County and State aged about 74 years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he volunteered his services under Capt. Martin of Pittsylvania County Virginia and Lieutenant Brown of the same County and State, shortly after the commencement of the Revolutionary war in an expedition against the Indians the particular year not recollected. He travelled near the head of Roanoke by a place known by the name of Big Slick to a place on New River Va. called Culver's Bottom where he remained for some time, until discharged by Capt. Martin, he then returned home after performing a two months tour, his discharge however by Martin has been casually lost as he was not aware of its being of any importance at this late day.

We further declares that shortly after he returned he enlisted in the army of the United States in or about the year of 1776 as well as he now recollects with Capt Thomas Hutchinson and Lieut Col Dunn of Pittsylvania County Va in the 6 th regiment of the Virginia line and joined the main army under General Washington at Williamsburg Virginia. From thence he went by water in attendance on the sick to the head of Elk (the State he does not know) where Dunn took the command (as captain) Hutchinson having resigned at Williamsburg of their company. He went under Dunn during the rest of his services in Pennsylvania New Jersey and New York. From New York City he was ordered back to Princeton where Washington's army commanded at the time by himself in person fought a battle in which he was not present being sick of the small pox - from thence he was marched to Philadelphia where he remained sometime, he was shortly afterward in Pennsylvania in the vicinity of Philadelphia, discharged - He was a resident of Pittsylvania County Virginia when he enlisted in March and he thinks 1776. He was discharged in March after serving 3 years.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he

declare that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
He states that his enlistment under 1st Hetchins was for 12 months, but in consequence of his Captain being changed and unable to prove that fact he was continued for an additional 12 months. He further states his discharge is lost and cannot be found or produced.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid W B Mitchell Clerk
his James Morrison mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and entitled as he states August 27th 1832.
State of Tennessee Hawkins County
Court of Pleas August Session 1832
I Stockley Mitchell Clerk of the court of pleas & of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Morrison for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 27th day of August A.D. 1832.
S D Mitchell Clerk By W B Mitchell Clerk

Milton Bend Ind 5 February
O. B. Free
Honorable Geo. C. Whiting Comm te of Pensions Washington D.C.

Odd Fellows Female College,
ROGERSVILLE, TENNESSEE,
Rev. ANSON W. CUMMINGS, D. D., President.
LOCATION.
Rogersville is unsurpassed in healthfulness, and easily accessible at all seasons. The College stands on a beautiful site in the suburbs of the village, giving a full view of the town as well as the surrounding mountains, whose picturesque beauty delights to dwell upon.
BUILDINGS.
Its accommodations are ample for the President and his family—the Teachers, and one hundred Boarders, besides all the day Scholars who may attend.
TERMS AND VACATIONS.
The sessions begin annually on the first Wednesday in September, and close on the last Tuesday in June, following—giving ten months for instruction, and two for vacation.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The regular course, which is as extensive and as thoroughly taught as that of any other institution of the kind in the country—embraces four years. None will receive Diplomas until they shall have passed a satisfactory examination in the entire course.
CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION.
Good moral character, and the pre-payment of bills, are the only conditions of admission required. None will be retained in the College who are idle, vicious, or who refuse a prompt compliance with all the rules of the School.
EXPENSES.
Expenses are exceedingly low. Fuel, lights and lodging is $1.50 per year, of ten months, are added to the cost of Boarding, including rooms,
Primary Department, per week. Tuition fees per Collegiate Department, as follows:
  Primary Department, . . . $10 00   Preparatory, . . . . . 15 00   First Collegiate . . . . . 20 00   Second . . . . . 25 00   Junior Class, . . . . . 30 00   Senior . . . . . 35 00   Contingent Fee, . . . . . 1 00 
Music, Embroidery, Drawing and Painting, Latin, French, &c., at usual rates.
OUTFIT.
It is especially desired that the outfit for Young Ladies coming here, should be simple and plain, and that parents should unite with us in encouraging simplicity of dress, and economy in all expenditures.
ORPHANS.
Special care of motherless daughters, is a peculiar feature of this Institution.
INFORMATION, &c.
Circulars of the School will be sent, and all necessary information given, on application to the President, or the undersigned.
E. J. ASTON, Secretary.

Post Office Mill Bend Hardin County Tenn.
7 April 55
Sir
Please find enclosed papers in support of the claim of Isaac Morrison The heirs of James Morrison deceased of Tenn: a revolutionary pensioner. His Certificate is surrendered and such proof as it is thought will be (when taken with the expected proof on file in your office) sufficient to ensure the issuance of a Certificate from your department - as it is supposed to be the proper step. It seems it was not known to the heirs until lately that any money could be obtained after the death of the pensioner, and it is alleged that he served 100 years in a rank to entitle him to 96 $ per annum. The proof may show three years service part of which time he was in captivity of the British. be pleased however to examine the former proofs and there taking such action in the matter as right to you shall dictate.
Meantime I am with great respect your Obedient Servt Absalom L. Buxton Mill Bend Tennessee
Hon L. P. Waldo
Com of Pensions Washington DC

Treasury Department, Third Auditor's Office April 18 th 1855.
Sir,
I return herewith the papers in the case of James Morrison, of Tennessee, received from you under date of yesterday, and have to inform you that it appears on record in this office that his pension has been paid up to 4 th March 1842.
I am, Sir, your Obedient Servant Robert Morrison Auditor
S. P. Waldo, Esq. Commr. of Pensions.

Payments to be made at Vinesborough by William H Birt Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Vinesborough East Sussex
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 129 by Daniel Boyd Clerk.

Frank Tennessee April
James Morrison
Jan - 1832
St. Louis April 17/55
Official business Free
J. P. Walker
Memorandum of Pension
Washington D.C.

Will Bend Ten 20 May
Official Business Form
James Morrison
Nov. 10. 1832
Our office on
Rev. Geo. C. Whiting Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

White Bird In 28 March
On Fri
James Morrison
Feb 1882
Cal
Dear Geo. C. Whiting
Cement of Paving
Washington D.C.

Damer Ellenisen

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Morrison Hawkins & Timpson which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes 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? Yes 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? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes 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? Yes

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? yes 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes 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? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
1-2 5 
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 each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
‡ 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 authenticates 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 ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mitt Bend Ten 14 January
O.B. Frie
James Morrison Jan - 1883
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Rev. Mr. 2869 INVALID.
File No. 2869
James Morrison Pvt. Va. Line
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 262
[Arrangement of 1870.]

7541

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Thomas Morrison of the State of East Tennessee, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and 00 cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty fifth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
Lee
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissaire of Pensions.

With Kind In off. bus. From Spence
James Morrison Jan - 1852
General S. P. Halls. Comm. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Mill Bend Ten 8 June 1885
Honorable Sir:
You will recollect of my filing the Claim of the heirs of Jas. Morrison Rev. pensioned of Tenn. under act 7 th June 1832 - The heirs Claim - increase of pension , and amt due from 4 th Sept th 1841 to 3 Mar 1842 the day he died . which they say or as never paid to the adm rs or heirs - and This I think is so from the fact that the heirs had in possession his Certificate which I filed in the Claim aforesaid - and they say has never been paid to any one - The 3 rd Auditor of the Treasury on application by me asks Compliance of the rule of authority - No - I have never yet received from your office any satisfactory information that the amt due at the pensioners death has been paid to any one and now ask that at least that feature of the case be looked into, and reported.
I patiently await the result of the Invalid Claim of Hudson Morrison a Mexican Soldier would exceedingly regret to hear of its disallowance -
please excuse my excessive haste and want of proper formality I have the honor to be Your much obliged and grateful friend & serv t
Hon. S. P. Hildreth
Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.
A. L. Buren
Mill Bend Ten

Miss Bend Tn.
20 May 1859
Hon. Sir:
James Morrison was a pensioner under act 7 June 1832. paid at Lewisboro Tn. at the rate of 80$ per. annum. his certificate is recorded in Book "E" Vol 6. pages 129" he is said to have died 3 rd March 1842. One Bernard was the Administrator of his estate who in a year or so after qualification left this County and has not since returned to reside here. and when he left he took with him to Roane County Tn. said Morrison's original pension certificate. He was written to and he enclosed it to James Morrison a son of the pensioner about Jan'y 1855
On the 7 th day of April 1855 I enclosed to the Hon. L. P. Waldo. then Comm't of Pensions said Certificate in a file of papers in which said son. set up a claim to an increase of allowance to his father. the certificate was sent as Evidence in support of the claim and doubtless is in the file now . the claim to increase failed. and has long since been abandoned.
But at the time of submitting said Certificate as aforesaid. said son insisted that arrears were due upon it at the death of his father. This is prima facie true

To my mind because if the arrears had been drawn by the said Administrator it is most probable that he would as usual have surrounded the artificials to the paying office.
It is therefore contemplated to assert a claim in behalf of the pensioners children for the arrears alleged to be due at his death. For this purpose your office is respectfully requested to furnish me (if compatible with rule) a certified copy of said artificials , together with the circumstance and date of its deposit in your office.
With very profound regard I am your obliged servant Abraham L. Burum
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Milo Bend Nov. 2. June 1852
Sir:
In December 1854. I filed Claim of the heirs of James Morrison, to annuities due their ancestor, and owing to a misapprehension at the time both on the part of your office as I beg leave to shew and of myself, the prosecution of the Claim has been suspended for further insight. allow me now to present the following. which can be sustained satisfactorily
1 st James Morriston pensioned under act 1818. March 18 th as private Virginia Continental line . And James Morrison a pensioner under act 7 June 1832, as private Virginia State troops is the identical and same person of Hawkins County Tenn. whose heirs Claim. The last record is wrong. Morrison whose name may be spelled either way, was a soldier in the Virginia Continental line , he was suspended under act of the 1 May 1820. he was properly admitted under act of 1818 he was entitled to have been restored. under act March 1823. and should have received his pay from 18 March 1818. The last record. is mistake as I alledge and the Claim is Valid though not perhaps exactly according to the shape presented;
2 nd I respectfully ask an examination of the record and re-examination of the papers filed by me as aforesaid. with such suggestion as you may be pleased to give to me. with a view that I may revise and amend the Claim in accordance with the facts herein stated.
3 rd Be pleased to say what character of proof will be admissible in the premises. The survivorship of heirs it is supposed need not again be established.
4 th If he James Morriston. was correctly and rightfully admitted under the first act, his heirs are assuredly entitled and because the name was therein spelled and he was through mistake improperly classed. the heirs are not estopped but have a Valid Claim, as I contend under the law and circumstances. I most respectfully therefore ask such action as you may think the case demands.
With Very great respect I am Sir.
Your Very Obedient humble Servt
A. Coatsworth, Q. Bureau
Milo Bend
Tenn
Honorable J. Minto.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Witts Bend Tennessee January 14- 1859
Sir:
On the 7 th April 1855 I sent to the then Comm r of Pensions Hon L. P. Waldo - the claims of the heirs of James Morrison dec d - who had been a pensioner under act 7 June 1832 paid at Jonesboro the agency residing in Hawkins County -
The nature of the claim was substantially as follows. Morrison had been pensioned at 80$ per annum draw that sum up to 4 th Sept r 1841 from 4 th March 1831 - and his heirs claimed that he had been entitled by length and character of service to 96$ per annum instead of 80$ - the claim was asserted to 16$ per annum the difference for the term of years stated - the claim failed.
But in the file of papers then sent was the original Certificate of Pension issued to Morrison - 26. April 1833. recorded in Book "E" Vol 6. page 129 - And upon which the heirs allege there are arrears due from the 4 th September 1841 the last pay day next before the death of Morrison up to the 3 rd March 1842 the day he died -
At the time of enclosing the paper I assured the parties that the submission of it would not operate against them - And it does seem to me that by some means I had information since that the arrears had been paid . but the party insisting that such is not the case -
I have to respectfully ask that you will first ascertain if I be correct in the

recollection of sending the old Certificate to your office and if it be on file amongst the papers. Second, by such reference as you are presumed to have the facility in making have me informed - (if indeed I have already have been it being mislaid) whether or not the arrears of pension due the deceased pensioner have been paid . if so from what date to what date, and the names of the party who made the application and received the money.
In the event the arrears have not been paid of course a claim will be asserted and presented for it. I remark that if I did send the Certificate as stated and alleged by the party I have no knowledge of drawing the arrears and if found as supposed - it is a circumstance giving to show that the paper never having been submitted to the proper office. arrears may be due
Be this all as it may I trust you will be able to throw light on the whole matter have me informed that I may satisfy the party - who insist as heirs of the pensioner to the arrears -
Very Respectfully Your Servant Absalom L. Burum Milo Bunn Sec
Wm. Geo. C. Whiting Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

P.S.
It may be remarked that I think a power of attorney was lodged with the Auditor entitling me to the information sought, and it is suggested that a difficulty may exist as to the identity of pensioner in question by being confounded with another or others of the like name-
A. L. B.

Willow Bend Inn
28 March 1857
Sir:
Your letter of 26 July in relation to annexes presumed to be due the heirs of James Morrison I have, I regret, that its import cuts off the claim at once to anything under act 1818 or 1820 & 1823.
But it is now alleged that the identical James Morrison, or Morrison, in question engaged for during the war , and served until discharged by Congress. And that he never received the bounty land promised to him by act 16 Sept 1776 - and other amendatory and continuing acts relevant thereto. If this is so are not his heirs entitled to the land?
We suppose the rolls of the regular troops are in your office, as well as his declaration under acts 1818 and 1832.
With a view then to obtain the bounty land may I have the information under what officer is his service alleged that I may find the record, if it appears not in your office - in the state when performed -
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Com. of Rev. Washington D.C.
Very Respectfully Your servant Abraham L. Burdum

Mill Bend Tenn. Feby 5. 1857
To the Honorable, the Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Your Memorialist James Morrison of Hawkins County Tennessee respectfully shows—
1 st That he is a son and heir at Law of James Morrison who was a pensioner on the East Tennessee roll of pensioners under act 18 March 1818— but whose name was incorrectly spelled Morrison , and for proof of his heirship he respectfully refers you to papers now on file in the pension office Trans- -mitted by Absalom L Burum his attorney at Mill Bend Tennessee. Claiming arrears of pension and sent in the year 1854— in the file will be found the certificate of pension issued to his father James Morrison under act 7 June 1832
2 nd That his said father was of the Virginia Continental line and served to the end of the Revolutionary war as required by the said act of March 18— 1818— as will doubtless appear by proofs filed for said claim.
3 rd That his said father was suspended under the act of 1 May 1820— that he by his indigent cir- -cumstances was entitled that a schedule and proofs was made and given into the hands of one Peter Parsons an attorney residing at Rogersville Tenn. that said Parsons the attorney died and thus his father failed to receive the gratuity— and indeed whether the proofs referred to were reached your department is unknown— but that in every way his father was entitled to a con- -tinuance of his pension in the face of said

act of 1 May 1820. And that he was still entitled to have been restored to the list of pensioners under the act of 1 March 1823 which was never done - 4 th That by mistake and misapprehension he was pensioned under act of 7 June 1832, as being a soldier of the Virginia State Troops , and at 80 $ pr annum according to said act -
Your memorialist therefore alleges that he is entitled to the full pay pension due his father under said acts of 1820 & 1823 - and to such additional arrears as may seem due after deducting what he received under act of 1832 - He therefore prays, that his claim may be considered which has never yet been done on this ground in connexion with the pensions filed in 1854. And that he and the Co-heirs be allowed the amount due in the premises -
Very Respectfully James Morrison By his attorney Abraham L. Burford Milled Bond Ten

Case stated- and explained
In 1854- I submitted papers to show that the Memorialist was legal heir of James Morrison the pensioner under act 1818- but with a view to obtain 96$ per annum which that act gave with a deduction of 80$ per annum re? under act of 1832- This is abandoned-
It is however insisted that James Morrison (Morriston) was pensioned under act of 1818- and was wrongfully suspended under act of 1820- was entitled to have been restored at all events under act of 1823- and that if the rule of descent be recognized the amount of 96$ per annum is due his heirs from the date of his last payment under act 1818 to 4 th March 1831 inclusive-
That action upon this ground has never been had by your office- which is very respectfully requested-
With high regard Your humble servant Abraham L. Burns Mito Bend Tenn.
Honorable Geo. C. Whiting Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.