Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1264, William Brooks, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Brooks, William
R. 1264
CONTENTS

James B. Chester sworn as a witness states. I am the eldest living child of my mother my age is near forty six years from my earliest recollection and I can recollect my grandfather William Brooks distinctly. I have heard him and my mother both often talking about his being in the Revolutionary war, and stated in substance then no more materially nor any less than is now stated by my mother whose sworn statement I have care- -fully examined and fully understood - herewith, that these statements were well known and declared in our family long before any of us knew that such might be an advantage to my mother. I can bear positive testimony that my grand- father always said he served as stated that he died as my uncle informed me and I believe on the 15 th day of October 1836. at Rocky Mount S. Carolina under the circumstances stated, from my best information always I have been taught to believe and as believe that my mother is the only child of my grandfather the said William Brooks who served as stated that now survives. I have no further interest in the claim than such as a son for a mother might be presumed to have. but solemnly state that but from the fact that I have made much enquiry for persons to testify to these things or record instead of my oath and have not been able to find any record nor any person

who knows positively as much as I do about the things in question I would have declined. but in stating what I do. I am governed by truth to the best of my knowledge information and belief. And can from tradition and from knowledge since my age into and back to gather state substantially what my mother has stated in the premises and do verily believe every statement made by her to be true -
James B. Cheedester
attest
1. Elias J. Delock 2. James McCallum
The foregoing affidavit of James B. Cheedester was signed sworn to and attested in open Court. On this day day of March A.D. 1857. And I certify that I know the affiant Cheedester and the witnesses. They are credible persons residing in this County, and affiants statements are entitled to Confidence -
James Batten Judge County Court Second Co. Tenn.

The declarant by way of amendment says that although service is alleged as totally in Capt Gancy's Company yet if no service in that Company be found she thinks her father may have served in a Company commanded by a Captain Rudolph of Lee's Legion Virginia Cavalry, and of this record if found she claims the benefit.
Susanah Chesters By her atty A. L. Busen
March 3 rd 1857

Declaration of William Brooks Susanah Chester only heir at law to of William Brooks. Claim to arrears of pension act of 7 June 1832 Tennessee
June 7, 1832
Filed by A. L. Burrows Milo Burch Tenn.
1832

State of Tennessee County Court March - Greene County } Term 1857
Susanah Chester } Claim to arrear of pension vs } died her father under act United States } 7th June 1832,
Be it remembered that at a county court begun and held for the county and state aforesaid at the court house in the town of Greeneville present Honorable James Britton Judge. And on the third day of March A.D. 1857- In this case the following proceedings were had. Susanah Chester the claimant appeared in court in proper persons. and declared on oath that she is eighty seven years of age that she has resided in Greene County Tennessee for about thirty five years. which facts are well known to the court to be true.
She alleges that she is the only surviving child and heir at Law of William Brooks deceased. who she alleges was an officer in the Revolutionary war and served therein for the space of at least two years. and was honorably discharged and paid therefor and that said Brooks her father lived till the 15 day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty six. when he died at Rocky Mount South Carolina. which allegations have been supported by testimony of respectable witnesses examined in court. by common report founded on the tradition of the family. And the court is of opinion such allegations are also true.
She further alleges that ever since

She has lived here as aforesaid and for a long time before she was aware that by such allegation anything would be said here that she has repeatedly in conversation to her family, friends, neighbors, and those who visited her made substantially the various statements aforesaid. And that the same have been generally believed by the public which allegations are shown to the court by sufficient testimony to be true.
It is therefore ordered by the court that the clerk open these proceedings of record and certify the same for the benefit of said claimant.
A true copy of the records -
James B. Britton, Judge.
C. W. Headrick, clk.

State of Tennessee } Greene County } S.S.
I Elijah M c Headrick Clerk of the County Court for the County and State aforesaid do certify. That Honorable James Britton is Judge of our said Court duly Commissioned and qualified. That his several signatures herewith are genuine. That All these proceedings were verified in open Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of office. At office in Greeneville This Second day of March A.D. 1852
E. M c Headrick C.C.

September 9, 1937
Earl Brooks, D. D. S. Noblesville Indiana
William Brooks R. 1264 BA-J/AWF
Dear Sir:
The data furnished herein concerning William Brooks were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, R. 1264, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
The date and place of birth of William Brooks were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.
William Brooks lived during the Revolutionary War in Culpeper County, Virginia, and about three years after the Revolution moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina, where he lived until his wife died. The name of his wife was not given, there were no details as to their marriage, nor was the date of her death definitely stated.
William Brooks had four sons and one daughter, namely- James, Thomas, Philip, Middleton, and Susanah. He died October 15, 1836, while on a visit to his son, Middleton, at his house , Fairfield District, South Carolina.
The four sons were all dead in 1857.
Susanah Chedester on March 2, 1857, aged about eighty-seven years, and living in Greene County, Tennessee, where she had lived about thirty-five years, applied for

pension on account of the service of her father, William Brooks, and alleged that he served in the Revolutionary War in the Virginia troops, as sergeant in a company of cavalry commanded by Captains Richard Yancey and Rudolph, under Major Benjamin Stevens (Stephens), that he was wounded in the hand by a sword, after which he continued in the service in the commissary until the close of the war, length of service about three years.
The claim was not allowed as proof of service as required by the pension law was not established.
James B. Chedester in 1857 aged about forty-six years and living in Greene County, Tennessee, stated that he was the oldest living child of his mother, Susanah Chedester. Names of other children were not given, nor was the name of the husband of Susanah Chedester shown.
Susanah Chedester stated that her father was a relative by marriage to the Captain Yancey under whom he served.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

State of Tennessee S.S. Greene County } ss
State of Tennessee, ss. Greene County } On this second day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven. Personally appeared before the County Court of the County and State aforesaid. Susanah Chidester aged according to her best information Eighty Seven years. a resident of Greene County Tennessee. Who being duly sworn according to Law declares and says as follows. to wit: I am the child and the only surviving heir at Law of William Brooks deceased. That my father was during the Rev- -olutionary war and in my recollection a Citizen of Culpeper County State of Virginia. That I can recall many circumstances though a child that took place about the close of the war. and things that I heard spoken of them. From my earliest recollection I often heard my father say that he had served in the said war. that a part of the time he served as a Sergeant in a Company of Cavalry & one of his superior officers probably Captain was called. Yancy. Another perhaps a Major. was called Stephens. That Yancy and my father were from the same neigh- -borhood, and were related by marriage. That he actually served as Sergeant until he was wounded in the hand by a sword and then he served until the close of the war and honorable discharge as a Commissary That in the aggregate he served three years as he always said and I believe it. That at the time of his discharge he was not able to sell his discharge for any value for several years I think about three

years. and Then one John Dunn either bought his discharge or finally paid him the balance due him for his service - which I think was about 65 £ Sterling. That shortly after being paid my father moved from Virginia to North Carolina and settled in Rutherford  Braveheart County. I had four brothers to wit James - Thomas - Philip & Middleton. and no sister my brothers are all dead. That my father continued to reside in said Rutherford  Braveheart County after I left home being married until all the children left him and my mother died. and then my father quit keeping house. which he did for about twenty five years before his death. And whilst on a visit to my brother Middletons who resided at the time at Rocky Mount. Fairfield District South Carolina. On the 15 day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty six at the place aforesaid on the visit as stated my father departed this life. The reason why I can so positively state the day and date of my fathers death is this - In a few months after his death my brother Middleton came to my house on a visit and delivered me the time which though is not of record as I know of but I have not nor do I think I shall ever forget. and may be relied on as correct. My father having died at a place where he was a stranger to every one but the family of my brother - And my brother being dead and his family gone to parts unknown and having no record nor knowing of the existence of any here or elsewhere. of the various facts stated except some

Traces of Service of my father may from the facts stated be found in the archives of the State where the Service was performed - or at Washington City. An examination of which she respectfully solicits, in order to sustain the tradition thus stated. Then I can but suppose that because my father for many years before his death had no settled home, but was roving about - by that means he lost any valuable papers he might have had, and that in all probability the fact that he ever was during his life time entitled to a pension from the United States may have been unknown to him as it was to me.
But I was all along that my father was during his lifetime entitled to have received a pension for his said Service in said war under the act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832, and that he never did receive the same but from the facts stated is still due and owing to me.
Now know all men by these presents that I, us an at Chester aforesaid do constitute and appoint also along L. Barrow Attorney at Law Mild Bend I'm miss my true and lawful agent and attorney to obtain the same for me - And makes this declaration and appointment for that purpose and promised to not revoke it.
Witness
1. Elias V. Dabbs 2. James M. Galloway
her Susanah X Chester Mark -

The foregoing declaration of Susanah Chester was signed witnessed and sworn to and her power of Attorney acknowledged in open Court on the day stated in the Caption And I Certify That I know the declarant She resides in this County is Respectable and her statements are entitled to right Confidence and belief. And the persons who have witnessed her signature are credible persons residing here.
James Britton Judge County Court Green City Tenn.

Miss Bessie Lee 24 March
W.B. Stone
Al
(Signature)
Honorable Geo. L. Whiting
William Brooks Jan - original
Sumner of Providence Washington D.C.

William Brooks
Jan - Dec - 1832
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 14
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 14
Rev. Geo. C.
Conner
Suzanne Christian A. W. Brooks
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 14
Washington
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 14
A. W. Brooks

With kind love
W. H. D. W.
William Brooks
Gen - Jan - 1832
Cole
Rev. Dr. C. B. King
Can't help loving
you
your daughter
Washington
A. S.

Miss B. J. Lee
8.13. The
Susannah Clinton
heir of J.
William West
Jan 1852
late
Washington
Washington

RI
Worth Geo. D. Whiting,
Commrsr of Pensions.
Washington City, D.C.
Dear Sir,

No. 39,103 @
William Brooks,
Juniper
Let A. L. Buron
Apr. 28/57
Reg'd to Land Off - July 15/57
A. L. Buron - 30/57
" " " Oct. 29/57
June 7, 1832,

September 9, 1937
Earl Brooks, D. D. S. Noblesville Indiana
BA-5/AWF
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of September 1, in which you state that you can not furnish any data relative to the William Brooks in whom you are particularly interested, other than he served five years in the Revolutionary War from either Virginia or Stokes County, North Carolina. With your letter was enclosed a genealogical chart, which is returned herewith.
This office is unable to identify the record of the William Brooks in question, with the data furnished.
You are furnished herewith the Revolutionary War records of two soldiers named William Brooks. It is hoped that these records may be of interest to you.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
See his letter re William Brooks S.6705

1937- Sept. - link to Earl Brooks - See his letter to William Brooks S. 6700- Ex F. INVALID.
RECEIVED
Acts of July 1, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1284
William Brooks
Place: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: - 1857 _____, 18
Wages: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
No. _____

Y rs L. Office, Richmond, July 17. 1887 Honble Geo. O. Whiting; Commissioner S.C.
Sir:
Yours of the 15 th Inst. was re. to day transmitted with.
In reply I have to confirm you that on the 12 th November 1838 Warrants Nos 8632 for 266 2 / 3 & 8633 for 133 1 / 3 & issued to Mr. Brooks, H. J. Brooks, Reuben Brooks, Fannie Brooks, H. & Mary Beale & Whitfield Brooks, heirs of Mr. Brooks, a Sergeant in the Continental Line, who served for the war.
These warrants were delivered to Mr. P. Hard, Esq.
I am Sir:
Y r Obs t , S. H. Parker.

A. L. Buram
July 20/57

Pension Office,
July 20. 1857.
Sir:
Since the receipt of your letter of 8 th ultimo it has been ascertained that about nineteen years ago, parties represented to be the heirs of Williams Brooks, deceased, who was a Sergeant of Cavalry in the Virginia Line, obtained, from the State of Virginia, warrants for the lands due him from that state, for his service in the Revolutionary war; and, as neither Mrs Chidester's name nor those of her brothers occur among those of his heirs, the strictest proof of identity would alone enable the present applicant to make good her claim.
A. L. Buren, Esq.,
Mill Bend,
Hawkins Co.,
Tennessee.

Register of the Land Office Richmond, Va.
July 15/57

Pension Office,
July 15 th , 1857
Sir:
Please inform me whether a warrant for land has been issued to William Brooks, or his personal representatives, for his service, as a Sergeant of Cavalry, in the Continental Line of Virginia, in the Revolutionary war. I find him returned as not having received land, at the date of the report, in 1835.
If such warrant has issued please state to whom, and such other particulars as the papers may show.
Register of the Land Office, Richmond, Va.

Miss Bessie Simmons 8 May 1857.
Sir:
Your letter to me in relation to the claim of Susanah Chedister dated 28 ult. I have in reply beg leave to say. That before any information was asked of the Secretary of Virginia the claimant told me and alleged. That her father was a sergeant of Cavalry and served three years in the V th Continental Line - upon that information. I ask d the Secretary for a report. he gave me the name of the said Sergeant and the amount of pay he rec d which corresponded with the allegations of the claimant beforehand. But at the same time gave the like name of a man who served in another grade, whose service in no way met the recollection of the party. It is true that upon that letter some light was given to the allegation of the party previously made. and aided some in preparing the declaration. but at the same time it is true that in no one particular did the report by letter of the Secretary vary the premises set-up by claimant previously made. It would seem to me a very reasonable presumption that such allegations were true. After the proofs were taken in the Court of Green County. the Official Certificate

eneland in the papers has obtained.
The land bounty you allude to may have been obtained without the knowledge of my client. And I am unable to see how upon that ground alone she should be denied the benefit. If however you should give no credence at all to the declaration of the party. Now to the proof accompanying the same which is mainly presented to show that Claimant is heir at law of the Sergeant in question. Nor should any presumption of the truth of the same be gathered from the permissus and will shew. Many years ago . declarations of the party Claimant of the material facts to be shewn. to wit. that she is the child of the Sergeant who served as Stated &c. And my client should be thrown upon actual proof of it by living testimony. Why then indeed is her case hopeless. It is to be presumed however that such traditional evidence with the circumstances herein is such persuasive evidence as would induce the very reasonable conclusion that Claimant is the child of the Sergeant in question. Yet if you can take the responsibility to state that the Sergeant in question died "prior to the passage of any heres in Law ". I will with much pleasure abandon the claim. And will abandon it if you see proper to exact more direct proof from my client than you would from her father if

living as made public under the act upon which the claim is founded.
At the date of receiving the letter from the Secretary of War which corresponded with the over previous to the allegations of the claimant I was of opinion the claim was just. Regret must make the contrary on your part. And I see no actual benefit that can accrue from this argument unless you see fit upon the facts disclosed to ameliorate the conclusions fixed in your letter in relation to the claim
With profound respect:
I am: your servant.
Abraham L. Burrell
White Bend
Ky.
Rev. Geo. C. Whiting
Committee of pensions
Washington
D.C.

Willard Bond Innisand 8 June 1857
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose the amended declaration of Susannah Childers only surviving child and heir at law of William Brooks deceased. Wherein I claim to an area of pension due said William under act 7 June 1832 I had previously filed.
The proofs contained are intended to show that the claim is not predicated upon the facts elicited from the Secy of V o . But upon that traditional evidence usual in such cases.
It is your province to give the claim such weight and consideration as its character apparent from the papers themselves may seem to justify.
It is quite evident that the party is the identical child & heir at law of the identical W m Brooks whose Certificate of Service has been furnished from the Secy of V o .
Very Respectfully Your Servant
Rev Geo. C. Whiting Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.
Attest L. Burns Willard Bond Jew

Penna Offce April 28, 1857.
Sir,
I have examined and filed the application of Susannah Childester, one of the children of William Brooks, claiming the annuity of pension due to him under the Act of June 7, 1832, and you are informed that there is not the slightest testimony to induce fact, the belief, much less to establish the fact her father was the Sergeant of Company of her name who served in the Continental Line of Virginia for that soldier's conduct and received on the 30 th of August 1786, from John Dumas, a dispatch certifying for £67:14 s :5 d . — for that soldier's service long and meritorious since, and was also entitled to a pension from the State of Virginia, which was legally

unreasonable loan, doubtless, required. That for the, of the letter of claimant had we not secured, it is not possible that he would have failed to apply  them often during his lifetime for the benefit of one of the persons loans, which entered his com; or it is not possible that he would have lived and yet he lived until Oct. 1896 what many of which a claim! The old claim, I must say, is, in my opinion, founded upon the discovery that the Books of the General Department of Virginia shows the payment of £67:14:6 3/4 to a William Brooks a Sergeant of cavalry, and that any effort  attempts to connect the letter of claimant with that party will be a no practical probably unrest: to that The Sergeant of cavalry, doubtless, who gave to the poss of any person loan and on which  is possible that he has been long since paid the loan which was due to him.
Absalom L. Buren, Jr. Mill Bend, Tenn.
Apres

Letter -

Mill Bend Jan 24 March 1857
Sir:
With a view to obtain for Susan a h Chester only surviving child of William Brooks deceased. The account of pension unclaimed by him under act 7 June 1832. The papers herewith are transmitted - a careful and thorough examination is respectfully requested as the claim is thought to be valid
With my kind respect Also allow L. Dureau Mill Bend Jan
Dear Rev L Whiting
Comm of Pensions Washington D.C.

Pheasant East Fenger
Dearest Brother, 14 Febuary 1857 William Brooks served under Captain Richard Gandy and Ben Stevens I think it was Benjamin he was his major he served apart of his time as order- sergeant he cut his hand abad sword cut after that he served as commissary and in the hospital he served three four years at the close of the war I was so young that my memory don't serve me very well and I hent seen him since 1819 my father died the fifteen of October 1836/1837 so my brother told me he staid at 1836 my brother staid at my house for too weeks in 1837 he gave me all the information I have got on the death of my father my father died at Rocky Mount in South Carolina at his son's if there is any more information wanted send me word and if I can giv it I will Susanah Chester

P. J. G. land  pre  the The basens or greenlee in northe kalind that I am Brooks daughter he lived at basens 2 years in the house with  and lived in one mile of my father when he lived at grillslee in the year 1808 I can prove my are ship by fifty persons in beak or telferford countys
William greenlee or Jasin Casson P.S.P. P.S.G.

p 108 Brooks William - Sol Infy Col S. Cabell £ 16.1.4 - May 13 th 84
p 396 - same - Sergt Cav. Fro Dium Aug. 3 - 86 £ 67.14.5
No land from U. S.
Returned on list of those to who had not recd lands from Va. up to 1835 - as Sergeant of Cavalry

This is to certify that it appears from a list in this department of such officers & Soldiers of the Virginia Continental line, during the Revolutionary war as settled their accounts, and received certificates for the balance of their full pay, according to an act of Assembly passed the November session 1781, that a certificate issued on the third  third of August 1786 in the name of William Brooks as a Sergeant of Cavalry for £67. 14. 5 which certificate appears to have been delivered to John Dunn and was given for services prior to the first of January 1782
George W. Munford Secy of the Com th of Va
March 12 th 1857

H. L. Burum
Oct 29

Pension Office, Oct. 29 th 1857.
Sir.
An answer to your letter of the 19 th inst; in relation to the claim of Susannah Chevester for the pension due her father W m Brook, at his decease. I have to say, that by a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior No unadjusted pension can be allowed an heir of a deceased Revolutionary soldier on his widow.
Yours &c; —
A. S. Burrows, Mill Bend, Louisville,

Affidavit
Proofs
Susanah Childs for sum due to her father Mr. Brooks under act 7 June 1832
Filed by
A. L. Burry
With Bonds
Same

State of Tennessee On This 27 day of May A.D. Greene County I one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven before me personally Came Sarah Chidester an aged Citizen of said County who says on Oath. That she is an applicant for the amount of pension due to her father William Brooks who served in the revolutionary war, and under act of 7 June 1832, that she is informed and believes that a very unjust and erroneous presumption is entertained by the Pension office in regard to the manner she obtained her information with respect to her fathers service and of her identity as the child and heir at Law of the identical William Brooks named in her said application. She Therefore swears that mainly to wit. That her said father William Brooks was a sergeant of Cavalry in Virginia served three years mostly in Capt Yancy's Company. That his service did entitle him to the pension under said act but that he failed to apply for the reasons stated. and the time of his death with other material facts were predicted upon information she had got from her said father in his lifetime and nowhere else That she is not aware of any kind war yet in right of her said fathers service ever being received by his children. Such however may have been effected without affiants knowledge. These facts as stated she avers she has during her whole life to any and every person universally and and upon the said report of her father, as aforesaid. She there- fore believes that her father is the identical person who was paid Thruys John Dunn as stated, 67 $14.5 5 d. by Virginia for her said father performed long and meritorious service. and may have been

been entitled to lead from that state and the same may as stated have been without affiant's knowledge received by him. Though she never heard of it,
It is true affiant cannot by any direct proof show that her father is the identical William Brooks who was killed as alleged - but she believes it and she can show that she has always so declared without any discovery from the Books of the Executive department of Virginia. These books only bearing testimony to that long existing traditional evidence coming down to affiant from her said father. Susanah her Chidester mark attest
Rev. W. A. Eakin
John S. Handley
We William A. Eakin and John S. Handley were present and saw Susanah Chidester sign the foregoing affidavit. We have known her for many years. The substance of her statements has been declared by her on many occasions. For many years before we even heard of her application for any pension and that her said statements are generally believed to be true in the neighborhood.
Rev. W. A. Eakin
John S. Handley
The foregoing affidavit of Susanah Chidester was signed and sworn to by her. and the affidavit of Rev. William A. Eakin and John S. Handley the witnesses was likewise signed and sworn to by them all on the day stated in the Caption And I certify that I know the claimant

and believe from her former statements her age and other circumstances that her statements are true. I also know the witnesses they are credible persons and their statements are true. And I have no interest in the claims all done Before me — May 27 th 1857 John Crabtree J.P. (Seal) for Green Co. Tennessee
State of Tennessee } S.S. Greene County }
I Elijah W Headrick clerk of the County Court for the County and State aforesaid do certify that John Crabtree esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were made is now and was at the date of the same an acting justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature thereto is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County at office in Greenville This 28 th day of May A.D. 1857.
E. W. Headrick Clk.

Willow Bend Louisiana
Octo 19. 1857
Sir:
Susanah Christen- only surviving child of William Brooks ad. is an applicant for the amount of pension which was due and unclaimed by her father at his death in 1836 under act 1832.
The claim was filed in March 1857- And on its examination I refer you to your letter to me of April 28. 1857- A copy of which it is presumed you have- for the present state of the case.
In that letter you are pleased to say. "There is not the slightest testimony to induce the belief. much less establish the fact. that her father was the sergeant of Cavalry of his name, who served etc."
"Is it possible or even probable that Claimant could from recollection alone founded upon the tradition and declarations of her father in his lifetime, frame out such a correct statement of facts prior to any corroboration by the records in the case. And is not this fact standing in the papers filed a circumstance fully strong enough at this late day to convince any impartial mind that. she being born out by the records from Virginia after making the declaration was conversant with the facts of the case. And I can further give strength to the case by saying that the Claimant as early as Feby 1857- in a letter to me related mainly the facts set out in her declaration. and upon which information the proofs were taken"
You are pleased to add in said letter "and was also entitled to draw from the state of Virginia which his legal representatives have doubtless received" This is an erroneous presumption. as the Claimant insists

and says - that if any land was drawn at all it was received by her father in his lifetime. Or by his other children shown to be now dead - and that if such action were even had claimant is neither legally or morally chargeable in either way - And further she is not yet a claimant for land - she says she has not seen her father since 1819 - and believes that if any land was received it was by her father though her co-heirs might have asserted such claim. After 1836 - going upon the presumption of claimant's death. Indeed if anything unfair has taken place claimant cannot be held responsible nor should such action operate now against her.
Her letter proceeds. "And if the father of claimant had been that soldier, it is not probable that he would have failed to apply during his lifetime for the benefit of one of the pension laws which embraced his case. Yet he lived until after 1836 without having asserted a claim."
If his pecuniary condition was such as to preclude an application under act 1818 - it is believed there was no law till June 1832 which would have embraced his case. He only lived a little over 4 years after the passage of that law it is most respectfully submitted if that circumstance is one so anomalous as to preclude the reasonable belief of the premises -
Her letter still proceeds. The whole claim thus set up is in my opinion founded upon the discovery that the Books of the Executive Dept show the payment to a William Brooks a Sergeant V th
In answer to this I respectfully submit a scroll written by claimant or by her order - to me which is genuine. And I venture no information

it contains can be found to have proceeded from any quarter but that it is as far as it goes a correct Version and identity of the very William Brooks sought by your letter to deny her the heirship and benefit of.
It is true My Client is an aged woman and probably at this late day cannot be able by reason of death, comply fully with the requirements of your office in her case especially in the face of your conviction so repugnant to the merits of her claim. Yet she bids me assure you, most solemnly though very respectfully that she is entitled to the arrear claimed and will pursue the claim.
Therefore humbly asks what further terms will be imposed believing as she does that if your office can be of opinion that her proofs of heirship of the officer in question are to be of any weight the same will be charitably given.
With profound regard your servant
A. L. Burrows
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.