Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1645, William Burnitt, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Burnitt, William
S. 1645
CONTENTS
carded

West Tennessee
William Burnitt
of Humphreys in the State of Tenn: who was a Pvt. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Ship of the Regt. commanded by Col. Morgan and in the Nat. line for 9 months.
Date of death not on AB
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Mar: 33 and sent to Alfred John. Mansfield Tenn.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 60 - Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept - 15 - $ 75
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk, Book D Vol. 9 Page 144

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. State of Tennessee } County court August 12 1852 Rutherford County }
On this 27 th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before James H. Parsons  By James H. Parsons William B. Mitchell and Warner D. Cowin Justices of said court now sitting William Burnett a resident of said county and state aged 73 years who being first duly sworn according to law on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That sometime about the, first  month of Sept, but does not recollect the year in the county of Mac- kinburg state of Va. He entered in the service of the United States under Capt Thomas Ship for a term of 3 months, but was not discharged till some time afterwards but does not recollect how long. afterwards He entered to guard the magazine on Roanoke River near Laytons ferry in Va. Col. Munford commanded off the magazine. During the time we were guarding the magazine, Col. Morgan with his Rifle Corps from the north, and Genl. Buford with his Regulars passed by remained some days and proceeded towards the south. Again some time in Jan. 1781 he thinks, he entered the service of the U. S. as a substitute.

in the place of Gen: Stevens as well as he recollects. in the country of Macclesburg, he does not recollect who he entered under, but recollects that the officer under whom he entered resigned soon after and he was put under Capt Charles Davis. He was marched through Petersburg thence through a town called Smithfield thence through Suffolk, which had been burnt but does not know how long before, where he re- mained about a week, thence to the Dismal swamp where he remained about two months where one or two of the soldiers died, thence he was  marched back through Suffolk while he was stationed at the swamp the British forces however  were were stationed in Portsmouth and as he was informed under the command of Genl Arnold. The main body of the American army commanded by Murenburg and he believes Lafayette were stationed about 10 or 12 miles west of Portsmouth he under Capt Davis, Major Long, Col Dick and as well as he recollects about 400 infantry was station upon the south side of the Dismal about 2 miles from the main body. He was told there were about 2000 under Murenburg and Lafayette. He was in the battle of Ports- mouth, recollects to have seen Murenburg in the engagement, the battle commenced about 8 o'clock in the morning, he thinks that the infantry were to bring on the engagement

Capt Knott who commanded the infanter was killed in the engagement, he was informed that not more than 10 american soldiers were killed in the engagement, he thinks that when he first fired he was not more than 50 yards from the enemy and was informed by some Russian officers that about 30 of the enemy were killed by the 1st fire.
The Infantry were marched back through Suffolk crossing Nancy more was at the town provided some distance down, and was encamped on the shore in sight of 5 or more British men of war, to prevent the British from landing and committing depredations on the neighbourhood, he remained there till he was discharged, he was discharged as well as he recollects towards the last of April of the same year.
Again he does not recollect at what time he was drafted under Col Burrol, Mayor Street was marched to Gloucester courthouse where he was put under Capt Giffies & Major Cane who commanded the infantry was encamped on the Gloucester side, remained there during the whole siege. of York Col Garton was encamped on the same side of the river. The larger part of the British and American army were encamped on the York side

Cornwallis surrendered at York. Washington and Lafayette commanded the American & French forces. The French Grenadiers were encamped on the right side. He recollects some other circumstances which are so generally known that they need not be mentioned. He was discharged soon after the surrender. He was ordered out for 3 months but does not recollect how long he served, thinks he served 3 months or more. Does not recollect to have incurred any other than a verbal discharge. He has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, sworn to the day and year aforesaid.
J. P. Slaughter, Clk.
William + Burnett mark
I Martin Clark a clergyman residing in the county of Rutherford State of Tennessee and William Brady of the same county and State do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Burnett who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 73 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
J. P. Slaughter, Clk.
Martin Clark Wm Brady

And the said court propounded the following interrogatories to William Burnett the within named applicant for a pension in open court on the day and year afore said.
Question 1 st , Where and in what year were you born.
A. I am was born in King & Queen County State of Va, can not tell when I was born but think I am about 75 seventy three years old.
Q 2, Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
A. I have no record of my age.
Q 3 rd Where were you living when you were called into service? Where have you lived since the revolution and where do you now live?
A. When I was called into service I was living on Meherrin river in Mecklenburg County State of Va I remained there some time after the revolution, and from there moved to Rutherford County State of Tennessee where I have been living about 30 years as well as I recollect.
Q 4 How were you called into service? were you drafted? did you volunteer? or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for who

A. The 1 st time I was in service I enlisted The 2 nd time I went as a Substitutes, but - as not successful for whom. The 3 rd time I was drafted:
2. 5 th . State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general cir- cumstances of your service.
A. A french officer was with me at York Town, who was called the french Duke but I do not recollect his name. Major Bara commanded the infantry to which I belonged at York. Genl Washington & Lafayette were also present at York. I do not recollect any continental or militia regiments by any particular name, except Major Caryl's Infantry and the french grenadiers at Portsmouth. Major Caryl, Alexander Dick Colo Boyer and Lafayette also Genl Washington. I belonged to the infantry at York & Portsmouth and was kept some dis- tance below the main army and conse- quently did not know much about the regu- lar officers or the continental regiments.
26 th . Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?

A. I do not recollect at either time how we were discharged, but appears to me that we were called up and discharged verbally.
I state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and can testify to your character for veracity and their belief that you served in the revolution. A. I am known by Martin Clark, Genl William Brady and many others.
And the sd court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certify that it appears to them Martin Clark who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in this county and William Brady who has signed the same is a resident of this county and that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
J. Mitchell B.C. Ransom V.D. Bowman
I John R Laughlin Clerk of the court of pleas and Quarter sessions of Rutherford County State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Burnett for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 27 th day of August 1832
John R. Laughlin, CLK.

To Murfreesborough. Tennessee August 27/1832
To the Honr Louis Clegg
Sir You, please direct the certificate to me, or if you prefer you can direct it to William Burnette the replacent
Alfred Johns
I am acquainted with A Johns Esqr and think he may be safely trusted with the certificate of pension. For myself I refer to Wm B Lewis. John W Overton Esqr
Sam Anderson
No 8317

8347
William Burnett
Tennessee from 19 - private 9 months $30.
+ Alfred Sohn Murfreesboro Tenn

8317
BRIEF in the case of  William Burnitt  County of Rutherford in the State of Tennessee  (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? 73  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 In 17 S/18 — 3 — Private Gen. Capt. T. Ship, Col. Morgan   Sub. 1781 Adm V. — 3 at least — " Capt. C. Davis Maj. Long, Col. Dick   Drafted — 3 or more — " Capt. Selfris Major Crary  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Portsmouth, Yorktown  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mecklenburg Co. V.A.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The declaration is not attached to the clerk's seal as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh
Examining Clerk.

July 2, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Burnitt-S.1645 BA-J/AWF
The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Burnett, who served from Virginia and died in Tennessee.
The Revolutionary War record of William Burnitt which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 1645, based upon his service in that war.
William Burnitt (as his name is spelled in the claim) was born in King and Queen County, Virginia, date not given, nor are the names of his parents stated.
While residing in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, he enlisted September 1, year not recollected, and served three months as private in Captain Thomas Ship's company, to guard the magazine on Roanoke River near Taylor's Ferry under Colonel Munford. He enlisted in January, 1781, served in Captain Charles Davis' company, was stationed at Dismal Swamp under Colonel Dick, was in an engagement at Portsmouth and was discharged the latter part of April, 1781. Later in 1781 he served three months in Captain Jeffries' company, under Major Cary, and was in the siege of Yorktown, was discharged soon after the surrender of Cornwallis. His service was with the Virginia troops.
He moved from Mecklenburg County, Virginia to Rutherford County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on

his application executed August 27, 1832, at which time he was living in Rutherford County, Tennessee, aged seventy-three years; he had been living in said Rutherford County, about thirty years.
The papers in this claim contain no data in regard to the family of the soldier, William Burnitt.
The application for headstone for William Burnett is returned herewith, as are two letters signed by Rebekah Jetton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; these letters describe the service of this William Burnitt.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

January 26, 1939
BA--J/AWF AWF William Burnitt S. 1645
Marion Mack Hartford Michigan
Dear Madama.
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Burnett, listed in the census of 1840, pensioner in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
The Revolutionary War record of William Burnitt which follows was obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 1645, based upon his service in that war.
William Burnitt (as his name is shown in the claim) was born in King and Queen County, Virginia, date not given, nor names of parents shown.
While residing in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, William Burnitt enlisted September 1, year not "recollected", served three months as private in Captain Thomas Ship's company, to guard the magazine on Roanoke River, near Taylor's Ferry, under Colonel Munford. He enlisted sometime in January, 1781, served in Captain Charles Davis' company, was stationed at Dismal Swamp, under Colonel Dick, was in an engagement in Portsmouth, and was discharged the latter part of April, 1781. Later in 1781, he served three months in Captain Jeffries' company, under Major Cary, and was in the siege of Yorktown, and was discharged soon after

the surrender of Cornwallis. His service was with the Virginia troops.
The soldier, William Burnitt, moved from Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to Rutherford County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832, at which time he was living in said Rutherford County, and aged seventy-three years.
The papers on file in this claim contain no discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
William Burnitt Certificate #8035 Issued March 12, 1833 Rate $30.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 West Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1915 June 3 Hist. To Mrs. Leslie B. Clark. V.L.M. 1930 Oct. 31 - Hist. to Mrs. Cora B. Dyer Aug. 1930 Nov. 24 Photos mailed to Kirk Dyer & Fin. liv. nfd. 1935 July 2 list to man- ual Branch Aug. 1939 Jan. 26. Hist. to Marion Mack Aug.
New Year
1645 ✓ INVALID.
File No. 1645
William Burnett Miss Va. Smith
Act: June 7, 1882.
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 419
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
William Burnett further proof or explanation.
which require
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? _____ 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? yes 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? _____ Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? _____ 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? No XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
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.

Ardmore Okla; Oct. 15-
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen I am very anxious for information of William Burnett , based on the following reference.
American Historical Magazine Vol. 3. 1898 Pub by Peabody Normal College.
Revolutionary and Military Pensioners list for Tennessee June 1 st 1840
Page 120 State of Tennessee middle district Rutherford Co. William Burnett age 91.
I would like as full information as possible on which his pension was granted, where he enlisted, parents if named wife's name names of children or other relatives I am very desirous of this information and will gladly pay any charges in connection with same
Mrs. Lena B Hlyer 117 B St. N.W.
Ardmore Okla

THE GUILFORD GREENSBORO, N.C.
171 Rev Sec
May 31 - 1915 -
Hotel Zinzendorf
Room 310 WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. Commissioner of Pensions Washington.
Dear Sir,
Would like to obtain if possible the record of William Burnett a Revolutionary Pensioner - in 1833. in Rutherford Co. Tenn. My mother was a Burnett - and I think of this family - hence my request -
Very Truly
Mr Leslie Battle Clerk
Hotel Zinzendorf Winston Salem N.C.

Request for Rev. War record of William Burnett - Pvt. Va.
Infantry died 1845- Rutherford Co Tenn His son sent 8 appli- cation for headstone also 2 letters describing the service of his William Burnett all returned
Accept
July 2-35-

WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL WASHINGTON
6-25- 1935
Memorandum for                The Surgeon General, Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, ✓ The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building, General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N. W.
1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name and complete designation of the organizations.
2. In addition, please advise State from which decedent came.
See file

aw 2
Hartford, Michigan December 12, 1938
Veterans Bureau Pension Department Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please be kind enough to send me the pension record of William Burnett , who drew Revolutionary pension in Rutherford County Tennessee. He is listed in the Census of 1840. I do not know in what state he served during the Revolution.
Yours very truly,
Marion Mack

November 15, 1930.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War pension claim of William Burnitt,
File No. S. 1645
Actual
1 of each page
Remitter -Kirk Dyer, 117 B Street Ardmore, Oklahoma.
$ 1.20
8 pages
xxx
xxxxxx
Kindly leave margin of 1½ inches at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corres- ponding name and number.

November 15, 1930.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir :
Please furnish me uncertified photostatic copies of eight pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of William Burnitt, S. 1645.
Very truly yours,
Remitter:-
Frank Dyer 117 B St. and more, Oklahoma
Received payment:
L. L. Lerch.
$1.20
November 15, 1930.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Burnett a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     on next quarter Sept. 1 - 3 mos Pvt. Thomas Ship Munford Pa.   ✓ Jan'y 1781 Apr. 1781 Charles Davis Dick   + 3 mos. Jeffries Major Cary        
Battles engaged in, Portsmouth. Siege of Yorktown Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hicklenburg Co. Va. Date of application for pension, Aug. 27. 1832. His ch. was at Residence at date of application, Rutherford Co. Tenn. Age at date of application, 73 yrs old, born in King & Queen Co. Va.
Remarks:
No data as to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev. a Wars Squadron AWF:MLB
October 31, 1930
Mrs. Cora B. Dyer 117 B Street, N. W., Ardmore, Oklahoma
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1645, that William Burnitt was born in King and Queen County, Virginia, date not stated.
While residing in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as a private with the Virginia troops, as follows:
From September 1 (year not given), three months in Captain Thomas Ship's company in Colonel Munford's regiment; from January, 1781 until April, 1781, in Captain Charles Davis' company in Colonel Dick's regiment, and was in an engagement at Portsmouth; later in 1781, three months in Captain Jeffries' company, under Major Cary, and was at the siege of Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832, at which time he was living in Rutherford County, Tennessee, aged seventy-three years.
There are no data as to family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Burnix, Fortune GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 3796 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Feb. 29, 1792 to Moses Beard
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.