Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 12980, Joseph Calvert, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Calvert Joseph or Calvitt
R. 12980
Va Half Pay
CONTENTS
See N.A. Acc. No. 874 —
050.028 Half Pay Joseph Calvitt

Certificate of addl allow- ance. Joseph Calvit due
Nov 29. 1844.
Recorded page 155.
6

Pension Office
November 29. 1844
I hereby certify that I have examined the claim of the administrator of the late Lieutenant Joseph Calvitt, who was an officer of the Virginia State Troops, and I find that his legal representatives obtained the benefits of the act of the 5 th of July 1832, entitled "An act to provide for liquidating and paying certain claims of the State of Virginia;" but that the payment did not commence at so early a date as the law directs. He left the service in April 1782, and from the 30 th of that month  time , up to the 3 rd September 1783, they are entitled to half-pay at the rate of from which last date payment has already been made. They are entitled to half-pay at the rate of One Hundred and Sixty Dollars per annum; and I further certify that the amount is payable to Francis A. Dickinson, administrator of said Calvitt, deceased.
Approved
commissioner of Pensions.
Secretary of War.

March 31, 1939
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Mrs. E. Kittredge Sims 257½ Atkins Avenue Shreveport, Louisiana
JOSEPH CALVERT Am R. 12980 BA-J/MNHF:MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you requested information relative to Joseph Calvit, who was a lieutenant in the Virginia State troops in the Revolutionary War, also to Captain John Mumford (Montfort or Montford) who served from South Carolina in the Revolution.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a John Mumford, under any spelling. Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Information in regard to the military service of that soldier might be obtained from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city. JB
The Revolutionary War records of this office show (under File No. R. 12980) that Joseph Calvert or Calvitt (name written both ways and his signature not shown) served as lieutenant in the Illinois regiment of Virginia State troops until sometime in April, 1782, the length of his service and name of his captain not shown.
not shown, not his captain's name
The date and place of birth of this officer, the names of his parents, the date and place of his death and his residence between birth and death are not shown. He was deceased in November, 1844.
In 1844, the legal representatives of this officer were paid the Virginia Half Pay which was due under the Act of July 5, 1832, on account of service of Lieutenant Joseph Calvert or Calvitt in the Revolutionary War. Francis A. Dickins was administrator of his estate.
It is indicated that, sometime between 1844 and April, 1850, a Mrs. Martha Clark, or her agent, had made inquiry in regard to any

compensation which might have been due at that time for service of the officer named above. In 1850, one I.(or J.) Calvert Clark made inquiry in regard to the same matter, through Honorable G. M. Conrad, Member of Congress from Louisiana, but his letter was returned to the congressman, also in 1850, one Garnett Duncan, of New Orleans (formerly Member of Congress from Louisville) made inquiry in regard to the matter. Nothing was then due under the Act of July 5, 1832, for service of this lieutenant. There is no relationship shown of any of the persons named, to him. There are no further data in this file.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Nº 12980
8045
Joseph Calveto Lieut
7th Infpts
Revolution
Discharged _____, 18
REJECTED
N.Y. Pay - Act '32
Received _____, 187
Attorney.
1939 Jan. 12 - Miss G. Alexander H. Bell - same - same - same 1939 Mar. 30 - Miss to Mrs. E. Fitzgerald - same - same - same

Hon. C. M. Conrad (St Joseph Calvert deed) Ans May 27/50
Mr Smith Get the Papers - B. M. Lewis and Chas. H. Lewis
J. A. Edwards Esq. Commissr. of Pensions Washington
May 27/50

L. M. Leonard ill. l. l.
1872 J. H. ... L. M. Leonard Esq. L. Edward Esq. Constitution of ... L. M. Washington

May 19/50 Mrs J. L. Taylor 1200 Calvert del. Ans Aug 8/50
Mr. J. L. Taylor see m Wm. H. Gurney Wm. H. Gurney Wm. H. Gurney
J. L. Taylor M. C.

Hon (M Coarao
May 27

Pension Office May 27. 1850
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 25 th instant respecting the claim of Mrs Martha Clark, to commutation in right of the military service of Lieut Joseph Calvert during the revolutionary war, I have the honor to inform you that all action upon Commutation claims has been for the present suspended. — Whenever the Department is prepared to resume the investigation of such claims I shall I will examine the claim and inform you as to what proof may be required on the subject  will examine the claim and inform you as to what proof may be required
Hon C. M. Conrad House of Representatives

Was low glow. May 25. 1850.
Sir.
In your letter to me dated 15. ult o . in relation to the claim of Mrs. Martha Clark in right of the services of Lieut. Joseph Calvert an officer of the war of the Revolution you say that "with the exception of several letters, no others have been taken in the claim for commutation!"
Will you be so good as to inform me what steps are necessary to be taken or to fear - with me with my printed directions that may have been framed for the purpose, in order that I may transmitt them to my correspondent
Very respectfully
Mr. Ch. D. S.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
C. McConrad

Lucan an  the  year 1861
J. A. Dickens

Washington 26 April 1849.
Sir,
- I believe that under the decision made in the case of J. M. Gault, a claimant, under the act of the 5. th July 1832 has a right to receive the difference between half pay for life and commutation with interest. It consequently becomes my duty, as the administrator on the estate of Lieut. Joseph Calvert dec. d of the Pinnins Regiment to apply to you for that difference in his case. - For evidence of the claim, the identity of the party and my authority to act I respectfully refer you to the papers on which you allowed a balance on his claim in Nov. r 1844. -
Yours very respectfully
Francis A. Dickinson adm. r of Joseph Calvert dec. d
James L. Edwards Esq. Com. d of Pinnins.

No. of Reps.
17. May 1850.
Sir,
Please look at Mr. Garnett Duncan's letter to me, herein enclosed; and come the same to be returned to me, with such information for him as you can furnish, in relation to the matters about which he inquires. Mr. Duncan was a Member of the 30 th Congress, from Louisiana, and is now a lawyer at New Orleans and is in every respect a most worthy gentleman; and I hope you will give him all the information he seeks.
Very Respectfully J. D. L. South.
Wm. L. Edwards. J. L. Taylor.

Hon. C. M. Conrad,
(Joseph Calvert deed)
April 15 1850

Pension Office 462 April 15/50
Sir,
With reference to the enquire respecting the claims of Mrs Martha Clark in right of the services of Lieutenant Joseph Calvert, an officer in the war of the Revolution. I have the honor to inform you, that half pay has been allowed in the case, but that with the exception of several letters, no steps have been taken in the claim to Commutation. As regards the bounty lands, application should be made to the Executive of Virginia for the desired information.
Mr J. Calvert Clark's letter is herewith returned
I have the honor Be
Hon: C. M. Conrad House of Representatives

No. of Rep. apl. 15. 1850.
Sir.
Will you do me the favor to examine the enclosed letter, and inform me whether the Lady to whom it refers has any further claim on the Government.
Yours oblt. S. S.
L. Mc. Conrad
He was a member of Congress from Louisiana

Hon. C. M. Conrad (St Joseph Calvert) and April 15/50

4 negs. 2 kids 2 chs ALEXANDER H. BELL 3400 GARFIELD STREET, N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C.
December 13, 1938.
Mrs. M. M. H. Finch, Chief of the Revolutionary & War of 1812 Records, Veterans' Administration, Room 1851 Navy Building, Washington, D. C.
My dear Mrs. Finch:
Almost nine years ago, at the suggestion of my old friend and client, Miss Mabel W. Collins, I obtained your cooperation in an historical-genealogical matter in which I was at the time very greatly interested and your efforts were so enlightening, that I am tempted to again seek your services in the matter hereinafter set out.
Vol. 1, Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records-Virginia, contains among others, the following items:-
"Brashears, Richard, Capt. Inf. (Ill. Regt. Cav., Va. State Line, Col. George R. Clark) (Nos. 1,481 and 62,196) Mentioned: James Montgomery, Richard Harrison, Capt. A. Keller, LIEUT. JOSEPH CALVITT , 'all of same regiment'; Lieut. Col. John Montgomery, Maj. Thomas Quirk, Capt. Robert Todd, Capt. Isaac Taylor, Capt. John Bayley, Capt. Michael Perrault, Capt. John Williams, Capt. John Gerrault, Rev. John Kemp." This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "Virginia State Troops, State Line." Ib. 530.
" CALVITT, JOSEPH , (A. G. 50,028) Lieut. Clarke's Ill. Regt., Va. State Troops. M at Iron Banks to Sidney** _____, settled near Natchez, Miss., about 1785; d Aug. 1819. His widow Sidney, m _____ Rundell. His children were: John, Thomas, James and Martha, or Patsy, who m Joshua G. Clarke, afterwards Chancellor of the State of Mississippi. In 1830, she was a widow. This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "Virginia State Troops, State Line." Ib. 542.
Other items in Brumbaugh strongly indicate, that the

soldier above mentioned fought at least, in the battle of Fort Kaskaskia, Ill. I am of the distinct impression, although it is only an impression, that the surname of the wife of the soldier was Sidney and there is some record, that her given name was Elizabeth. My correspondent at Natchez has been unable to find the marriage in the Adams County records of any Calvit to a Rundell or any variant of the latter name.
" CALVERT, JOSEPH , Lieutenant State Line 2666 2/3 acres, warrant obtained Mar. 3, 1784, 3 years time of service." This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "Army and Navy Bounty Land Warrants, Revolutionary War."
Ib. 92.
"No. 2679, Warrantee (A) CALVERT, JOSEPH , Person who performed the service. (B) CALVERT, JOSEPH . Kind of service (C) State Line." This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "State and Navy Land Warrants, Military District of Ohio."
Ib. 333.
"Slaughter, William, Lieut. Dabney's Legion, Va. State Troops, Col. Dabney. (No. 9,164) Mentioned: JOSEPH CALVERT , Lieut. Lawrence Slaughter, Va. State Line; Lieut. Joseph Slaughter, Ill. Regt; Thomas Slaughter, Qmr. Va. State Line; Capt. George Slaughter, Continental Line; Ens. John and Wm. Slaughter, Continental Line; Churchill Gibbs." This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "Virginia State Troops State Line."
Ib. 536.
" CALVERT, JAMES , Lieut. State." This item appears in Brumbaugh under the general caption, "Army and Navy Bounty Land Warrants, Revolutionary War."
Ib. 147.
In addition to the above we have seen a statement, for which however, we have found no official authority, that a THOMAS CALVIT , served as a colonel, under George Rogers Clarke in the latter's expedition to the North west. Later records of undoubted authenticity affirmatively show, that a Thomas

Calvit, after the end of the Revolutionary War did take up his residence in Jefferson County, Miss., and that he called his home there, "Calviton Plantation."
Under the first five of the above citations, the question occurs to me- whether there has been a variation in the surname of the soldier? In other words, whether Joseph Calvit and Joseph Calvert were one and the same individual?
The second question is- whether the given name of the soldier, in the sixth item, JAMES , whether Calvit or Calvert, should not read Joseph instead of James?
In dealing with the above six items, I am proceeding on the assumption, that the soldiers' record, was the basis for a claim for either a pension or for a land warrant or in lieu of the latter for land warrant script. Whether or not I am correct in this assumption, will doubtless be confirmed or corrected in your reply hereto.
The success my previous correspondence with you has met with, has tempted me, as before indicated, to ask-
 (1) Whether your office has any records concerning JOSEPH CALVIT , whose surname may be found to be written with the variants, Calvitt, Calvat, Calvatt, Calvet or Calvert?  (2) Whether such records, if there be such, show the grant of pensions, land warrants or land script, to a JOS-EPH CALVIT or JOSEPH CALVERT or any variant of either name or to the heirs-at-law or next of kin of either, irrespective of the spelling of the surname?  (3) If any such records exist, what will be the cost of typed or photostat copies thereof? 
The purpose of my inquiries may not be of any interest to you or your bureau, but it may not be irrelevant if I say, that my reason for same is historical-genealogical in its na-

ture and predicated on an intention to compile a memorial to a number of worthy ancestors, including the Calvits.
It may be similarly unimportant if I say, that I am firmly convinced from the investigations which I have heretofore made, that there were both Calvits, spelled it is true with variants, and Calverts in Virginia and that the first named were of French and the last named of British origin.
However this may be, it is a matter of incontrovertible record, that shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, Joseph, William, Frederick and Thomas Calvit appeared in Mississippi and took up their respective residences in the neighborhood of Natchez; that each became the patentee s of Spanish land grants; that they were by no means illiterate and that they and a number of their succeeding generations, down to the present era, consistently, with only one exception, wrote their surname "Calvit."
It is also definitely known, that Joseph and Thomas Calvit were brothers and sons of a Mary Higdon, whose last husband was Daniel Higdon , but we have not, as yet, satisfactorily established, that she was as well, the mother of William and Frederick Calvit. According to a deposition made by her, this Mary Higdon stated, that she was a native of Pennsylvania. She died testate, but to this time we have only seen an unsatisfactory abstract of her will, but have written for a full copy thereof.
We also have a citation (as yet unchecked by us) dated in 1776, which is to the effect, that a Joseph and Frederick Calvit were among the signers to the Watauga petition for an-

nexation to North Carolina and we are also in possession of another citation (also unverified) which as it comes to us reads:- "Washington District, 27th April 1777. Capt. General of North Carolina. There have been several murders committed lately and on the 10th instant, one Frederick Calvatt was shot and scalped, but is still living."
Whether there be even a modicum of truth in the just before recited items, it is a recorded fact, that William Calvit, heretofore mentioned herein, as one of the settlers in Natchez, actually did live, probably as late as 1782/4 on the Holston river, which I have no doubt was in the area of the land holdings of the so-called Watauga Association; that hee there had a grown or practically grown family by an earlier wife and that he married there, lastly, a Phoebe (Crawford) Jett, shortly before his removal to Mississippi.
Before the territory embraced in the Watauga Settlement became the State of Tennessee, it was known as the "District of Washington," "Washington County," "State of Franklin," and "The Territory of the United States South of the Ohio River," but is not infrequently called in modern history as the "Lost State of Franklin."
Sectional histories advise me, that during the early part of the Revolution, that largely fomented by the British, there were many Indian depredations committed in that region and ultimately many of the previously located plantations were laid waste and that the settlers, who were not slain, removed elsewhere.

Possibly the records of your office deal with the part the pioneers of the Watauga Association played in the Revolutionary War. If there be such, I would greatly appreciate being apprised thereof, particularly if any Calvits figured therein.
As, due to an organic trouble, I have been virtually a "shut in," for about a year past, it will be practically impossible for me to personally visit your office and there inspect pertinent records, hence have asked in regard to typed or photostat copies thereof.
In view of the fact, that in the past I have received considerable information from the General Land Office concerning matters in which I was interested, I am sending to the Commissioner, the purport of this letter.
Thanking you in advance for your patient attention to this long letter and for as prompt a response to it as your official duties will permit, I am-
Very truly yours,
Alexander H. Bell.

Shreveport, La Feb. 16, 1939
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C. Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish me information on Joseph CALVIT Revolutionary soldier Pension - 050028. He was a Lt. in the Virginia State Troops Pension papers # 19.334. Also Capt. John Turner sometimes spelled Montfort or Montford. S. C. Regt. Rev. War.
this is in War Dept
With grateful appreciation Yours truly
Mrs. E. Kittredge Sims

From
257½ Atkins Ave Shreveport, La

January 12, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Mr. Alexander H. Bell 3400 Garfield Street, N.W., Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter addressed to Mrs. Finch, in which you request information in regard to Joseph, James, Thomas, William and Frederick Calvert or Calvit (variously spelled), and Daniel Higdon, whose wife was Mary, also to know whether or not the records of this office deal with the part the pioneers of the Watauga Association played in the Revolutionary War. You cite Brumbaugh's "Virginia State Troops, State Line", also his "Army and Navy Bounty Land Warrants, Revolutionary War" and other of his compilations, as reference in regard to service, land grants, etc.
Revolutionary War data furnished by the Veterans Administration are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States based upon service in that war.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file which was made to the United States based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a James, Thomas, William or Frederick Calvert, Calvit or other spelling of that surname. Your citations do not pertain to the Revolutionary War records of this office, nor do these records contain in any segregated form the record of the Watauga pioneers. The full names of those persons would be essential in making a search of the records.
The record has been found of one Joseph Calvert (or Calvitt), only, and of one Daniel Higdon, only. These two records are furnished you herewith in hope that they will aid you in your research.
It is regretted that your letter could not have been reached for consideration, in its turn, at an earlier date.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

January 12, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Alexander H. Bell 3400 Garfield Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
JOSEPH CALVERT R. 12980 BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Dear Sir:
The Revolutionary War records of this office show (under File No. R. 12980) that Joseph Calvert or Calvitt (name written both ways and his signature not shown) served as lieutenant in the Illinois regiment of Virginia State troops until sometime in April, 1782, the length of his service not shown, nor his captain's name.
The date and place of birth of this officer, the names of his parents, the date and place of his death and his residence between birth and death are not shown. He was deceased in November, 1844.
In 1844, the legal representatives of this officer were paid the Virginia Half Pay which was due under the Act of July 5, 1832, on account of service of Lieutenant Joseph Calvert or Calvitt in the Revolutionary War. Francis A. Dickins was administrator of his estate.
It is indicated that, sometime between 1844 and April, 1850, a Mrs. Martha Clark, or her agent, had made inquiry in regard to any compensation which might have been due at that time for service of the officer named above. In 1850, one I. (or J.) Calvert Clark made inquiry in regard to the same matter, through Honorable C. M. Conrad, Member of Congress from Louisiana, but his letter was returned to the congressman, also in 1850, one Garnett Duncan, of New Orleans (formerly Member of Congress from Louisville) made inquiry in regard to the matter. Nothing was then due under the Act of July 5, 1832, for service of this lieutenant. There is no relationship shown of any of the persons named, to him. There are no further data in this file.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator