Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2066, Humphrey Beckett, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Via
Beckett, Humphrey Becket
S. 2066
Carded
CONTENTS

1810 - 2775  Kentucky
Humphrey Beckett of Pendleton in the State of Kent who was a Private in the _____ by Captain _____ of the Regt by Col. Morgan in the Virginia line for 3 years from 1775-
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 - Dollars - Cents per a to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5- day of Decr 32 and sent Hon. R.M. Johnson. Ho. of Reps.-
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 120.- Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 40.-  $160.-
{ Revolutionary Claims } { Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Cle Book (D) Vol. 9 Page 32
Transf to Ohio Jan 4 Sep 33. Jan'y 13 th 1831 - v notif: sent to Hon. Mr. F. Gordon of Ohio on the same day -

Beckett of Declaration Humphry

Albemarle County, Virginia Viz,
On this 5 th day of May 1828 personally appeared in Open Court, being a Court of Record for the County of Albemarle and State of Virginia Humphry Beckett, resident in said County aged Sixty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the pension made by the act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and the first of May 1820. That he the said Humphry Beckett enlisted for the term of three years on the day of January 1777 in the State of Virginia in the Company commanded by Captain Charles Peterfield in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Daniel Morgan in the line of the State of Virginia, on the Virginia Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said Corps, until the expiration of three years, when he was discharged from the service at Middlebrook, in the State of New Jersey, that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension except the present, that his name is not on the roll of any State except Virginia, and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension that heretofore he has been enabled to work, and with the aid of his wife to support himself and family without having recourse to the liberality of his country, but now being aged and infirm and his wife totally helpless, he is obliged to ask the aid offered by the said acts of Congress, and in pursuance of the act of the first of May 1820. I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me. Nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed, that no change has been made in my property by sale gift or any other manner since the 18 th of March 1818 except that the property is less productive in consequence of the great pressure of the times in the part of the country in which I reside Viz two hundred acres of land estimated at thirty five dollars per annum Two Cows, two small horses, ten head of hogs, two beds, a small

parcel of tables and kitchen furniture. My occupation is that of a farmer, but my age and infirmity, (being a cripple for the last eighteen months) renders me unable to work, and my family consists of my wife Susannah aged sixty nine years, and unable to work, and nearly blind, one daughter Patsy aged thirty and my daughter Semina aged about twenty five, who are the principal support of both my wife and myself.
Witness
Humphry his Beckett mark
Sworn to and declared on the 5 th day of May 1828 before the Justices of the County Court of Albemarle sitting
I Alexander Garrett Clerk of the County Court of Albemarle do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said Humphry Beckett did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration against the Commonwealth for the term of nine months on the Continental establishment, I also certify the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Records of the said Court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property entitled in the aforesaid schedule is twelve hundred and ninety five dollars.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 9 th day of May 1828 in the 52 nd year of the Commonwealth
Alex Garrett Clerk of the Court of the County of Albemarle
Augusta County Virginia I do hereby certify that Humphry Beckett now resident in the County of Albemarle enlisted as a soldier in Captain Charles Pottingfield's Company in the 11 th Virginia Regiment on Continental establishment commanded by Col. Daniel Morgan I think in the Month of January 1777 to serve for the term of three years or during the War of the Revolution and that he did so serve with the highest honor to himself and most faithfully to his Country evincing at all times a true patriotic

Spirit and an unusual Cheerfulness in the discharge of all the duties of a brave and good Soldier, and although Mr Beckett, by his great Industry, has raised a large family and has acquired some property (of small amount) Yet from Old age and the misfortune of being ruptured he is rendered in a great measure incapable of supporting himself and an indigent wife. Therefore he is fairly an object of public Attention.
Given under my hand this 27 th day of June 1818
Robt Portefield
Virginia. Nelson County
I Charles Brown practising physician of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Humphrey Beckett who says he was a private in the War of the Revolution under the Command of Charles Portefield N Virginia Regiment is now and has been for several years labouring under a Rupture which incommodes him very much and hinders him from labour and is otherwise afflicted with disease. Given under my hand this 3 rd December 1826
Charles Brown
I do certify that I have been called on to see Mr Humphrey Beckett while labouring under severe affliction with the Rupture, and do consider him incapable of hard labour. Given under my hand this 29 th day of January 1827
Benj m Picklin
Copies
To
Genl. Garret

Payable semi-annually--the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March next
at the Branch Bank of the U States. Richmond
By Virginia
Recorda

State of Ohio Pickaway County ss. Humphrey Becket makes oath and says that he is the identical Humphrey Becket named in the forego- ing certificate dated 2 nd day of February 1819. That he drew a pension under said certificate at Rich- mond in Virginia until 1820 when his pension
was discontinued on account of his having too much property to him show, so it was under the law of 1820. That since 1820 he has received no pension. He further states that he crossed in the state line of Virginia in February 1777 for three years or during of the Revolution the war under Captain Charles Porterfield in the 11 th Virginia Regiment command- ed by Col. Daniel Morgan that he served un- der said enlistment until the close of the war and then received an honorable discharge from said Reg- iment, which discharge has been long since lost. He further states that he resided in the State of Virgin- ia until October 1831 at which time he removed to Kentucky Pendleton County and remained there until last October, when he removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he now resides and where he con- templated remaining the residue of his days. He there- fore makes this declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 th June last. He states that he is not on the pension list of the agency of any state to his knowledge since 1820 aforesaid, and that he hereby relinquishes all claim to any pension excepting the one for which he now applies.
Sworn to and subscribed this 3 rd day of January 1833 before me John Thompson Justice of the Peace
Humphrey Becket mark

The State of Ohio Pickaway County ss
I Samuel Henny, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Pickaway, Certify that the Within signature which purports to be that of John Thompson is Genuine and that he is a regular acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and Qualified as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office the 3rd day of January 1833
S. Henny 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 Humphrey Beckett or Becket 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.     Feb. Jan 1777 3 yrs Pvt Charles Porterfield Daniel Morgan Va.                                     
Battles engaged in, Monmouth Court House, New Jersey, Monmouth.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, in Frederick Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, July 6, 1818. His d. was at
Residence at date of application, Albemarle Co. Va.
Age at date of application, 61.
Remarks: Sol. was married Aug. 29, 1778 or 1779. His wife died Oct. 29, 1829 and he died Sept. 16, 1839. In 1828 he refers to his wife Susannah as 69 and his daughters Patsy 30 and Susanna 25 yrs old. but does not state when he married Susannah. He moved to Pendleton Co. Ky. in Oct 1831 and to Pickaway Co. O. in Oct. 1832.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1916. Nov. 22. Visit. to Mrs. S. A. - Dunlap.
Rev War
2066
INVALID.
File No. 2066
Humphrey Beckett Print Rev War
Act: June 7. 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 25.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lev J
#
2066
~

Humphrey Becket - P.O. Box Valencia -
Virginia -
In File No 2066
Q 208
Nov 11/79
Not allowed
Act 1828.

see letter to R. W. Wood June 21. 1830 Do. to Hon. W. F. Gordon 16 Dec. 1830. do. to Hon. J. Trevelyan Dec. 29. 1830 (papers expired for Mr. T.) -
from Note at March 1878 re letter to H. C. Bruce, H.R.
6828
4
Virginia
Humphrey Beckett -
of Albemarle in the state of Virginia who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Morgan of the Virginia line, for the term of three years -
scribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 th of July. 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd of Feby. 1819 and sent to the Hon. Hugh Nelson House of Representatives U.S.
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1818 15. 70 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th Mar. 1819 48. 00
$63.70
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Descendants  Albemarle

Greatest X ings Aug 19
Mrs Johnson
$80 per ann at 7 June 1832
Mr Humphrey Beckett your Cousin at the Falmouth Ken,

This 29 th day of Sept. 1872. Humphrey Beckett a Citizen & resident at this time of Pendleton County Kentucky came before me a justice of the Peace for said County of Pendleton Ken, & made oath that when a Citizen of Vir- ginia & resident of Albemarle County said State he made oath that he applied for a Pension, under the act of Congress of the 14 th March 1818 that after being put upon the Pension list - but afterwards he was dropped or struck from the Pension Roll on account of properly - that he was placed on the Pension list as a private soldier & he refers to his papers in the war office for the officers & corps to which he was attached. that he is now resident of Pendle- ton County Ken. resides as above before me & signed this day above written -
And this affiant further states, that previous to his leaving Virginia on the application of Col. Wm Gordon a member of Congress, who was about applying to the United States Government for a pension for this affiant, he gave to him his Pension Certificate, and what he has done with it this affiant is unable to say - as he never has returned it to this affiant - see (over)!
Robt Taylor J.P.

I do certify that the within signature of Robert Saylor is his own hand writing & at the time of signing he was a justice of the Peace for Pendleton County. 4 th Oct 1832
Rh. Johnson

1 Sealmouth. Pendleton County Kentucky Sept 29. 1830 Col R. H. Johnson:
My dear Friend
Before I left Virginia, on the application of Col Gordon I gave him my certificate He informed me it would aid him in the application he was about making for aid - He now has it or it must be on file in the War Office with my other papers -
Yours sincerely Humphrey Beekell

15 15 15 15 15 15
Oct. 3 rd
Pension Case
Mr. Nelson
Col. J. L. Edwards
$80 per ann
Chief Pension Office War Dept. City of Washington

Col J. L. Edwards
you will see from the within Papers that Humphrey Pickett was a Pensioner over under the acts of 1818 & 1820
Please send to me his new Pension certificate & oblige
Philo Johnson 4th Feb 1832

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
24. Dec. 1828.
Sir:
Your claim under the abovementioned act has been examined. The act provides for no other non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, than those who enlisted in the Continental line for the war, and served until its termination. Nothing is found in the public records at Washington to shew that your enlistment and service were for the War. On the contrary, it appears that the State of Virginia in whose line you belonged, granted land to you as having enlisted and served for three years only. Under these circumstances your claim has not been admitted. I am, nevertheless, willing to re-examin the case with the aid of any additional evidence which you may be able to furnish.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
W m Humphrey Becket
Late of the Army of the Revolution of Albemarle Co.
Charlottesville
Va

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 10 Oct 1829
SIR:
For an answer to your letter of the 6 inst I refer you to the letter addressed to you at Charlottesville, from this Department dated 5 May 1829. Presuming that it did not reach you a copy is enclosed.
I am &c.
Mr Humphrey Becket. Charlottesville. Va.
copy of letter 2927.

732 To The Honorable Richard Rush, Augusta County Va - 23 rd Jan y 1829
Sir Humphrey Becket a soldier of the Revolution resident in the County of Albemarle, has handed to me your communication relative to his claim to the benefit of an Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution, &c and stating the reasons why his claim has not been admitted, but that you are willing to re-examine the case with the aid of any additional evidence he may be able to furnish.
Believing that I am the only person living who had access to my Brothers, Captain Charles Porterfields, Register of Enlistment Mr. Becket has applied to me for my certificate on the subject.
I therefore certify that some time in the Winter of 1776-77 Humphrey Becket Enlisted in Captain Charles Porterfields Company in the 11 th Virg a Regiment on Continental Establishment, commanded by Col s Daniel Morgan, to serve for the term of three years  or during the War . That the said Company and Regiment joined the main Army at Brannbrook (State of Jersey) I think, in the month of April 1777. That during the Campaign of that year Colo Morgan was detached with a corps of Riflemen to join the Army of the North (so called) under the command of Genl l Gates - That Humphrey Becket being an expert Rifleman was selected as one of said corps, and fought under Morgan at the Battle of Stillwater &c. until the surrender of Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, and that he continued in said Rifle corps, my recollection is, until sometime in the year 1779, when he was ordered by Colo Morgan, as a driver, to take charge of a waggon and team into the Publick service, drawing the pay, clothing and rations of a soldier: - Thus far within my own knowledge. In the winter of 1779-80 I passed on from the North with the Virginia Troops to Charleston S a Carolina.

and having shared the fate of the Garrison at that place, on the 19 th of May 1780 have no farther personal knowledge of H. Becket's services, but from the best information I have been able to collect do verily believe that he continued as a waggoner at the Barracks near Charlottesville, where Burgoyne's Army (prisoners) were stationed, and on the terms above stated until the end of the war when he received a regular discharge, which discharge he says was lost in the bustle of a change of residence he was with his Family - To all which he was desirous of making oath before me, which I declined, presuming it might not be such evidence as you would consider admissible: - And though from my knowledge of his truth and integrity, poor and disreputable as he is, I am persuaded he would not take a false oath to obtain any pecuniary consideration whatever.
A large portion of the Virginia Soldiers were enlisted for the term of 3 years, or during the war, and I am under the impression that at the end of 3 years, some of the Soldiers so enlisted claimed their discharge, and that a board of Officers convened for the purpose, decided against the claim, of which however from the lapse of time and a declining memory I am not positively certain; - But this I do know that the survivors of Captain Charles Porterfield's Company continued in service until the end of the war, some of whom were made prisoners at Charlestown - Hence I infer that Humphrey Becket was equally bound to the service.
I will only add that I could state some of his deeds of valor which I had from his Commander, by whose side he fought, particularly at the Battle of Stillwater; I will not however trouble you with the detail, but will say that on the score of intrepidity and faithfulness, so long as he performed the

duties of a Soldier there is not one man now living who has stronger claims on the munificence of his Country than Humphrey Becket.
Most respectfully
your obedt humble servt
As. Porterfield a Capt. and
Mail
The Honorable
Revolutionary Pensions
FREE
Richard Rush
Secy of the Navy
Washington
R Porterfield
for
H Beckett - 489.
Recd 27 Jan 7 1829.

Humphrey Beckett Ohio Act of June 1832 to what time p?
b 2 4 Sept 1838 114
Pen Officin
Jan y 7. 1839.

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
5 May 1829.
Sir :
Your claim under the abovementioned act has been examined. The act provides for no other non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, than those who enlisted in the Continental line for the war , and served until its termination . It appears by the declaration which you made for a pension that you enlisted in 1777 for three years and were discharged at the end of that period. Your claim has therefore not been admitted.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
(Signed) Asbury Dickins.
Acting Secretary.
W Humphrey Becket.
Late of the Army of the Revolution of Albermarle Co.
Charlottesville Va.

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 8 Dec 1828.
The annexed paper, relating to the claim of Humphrey Becket under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether it appears, by any records in the War Department, that the claimant has received, or is entitled to receive, the bounty in land granted by Congress for service in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution.
A. Arch
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
War Department!
Bounty land office
The Records of this office do not show that Humphrey Becket as a private of the Virginia line ever received or is entitled to bounty land of the United States.
Robert Taylor 11 Dec 1828

rec d 20 May 1828
Humphrey Beckett 18 March 1818
Virginia
Rejected Lee letter to Hon. W. C. Rives H. R. 20 th May 1828
For much property 20 th May 1828 Stewards Esq. Division Office Department of War.

Dear Sir,
The renewed Pension certificate for Rowland Estus had escaped my attention, in consequence of being folded up among other papers. On recurring to these papers, I have found it.
I now send you an amended Declaration of Humphrey Becket, on which I should be very glad to be apprised of the decision as soon as possible, as I expect to leave here in a few days. — I am very respectfully
To James L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office.
your afft. serv. W. C. Rivers.
May 19 th 1828.

Free Revolutionary Claims
To the Hon ble Samuel D Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington City

9 Oct
892
Charlottesville Oct 6 th 1829
Sir
Sometime past, I made an application to the War-department, under the act of Congress, of 1818, for the pension provided by that act for Revolutionary Soldiers. In consequence of the strict rules adopted in that department in auditing these claims, I was unable to bring myself within the provisions. Not on account of the intrinsic defect in the case, but on account of the defect in the evidence. I had had been robbed by time of the evidence of those who resided with me. I flattered myself that the benevolent act of 1827 had removed the obstacles which prevented their relief and would secure me a scanty support in my decrepitude and age.
I made my declaration under that act, and procured some proof. In reply I was informed of some defect in my declaration. I supposed the defect was cured by the papers in the War-office and begged that they might be examined in connexion with those sent to your office, and if the defect was not cured by that means. That I should be informed.
To this I have as yet rec d no reply. I feel confident that if I have not made out my claim, it is not that it is intrinsically bad but because it is defectively set forth. I therefore hoped that if the claim should not be rendered a valid one. That my papers would be returned, that I might have some opportunity of

remedying the defects.
If I ask too much of the department, when I ask a reexamination. I hope my request of a return of the papers will be complied with.
I am with great respect
Your obedt Servant
Humphrey Becket

Extract of a letter from the Hon Mr F. Gordon. dated 9 June 1830
"In the last pension Bill that passed there is the name of Humphrey Beckett an old and faithful constituent. Be so good as to direct the proper officers to send him a warrant to Charlottesville directed to Lieut. H. Wood Esq. so that he may get his money."
I certify the above extract to be correct.
P. G. Washington June 12 1830

Falmouth Pendleton County Kentucky July 14 1832.
Col Richard H Johnson
Dear
Though now living in your district, I am not personally acquainted with you, yet permit me to say I am not less proud of having become one of your constituents.
I removed from Virginia last October from Albemarle County to this state, and before I left that County I gave unto the hands of friend and then representative Sen. Wm. H. Gordon my claims upon the United States as a revolutionary soldier, belonging to the Continental line from 76 to the end of the war. I am old and my days are not many and if any thing in justice in gratitude is due, and unless shortly confined it will for ever be to late.
My object in now addressing you, is to ask from that kindness, which has attached to your fame as soldier & statesman the more invaluable epithet of the different friends of the revolutionary soldiers, whether or not Gen. Gordon has handed over to your care my claims, and if not such advise as is necessary to insure success in application. The entire matter was trusted before I left Virginia to Gen. Gordon and what has been done, or is likely that will be done I am extremely anxious to learn, therefore please to address me a few lines as early as possible to this place to the care of S. Th. Bousier who has engaged to transmit them forthwith to me.
I am Sir respectfully. Your frd & ser.
Humphrey Beckett

29 I have this day recd this from Genl Gordon swear to the Statem- ent I have written enclose it to me in 10 days I will have your Pension again - send with it your Pension Certificate if you have it - make haste - no County Seal needed to the affidavit R. H. J.

Charlottesville 9 th August 1832
Dear Sir
The papers of Mr. Bracket are at Wash- ington. in the Pension Office - he was original- ly a pensioner under the act of 1818. but was struck from the roll under the sub- sequent act requiring a schedule of Property. he then possessing more than now. He is a worthy. Honest old man-
You may recollect I mentioned his case to you in Washington, before the passage of the Pension Bill. & you pro- posed a resolution of enquiry on the subject. He writes me that you had for- gotten this incident.
respectfully Yr. friend
Wm Lloyd

1833 Transfer & send to Genl Gordon Ho Rep -
Gen l William F. Gordon Washington City District of Columbia
Blvd Dec 10

Pikunay County Ohio Dec r 9 th 1833
Dear Sir
after presenting my best wishes and respects to you I want you to attend to having my certificate transferred so that I can draw my money in the state of Ohio as I am living in that state near Columbus the seat of government of that state and I draw my money as you will see in Kentucky two grate adistance for me to attend to it old and inform as you no I must be now and send it to me as soon as you can also I want you to see what is the cause that I don't draw but eighty Dollars per year as I sent on my old certificate last January with a declaration that I made of my residence to the pension office before I got the certificate I now send to you which allowed me ninety six Dollars per year and this only allows me eighty if there is any mistake try to have it rectified as my old certificate is in the Pension office now and declarations is in the Pension office now and all the papers that I give to you in the that will have any bearing on the matter please attend to it for me and send it to me with a statement of the hole matter as early as possible yours with the greatest respect
Humphrey Beckett
Gen. William D. Gordon send to South Bloomfield Post office Pikunay Ohio

I certify that I read the within letter from Humphrey Becket, & that I believe him to be the same Humphrey Becket mentioned in the enclosed personal certificate Wm F. Gordon
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

Sir To the Honorable Richard Rush. Augusta County Dec 1 st Jan y 1829
Humphrey Becket a soldier of the Revolution residing in the County of Albemarle, has handed to me your communication relative to his claim to the benefit of an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" &c - and stating the reason why his claim has not been admitted, but that you are willing to re-examine the case with the aid of any additional evidence he may be able to furnish.
Believing that I am the only person living who had access to my Brother's Capt n Charles Portfield's register of enlistment, Mr Becket has applied to me for my certificate. I therefore certify that sometime in the winter of 1776-77 Humphrey Becket enlisted in Captain Charles Portfield's Company in the 11 th Va Regt, commanded by Col o Daniel Morgan, on Continental establishment, for the term of three years or during the war, that the said Company and Regiment joined the main Army at Bounbrook (State of Jersey) I think in the month of April 1777 - That during the campaign of that year Col o Morgan was detached with a corps of Riflemen to join the Army of the North (so called) under the command of Genl Gates - That Humphrey Becket, being an expert Rifleman was selected as one of said corps, and fought under Morgan at the battle of Stillwater &c - until the surrender of Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, and that he continued in said Rifle Corps, my recollection is, until sometime in the year 1779 when he was ordered by Col o Morgan, (as driver) to take charge of a waggon and team in the Publick Service, drawing the pay, clothing and rations of a soldier; - Thus far within my own knowledge. In the winter of 1779-80 I passed on from the North with the Virginia Troops to Charleston S o Carolina, and having shared the fate of the Garrison at that place on the 12 th of May 1780, have no further personal knowledge of Humphrey Becket's services; but from the best information I have been able to collect, do verily believe that he continued a waggoner at the Barracks near Charlottesville, when Burgoyne's Army (Prisoners) were stationed, and on the terms above.

Stated until the end of the war, when he received a regular discharge, which discharge he says was lost in the battle of a change of residence he made with his family — To all which he was desirous of making oath before me which I declined, presuming it might not be such evidence as you would consider admissible — Nevertheless from my knowledge of his truth and integrity, poor and destitute as he is, I am persuaded he would not take a false oath to obtain any pecuniary consideration whatever.
A large portion of the Virginia soldiers were enlisted for the term of 3 years or during the war, and I am under the impression that at the end of 3 years some of the soldiers so enlisted claimed their discharge, and that a Board of Officers, convened for the purpose, decided against the claim — Of which however from the lapse of time & a declining memory I am not positively certain — But this I do know, that the survivors of Capt. Sharpe (Porterfield's) company continued in service until the end of the war; — some of whom were made prisoners at Charleston — Hence I infer that Humphrey Becket was equally bound to the service.
I will only add that I could state some of his deeds of valor which I had from his commander, by whose side he fought particularly at the Battle of Stillwater, I will not however trouble you with the detail, but will say that on the score of intrepidity and faithfulness, so long as he performed the duties of a soldier there is not one man now living who has stronger claims on the munificence of his country than Humphrey Becket.
Most respectfully &c. &c.
A. P.
The above is a true copy of my certificate & statement to the Secy of the Treasury which I have thought it proper for you to have in the case of any additional evidence being required.
Enclosed are the papers you left with me your friend A. P. Porterfield
W. H. Becket

Genoa Pickaway Co Ohio 18 th July 1854
Sir
I received your letter to Hon. E. B. Olds of the 7 th ultimo
In answer to the points named in that communication I will state He was appointed first in the state of Virginia removed to Kentucky where I mention there under the act of 1829 or 30 then moved to Ohio and there on till his death He served in the Revolutionary War I think his Capt was Charles Porterfield whose company was under Genl Daniel Morgan He was married the 29 th day of August in 1778 or 9 His wife died the 29 th October 1829 And he died the 16 th September 1839 Please give me answer when you receive This letter Direct it to Becketts Store Pickaway Co, Ohio yours Truly W. H. Beckett S. P. Waldo Esq

The petitioner Humphrey Beckett that I wish to know about draw a pension under the first act of Congress allowing the Revolutionary soldiers a pension then by an amendment to that act all of them that owned over three hundred dollars worth of property was not allowed to draw and he never drew any more til the act of 1828 or 9 and under the act now in force allowing them that did not draw to draw back pay from 1826 up to the time they did draw under the act of 1828 or 9 or 30, as I have not the recollection when that act was passed
Yours Truly
W. H. Beckett
S. P. Waldo Esq.

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
15 Nov 1828.
Humphrey Becket of [blank] in the County of Albemarle in the State of Virginia has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Private in captain Portersfield 's company, in the [blank] regiment of the Virginia line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing.
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary J. D. Perkins.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
19 th November 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to [blank] in the [blank]
It further appears that Humphrey Becket not is now on the pension list of the any [blank] agency, and has been so since the 3 d March 1826 at the rate of  dollars per month.
The name of Humphrey Becket cannot be found among those of the Virginia line to whom certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars were issued -
R. Hagner

General Land Office 16 th December 1828
It appears from the list of Warrants issued by the Register of the Land Office at Richmond, Virg a that Humphrey Beckett, a private for three years, in the Virginia Cont l Line received a Warrant entitling him to bounty land.
E. W. GIBSON Commissioner
BEAUFORTION VEX CIVIS

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 10th of March, 1816.
That a private, in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 11th day of March, 1816, and to continue until the decease of the said private, or until the expiration of the term for which he was entitled to the same, which term is one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 10th day of March, 1816. One thousand eight hundred and sixteen.
6828. General of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, —————
Humphrey Beckett ————— late a private ————— in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Virginia ————— Agency, at the rate of eighty ————— dollars per month, to commence on the sixth ————— day of July ————— one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this second ————— day of ————— February ————— one thousand eight hundred and nineteen —————
H. K. Thompson Secretary of War.

Humphrey Becket. 489 2927 Rec d 5 June 1829.
29

Chertotterville June 2 nd 1829 To The Honourable Secretary of the Treasury
Sir.
Some time past I made an application to the government of the United States for a pension. This application was made under the law in existence previous to 1828. In that declaration in conformity to the form prescribed, I stated that I had enlisted in 1777 for three years and was discharged at the end of that period. Upon the examination of that application it was supposed that the little property I possessed formed an obstacle to my claim. After the passage of the act in 1828. I was advised, that by making a new declaration and getting some additional proof under the rules prescribed by your department that I would entitle myself to the provision intended for those in my situation. I accordingly endeavoured to bring myself within the rules prescribed.
In reply it is stated. That it appears by the declaration that you enlisted in 1777 for three years, and were discharged at the end of that period. Your claim has therefore not been admitted, there are the words of the communication. It is presumed that this statement is based upon the contents of the first declaration, in lieu of that made under the late law.
I earnestly request that the papers forwarded may be reexamined. If the defect spoken of exists in the latter declaration as well as the former one it is a mistake in the drawer. The evidence forwarded goes to prove that I served during the war. I have drawn a new declaration in the form prescribed by the late head

of your department. If the forms have been varied. I would gladly receive any information, setting forth the variation. If the declaration herewith sent, taken in connection with the proof heretofore for- warded is insufficient. I must ask the favor that the papers be returned to me with some remarks upon the character of the defect. I am unwilling to produce trouble to the department, but being sensible that I spent the prime of my life in the service of my country in her greatest need. I now hope that I may be aided in getting that bounty which the benevolent legislature of the country has provided for those like me who are old debilitated and helpless.
I am very respectfully
Yrs Sincerely
Humphrey his Becket mark

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the revolution", approved on the 15 th of May 1828
I Humphrey Becket of Albemarle county Virginia do hereby declare, that I enlisted in the continental line of the army of the revolution, for and during the war and continued in its service until its termination, at which period I was a private in Captain Charles Por- terfield's company, in the fourth regiment of the line, then commanded by Daniel Morgan. And I also declare that I afterwards received certificates for the reward of eighty dollars, to which I was entitled, under a resolve of Congress passed the 15 th May 1778
And I further declare, that I was not, on the 15 th day of May 1828 on the pension list of the United States.
Witness my hand this 2 nd day of June in the year 1829
Humphrey his Becket
nor was it assumed that the same been at that

Bicket • Declaration Humphrey
Admitted

Virginia
At a Court held for Albemarle County the sixth day of July One thousand eight hundred, and eighteen
Humphrey Bicket a resident of this County aged sixty one years, personally appeared in Court, and being first duly sworn, according to law, on oath with make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress. Entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary War." That he the said Humphrey Bicket enlisted in the County of Frederick in the State of Virginia, in the Company commanded by Charles Portlock of the eleventh Virginia regiment, commanded by Colonel Daniel Morgan, in the month of January 1777, that he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the service of the United States for three years when he was discharged from said service, honorably in the County of Frederick & State of Virginia, that he was in the battles at Somerset Courthouse at Amboy in New Jersey, and Monmouth Courthouse, New Jersey, that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support, and that he has no other income now in his possession or power of his said service. Whereupon It is Decreed by the Court, that it be certified to the honorable Secretary for the War department, that it appears to the satisfaction of this Court, that the said Humphrey Bicket, did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common Enemy, for the term of three years in the Continental Establishment, that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for

for support, and that the proceedings, and testimony hereinwith taken and had be transmitted to the said Secretary for the War department.
In testimony whereof I the undersigned Garrett Birt of the County Court of Albemarle hath hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office this seventh day of July Eighteen hundred and eighteen within the 23 rd year of the Commonwealth
Alex r Garrett Birt

Nelson County Virginia September 28 th 1828
This is to certify that I Thomas Mafie who was Major to the Second Virginia Regiment in the Continental Service, in our Revolutionary war. Do verily and firmly believe that the Bearer hereof Humphrey Becket was a Regular Continental Soldier, in that War, and served under General Morgans command - From the account Becket gives me (after interrogation) of many occurrences that happened during that period, as I served occasionally under Morgan command I do verily, as I have expressed above, believe that he was a regular Continental Soldier - say about Fifty years ago - and I think I have a faint recollection of his Person - Given under My hand
Thomas Mafie

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act entitled an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution, approved on the 13 th of May 1828. I Humphrey Ricket of Albemarle county in the State of Virginia, do hereby declare that I enlisted in the continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued in its service until its termination, at which period I was a private in Captain Charles Porterfield's company in the eleventh regiment of the Virginia line. And I further declare that I was not, on the fifteenth day of May 1828 on the pension list of the United States.
Witness my hand this 12 th day of July in the year 1828 Humphrey Ricket mark Not Rich H Wood
Before me Albie Norris a justice of the in the county of Albemarle in the State of Virginia personally appeared this day Rich H Wood of the said county who made oath that Humphrey Ricket signed and acknowledged the foregoing declaration in his presence. Witness my hand this 12 th day of July in the year 1828
A Norris B
I Alexander Garrett clerk of the court of the county of

Albemarle is the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Office Notary before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the time & justice of the peace commissioned to administer oaths
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this 12 th day of July in the year 1828
Henry G. Warren Clerk
vs. Albemarle County to wit, Before me John Rodes a justice of the peace for said county in said state, of Virginia personally appeared, this day Wilson Roberts & Robert McCulloch of the said county, who did severally make oath and that Hum- phrey Beckett, by whom the foregoing declaration is subscribed is generally reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the army of the revolution in manner as therein stated Witness my hand this 12 th day of Novr in the year 1828 John Rodes

S. 2066
Humphrey Beckett Va.
Not identical with W. 9726. Humphrey Beckett, who had Md. service lived in Pickaway Co., Ohio in 1818, 1819 & 1820, and afterwards in Warren Co., Ind., where he died in Apl. 1830.
M. Rice
FEB 16 1911

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Rev Dec 11
Dear Sir:
I would like to have the record of Humphrey Beckett and his service. He was born in Virginia and served in the Revolutionary war with Capt Portefield's Company as one of Col Morgan's riflemen.
I refer you to Saffell's Records of the Revolutionary war. Page 260.
If you have no records of this man please advise

me where I can write to obtain information concerning his record.
I have written the War Dept and they it referred me to this Dept.
I would like very much to have an early reply and thank you for any kindness shown me.
Yours Very Truly Mrs S. A. Dunlap Williamsport, Ohio.
Nov 1 - 1916.