Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,245, Samuel Blowers, New York

SERVICE
New York
Glouvers, Samuel
NUMBER
S 12245
CONTENTS
carded

20.485
New York
Samuel Blowers
of Montgomery, in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Shu. Wood of the Regt. commanded by Col. Graham in the N. York line for Fall Town
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Ap. 1833 and due to J. Patterson Northampton
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $ 200 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 M 34 40 $240.
d. Mch. 3 1855
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. O. Steele Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4. Page 18

State of New York and County of Montgomery
On this 19 day of september personally appeared in open court before Aaron Harring John Hand Samuel Gilbert the court of common pleas of the county of Montgomery now sitting Samuel Blowers a resident of the town of Mayfield county of Montgomery and State of New York aged seventy one 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 June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated
He entered the service in the militia voluntarily at the age of sixteen years and was attached to a company commanded by lieutenant Gresham Woodward and joined the army on the 10th day of September which in the year 1778 which was then lying at Parmachown in the county of Saratoga in the State of New York he does not remember the names of the other officers and was on duty only two weeks when the company to which he belonged was discharged; he resided at the time he entered the service in the then district of Cambridge in the county of Washington in the state of New York near the place where the Vespasian breast work was thrown up previous to the battle of Bennington, he has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any living witness by whom he can prove this tour of service
He next entered the service in the militia voluntarily at Whitehall on the 1st day of march in the year 1780 and was joined to a company commanded by lieutenant William Powell and ensign Henry Loupe one of the sergants names was Robert Thomas the other under officers names he cannot recollect, this company lay

at Whitehall for the purpose of watching the enemy on the lakes, he was in this tour of duty not quite three weeks when relief arrived and he was discharged and returned home to Cambridge the place of his residence he has no documentary evidence of this tour of the  service of service nor does he know of any living witness by whom he can prove it.
In the year 1780 about the 15 th day of July he entered the service in the garrison of fort Ann in the county of Washington voluntarily and was attached to a company commanded by captain Dial Sherwood lieutenants Ezekiel Roberts and Seth Baldwin (no ensign) serjeants Samuel Gates and Daniel Carles, this company belonged to colonel Morris Grahams regiment called New York levies. He remained in the garrison at fort Ann until the 10 th day of october when the place was invested by about nine hundred British indians and Tories under the command of major Carleton, the capitulated and the garrison surrendered as prisoners of war. From fort Ann he was taken together with the rest of the prisoners to Glens Falls where they staid one night from thence to fort George at the head of lake George which was also taken by the British in fort George they lodged one night and staid til noon on the 12 th day of october they were then taken along the west side of lake George and lodged one night opposite Diamond Island from thence through the wilderness to Ticonderoga where they arrived on the fourth day after they left fort George. They lodged one night at Ticonderoga and were the next day taken to Crownpoint where they were kept two days from Crownpoint they were taken to a small Island in lake Champlain called Millersbay Island where they remained til about midnight when they were taken off by the British gun boats and conveyed to the Isle a Vaux and Isle aux Noix from thence to fort St Johns in Canada thence to where they were kept one night in an old leaky hull of a vessel without fire, from St Johns they were taken to Champlaine, and thence to

and thence to Grants Island opposite Montreal where they arrived on the 23 rd day of October and remained about three weeks, they were then confined in a loathsome prison about one mile below Montreal where they remained where they remained suffering extremely from want of provision and necessary cloaths and fuel til the 3 rd day of October 1781. From this place he and a part of the other prisoners were taken up the river St Lawrence to a small Island in the river called Catadilack where he remained in a picketing closely guarded til the 10 th day of May 1782, on that day he was taken to Chaperine (for the purpose of being exchanged) from there he was taken across Lake Champlain in a sloop called the Victualer, and landed at Bason Harbor in the State of New York on the 22 nd day of May from Bason Harbor he was conveyed (together with other prisoners) by the British in open boats to White Hall where he was discharged he then left White Hall (subsisting on charity) and traveled to his place of residence in Cambridge where he arrived about the middle of June having been absent one year and eleven months. He then reported himself to the proper authorities and after an examination of the subject, was promptly paid for the term of his service and captivity. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. I, James  John  Grant  Scott  Swann  and  subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court. Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
We Aaron Simmons a clergyman residing in the town of Hampton and county of Montgomery

and John Patterson residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Blawens who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concurred in that opinion and have never heard it disputed. Aaron Garmans John Patterson Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court. Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
Interrogatories of the court to the applicant 1 st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born on the 17 th day of September in the year 1761 in Poundville in Vermont as I have been informed by my parent.
2 nd Have you any record of your age Answer I have no record of my age but have been informed it was burnt up by accident
3 Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live
Answer When I entered the service I lived in the then district of Cambridge in the present county of Washington State of New York from whence I removed to the town of Pitstown in the county of Rensselaer where I resided about to twelve years and have ever since resided in the county of Montgomery in the towns of Southamption and Mayfield
4 How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute I entered voluntarily into the service three times

5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service
answered I never served in company of any regular troops now know none of such officers there were no regiments stationed at the places I served there was but one company of militia lying at fort Ann when taken and one at Fortmstown and one at White Hall when I served at those places
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service answered I never had a written discharge nor never knew one given to any of the militia
7 th State the names of persons to whom you'd known in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution answered Aaron Simmons John Pattersons Samuel A Gilbert Joseph Brown and many others
And the said 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 certifies that it appears to them that Aaron Simmons who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the town of Northampton and that John Patterson who has also signed the same is also a resident of the town of Northampton and is a credible

person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I George D Ferguson clerk of the court of common pleas of the county of Montgomery do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Samuel Blowers for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19th day of September in the year of our Lord 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson,
And I do further certify that John Gifford Senr. appeared in open court before the judges thereof at the September term of said court in 1832. He subscribed the following annexed affidavit to which his name is subscribed: And by the directions of the said court I certify that it is the opinion of said court that John Gifford, Senr. then appearing & sworn is a resident of the town of Mayfield in said County and that he is a person of respectability & that his statement is entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 28th May 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson, clerk of the court of common pleas of Montgomery County.

Montgomery County ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Montgomery Samuel Blowers who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively asto the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For fourteen days in the year 1778 I served as a private it being from the 10th of Sept to the 24 For nineteen days in the year 1780 at White Hall I served as a private. For two months and twenty five days in the year 1780 I served as a private in the Garrison of Fort Ann where I was taken prisoner and remained in captivity with the British one year eight months and nineteen days I served in the three tours three months and twenty eight days as a private soldier the whole of my services and captivity amounting to two years and nineteen days and for such services and captivity I claim a pension
Sworn and subscribed before me This 27 th day of May 1833 —
Samuel Blowers
Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of Montgomery County Courts

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's office, ss:
I George D. Ferguson, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, do hereby certify that Samuel A. Kellett, Esq., before whom the within supplemental declara- tion purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Judge of the said Court; And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said supplemental declaration is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28th day 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

14 457
Samuel Blumer Montgomery 6 th NY Cav
Admitted Private 2 years 5. 14. 16. P. 393
May 14 33
John Petterson Northampton, W.Y.

ABSTRACT in the case of Samuel Blount of Montgomery Co. in the State of New York (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? 71 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. As a Gen.     10 th Sept In 1778 - 14 Private   1 March 1780 "not quite three weeks" " Lt Powell   15 th July 1780 "during one year & eleven months" " Capt Sherwood & Col Graham  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Washington Co. New York  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Papers not attested as usual? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Nicholas Loutts Examining Clerk.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
July 21, 1931
Miss Dorothy Davenport 712 Plymouth Street Bucyrus, Ohio.
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.12245, that Samuel Blowers was born September 17, 1761 in Poundwell, Vermont.
While a resident of Cambridge, Washington County, New York, he enlisted and served with the New York Troops as follows- from September 10, 1778, two weeks as private in Lieutenant Gesham Woodworth's Company; from March 1, 1780, three weeks in Lieutenant William Powl's Company; from July 15, 1780 until taken prisoner, October 10, 1780, at Port Ann and confined in prisons in various places, until late in May 1782, when he was discharged at White Hall and returned to his home in Cambridge, about the middle of June.
He moved from Washington County, New York to Pittstown, Rensselaer County, New York, thence to Montgomery County, New York, where he lived in Northampton and Mayfield.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 19, 1832, while living in Mayfield, New York.
He died March 3, 1853.
There are no data as to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Samuel Blowers

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Blenker  the accompanying  6 th N.Y. h which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ut II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? per 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? ut 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? Quo VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? ut VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ut VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ut IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? per 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? ut

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? 14 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? 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? 14 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? 4 No Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 14 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? 14 XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? e No XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 14
 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.

1921 Mch. 24 - Hist. to Beatrice M. Bair. 1928 Mch. 26 - Hist. to Lawrence M. Blowers MMVF 1931 July 21 - Hist. to Miss Dorothy Davenport, am.
Rehens
12245 INVALID.
File No. 12,245-
Samuel Blowers
Brn. Rev. Wm.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: -Vol. 2 , Page 35-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Puom
Sam. Bowers
14451
187.

State of New York and } County of Montgomery }
John Giffard senior of the town of Mayfield county of Montgomery and state of New York being duly sworn according to law saith, That he is well acquainted with Samuel Blowers of the town of Mayfield county and state aforesaid and has known him since the year 1776 that he at that time and for several years subsequent resided in the then district of Cambridge in Washington county in the state of New York within a half mile of the spot where the Hessians best work was erected previous to the battle of Bennington and a near neighbor to this deponent, that in the summer of the year 1780 the said Samuel Blowers was absent from his place of residence aforesaid and this deponent was then informed he was in the military service in the garrison of fort Ann. This deponent afterward joined the said garrison of fort Ann and on about the last day of September in the said year 1780 the said Samuel Blowers was then a soldier in the garrison and remained there on duty til the fort was taken on the 10 th day of October when he together with this deponent and the rest of the garrison were taken prisoners by the British and conveyed first to Glens Falls thence to fort George and thence to Montreal by the way of lake Champlain at Montreal he was imprisoned and kept til the 3 rd day of October in the year 1781 when he was taken up the river St Lawrence to a small island called Catadellack where he was kept secret together with this deponent and other prisoners til the 10 th day of May in the year 1782 when he and a part of the other prisoners were taken off as this deponent was informed for the purpose of being exchanged and this deponent saw the said Blowers no more til after deponent's return home which was in December following and further this deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed in open court this 19 th . Sept. 1832. Geo: D. Ferguson
John Giffard senior

State of New York and I ss
I the undersigned was present at the time and was a member of the court as one of the judges thereof before whom the within named John Gifford swore & subscribed the and within Affidavit and that I am and have been for a number of years well acquainted with the said John Gifford and do certify that the said John Gifford sustains the character of a person of truth and veracity and is entitled to full credit as a witness
May 27 th 1833
Samuel A. Gilbert

St Clair Mich
Feb 17 1921
Commissioner of Pension Washington D.C. Sir:—
My great-great-great grand father whose name was either Samuel or William Blowers served in the Revolutionary war.
We have every reason to believe he served from the northern part of New York State but do not know from what town.
The following is an incident regarded as authentic, in connection with his service.
He was captured and placed in an upstairs room, escaping

by making a rope of his blanket. This proved too light and in falling, his collar bone was broken.
He was picked up by watching Indians who pulled out his beard with pincers.
Please send me any data you may have. Do not know whether he ever drew a pension or not and do not know his wife's name but following are names of his children.
John O. and William - Sons. Daughters - Mary, Oliver & Rhoda
Hoping you can help me in this I am
Riverside Calif. Sincerely Beatrice M. Fair

Bucyrus, Ohio June 29, 1931
Pension Bureau War Department Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen;
Kindly give me information relative to date of birth, marriage and death of - RHODA OWEN - wife of Samuel Blowers, born Sept. 17, 1761 at Pondville, Vt., enlisted Sept. 10, 1778 as a private at Cambridge, Washington Co., N.Y., served under Capt. Adiel Sherwood, and Colonel Morris Graham, applied for Pension Sept. 19th, 1832. At that time his residence was at Mayfield, N.Y. He died March 3rd, 1853.
If these dates do not correspond with your records kindly advise.
Sincerely yours,
Dorothy Davenport
(Miss) Dorothy Davenport 712 Plymouth St. Bucyrus, Ohio

Rev. + 1812 Wars Sec. 6
Lawrence N. Blowers
Motor Route B Eugene, Oregon
Feb 26, 1928.
1928631
Commissioner, General Land Office. Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am trying to learn the name of my revolutionary ancestor. the records in the office of the Adjutant General show that Five of the Blowers family served in Washington's arm, from New York state, but I have no way of knowing positively which one of the five was my lineal ancestor.
My father, his father and his grandfather were born in N.Y. the latter probably in Washington Co and the two former in Cattaraugus Co.
Have you in your office records dating back to about 1789 ?, and if so is there any record of grants of land by the Government to anyone by the name of Blowers located in either Washington or Cattaraugus Counties.
I shall very sincerely appreciate any information you may be able to furnish me.
Very sincerely,
Lawrence N. Blowers
(Send to D.A.R. Office & S.L.O. J.F.H.C.)
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
March 16, 1928.
Respectfully referred to
Pension Office
H. C. Clausen Chief Clerk.

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 Samuel Blawers a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Sept. 10. 1778 2 weeks Pvt. Lieut. Col. John Woodworth N.Y.   March 1. 1780 3 weeks Lieut. Col. Powell   July 15. 1780 Oct. 10. 1780 Adiel Sherwood Morris Graham    He was taken prisoner and confined in prison in various places until May 1782 when he was discharged at Whitehall and returned to his home at Cambridge N.Y. about the middle of June.   
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cambridge Washington Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 19. 1853 His d. was al.
Residence at date of application, Manfield Montgomery Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born Sept. 17. 1761 in Pownall Vt.
Remarks: died March 3. 1853
There is no data on file as to his family The only record of this name etc.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

March 26, 1928.
Lawrence N. Blowers, Motor Route B, Eugene, Oregon.
Sir:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 12245, it appears that Samuel Blowers was born September 17, 1761 in Poundwall, Vermont.
While a resident of Cambridge, Washington County, New York he enlisted September 10, 1778 and served two weeks as private in Lieutenant Gesham Woodworth's New York Company.
He enlisted March 1, 1780 and served three weeks in Lieutenant William Powel's New York Company.
He enlisted July 15, 1780, was taken prisoner October 10, 1780 at Fort Ann and confined in prisons in various places until late in May 1782 when he was discharged at White Hall and returned to his home at Cambridge, New York about the middle of June.
He moved from Washington County, New York to Pits t town, Rensselaer County, New York, thence to Montgomery County, New York, where he lived in Northampton and Mayfield. He was allowed
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 19, 1832 while living in Mayfield, Montgomery County, New York. He died March 3, 1853.

There are no data on file as to his family.
The above named soldier is the only one of that surname who enlisted in Washington County, New York, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, and said records fail to show a soldier by that surname who enlisted from Cattaraugus County, New York.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

SERVICE
NUMBER
U.S. Sea Service
Bloxom, Scarborough. Leah
W 5842
CONTENTS

13183 Virginia Richmond Scarborough Blosom area of Norfolk in the State of Virginia who was a midn in the Volunteer commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the in the Va Navy for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 167 Dollars 30 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. 8 Endg 1 o October 1836, when he was Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of March 1837 and sent to P. Ellis Esq
Arrears to the 14th of Present Rem'd. Allowance ending Paid from $14.50
Recorded by Wightman Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 1/2 Page 5, { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
E. 6. 3

Set T. Ewing Jr Aug 24/57
4054
Virginia Richmond
Jeh Bloxom widow of Scarborough da Bloxom who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Midshipman
Medal from H. 44: 50
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 167 Dollars 30
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of March 48 and sent to
V. Ellis Esq Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act. February 2, 1848, Page / 34 Vol. 3

State of Virginia
Norfolk County to wit
On this 19 th day of November 1832 personally appeared before the court of said County Scarborough Blossom a resident of said County in the State aforesaid aged Seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law with an 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 he entered into the navy of the United States as a midshipman on board the Galley Accomack at short time before the date of his warrant or commission which it is now ascertained by a public document was on the 28 th day of August 1777. That the said Galley continued in service with the said declarant on board of her according to the best of his knowledge and belief nearly three years for which period he entered to serve. The design of the Gallies was to guard the Inlets of Chesapeake and Monitorfisk on the Eastern shore and prevent the British Boats from entering & committing depredations and in that service they were engaged during the whole period he thinks for which the officers & crew were engaged. The said Galley and her officers and crew having served out their term of service for which they had engaged the said Galley was laid up and stripped and never afterwards went into service as he thinks. (The petition which was filed on his behalf to the Executive is entitled him to land was incorrect in confirming his service to about seventeen months. The Executive was satisfied of that fact from the records before them and allowed him his full service of three years and his family land accordingly) That he was regularly discharged by Capt. Rendelhill which discharge as well as his warrant he has long since lost. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension even annually except the present and an annuity granted by the State of Virginia of sixty dollars per year and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State except as aforesaid.
Scarborough Blossom
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court.
Wm H Nelson C: C.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.
I William H Wilson Clerk of the Court of Norfolk County do hereby certify, that the foregoing containing the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Scarborough Blossom for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 27 th day of November 1832 and of our Independence the 57 th
Wm H Wilson
C: C:

Seah Blossom's
Declaration for a pardon made the law passed 16 th Aug t 42, who having heretofore applied under the law of 7 th July 38, and was rejected -
Hon H. A. Wise H 2

At a Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery held for the County of Accomack, in the State of Virginia, on the 13 th day of Octo r 1842. On this thirteenth day of Octo r 1842, eighteen hundred & forty-two, personally appeared before the Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for the County of Accomack Leah Blossom, a resident of the said County of Accomack aged about eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oaths make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 18 th day of August in the present year, entitled "An Act &c" That she is the widow of Scarborough Blossom who was a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War on board the Galley Accomack Commanded by Capt. Underhill, but the particulars of his service, she cannot now remember, but refers to the papers filed on her application for a pension some years ago - that he was a pensioner of the United States under an Act of Congress passed some years ago, and received a pension till his death, which took place in the Month of October 1834 - and that she received the arrears of his pension due at his death - She further declares that she was lawfully married to the said Scarborough Blossom about the year 1790, but in consequence of her defect of memory she cannot state the precise time - that her husband the aforesaid Scarborough Blossom, died at the time above stated viz in the Month of October 1834; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time above stated. Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written.
State of Virginia, Accomack County, ss
I, Thomas R. Sapping Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for the County of Accomack in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Leah Blossom is truly copied from the Records of the said Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for said County of Accomack. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this thirtieth day of November 1842 & in the 67 th year of the Commonwealth.
Sister James J. Ailworth Esq for Thos R Sapping Clerk

I James Davis residing in the County of Accomack in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Leah Blount who made the within declaration, that I believed to be eighty six years of age or thereabouts - that I then knew to be the identical person who is the widow of Scarborough Blount who served in the Virginia State Army in the Revolutionary War. And I further certify that the said Leah Blount was married to the Scarborough Blount about the time stated by her in the within declaration viz about the year Seventeen hundred & Ninety - And that the said Scarborough Blount died in the month of October 1836. I also certify that the said Scarborough Blount was a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War on board the Gally Sloop commanded by Capt. Richard Lee - Given under my hand the 11th day of November 1842. Witnes Wm Stock James Davis Mark
State of Virginia, Accomack County ss. I Wm Stock a justice of the peace for the County of Accomack in the Commonwealth of Virginia do hereby certify that the above named James Davis personally appeared before me this day and made oath to the truth of the facts set forth as above. and I further certify that the said James Davis is a respectable person & whose certificate is entitled to credit. Given under my hand & Seal. This 4 th day of November 1842 and in the 67 th year of the Commonwealth. William Stock J. P. And for Acc. County Va
State of Virginia, Accomack County ss. I Thomas R. Soyars Clerk of the County Court of Accomack in the State of Va do hereby certify that William Stock whose name is subscribed to the above certificate is a justice of the peace, of the County aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified & that full faith & credit ought to be placed in all his acts as such - and I further certify that the signature of the name of the said William Stock affixed as aforesaid is genuine. And I further certify that the Register of Marriages in the County of Accomack does not extend farther back than December 1805. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court

This Thirtieth Day of November 1842 is in the Sixty Seventh Year of the Commonwealth.
Teste James J. Ainsworth Jr. for Thos. D. Ainsworth

20786
Scarborough Plantation Va
Col. Genl. John H. Cocke
14 May 1843
$102 per ann
17 mo. Medthepian
Wm H. Wilson. CQ Norfolk Co Va

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Scarborough Blosman Norfolk Co. Va.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     28 Aug '77 on Galley accom'd { 3 months — Midshipman { Capt. Undill — — — 79. Documentary  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said 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 certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons --one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
W. D. Patten Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5842
Leah Bloxam Widow Scarborough Bloxam Midshipman Rev. War
Act: Feb. 28/88
Index:—Vol. A , Page 67
[Arrangement of 1870.]

13182
Virginia.
Scarborough Blossom of Norfolk in the State of Virginia who was a Midshipman in the Navy commanded by Captain Underhill of the _____ commanded by _____ in the US Navy - time for 17 Months
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 144 Dollars 30 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of May 1833 and sent to Wm H Wilson Norfolk Chesapeake Va.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. 1833 $289 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 72 25 $361 25
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book E
J. M. Knight Clerk, Vol. 6 Page 3
died in October, 1836 1836-1836-
Letter to S. Taylor 11 Oct 1837
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from the 4th Sept 1836 to the 9th Nov 1836 the day of his death. Agent notified 10 Sept 1838.
Let to J. J. Gilworth July 8. 1842. " " " " " " Aug 15. 1842

6899
Virginia, Richmond
Deah Blevens
Widow of Scarborough Blevens who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 1 st Oct r 1836 of Apomattox in the State of Virginia who was a midshipman in the Navy commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by  in the U.S. Navy  for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 16 7 Dollars 30 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of March 1837 and sent to
J. Ellis Esq.
present that amount from $44.50
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by  Clerk, Book  Vol.  Page 263
A. 2. 1832.

Virginia 6899
Seam. Blessem.
widow of Scarborough Blessem, who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 22nd of October 1835, of Accomack in the State of Virginia who was enlisted in the Navy commanded by Captain Blackwell of the commanded by the U.S. Navy for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 11 11 Dollars 25 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day Decr. 1842, and sent to Hon. H. F. Clise, H. W. Jones. Airs to the 4th of March 1841. Per-annual allowance ending
792.50
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. J. Woody clerk Book A Vol. 2 Page 132

Virginia 6899
Leah Blossom, widow of
Scarborough Blossom, who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 22 nd October 1834 of Accomack in the State of Virginia who was a Midshipman in the Navy commanded by Captain Underhill of the commanded by _____ in the U. S. Navy for 17 yrs.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 121 11 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day Decr. 1842, and sent to Hon. H. A. Wise, H. W. Jones.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841. Semi-annual allowance ending
722.50
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. S. Woody Clerk Book A Vol. 2 Page 182

4306
Virginia Richmond
Sarah Bloyern
widow of Scarborough who was a Midshipman in the U.S. Navy
Inscribed Feb. 30
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 67 Dollars 30
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of March 1843 and sent to
W. Ellis Esq
Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2, Page 134.
a. 1. 47

awarded Feb 17 '46,
4306
Virginia  Richd.
Leah Bloxom widow of Scarborough Bloxom who was a Midshipman in the U S Navy.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 144 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of January 1844 and sent to Hon: Henry A. Wise
House of Representatives
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 147.

666. I received the Feb 17 '46,
4306
Virginia  Richd.
Leah Bloxom widow of Scarborough Bloxom who was a Midshipman in the U.S. Navy
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 144 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of January 1844 and sent to Hon: Henry A. Wise
House of Representatives
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 . Page 147 .

4854.
Virginia Richmond Beah Bloyon widow of Scarborough who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Midshipman
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 144 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of June 1849 and sent to
Anthony Robinson Richmond Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 134 Vol. 3.
Oct 10, 1849, to J. L. Apperson A. 12: 1849 Letter to Hon. J. S. Millson May 2, 50.

4854.
Notified Oct 10, 1849, Let. to J. L. Apperson Oct. 12: 1849 Ltr. to Hon. J. S. Millson May 2, 50.
Virginia Richmond Deah Bloyon widow of Scarborough who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Midshipman
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 144 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of June 1849 and sent to
Anthony Robinson Richmond Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 134 Vol. 3.

Virginia, to wit:
I,
John Floyd
Governor of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, and make known unto ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN , that
Wm H Richardson whose name is subscribed to the annexed document, is Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia duly appointed and qualified according to Law, and to all his Official acts no such
full faith, credit and authority, are had and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name, and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed hereunto. Done at the City of Richmond , the Sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and of the Commonwealth the fifty seventh
John Floyd

To His Excellency The Gov r of Va
And the Council of State
Scarborough Blossom of Norfolk Borough respectfully represents that he enlisted as a Midshipman on board of the Accomack of the State Navy, to serve three years, during the war of the revolution (and that after having served seventeen months, the Accomack was laid up for repairs, (and) before the repairs were completed the war terminated - He further represents that immediately after the termination of the war, he was discharged by Captain Underhill - There being no longer any need for his services - But that he was ready & willing to have served out the term of his enlistment & would have done so had he been required. His discharge (and) warrant as Midshipman have been lost many years. (and) he is now very old (and) poor & has no other means of support than a pension allowed him by the legislature in 1818-19 in consideration of his services as a Midshipman - He is advised that the Executive have in many cases allowed bounty upon the oath of the claimant alone, where the character is proven to be worthy of credit - He therefore relies on the Certificate of Dr John French a distinguished Minister of the Methodist Church to prove his character, which he hopes will be sufficient to satisfy the Executive that no consideration would induce him to swear

falsely even in his own case
J Blossom
Norfolk June 1830
The proportion of land allowed a Midshipman is the same as that allowed to a Subaltern in the army — 2000 1 / 3 acres as appears by the Register's Books
I Scarborough Blossom hereby make oath that I enlisted as a Midshipman on board the Row Gally Accomack for three years service (and) that I continued in the service Sixteen or Seventeen months when the Row Gally was laid up in consequence of a want of repairs (and) before the repairs were made the war was over I moreover swear that I have never received my Land bounty — I rec d my discharge from Capt m Will m Underhill which I have lost also my Midshipman's warrant
Scarborough Blossom
Norfolk 10 th June 1830
Norfolk Boro' to wit
This day personally appeared before me an Alderman of the Boro' aforesaid — Mr Scarborough Blossom who made oath that

The facts contained in the above Affidavit are true. Given under my hand & seal this Tenth day of June 1830
Robt B. Stark (Seal) Alderman N. B.
Auditors Office 2 Jan 1830
I do certify that it appears from a Register in this Office of such of the Officers (and) Soldiers of the State line in the army of the Revolution as received Certificates for the balance of their full pay or depre- ciation, that Scarborough Blaxsom a Midshipman received on the 26 April 1785 a Certificate for £33. 8. 6 (and) that the same was delivered to Col. Cropper.
It further appears that the said Scarborough Blaxsom was placed on the Pension Roll of Virginia on the 3 d March 1819 at an allowance of Sixty dollars per annum, which allowance he has drawn up to this day.
Ja s C. Heath A.P.A.
Accomack Galley
Wm Undrill Captain Augt. 5 th 1777 Robert Mellinon 2 d Lieut — 18 th Ishmael Andrews 2 d Do — 10 Jerupton Marshall Master — 14 David Murray Masters Mate Div 20

John Pitts Surgeon — Oct 6 William White Surgeons mate. — 6 Scarborough Blossom Midship — 28 Augt John Harris Midshipman — 26 January 1778
On the back of the journal of the Navy board filed in this office, is found a list of "Warrant officers on board the Hero (and) their dates" (and) on board of other vessels, the foregoing is a copy of so much of said list as relates to the Accomack Galley.
Thos Jackson Clk of Accts Audits Office 5 Oct 1830
The name of Scarborough Blossom appears on the journal of the Navy Commissioners as having been appointed a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy, (and) as being attached to the Galley Accomack — He was appointed on the 28th day of August 1777 — a fact worthy of the attention of the Council, is that he (and) John Harris were the only Midshipmen attached to the Accomack; (and) upon examination I find that warrant N o 5008 was issued to John Harris, who I suppose performed the same duty & continued in the service under the same circumstances that Blossom did (and) the reason why the one was

allowed the bounty & not the other, is that Harris applied when he had his certificate of discharge, & Blossom was unfortunate enough to lose his discharge & consequently did not apply under a belief that he could not obtain the bounty without his discharge
J. W. Murdaugh
I do certify that I am well acquainted Scarborough Blossom an old gentleman residing in Norfolk. I believe him to be a man of respectability and good character, (and on whose veracity implicit reliance ought to be placed.
Simpson Whitehead Norfolk July 1 st 1830
We the undersigned believe Scarborough Blossom to be an upright (and) honest man. A man of truth (and) good standing in Society .
Simpson Whitehead
A. Jordan
H. J. Woodis
Jos. L. Roberts
Thos L. Robertson
Rich d Bagnall
Wm d D. Bagnall
Wm Shields

Hamilton Shields
W m Maxwell
Henry Ashburn
Norfolk Dec r 31 st 1829
Sir
Persuaded that you feel interested in the cause of suffering humanity, I take the liberty of stating the case of Mr Scarborough Blockson, who will come before the legislature by petition, praying an increase of his pension.
I am moved to this, by the high opinion which I have of Mr Blockson, and my knowledge of his not be able to maintain himself. Having numbered almost four score years, his body is weighed down with the hand of time, and the many afflictions that come upon him. His wife too, who possesses a spirit like his own, is also old and infirm.
I take great pleasure in saying of this venerable old man and his wife, what I could not say in good conscience of but very few besides. They appear to "walk in all the ordinances and commandments of God blameless." I verily believe, that I never knew a more honest and conscientious man than Scarborough Blockson.
Death, in a short time, will remove him from your pension list. But during that short

period it would be desirable for him to be kept from suffering for the necessaries of life, by the Country, whose cause he served, when I was but a child, (and) you unborn.
If his pension was raised to $ 100 Pr annum, his great economy would make it sufficient, to render the situation of himself (and) wife comfortable, till they should be called to a better inheritance in another world.
I am Dear Sir, very respectfully
Yours
John French
Executive Department Richmond Va - 6 Nov 1830
The preceding is a copy of the evidence upon which Lord Bonnyt was granted to Scarborough Buxom. Given under my hand the date above.
Wm H Richardson Secy Com te

Payment to be made at Richmond
by
William Robinson Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Virginia
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 134 , Vol. 3
W. Stephens Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Leah Bloyom widow of Scarborough Bloyom who was a Midshipman in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One Hundred & Forty four dollars and Fifty cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 1st day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
T. Ewing
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

State of Virginia, Accomack County S.C. On this 6 th day of March 1849 before me Mr. Stock a justice of the peace in and for the county of Accomack in the said State personally appeared Leah Blossom a resident of the said county aged Eighty Six 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 2 nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Scarborough Blossom who was a midship- man in the Virginia State navy in the Revolutionary war - And that under the Act of Congress, of the 7 th June 1844 she received a portion at the rate of one hundred, forty five dollars & fifty cents per annum - She further declares that she is still a widow.
Edward J. Gillispie W.H. West Jr.
Leah her X Blossom
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year above written, in presence of
Edward J. Gillispie W.H. West Jr.
Before me
Mr. Stock J. Peace
I certify that Leah Blossom, the Declarant above named is personally known to me.
Mr. Stock J. Peace
State of Virginia, Accomack County to wit. I James T. Gilworth Clerk of the County Court of the county & state afo d do hereby certify that William Stock afo d is a justice of the peace in & for the said county afo d duly commissioned and qualified, that he is legally authorized to act as such and that the foregoing signatures

purporting to be his own genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said Lord this 17 th day of May 1849 & in the 73 rd year of the Commonwealth.
Test B. J. Chilworth C.A.C.

Leah Henson Widow for Increase.
Respectfully M. H.

Washington 13th June 1851
To the Secy of Pensions
Sir,
Scarborough Blossom was a midshipman in the Navy, was pensioned under act of the June 1832, in Norfolk Co. Va. at the yearly rate of $144.50 per annum. By said act he was entitled to receive the amount of his full pay according to his rank. By reference to 10 Volume Hulings Statutes at large page 382 the pay of a midshipman was fixed at 2/9 d per day, or $167.31 per annum.
He died many years ago His widow, Leah Blossom, then resident of Norfolk Co, now a resident of Accomack, va was placed on the pension roll, at the same rate to wit $144.50, which rate has been continued to the present time.

She now claims the difference between $167.31 & $164.50 to wit $221.81 00 per annum from 4th March 1831, when her husband's pension commenced, to continue at the rate of $167.31 to the day of her death.
Respectfully submitted
Richard Ellis her attorney
P.S. In the case of Susan Budd, widow of Benj a Budd, Seaman, allowed in August or September last, who resides in Hampton Va, the Comr. decided, that the act of 1780 above referred to, 10 Vol Hening's Statutes page 382, fixed the pay of the Va. State navy & in that case he allowed the widow of a Seaman $121.60 per year instead of $96. as

Wherefore allowed Scammon.
In St. Chs & Broadwater's case vs Navy Board (16 th ), it is presumed from the rec d . return, that the same law was executed, as the guide. But as it is presumed that the law above referred to is the law by which the pensions in the Virginia Navy are to be paid, as was expressly decided in Mr. Susan Budd's case above quoted. W.E.
Mr. Blossom's pension certificate is herewith filed W.E.

Washington Mar 12 th 1851
To the Gov. of Pensions
Sir
In relation to the claim of Leah Blossom for increase of pension, I have to present the following reasons for not changing the construction of the act of 7 June 1832 given by Mr Edwards in the case of Sarah Rudd.
1 st . Mr Edwards clearly decided, that under the act of 7 June 1832 an officer, soldier or seaman is entitled to the same amt. of pay which he rec d whilst in service. The pay which he rec d when in service is " his full pay" according to the terms of the act.
2 d . The act of 7 June 1832 originated in a purpose to give each of the  all persons who served in the Revolution over 6 months a pension, whether in the Continental line, State line or Navy, to wit the amount of " his full pay", and it is

impossible to carry out such purpose in any other manner than by adopting the same rate of pay each read when in the Service.
3 d . The State Navy of Va. had specified rates of pay, according to the act of the Va. Assembly, & specified grades, some of which grades are unknown in the Continental line, & cannot possibly be paid according to any rates of pay fixed for the Continental Navy. Now in the latter case, what is the "amount of his full pay in the said line"? It is precisely what the State of Virginia gave him.
4 th . The pension laws are to be construed liberally & not strictly , because they originated in the spirit of liberality to the surviving Officers & Soldiers of the Revolution; and it is not certain expected of the present head of the Pension Bureau that he will be less liberal than his predecessor.

5th Mr Edwards decision deliberately made in Mrs Susan Budds case has been followed by the present commission, in a case decided in February on the same principles, and consistency requires the power to adhere to the Constitution thus give presence a uniformity of decision.
6th To the position taken, that the uniform practice of the pension office, prior to Susan Budds case was different, it may be observed that altogether , there are not 20 cases of Officers & Seamen of the N. Navy allowed! There are 13 cases in Virginia & 3 in Kentucky only , on the printed lists, so that this uniform practice was not a very extensive one. There is not any amount of money worth considering, involved in the present question.

7 th In answer to the position that all pay must be graduated by that given to the Continental line , it is sufficient to say, that hundreds of officers are pensioned who were in the Staff & Commissioned department who belonged to no line whatever, that is, they had no lineal rank, of course no " rank in the line !"
Chief Justice Tames in his opinion when acting general (p 47 compilation) says "The service for which the law intends to remunerate him, is the " service he performed during the " prescribed period of time , & it means " the compensation by the rank in which the service was rendered ". Not one word about its being graduated by the pay of the Continental line! But there is another reason why I may insist on an adherence to the decision of Mr Edwards in Lucas Rudd's case with propriety.

In December last, I applied to the Chief Clk for information on the very point now in question, I stated to him what Mr Edwards decided in Mr Rudds case, I inquired if there was any doubt about that construction of the act being adhered to. I stated to him that I knew of 2 or 3 cases which would be measured under that decision, but that I did not wish to encounter the expense of procuring the cases, if there was any uncertainty about the question. Mr Evans assured me in about the following language. "See you have to  do is to present the cases I refer  to the precedents, and there is no  danger that we shall be less  liberal than the late commission. " Under this assurance I wrote to

In December last, I applied to the Chief Clk for information on the very point now in question, I stated to him what Mr Edwards decided in Mr Rudds case, I inquired if there was any doubt about that construction of the act being adhered to. I stated to him that I knew of 2 or 3 cases which would be decided under that decision, but that I did not wish to encounter the expense of procuring the cases, if there was any uncertainty about the question. Mr Evans assured me in about the following language. "See you have to  do it to present the cases I refer to the precedents, and there is no danger that we shall be less liberal than the late Commission." Under this assurance I wrote to

Virginia for the case now before you, I have given assurance, that the claim will be admitted, which assurance was based on the Statement of Mr. Wren. I have also at a great loss of time & money to one of my correspond- ents procured 2 cases from Kentucky. In one of these cases my correspondent rode nearly 200 miles on horseback to procure the case.
I confess that this reason should not outweigh public considerations, nor cause a perseverance in an obviously erroneous construction of the law - but when consistency requires, I a fair construction of the law requires, an admission of my claim, the foregoing circumstances

would increase the cause of my complaint, if the late precedents were disregarded. The allowance of a claim in February in this case with Mr Edwards' construction of the law, does not diminish the force of my application. And when it is considered that there are not more than a dozen such claims outstanding, they all very small ones, there need be no apprehension as to the results at the Treasury. The average amount would not amount to $400 in each claim.
Very respectfully Ephraim Ellis

Ho. of Reps Apr. 29. 1850
Sir
Will you inform me whether the pen- sion or other compensation due to Scarborough Bloxam, a midshipman in the navy of Vir- ginia during the revolution, has been paid? & if so, you will please inform me of the name of the person who received it -
I am very respectfully
Your most obedt. servt.
J. L. Edward Esq Comr. of Pensions
John S. Millson

Mrs Blossie Leah Scarborough Mie of Scarborough for
Apr 7 - July 1888
Acc 2 yrs membership - man V. Navy - $167.30 from 1 st Oct 1886, when her husband died, at age 2 years - collected by order of the Comm for their return
Comm return to
V. Ellis
Printed

Inverness Scarborough Blount pa.
Act 7 th June, 1832. Ad d 2 yrs leadership man in Va. Navy - $168.30 from 4 th Apr 1831 to 1 st Oct. 1836. when he died -
Pay off to Lieut Blount his wife , his widow. (Ad d ?, at this rate by order of the Com d .)
Cash now to V. Ellis Present -

Richmond Oct o 9. 1849.
Sir,
A Power of Atty: has been given me by Mrs. Leah Bloom, widow of Scarbough Bloom, who appears to be a pensioner under the act of the 2 Feby: 1848, but, upon application for payment the agent informs me, that no direction has been received to inscribe her name on the Roll under that act. Her pension Certificate bears date June 1. 1849.
J. L. Apperson
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissiner of Pensions Washington

Richmond, May 30. 1849.
Sir,
I send you herein the Declaration of Mrs. Leah Bloxom, who was a pensioner, who was a pensioner under the Act of the 17. June 1844, made to obtain the benefits of the provision the Act of the 2 d February 1848. Be pleased to enclose me a cert. of Pension for her under the last mentioned Act.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
Ant y Robinson
J. L. Edwards, Esq: Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

Accomack County, Hando Virginia February 11 th 1840.
Dear Sir
I would esteem it as a favor if you would inform me if there is on file in your office in the Pension papers of Leah Blount widow of Scarborough Blount, any paper stating a bond which tend she was married to a Blount, if so please enclose me a copy
Very Respectfully &c J. J. Ailworth

no 8360 Leaf Blossom
Low of atto:

Whereas all men by these presents that I Leah Blount (widow of Scarborough Blount, who was a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War) of Accomack County in the State of Virginia, Have made constituted and appointed, and by these presents Do make constitute and appoint James I. Ackworth of Accomack County Virginia true & lawful attorney, for me & in my name to ask for and receive from the proper offices for paying pensions all moneys which may be due me, for pension or arrears of pension, in consideration of the services rendered by my said husband Scarborough Blount in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War, and further to do and perform whatsoever things may be necessary in the premises, hereby ratifying & confirming whatsoever my said attorney, or his substitutes or subordinates appointed by him may lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises. Given under my hand & seal this the 11 th day of July
A.D. eighteen hundred & forty two
Signed & acknowledged in the presence of us Wm. Stock Leah Blount (Seal)
Leah Blount (Seal) Mark
David D. Abbott
State of Virginia, Accomack I Wm. Stock a Justice of the peace in the Court of Accomack in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the above named Leah Blount (widow of Scarborough Blount as aforesaid) personally appeared before me in the County & State aforesaid, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act & deed. Given under my hand & seal this the 11 th day of July A.D. eighteen hundred & forty two in the sixty fourth year of the Commonwealth
Wm. Stock J.P. (Seal)

Washington
August 20. 42
Dear Doctor
Lodge Barly to with me a most pleasant memorandum. You will oblige him & me by returning as soon as you can either to me before Congress adjourns or to him afterward - at Fauquier Springs Yours Truly,
M. W. Fisher
Inde Mr. H. Barly his add up

Norfolk Boro: October 6. 1857.
Hon. Mr. Poinsett Sir.
Scarborough Blossom, formerly a Midshipman in the Revolutionary Navy. Was a Pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832. his certificate bearing date 27 May 1833. He has recently died, and his widow wishes to be furnished with the forms, & the facts required to be proved, to entitle her to receive the small arrears, about 2 M rs . due her deceased husband - which I will thank you to forward to me - with a statement of the period when he was last paid. I presume the amount can be paid to Mrs. Blossom here - I am respc. Sir Tazewell, Eng ton

Sir,
Off Norfolk Nov. 29 th 1832,
I am requested by Mr Blossom to forward the within documents in support of his claim now made for a pension as a midshipman in the Navy. He lives a short distance from Town and I will be the medium of any communication to him.
The document from the Executive department will I suppose entitle him to a full pension. He says he cannot explain how his service in the petition the prepared for him was only estimated at 16 or 17 months. It is certain that when his case was taken up by the Executive it was discovered that his actual service was much longer and he was allowed land Bounty as for three years service. Nothing left would have entitled him to land at all.
He is very old with all the infirmities of body & mind needful to old age. He cannot long receive his pension whatever may be allowed.
Yours Obed Servt.
S. Whitehead

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office, August 31- 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Scarborough Blayson, deceased, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of 144 — Dollars and fifty — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 Decr 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1836 to the 9 th Nov r 1836, the day of his death —
Respectfully, yours,
Abner N. Parrish Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Sir,
Accomack County Virginia, July 2. 1842
I am requested by the widow of Scarborough Blosom, who was formerly a midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War, to ask of you some information for her benefit. Mrs. Blosom served as a midshipman long enough to be entitled to receive the County Land for three years' services, and in her lifetime she received the Scrip pursuant to an Act of Congress in exchange for her Land Warrant for 2666 2 / 3 Acres of Land. It is understood that Mrs. Blosom continued in service to the end of the War and it is probable that the public archives may show that fact. If that be a fact, it is presumed that Mrs. B. was entitled to half pay for life, and she was probably a Pensioner at the time of her death. She was married to her present widow prior to the year 1790 and it is presumed that she is entitled to 5 years pension under the Act of Congress passed about 5 years prior to Mrs. Blosom's death, which occurred about the year 1836. The marriage of Mrs. Blosom, her death and her Revolutionary Services can be distinctly proved even at this remote period.
I have no personal knowledge in relation to the subject and I write to you at the request of Mrs. Blosom for such information as it may be in your power to furnish and which she flatters herself will be cheerfully furnished to her. Was Mrs. Blosom, assuming that the foregoing

statement was correct, entitled to half-pay for life? Was he a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death? and if he was is there any arrears of pension now due to him? Is Mrs Bloomer entitled to the 5 years pension under the Act of Congress above referred to? Mrs Bloomer is old and very poor, and she would be much obliged by an answer addressed to me, as early as may be convenient.
Respectfully yrs &c J. J. Gilmore

At a court held for Accomack County in the State of Virginia on Monday the 27 th day of June 1842. It is ordered to be certified that it appears to the court by satisfactory evidence that Scarborough Blossom, who was a midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War, was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death, which took place in or about the month of October 1836 - that he left a widow whose name is Leah Blossom and who now resides in this County - and that said Scarborough Blossom was married to the said Leah, on or before the year Seventeen hundred & ninety.
A copy To Mr. Thos. Joyner clerk
State of Virginia, Accomack County, ss. I, Thomas P. Joyner clerk of the county court of Accomack in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing order is truly copied from the Records of the said court. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord, A. D. eighteen hundred & forty two & in the Sixty Seventh Year of the Commonwealth. Test Thos. P. Joyner clerk

Pension Office August 23. 1843.
Sir,
In answer to your enquiries, I have the honor to inform you that Scarborough Blossom was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 1832 for services as Midshipman in the Virginia Navy from 1777 to 1780 and that his widow was informed on the 28 th through Hon. H. A. Wise that she was not entitled to a pension because her husband was alive subsequently to the Act of 7 th June 1832 and availed himself of its provisions. Since that date, viz. 1 st inst a joint Resolution has been passed extending the provisions of the Act of 7 th July 1838 to such cases. The regulations are herewith enclosed for her guidance in asserting her claim under that Act.
The statement of her late husband upon oath, which she is not at liberty to controvert shows that he left the service in 1786

and therefore was not entitled to the half pay which was authorized to be adjusted by the Act of 5. July 1852.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obed. Serv. J L Edwards
Hon: Thomas W. Gilmer House of Representatives.

A. Reps:
Augt. 13 th 1842.
Dear Sir.
Will you please answer the inquiries contained in the within :— Who the Scarborough Blazes are? his annuity up to the time of his death?— and, if not, how much is now due?— and return the letter with your answer to —
Yours respectfully Henry A. Wise
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Severnack Court, Florence, Va. November 30. 42
Dear Sir
I have to again trouble you about the claim of Mrs. Bloreau, my reason for so doing is, that I learned from Genl. Gilmer through Judge Bayly, that a law has been passed on the 18 th Decr. last, removing all difficulty, as to claims similar to her own. On my way home this fall I stopped at Washington, and called at the Pension office to see if the papers I had already presented, would not enable me to draw her claim; in the absence of Mr. Edwards, Dr. Crump told me such a law has been passed, which would entitle Mrs. Bloreau to claim and draw the same to her, but that the papers filed, were not sufficient, as the claimant has to make the declaration in court setting forth the facts on which her claim was based, if practicable to do so. He gave me directions to go by which I have followed as far as the circumstances of this particular case would admit.
Enclosed you have her declaration made in court, and the power of attorney which I have left blank, as when I drew it I did not know who would present the claim, which I wish you fill up in your own name, if you are not too unwell to attend to it for me (I hope before this you have entirely recovered your health) if you are not able to attend to it retain the papers in your possession until Dr. Cope or Dr. West Parker arrives in Washington, which will be in a few days perhaps - if you should succeed in obtaining the claim, please send the money by either of the gentlemen named above or any person who you can rely on - if there should be any difficulty in paying the claim, I would thank you to write me immediately its nature, any proof of testimony can be obtained that she is the widow of Scarborough Bloreau, who served in the Revolutionary war, and that the sd Bloreau died in 1834, and that she was married to him about 1790.
There is no news here at this time - I have never seen so much distress, and the prospect of its being still greater, is increasing, as there is in this County at this time, pecuniarily I mean, to give you some little idea of it, there have brought to our market about 163. Smiths on account of numbers for this County. More than doubled what I have ever seen before - We have to contend now against two short crops in succession, low prices and bad quality - next spring will be the crisis of our distress & trouble doubtless - confidence is every way seems to be almost entirely destroyed, and without that we can do nothing. A great many people through a want of it, must certainly be utterly ruined during the next year, who have plenty of property, and in ordinary times would be able to pay, and who would now be able if an indulgence of 10 or 14 mo. was granted, a full crop and a tolerable price the next year, would go a great ways in relieving us from the difficulties under which we are now laboring - Remember me to Mrs. D. & to Mr. T. R. Wm & family.
Very truly Yr. fr.
Mrs. Mary Bloreau
E. J. Ailworth
P.S. Enclose you a letter from S. E. Edwards to Genl. Gilmer on the subject.

4941 Dec. 21. 1843.
Leah Blossom 5
Declaration for a Pension
March 5 th 1843.
11567
(6899 Vash '38) $144: 50 per ann
Hon H. Albric
H.R.
Mr B. Kilburn Appomatto C.H. Va.

Stat. of Virginia, Accomack County ss.
On this 25 th day of November eighteen hundred & forty three personally appeared before me Wm Stock - a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid Leah Blossom a resident of the County of Accomack aged about eighty six or seven 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 March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Scarborough Blossom who was a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy in the Revolutionary War - that she received one hundred & forty four dollars & fifty cents annually for five years, under the act of July 7 th 1838 (commencing from the fourth day of March Eighteen hundred & thirty six. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Leah Blossom Mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before. Wm Stock J.P.
State of Virginia, Accomack County ss.
This day the above named Leah Blossom personally appeared before the subscribed a justice of the peace for the County of Accomack in the State afo d and made Oaths to the truth of the facts contained in the foregoing declaration - And I further certify that the said declaration is personally known to me - Given under my hand & seal this the 25 th day of November, eighteen hundred & forty three. Wm Stock J.P.
State of Virginia, Accomack County ss.
I Thomas R. Doyne Clerk of the County Court of Accomack in the State afo d do hereby certify that William Stock whose name is subscribed above is a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified & that full faith & credit ought to be placed in all his acts as such Clerk and I further certify that the signatures of the names of the afo d William Stock affixed as appear genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of November 1843 in the 68 th year of the Commonwealth. Robt S. Kilwade By for Thos R Doyne Clerk

Leah Blyton Widow of Scabrough Blyton.
Claim, an increase.

State of Virginia County of Accomack ss
On this 7 th day of January 1851 before me a Justice of the peace in & for said County personally appeared Leah Bloxom widow of Scarborough Bloxom dec d who resided in the County of Norfolk to the time of his death, who being sworn makes on her oath the following dec- laration for the purpose of obtaining an increase of her pension, to wit, that her late husband, Scarborough Bloxom, was a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy, in the Revolutionary war, resided at the time in this County - that in the year 1833 he was placed on the Pension roll at the rate of one hundred & forty four dollars & fifty cents per annum, that he continued to receive the same rate of pension from 4 th March 1831 to the time of his death that after his death this affiant

then a resident of Norfolk County was allowed a pension as the widow of said Scarborough Blosson at the rate of one hundred and forty four dollars and fifty cents per annum which amount she is now receiving, that she is advised that the pension of her husband as well as her own pension should have been fixed allowed at the rate of one hundred sixty seven dollars, thirty seven cents per annum instead of the rate allowed as aforesaid: that this affidavit therefore herewith returns her pension certificate for the purpose of having one issued to her at said last mentioned rate to wit $167.37 1/2 per annum, and that she asks that the increase may commence from the date of her husband's original allowance to wit from the 4th day of March 1831, and

be continued during her own life. Leah her Bloxom mark
Sworn to and widow Subscribed before me
Wm S Fletcher J.P.
State of Virginia, Accomack County, ss:
I, Geo: H. Lillie, Clerk of the County Court of Accomack County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that William S. Fletcher, who has subscribed the above certificate, was on the 7 th day of January 1851 and is now a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to the Constitution and Laws of the said State, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts; — I further certify that the signature of the name of the said Justice to the said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this the 8 th day of January 1851, and in the 75 th year of the Commonwealth.
G. H. Lillie C. A. C.