Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 19,363, Robert Bolling, Va. Sea Service

SERVICE
Va. Sea Service Bolling, Robert Clara
NUMBER
R 19,363
Va. Half Pay
CONTENTS

The petition of Susan Gilliam and Robert Bob- ling - to the Government - of the United States
1850

To The Government of The United States
Your petitioners Susan Gilliam (formerly Susan -Rolling) and Robert Rolling Jr, both of the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia humbly represent to the Commissioner of Pensions and The Government of The United States-That Their father Robert Rolling Jr deceased went into The Navy of Virginia in The service of The United States at The beginning of The war of The Revolution; That he was promoted to The rank of first Lieutenant at a very early period of The war, and continued to act in That capacity until its close; That not many years after The war was ended, as will appear from The accompanying certificate of The probate of his will, - Their father died, leaving your petitioners infants, under The care of an aged Mother; That Their father never received during his life any compensation in money or land for his long and arduous services during The war; That in The year 1817, upon satisfactory evidence presented to The Executive of Virginia Your petitioners were allowed The bounty land to which a first Lieutenant in The continental line was entitled, for service from The commencement to The close of The war; That his heirs regarding This allowance as less than his service, during The whole war, as first Lieutenant in The Navy, entitled him to, and considering The amount allowed as an oversight or clerical error -

(2) = in the Executive of Virginia, again in the year 1847 brought the matter before the Government Council and were allowed the additional land bounty to which a Lieutenant in the Navy is entitled over an officer of the same rank in the Army; That your petitioners having learned some fifteen or eighteen years ago that their Government had granted five years full pay, and half pay for life to all the patriotic soldiers of the Revolution, who served to the end of the war, and being fully assured that their father had served faithfully and efficiently throughout the whole war, they procured the most ample evidence in support of his claim and employed a Mr Wood, an agent, engaged in prosecuting such claims to present it to the Government for payment, That this agent proving incompetent or negligent did not attend to the claim, and suffered the evidence in its support, which had been procured at great inconvenience and labor by the claimants, to get out of his and their possession; That upon being applied to for the papers some time afterwards he stated they were left in the hands of the late Governor Gilmer who was at that time acting as Commissioner for the State of Vir- -ginia to adjust claims with the General Government; That these proofs confided to Mr Wood have not been recovered by your petitioners; That a search is now being made -

(3) = among the papers of Gov t Gilmer for them, that should they be found your petitioners confidently believe that any other testimony in behalf of their claim would be unnecessary and superfluous; that should those papers be recovered in a short time, they will be forwarded without delay to the commission of Pensions; That most of the parties who then testified in favor of the claim have since died, and your petitioners, who are engaged in agricultural pursuits and live in a retired part of the country, have not since that time made an effort to secure the money due from the government for their father's revolutionary services; That they did not until lately know that complete testimony was yet at their command to prove clearly the justice of this claim; That even in the absence of the full proofs entrusted to Mr s Wood, your petitioners feel happy and confident in the belief that the claims of their father for commutation or five years full pay and half pay for life are fully made out and supported by the indisputable proofs herewith presented and by record evidence at the command of the government; That relying upon its merits your petitioners most cheerfully and confidently submit their claim with the evidences of its validity and justness to the decision of their government = humbly praying that in allowing the claim, the interest, which

14 has been so long accruing, and which your petitioners are informed has been generally and recently allowed upon similar claims may be paid to them; And that your petitioners having an abiding sense of the unsullied good faith and just dealing of their government cannot be otherwise than confident that their reasonable petition will be granted. — Your petitioners desire now to call the particular attention of the government to the different kinds of evidence filed in this case which they trust will be deemed conclusive in establishing their claim and in authorizing the views and reasonable expectations set forth in this petition. — They would first call attention to the fact that the claim for their father's land bounty has been twice at different times and in different forms before the Governor and Council of Virginia, and that on both occasions it was allowed for service to the end of the war . — In the second place to the full, conclusive and minute deposition of Capt n R. G. Bland, who is an old gentleman belonging to one of the oldest & best Virginia families, was an inmate of Robert Bolling's family and is his administrator; Capt n Bland has ever borne the character of an honest, exemplary & christian gentleman; He is in a high degree impressed with the solemnity of an oath and will give no information, of the truth of which, he is not positively certain. — The deposition of Thomas Woodlief (a certified copy of which will be found with these papers).

Testifying to most of the material facts contained in Capt n Bland's affidavit, is worthy of the most unswerving consideration - It was upon this dispo- sition and evidence in the state department at Rich- -mond that the Robert Bolling's land bounty was allowed by the Executive of Virginia - Both these affiants state that they have every reason to believe that Lieutenant Bolling served until the end of the war, and such was the positive testimony of other highly respectable gentlemen who have testified in the case, but these gentle- -men have since died and their affidavits have been misplaced by the agent referred to before. - The particular attention of the government is also respectfully directed to the report on this claim of the late John H. Smith claims then commissioner of Revolutionary for the State of Virginia, it can be found in the acts of the General Assembly of Virginia for the session of 1835 & 1836 and in a separate book printed by the Legislature and marked or entitled "Revolu- -tionary Claims," under the head of Document No. 6- and at pages 77 & 78 of this latter publication it will be found in the following words - to wit:- "Bolling Robert, Lieutenant, Navy - He was Lieute- -nant in the Virginia Navy in 1776, was promoted first Lieutenant, and served to the end of the war (see the affidavit of William Whitfield, on file in the office of the Executive department.) He received

26 = 2666 \frac{2}{3} acres of land in June 1817, for a service for and during the war . His heirs are entitled to additional county land. The Lieutenants in the State Navy have generally been allowed 4000 acres of land for a service of three years. It appears from the Journals of the Navy board, that prior to October 16 th 1776, Robert Bolling was commander of the Schooner Peace & Plenty, and that he was recom- mended January 28 th 1777 first Lieutenant of the Manley Galley vice Sturdivant promoted. There are many entries in the Navy journal showing that he was in service after that time, and at different times. His service was from some time in 1776 (prior to October) to the end of the war."
Among these papers, to which the attention of the Government is solicited, filed in this case, will be found a certified copy of some extracts from the Navy Journal relating to Mr s Bolling's service, also a certified copy of orders and warrant for Robert Bolling's land bounty from the Register's Office of Virginia, also a copy of the Will of Robert Bolling Jr s and of its probate from the Clerk's Of- -fice of Dinwiddie County, — a testimonial from the Rev. Mr s Webb Rector of Bath Parish! of the estimable character and high standing of old Capt n Bland, — Powers of Attorney from Mrs s Susan Gilliam, Robert Bolling Jr s and R. G. Bland administrator of Robert Bolling Sr s to E. H. Smith, — &c. &c. The deposition of William

17 =Whitfield, said by the late commissioners to be on file in the executive department of Virginia, cannot be found in that department:-The secretary of the commonwealth says it has been misplaced among other papers in his office or has been withdrawn by some one from the office.
Your petitioners take pleasure in stating that their representative in congress the Hon. R. H. Meade has given them valuable information in relation to this claim, has manifested a warm interest in their success and is, they are assured, satisfied of its justice. He is well acquainted with all the facts of the case. Your petitioners determining to dispense with the intervention of a paid agent or attorney to prosecute this claim do most confidently submit it to the decision of a government which is proverbially just and generous to the patriotic soldiers of the Revolution, and whose sympathies have ever been with their widows and children.
Humbly begging that this reasonable petition may be granted your petitioners will ever pray &c-
Susan Gilliam Robert Goodwin
Brunswick County June 28 th 1850

16 The Affidavit of R.Y. Poland. May, 1850

The affidavit of R. G. Bland of Dinwiddie given under oath before me C. H. Smith a Justice of the Peace for the said county this 13 th day of May 1850- Question 1 st Do you know whether or not Robert Bolling deceased formerly of Dinwiddie County in the State of Virginia served in the Revolutionary war?
Answer 1 st - He certainly did serve in the Revolutionary war. Question 2 nd In which branch of the service and in what capacity did he serve?
Answer 2 nd He served as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, I have often heard him talk about his service. Question 3 rd Did he serve throughout the whole war?
Answer 3 rd Mr. Bolling served to the close of the war and I have always heard and believed throughout the whole war.
Question 4 th In what year did he die?
Answer 4 th He died in the year 1790, or about that time.
Question 5 th Did he make a will?
Answer 5 th He did and I was present when his last will was made.
Question 6 th Did he leave a widow?
Answer 6 th Yes he did.
Question 7 th Did he marry her before the close of the war?
Answer 7 th He married her in the year 1780, in December of that year according to the best of my recollection.
Question 8 th Where & when did he die? He
Answer 8 th He died at his residence in Dinwiddie in the year 1790.
Question 9 th How many children did he leave, name them?
Answer 9 th He left only two children Susan & Robert.

Question 10 th Are These children of Mr. Bolling now living?
Ans r 10 th Yes, Susan married the late Sam l Gilliam of Brunswick county in which county both she & her brother now reside.
Question 11 th Is Mr. Bolling's widow living or dead, if dead when did she die and where?
Ans r 11 th She died in the county of Brunswick on the month of August 1832
Question 12 th When & Where did Mr. Bolling marry his wife, and what was her maiden name?
Ans r 12 th They were married in what was then the lower part of Amelia County, this part of Amelia has since been cut off and forms now Nottoway County, in the year 1780, her maiden name was Clara Yates.
Question 13 th Did Mr. Bolling's widow ever marry after his death?
Ans r 13 th She never did marry after Mr. Bolling's death, I was an inmate of the family before & after his death.
Question 14 th How many children did she leave, what their names, which are living, did she leave a will?
Ans r She left two children Susan & Robert, they are both still living, she did not make or leave a will.
R. Y. Bland
Sixteen county May 18 th 1850 This affidavit was this day subscribed and sworn to before me by R. Y. Bland of this county - I do hereby certify that the advanced age and bodily infirmities of Mr. Bland put it out of his power to attend court. Given under my hand - J. H. Smith J. P.

State of Virginia Giles County ss.
I John P. Crump Clerk of the county court of Giles in the state of Virginia, do hereby certify that E. H. Smith who hath signed the preceding certificate is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the said county, and that his said signature is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of Office this 20 th day of May A. D. 1850, in the 74 th year of the Com- monwealth.
John P. Crump

No 19363
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871.
WAR OF 1812.
Feb. 2
Lt Robert Bolling
Vadine Revolution
Discharged _____, 18
1-0
3022
N.Y. Pay - Act '32
Received _____, 187
Attorney.

Worth N.C.
J. P. Edwards Esq.
St. Louis Mo. St. Louis Mo. Nashville Tenn.

Heirs of Robert Bolling
Papers in support of application for Pension.
Rejected
Letter to E. H. Smith
June 24, 1883
Letter to E. H. Smith, Sept. 16, 1883 - again rejecting the claim -

To
Letter of E. W. Smith
to
J. E. Heath,
Oct. 10. 1891

Dinwiddie County Va Octb r 10 th 1851
Dear Sir
I have this day received a letter from Mr Robert Bolling of Brunswick (one of the heirs of Robert Bolling sc of the Revolutionary war) in which he informs me that there is a record in the Clerk's Office of that County certifying that satisfactory evidence was adduced before the court, by Maj r James Blick, to prove that Robert Bolling of Dinwiddie - formerly of Prince George - was a Lieutenant in the commencement of the war of the Revolution, that he was in the continental line and served from the commencement to the close of the war, that he never resigned his commission, that he died in the year 1790 in the County of Dinwiddie and that Robert Bolling & Susan Gilliam are the only heirs at law of the said Robert Bolling sc . This record was made in the year 1834 - This Maj r James Blick is the same gentleman referred to in the petition of the heirs of Robert Bolling for his half pay, and whose testimony was alluded to by me in my last letter to you - It likewise formed a part of the evidence which, as stated

in said petition, was confided to an agent named Wood, who stated that he placed them in the hands of the late Gov r Gilmer whilst he was acting as Commissioner of Revolutionary claims for this State. These proofs have never been recovered by the heirs of Rob t Bolling Jr.
It is a little remarkable that the deposition of Richard Whitfield often referred to in the papers accompanying this petition, and upon the strength of which mainly the late Commissioner Mr. John H. Smith made so favorable a report, should have been withdrawn or mislaid in the office of the secretary of this commonwealth. Mr. Bolling strongly suspects that paper has been purloined by an agent who some time ago notified him of its existence and was very anxious to make a contract with Mr. B. for prosecuting this claim. Mr. Bolling thinks he withdrew it for the purpose of forcing him to employ him to present the claim. From certain facts which have come to Mr. Bolling's knowledge he has hopes of recovering that deposition. By an early mail I will write to the Clerk of Brunswick Co. for an authenticated copy of the record before referred to, and will enclose it to you by express  when it is received. Mr. Bolling has always believed that his father served both in the Navy & Army.

That he left at the close of the war as a Capt n in the Army. The deposition of Mary Polick would seem to confirm his opinion. I thought the foregoing facts of sufficient importance to authorize me to beg that you may withhold a decision in this case until these facts can be presented more fully before you, that is in the event you think additional evidence necessary to substantiate the claim.
With high esteem I am most Truly Your friend & servant J. H. Smith
Genl E. Heath Esqr 3

1817. Testimonial of Rev. Mr. Webb in behalf of Capt. R. G. Bland

State of Virginia Dinwiddie County June 28 th 1850
I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the pure and estimable character of my old friend and parishioner Cap t R. G. Bland. Cap t Bland belongs to a highly respectable and distinguished Virginia family. His consistent honesty, fidelity and piety most fitly become his lineage, his station in life and his advanced age. Any statement of his may be implicitly relied on. — Given under my hand this day and year above written.
Wellington E. Webb Minister — Prot. E. Church —

The paper found by Mr. Rolling among his old papers

State of Virginia, At a court held for the County of Brunswick on Monday the 22 nd day of December. A D 1834
The court doth certify that it was proven to their satisfaction by the oath of James Pollock who deposed that he was satisfactory evidence has been adduced to prove that Robert Bolling of the County of Dinwiddie was a Lieutenant in the Continental line in the time of the Revo- lutionary war and that he never resigned his commission that he served untill the war was entirely ended that he the said Robert Bolling died in the year of 1790 in the County of Dinwiddie and that Robert Bolling and Susan Gilliam are the only heirs at law of the said Robert Bolling who served as aforesaid

Dinwiddie Va July 7 th 1851
My Dear Sir
Knowing the onerous nature of the official duties devolving on you, and being informed by your last letter that you would give your earliest possible attention to the claim of the heirs of Robt. Bolling for his services as lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, I have carefully avoided troubling you with unnecessary correspondence on the subject. The heirs - one of whom is Mrs Gilliam a widow lady the other Mr Robt. Bolling who is poor and has a very large family to provide for - are deeply concerned for the decision of their claim and are continually begging me to urge it importunately on your attention.
I have been hoping to hear from you on this subject for several months past and now write to beg (in the event this claim has not yet been decided, that you will do the heirs and me the great favor to have it decided during the present week. I expect to be in Washington about the middle of this month and will be greatly obliged to you if you can have this matter finally adjudicated by that time.
I am most sincerely Your friend & Robt. Scott
Hon. James E. Heath
In much haste -
C. H. Smith

Susan Gilliam & Rob. Bolling &
Mrs. Fillmore -
Feb. 19. 1850.

MS. A. 9. 2. 26
Dinwiddie County Va Feb'y 19 th 1850
To his Excellency President Fillmore
Ref. to the Eng. of the Interm. for his special attention and reply
We Susan Gilliam and Robert Bolling of Brunswick County in the State of Virginia do humbly but with confidence approach President Fillmore and desire to invoke his kind interest and aid in effecting the speedy and just decision of a claim presented - about seven months ago against the Government of the U. S. for the half pay for life and the five years full pay with interest due our Father, the late Robert Bolling Esq. of Dinwiddie county for his services as first Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the whole of the war of the Revolution. Our petition together with full and satisfactory evidence of the justness of the claim is on file in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, and only awaits the action of that officer. There appears to be a peculiar propriety in this our appeal to the President from the fact that in our full reliance upon the good faith and parental liberality of the Government we have employed no paid Agent or Attorney to prosecute this claim, and have confided it to the exclusive direction and control of the authorities at Washington. Should we succeed in getting the President to give his personal inspection to the papers in this case, we feel satisfied that this Administration, which has so promptly and generously dispensed

-dispensed the bounty of the nation to its patriotic soldiers and their bereft and needy widows & children. will do equal justice to us. The receipt of this aid from the government would greatly soften the cares and asperities incident to an old age of poverty, and would afford us the high privilege of promoting the welfare of our numerous descendents. The zealous efforts of Mr Meade - our immediate Representative in congress, of the Hon. Mr Morton and the Hon Mr Haymond from this state, and other influential friends at Washington, in behalf of our claim, attracted to it the favorable consideration of the late lamented President. The final action of the government in reference to it was promised and confidently expected about the time of the death of Genl Taylor. - Notwithstanding this delay - caused by the hand of Providence - we are firmly persuaded that the late favorable prospects of a successful issue of our claim will not be dimmed under the direction of the present benevolent administration.
With fervent aspirations for the complete success of the leading policy of this administration, - the crowning honor of which, has been to bring peace and concord to the estranged brethren of our great national family: - and with sincere prayers for the health and prosperity of our honored Chief Magistrate, whose wise counsels, national views and firm resolves & loyalty to the constitution have elicited the applause of the country and will secure the affection & gratitude of every patriot in the land - we beg leave to subscribe ourselves your very humble & obedient servants Olson Giffen Robert Bolling.

Please have the kindness to direct your reply to either of us at Dinwiddie Court House.

V
Affidavit of Captain R. Y. Bland of Dinwiddie County Augst 1857
1

Dinwiddie County State of Virginia
I Richard G. Bland Jr. of Dinwiddie County do hereby certify that I was an inmate and member of the family of Capt. Robert Bolling deceased of this county and of Revolutionary memory. I was a ward of the said R. Bolling and resided constantly in his family during the war to the close and after the close of the war of the revolution. Capt. Robert Bolling (then Lieutenant Bolling) was married in or about the year 1780, and shortly after his marriage he returned to his duty as a Lieutenant in the Navy and continued in the Military service of the country as I knew at the time and have always since heard until the close of the war of the Revolution. Capt. Bolling never visited his family but once to my knowledge after his marriage, and then only staid a short time, until after the war closed and the forces were disbanded. I distinctly recollect hearing the late Maj. James Blick of Brunswick County in this state say that he was a cabin boy in a naval vessel commanded by Lieutenant R. Bolling and that the said Bolling to his certain knowledge served to the end of the war. - I have also been informed that the said Maj. James Blick gave his deposition to this effect many years before his death and that the said deposition has been lost or mislaid. I have often heard Lieutenant Robert Bolling tell many interesting anecdotes and incidents of his service in the war of the Revolution, some of these incidents occurring to him in person about and at the time of the disbanding the forces at the close of the war. A great number of these anecdotes I yet retain in my memory and often still

amuse myself and I hope entertain others in narrating. Then I will here mention that in giving a former deposition on this subject, the lines of Santa R. Bolling following the advice of the Hon. R. K. Meade, propounded separate questions to me, many of which called for simple categorical answers, and prevented me from entering as fully & satisfactorily on the details within my knowledge as I myself desired. I presume that deposition is at the command of the authorities at Washington and can be referred to on any point omitted in this affidavit. Given under my hand and seal This second day of August 1857
W. G. Bland (seal)
Dinwiddie County, 2 nd August 1857. This day Capt. W. G. Bland personally appeared before me, acknowledged the above to be his signature and made oath to the truth and correctness of the facts stated in the above affidavit. Given under my hand this day and year above written.
E. H. Smith J.P.
State of Virginia Dinwiddie County } S.S.
I, John P. Crump Clerk of the County Court of Dinwiddie County, in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify, that E. H. Smith Esq., before whom the above affidavit was made, and who has thereto subscribed his name, was, at the time of so doing, a justice of the peace in & for the said County, duly commissioned & sworn.
In testimony whereof, I hereto subscribe my name, & annex the seal of the said Court, this 9 th day of August A. D. 1857. in the 76 th year of the Commonwealth. Jno. P. Crump C.K.

Brunswick County Set. Thomas Woodling aged 57 years personally appeared before me Hartwell Tucker a Magistrate of the aforesaid County and made oath that he was well ac- =quainted with Robert Bolling serv:ed at the commencement of the Revolutionary War between America and Great Britain, and knows that the said Bolling went into the Navy of the United States in the year 1776 as a lieutenant and shortly afterwards was promoted to a first Lieutenancy: That he this affiant remained in the Navy about 12 months at which time he left it; That the said Bolling still conti- =nued in the Navy and he always heard & believes that the said Bolling remained in the Navy during the war. Given under my hand and seal this 10 th day of July 1815—
Hartwell Tucker
Executive Department
Richmond V a June 21. 1850.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper filed in this department.
H. M. Richardson Dy. Secy

(Dinwiddie County Virginia Sep r 29 th 1852
Dear Sir
I write again to call your attention to the claim of the heirs of Lieutenant Robert Rolling of the Va. State Navy during the war of the Revolution. The parties have long been in a state of anxious suspense and urge me to beg your early action in the matter. I trust now-during the recess of congress - your onerous duties will be so far diminished as to enable you to give your immediate attention to this matter.
Mr Rolling , has by this mail sent on his warrants for his father's additional bounty land, to the Secretary of the Interior. Mr Rolling desires me to go on to Washington so soon as I can learn from you or Mr Stuart that his interests before your Department have been or will be at any stated time finally acted upon. Be good enough to reply to this without delay.
With the highest esteem I remain
Your friend & most obed t Servant
Edwin a Harvie Smith
Hon. Jas. E. Heath

3 rd Jan 9 1852
E. H. Smith (M)
Enclosing paper showing that proof was adduced to satisfy Brunswick Court that Robert Bolling was an officer in the Continental line in the rev. war.

Denwiddie Va Jany 3 rd / 1852
Dear Sir
My last communication to you, in reference to the claim of Robert Bolling's heirs for half pay &c, was written, when it was daily expected that your decision in the case would be made. I wrote then to apprise you that I had just received from Mr Robert Bolling - one of the heirs - a copy of a paper which he had unexpectedly found among the old papers of his family. This paper purporting to show that it had been proven to the satisfaction of the County Court of Brunswick that Robert Bolling of the County of Dinwiddie was a Lieutenant in the continental line in the time of the Revolutionary war and that he never resigned his commission, that he served until the war was entirely ended so - see the identical paper found by Mr Bolling and herein inclosed for your inspection. Mr Bolling is totally unacquainted with and unfitted for business of this description. It is evident from his letter, in which he inclosed a copy of this paper to me that Mr Bolling was fully impressed with the idea that the copy sent would furnish satisfactory proof of the facts set forth, and he urged me to read on to you, without delay, his letter containing

containing a copy of the paper herewith inclosed. I saw at once that an authenticated copy of this paper should be procured from the Clerk's Office of Brunswick and consequently I did not send to you either on this letter or the copy. But entertaining no doubt that a paper of this character was on record in Brunswick, I wrote at once to you informing you of the circumstances and of my purpose to write to the Clerk of Brunswick week for a certified copy of the record, and also desiring you to withhold your decision until you should hear further from me on the sub- -ject. Upon application to the Clerk of Brunswick he informed me that no such record could be found in his office. I then felt that it was due to myself that I should get the paper found by Mr. Bolling and send it on for your inspection. I immediately applied to Mr. Bolling for it; but the part of the country in which he resides is so retired and remote from any mail route that he thought it best to entrust it to a private person by whom it was forgotten, and consequently did not reach me until a day or two ago. The James Blick alluded to in this paper was the same Major Blick referred to by me in my former communi- -cations to you as the gentleman who gave such strong evidence in behalf of this claim, when it was first prepared for presentation about the years 1833 & 1834. All the evidence then obtained was en- -trusted to an Agent named (I think) Wood, which agent-

agent stated that he had left these proofs in the hands of the late Gov r Gilmer who at the time spoken of was acting as Com r of claims for the State of Virginia. These papers have never been recovered by the claimants. The circumstances connected with this matter strongly impress my mind with the belief that the paper found by Mr s Bolling indicates the plan first suggesting itself to the parties engaged in taking the evidence of Maj r Pollock, and that afterwards the usual mode of taking the affidavit before a single justice occurred to them and was adopted in this case. From the unanimous opinion of all the older members of Mr s Bolling's family as well as from the statement of many neighbors acquainted with the facts, there can be no doubt that the affidavit of Maj r Pollock which has been lost or mislaid was fully as strong as is represented in the paper found by Mr s Bolling. Does it not occur to you that this is a fair, and the most rational, construction to put on the facts of this case.
You will find among the papers of this case a second affidavit of old Capt n Bland. This was taken in consequence of the apprehension that his first deposition, which was taken in the form of questions and answers was not so connected or satisfactory as if it had been given in the narrative form and also from the fact that it was particularly desired by Capt n Bland to give it in the latter form from the first. I am desired by Mr s Gilliam and Mr s Bolling to notify you that all the evidence now acquired

accessible to Them, or within Their knowledge, will, upon the receipt of this, will be in your hands. They desire me to tender to you Their grateful thanks for the deliberation and great pains They have reason to believe you have devoted to the investigation of Their claim. They are so firmly convinced of the justice of Their claim That They are sanguine of a decision favorable to Them.
With highest esteem I am Most Respectfully your Obedient Servt
J. H. Smith
Hon. Jas E. Heath

Dinwiddie June 8 th 1852
Dear Sir
Since the receipt of your last letter I have been in constant expectation of learning your decision in relation to the claim of Lieut. Col. Robert Bollings Heirs for his services during the war of the Revolution.
Knowing full well the onerous nature of the public duties devolving on you and your habitual desire to discharge them promptly and faithfully I have resisted the importunities of Mr. Bollings & Mrs. Gilliam and have foreborne to encumber you with unnecessary correspondence on the subject.
The claimants are eagerly anxious to know the fate of their claim and I trust an early mail may bring from you a decision in conformity with their wishes.
I am with highest esteem
Your friend & Obdt. Servt.
J. H. Smith
James E. Heath Esq.

Referred to Committee of Pensions, with the request that he will make a report upon the subject matter of within communication
Alex H. H. Stuart Secretary

Amherst County Va Novm r 18 th 1850
Dear Sir
At the earnest solicitation of Mrs Susan Gilliam and Mr Robert Bolling, the only children & heirs of Robert Bolling Sen r deceased of this county, who acted as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the whole of the war of the Revolution, I take the liberty of calling your attention to their claim upon the Government for their Father's half pay for life and for his commutation or five years full pay with interest. This claim was presented for the action of the Government during the last spring, and accompanied by what is believed to be satisfactory evidence of its justness and validity it was lodged in one of the public offices under your general supervision where it remains - so far as the parties are informed on the subject - as yet unattended to.
The petition and other papers filed by the claimants in this case, in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions set forth the following among numerous other facts - To wit - That these petitioners present their claim without the intervention of any feed agent or attorney - relying entirely upon the sense of justice and liberality of the Government - That the delay in presenting this claim which the parties have always known to be just was in the first

-place owing to the carelessness of an agent employed by the claimants many years ago and who proved negligent and faithless to their interests, and in a great degree to the retired place of residence of the claimants, as well as their want of familiarity with the proper mode of procuring the necessary evidence in support of their claim, and their absence from influential friends to press their claim upon the attention of government. - That Robt. Bolling Sw c entered the Va te State Navy about the commencement of the Revolutionary War as a second lieutenant and was quickly promoted to a first Lieutenancy and continued to serve in the latter capacity to the close of the war; - That these claimants have received from the State of Virginia warrants for the full amount of land bounty allowed to a first lieutenant in the Navy for a service during the whole war; - That the petitioners ask the government for their Father's half pay for life - and for his five years full pay with interest; and for any pay his widow (their mother) who survived her husband may be entitled to; - That the high character and lineage of old Capt n Bland, the chief witness, and of Robert Bolling Sw c & his family are strongly set forth. - That the petitioners are old, infirm & needy and would have the evening of life much cheered & comforted by having the wise & parental liberality of their Government extended to them. Many other facts appear in the papers filed in support of this claim. The Representative in congress from this district the Hon. R. K. Meade has given the claimants much valuable aid

- in the presentation of their claim and has manifested a warm interest in its behalf. The Hon. Mr. Hammond and the Hon. Mr. Morton - the only whig members of congress from this state have also kindly and earnestly interested themselves for the claimants. Aid was sought from the last named gentlemen from the fact that the claimants and their large family connection in every branch are and have been unswerving whigs - it seemed proper & fitting that their claim should be urged upon a whig administration by sterling whigs.
Owing to the active cooperation of these and other influential friends the friendly interest of the late lamented President was drawn to this claim and its decision was expected and promised about the time of Genl. Taylor's death - Since that time the claimants have not heard a word from their claim; but they are sanguine in the belief that their interests will not suffer by falling in the hands of the present able, straight forward & dignified administration. With great confidence do they confide their interests to the known justice & fair dealing of the distinguished Virginian, who presides over the Department of the Interior. With the highest esteem I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
The Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior
Please direct to Danville P.O. and be good enough to reply to this as soon as practicable & oblige &c E.H.S.
J. H. Smith

Dinwiddie Co. Va March 15 th 1851
Dear Sir
I write to enquire whether or not the claim of the heirs of the late Lieut. Robert Rolling of the Va State Navy, for his services as Lieutenant during the war of the Revolution, has been acted upon ; and if not when it will be reached. The parties are advanced in life and would be greatly benefited by the recovery of this claim - They urge me to beg you to give it the earliest possible attention.
I contemplate visiting Washington soon and would like to be there at such time as you may think. This claim will be acted upon by you.
With high esteem I am most truly Your friend & servant J. B. Smith
James E. Heath Esq

Dinwiddie County Va Dec r 17 th 1858
James E. Heath Esq r
My Dear Sir
Your kindness under other circumstances emboldens me to address you as a friend in a private letter, although on the subject of business that will come before you in your official capacity. Mrs Gilliam, who is the Grandmother of my present wife, and Mr Robert Bolling of Brunswick County in this State have a claim against the General Government for the services of their father the late Rob t Bolling sen r of Dinwiddie as a first Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the whole of the war of the Revolution. Owing to the unwillingness of the parties to confide the management of this claim to an ordinary feed agent, and to other insuperable obstacles, it was never presented against the Government until the spring of this year. At the earnest request of the parties I undertook to prepare the case for the action of the Commissioner of Pensions I think in May last. A decision of the matter was promised about the time of the death of the late lamented President; and since that time, but remains yet unfulfilled. You will find all the proofs in the case filed in your office. I think the claim

most satisfactorily sustained by evidence and hope it will receive from you an early as I know it will a fair & just decision. The parties claim their father's half pay for life and his commutation of five years full pay with interest, They also claim whatever may be due their mother who survived her husband many years under acts of congress making allowances to widows of Revolutionary officers. The heirs of Robert Bolling Esq: have been allowed by the State of Virginia the full amount of land bounty due a first lieutenant in the Navy for service during the whole of the Revolutionary war. You will confer a lasting favor upon me by giving this matter your early attention & by writing to me as soon as practicable on the subject.
For the purpose of enlarging the circulation of the Richmond Whig in our county I have sent on a Memorial Numerously signed to the Post Office department praying a change in our mail days - no answer has been received from that department - May I beg the favor of you to call the attention of the proper officer to that Memorial. The great regret of your friends at losing your valued services from our leading Journal is in some degree softened by the hope that your happiness & prosperity will be advanced in your new & honorable sphere of duties - at all events the country may be congratulated for acumen in appropriating Virginia's best & truest sons. With sincere gratitude for the past and the best wishes for the future I remain most truly your friend & servt E. Harvey Smith

Denwiddie August 25 th 1857
Dear Sir
Inclosed you will receive a deposition of old Capt n Bland in support of the claim of the heirs of Lieut t Robert Bolling for his military services during the war of the Revolution. This deposition was given in narrative form and not by questions and answers. It is more full, pointed and convincing than was his former deposition given in this case - and I am authorized by Capt n Bland to say it is more satisfactory to him than was the former deposition, which was given chiefly in monosyllables. It appears, from a manuscript book entitled "Virginia Navy Papers" and compiled by order of the Legislature of Virginia by the John H. Smith Esq o the late Commissioner of Revolutionary claims for this state, that Robert Bolling was a Lieutenant at different times during the war in 3 of the naval vessels of the state to wit the Peace & Plenty, the Manly Gally and the Brig Musquito. This book was compiled from the Naval Journal, from the Journals of the Committee of Safety, of the Executive of the Navy Board, of the Board of War and from the Navy - documents in the Executive Department of Virginia - On page 21 st of "Virginia Navy Papers" is this order to wit "July 5: 1779 The Manly - 3-Gun, Hero, Seavis and Page Gallies and ship Gloucester, ordered to be dismantled, & their stores and

= men & transferred to other depots of war." Another Manuscript Book, entitled "Revolutionary Army Documents" ordered by the Legislature of Virginia and collected and compiled by the same Commissioner the late John Hill Smith, contains repeated mention of the name and service of the late Robert Bowling as a Lieutenant in the State Navy. This book contains the Minutes of the Committee of Safety, "Council General" Contents of Lawrence Smith's Pay Book, "Abstract of Members of the Cincinnati Society of Virginia up to 1802." Arrangement of the Virginia Line from the Genl. War Office. Rank Roll of the Field Officers of the Virginia Line 14 th Sept r 1778, Numerous other Rank Rolls, List of Officers of the State Line that are entitled to Half Pay - taken from the lists returned to the Executive by the Field Officers who sat at the different Boards in Richmond in the Months of Feby & April of the year 1782. The Chesterfield Arrang- ement - by Maj Genl Baron Heubner of the Virginia Line. State Garrison Regiment, Winchester arrangement - Va- line Cumberland and other arrangements, Lists of Officers & Redundant junior Officers, Dunsecomb's Army Accounts of Officers & Privates settled before 16 th Feby 1786. Abstract of Army Accts settled by State Auditor; Proceedings of the Virginia State Association of the Cincinnati at the Town House in Fredericksburg in 1784 & 1785 a complete list of the members found among the Papers of the Society. Dates of Revolutionary Battles. Lists of Officers and Widows of Officers who have received Pensions Half Pay &c &c. One Copy of each of these Books is in the Executive Department of Virginia and the only other copy (known of) is in possession of the family of the late Commis- sioner John H. Smith. The late Commissioner Smith in

reporting (as directed by the Legislature of Virginia to do) a list of officers of the Virginia State Line and Navy and of the Virginia Continental Line who were entitled to additional Bounty Land for Revolutionary services — reports verbatim as follows of Lieutenant Robert Bolling very — "Robert Bolling, Lieutenant, Navy — He was Lieutenant in the Virginia Navy in 1776, was promoted first lieutenant, and served to the end of the war. (See the affidavit of William Whitfield, on file in the Executive department.) He received 2666\frac{2}{3} acres of land in June 1812, for a service for and during the war. His heirs are entitled to additional Bounty land. The Lieutenants in the State Navy have generally been allowed 4000 acres of land for a service of three years. It appears from the Journals of the Navy Board that prior to October 16, 1776 Robert Bolling was commander of the schooner Peace & Plenty , and that he was recommended January 28 th 1778, first lieutenant of the Manley Galley, vice Standard promoted. There are many entries in the Navy Journal, shewing that he was in service after that time, and at different times. His service was from some time in 1776 (prior to October) to the end of the war. " This report of the late Commissioners was made * in the year 1835 and was printed by the Legislature of Virginia — a copy of it entitled "Revolutionary Claims" is doubtless in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions — The foregoing extract may be found on pages 77 and 78 of this report. The affidavit

of William Whitfield - said by the late Commissioner to be on file in the Executive department has been misplaced or lost; it is so stated by the Secretary of the Common- wealth. The deposition of Thomas Woodliffe - a copy of which is now in your hands among the papers accom- panying this claim - is very strong, and when taken in connection with the calm and disinterested report of the late Commissioner of Virginia in favor of this claim, to- gether with the positive and detailed evidence of Captain Bland in its behalf, and all corroborated by the numerous proofs offered by the state and national re- cords, it does appear to me wonderful that after so great a lapse of time, facts from such a variety of sources, so cogent and convincing could present themselves in support of this or any claim. This claim must be based upon that justice, which though slow is sure. The deposition of William Whitfield must alone have been conclusive as to the service of himself  him Bolling to the end of the war, as the confident opi- nion of the late Commissioner of Virginia to that effect must have been in a great degree based upon his Whitfield's clear and positive assertion that Lieutenant B. served to the end of the war. This claim is now finally and con- =fidently submitted to that high sense of jus- =tice tempered with generosity which exalteth a nation and which, I know, constitutes a part of your nature.
I am Most sincerely Your friend & etc.
Jas E. Heath Esq.
J. H. Smith

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
James L. Edwards Esq. & Dinwiddie County Virginia June 27 - 1850
Dear Sir
Mr Robert Bolling Jr and Mrs Susan Gilliam, the heirs of Robert Bolling Jr of the Navy of the Revolution, desire me to write a line informing you of the state of the evidence in favor of their claim for the revolutionary services of their father. After an interview had with you three or four weeks ago by Mr Bolling and me in company with Mr Wm Selden The U. S. Treasurer, the parties concluded to prepare their own proofs in support of this claim and to present them with a petition to the government, without the intervention of any feed agent or attorney. Upon the proofs then in Mr Bolling's possession, which were left with you, you were kind enough to docket this claim and informed us that it would be taken up for decision in about two months from that time. Mr Bolling thinking it possible you may reach the claim sooner than you expected, and that you would not be able to account for the incomplete state of the evidence in support of it, desires me to say that he has collected all necessary evidence and will forward it with the petition of the heirs of Robt. Bolling Jr to you by the

- mail early during the coming week.
With great esteem I am Very Truly & Respectfully Your Obedient Servt
J. H. Smith-
1820
11/11/11
Dear Sir,

Washington - Aug 31 st 1850.
Sir,
I have received a letter from Col. E. N. Smith (Div. middle P. H. M. Va) requesting to know if you have acted on the case of the heirs of Robert Bolling S sq , as first Lieutenant in the VA Navy, to the end of the war & the resolution? Will you as soon as you can give me the decision in the case. He thinks the evidence filed sufficient. I know nothing about it.
I remain Sir,
Yrs Very Truly
Sumner Morton
James L. Edwards
House of Delegates
Washington

Know all men by These presents That we Susan Gilliam and Robert Bolling of the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia, hereby formally and solemnly revoking any and all powers of attorney heretofore made by us for the collection of the claim hereinafter mentioned, have made, ordained, constituted and appointed, and by These presents do make, constitute and appoint Edwin Harvie Small of Dinwiddie County our true and lawful attorney, for us, and in our names, but to our use, to receive all money now due and any other compensa- -tion now due or hereafter becoming due from the Government of the United States or from the State of Virginia for the military services of our father Robert Bolling died in the Revolutionary war, and upon the payment of the same, or any part Thereof, for us, and in our names, to give acquit- -tances and discharges; and further, to do and execute all and every other lawful act and acts, needful for receiving and obtaining the said money and other compensation, or any part Thereof; but to our use as aforesaid, as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as if we were personally pre- -sent hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever our said attorney shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, in performing the duties of this ap- -pointment. In testimony whereof we =

= hereunto set our hands and affix our seals this 15 th day of May 1850
Susan Gilliam (Seal) Robert Dobbins (Seal)
Signed -
In presence of - Rob t W m Hall Green Hill

Richmond 30 August 1833.
Sir. In compliance with your letters, I have made searches for the revolutionary service of Lieut Robert Bolling of the State Navy - and send all the evidence (official) to be found in the Navy Journals &c. I had hoped, that the list of resigned Navy officers, including this name, on file in your department, to which you referred, and a copy of which was subsequently sent to me, would prove to be an arrangement by date, rather than an alphabetical one which it is, and furnish some clue as to the time when the alleged resignation was tendered - The general correctness of this list, and the facts embraced in some memoranda enclosed, have prompted me to make a more extended search, than I might otherwise have thought necessary, and which has resulted, in the failure to find evidence of resignation - if he did resign, he may have stated the fact, in some certificate given to establish the service of another on an application for land bounty, in which case, it would be found among the papers of such applicant, on the files of the Executive - and may possibly have been thus obtained by the compiler of the list referred to, or he may have stated it on some application to the legislature in his own behalf though in the latter

in the latter case, I have examined, the remnant of petitions to be found in the office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates from 1777 to 1790 without discovery - The memoranda are sent with the note, that if they embrace any thing deemed impor- tant, by underscoring what may be so considered, and returning the paper to me. I can procure also former the official evidence of so much -
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servant Joseph Barker
L. P. Waldo Esq. Comr of Pensions

Richmond V o 13 Aug t 1833
Sir
Your letter of the 12 th inst t , in reference to the services of Robert Billing D r Navy is received - you state that since your letter of the 2 d , a list has been answered in your office entitled Resigned Officers Navy, including the name of R t Billing, and according to memorandum, these resignations, "appear in the Records at Richmond" -
I have as yet discovered no evidence of his resignation, in the proceedings of the Navy Board, is of signing after Dec r 1777 the list is I presume a short one, if I could be furnished with a copy of it, some clue might be afforded by it, as to whence it was derived.
Very respectfully
Yrs
Rev d Sir
Philip Fulton
L d O. Waldo Esq r Com r of Pensions

Letter of W. D. Goode Ans. Sept. 3. 1885-

To The Com: Pensions
Sir
I Take the liberty to ask your attention to the claim of Robt Bolling & Susan Gilliam founded on the services of Robt Bolling Sr who claims to have served as Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy throughout the War of the Revolution.
May I ask most respectfully, when it is probable the business of the department will permit attention to the subject and examination into its merits.
I have the honor to be
Your Obt: Servt:
Wm Goode
Boylton Michelmere Va
July 26. 1853.

Dinwiddie Virginia Novm r 9 th 1850
Genl L. Edwards Esq r
Sir
Mrs Gilliam and Mr s Bolling, after a long and anxious state of suspense as to the fate of their claim upon the General Government for the revolutionary services of their father Rob t Bolling as Lieutenant in the Va a State Navy, desire me to enquire of you whether or not the claim has been acted upon - and if not what is the present state of the case, and what the prospect of its early decision. The parties were informed by Messrs Haymond & Morton, members of the House of Representatives from this State, that this case would come up in order some two months ago, and would be promptly decided. The parties have been in daily expectation of hearing from you on the subject since that time. They are both now advanced in life and are quite infirm, should the Government ever design to allow this claim it would doubly honor itself by placing the amount due without delay at the disposal of these aged and needy descendants of a revolutionary hero. With high esteem I am very Respectfully
Please reply to this without delay & direct to me at Dinwiddie Ct-House E.H.S.
Your Obed t Serv t J. H. Smith

Tuesday 28 th January 1777.
Robert Bolling is recommended to His Excellency The Governor and the Hon ble The Council as a proper person to be appointed first lieutenant of the Manley Galley in the room of Lieutenant Thundersant who is recommended Captain of the said Galley" From page 164
"Thursday the 11 th day of December 1777. Ordered That the keeper of public store deliver to Lieutenant Robert Bolling nineteen Blankets, a paint brush, for the use of the Manley Galley" From page 328
The above is truly copied from the Naval Journal ~
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office Richmond This 25 th day of March 1847.
Jas. E. Heath - 1 st Auditor
Executive Department
Richmond Va June 21. 1850.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper filed in this department. W. H. Richardson Secy Com

Resigned Navy officers
( 11 )
List of Resigned Officers of the Navy & those who died before 1784.

Resigned Officers, Navy.
   Ishmael Andrews Lt. Robert Bolling Lt. Boucher Com. re Robert Blaws Lt. John Barnett Lt. James Booke capt. John Cheshire Lt. Robt. Conway Capt. X Chs. Calvert Capt. John Calvert Capt. not res. Mr. Deane capt. not named X Mr. Denford mas. res. X Robt. Elam Lt. res. John Hannitow Lt. res. Argyle Herbert Lt. res. Sam Hanway Capt. res. Lewis Jones Lt. X Aaron Jeffries Lt. X Staff. Lightbourn Lt. X Henry Lightbourn Lt. X Richard Montague Lt. X Robert Millner Lt. X J. Messares Lt. X Richard Marsh Lt. X John Pettigrew Lt. X Thos. Pollard Lt. X Benja. Rust Lt. X Dan Richardson Lt. X Mr. Richardson Lt.    John Singleton Lt. Henry Stratton Lt. John Thrall Lt. John Taylor Lt. X Mr. Underhill capt. X Johannes Watson capt. X Isaac Younghusband capt. 36.     Died before 1784 Benj. Chapin Surge. Mr. Christian Lieut Phil Chamberlayne Lt. Mr. Christie Surgeon James Gray Lt. John Harris Lt. George Hunter Surgeon Bannister Howe, Master Mr. Ivey Capt. John Pitt. Surgeon Joel Shidvent Capt. John Shields Lt. Robt. Tompkins capt. 13.  The above resignations & deaths appear on the records at Richmond.  Also, Capt Callender - Navy. Com. Mr. Christian B. Chamberlayne Lieut. H. Chamberlayne Pettigrew - and many others -

Plan of Robt. Bolling
Abstract of Testimony

Brief of the testimony, in the case of Robert Bolling, Lieutenant in the State Navy of Virginia, for half-pay.
Richard Y. Bland in 1797 was appointed administrator of Bolling, with the will annexed. (A) and died 1852
A The only heirs are Susan Gwillian, and Robert Bolling.
The administrator  Edwin has appointed Edwin H. Smith, Esq., power of attorney, his agent (B).
The heirs also have constituted him their agent. (C.)
Paul Evidence -
Thomas Woodleaf - On July 10. 1815 - says that he knows not into the Navy, (of the United States ) in 1776, as a lieutenant, and promoted to be 1st Lieut. - affiant was in the Navy, 12 months, when he left it; that B. still continued in the Navy - and he also says heard and believes he continued in the Navy, during the war - was well acquainted with B. at Cambridge - most of the war. (D) (This evidence was given on the application for land, to the State of Virginia.)
Richard Y. Bland - He is the adm r de bon. non. He testifies, ( August, 1851. ) that he was a ward of R.

Bolling, and resided in his family, during the war, at & after its close. He was married in 1780, and soon after returned to the Navy, and continued in the military service of the country, as officer knew at the time and has always since heard, until after the close of the war.
Had heard the late Maj. James B. Blich, say that he was a cabin boy, in a naval vessel commanded by Lieut. Bolling. Had often heard Lieut. Bolling relate anecdotes relating to his service, and some of them, and some of them relating to the period of their disbanding, the troops. (H)
A former officer of the same service, states that that Bolling died in 1790, and that the widow remained a widow, till her death in August 1832. (I)
Rev. Wellington E. Webb (G) bears testimony to the high character of Bland for truth and integrity.
Petition of R. Bolling Jr. for Bounties, and to the Legislature of Virginia, - presented in the year 1815 relying on the testimony of Woodlief. H. (D)
Certificate of Gov. Pleasants for land, as lieutenant of the continental line, for service during the war. (I) 1817.
Certificate of Gov. Daniel, (1847) for land for service as Lieut. in the Navy. (J)

Copy proceedings of Navy Board - recommendation of Bolling for Lieutenancy of the Navy Gallery (1777), and subsequent order for delivery of stores to Lieut. Bolling (K)

Dinwiddie County Va
March 9 th 1852
Dear Sir
Having heard nothing from you in reference to the claim of Lieut t Robert Bolling Reins, since my last communication & inclosure to you, and being often urged by the anxieties & requests of the claimants, I again address you on the subject. I am very anxious to know with certainty whether or not Document No 6 of the General Assembly of Virginia for the session of 1835 & 1836 - containing the Report of the Commissioner of Revolutionary claims, is in your office or is accessible to you. That Document (bound in board & entitled "Revolutionary claims") contains the report of the Commissioner of Virginia on the claim of Lieut t Robert Bolling - This report commences at the bottom of page 77 & is continued to page 78. The remarks there made on this claim I have accurately transcribed and sent to you in a former communication. But in the event this document is not in your possession, and you should wish to see it, I can send on a copy, which I have in my possession. Should you have this document in your office, then all the proof that in all probability can ever be recovered by the

claimants is already before you. Old Capt n Bland the last important witness in the case has recently died. He has often assured me that it was his firm conviction that a more just debt was never paid by the government.
M rs Gilliam and M rs Robt. Bolling are now in the decline of life and the receipt of this money, which they religiously believe is justly due, would go far to cheer their old age. They desire me to beg that you will give this claim your early attention.
With highest esteem I am Most Truly Your friend & obed t Serv t
J. H. Smith
James E. Heath-Erge

Know all men by these presents That I R. G. Bland of the County of Dinwiddie and State of Virginia and administrator of Robert Bolling deceased of the same county have made, ordained, constituted and appointed and by these presents do make consti- tute and appoint Edwin Harris Smith of Dinwiddie County my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, but to the use of the legal heirs of Robert Bolling dead to receive all money now due or any other compensation now due or here- after becoming due from the Government of the United States or from the State of Virginia for the military services of said Bolling in the war of The Revolution; And upon the payment of the same, or any part thereof, for me and in my name as administrator aforesaid, to give acquittances and discharges; And further, to do and execute all and every other lawful act and acts, needful for receiving and obtaining the said money and other compensation or any part thereof; but to the use of said legal heirs of Robert Bolling deceased, as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as if I was personally present - hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done, in performing the duties of this appointment. In Testi- mony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 20 th day of May 1850. Signed in presence of R. G. Bland Jr. R. G. Bland Seal Thos. M. Chambers

The Representatives of Robert Bolling are entitled to the proportion of land allowed a Lieutenant of the Continental line for service during the war. Council Chamber } J. W. Pleasants Jany 23 d 1817 }
James P. Preston.
Warrants, Nos 6202 for 500 acres, N o 6203 for 333 1 / 3 acres, and five Warrants from No. 6204 to 6208 inclusive for 100 acres each, issued the 14 th day of June 1817, to Robert Bolling son and Devisee of Robert Bolling dec d and Warrants No 6209 for 500 acres, N o 6210 for 333 1 / 3 acres and five Warrants from No. 6211 to 6215 inclusive, issued 14 th June 1817, to John Verell ap l of Robert Bolling, son & Devisee of Robert Bolling dec d .
• Copy from the Records of the Virginia Land Office Teste,
S. H. Parker Reg. L. Office
25 cents Off ce per

Executive Department
August 19 th 1847.
The heirs of Robert Bolling are allowed Land Bounty for his services as a Lieutenant in the State Navy - the amount received for his services as a Lieutenant in the Continental line to be deducted.
The Register will issue a Warrant accordingly if not already drawn
R. H. Daniel St. Gov.
Copy of a paper on file in the Virginia Land Office Teste,
S. H. Parker Reg. L. Office
25 cents Office fee

Copy Will of A Robert Bolling dec d and appointment of Bland, adm: d. b. n.

I Robert Bolling of the County of Dinwiddie enjoying the perfect use of sense and memory altho' weak of body make this my last will and testament in form and manner following.
1. I desire that two lots of land lying at Broadway in the County of Prince George, and five acres of land joining the lands of Theoderick Bland and William Gilliam be sold by my after named Executrix and that she convey the fee simple right to the same to the purchaser.
2 d I lend unto my wife Clara Bolling the free use of all my estate real and personal during her natural life or widowhood for her and my childrens mutual support and for the maintenance and education of my children; but in case of the marriage of my wife, I desire that she may enjoy the free use of one third part of my estate during her natural life, and that the residue of my negroes and personal estate be equally divided between my two children Robert and Susanna Bollings; and upon the same events happening, I give all my lands to my son Robert Bolling, to him and his heirs forever: And if my wife never marries my desire is that my land after her death descend to my son Rob t Bolling, and that she divide my negroes and other estate agreeable to her inclination between my two children Rob t and Susanna Bollings. In case of the death of either of my children before they have lawful issue my desire is that his or her estate descend to the survivor of them; and in case of the death of both my children before they have lawful issue I give the whole of my estate real and personal to my wife Clara Bolling to herther heirs forever.
I appoint my wife Clara Bolling my sole

Executrix of this my last Will and testament - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this seventh day of September One Thousand Seven hundred and eighty nine. —
Signed, sealed, delivered and acknowledged in presence of
Robt Bolling (Seal)
Susanna Merton
Alex r Bolling
Robert Walker Jr.
Codicil - It is my wish and desire that my forementioned Executrix sell any quantity of my lands not exceeding five hundred Acres for the payment of my just debts at the discretion of my said Executrix declaring hereby the forementioned bequest of all my lands to my son Robert Bolling void, and that my meaning and desire is that the remainder of my lands except the said five hundred acres descend to him the said Robert Bolling to him and his heirs forever. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of November Anno Dom. One thousand seven hundred and ninety. —
The word "void" interl. d before signing
Robt Bolling (Seal)
Sealed acknowledged and delivered in presence of
Robert Walker Jr.
Alex r Bolling
Stith Bolling
At a Court held for Dinwiddie County on Monday the 21 st day of February 1791. This Will was presented in court by Clara Bolling the Executrix therein named, and the same was proved by the oaths of Alexander Bolling and Robert Walker Jr. and the Codicil therein endorsed was proved by the witnesses and ordered to be recorded.

And on the motion of the said Executrix who made oath thereto certificate is granted her for obtaining probat thereof in due form, giving security. Where- upon she together with Alexander Bolling and Richard Pryor her securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the sum of ten thousand pounds with condition as the law directs.
Teste Jas s Watkins D.C. A copy, Teste Mo. P. Cumpbell.
At a court held for Dinwiddie county on the 17 th day of July 1797.
On the motion of Richard G. W th land who made oath thereto, and together with Baker Pegram, Edward Bland and George Worth his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One thousand pounds, conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration de bonis non with the will annexed of Robert Bolling deceased, in due form.
Teste Nicholas C.O.B.
A copy Teste Mo. P. Cumpbell.

To The Honorable The Executive of Virginia
The humble petition of Robert Bolling Jr- Respectfully shews Mr.; That your petitioner's father Robert Bolling Sen d died - as he hath been advised went into the Navy, in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war between Great Britain & America at a very early period That he remained there as first Lieut t / to which rank he was soon promoted / till the close of the war - That not many years after the close of the sd war / as will appear by the enclosed certificate of the probate of his Will / he departed this life leaving your petitioner quite an infant, under the protection only of an aged Mother: That your petitioner, has very lately been advised That his said Father never recd any Bounty Funds for his long & faithful services & that the same are still due & owing unto him as Representative of the sd Robert Bolling. Your petitioner further begs leave to state, That when this information was given to him, he was advised to seek out for Captain Champion Francis & Captain John Barnall, who commanded in the Navy to procure a certificate of the services of his Father: but to his great mortification hath just recd information of the death of those persons: which puts it out of his power to obtain proof from that source. But your petitioner hath procured the affida-

avit of Thomas Woodlief on that point: which he prays may be read as testimony: and that your Honorable Board will grant him such relief as shall appear just & reasonable: That, being the best testimony the nature of the case will at this day admit of. And your petitioner will ever pray &c
Robert Bowling Jr
24 th October 1885
P.S Your petitioner begs leave to state, that he has also been advised; That the Assembly of Virginia at their session of 1810 - page 123 & 4 in their resolu- tion: hath provided for the officers & soldiers in the marine service
Executive Department Richmond Va June 21. 1830.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a paper filed in this department.
Wm H Crawford Secy Com

Democratic P.H. see Sept 1st
Free H. S. Jones Minn.
Dr. Robt. Ballagh Washington
The Hon. James A. Schuchert Chairman
Former Governor of Oregon
Mr. DeFries
City of Washington

Dinwiddie County Virginia July 14 th 1850
James L. Edwards Esq.
Dr Sir
Indeed you will receive all the papers, except those left with you about a month ago, deemed necessary to prove the validity of the claim of Lieutenant Robert Bolling of the State Navy in the war of the Revolution. The claim is for five years full pay with interest and half pay for life - as provided by acts of Congress in relation to such claims. Will you be good enough to file these papers with the others left by the Treasury of the U.S. for the claimants, with you. Please write a line informing me of the receipt of these papers and also when this claim will be acted upon. Should any other evidence alluded to in the petition of Susan Gilliam & Robert Bolling come into their possession it will be for their forsook - ded, least the parties do not desire any delay in the examination and decision of the claim on account of the absence of further proof. Please direct to Dr E. H. Smith - Dinwiddie Court House Va.
With high regard I am Very Respectfully Your Obedt. Servt
E. H. Smith

III
Memoranda from the Records, in relation to the Galleys Manly, and its offi- cers, and Robert Bolling -

Memoranda in the case of Robert Bolling Lieutenant in the Navy
Official copies are sent, of all the entries on the Navy Journals in reference to his services - the last trace of actual service yet found in the records, is on the 12 th December 1777 - the sum of $30 advanced to him on the 10 Sept r 1777 was charged to his account on the Ledger of the Navy Board against which there is no credit, the sum of $30 advanced to him on the 12 Decem r 1777, is charged on the same Ledger to the acco t of Capt W m Saunders. warrant "on the Treasury issued to Dr Re. Bolling" - It does not appear by the Register of Certificates issued, to have accrued any arrears of pay under the act of November Session 1781, to which those in actual service at the date of the act were entitled, or balance of full pay, under the same act, for services between the 1 Jany 1777 and the 31 December 1781 - It is not included in the "List of officers of the State Navy, agreeable to the arrangement next preceding the fall session of Assembly, in 1781" reported by the Board of Officers that sat at Richmond on the 13 May 1784. (State Document N o 191. 1 Sep r 22 nd Congress) he appears to have died between the 10 Nov 1790 and the 21 Feby 1791, and in the year 1817, land bounty was allowed upon the application of his son and devisee.
The last trace of service was as first Lieutenant of the Manly Galley - 12 Decem r 1777. That vessel was commanded by Edward Travis, who was transferred to the Raleigh, and was succeeded by Capt James Cooke commission 12 July 1776, and resigned 28 June 1777, Lieut Standairant his successor died, and was succeeded by Captain W m Saunders Commission 5 May 1777, who served in that capacity as late as the summer of 1779.
There is on file in the 2 nd Volume of Papers concerning the State Navy a paper to this effect
"A return of the officers & men belonging to the Manly Galley the 11 Sept r 1779"
Depe Muse Com d John Sharpley Lieut d Robert Johnson Lieut d John Brannen 2 d John Primm Cook John Dett Samuel Solomon John Cass William Wilkerson Lewis Carrines Richard Brown Thomas Scott Lewis Underwood
Issue spirits for a month for this crew & danger pay for the three officers for the same time
J. B. Burrus
Sept r 11 th 1779.
Rec d Sept r 10 1779 of William Armistead twenty fows and a half Galle none being the allowance for one month
Depe Muse Com d
  24 th Coffee a 2/6  " 7-6    18 th Sugar  " 18-"     1-5-6  
Rec d the above H c
J. M.

Depe Muse, Midshipman, in the Navy. discharged from the same 21. March 1780 -
Isaac Sturdivant First Lieutenant 4 Decem r 1776 - promoted as above
Robert Bolling Recommended as First Lieutenant 28 Jany 1777.
Isaac Sturdivant 2 d Lieutenant 12 July 1776 promoted as above
George Chamberlayne 2 d Lieutenant 21 Decem r 1776 transferred to the Mosquito 28 Jany 1777
Robert Blaws 2 d Lieutenant vice Chamberlayne transferred 6 Jany 1777 Resigned 22 July 1777
John Sturdivant 2 d Lieutenant 8 Septem r 1777 Resigned 24 Apr d 1779
Lieut t Richardson recommended as a Lieutenant in the Navy 17 Novem r 1778, orders to deliver him sundries for the Manley. 10 June 1779 - Lt t Richardson ordered to deliver to Capt n Chamberlayne 2. two pounds with their apparatus etc for the use of the boat Dolphin - and an order that a warrant issue to Daniel Richardson for £ 100 on account to purchase necessaries for the Manley 17 June 1779 - he resigned 1 July 1779.
The dates of resignations, above, apply to the time received.
The Manley Galley was in service from a very early period of the war; In the journal of the Board of War of the 5 July 1779, the following entry will be found, "The Manley Safeguard, Hero, Lewis and Page Gallies and the ship Gloucester being represented to this Board as useless and inadequate to the purposes of defence it is ordered that the said Gallies and ship be immediately dismantled and that their men with such of their stores as may be necessary be consigned to the use of the other armed vessels and that their hulls be exposed to sale -
Same Journal 16 Aug t 1779." Orders that a warrant issue to Mr. Depe Muse for fifty pounds on account to pay contingent charges of the Manley Galley"
Same Journal 7. April 1780" Ordered that a warrant issue to Capt t Richard Barrow for One thousand five hundred pounds. on account to pay for repairing the Manley Galley", this does not seem to have been expended for that purpose, as the amount was deducted out of his account for pay and depreciation settled 8 November 1783 -

Commissioner Smith, appointed, by the Legislature to examine military claims of the revolution in his report to that body at the Session of 1835-36 (see page 78 of document No. 6 in the Journal of that session) says in reference to the case of Robert Bolling, Lieutenant Navy, "He was Lieutenant in the Virginia Navy in 1776, was promoted first lieutenant and served to the end of the war (see the affidavit of William Whitfield on file in the office of the Executive department, He received 2666 2/3 acres of land in June 1817, for a service for and during the war, his heirs are entitled to additional bounty land, the lieutenants in the State Navy have generally been allowed 4000 acres of land for service of three years. It appears from the Journal of the Navy Board that prior to Oct 16 1776, Robert Bolling was commander of the Schooner Peace and Plenty and that he was recommended Jan'y 28, 1777, first lieutenant of the Manly Gally vice Lieutenant promoted, There are many entries in the Navy Journal showing that he was in service after that time, and at different times, His service was from some time in 1776 (prior to October) to the end of the war"

1 Robert Bolling Dr. Navy

Wednesday 16. October 1776
Orders that a warrant issue to Robert Bolling for two pounds, six shillings and three pence for necessaries furnished the Schooner Flat. Peace and Plenty -
Wednesday 13. Nov 1776
Orders that a warrant issue to Lieut Robert Bolling for nine pounds for the pay of the seamen on board the Schooner Peace and Plenty as per Acct.
Tuesday 28. January 1777.
Robert Bolling is recommended to his excellency the Governor and the honorable the Council as a proper person to be appointed first Lieutenant of the Manley Galley in the room of Lieutenant Sturdivant who is recommended Captain of the said Galley.
Friday 21. March 1777.
Orders that Mr William Holt deliver unto Robert Bolling One thousand pounds of Bacon, one ton of square Bar Iron, three Barrels of flour, and as much pork as he may want, for the use of the vessels building at D o Quay.
Tuesday April 29 th 1777.
Mr Charles Tulliafero of this city is requested so requested to let Lieutenant Robert Bolling have the use of a flat bottomed Boat to land some cordage from on board the Manley Galley now lying at the College landing -
Thursday May 1 1777.
Orders that Col William Aylett deliver to Lieutenant Bolling two pounds of sewing twine and half a dozen sail needles, for the use of the Manley Galley
Thursday May 1. 1777.
Lieutenant Robert Bolling received orders to proceed with the Manley Galley to Portsmouth and deliver the Cordage (tallyed Maxwell) to Capt. Paul Loyall or the Master builder at the Ship Yard in Gosport and that for the Caswell Galley, to Captain Collins, at Portsmouth and proceed to York for further orders.

thousand pounds of Bacon, three Barrels of Beef, six Barrels of Bread, one barrel of Flour, one Box of Candles one Barrel of Whiskey, one Barrel of Rum and two Barrels of Salt for the use of the Manly Gally.
Ordered that Col d William Aylett deliver unto Lieut. Robert Bolling two Lambhorns and six pounds of twine for the use of the Manly Gally
Wednesday 10 September 1777.
Ordered that a warrant issue to Lieut. Robert Bolling for fifty pounds upon account to furnish necessaries for the use of the Manly Gally -
Wednesday 10 th Septem r . 1777.
Ordered that the Keeper of the public store deliver unto Lieut. Robert Bolling thirty six waistcoats, thirty six pair of Stockings, twelve Hats and twelve pair of shoes for the use of the Manly Gally.
Wednesday 10 th day of Decem r 1777
Ordered that William Hall deliver to Lieutenant Robert Bolling two Barrels of Beef, two ditto of flour ten ditto Bread one box of Candles, and one tierce of Saffron for the use of the Manly Gally.
Ordered that Capt. George Elliott deliver to Lieutenant Robert Bolling six Barrels of the Irish pork he brought from Cumberland for the use of the Manly Gally.
Ordered that Captain George Elliott retain eight Barrels of the Irish pork, that he brought from Cumberland on board his Gally for her use, and that he deliver ten Barrels being the remainder to Lieutenant Robert Bolling for the use of the Manly Gally
Ordered that the Keeper of the public store deliver to Lieutenant Robert Bolling for the use of the people on board the Manly Gally forty nine yards of linen, twenty four pair of shoes, 24 hats 126 yds chee 37 yds cloth 10 yds Corduroy 4 yds muslin and 11 handkerchiefs upon his paying for the same.
Thursday the 11. day of Decem r 1777
Ordered that the Keeper of the public store deliver to Lieut. Robert Bolling nineteen blankets a paint brush for the use of the Manly Gally -

Friday the 12 th day of December 1777.
Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Store Magazine deliver to Lieut Robert Bolling one hundred pounds of powder for the use of the Manley Battery.
Ordered that a warrant issue to Lieutenant Robert Bolling for fifty pounds upon account for the purpose of furnishing necessaries for the use of the Manley Battery -
This is to certify, that there are on file in this office, Journals of the Navy Board from its organization in the 8. July 1776 to the 5 March 1779 both inclusive, and from the 5 th March to the 23 1779 both inclusive, in which last mentioned day their duties were assigned to the boards of war or trade; a journal of the proceedings of the Board of war, from the 30 th day of June 1779 to the 23 March 1780, both inclusive, which said journals are indexed, and that the foregoing are true copies of all entries therein in reference to Robert Bolling, as shown by the said indexes, that there is also on file in the first volume of Navy papers, a book indorsed 'Remnants of minutes of the Navy Board Journals Macauliffe Commissioners' from the 21. July 1780 to the 19 December 1780 both inclusive, also indexed, in which index, there is no reference to the said Robert Bolling - Given under my hand in the Auditors Office Richmond V o this 25 th August 1833
G. W. Chittenden Actg. For.