Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 47,819, John Bridges, Va.

SERVICE
Va.
Bridges, John
NUMBER
8.47,819
CONTENTS

5017
Dead - see Pen. cat. filed in this.
Kentucky.
John Bridges
of Mercer in the State of Ky. who was a M c in the Com y commanded by Captain Friends of the Reg t commanded by Col. Morton in the Va. line for 2 years from 1776
Date of death not on 913
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 c Dollars — — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Feb y 31 and said Hon. R. L. Johnson, House of Reps.
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 120 c Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 th Mar. 33 40 c $160 c
✓
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk, Book (2 Vol. 9 Page 32

State of Kentucky Mercer County viz } On this 2 d day of October in the year of our Lord 1832. personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court for the county of Mercer now sitting John Bridges a resident citizen of sd County and state aged ninety 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 act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832. viz I John Bridges do hereby state on my oath that I am now ninety — years of age & that I was born in the county of Gloucester & state of Virginia where I resided until 1769. when I removed to the county of Charlotte in the same state where I lived when the revolutionary war commenced and when I was called into the service of my country as follows. viz In the spring of the year 1776. I volunteered in the Minute Militia of the state of Virginia in Capt Friends company of Col Merton's Regiment and marched to Petersburg and Williamsburgh where I was stationed as a guard for two months and faithfully served out my time, and again the summer of the same year I served another term of two months under the same officers and we were stationed the greater part of the time at or near Richmond and in the fall I served another term of two months and marched to Richmond and Williamsburgh where I served out my term both these terms were with the same officers, I served my first term, I recollect that when I heard of the declaration of In- dependence I was at 50 acres old fields, and next spring 1777 I was drafted for three months in Capt Caldwell's com- pany and I believe Col Willis's Regiment under Genl Lawson and faithfully served out my time and was honorably discharged and I was again drafted in Capt Caldwell's company for three months and was at the Battle of Hotwater near Williamsburgh. at which time I was under Col Scarb Scarb

who was wounded at the battle and died in consequence of his wounds - and again when Genl Green was retreating from Lord Cornwallis. I again volunteered in Capt Caldwell company under Col Reid and Lieut Genl Maysmy Bragade when we marched to Prince Edward of Frederickburg as a guard and when my time expired I again volunteered in the same company and Regiment and was transferred to Genl La Fayette as commander in chief. while I was with Col Campbell - Major Hamilton was our Major who was also wounded but recovered. I was some times under Genl Lawson and some times under Genl Campbell. Last Genl La Fayette was commander in chief - and when the British occupied Williamsburg Major Armistead applied for a detachment to attack their pickets and I was selected as one, and this detachment was nearly all cut off - and my company was then placed under Genl Wayne, and we were ordered to attack a mile on King's creek where there was a quantity of flour, this brought on the engage- ment of Green Springs with Lord Cornwallis troops near Farm- ton. This affair was in August 1781 as well as the now re- collected this service was performed in two other terms of three months each with Capt Caldwell in the year 1781, having served with Capt Caldwell in the year 1780 & 1781 twelve months of constant service in which he marched and countermarched in the county of Prince Edward & to Rich- mond & Frederickburg just as the movements of the enemy required - I further declare that my recollection of dates is at this time very much impaired, and as I was so often transferred into different Regiments and Brigades that I cannot name all my officers, I was once term under Col. Moorehead but I solemnly affirm that in all I served nearly three years of actual service - being first under Capt Forster in the Minute

service with whom I served three terms of three months, and then with Capt Caldwell the next year when I marched down to Williamsburg in Genl Lee's Brigade - and also under Capt McCook's part of the time - I further declare that I have no documentary evidence of my services except those herewith enclosed, which are a Certificate of my character in 1775 - my oath of allegiance in 1777 and my discharge of July 12 th 1781. after which time he served one other term of three months under Capt Caldwell and was stationed in the neighborhood of Fredericksburg and was discharged only a few days before Lord Cornwallis was taken - I further declare that I do not know of any person now alive by whom he can prove his services in this state and I hereby relinquish all claim that I may have to any pension or annuity except the present and I am not now a prisoner of the United States or of any state. Witness my hand this 2 nd day of October - 1832. John Bridges his mark
Mercer (county sig) We John Rice a clergyman residing in the county of Mercer and George Roberts residing in the same county do hereby certify (on oath being first duly sworn) that we are well acquainted with the above named John Bridges and who has subscribed and sworn to the aforesaid declaration and we believe him to be of the age he has stated as we have known him for many years, and that he is reputed & believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution in the neighborhood in which he resides, we also further certify that he is a man of truth. Witness our hands this 2 day of October 1832 - John Rice his mark George Roberts

State of Kentucky } Mercer County } This day David Prewitt an aged revo- lutionary soldier came before me a Justice of the peace in and for sd county and being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statement, viz - I David Prewitt now sixty eight years of age do hereby state that I am well acquainted with John Bridges sur who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration, (now presented and read to me) I lived in the county of Charlotte and state of Virginia at the time of the revolutionary war I was not put on the list until about the year 1780 myself but as I lived in the same neighborhood in which said Bridges resided in 1776 and afterwards I know that sd Bridges was out in the army every year until Lord Cornwallis was taken, and I have no hesitation in saying that from what I know myself he served as a soldier of the revolution as long as he has stated, I know of his being in the army under Genl Lawson and under Genl La Fayette when the British invaded Virginia, I have often conversed with said Bridges soon after the war and since and he always made the same statements which concurred with what I know myself - Witness my hand this 5 th day of Octo- ber 1832 David Prewitt
And I further certify that sd Prewitt is now very infirm which makes it very inconvenient for him to attend court without great trouble of labor. I also certify that sd Prewitt is a respectable and credible witness and a man of truth given under my hand this 5 th day of October 1832 -
Geo. W. Haugh Sp. M.

Mercer County viz) I George Robards being first sworn according to law in open court do hereby state on oath that I have this day conversed with the within named John Bridges and he has given me a detail of events while I was with Genl La Fayette at Raccoon Ford and other places which satisfy me that he was then as a soldier and I have no doubt of the fact as he has described several circumstances which are satisfactory to me - Witness my hand this 2 d day of October 1832 -
George Robards
John Bridges 15585
State of Kentucky
Mercer County Sept 30 October Term 1832
This day John Bridges the applicant for a pension herein and John Rice and George Robards came personally into Open Court & made Oath to the truth of the statements by them subscribed and thereupon the Court declare it as their Opinion after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that said Bridges is an old soldier of the Revolution and served as he in his written statement for a pension has declared and the Court further declare it as their Opinion that said John Rice is a clergyman who has served the preceding certificates and resides in Mercer County and that George Robards who has signed the foregoing statements and is a resident Citizen of Mercer County Kentucky and is a man of Credibility that his statement is entitled to Credit
John Bridges
I Thomas Allin Clerk of the Court do hereby certify that the foregoing petition contains the original proceedings in the matter of the petition of John Bridges for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Harrodsburg this 2 d October 1832 in the 57 th year of the Commonwealth
Thos. Allin

Chas. T. O'Callaghan Year of the Commonwealth
Thos. Allin
Dear Friend affectionately
State of Kentucky Mercer County ss
I Thomas Allin Clerk of the Court for the County aforesaid do certify that George L. Maugh Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within Certificate is and was at the date thereof & still is a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified & as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given to every of his official acts as such Justice of the Peace In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 6 th day of Oct r 1832
Thos Allin

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
March 28, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/REL Am
John Bridges-S. 47819
Honorable Harry S. Truman United States Senate Washington, D.C.
My dear Senator:
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.47819, based upon the military service in that war of John Bridges.
John Bridges was born in Gloucester County, Virginia. The date of his birth and names of his parents are not shown. He resided in said Gloucester County until 1769, when he moved to Charlotte County, Virginia.
While residing in Charlotte County, Virginia, John Bridges volunteered in the spring of 1776, and served at various times on tours of from two to three months each, until a few days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, nearly five years in all, as a private under Captains Friend, John Caldwell and Moccococke and Colonels Morton, John Willey, Campbell and Read in the Virginia troops. He was in the battles of Red Bank and Green Springs.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 2, 1832, at which time he was aged ninety years and resided in Mercer County, Kentucky.
He died August 14, 1836, place not shown.
There are no data as to soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Charlotte County } I DO hereby certify, that John Bridges subscribed the oath or affirmation of allegiance and fidelity, act of General Assembly intituled An act to oblige the free ma this state above a certain age to give assurance of allegiance to for other purposes. Witness my hand and seal, this Aug 1777 James Bou
Mc Bridges a Soldier in my Company of Militia from Charlotte having served his tour of duty of two Months is hereby discharged By order Genl Campbell Jno Caldwell Capt. July 12 th 1781

Beginning of the December 1775
we are hereunto subscribed so certify, that the bearer has here for the term of six years lived in this County, has conducted himself as an honest, industrious sober and neighbour, with an indulgent & careful Master of,
William Jameson
Carrington
The: Johnston The: McCarrie Much Good
BRIDGES, JOHN (VA) S 47819
to: B. for: 4p
Com Read
Jonathan Read
Isaac Read
W. Morton
The Read
to Friend
Thomas Bouldin John Bouldin

John Bridges
Petition praying for a pension —————
Feb 11. 1869 Referred to the Comm Revolutionary Pensions —————
Mr Mullins
Rev Pen

Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE.
Washington D.C., January 30/1869.
Sir:
In reply to your request of the 23 d inst t , I have the honor to enclosed herewith the papers in the case of John Bridged, under the act of June 7, 1832, inscribed on Ky., roll.
Very respectfully,
H. W. B. C.
Commissioner
Hon. James Mullins, House of Reps., Present.
France
Room 41

John Bridges
Payments to be made at Lexington, Ky. by the Presd: W.S. Br: Bk: Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Kentucky.
Dead
Recorded by J. Rice Clerk, in Book (D) No. 9. page 32
He departed this life on Sunday the 14 th Augt. 1836

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, John Bridges of the State of Kentucky, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution .
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and _____ 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 first day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three,
Lee Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards

Oct. 19. Ky.
15585 from 1976 private 2 years. $80.
Lewis Logo
Secretary of War Washington City
R.M. Johnson Knox
3 Pendleton Class

Harrodsburgh - (Ky) October 10 1832
Dear sir, I have again procured from Old Fort Bridge an extended statement of his services he is very old and infirm, I find that as to dates his recollection is very frail - I have however found a Witness who knew that he did serve in the army - a certificate of his character and Discharge from Capt Caldwell of all allegations I again send on as corroborating evidence and his uniform character as I have known him myself for the last thirty five years - I hope the old man who has live but a few years will not have his claim again suspended - the difficulty these old veterans labor under in this country can scarcely be conceived without a personal intercourse -
I feel great solicitude for the remnant of the few Veterans of the west who were here from 1775 to 1783 - contending with the Indians & defending an empire alone For to them we owe the great west, that every secret or call shall be specified is almost impossible. Their services was continued actual service - of these are Genl Ray, McCulloch, Wilson - Gritton, Hutton - & perhaps one or two others there are but a few left - If you still have doubts I would be glad their cases could wait until Genl Adair and Col Johnson can come on to Congress - but I hope - Ray will receive the pay of a Captain - The speedy adjustment of these claims an important for them Your friend with Respect Nathl B. McGehee

Nov. 14 Mil. Hist. sent to Mr. B. Thayer, Kansas City, Mo. 1932 Aug. 10 - visit to Harold S. Bridges - E.H.
1938 Mar. 28 - visit to Senator Henry S. Truman, Sec. letter in re Elijah Stout H. 8757 - E.H.
Invalid WIDOW, &c. 47-819
1894 Inv. 11
File No. John Bridges P.O. P.O. Mother Keokuk Ia
Act _____
Index: Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 20, 1932
Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Will you please send me the record of the pensioner John Bridges of Mercer County Kentucky who served with the Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War -
Yours truly Harold S. Bridges
38 Concord Sq. Boston, Massachusetts

March 28, 1928
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-3/REL
Honorable Harry S. Truman United States Senate Washington, D.C.
My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension records of John Bridges, of Mercer County, Kentucky, and Elijah Stout, of Fayette County, Kentucky, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
The records of these soldiers are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

August 10, 1932
John Bridges- S.47819 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX BA-J/REL
Mr. Harold S. Bridges 38 Concord Square Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to John Bridges, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.47819, based upon the military service of John Bridges in that war.
John Bridges was born in Gloucester County, Virginia, date not given, where he resided until 1769, when he moved to Charlotte County, Virginia.
While residing in Charlotte County, Virginia, he volunteered in the spring of 1776, and served at various times on tours of from two to three months each until a few days before the capture of Lord Cornwallis, nearly three years in all, as a private under Captains Friend, John Caldwell and Moccocks and Colonels Morton, John Willey, Campbell and Reed in the Virginia Troops. He was in the battles of Hot Water near Williamsburgh and Green Springs.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 2, 1832, at which time he was aged ninety years and resided in Mercer County, Kentucky.
He died August 14, 1836.
There are no data as to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.