Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,625, John Clark, N.C. Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Clark, John Clarke Lucy
or
W. 10.625 B.L.Wt. 2495-160.5
CONTENTS

to R W Young 33.050 Virginia Jan'y 26/54
John Clarke decd.
of in the State of who was a Corvet in the by Captain of the by in the line for
Revolutionary to Richmond
Inscribed on the Roll of at the rate of 300 Dollars 5 Cents 1 to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 13 April 1844 62
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of April 1859 and sent to -
R W Young Present
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Payments made at the rate of March 1818 at 126 per ann, to be deducted
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
R. M. Rhea
Clerk,
Recorded by Book
Vol. 6 1/2 Page 8.

CLARK, JOHN (N.C., VA.)
W 10625

5.121
North Carolina, S.
2095 1828
Lucy Clark widow of John Va
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
20th day of April 1853
and sent to
Pensioner
Milton
N. 6
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 133 Vol. A
(18)

R Saunders July 5 1855
Ja. T Sutton March 31/56

n. 6 July 53- No 5121
Vol. 6-143.
21.459 act March 3/53- Rec " 28/53-
Lucy Clark wid of John Clark
left Sergt. in the { Pa book Va. Cont. line } Mil
Enf dis { (Pensioned)
War Revolution Admit 160 acs, July 18/55.
[Signature] Boston
24.95 of July 18/53- James T. Sutton Jr Richmond Pa
RECEIVED

John Clarke
Declaration 1818
A
Madmissible no record of Capt Bates or nor of Capt Saml Colston
Clerk's attestation under Seal is filed with the case of M rs Collins adm rs .
The judge's certificate of the reduced circumstances in life is read of the assistance of his country for support wanting - 13 See the Certificate within
Quist
Faint, mirrored text bleed-through from the reverse side of the page, including the word "Quist" and other illegible markings.

At a quarterly Court held for King and Queen County at the Courthouse on Monday the 11 th of May 1818
John Clarke appeared in Court and made oath to the facts stated in his written affidavit and Thomas Collins being also sworn in Court deposed to the truth of the facts contained in his written affidavit Whereupon it is Ordered that it be certified to the Secretary of the department of War that the Justices of this Court are satisfied that the said John Clarke served in the revolutionary War against the common enemy and are satisfied that the statement made by the said John Clarke as contained in his said Affidavit is true and it is further Ordered that the said Affidavit and the testimony of Thomas Collins in corroboration thereof be transmitted by the Clerk of this Court to the Secretary at War
Teste M c Pollard C.C.
The affidavit of John Clarke of King and Queen County State of Virginia aged 59 years taken this 11 th day of May 1818 before the County Court of King & Queen & State aforesaid. This affiant being first sworn deposeth and saith that he enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Burges Balls company of Lancaster County in the 5 th Virginia Regiment in the year 1775 on continental establishment and served

* two years, and then re-enlisted under Capt. Samuel Colston for three years at the siege of York Town w ch he was taken sick and had a furlough while on furlough the war ended. that he is poor & by reason of his reduced circumstances stands in need of assistance from his country for support
John Clarke
King & Queen County Court 11 th May 1818 The above affidavit sworn to in Court by John Clarke
Teste No. Pollard C.C.
Thomas Collins being sworn in Court deposeth and saith that he knows the above named John Clarke well, and that altho he was not acquainted with him in the Army yet he is fully satisfied from a variety of circumstances that the said John Clarke did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in his Affidavit
Thomas Collins
This affidavit of Thomas Collins sworn to in the County Court of King & Queen the 11 th of May 1818 by the said Thomas Collins
Teste No. Pollard C.C.
Hospy Teste No. Pollard C.C.
* The said John Clarke now further declares on Oath that he was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, & Brandywine -
Given under my Hand this 4. Oct. 1819
Wm Brockenbrough

Virginia
King and Queen County to wit
Robert Pollard Clerk of the Court
of the said County of King and Queen do hereby certify that the foregoing transcript is truly made from the records of my Office and the Affidavit therein filed
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 25 th day of May 1819
Robert Pollard C.C.
Virginia to wit,
I William Brockenbrough Judge of the superior court of law for King & Queen County, do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the above named John Clarke did serve in the Revolutionary war against the Common Enemy, for the term of nine months, & more, on the continental Establishment, (as stated in his above declaration made before the County Court on the 11 th May 1818) - and it further appears to my satisfaction that he is in reduced Circumstances, having a few years past taken the oath of an insolvent debtor and now declaring that he has acquired no property since that time & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support. Given under my Hand this 4 th October 1819 -
Wm Brockenbrough

DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. MUHLENBERG , from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, reported the following bill :
A BILL
For the relief of John Clark.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled , That 3 the proper accounting officers of the Treasury be, and they 4 are hereby, authorized and required to settle and adjust the 5 account of John Clark, a cornet in the army of the Revolu- 6 tion, and allow to him five years' full pay ; which five years' 7 full pay is the commutation of his half pay for life ; with such 8 interest thereon as would have been payable to the said John 9 Clark if a certificate had been given him for the amount of 10 said commutation, and the same had by him been subscribed 11 to the funded debt of the United States, under the act of one 12 thousand seven hundred and ninety ; to be paid out of any 13 money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.

C
1828
Declaration of 1828 June
Report to Sec y , 2 Feb 1853

At a Court held for King and Queen County at the Court-house on Monday the 9 th of June 1828
John Clark appeared in Court and subscribed and made oath to a declaration and schedule annexed in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 and 1 st of May 1820 thereupon it is ordered that the Clerk of this Court certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John Clark did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in his declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment, and it is ordered that the said declaration schedule and affidavit be recorded
The declaration schedule and affidavit as recorded are copied and are in the following words and figures to wit, Declaration, in order to be continued on the pension list, under the act of May 1 st , 1820
County of King & Queen ss.
On this 9 th day of June 1828, personally appeared in the Court of the said County in Open Court being a Court of record for the County aforesaid, having the power of fine & imprisonment - John Clark resident in said County aged sixty eight years, who, being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18 th March, 1818, and the 1 st May, 1820. That he, the said John Clark enlisted for the term of two years on the day of October in the year 1776 in the State of Virginia in the company commanded by captain Burgess Ball in the regiment commanded by colonel Josiah Parker in the line of the State of Virginia on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until 1778 when his term of service expired and then re-enlisted for the term of three years in the State of Pennsylvania and discharged after the end of three years in the State of Virginia near Williamsburg. That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name has been placed on the pension list; that the number of his pension certificate is 15,330 and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property, because it was his wish while he could maintain himself comfortably not to be chargeable to his country. And, in pursuance of the act of the 1 st B refer to certificate from war office

May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. That, since the 18th of March, 1818 I have not been possessed of any property, having previously taken the oath of Insolvency. That I have not been able to accumulate any owing to bodily infirmity and a large and expensive family.
A list of property owned by me
The profits of a post Office established at Clarkstown estimated at 30$ at most
John Clark
My family consist of Six children and my wife, my children are    Benjamin F. Clarke aged 13 yrs   Hannah B. Clarke 11   Sam. F. Clarke 10   Mary E. Clarke 8   Thomas D. Clarke 7   Martha E. Clarke 6 
My oldest son Ben. F. Clarke is not living with me and of course is unable to contribute any thing to the support of the family - he is living in a store learning a profession - the remainder of my children are unable to render me any services whatever - I am a post master by which I gain the profits above estimated and also keep a house of entertainment which is worth scarcely anything. The profits of which do not support it. I am very infirm being afflicted with the rheumatism which incapacitates me for any bodily exertion.
John Clarke
Sworn to and declared, on the 9th day of June 1828 before the County Court of King and Queen
Robert Pollard C.C.

The foregoing transcript copied from the records of my Office
Seals
Robert Pollard C. L.
Virginia King and Queen County to wit
I Robert Pollard Clerk of the County Court of King and Queen do hereby certify, that it appeared, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said John Clark did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under some engagement, in the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath declaration and schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify that the Court did not affix any value to the contents of the schedule aforesaid. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County Court on this 14 th day of June 1828
Robert Pollard C. L.
Virginia, King and Queen County to wit
I Robert B Hill the presiding Justice of the peace of the County Court of King and Queen being a Court of record do hereby certify that Robert Pollard whose name is subscribed to the foregoing transcript and certificate is and was at the time of the date thereof Clerk of the said County Court and that due faith and credit to his Official acts ought to be given. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 11 th day of August 1828
Robt. B. Hill

Declaration of Mrs Lucy Clarke Act July 3. 1853 -
Revolutionary
Presented by
James T. Sutton Jr
Richmond Va.

State of V o city of Richm
State of Virginia City of Richmond S t .
On this 10 th day of November 1853 before me Thomas R. Sutton a Notary Public in and for the city of said personally appeared Mrs Lucy Clarke and affirmed in due form of law to to the truth of the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed 3 rd February 1853 concerning certain widows of Revolutionary Soldiers.
That she is the widow of John Clarke deceased who formerly resided in King & Queen County V a and who was a Pensioner of the United States, and paid at the Agency in Richmond at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum that she was married to said John Clarke in the said County of King & Queen by Rev d John Spencer on the 29 th day of March in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two and that he the said John Clarke died in the County of King & Queen on the 13 th day of April 1844. That she is now in her Seventy fourth year of age that she now resides in the city of Richmond V a and has not married again since the death of her said husband but is still a widow and she makes this application in order to obtain the benefits of the aforesaid act of Congress.
Lucy Clarke.
Seal
affirmed Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that I believe the said Lucy Clarke to be the widow of the identical John Clarke aforesaid who was a pensioner of the United States as above stated. and also that I have no interest whatever in the claim of Mrs Clarke. I also certify that from old age & bodily infirmity as represented by her, it would be inconvenient, if not imprudent, for her to attend court. Given under my hand & Notarial Seal this 10 th day of November 1853.
Thomas R. Sutton Not

100-76-33203 We Francis V Sutton — and Jacob F Barnes of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia do hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Mrs Lucy Clarke the within Declarant and was also acquainted with her d ce d husband John Clarke of King & Queen County Va that the said Lucy who was a Pensioner of the United States, that the said Lucy his widow has not married again since the death of the said John Clarke but is still his widow and a Resident of this City Given under our hands this 30 th day of December 1853.
I concur in the above certificate except certifying that the said Clarke was a Pensioner, of that, I know nothing. Francis V. Sutton Jacob F Barnes.
State of Virginia City of Richmond ss.
On this 30 th day of December before me personally appeared Francis V Sutton — and Jacob F. Barnes — residents of the City of said credible & disinterested parties and made oath in due form of law to the facts contained in the foregoing Certificate which they have signed.
Given under my hand and Notarial Seal this 30 th day of December 1853
Francis R. Sutton N otary

21.489
Bounty Land Claim of
Mrs Lucy Clarke
act of March 3rd
1855
Presented by
James T. Sutton Jr
Richmond Va

State of North Carolina, Caswell County. ss.
On this 26 th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs Lucy Clark aged 75 years a resident of Milton in the state of North Carolina who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Clark deceased who was a Revolutionary soldier and a Pensioner of the United States from King and Queen County Virginia at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum that she was married to said John Clarke in the County of King + Queen Virginia on the 29 th day of March 1832 by one John Spencer a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Lucy Smith that her said husband died at his residence in King + Queen County Virginia on the 13 th day of April 1844 and that she is now a widow, and makes this declaration in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3. 1855.
Lucy Clark,
We Albert G Stevens and William A. Farley residents of the Town of Milton, in the state of North Carolina upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mrs Lucy Clark in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
A. G. Stevens W. A. Farley

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to before me and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that I believe the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, And that I have no interest in this claim.
Geo. W. Thompson J. Pease
State of North Carolina County of Caswell
I Tho. W. Graves Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Geo. W. Thompson whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is was at the time of signing the same a Magistrate in & for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction
Given under my hand and the seal of my office at Yanceyville this 22 nd day of March 1855.
Tho. W. Graves Clerk

Copies of a part of the evidence accompa- nying the petition of John Clarke to Congress for commutation pay —
Executive Department
Decr 3 rd 1832
John Clarke is allowed land bounty as cornett of cavalry in the continental line for services during the war —
John Floyd.
N o 7309. On the 20 th feby 1833 a military war- rant for 2666 2 / 3 acres of land issued to John Clarke and was delivered to Robt Hord atty.
a true copy from the records of the Land Office of Virginia, as witness my hand & seal of office this 7 th day of Decr 1833
W Selden R L Off Va —
We the undersigned residents of the county of King & Queen in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that we have been for a long time personally ac- quainted with the Revd. John Clarke of the said county & we have no hesitation in stating that he has supported a good character, & has been con- sidered a truthful & honest man by the public generally — Mr Clarke now has a very large family to support, was once in comfortable cir- cumstances, but some years since was unfortunate in business, and is at this time very poor —
He has passed through an ordeal well cal- culated to elicit bad principles, if he possessed such — But we have never heard him suspect- ed even by those who were sufferers by his misfortunes — We therefore state with pleasure that he is, in our estimation, & in that of the public generally, an honest man, and that in our opinion, no prospect however allur- ing, could induce him to depart from the

150070 00288 truth in any statement he may be called on to make —
William Shepherd, school Teacher Wm Bird a Deputy sheriff for King & Queen County Thos Walker, P.M. at Branton Harris Carlton, merchant at do Edward Fox, Miller Wm P Courtney, merchant, Stevensville A R Harwood, member elect of senate of Virginia Ino S Carlton, miller at King Queen Co H & L Ino R Hargus, house carpenter Berom Carlton, house carpenter Ino Basby, Post master, Stevensville Ino W Hillyard, millwright John Pollard, commr of revenue King & Queen Co I am acquainted with Mr Clarke & most cheerfully certify that I believe him to be of strict integrity — P S Pollard magistrate of King & Queen Co — Baylor Temple, P.M. at Walkertown Samuel Crafton, merchant Alexr Fleet, I P & St Colo. Thos Hoskins, presiding Justice of H Queen Beverly D Roy M D Wm B Todd M D Thos B Evans, merchant, Little Plymouth Ben Pollard, justice John Motley justice George H Carlton, merchant Wm F Pendleton
Virginia —
King & Queen County to wit.
I Robert Pollard
Jr. Clerk of the county court of King & Queen do hereby certify that the subscribers to the foregoing statement are residents of the county of King & Queen and that they are personally known

to me to be men of character & respectability - I also state certify that the aforesaid John Clarke has been for many years, personally known to me, and that he is a man of undoubted char- acter & credibility
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 9th day of June 1834
Robert Pollard Jr clerk.
The writing on the two foregoing pages, and as above, is truly copied from papers on file in the office of the House of Representatives of the United States, with the petition of John Clarke. —
J. P. Wicke Ch. Clerk March 29. 1843
I, John I Roane, late a Representative in Congress from the King and Queen district in the State of Virginia, but now a clerk in the Patent office, hereby certify, that the Reverend John Clarke before named, resided in the neighborhood in which I was born and raised; that I have personally known him from my boyhood, and that I fully concur in the statement made by sundry gentlemen on this sheet as to his character.
I further certify that I have long known Bartor Croxton and Richard Shackelford of Essex county, (who I am informed, have given testimony to the services of said Clarke in the revolution,) and that they are men of great respectability, of

undoubted credibility, and that they and Mr Clarke are all known in their region of country, as having been in service in the Revolutionary War. Mr Clarke was a near relation of General George Rogers Clarke, as I was informed by Governor H. Clarke of St. Louis some years ago, who was brother to said G. R. Clarke
April 1st 1843.
J. J. Roane "
Prof. J. J. Roane
The undersigned a native of King and Queen County and State of Virginia, but now employed under the Government of the U. S. certify that I am personally acquainted with John Clarke the individual named in the foregoing certificate, and fully concur with the highly respectable gentlemen whose names are attached thereto, to me well known, as to the standing and character of said John Clarke. I also believe Walter Broxton and Richard Shackel- ford named in the foregoing certificate of Col. Roane to be gentlemen of respectability and of undoubted character.
April 3rd 1843.
Thomas Lumpkin.

King and Queen June 22 1832
To the Clerk of King & Queen City Court.
This is to certify that according to your warrants, I have performed the Rites of Matrimony between the following persons viz 1832 Feb 18 Dick Pitts & Polly Wadsworth " March 29 John Clark and Lucy Smith " June 21 Henry Wright & Eliz h Forinholt Given under my hand
John Spencer
In testimony of the foregoing being a true Copy from the Records of the Registry of Marriage in my office I have hereunto affixed the seal of the County Court of King and Queen and subscribed my name this 4 th day of September 1851
Robert Powell Clerk

April 19, 1935.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. W.P. Wood 2702 Monument Avenue Richmond, Virginia
BA-J/ady our John Clark W.10625
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to John Clarke, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W.10625, based upon the military service of John Clark in that war.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Clark, the name is also shown as Clarke, are not stated.
John Clark enlisted in Virginia, place not shown, in October 1775 or 1776, served as sergeant and orderly sergeant in Captain Burgess Ball's Company, Colonel Josiah Parker's Virginia Regiment and was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton and Brandywine; length of service two years. While a resident of Essex County, Virginia, he reenlisted, served as sergeant major and ensign in Captain Samuel Colston's Company, Colonel Josiah Parker's Virginia Regiment, and as cornet in Captain Samuel Ashe's Company of Cavalry to the end of the war in 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 11, 1818 at which time he was aged fifty-nine years and a resident of King and Queen County, Virginia.
Soldier married in 1814, place and the name of his wife not designated. His fourth wife was Miss Fogg, no further information in regard to her. Soldier married March 29, 1832 in King and Queen County, Virginia, his fifth wife, Mrs. Lucy Smither of said county. She was born April 22, 1780, place not stated.

Soldier died April 13, 1844 in King and Queen County, Virginia.
Soldier's widow, Lucy Clark, was allowed pension on her application executed July 17, 1851 while a resident of Richmond, Virginia.
In 1838 the soldier, John Clark's family consisted of his wife, her name not designated, and six children: Benjamin F. Clarke, Hannah B. Clarke, Sam. P. Clarke, Mary E. Clarke, Thomas I. Clarke, and Martha E. Clarke, aged respectively thirteen, eleven, ten, eight, seven and six years.
Soldier was a near relative of General George Rogers Clark, degree of relationship not stated.
William Buford was a cousin of soldier.
In 1854 Joseph H. Davis, a minister of the Gospel was living in Richmond. He was a nephew of the widow, Lucy Clark.
In 1854 said Lucy Clark was living in Richmond, with her daughter by a former marriage, Miss Maria F. Smither. Said Maria F. Smither referred to her brother Gary of Richmond in 1855. In 1855 Lucy Clark, the widow, was living in Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina, with Albert G. Stevens, her son-in-law. There are no further family data.
Soldier's widow, Lucy Clark, died April 21, 1855, On a B. , place not given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

John Clark
Feb. 14. 1841
Referred to Comm. Rev. Pensions
May 2. 1844 Disch'd to lie
John Clark
John Clark
Dec 14. 1841
Ref'd to Comm. Rev. Claims
March 8. 1842
Report adverse — printed
11
Dec 12 1830
Referred to the Com- mittee Rev. Claims
Mr. Seddon —
Resigned as Joint appointed Committee in order to comply with Petition to Committee.
Aug. Salisbury
Newton
John Clark's
Petition to
Congress
for commutation
Dec 16. 1833
Ref'd to Com. Rev. Claims
Dec 12. 1834
Ref'd to Com. Rev. Claims
Dec 29. 1835.
Ref'd to Com. Rev. Claims
Feb 10. 1836
Bill reported N o 320.
Dec 11. 1837
Ref'd to Com. Rev. Claims
Dec 22 1837
Bill N o 222
January 4. 1840
Referred under rule to Com. on Rev. Claims
Salisbury John 13. Rev. Cl

Executive Department
Dec. 3. 1832
John Clarke is allowed Land Bounty as Comdr. of Cavalry in the Continental Line for services during the war.
John Floyd.
No. 7309. On the 20th. Feb. 1833. a military warrant for 2666 2 / 3 ac. of Land issued to Pro. Clark & Robt. Hood also:
From the records of the Land office of Virginia: as witness my hand & seal of office this 1 st Dec r 1833 W. H. D. D. off. Va.
CLARK, JOHN (N.C., VA.)
W 10625

Clarksville King & Queen County State of Virginia
Honored Sir.
You have inclosed the Judges certificate attached to the former affidavits & Clerk attestation under seal which I will meet your approbation and shall be Truly thankfull for My pension certificate to be sent On to Clarksville King & Queen County, Va
I am Your Obs t Servant
John Clark
Honable J. C. Calhoun Secy of War

Suzey Clar wid. of John.
Sit: to R. Sam. Jerb. " " Jas. T. Sutton Jr.
ACT/53

15,330
R
Virginia
John Clarke of in the state of Virginia who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Parker of the Virginia line, for the term of Two Years
Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence the 11 th of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th of October 1819 and sent to John Clarke Esq. Clarksville King & Queen Co. Virginia
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1819. 15 \frac{21 \frac{1}{4}}{31 \frac{3}{4}} - 126:47 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th March 1820 48:
$ 174:47
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

See Papers under Ad May
15 1828: Suspended No
2093= Letter to Robt. Hood
20. Sep. 1841 do. to same Sept. 23. 1841
Letter to Hon. YB Hall. Dec 29. '41
15,330
Virginia
John Clarke
of King & Queen Co in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Balle of the Regt commanded by Colonel Parker in the Virginia line, for the term of two years, from October 1776 to 1778
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of eight Dollars per month commence on the 11 th day of May 1818, and
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th of October 1819 and sent to In rs Clarke Clarksville, King & Queen Co. Virg a
Continued on the Roll on 27 th day August 1828 and notification sent Rev d Dr. R. B. Semple at Present,
Pension commencing on the 26 th of August 1828
Amount due on 4th of March 1829 }
$ 50. 60
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. }

2495
S
Stoams

John Clark Hns: Suer.
Died 13 th Ap l . 1844. 2 Wit: & Cop: of Fam: Rec: M ts : Fam Rec: Cop: thereof. 4 2 Wit: to Wit: Liv ng : "
W. H.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Clark a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct 1775 or 1776 2 years Sgt + Adjutant Burgess Ball Josiah Parker Va.   Sgt Major Samuel Colston " "   1st Ensign   Cornet Samuel Ashe in Cavalry   until removal to end of the war  
Battles engaged in, Trenton Princeton Brandywine Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Va. (Essex Co. Va. 2nd int. division) Date of application for pension, May 11, 1818. His ch. was also Residence at date of application, King and Queen Co. Va. Age at date of application, 59 years old. He died Apr. 12 1828 in Prince + Lucey Co. Va.
Remarks: Soldier mar. in 1814 Name of wife is not stated. Their children
were Benjamin F. 13 yrs. Hannah B. 11 yrs. Sam P. 10 yrs. Mary E. 8 yrs. Thomas E. 7 yrs. Martha E. 6 yrs. His 4th wife was Miss Fogg. No other data as to her. On Feb 29 1832 in King + Queen Co. Va. he married Lucy Smith his 5th wife. She was allowed pension on an application accepted July 17, 1851 while a res. of Richmond Va. (Maria J. Smith was her daughter by former marriage. Medora lived with her son in law A. G. Stevens at Milford, Va. in 1851) But not In 1856 it was stated that the widow had recently died. All now dead.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
She was b. Apr. 22, 1780
He undoubtedly did some service as Cornet as his bounty land was allowed but we cannot determine whether it was M.C. or Va. Cert. - A.P.

Rev. 51513 Wars Section.
COPIED BY ADY
July 27, 1928.
Reverend W. T. Hundley, De Land, Florida.
Sir:
I advise you that photostatic copies of original papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claims of John Clark and his widow Lucy, (W.10625) will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is one hundred and twenty-four.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
It is proper to add that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau are open to the public for research work and you, or anyone designated by you, may examine and collect data from the papers on file by calling at the bureau.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
See back of this corres. for list of less important pages which were not included in order list for photos (124p.)

De-Land, Florida, April 27 - 1928.
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Commissioner:
On the ninth of June, 1917, you sent me information concerning the military history of John Clark, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. The information was gleaned from Revolutionary War Record Section, marked.
"V. L. M.,
W. F. 10625
Rev. War " - and was addressed to me at Cape Charles, Va. I now live in De-Land Florida.
John Clark was enlisted from Virginia in October 1775 or 1776 - His Captains were Burgess Ball and Samuel Colston - His Colonel Josiah Parker. (Infantry) In his second enlistment he served as Cornet in Cavalry to the end of the war, under Samuel Asbell.
On May 11 - 1818 he applied for Pension and his claim was allowed, etc. etc. I am now writing to you for further

John Clark was my great grandfuther. I want to prepare a biographical sketch of him.
1. What would it cost me for you to furnish me with a type written reproduction of the entire record of John Clark - I mean everything , including  all letters and papers , together with all records - Everything you have on file!
2. Have you any records of his officers Colonel Josiah Parker and Captain Burgess Ball, Samuel Colston or Samuel Ashe?
{ Colonel Josiah Parker, 5th Va Reg Genl Mullenburg's Brigade.
3. In the records of these officers have you a list of the men? Do you think I would find anything in the officers records concerning John Clark?
4 John Clark was at different times Sergeant, Orderly Seryt, Ensign and Cornet. What rank would correspond with Ensign?
Please give me all the information you can - Yours Truly (Rev.) J. T. Hundley

2702 Monument Avenue Richmond, Virginia
April 3, 1935
Dear Sir,
John Clarke , cornet of King & Queen County served in the Revolution, he is supposed to be a first cousin of General Rogers Clarke. I would appreciate very much if you would send me his service, I wish very much to have the name of his wife and his children. Thanking you for your kindness I am Sudin Tucker Wood (Mrs W. P. Wood)

Rev. W. J. Hendley, Cape Charles, Va -
REV. WAR SECTION
JUN 8 1917
PENSION BUREAU

To the Congress of the United States
The petition of John Clark of King & Queen county in the State of Virginia respectfully represents, that he enlisted in the service of the United States in the Virginia Continental line in the month of October 1775, under capt Burgess Ball, for the term of two years, and served out the said term, acting in the capacity of Sargent & orderly sargent. On the expiration of that term, he was discharged at White Marsh in Pennsylvania, and he immediately re-enlisted in the same service for three years & in the same line, under capt Samuel Colson & served in the 5 th Va regiment commanded by col Josiah Parker, in Genl Heublenburgs brigade. That he was appointed Sargent major in that regiment in which capacity he acted, until until our army went into quarters at the Valley Forge, in the winter of 1777 & 78 where & when he was appointed (en) ensign. Soon after his appointment as ensign, he was offered and accepted the appointment of cornett in the cavalry, in a corps of Congress troops under capt Samuel Ash & Lt Wm Buford, of the North Carolina line, which said office of cornett had become vacant by the resignation of a Mr Simmons. The said Lieutenant Buford was my near relation and was instrumental in obtaining my appointment of cornett, and it was chiefly by his persuasion that I resigned my appointment of ensign in the company of capt Colson, and accepted that of cornett in the cavalry. Soon after Congress adjourned from York to Philadelphia our troops was ordered to the west and we remained at Pittsburg and near Beaver Creek on the Ohio below, until the number of our troops was much reduced.

by the expiration of their enlistments and other causes, when we were ordered in the latter part of 1780 to Halifax in North Carolina to recruit men - When we started to the west, we were put under the command of General McIntosh, who accompanied us, and the object in sending us to the west was to protect that frontier against the Indians & to assist in building a fort on Beaver Creek thirty five miles below Pittsburgh. On our way from thence to Halifax I got permission to go home in Essex County Va where I then resided but with orders to join the troops in march following in Halifax - I had caught a violent cold which the physicians thought had or would settle on the lungs. Nevertheless in obedience to my orders I started to join the troops in very bad health and went as far as Richmond Va, joined the troop army and continued with it till the surrender of the enemy when Genl Muhlensburg renewed my furlough and I was permitted to retire from active service for the benefit of my health with a promise that I would return into active service whenever called on - After the aforementioned surrender of the enemy at Yorktown, there was no occasion for my services in this part of the country & very few officers were again called into service. I never resigned my commission, but always held myself in readiness to enter upon active duty whenever so ordered, and so continued until the promulgation of the treaty of peace. I kept both of my furloughs, as also my commission for many years after the conclusion of the war but have lost them long since. I received a warrant from the State of Va for 2666 2 / 3 acres of land as my bounty for my services as a cornett in the continental line during the war. I did not receive commutation of five years pay promised by congress, nor did I ever apply for it as they were considered

at that period to be claims of little or no value. I have lately understood however that congress is now paying them and I hereby respectfully solicit the attention of your honorable body to a consideration of mine, and that an act may be passed, authorising the proper department to pay my said commutation with such interest as may be due thereon — John Clark Bennett in the Revolution War
State of Virginia, County of King & Queen to wit
The Reverend John Clark who has signed the foregoing petition personally appeared before me Alex. Flet a Justice of the peace in & for the said County and made oath that the said petition contains the truth in all its parts. I also certify that I have been for many years, personally acquainted with the said Clark, and that he has supported an unspotted character, and that the fullest credit is due to his statements — Given under my hand this 3 rd day of December 1833
Alex. Flet J.P.
I Richard Shackelford, a resident of Essex County certify that I have read the foregoing declaration made by the Rev John Clark of his services & rank in the revolutionary war, and I state of my own personal knowledge, that the said statement is correct — I and Mr Clark were raised in the same neighborhood, & have lived all our lives not far from each other — We entered service about the same time and served together — Mr Clark was an active brave & meritorious officer — Both of us served in the continental service to the close of the war, except the time Mr Clark has stated he was on furlough —
Richard Shackelford
State of Virginia, Essex County ss — Richard Shackelford, a person known to me to be a person of good character & credibility, personally appeared before me & made oath that the certificate above, signed by himself contains the truth, to the best of my recollection — Given under my hand the 3 rd day of December 1833
J. L. Campbell Esq.

I hereby Certify that I have read the foregoing declaration made by the rev d John Clarke, and have no hesitation in saying to the best of my recollection & belief that that it contains minutely and substantially the truth I have known Mr Clarke for sixty years past, and know that he enlisted twice as he has stated, the first time for two years and the second for three years and that he was appointed a cornet in the Cavalry, and served in that capacity to the end of the War, except the short time he was on furlough, on account of bad health - Mr Clarke and myself were in Service at the same time. He was a brave & meritorious soldier & no man has supported a fairer character through life  Cartersbrookton Va.
State of Virginia, County of Essex ss.
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Carter Cartersbrookton and made oath that the foregoing certificate signed by himself, contains the truth to the best of his recollection and belief, and I also Certify that the said Cartersbrookton is a resident of the County aforesaid, and is a man of good character and undoubted Credibility - Given under my hand this 4 th day of December 1833
J. M. Parker
Ms 6

Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Rev Sec Rev. War Section Washington, D. C.
Acting Commissioner E. C. Tiernan. Sir.
Will you please have search made for the Rev. War service of John Clark - born in Caroline County, Virginia 1760; died about - or after 1840. He m d Nancy Bird, Augst 17th, 1789, in Caroline County, Va. He enlisted when only 19 years of age. According to the U. S. Census of 1840, he was a pensioner in King and Queen County Va., at that time, and was 80 years old. This John Clark was an own brother of Gen. George Rogers Clark, and of Gen. Jonathan Clark, both both born in Albemarle Co., Va.
This John Clark served as Lieutenant in 8th Va., Regiment Jan. 1778.

Captain 14th Feb. 1781, and till close of War. Wish very much a certificate of his War Service from the Pension Bureau - to use in or for his gr. gr. Grand daughter Arline W. Farmer, to use in be- coming a Member of the Society of Daughters of the American Rev- olution.
Most Respectfully Yours [Mrs] Mary Booker Lloyd 707 Grant Street Sullivan, Illinois.
December 22nd, 1915.
G b 7

25 Highland St., South, Nashville, Tenn.,
Sept. 30 - 1915.
Mr. G. M. Saltygaber,
Rev Sec
Dear Sir:—
In the Census of 1840, I see that John Clarke, then 80 years old, and living in King & Queen Co., Va., was a pensioner for Rev. services. Please give me all there is in his application for a pension.
Also please give me all there is in the application of Shadrach Clark who was a pensioner in 1840, and was then 81 years old, & living in Lou- enburg Co., Va. Oblige by an early reply. Respectfully, Miss Harriet Talbot.

Very WIDOW, &c.
1915 Oct. 9 Hirt. to Miss Harriet Talbot 1915 Dec. 29 Hirt. to Mrs. Mary Le. Lloyds 1917 June 9 Hirt. to Rev. W. D. Handley 1925 July 27 Rev. A. J. Hunsley at funeral cost of photos. M.W.S. 1935 Feb. 19. Hirt. to Mrs. W. P. Wood. A.N.Y.
File No. 10625
Lucy Clark Wid of John Clark Pris Rev. Mar
Act: Febru 3 d  1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 136
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Feby. 23 d / 53
Suey Clark,
Wid: of John,
Caswell,
Oct 15 3 Ms
Admitted for $96. Per An,
Comm: Feby, 3 d 1853,
Rey
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business,
Cert: to: Applicant Milton, Ms Correspondence

Clerk
No 5,638
These papers belong to the files of the office - Clerk of the House of Representatives - But in the examination of Mr. Clarke's Claims I discover the facts & refer to them
R. W. G. Clerk

Petition to Congress John C. Clark.
II+II

The Committee on Revolutionary Claims, to which was referred the petition of John Clark, Report:
The petitioner states that he enlisted in the Virginia Continental line of the Revolution, in October, 1775, under Captain Burgess Ball, for two years; that he served as a Sergeant during the whole term of his enlistment, and was discharged at White Marsh, Pennsylvania; that he immediately re-enlisted in Colson's Company of the 5 th Virginia Regiment, Commanded by Colonel Parker, for three years, and acted as Sergeant Major of the Regiment until the Army went into winter-quarters at Valley Forge, when he was appointed an Ensign which situation he resigned on being appointed a Cornet in Ash's Company of Cavalry of the North Carolina line; that subsequently the Troop was ordered to Pittsburgh and Beaver Creek, where he remained until the latter end of 1780, when owing to the expiration of enlistments and other causes, the Troop was ordered to North Carolina to recruit; That on the way from Beaver to Halifax (owing to sickness) he received a furlough and permission to return to Virginia, with orders to join again in March following; that he did rejoin the Army, and remained with it until after the capture of Cornwallis, at York, town when a return of illness caused him to receive another furlough, with orders to hold himself in readiness to return, whenever called for.
The petitioner further states that he preserved his commission and furlough

for a long period of time, but that they were finally lost; that he did not apply for his Commutation after the close of the war, (because the certificates were considered of little or no value,) until the claim had been barred by an act of limitation; that he has received from the state of Virginia the quantity of land allowed a Colonel of horses, for services during the war; that, in consequence, he deems himself entitled to the commutation of half pay for life granted to others similarly situated, and prays for the passage of an act accordingly —
These statements of Clark are made upon oath before a Magistrate, who certifies that he is a man of unspotted character, to whom the fullest credit is due. A certificate signed by twenty-five citizens of Virginia, is added, to the same effect, and to whose respectability and credibility a Magistrate certifies.
Clark's statement is sustained by Richard Shackelford, who deposes that it is correct to his own personal knowledge; that they both entered the service about the same time, and served together; and that Clark was considered an active, brave & meritorious officer. He says, "both of us served in the Continental service to the close of the war, except the time Mr. Clark has stated he was on furlough." Captain Broxton Sen r . deposes that Clark's statement the truth contains minutely and substantially, that, to his knowledge, he enlisted twice, as stated; that he was appointed a

"Cornel in the Cavalry, and served in that Ca- "pacity to the end of the war, except the time "he was on furlough". He adds, "Mr Clerk "and myself were in service at the same time. The Credibility of both these witnesses is Certified by a Magistrate. The Auditor of Virginia Certifies that he received land bounty as a Cornel of Cavalry in the Continental line, for service during the war.
The Committee, believing the claim sustained & unpaid, report a bill for the relief of the petitioner.
Dec r 22. nd 1837
Clerk's Office H o . Rep s . U.S. September 27. 1857
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original on file in my office.
Given under my hand and the seal of the House of Representatives of the United States, this 27 th day of September 1857
Richard M. Young Clerk H.R. U.S.

This is to Certify That I was intimately acquainted with the Rev d John Clarke deceased late of this County, Ohio. June, My acquaintance commenced with him about the Year 1817 or 1818. I was a clerk in a Store at New Town in this County where Mr Clarke was in the frequent habit of trading. In the Year 1825, I was clerk for Messrs John & Richard Bagby at Clarkstown, Mr Clarke resided and boarded in his Family. During the fall of that Year I married and settled in the immediate neighborhood of Mr Clarke and continued to reside in said neighborhood until the Year 1828 when I removed to the County of Carroll. In the Year 1832, I commenced partially the prosecution of Revolutionary Claims, and as I had frequently heard Mr Clarke speak of his services in that war, as an officer I went around to see him upon the subject of his claim, but he had employed Mr Robert Hood of Carroll County to prosecute it. I had at that time a long conversation with Mr Clarke about his own services, & the services of others, in which conversation he gave me a full detail of all his services from early in the war, until the close thereof - stating what officers he had served under, and what rank he himself held, which was that of Comt. Some time during the Year, 1833, I had to make a trip to Mr Clarke's neighborhood, and I took occasion to call & see him, when he informed me that Mr Hood had received

for him 26666\frac{2}{3} acres of land from Virginia, for services during the war as a Comtee in the Continental line, which fact I afterwards learned from Mr Clark himself. Mr Clarke was married I think as many as five times but who his three first wives were I do not know but I know that his fourth wife was a Miss Fogg and that his fifth and last was a Mrs Lucy Sniffin of this County and who is still living, and who I am confidently applied is the widow of the contested John Clarke who received from Virginia, as before stated twenty six hundred and sixty seven & two third acres of land in consideration of his services as Comtee in the Virginia Continental line for the period of during the war. I would further add, that I was with Mr Clarke a few days before his death and prepared for him a long and full description of all his services during the war. I have made this lengthy statement that it may be seen that my position has been such as to enable me to say positively that the Applicant, Mrs Lucy Clarke is the widow of the John Clarke who received land as above.
Given under my hand this 3 rd day of July, 1882.
Flannery

State of Virginia
County of King & Queen.
Be it known, That on this 2 nd day of July, 1852, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Richard Sanders, a respectable and credible person, and made oath in due form of law, to the statements contained in the foregoing Certificate to which his name is subscribed. Given under my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Robert F. Stubbs J.P.
State of Virginia
King and Queen County, to wit
I Robert Pollard J Clerk of the County Court of King and Queen County do hereby certify that Robert F. Stubbs whose name is signed to the above certificate was at the time of signing the same (and now as a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid) duly commissioned and qualified (according to law) and that his signature aforesaid is genuine Given under my hand & seal of office the 7 th day of July 1852
Robert Pollard J Clerk

King & Queen County. to wit -
Personally appeared before me Williams Fleet a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid John Clarke of the said County and made oath that he is the same John Clarke mentioned in the Certificate from the Clerk of Middlesex dated the 24th day of August 1822 taken from the affidavit of Edward Blackmore & James Healy made before the said Court on the [blank] day of May term 1819 - That he served the whole of three years mentioned by the said Blackmore and Healy, a part of the time as Sergeant Major of the Regiment in which he also acted as adjutant; That he continued in the army until the siege of Yorktown in Va having received an  no appointments but no commission as Canet in Capt Ash's Company of Cavalry of North Carolina. At that time he recd a furlough from Genl Muhlenburg to return home, for the purpose of having his health restored, which was at that time much impaired - That he has never applied for, nor received any bounty in land for his claim - Given under my hand this 24th day of October 1822.
Wm Fleet
Middlesex County Court, May Term 1819.
James Healy and Edward Blackmore being sworn in open Court depose and say that they are well acquainted with John Clarke of King and Queen County; that they enlisted with him in the year 1775 in Capt Burgess Hall's Company of Lancaster County under the Command of Col Josiah Parker in the 5th Virginia Regiment on Continental Detachment, in Genl Mullenberg's Brigade and Genl Green's Division, that they served with the said John Clarke two years - That they also know that the said John Clarke re-enlisted under Capt Samuel Colston for three years under the same command which is ordered to be certified
Edward Blackmore James Healy

Middlesex County Sch
I George Healy Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the above is a true Copy from the original filed in my office, and that the same was admitted to record at May Court 1819 - Given under my hand this 24th day of August 1822.
Geo Healy Clk.
State of Virginia and County of Middlesex - Sch
I Richard M. Regan one of the Commonwealth Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that George Healy, whose name is hereto annexed is Clerk of the Court of the County aforesaid, and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Court to be hereunto annexed this 27th day of August 1822 -
Richd M. Regan.
Endorsement on foregoing papers
1823. Apr 18 Allowed as a private for 3 years in Continental line, if not already allowed.
Certf. Iss
Executive Department Richmond V a October 23. 1852
I hereby certify that the foregoing are True copies of papers filed in this department.
P. F. Howard Ap t Clerk (Secy Com m Absent)

State of Virginia City of Richmond
I do hereby Certify that I was born and raised in the County of King and George in this State; That I resided there until the present year when I removed to this City Richmond. I was long and intimately acquainted with the late John Clarke deceased of that County and I know that he was the identical John Clarke who was allowed a said bounty in the year 1833 by Virginia for his services as a Colonel in the Virginia Continental line during the Revolution - I further Certify that Mrs Lucy Clarke of Richmond is the widow of the said John Clarke.
Given under my hand this 12 th day of August 1852
R. B. Bagby
State of Virginia City of Richmond Town Be it known that on this 12 th day of August 1852, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said City Robert B. Bagby a respectable and credible Witness and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing Certificate. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Thomas Cowley Jr.

150070_00525 State of Virginia.
City of Richmond, to wit:
I Charles Howard, Clerk of the Hustings Court of the said City, in the street aforesaid, hereby certify that Thomas Cowles — is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said City, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature, to the best of my belief.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of my Office this 13 th day of August 1852.
Chs. Howard, Clerk

Brief in the case of John Clark dec d County and State of Virginia act 7 June 1832.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, ( if original. )
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record and parol evidence of service, Rec d Land from Va.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Capt Triplet examined this claim before he left, and told me to allow it as soon as it was ascertained that there were no rolls of Ashe's Light horse in the Office of the Secy of State of N. C. That evidence is now filed.
Name and residence of Agent
R. W. Young Present,
F. F. Kirby Examining Clerk.

Does not pretend that he ever served as an officer in V a — was merely app d Engrs but immediately accepted a Com'ty in the W a Ca line Still he claimed and rec d from V a 2666 acs of land
The name of Capt Sam Ark is found on the Sull d list, but that of the black in one instance only as then as a private of the infantry — There are no rolls of the Cavalry at Raleigh —
Why did he claim land in V a as an Officer for 3 years?

Brief in the case of Sney Clark widow of John , Caswell County and State of North Carolina , act 3 rd Feb y : 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was per. joined under the Act of 18 th March, 1818 & 1 st May, 1820, at the rate of $96. P. An. Marriage is proven by the original marriage record thereof in family Bible. Pensions died 13 th April, 1844, as per the affidavits of two witnesses, a copy of the family record thereof is filed of this Office. Widowhood & poverty is established by the affidavits of two Credible Affiants. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Mrs. Sney Clark, Care of A. G. Stevens, Esq r Milton, N.C. Name and residence of Agent
H. B. Br. Examining Clerk.

Certificate from the Comptroller of N. B. showing payments made to John Clark from Nov. 1781 to May 9, 1787. — See Comptroller's Certificate that there was another John Clark
R. B. Temple August 26. 1828. Says Clark was an orderly Sergeant in that character was several times sent on dangerous expeditions in State he was discharged "at the end of his term in the Northern Army he was offered and received a commission in the Northern Army under Col. Duford. This commission he afterwards destroyed
Richard L. Sweeney affidavit July 3. 1852 To Aunt John Clark told him a that day is his birthday —
B. B. Dazly August 12. 1852 Knows John Clark was the same who read land warrants. —

Declaration made June 9, 1828. -
Enlisted for the term of two years in the army of October in the year 1776 in the State of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Dugoff Hall in the Regiment commanded by Simon Packer in the line of land in mid Camp until 1778. Then enlisted for the term of three years in the State of Pennsylvania & discharged after the end of three years in the State of Virginia near Williamsburg.
Do. - May 11, 1818
Enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Dugoff Hall's Co. of Lancaster County in the 5 th Virginia Regt. in the year 1775 in continental establishment & served two years, and then re-enlisted under Capt. Samuel Colston for three years, at the siege of Yorktown where was taken sick and died a final voyage, which in fulfillment the war ended. He
Do. Dec 3, 1833. -
October 1775 enlisted under Capt. Dugoff Hall for the term of two years, and served out said term, acting in company of largest and widely largest, - Enlisted again enlisted for three years same line under Capt. Colston 5 th Va. Regt. where Col. Simon Packer Muhlenberg's Brigade appointed Major, and until sent into winter quarters in winter of 1777-78, where he was appointed Ensign. Soon after he was offered and accepted the appointment of cornet in the cavalry in company of largest troops commanded by Capt. Samuel Ash of the North Carolina line.

This is to certify that I was well acquainted with the Rev. John Warfield, of this County, King & Queen, a Revolutionary Pensioner, and I well recollect that he died at his residence in said County on the second Saturday, in the month of April, A. D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four, leaving a widow, by the name of Lucy Clarke, and several children; the said Lucy, his widow, subsequently removed to the City of Richmond where she at present resides. I think I further state that I made his Coffin & what makes me recollect more particularly as to the time of his death is that it happened on the day of our April Muster in that Year, 1844, which was as before stated, the second Saturday in April, & which if I mistake not, was the 13 th day of the month. I commenced the Coffin in the evening & he was buried on the next day, Sunday, Given under my hand this 12 th day of August, 1857.
Wm. Shelton
State of Virginia King & Queen County S.S.
Be it known that on this 12 th day of August 1857 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County, Washington Shelton above named, who made oath in due form of law that the statement contained in the foregoing Certificate is true. And I certify that the said Washington Shelton is personally known to me and that he is a respectable and credible person. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name the day and year last above written.
Benj. Heeth J.P.
State of Virginia County of King and Queen Court.
J. Robert Pollard, Jr. Clerk of the County Court of

13-0070-00550 King and Queen County, in the state of aforesaid, do hereby certify that Benjamin Flett, who hath given the preceding certificate, is now, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and state aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all of his official acts. And that his signature aforesaid is genuine.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court at my Office this 13 th day of August A.D. 1867, and in the 76 year of our Lord and of our Independence.
Robert Pollard J.P. & C. By Benjamin F. Taylor D.C.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible.]

Raleigh 25 th Oct. 1852.
Sir
Your letter of the 21 st inst. is received. I find on the Warrant book, that a Warrant for 228 acres of land was issued for the services of John Clark a private Soldier in the revolutionary war, drawn by Maj r Tillman Dixon in Nov r 1786 N o 1403. The quantity of land for which this Warrant was issued, was for 2½ years service, and is no doubt located and a grant issued thereon in the State of Tennessee where the original Warrant may be found on file.
Very respectfully
Your Ob t Serv t
W. Hill
J. C. Heath Esq r Com r . Pensions

"John Clarke and Lucy his wife was married The 29 th of March 1832."
"John Clarke departed this life the 13 th day of April 1844 in the 85 th year of his age."
State of Virginia City of Richmond ss.
I Hawes R Sutton a notary Public for the City aforesaid in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the above Marriage and Obituary of John Clarke is a true copy from a record in a large and old Bible represented to be the Bible of John Clarke deceased late of King & Queen County Virginia and who was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United United States, and that I have very satisfac- tory evidence that it is the identical family record of the said John Clarke deceased.
Given under my hand and notarial seal this 21 st day of December 1853.
Hawes R. Sutton N.P.

M c Clark. Dec. 1818.
1 st Dec. Enlist d as a private soldier in Capt P. Ball Co o 5 th V a Reg t in the year 1775—served two years, and re-enlisted under Capt Colston for 3 years. At the siege of York town was taken back, had a furlough, and while on furlough the war ended.
from the Original roll Barnel Johnson 5/13/1818
Note Capt Ball was commissioned Nov 1776
M c Clark cap d May 1776.
En d Blackman (writ) Sep t 1776
Roll dated June 9 1777
did not enlist in year 1775 as stated
2 nd Dec r 1828
Oct 1776 enlist d for 2 nd of in Capt Ball Co o and served until 1778. then re-enlisted for 3 years in the State of Penn. and discharged after 3 years in the State of Va.
3 rd Dec. 1833 under Act May 15-1828
Oct 1775 enlist d under Capt Ball for two years acting as a Sergeant—disch d in Penn. immediately re-enlist d in same service for 3 years under Capt Colston of the 5 th V a Reg t . Col Rankin. was Serg t Major until Nov 1777. 1778 at Valley Forge, and then was appointed an Ensign. Soon after he accepted the appt t of Cornett in a corps of Congreg t troops, Capt Sam Ash. N.C. line. Ordered to Halifax to recruit men in 1780. On his way was permitted to visit his friends in V a . Regard the army at Richmond V a and remained with it until the Surrender of the enemy. He obtained a new furlough for the benefit of his health to return when called for: 1000 men in service after Oct 1781.

Millon The Petition of Mrs Lucy Clark, widow of Rev d John Clark dec d late of King & Union Co. Va praying ad- vancement allowances for the Revolutionary services of her husband.
Referred to Comm ee on Revolu- tionary claims by James A Seddon
January 30. 1850 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary claims
6 20

We whose names are hereunto subscribed, certify that we were personally & well acquainted with the old Mr Alexander Shackelford of this County, a Revolutionary Soldier during his life, and we have no hesitation in saying that we always looked upon him, and regarded him as a man of truth & respectability and we believe that he is so regarded by all who knew him. Given under our hands this 11 th day of August, 1857.
Robert Bland Beverly D. Roy
State of Virginia
County of King & Queen Court
Be it known that on this 11 th day of August 1857 before me the subscribers, a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Beverly D. Roy and Robert Bland respectable & credible persons of the said County and acknowledged the foregoing Certificate to which their names are subscribed to be their act and deed. Given under my hand this day and year last above mentioned
Robert Bland J. P.

State of Virginia: County of King and Queen S.S.
I Robert Pollard Jr. Clerk of the County Court of King and Queen County in the state aforesaid. do hereby certify, that Roderick Bland, who hath given the foregoing certificates, is now, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the peace in and for the County and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all of his official acts. and that his signatures aforesaid are genuine. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court at my office, this 13 th day of August A.D. 1851 and in the 76 year of our Independence.
Robert Pollard Jr. C.C. By Benjamin T. Taylor D.C.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

We whose names are hereunto subscribed, hereby certify that we were long & well acquainted with old Mr. Carter Covington deceased, of the County of Essex and since we have no hesitation in saying that we always regarded him as a Revolutionary soldier, and a man of strict truth & veracity. Given under our hands this 11 th day of August 1837.
R. L. Muse Jefferson Minor
State of Virginia
King & Queen County ss
Be it known that on this 11 day of August 1837 before me the subscribers, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared R. L. Muse & Jefferson Minor
subscribers to the foregoing Certificate, and acknowledged the same to be their act and deed and I certify that the said R. L. Muse, and Jefferson Minor
are respectable and credible persons. Given under my hand the day & Year last above mentioned
Robt Bland J. P.

I certify that the declaration of John Clark for a pension under the act of the 13 th May 1828 was detached from these papers in my presence December 13. 1833
S. Potter Clerk Treasury Dept

Virginia, to wit:
I,
John Floyd
Governor of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, and make known unto ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN , that Alexander Fleet whose name is subscribed to several certificates hereto annexed was at the time of subscribing the same, a Justice of the peace for the County of King & Queen in the State aforesaid, duly appointed and qualified according to Law - (And that) William Temple, John A. Parker (and) James Temple whose names are subscribed to other certificates annexed hereto, were at the time of subscribing the same, Justices of the peace for the County of Essex in the said State of Virginia, duly appointed & qualified according to Law, and to all the official acts of the said Justices respectively full faith, credit and authority, are had and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name, and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed hereunto. Done at the City of Richmond , the Twelfth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the Commonwealth the fifty eighth
By me the Governor
Wm H Richardson Secy Com th Keeper of the Seal
John Floyd

Sept 23 1844
Miss
Miss Pauline
Leannun of Pentecost

Washington 22 Sept 1841
Col Edwards
Sir
Your letter of the 20 th inst is before me - You say by Mr Clark's own showing he did not remain in the army until the war ended, nor does your rolls afford any evidence of his having served under Capt Ball as an ensign, or as a cornet under a Capt Colston -
It has been some time since I saw the evidence, but if I recollect it rightly, it shows that Cornet Clark's health became very bad some time before the end of the war, & he was granted leave of absence for a while - Under this view he was constructively in service to the end of the war - Every department of the government has decided that for an officer to be in captivity, or absent with leave, is equivalent to being in actual service - No principle is better settled than this - I can refer you to hundreds of cases -
As to the 2 nd - I do not think that Clark says that he served as an ensign in Capt Balls company; & I am positive he does not say he served as a cornet under Capt Colston -
He says, he in fall of 1775 enlisted & served 3 yrs as a private & noncommissioned officer - He then reenlisted in the same service (infantry) and was appointed ensign; but before his company organized, he left the infantry, at the persuasion of his cousin Lt Buford & joined Capt Ash's troop of cavalry, to which Buford be -

longed, and was appointed cornett in that (Capt Ash's) Troop - which belonged to the North Carolina line - So that he did not serve as ensign at all -
You say that in his declaration of March 18, 1818 he set forth all his service as a private & sergeant - But on examining Capt B Ball's company roll, I find that he was from May the 1st 1776 to June 1777, the date of the roll, a corporal only - This at first glance seems to be a contradiction - but a moment's attention to the facts will show there is none -
Geo Clark enlisted as a private in fall of 1775 for 3 yrs - On the 1 May 1776 he was promoted to the office of corporal in which capacity he served to June 1777, according to your statement from the rolls - But his term of enlistment was not out until the fall of 1778 - In what capacity did he serve from June 1777 till the fall of 1778 over one year? - He says as sergeant; & no doubt truly too -
I presume there is no question about the service of Clark - That he served long enough to entitle him to a pension of some sort is not questioned - The only question is - was he an officer? To my mind the evidence appears to be conclusive - & it is no little satisfaction to know that the executive of Va, &

congress have both decided that he was an officer, and that decision made too after Mr Dickens, had contested the case before the committee — The question of service to the end of the war , was decided by congress also; because the act giving commutation pay, gave it only to those who served to the end of the war —
I respectfully ask of you a reconsideration of the case — It was as you remarked to day being fully stated; but I think with the explanation now given you will allow it —
I am resply yrs
Rob Hord
I infer from a remark in your letter that you would allow black a cornets pension under the act of 7th July 1832, which does not require service to end of the war — If you shall on a reconsideration, reject the claim under the act of 18 March 1828, I would ask your opinion on it under the act of 7th July 1832 —
R H
H

18th Sept 1841
Col Edwards
Sir
In answer to your inquiry, I inform you that Geo Clark resides in King & Queen Co Va, & is post master at Clarkston, or Clarksville, I forget which — The P Office book will shew — I do not know the act under which he was pensioned as a private, but I believe it was the act, which extended the benefit to only those who were poor & unable to support themselves — The reed Robt C. Semple of Va — got him his pension in the first instance, as you will see by a letter of his, amongst the papers —
About 1836 or 7 — I applied for him, for an increase of pension under the act of 15th May 1828, — Mr Dechens had charge of the case at that time, under that act — I filed much additional evidence which you will see — I wish to leave here tomorrow & shall pass through Mr Clark's neighborhood — If the case could be decided to day, I would be thankful, though Col Edwards will suit his convenience
I am resply
Robt Hood

13 Sep 1841 Mad Sylvester
Col. J. Edwards Governor of Pensylvania Washington City
5 Sep-13. 1841.
50 Mr Clark
A 20 A
the 11

Washington City 10 Sept 1841
Col Jas L Edwards
Sir
Some years since, I made application to have John Clarke, who then stood on the Va pension rolls as a private, raised to a cornett — The application was rejected, & he continued to draw as a private — In passing through Va lately, I was at his house — He is yet living — is a very poor man — with a very large family & but little to look to besides his scanty pension — His application for an increase of pension, I thought, was improperly rejected, and I feel confident that you will be of the same opinion if you will reconsider it — About At the time I applied for an increase of pension, application was also made to congress for his commutation pay as cornett — Mr Dickens, who I think, decided the case at the pension office, went before the committee on revolutionary claims, & opposed it — But it was allowed, or rather passed the committee, & has never been acted on by the house — — The only argument made by Mr Dickens against the claim was this — He said — That Mr Clarke having applied for & received the pension of a private many years ago, was proof that he was not an officer — Now if you will examine the papers, you will see a letter of the revd Rob B Semple, which accompanied Mr Clarke's first application, in which Mr Semple states, that Mr Clarke claimed to be an officer, but that having no proof of the fact, he must be content to take a private's pension — This is sufficient to rebut any such inference against him. Mr Clarke first enlisted & served 3 yrs as a private — He then reenlisted, & was appointed cornett in Capt

150070-00355 Ash's Troop of Cavalry of North Carolina — One of Ash's officers was his relative, & to gratify him, he left the Va line — This is the reason he could not find proof at first of his services as an officer — because he lives in Va & all those who served with him in the Troop were of another state —
The only question is this — was Mr Clarke a cornet — The Governor & council of Va, decided that he was, & gave him the bounty land of a cornet —
The committee on revolutionary claims decided that he was a cornet, & reported a bill allowing him the commutation pay of a cornet —
Here then are two tribunals that have considered & solemnly decided the question, alike — Mr Clarke appeared before both not as a beggar of bounty, but as a creditor, justly entitled to the bounty land & commutation pay of a cornet — He did not ask it as a favor — He demanded it as his right — The demand was decided to be just —
He now appears before you in a different character — His government has liberally offered to give him that support, which he is now unable to make — Is there not every reason, why his application should be more liberally considered in this case than in either of the others — I think you will agree that there is — It is a principle in jurisprudence to lean to the side of mercy — If there be doubt, let mercy decide it — Now here is an old man, in actual want, with a large family, who spent his best days, in achieving the independence, which we enjoy — He lays his claim before you — The Gov t & council of a state have decided it to be just — A committee of congress

decided the same way — Will you say con- gress & the Governor know nothing about it, & deny him that support which his country has liberally provided for him? — I will not believe it — I do not think you ever saw the papers — When it was before the department, I think Mr Dickens had charge of it — I have ask- to ask that you will reconsider it & let me a hear from you at the City P.O. as early as con- venient —
I am truly yrs
Robt Hove
pled a

Treasury Department 3 d Auditor's Office 4 th March 1840
Sir.
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 3 d instant, enclosing a printed report, made, on the 22 nd of December 1837, by Mr. Muhlenberg, of the committee on Revolutionary claims, in the House of Representatives, in the case of John Clark, and in respect to which, you request me to furnish the facts that may appear on the records in this Office.
According to the report above mentioned it would appear, that Mr. Clark, after having served as Sergeant and Sergeant Major, he was appointed an Ensign in the 5 th Virginia Regiment, and which appointment he resigned on being appointed a Cornet in Ash's company of Cavalry, of the North Carolina line - If Mr. Clark had any claim to commutation, it would, of course, have accrued under the last mentioned appointment - That is to say, for his services, as cornet in Ash's company of Cavalry -
Now, I have to state that the Revolutionary records, on file in this Office, do not furnish any evidence whatever of said John Clark, having been a cornet in Captain Ash's company of Cavalry, at any time, during the Revolutionary War - and, of course, his name does not appear to have been returned, as entitled either to

land, or commutation, from the United States -
The report which accompanied your letter, is, here: =with, returned -
With great Respect John Hagner And
Hon. W. Montgomery of the com tee on Revy claims House of Reps U. States.

We whose names are hereunto subscribed hereby Certify that we have been personally acquainted with the Rev d John Clarke of the County of King and Queen for many years past, and unhesitatingly say that we have the utmost Confidence in him as a person of the strictest Veracity, that he stands unimpeached, and unimpeachable, as to character &c, and that any statement made by him, either upon oath, or otherwise, we should consider entitled to full faith and credit . We further certify that the said Clarke is very old and infirm, (being as we would judge, between eighty and ninety years of age) and having been recently attacked with a paralysis from which he has as yet but partially recovered. We further state, that the said Clarke has a large family, and but a very inadequate means of subsistence in connection with the Pension which he receives from the United States, for supporting them and would further add, that although the said Clarke is old and infirm — yet his Mind and Memory appear to be nearly as vigorous as ever
Benj. Fleet
Oliver White
Alex r Fleet
James Smith

45 JOHN CLARK.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 222.]
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Mr. MUHLENBERG, from the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, made the following
REPORT :
The Committee on Revolutionary Claims, to which was referred the petition of John Clark, report :
The petitioner states that he enlisted in the Virginia continental line of the Revolution, in October, 1775, under Captain Burgess Ball, for two years ; that he served as a sergeant during the whole term of his enlistment, and was discharged at White Marsh, Pennsylvania ; that he immediately re-enlisted in Colson's company of the 5th Virginia regiment, commanded by Colonel Parker, for three years, and acted as sergeant-major of the regiment until the army went into winter-quarters at Valley Forge, when he was appointed an ensign, which situation he resigned on being appointed a cornet in Ash's company of cavalry, of the North Carolina line ; that, subsequently, the troop was ordered to Pittsburgh and Beaver creek, where he remained until the latter end of 1780, when, owing to the expiration of enlistments and other causes, the troop was ordered to North Carolina to recruit ; that on the way from Beaver to Halifax, owing to sickness, he received a furlough and permission to return to Virginia, with orders to join again in March following ; that he did rejoin the army, and remained with it until after the capture of Cornwallis, at York, when a return of illness caused him to receive another furlough, with orders to hold himself in readiness to return whenever called for.
The petitioner further states that he preserved his commission and furlough for a long period of time, but that they were finally lost ; that he did not apply for his commutation after the close of the war, (because the certificates were considered of little or no value,) until the claim had been barred by an act of limitation ; that he has received from the State of Virginia the quantity of land allowed a cornet of horse, for services during the war ; that, in consequence, he deems himself entitled to the commutation of half pay for life granted to others similarly situated, and prays for the passage of an act accordingly.
These statements of Clark are made upon oath before a magistrate, who certifies that he is a man of unspotted character, to whom the fullest
Thomas Allen, print.

credit is due. A certificate, signed by twenty-five citizens of Virginia, is added, to the same effect, and to whose respectability and credibility a magistrate certifies.
Clark's statement is sustained by Richard Shackelford , who deposes that it is correct, to his own personal knowledge; that they both entered the service about the same time, and served together; and that Clark was considered an active, brave, and meritorious officer. He says, "both of us served in the continental service to the close of the war, except the time Mr. Clark has stated he was on furlough." Carter Croxton, sen. , deposes that Clark's statement "contains minutely and substantially the truth; that, to his knowledge, he enlisted twice, as stated; that he was appointed a cornet in the cavalry, and served in that capacity to the end of the war, except the time he was on furlough." He adds, "Mr. Clark and myself were in service at the same time." The credibility of both these witnesses is certified by a magistrate. The Auditor of Virginia certifies that he received land bounty as a cornet of cavalry in the continental line, for services during the war.
The committee, believing the claim sustained and unpaid, report a bill for the relief of the petitioner.

Washington 7 Apl 1843
Hon J M Porter, Sir
I omitted to say any thing in my appeal on the claim of Ino Clark, on the subject of Col Edwards objections to allowing the claim — The only objections I have heard are these — 1st — Because Mr Clark applied for a pension only as a private many years ago under the act of March 1818 — & did not then say he was an officer 2nd — The commissioner stated this morning, that there was no evidence at all to prove Ino Clarke to have been an officer —
I answer to the first — That the revd Rob B Semple, who got Mr Clarke's pension under the act of 1818, states positively, that Mr Clark claimed then to have been an officer, but not having evidence then of the fact, he must be content to receive the pension of a private.
To the 2d objection, I have only to say, that such an opinion, can be accounted for only on the supposition, that the commissioner has never read the depositions of Croton & Shackelford, at all; or having read them, he discredits them; though their characters are sustained by 26 gentlemen of the highest respectability, in their county, & by two gentlemen in this city, to whose evidence I refer —
Resply
Robt Hord
{ see Mr Semple's letter on file

apb 1843
1872
The Hon Secy of war will please file this with my letter of this morning, on Ino Clarke case Rob Hore

Widdlessee County Court May Term 1819
James Healy and Edward Blackamore being sworn in open Court, Depose and say that they are well acquainted with John Clarke of King & Queen County, that they enlisted with him in the year 1775 in Captain Burgess Pate's Company of Lancaster County under the Command of Col. Josiah Parker in the 5 th Virginia Regiment on Continental establishment in Gen. Mullen-burg's Brigade and General Greene's Division, that they served with the said John Clarke two years. That they also know that the said John Clarke re-enlisted under Capt. Sam d Colston for three years, under the same command which is ordered to be certified. In testimony
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the said County to be hereunto affixed this 24 th day of May 1819
George Healy Clerk M c

Middlesex County Set
George W. Healy Clerk of the County
Court of Middlesex do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the within named James Healy and Edward Blackamore and can state that they are men of the first respectability
Geo: W. Healy Clerk
George of Lewis B a. Solon
On the
1847 July 17 1847 July 17 1847 July 17

This is to certify that Mrs Lucy Clark and her husband the late John Clark, deceased of the County of King and Queen, were united in the holy bands of matrimony by me some time in the early part of the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty two. The day or month I am not able to state. - I further certify that the said John Clark, has since died, and that the said Lucy Clark, is still his widow. I further certify that the name of the said Lucy Clark, before her marriage to the said John Clark, was Lucy Smith. Given under my hand this 16 th day of April, 1855 John Spencer
State of Virginia, County of King & Queen, Towne Be it known that on this 16 th day of April A.D 1855, before me Richard H. Cox a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared John Spencer above named, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing certificate to which his name is subscribed: And I certify that the said John Spencer, is a Baptist Minister, and a respectable and credible person R.H. Cox J.P.

150070_00505 State of Virginia County of King & Queen to wit I Robert Pollard Clerk of the County Courts of King & Queen in the State of Virginia do hereby Certify that Richard H. Cox, before whom the foregoing Certificate of John Spencer was made, is and was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the peace within and for the the aforesaid County of King and Queen, duly elected and sworn to act as such; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of my said County, this 21 st day of June 1855-
Robert Pollard Clerk

15070_00500 Milton N. Carolina
April 16 th 1855
Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commr of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Dear Sir,
You are hereby authorized to deliver to Mr James T. Sutton Jr. of Richmond City Virginia my Pension Certificate when the same shall issue under the act of February 3. rd 1855
Very Respectfully
Albert
Yr obt serv
A. G. Stevens
Maria F. Smith
Grey, Clerk
Send Cert't to Grey Clerk. Care of Mr. Stevens Milton, N.C.

We Francis V. Sutton and Robert B. Bagley of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mrs Lucy Clark the widow of John Clark dec d who was a Pensioner of the United States of the County of King & Queen Virginia. That we also knew the said John Clark well, that he is now dead and the said Mrs Lucy Clark has not married again but is still a widow that we learn & believe the said Mrs Clark (who has resided for several very part in Richmond (Va) is now in North Carolina but whether to make that State her permanent home or not we are unable to state from our own knowledge. Given under our hands this 21 st day of February 1855 -
(Mrs: V. Sutton R. B. Bagley)
State of Virginia } City of Richmond } ss
On this 21 st day of February 1855 before me personally appeared Francis V. Sutton and Robert B. Bagley above named as credible and disinterested parties and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing Certificate. And I also certify that I have no interest whatever in Mrs Clark's Claim - Given under my hand the day & year above written. Hawes R. Sutton Notary Public.

"John Clark and Lucy his wife was married the 29 th day of March 1832"
"John Clark departed this life the 13 th day of April 1844 in the 85 th year of his age"
I Hawes R Sutton certify that the above marriage and death of John Clark is correctly copied from an old family Bible, which I am satisfied is the genuine family record of John Clark dec d the late husband of Mrs Lucy Clark who is now making application for a Pension and that the said Mrs Clark made a similar declaration (to the one which I have seen this day) before me some twelve months since and I at that time was called on to examine the same Bible containing the above marriage & death of said John Clark  record together with many others of his family - Given under my hand this 21 st day of February 1855.
Hawes R Sutton
Notary Public in the City Richmond State of Virginia.

Shackelford 20 Jun 28th
Spn
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comr. of Pensions Washington City

Shackelford Co. King & Queen County, Va., June 22 nd 1833.
Hon. L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Your letter of the 11 th of April last, requesting additional evidence of the marriage of Mrs Lucy Clarke, widow of John Clarke in support of her claim for a Pension under the act of 3 February 1833, was duly received and in accordance with that request, I obtained the Certificate of the Parson who married them, and now have the honor to enclose the same. In Your letter you state that as there had been communications from various persons upon the subject of Mrs C's claim, that you would feel at a loss to know who to send the Certificate to, and unless some further authority was produced the Certificate would be sent to Mrs Clarke's address. Mrs C. has been upon a visit to one of her Children, (who resides in the State of North Carolina) for several months, and has been, and is yet I fear still in very low health, consequently unable to pursue

150070_00571 of replying to a communication I addressed her soon after the receipt of your letter. But I have been her acknowledged Agent for the last five or six Years, to prosecute whatever Pension claims she was entitled to, and in the absence of a regular Power of Attorney, to prosecute this particular claim. I now send enclosed several letters from one of her Daughters, upon the subject of this particular claim, and also letters from Mrs Clarke herself in relation to a claim for an increase of Pension due to her husband, in his life time under the act of June 1832, which claim was rejected by your Predecessor, Mr. Heath - and afterwards, I believe was again rejected by yourself. Don't R. A. Young, represented myself in that case - It is true, that Mr James T. Sutton, filed Mrs Clarke's declaration under act 3 d February, 1853, but afterwards wrote me that the certificate would be sent to me, as he knew that I had a contract with Mrs Clarke, & had been previously authorized by her to prosecute her claims. This letter of Mr Sutton, together with a letter from Miss M. H. Smith (Mrs Clarke's Daughter by her former husband), I had the honor to enclose to You on the 3 rd day of Feby 1854, and requested that they might be filed with the other papers in the case, which I presume was

down. Mrs Clark, is old, infirm, and forgetful, and it may be, that some insidious person may have been trying to prevail on her to forfeit her Contract with me, but I don't think she would do so. I must however request that, if you should decide not to send me the Certificate, to be so good as to suspend the case until I can, either see, or hear from Mrs Clark, and if you do not do this, I must then ask you in to do me the favor to inform me to whom the Certificate is sent. I have had a great deal of trouble, in this, and Mrs C's other claims, and it would be hard for me to lose all my troubles besides a heavy expense in the premises, since As I furnish the evidence required to enable her to obtain her claim, I think the Certificate should by rights be sent to me. You however will of course, decide upon the most proper course for your department to pursue. If you send the Certificate to Mrs C's address, or to any other person, then myself, do not fail to apprise me of the fact immediately.
Very Respectfully, Yr Most obed Servt. J. H. Andrews
If the several letters enclosed are of no use to you, please to return them
P.S.

Con ren: com: 26 Aug. 1828
Secy's Aft II

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Mr John Blake of King & Queen county Virginia for many years. That about the year 1813 he failed as a merchant for many thousand dollars more than his funds would pay. He was taken under an execution against his body & I with others became his security for the prison bond. That he remained in prison for some consi- derable length of time & finally gave up all his property & then took the insolvent debtor's oath & came out of prison. A few friends assisted him by loans to set up a small grocery by which he barely maintained himself. Some time in the year 1814 he married another wife who had a small property worth perhaps 4 or 500 which was made over by her before her marriage to trus- tees for her benefit. I was one of the trustees. The trustees bought the lot of land on which the said black now lives for 200 & besides this there was a negro & slaves & perhaps 50 or 60 worth of furniture all of which was conveyed to the trustees & is held by them for the benefit of Mrs Blake & her six small children all born since the year 1814. If Mr Blake was known to be owner of 10 worth of property it would doubtless be immediately seized by his creditors. He was a revolutionary soldier for 2 or 3

Years & I have been informed by several old soldiers now dead that he was distinguished for his bravery & good conduct. He was made an orderly sergeant & in that character was several times sent on dangerous expeditions in which he was success- ful. At the end of his term in the Northern army he was offered & received a commission in the Southern army under Col. Buford. This com- mission he afterwards resigned through the perse- cutions of his mother & relations while on his way from the Northern to the Southern army. What I say here must of course be from others as I was not old enough to be in the army myself but I received from those who were & who if alive would testify to Mr Clark's merits as a soldier. His conduct through life has been that of an industrious, sober, benevolent & virtuous man at least for nearly 40 years from which time my acquaintance with him commenced. He is now about 68 or 69 years of age unable from age & infirmities to labor & has a young & in- creasing family. There is not (I think) an intelligent man in the bounds of Mr Clark's acquaintance who does not think him strongly entitled to the bounty of his country & who has not advised him to seek it. He now-

ever is a high minded man I could not be persuaded to urge his claims. To the above certificate I am willing to make affidavit if necessary. As witness my hand this the 26 th of August 1928.
Robt B. Semple
Sworn to before R. Johnson J.P.

Know all men by these presents that I Lucy Clark of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia, widow of John Clark deceased (who was an officer in the war of the Revolution) do hereby constitute, and appoint Reuben Saunders of King & Queen County Virginia my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to an interest and arrears of pension on account of my said husband's services as aforesaid. And my said attorney is hereby authorized, if he shall find it necessary, to employ one or more agents under him for the purpose of prosecuting my said claim. Witness my hand and seal this 27 th day of August 1857-
Sealed and delivered in presence of Reuben S Powers
Lucy Clark
Seal
State of Virginia City of Richmond Be it known, that before me John G. London a justice of the peace in and for the city aforesaid personally appeared Lucy Clark above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 27 th day of August 1857
John G. London J.P.
State of Virginia, City of Richmond, to wit:
I, Charles Howard, clerk of the Court of Hustings for the said City, hereby certify that John G. London, whose name is above subscribed, is and was at the time of signing the same an alderman ex officio a justice of the peace duly qualified, and I believe his said signature to be

genuine In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of Hastings, this 27 th day of August in the year 1857.
Chs. Howard, clerk.
I do hereby authorize and empower, James G. Borick and R. W. Young, of Washington City as my substitutes, to prosecute before the proper department of the Genl. Government, the within named Claim. Witness my hand & seal this 16 th day of September, 1857-
Richard D. Lane " " "

Know all men by these presents, that I, John Clarke of King & Queen County, and State of Virginia do hereby constitute, nominate and appoint Robert Ford my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute any claims to land or money that may be due from the State of Virginia and United States, or either, on account of the Revolutionary services of myself, and to demand and receive from the proper offices in Richmond and Washington, any Land Warrant or Warrants so due, and to surrender them at the General Land Office, in order to obtain certificates of scrip in lieu thereof, which he is authorized to receive, sell and assign. Or if said Warrants be already surrendered, then to demand and receive the certificates, and to sell and assign the same. If no scrip can be obtained, he is authorized to receive the Warrants which may have been surrendered, and to locate or sell the same as he may think best. Said Attorney is also authorized to prosecute by suit or petition, and to demand and receive from the State of Virginia and the United States, any half pay or Commutation and interest that may be due; and to substitute and appoint one or more Attorneys under him, with a general or special authority to do all he is permitted to do, and revoke the same at pleasure. I hereby ratify and confirm whatever said Attorney or his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.
As Witness my hand and seal this 1st. day of September 1832.
John Clark
State of Virginia, King & Queen County, to wit: This day personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace for the said County, John Clark, subscriber to the foregoing power of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. As Witness my hand and seal, this 1st. day of September 1832.
Ben Pollard

Executive Department December 3 rd 1832.
John Clarke is allowed Land Bounty as Cornet of Cavalry in the Continental line for service during the War.
John Floyd
Rec d John Clarke's Warrant, No. 7309 issued this 20 th day Feby 1833.
C. L. P.
Robt. Hord
The foregoing is a Copy of paper on file in the Virginia Land Office
Teste,
S. H. Parker Reg. L. Office

The Miln Office.
April 19 th 1855
I have the Rev. of Mass in family bible I have is no doubt of its genuineness. Married 1832, Sister Clark
"B. B. H."

Nov 24 June 1834.
We the undersigned, residents of the County of King & Queen in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that we have been for a long time personally acquainted with the revd John Clarke of the said County, and we have no hesitation in stating, that he has supported a good character, and has been considered a truthful and honest man by the public generally - Mr Clarke now has a very large family to support, was once in comfortable circumstances, but some years since was unfortunate in business, and is at this time very poor - He has passed through an ordeal well calculated to elicit bad principles, if he possessed such - But we have never heard him suspected, even by those who were sufferers by his misfortunes - We therefore state, with pleasure, that he is in our estimation, & in that of the public generally, an honest man, and that in our opinion, no prospect, however alluring, could induce him to depart from the truth, in any statement he may be called on to make -
William Shepherd School Teacher
Wm Bird a Deputy Sheriff for King & Queen County
Thomas Walker, P.M. at Brurington
Harris Carlton. Merchant. c. do
Edward Fox Miller
Wm. Courtney Merchant Stevensville
A. Harwood. Member elect of the Senate of Virginia
John H. Carlton Miller at King & Queen House & Tavern
John P. Haynes house Carpenter
Benson Carlton house Carpenter
John Bagby Post Master Stevensville
John W. Willy and Millwright
John Pollard Comm. rec. King & Queen County
I am acquainted with Mr. Clarke and most cheerfully certify that I believe him to be of strict integrity. P. Pollard Magistrate of King & Queen County

Baylor Temple P. Master at Wallerton
Samuel Boston merchant
Rev. Thos. J. P. & Lieut. Col.
Thos. Hoskins President Justice of Pleas
Beverly D. Roy M.D.
Wm. Todd M.D.
Thos. B. Evans Merchant Little Hyrnouth
Rev. Pollard Justice
John Motley Justice
George H. Barton Merchant
W. H. Pendleton
41 28
Virginia
King and Queen County to wit
I Robert Pollard Clerk of the County Court of King and Queen do hereby certify that the subscribers to the foregoing statements are residents of the County of King and Queen and that they are personally known to me to be men of character and respectability. I also state that the aforesaid John Clarke has been for many years personally known to me and that he is a man of undoubted character and credibility.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 9 th day of June 1884
Robert Pollard Clerk
[Faint, mirrored text bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Washington January 4 th 1853.
Hon. A. H. Stuart Secy of the Interior
Sir
I respectfully request that the Com r of Pensions be asked to furnish a report, to show his reasons for suspending the Payment of a Pension Certificate lately issued to Lucy Clarke widow of John Clarke.
Very respectfully
Your Ob d Serv t
A. W. Young attorney

John Clark's Declarations
I. May 11. 1818.
Enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Burgess Balls Compy. of Lancaster County in the 5 th Virginia Regiment in the year 1775, on continental establishment and served two years; and then re-enlisted under Capt. Samuel Colston for three years. At the siege of Yorktown was taken sick and had a furlough, while on furlough the war ended.
II. Enlisted for the term of two years on the day of October in the year 1776 in the State of Virginia in the company commanded by Asa Capt. Burgess Ball in the Regiment commanded by Josiah Parker in the line he served in said company until 1778; then enlisted for the term of three years in the State of Pennsylvania and discharged after the end of three years in the State of Virginia near Williamsburg.
Dated June 9, 1828.

III. Dec. 3, 1833. —
X
October 1775, enlisted under Capt. Burgess Ball for the term of two years, and served out said term acting in capacity of sergeant and orderly sergeant until discharged. Enlisted again for three years, same line under Capt. Wilson 5 th Virginia Regt. under Col. Joseph Parker, Muhlenberg's Brigade. Appointed Sergeant Major acted as such until went into winter quarters in vicinity of 1777-'78, when he was appointed Ensign. Soon after he was offered and accepted the appointment of Cornet in the Cavalry in a corps of Congress troops commanded by Col. Samuel Ashe of the North Carolina line.

State of North Carolina Office of Secretary of State 18 th Oct. 1852.
J. E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Your letter of the 14 th instant is received; in reply to which I can say, that the only record in this Office affording evidence of the service of Cavalry in the war revolutionary, is a book called the 'Warrant book,' in which all Warrants for land, are entered, but that does not specify the kind of service performed in many cases. I find Capt. Sam l Ashe had a Warrant for 33 months service. Col o John B. Ashe had one for 64 months service. Sam l Ashe L t had one for 84 months. The Warrants were issued on the certificates of Field Officers. If the holding for which Mr. Young asks a pension served two years, it is probable a Warrant has been issued for services.
Yours respectfully,
W. H. Hill

Richmond Va. July 13. 1854
Reverend Mr. Day
Dear Friend
Not being able to learn from Mrs Clarke, whether you had taken any steps in regard to her claim under the act of July 3. 1853 and she seeming to be very anxious to do something in the matter, I proposed to propose to file the papers, and in the event that you considered yourself entitled to the prosecution of the same, I would assist her, there should be no difficulty between you myself nor should she have the least uneasiness on her mind relative to the matter -
I write now to say that I have filed the papers and am in expectation of the Proviso Certificate every day which you can get by calling in person or sending for it - I am pleased to hear of your improved health -
Most truly Your friend
James T. Southwick Jr.

Widow of John Clark of Ia
Col Bennah
D. Young

of 7 th June 23 rd 1857. John Clark, act of 1832. Pensioned as a private of Cavalry. Since his death his widow made application alleging her husband was a Corporal of Cavalry I wish to see the papers she may file. Authority from the Adm t to examine the papers on file, was filed in this office some six months since.
Dr Young says that these papers were called up by Col Berret 6 months since & they could not be found - Mr Anderson with pleasure look them up -

Dec 29 (1841)
New York
Hunt Hall DR

Colo J L Edwards,
I most thanks you for any information which may be in your office in reference to the service of John Clark of Va., as Cornet in Capt Samuel Ashby's Co of Va. Cavalry, to the end of the war
respectfully yours W H Hall.
Dec 28. 1841
P.S. See your letter to Robert Hood 20 Sept 1841 — Perhaps a copy of this letter may give all necessary information
See paper under Oct May, 1828 No 2095. See Rd Hood 21 Sept 1841

1833 13 th Dec 1833. John Clark applied for a pension under the act of 1828, making substantially the same statements as in his petition to Congress, omitting to say
that after the passage of the Pension law of 1818, he became a prisoner as a private, became so from it so difficult at his advanced age to turn up evidence to prove his claim as an officer
John Clark , in his declaration for a pension under the act of 1818, made 11 May 1818. — entered a private in Capt B Bull Co of 5 Va Regt. in 1775. served two years, & then re-enlisted under Capt Sam Golson for 3 years at the siege of Yorktown was taken prisoner, had a furlough but the furlough the war ended

State of North Carolina { Comptroller's Office.
I, William S. Clarke, Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office, among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows, to wit:
John Clark Indent or Army certificate No. 33 issued by Auditor of Salisbury District November 16th. 1781 £7 16s specie. Ditto No. 14444 August 22 d . 1782 £20 18s specie Ditto No. 3839 August 10th. 1783 £20 6s D u " Ditto, Hillsboro' Auditor, No. 1912 April 1783 £20. 15s specie Ditto " " No. 6516, final settlement certificate, May 12th 1784 £65 15s specie Ditto Salisbury Auditor, No. 18444, 1 July 1784 £36 specie Ditto " " No. 4 9 Jany. 1787 £60— " Ditto Washington & Sullivan Auditor June 1783 £8 11s " " " " No. 93 June 20. 1782 £15— " Book No. 11 page 5 £66 11s— specie. " " " 2 £124 8s 6d "
John Clark was also allowed for losses at Bryan Creek £124. Vol. A. acct. 677—
I have carefully avoided inserting many payments made by Auditor in the eastern part of the State as there was a John Clark of Craven County, the foregoing sum to have been made to a western man, or to one who performed service in the western part of this State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 22 d day of April A.D. 1852—
Wm S Clarke Compt r .

Sir
Washington Octr 13 th 1853.
I have lately rec d two very pressing letters in the case of Mrs. Clarke - widow of former John Clarke, begging the case may be decided -
I have nothing more to say, than is contained in my statement of the case now among the papers.
Very respectfully,
Your Ob dt Serv t
J. W. Young
Hon L. P. Waldo Comm ee of Pensions

Genl. Luz G. Park Govr. of Louisiana Baton Rouge Genl. A. P. Mansfield Comd. of Louisiana City Washington City  Shuckford & S Recd 12th Recd Oct 16 th 1831

Changed to Boynton on 9th Jany 1832 May 1 Dear Shackleford, King & Spaul Co, Va Octo 12th, 1834
Dr Sir
It is passing strange, that I cannot get a report, in the case of Mrs Lucy Clark Widow of John Clarke, whose application was filed some six months, or longer ago. I have written some four or five times, to know what had become to the claim, but it appears to be impossible to get an answer on the subject - The papers are now before State and filed by Mr James H. Sutton of Richmond and after- wards turned over to me. I have just received a letter from Mr Sutton, to whom I had written on the subject, in which he says that he has heard nothing from the papers since they were filed by him - I do hope my dear Sir, that you will give me some infor- mation as to what has been done with the case.
Respectfully &c R Saunders

Richmond Va Apl 2nd 1855
L. P. Waldo Esq. Dear Sir
Some year or more since I sent to your address the claim of Lucy Clarke for Pension under the act of Feby 3 1853 who claimed a Pension as the widow of John Clarke dec d of King & Queen County Va a who drew a Pension at the rate of $96 per annum and after some time having elapsed I wrote to know something about the papers when you informed me that no such declaration had been received. I again some month or so since sent a second declaration, and not hearing from it write to call your attention to the fact.
I am very Respectfully
Yr. Obed. Servt James T. Jefferson Jr

Richmond Va March 26. 1856
Hon. J. Minto Commr of Pensions, Washington City Dear Sir,
Some four or more years since Mrs Lucy Clark widow (of John Clark dec d who was a Revolutionary Pension on the V a roll at the rate of 96$ per annum) made application for the amount due her said husband as Corr t in the Revolutionary war over and above that which he had drawn as a private. The claim was allowed, and the Pension Agent at Richmond instructed to pay the same. About this time a difficulty occurred between several Agents and Mrs Clark, as to who  her which was her lawful Attorney, which resulted in the dissatisfaction of the Agent who claims to have furnished the testimony.
I learn that this Agent had the payment of the claim stopped and so it stands till now, unpaid. Mrs Clark died recently leaving several children who wish to know why it is not paid, and what the Department requires requires.
I am, Very Respectfully
Yrs Oht 20/
James L. Patton
Col. Melick & Mr Saunders } of King & Queen County Va } presented the claim & Mr Bagly } of the same place contests the right } of Saunders to act - }

Increase
John Clarke dec d Va
Act 7 June 1832.
adm o ?
2 yrs bornet, $370.
per An. to 13 Ap l 1844 when he died. Deduct former paymts at the rate of $96. per annum under Act 18 Mch 1818.
Payable to Lucy Clarke, his widow
beqt to
R. W. Young Present.

John Clark of King & Queen County states that he is the same John Clark mentioned in the certificate from the Clerk of Middlesex County dated the 24 th day of August 1872.
That he served the whole of three years mounted by Sims Blackmore and Healy, a part of the time as Sergeant Major of the Regiment in which he also acted as adjutant; that he remained in army until the siege of Yorktown, Va. having received an appoint- ment but no commission as Sernt in Capt. Aik's Com- pany of Col. Beckley's of North Carolina; at that time he rec d a furlough to return home. Taken October 24, 1872
Colonel Blackmore & James Healy, say May Term 1879 that they were well acquainted with John Clark of King & Queen's County. They enlisted with him in 1875 in Capt. Beauford's Battery under Col. Smith Parker in the 5 th Virginia Regt. in Washington establishment in Genl. Mullenbury's Brigade. served with him two years. That they also knew Clark recruited under Capt General Colston for three years.
Certified in these papers "Allowed for three years as a private in service here if not already allowed. — "A warrant for 100 days at $66.88 issued the 9. Aug. 1874 and ordered to be paid simple interest on the 11 th of last month for three years service as a private

WASHINGTON AND NEW ORLEANS TELEGRAPH LINE.
Murphy, Print.
The following Communication was received at Washington Sept 8 th o'clock, min., M. Dated Raleigh Sept 8 th o'clock, min., M. For C. W. Young.
Sir. The muster rolls in the Secretarys Office of North Carolina does not include Askes light horse
Wm Hill
Secy
Pay 58¢

State of Virginia
City of Richmond to wit }
Be it known that on this 17 th day of July 1857, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace in and for said City, who being duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Lucy Clarke a resident of said City, who after being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath state that she is the widow of John Clarke deceased, who during the War of the Revolution served as Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Ensign and Cornet. That she cannot particularly state the various periods of his service, but respectfully refers to evidence which was filed by her said husband (while living) before Congress to obtain the Compensation of Compensation pay. That she was married to the said John Clarke on the 29 th day of March 1832, and that he died in the County of King and Queen in this State on the 13 th day of April 1844, without having received the full amount of Pension to which he had always considered himself entitled and which he was making an effort to obtain at the time of his death. That she, as his widow, now makes this declaration for the purpose of receiving such increase or arrears of Pension as may be found due her deceased husband up to the period of his death under any law, or resolution of Congress now in force applicable to her case.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and Year first above written. before me
Lucy Clarke
James Evans W.

And I certify that a Family Bible has been exhibited to me by the said Lucy Clarke, in which I find in fair and legible writing & figures, the following record.
"John Clarke departed this life the 13 th day of April, 1844, in the 85 th year of his age."
James Evans J.P.
Widow's Declaration 1851
State of Virginia City of Richmond To wit-
I, Charles Howard, Clerk of the Hustings Court of the City and State aforesaid, hereby certify that James Evans is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said City. That the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine, and that full faith and credit is due to all his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my said Office to be annexed, this 17 th day of July 1857-
Chs. Howard, clk.

Agates. Feby 10th 1844 House No 11 Newton Washington City
Orlin
I now have the pleasure to enclose you the Certificate of Col. Alex -ander Fleet, his Brother, Dr. Burgh Fleet, Mr. Oliver White, the Professor at H Streetwood Academy and Mr. James Smith together with a letter from Mr. John Lupton the Member from King & Queen, and a letter from Mr. William Lood of the same County, all speaking in the highest terms of Mr. John Clark when Petition for an increase of Pension I enclosed you a few days ago. These Gentlemen are all of the highest standing in the County of King & Queen, and may be fully relied upon as their own some Nelson warns I wanted to get to the Certificate, but could not do so — without great trouble and inconvenience. I concluded to drop them a line or so upon the subject & to use their upplys in the place of their certificates, which I am sure will be the better plan in great haste and a bad pen
Yours very Obedient W. Washington

Richmond, Va., House of Delegates Sep 3 1844
Mr R Saunders
For Sir Your note of the 28 th inst, has been received; in reply to which I have to say that I have been for many years personally acquainted with the Revd John Clark of King & Queen Co and have always considered him as a person of the strictest veracity and most conscientious integrity and I believe that such has been the general opinion of all who know him
Very Respectfully Yours Ab. T. Lee
John Lumpkin

150070_00407 W R. Saunders Shiloh King and Queen County January 31 st 1844
Dr Sir I Received your letter of the 27 th of this month, in which you say, you are prosecuting a claim of the Rev d John Clark of this county, against the United States, and you request me to state, how long I have been acquainted with him, and whether I have not at all times looked upon him, as being a person of the strictest veracity and moral conscientious integrity, and whether such was not his general character.
In answer to your enquiries, I say, I have been personally acquainted with him for forty three years, a great part of the time intimately so, (he being a neighbor) and that throughout my acquaintance, have considered him a man of the strictest veracity and moral conscientious integrity, and that such has been his general character. You also wish me to state whether in his earlier days (if any) and what were the relations of his revolutionary services. In answer to this enquiry I would observe, that he often related to me a great number of circumstances related to his subject and particularly, the many hardships and sufferings he endured in the Northern Army, a number of which made deep impressions upon my mind, and none more so, than at the battle of Princeton and the night previous.
It has always been the general received opinion by all who knew him, and especially by his companions in arms, that he acted an honorable and praiseworthy part in the Revolution of our country, and was universally esteemed a patriot and a soldier of the most respectable grade.
He is now (prob ly ) in his eighty fifth year, and altho poor, still a high minded and honorable man
and I would further observe if any man is entitled to the special notice of his country It is John Clark
Very respectfully
Y r O ur S ir and
W m Todd

altogether a surmise
Pennon Office,
April 11. 1843.
Sir:
In relation to the case of John Clarke, alluded to in the enclosed letter, I have the honor to state, that in 1818, when he made application for a pension, he set forth in his declaration made under oath, that he enlisted as a Private Soldier in Ball's company of the 5 th Virginia continental regiment in 1775, and served two years; that he then enlisted in Colston's company for three years; that at the siege of York he was taken sick, and had a furlough, and while on furlough the war ended. This is the whole of the service that he then alleged to have performed, and it is all that can be established by the rolls. Since 1818 attempts have been made to shew that he was an Officer, and pay as an Officer is now claimed; but I cannot increase the pension with the facts I have before me. If his first declaration be true, he must have belonged to Colston's company as late as 1779 or 1780, and Ashe's troop of Dragoons, in which he alleges he was a cornet, was not in the service after 1778. I do not consider it necessary to make any comments on the evidence he has produced as to his good character, nor to the fact that the State of Virginia granted him a bounty land warrant as an Officer. He may be a man of good character; but nevertheless he may be mistaken as to his service. Many persons have imagined that they were officers merely because they were promised
Clearer + Show that man does not appear on rolls of Col. Porter the same lot & then May 1778 etc. at this date he enters Ashe's company of Cavalry

commissions if they enlisted a certain number of men. Ashe's troop of Cavalry and another troop from North Carolina were never full, and they were disbanded in less than two years after they attempted to raise them. There was a promise made to certain persons that they should have commissions if they recruited a certain number of men; but they did not succeed. It is possible that the claimant might have been one of those to whom a promise of a commission was made conditionally, and he might have supposed that he had some claim as an officer. What is a little remarkable in this case is, that though Ashe's troop, in which he alleged to have been a Cornet, belonged to North Carolina, the Executive of Virginia granted land for service as an officer of the Virginia line. This I think shews clearly that in the examination of claims for bounty land, when Clarke's claim was allowed, there was not very strict attention paid to the papers exhibited, and that warrants were issued without due investigation. The fact therefore of his receiving bounty land does not tend to strengthen his claim.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your Obet. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. M. Porter, Secretary of War.

Pension Office
April 11. 1843
Comm te of Pensions
Report in the case of John Clarke.
A 72. See ap p 12/43 Pension Office
Commissioner's decision
Confirmed Wm. Department } Importer April 14, 1843 }
G

apl 3 1843
va
John Leachman
Cooper of Edwards
Cooper of Penkern
Washington
ms

Washington Apl 3 rd 1843
Col J L Edwards
Sir
I had only time after seeing you last, to look over the papers filed with the petition of John Clarke, for commutation pay, before congress, before I was taken sick & confined to bed till yesterday—
I now inclose you a copy certified by Col Burch, C.Cth of the only evidence there, except what you already have— It is the certificate of the Gov & council of Va, that Ino Clarke was allowed the bounty land of a cornett, and the certificate of the register of the Land Office of Va, that a warrant for 2666 acres  \frac{2}{3} , had issued to sd Clarke for his services as cornett in the revolution— together with the certificate of 26 persons of respectability, residing in Mr Clarke's county, placing his, (sd Clarke's ) character on the highest ground— And to this certificate, has been added the testimony of Col J J Roane & Thos Lumpkin, in support of the good character of Clarke, Croton & Shackleford— Roane & Lumpkin now reside in this city, the first in the patent office & the last in your own office— They know personally, Clarke, Croton & Shackleford, and every man on the enclosed list who has certified to the character of Clarke, Croton & Shackleford— You can have them before you, if you choose, & examine them on oath, as also Wm F Pendleton, of King & Queen, (now here) and his Excellency John Tyler, who practised law in Kg & Queen, & must be acquainted with many, if not all of the parties—
The characters of Clarke, Croton & Shackleford are now placed beyond the shadow of doubt before you , & as an officer & judge you are bound to receive them as such— and now let us enquire what they say—
Clarke says he enlisted as a private in Oct 1775, served 2 years— then re-enlisted— & in winter of 1777-78, was appointed an ensign, soon after which he was appointed

cornett in Capt Ashes' troop of cavalry, in which he served till latter part of 1780, when the troop was ordered to Halifax N.C. to recruit men, & he, being sick was permitted to go home on furlough, with orders to join the troop next spring — He did join it next spring in Richmond & served till the surrender of the enemy at York — which took place in October 1781 —
Croxton & Shackelford, both neighbors of Clark & both soldiers in the regular army, prove positively & emphatically, the truth of Clark's statement — They prove his promotion & service as a cornett
It is then proved beyond doubt that Clarke served as a private from Oct '75 to the winter of '77-'78 — rather more than 2 years — and also that he served as an ensign & cornett from winter of 1777-'78 (say December) till 19th October 1781 (the date of the siege of York) making three years & ten months — From which, if the time he was sick on furlough be deducted, viz — from latter part of 1780 to spring of 1781, say 5 months, (& surely this is a large allowance) will leave 2 yrs & 5 months of active service performed by John Clarke as an ensign & cornett, & this service ended too at what is universally called the close of the war —
Now sir, I respectfully ask, where is there a single hook to hang a doubt on as to the title of John Clarke to a cornett's pension, either under the act of 1818 — 1828 or 1832 — There is not one, & I think with the additional evidence now submitted you will so decide —
Whilst in your office the the other day you, asked me, if I had seen what the Hon Mr Hall had said about John Clarke — I have since looked carefully over the papers on file at the capitol, & found nothing amongst them said by Mr Hall or any one else, since the report made by Mr Muhlenberg, except a letter from yourself, to the committee dated 29 dec 1841 in which you say "In his (Clarke's) application under act of 18 march 1818, he claimed only for his services as a private and sergeant in Capt Balls company of the Va line"

It is much to be regretted that you had not added, that the Revd Rob B Semple, who was the near neighbor & agent of Mr Clark, stated in a letter, accompanying Mr Clark's application, that Mr Clark did say he was an officer ; but having no proof at hand of the fact, he must be content with a private pension — It is very obvious, what the effect of such an addition, would have had upon the committee, in rebutting any unfavorable impression which the omission of the fact in his declaration might have had —
Having filed new evidence, I think it due to you to submit the claim to you again for reconsideration, and I ask your attention particularly to the evidence of Green-Ton & Shackelford, which I read in your office the other day, & to the evidence in support of their character & that of Mr Clark — Please notify me of your decision as early as convenient through the city P.O.
I am very resply yrs
Rob Hood — el
P.S. If Mr Hall has filed any thing in your office, on to his claim in reference to the character of Mr Clarke, I think it is right that you should furnish me with a copy of it — that he may be dealt with as all slanderers should be —

Pension Office Decr. 29. 1841
Sir,
In answer to your enquiry in reference to the service of Jno Clark of Virginia as a cornet in capt. Saml Ashe's company of the North Carolina Cavalry to the end of the war, I have the honor to state, that no evidence of any such service is found in this Office.
By his own shewing he did not serve to the end of the war. In his application under act of March 18. 1818, he claimed only for his services as a private and Sergeant in capt Ball's company of the Virginia Line.
If he served in the State or Continental line of N. Carolina, the proper source from which to derive information concerning it, is the Office of Secretary of State at Raleigh N. Carolina. I will here observe, that at the surrender of Cornwallis in 1781, particularly in Virginia, the war was considered as being

being closed; and the common phrase "close of the War" among the old soldiers had reference to that event,
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obed. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Hon: H. Hall House of Representatives.

Feb. 25 th 1855
Mr. Saunders
Dear sir.
Your letter, has just been handed me, and I hasten to reply. My dear Mother is in Milton N.H. Her health, I am sorry to inform you, is very bad, and has been for eight months. Her Physician thinks, she cannot survive through the spring. I am truly glad, therefore, that you are coming over, to attend to her business, as it is my sincere wish that her passage to the Tomb may be smoothed by every earthly comfort. As to the future, I believe when she leaves this world, she will go "where the weary are at rest;" which is a great consolation to us all.
I will write to Mama to-morrow, and tell her all that that you requested me to say to her. I am so deeply distressed about my dear Mother, I am not half myself; you will therefore excuse

100-0-00120 liberty. You will please call at Mrs. Gary's when you come to Bed. I expect much love, for yourself and family; and believe me, John Clark very respectfully &c. died on the 19 th day of April 1844. 3 Maria D. Smith
P.S. If mama lives till the 22 nd of April next, she will be seventy five. She was married To father Clark March the 29 th 1832. M. D. S.
From this letter, it will be perceived, that I am recognized by the Daughter as being the agent of Mrs. Clark. R. Saunders - 12 -

State of North Carolina County of Caswell ss.
On this 5 th day of January 1855 February 1855 before me George W Thompson a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Mrs Lucy Clarke a resident of the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina aged ninety four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed February 3rd 1853. That she is the widow of John Clarke dec d late of King & Queen County Va who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum that she was married to him in the County of King & Queen in the State of Virginia on the 29 th day of March 1832 by Parson John Spencer and that the said John Clarke died in King & Queen County Va on the 13 th day of April 1844 in the 80 th year of his age. that her name before marriage to the said Clarke was Lucy Smith and that she has not married since the death of said John Clarke but is still his widow and she makes this application to obtain the benefit of the aforesaid act of Congress.
Lucy, Clarke
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day and year first above mentioned. And I certify that I have entire confidence in the truth of the above declaration. that from old age and bodily infirmity Mrs Clarke is unable to attend in Court, and further that I have no interest in the prosecution of her claim Given under my hand this 5 th day of February 1855
Geo W Thompson J.P.
for the County of Caswell, State of North Carolina

Declaration of Mrs Lucy Clarke widow of Int Clark act of July 3 rd 1853 Revolutionary
Presented by James T. Patton Jr Richmond Va
State of Ohio Warren Co
Lucy Clarke widow of Int Clark act of July 3 rd 1853

State of North Carolina Caswell County
Thos W Graves
Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina do hereby certify that Geo W Thompson was at the time signing of this one of the acting Justices of the peace for and in the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina and that his signature is genuine, in testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of office at office in Yanceyville the 1 st Monday after the 4 th Monday in December A.D 1834 This the 6 th day of February A.D 1855
By Thos W Graves clk &c Harralson D, clk

Richmond, March 6 th 1854
Mr. Saunders.
Sir.
Had you not better make application at once, for the Pension allowed by Congress at the same  rate of 1853?
And then if the old claim is hereafter allowed, and Mama should be entitled to the $320- a year, you can then apply for the difference between $90- and $320-
I beg Mr. Saunders, that you will get the $90- immediately as my mother is compelled to have it. She is now sitting by me, and I write in accordance with her earnest request. She is much pleased, so hear of your restoration to health, and is anxious to see you. Your letter to me, was truly received, the letter, however, so barring  except H. Davis, of which you was  was alluded to in mine, has never come to hand. You, perhaps, are not aware that she is a minister of the gospel, and, therefore, she does not take any letters out of the Office unless they are directed to the Rev. J. H. Davis, as there is another gentleman in this place, with his initials. Mama sends much

love to you, as also your family, and desires much to see you all. if you have any business, which you wish to transact with my master, you had better write to me immediately. P.S. if you do not design coming to Red. in a few days.
Very respect. &c. Maria F. Smutko
Note -
This is a letter from Miss M. F. Smutko the Daughter of Mrs. Clarks. in which she recognizes me as her agent, after the declaration had been filed - R. Saunders
The other claim alluded to in this letter was the claim for the difference between the pay of a private or sergeant and that of a Corporal of Cavalry, which Mr. John Clarks himself was entitled under the act of July 1882, and which claim was then pending before the Court of Pensions - R.S.

The Knapp Gaffney No 100 Washington, N.H. Aug 24 Recd. Aug 28th 1891

Near, Shackleford, King & Queen, Va, Aug. 23. 54
Wool. L D Waldo Comm of Pensions Sir
File copy of letter to Mr. Waldo by James H. Sutton
I have addr. you several letters upon the subject of Mrs. Mary Clark's claim for a Pension under the act of 3 rd February, 1854, as the widow of John Clark who was a Pensioner himself at the time of his death, without being able to obtain from you any information in relation to the matter. This I am unable to account for, considering your usual promptness in replying to letters of enqury, unless perhaps my letters have been mislaid or have been over looked - This claim of Mrs. Lucy Clark's was presented by Mr. James H. Sutton of Richmond Va some time last winter either in December, or Jany. I cannot recollect which; but as Mrs. Clark had entrusted her claim to me to attend to I very soon thereafter enclosed to you a note from Mr. Sutton together with a letter from one of the Daughters of Mrs. Clark upon the subject, and requested that when

The claim was allowed, that the certificate should be sent to me. Mrs Clark resides in Richmond with this daughter, and I have received very lately another letter from Miss Garrison requesting to know what had become of her Mother's Claim, but it is impossible for me to give her any information on the subject until I can hear from your department what disposition has been made of the case. You will therefore do me the favor my dear Sir to say whether the claim has ever been acted on, and what disposition has been made of it. &c. By so doing you will not only confer a favor on myself, but you will relieve the anxiety of this poor old Widow.
Very Respectfully Yr. obedt Servt J. S. [Signature]

Letter from Joseph H. Davis, Maria Smith and James T. Sallen, about Mrs. Clark's claim
Sullens Holmans P. This 20th Jany. 54
James H. Davis Nashville King & Queen Ga
X

Richmond Janv. 6 th 1854,
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 23 rd Ult. inclosed with one to my aunt was brought to me by her daughter, Maria Smither, a few days ago. She is absent from the city some 10 or 12 miles distant, and the time of her return uncertain. I write in reply, however, simply to inform you, that your letter of the 9 th of last Oct. which you say you addressed to me, and in which you inclosed a declaration for the signature and oath of Mrs. Clarke, my aunt, has never been received. This will account for the fact of my making no mention of it in my last, as also for the seeming inattention of my aunt.
In the last letter rec d . by her from you, as well as I remember, you said that you would be in Richmond in a short time and see her, when you could prepare all the papers, and other preliminaries for the prosecution of her business. You failed, however, to come, she now I rec d . any further communication from you, until this letter now before me.
If you desire her to qualify to any declaration you must send it again, or come yourself.
I regret the miscarriage of your letter above referred to, as its reception would, doubtless, have saved my aged aunt much anxiety, and yourself the trou.

ble of writing so much. In haste Yours respctf.
P. H. Davis
Jan. 13 th 1854
Mr. Saunders,
Sir.
In reply to your letter to my dear mother of the 23 rd ult. I will just say, you had better act according to your own discretion in the matter of her claim, and not urge it more than prudence would dictate. You will perceive by the note from my cousin, that mama is not in the city. You will see also, that it was written a week since, which I have kept for the purpose of seeing Mr. Sutton, to inform him how matters stood between you and herself; and I availed myself of the opportunity of doing this morning. The weather being such as to prevent my doing so sooner. I must say to you Mr. Saunders, that my dear Mother's memory has become so very treacherous of late, that she does not recollect one day what she said the day previous; for which her age very readily accounts. If you think best, perhaps it would be best well for Mr. Sutton

to keep the business in hand so which his note refers. This, however, is only a suggestion of my own, and wish you to act in accordance with your own better judgment. Hope you will write at your earliest conve- nience. I am much pleased to learn your health has so much improved.
Respects to yourself and family
In great haste,
Yours Maria H. Smith
ms
15

Miss Wickson
Hackefords 20 July 5th 1834
Yrs
Dear Hon. Judge L. P. Waldo Bond of Pensions Washington City D.C.
[Faint, illegible signature]

New Shackleford, King & Queen Co, Va, February 3 rd 54 Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm. Pensions Washington City
Sir
As the agent of Mrs Lucy Clark widow of John Clark who was Sergeant Ensign & Cornet in the Army of the Revolution, I herewith enclose you a note from Mr James T. Sullon of the City of Richmond and hope to request that you will, when the claim of Mrs Clark is allowed for a Pension under the act of 3 rd February 1853, send the Certificate to me instead of sending it to Mr Sullon - I had prepared in accordance with Mrs C's Contract with me, and her authority for me to prosecute her claim under the act above referred to, all the necessary papers to be filed in the case, but was awaiting your decision in an other claim touching her as the widow of the said John Clark, was entitled. It being for the interest of Pension due her husband for his services as above under the act of 7 th June 1832, and which claim was allowed by Mr Hester while he was Commissioner, and afterwards suspended, and which is

the same claim to which I called your attention in my letter of the 8th or 9th last and which claims Dad R. W. Young of Washington City as my substitute & appointee, him attending to — you will see from the letter of Mr Sutton, and the letter of Mr Davis, and Miss Smith, Mrs Clark's Daughter, that I am the recognized agent of Mrs Clark, & therefore entitled to the Certificate of Pension when ever it issues. My reason for not presenting & pressing the claim under the act of 3rd February, 1853, at an earlier period, was, that I was awaiting your decision as before stated, in the claim for the increase of Pension due her husband. So that I might be governed by that decision in presenting her papers under the late act of Congress. While upon the subject of these two claims of Mrs Clark, it is proper that I should inquire of you to know, if any action has been had in either case, & more particular the claim for the increase of Pension due her husband under act of 7th June 1852, by yourself. And I make this request in regard to the last mentioned claim because I have written to Dad Young some three or four times without being able to get an answer from him upon the subject. I am unable to account for his silence unless it be

That he is absent from the City -
Very Respectfully Yr Obed Servt.
Richard D. " "
A long protracted spell of ill health, has prevented my personal attention before your department to these & other claims, hence the necessity for a substitute -
of the take you H. S. L.
W

Memorandum of John Clarke King & Leach Committee Claim for Compensation, and interest, pay.
Presented 16 th Decem r 1833, & refer d to Navy Claims
No report made -
Decem r . 12 th 1834. Again refer d , to same Committee No Report
Decem r 25 th 1835. Again refer d to same Com t February 10 th 1836. Bill reported No. 320, & not acted on -
Decem r 11 th 1837. Again refer d " 22 1837 Bill reported No 222 and passed the lower house, & failed in the Senate
January 4 th 1840. again refer d , and no report.
Dear Sir,
Above you have Memorandum taken from the hms of Congress. That seems to have been no further action on this claim until a short time before his death which was on the 12 th  day of April 1844, when I got Mr Newton to review the application, but he never got it before the Committee. After the old man's death I got Mr Newton to file a Petition in the name of the widow & children, for

The Commutation, and also for an increase of his Pension under the act of 7 th June 1832. He having received $998, whereas he considered himself entitled to the Pension of a Cornet. Virginia having allowed him said bounty as such — This latter petition of the widow & children, was never I believe acted on. and the papers are all on file, in the House of Representatives, or in the Pension department, where full copies may be had, by calling on the Comm. Speaker of Pensions.
It will be borne in mind by you, that Mr. Clarke, made his statement of his Revolutionary services upon his dying bed with the full conviction that he could not possibly live but a short time, and verified his statement under oath before a Magistrate. This he was induced to do, not for his own benefit, but for the benefit of his wife & children of whom he had some 8. or 9. & all entirely dependent upon themselves & Mother for support. I enclose you a copy of her Petition, in order that you may be the better able to judge of the merits of the claim. It will be seen by reference to his Declaration, that he performed a large amount of service and was, according to his statement, a very

brown & efficient officer, and I do really think if there was ever a case in which Congress could, in the absence of record, or payroll testimony, allow a claim of the kind this is one. It must be remembered that the reason why the records do not furnish any evidence of his services is, that he entered the service as a sergeant, and was permitted to take an appointment in another Company while the Army was on its march in another State, and before he could obtain his Commission, he was taken sick and was forced to retire on furlough, until his health would permit of his rejoining his Regiment but hostilities having ceased before his health would permit him, he was thereby deprived of the chance of getting his Commission. If however, his own statement is to be believed, and there can be no doubt about that, he performed all the duties, as faithfully, & as bravely as if he had received his Commission, and should be entitled to $320 per annum from 4 th July 1831- to the day of his death, instead of $96. and then Mr. Chicore should be allowed his half pay from, 1791- to the day of his death. I should be glad if you would let Messrs Dunton, Holliday, Mason, Underwood & other Allegators see his Pension, and this

letter and statement so that they may be the better able to judge of the merits of the application. The Executive of Virginia was perfectly satisfied with the evidence or he never would have been allowed 2666 2/3 acres of land as a cornet, and this fact alone ought to have considerable weight with the Committee & with Congress - I have sketched this off hurriedly and am afraid you will not be able to make it all out, you must however see the best you can with it and I do hope that you may find in this application for the increase of Pension, & the half pay, sufficient merit to authorize you to give it your hearty & active support.
Respectfully Yrs Oblt Servt J. P. Kemper
PS Adron's Carleton Store 18 King & Queen Ct Va
13

49. No — 197
J. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions.
February 2 nd 1853.
Report in the case of Lucy Clarke, widow of John.
Mr. Young's letter returned.
Papers from to enclosed.
Act 7 June 1832
July 4 th 1853
Recd Feb. 4. 1853

Pension Office,
February 2 d 1853.
Sir:
I have received the letter of Mr. R. M. Young, of the 4 th ult., asking to be furnished with the reasons for sup- pressing the pension certificate lately issued to Lucy Clarke, widow of John Clarke, dec d and, according to your direction, proceed to submit the following Report of all the facts in the case.
In the month of September last, the claim was ad- mitted by one of the Examiners in this Office, and the cer- tificate was issued in due form, and sent to the Attorney, Mr. Young. This claim was for the difference between the pension of a cornet of Cavalry - $300 per annum - and the pension of a private - $96 per annum - at which latter rate, he was pensioned under the Act of March 18 th 1818. Cir- cumstances, in the meantime, had induced me to suppose that the claim had been improperly allowed, and I at once wrote to the Pension Agent in Richmond, directing him to suspend, for the present, the payment of the certificate. Upon examining the testimony filed to support the claim, I became satisfied that it ought not to have been admitted, and, of course, the suspension has remained in force. As I presume Mr. Young desires a full statement of the reasons of this opinion, it will be necessary to review the history of the case, to determine how far my decision is sustained by the law and the evidence. This is the more important, inasmuch as the pensioner has, at different times, made dif- ferent declarations, inconsistent with each other, and setting forth different degrees and character of service; and it

will be necessary, therefore, to compare them carefully with each other, and with the testimony filed, to eliminate, as nearly as possible, the true facts of the case.
John Clarke, of Virginia, applied for a pension under the act of the 18 th of March, 1818, and his name was placed on the Roll as a private, at the rate of $8 per month, or $96 per year. In his declaration made on the 11 th of May, 1818, (See paper A,) he alleges the following service, viz: "That he enlisted as a private soldier in Captain Burges Ball's company, of Lancaster county, in the Fifth Virginia Regiment, in the year 1775, on Continental Establishment, and served two years, and then re-enlisted under Captain Samuel Colston, for three years; at the siege of Yorktown, Virginia, he was taken sick, and had a furlough; while on furlough, the war ended." This declaration is sustained by the affidavit of Thomas Collins, who states that, "although he was not acquainted with him (Clarke) in the army, he is fully satisfied, from a variety of circumstances, that the said John Clarke did serve in the revolutionary War, as stated in his affidavit." It is further sustained by the depositions of James Healey and Edward Blackamore, (see paper B) who state that they were attached to Captain Burges Ball's company, and served with Clarke for two years, and that after the expiration of that term of enlistment, they know that he (Clarke) re-enlisted in Captain Samuel Colston's company for three years under the same command. They do not state, however, whether Clarke served out the period of his last enlistment, or say any thing more in regard to his services.
With this evidence before the Office, Clarke was pen-  ✓

sioned as a private, at the rate of $8 per month, or $96 per year.
In the year 1828, Clarke made another declaration of his services, as required by the regulations established in adjudicating claims filed under the Act of the 1 st of May, 1820. (see paper marked 6.) This declaration varies slightly from the former, in this, that he states that he enlisted in Captain Ball's company, in October, 1776, and not in 1775, as then averred. In other respects, it agrees with the previous declaration.
In 1833, for the first time, Clarke applied for an increase of pension as a commissioned officer, and in his declaration recites much more service than alleged in his previous averments. This declaration is bound up in a volume of papers marked "Revolutionary Claims not allowed - 2,001-2,131," and is numbered 2,095. The volume containing it will be sent to the Department along with the other papers in the case. The following is a brief synopsis of the service alleged by Clarke in this declaration, to wit: That he enlisted in Captain Ball's company, in October, 1775, for two years, during which time he acted as sergeant and orderly sergeant. That, upon the expiration of this term of service, he was discharged at White Marsh, in Pennsylvania, and immediately re-enlisted for three years in Captain Samuel Colston's company, in the same regiment, the Fifth Virginia Continental. That he was appointed Sergeant Major of the regiment, and acted in that capacity until the winter of 1777-1778, when he was appointed an ensign. Soon afterwards, he was appointed a cornet in a Corps of Congress troops, under the command of Captain Samuel Ash, of the North Carolina Line. That shortly after,  ✓

Congress adjourned its session from York to Philadelphia. Captain Ash's troop was ordered west, where it remained in and about Pittsburg, until the latter part of 1780, when it was ordered to Halifax, North Carolina. While on its way there, he obtained a furlough to go home, but with orders to join the troops in the following March. That, in obedience to these orders, he had proceeded on his way as far as Richmond, where he joined the Army, and remained with it until the siege of York, when he obtained a furlough, and never again was in actual service. That at one time he had in his possession both of his furloughs and his commission, but had lost them long ago. He then goes on to explain why he had not applied for the pension of an officer, assigning, as the main reason, the difficulty of procuring evidence of the fact.
Appended to this declaration, are the affidavits of Carter Croxton and Richard Shackelford, both highly respectable citizens of Virginia, who aver that they were in service at the same time with Clark, and are confident that the statements contained in the foregoing declaration are true.
In addition to the evidence heretofore recited, there was filed proof that Clark was allowed, by the Executive of Virginia, in 1832, land bounty as a cornet of cavalry for the war. The evidence , however, upon which this claim was allowed, does not seem ever to have been furnished; and upon application for a copy of it at the proper office at Richmond, I was informed that the original could not be found. Numerous testimonials have also been filed in support of the good character and credibility of Clark, and of Messrs.  V

Shackleford and Croxton. — (See papers marked D, E, and F.)
With this evidence before the Office, the claim was over and over again rejected by my predecessor, when finally, an appeal was taken to the Secretary of War. On the 11 th of April, 1843, the usual report was furnished, and the decision of the Commissioner, rejecting the claim, was approved . — (See paper G.) Since then, no new evidence has been filed, which, in my judgment, would justify the reversal of that decision. On the contrary, additional testimony has been discovered which tends to confirm its correctness. The only new evidence filed in support of the claim will be found in papers marked H and I. The first is a copy of the Report of the House Committee on Revolutionary Claims, on the petition of Clark, praying the commutation pay of a company of Cavalry. There is nothing positively to show what evidence was before the Committee when this Report was adopted; but it is very obvious that it was founded upon his declaration, made in 1833, to obtain an increase of pension. The Report exhibits no new fact, and furnishes no evidence of Clark's service as an officer, which had not been already before the Pension Office. It only shows that the Committee, in examining Clark's claim for commutation, viewed the evidence in a different light from what the Secretary of War did when he decided adversely on his application for an increase of pension. It is worthy of remark, that though the Committee adopted this report in 1837, yet no bill in accordance with its recommendations, has ever passed either House of Congress from that time to the present.  ✓

Besides this report, the only additional evidence filed by the claimant will be found in paper marked II. This paper shows that certain payments were made by the Auditors of Salisbury District, in North Carolina, to a John Clark, for military services in the Revolutionary War. There is, however, not a particle of evidence to establish the identity between this Clark and the pensioner, but on the contrary, every reason to believe that they were very different persons. Nowhere, in any one of his declarations, does the pensioner speak of having received pay from the authorities of North Carolina. Moreover, the character of these payments forbid the supposition that they were made to him. The first payment was made in November, 1781, shortly after the siege of Yorktown, at which time, the pensioner, according to his own averment, had returned to his home in Virginia, and they continue, at intervals, for five or six years, the last being made in 1787. From this circumstance, as well as from the aggregate amount, it is very apparent that they refer to a citizen of North Carolina, and to one who rendered a good deal of military service in the State. In fact, the Comptroller virtually says as much in his certificate. I regard, therefore, this paper as furnishing not a shadow of evidence that John Clark, of Virginia, was ever a commissioned officer.
I might here rest the consideration of this case, upon the single fact that in 1843, the Secretary of War had decided against its admission, and that since that time, no material evidence has been produced to justify a  ✓

change in that decision. A brief examination of its merits will not, however, be altogether irrelevant, particularly as I have obtained some evidence in regard to it from Richmond, which, in my judgment, places the question of its inadmissibility beyond controversy.
From the well-known integrity and veracity of Mr. Clark, I am disposed to think it highly probable, that, at one period of his military career, he acted as cornet of cavalry; but that he was a regular commissioned officer of the Line, and served as such for two years, is clearly contradicted by the evidence in the case. In his earlier declarations, when his mental faculties were unimpaired, he makes no reference whatever to such services. In after years, however, when it is fair to presume that his memory had lost much of its freshness and accuracy, he appears to recollect them very distinctly, and describes them with some minuteness. It is most probable, however, that this declaration was prepared for him by another, and that as it contained much that was strictly true, it obtained, therefore, his ready subscription. That Mr. Clark's memory, at this time, was much weakened by age, can be proven by his own testimony. In 1822, he applied to the Executive of Virginia for the land bounty of a cornet, and in that application, (a copy of which, marked K, is herewith filed,) he distinctly states that he received an appointment as cornet, but "no commission," in Captain Ash's company of cavalry. In his declaration, however, made in 1833, he says, that, for a long time, he preserved his commission , though he finally lost it. Both statements cannot be true, and it is

reasonable to suppose that one most correct, which was made when his memory was least impaired by age. It may be asked why, in the face of his declaration made in 1822, the Executive of Virginia should have allowed him the land bounty of a cornet, the laws of the State making a commission indispensable to such an allowance? I can only suppose that this fact was overlooked by the Executive in 1832, the party prosecuting the claim probably not deeming it incumbent upon him to direct special attention to it.
The most material objection, however, to the admission of the claim for an increase of pension, arises from the fact that it is wholly unsupported by such evidence as the practice of the Office, and the decisions of the Department invariably require. It is a well-settled rule, that some record proof is essential to establish the claim of an officer, particularly when he was attached to the regular Line. On this point, Secretary Cag held the following emphatic language, (See his decision of date 21 st of February, 1833, Mayo and Moulton's Edition of the Pension Laws, page 486:) "A commission is not, in every case, indispensably necessary to invest a person with rank or command, or to entitle him to the emoluments of the Office which he fills; but some act or instrument of writing tantamount to a commission or promise of a commission, is deemed essential. It must, in all cases, be clearly shown, that the person who claims as an officer, and never held a commission as such, was prevented from receiving one in consequence of peculiar circumstances, over which he had no control. The mere asseveration of a person, as to his having performed  ✓

the duty incumbent on an officer of a certain grade, does not entitle him to the pension due to an officer of that grade." Almost equally applicable to the case under consideration, is your own decision rendered the 11 th of March, 1852, in the case of Thomas Murray, in which the principle is laid down, at least by implication, that some record evidence is essential to sustain the claim of a staff officer. In support of the present claim, no such record proof has been produced. It rests altogether upon Clark's own statement of his services, and the testimony of witnesses, none of whom even assert that they served with him when he acted as a cornet of cavalry.
If no other reason existed for the disallowance of this claim, it would clearly be excluded by the operation of the Five Years' Rule. Since it was rejected by the Secretary of War, in 1843, it is very manifest that no new evidence has been filed, "which would justify a Court of Equity in granting a Bill of Review."
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt,
J. N. Call Commissioner.
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior.
✓

Brief — Lucy Clark
N.A.E.

In the Matter of Lucy Clark , wid. of Jno., Virg.
In this case, it appears that John Clark, filed a declaration May 11. 1818, claiming pension under the Act of that year, which was granted him by this Office at the rate of $8. per month, for services as private in Col. Parkers (3 rd ) Regiment of the Virginia Continental Line.
In 1822 Mr Clark applied to the Executive of Virginia for Bounty Land which he also received as private in the Va. Continental service.
In 1828. He filed another declaration in this Office claiming the benefit of the Act of 1818 & May 1. 1820. His claim was also admitted at the rate of $8. per month. for services as private in said Line.
In 1832. He applied for, and received from the Executive of Virginia, Bounty Land as Corral of Horse.
In 1833. He filed his declaration in this Office under the Act of 1828, claiming a pension as " Corral of Horse" under "Capt Sam. Ashe of the North-Carolina Line." This claim, after various examinations, was finally rejected by this Office in the year 1843, & the action of the Office was sustained by the Hon. Sec y of War.
Here the claim seems to have rested until 1857 when it was revived by Clark's widow, who now claims an increase of pension under the Act of 1832. This is the claim we have now to consider.
The claimants Attorney, R.W. Young Esq. rests his case upon the following grounds: (V3)
 1. Upon the consistency of Clark's statements in his several declarations & upon his moral character. 

2. Upon the action of Congress in having reported a Bill in Clark's favor in 1837 for Commutation pay.
3. Upon the grant of Bounty Land by Executive of Va. to Clark, as "Cornet of Horse"—
4. Upon the testimony of Charles Croxton and Rich d Shackelford.
These four positions I think cover the entire ground occupied by Mr. Young in his argument in reply to Mr. Heath's report to the Hon. Sec'y. of the Interior, and in order to avoid confusion, I propose to notice them briefly in turn.
First:— It is no serious objection to the claim, that Mr. Clark failed to claim for his services as "Cornet of Horse in the North Carolina Line" in his declarations of 1818, 1822, & 1825, and afterwards asserted this claim in 1833. Not feeling his ability to prove this service, it was natural enough that he should allege only such service as he could prove. But upon a careful examination of Mr. Clark's several declarations, there will be discovered such inconsistencies and contradictions as are well calculated to shake confidence in the correctness of his recollection of historical events.
In his declaration of 1818 Mr. Clark says: "I enlisted in 1775 under Capt. Ball." (Capt. Ball was commissioned in Feby 1776 & promoted to Major July 1777) "at the siege of Yorktown I was taken sick & had a furlough, & while on furlough the war ended"
In his declaration of 1822, to the Gov. of Va., he says: "I served the whole of the three years enlistment under Capt. Colston." (Capt. Colston was commissioned Feby 1777 and died or was killed in Oct. 1778.) "I continued in the Army until the siege of Yorktown" (Oct. 19. 1781) "having received an appointment but No commission in

Capt. Ashe's company of Cavalry of North Carolina. I then received a furlough to return home."
In his declaration of 1828 - he says: "I enlisted in October 1775 for two years - and in 1778 I re-enlisted in Pennsylvania for the term of 3 years, and was dischgd. after the end of three years in Virginia, near Williamsburg." (The rolls show that John Clark enlisted for 3 years under Capt. Colston - Nov. 1777 - and disappears entirely from the rolls June 1778.)
In his declaration of April 1833 - Mr. Clark says: "I enlisted in Oct. 1775 under Capt. Ball, for 2 years; upon the expiration of that time I immediately re-enlisted for 3 years under Capt. Colston. Was appointed Sergeant Major of the Regiment in the winter of 1777 & 1778 - and soon after I accepted an appointment as Coronet in the Cavalry under Capt. Ashe of the North Carolina Line. I was on furlough at the surrender at Yorktown, and was not again called into actual service, but never resigned . I kept both my furlough and also my Commission for many years but eventually lost them."
Here we have Mr. Clark swearing at one time that he enlisted in 1775 - at another time that he enlisted in Octo. 1776. At one time he swears that he was on Furlough when the War ended, and that he never resigned but was not again called into actual service - At another time he swears that he served out his 3 years enlistment under Capt. Colston and was discharged near Wmsburg. (Colston it will be seen was not in service after Oct. 1775) In one declaration he swears he never received a Commission in Ashe's Cavalry; in another, he swears that he kept his Commission for many years.
These are a few of the many inconsistencies

and Contradictions contained in the several declarations made by Mr. Clark at different times, but are enough to guard us against relying too confidently upon the historical correctness of the old gentleman's statements. We must therefore "look to the proof".
Secondly. — If it was not a well known fact that the most meritorious claims are frequently rejected by Congress while the most iniquitous are passed by acclamation, still the action of that body upon any particular claim would be  is no evidence before this office. The action of Congress merely expresses an Opinion upon a certain state of facts , and those facts not must govern the action of this office and the Opinion of Congress. The action of Congress then, before whom this or a similar claim was long pending and by whom it was finally rejected, can have no bearing in this examination.
Thirdly. — The fact that Mr. Clark received Bounty Land from the Executive of Virginia , for services as "Cornet of Horse", seems to be relied on with some confidence by the Claimant's Attorney, but when we recollect the fact, that Mr. Clark is now claiming a pension for services at "Cornet of Horse" in the North Carolina line, it seems strange indeed that grants of Bounty land by the Executive of Virginia should be offered to prove such service. There can not be the slightest possible connection between military service in the North Carolina Continental line, and grants of Bounty land by the Executive of Virginia. If the Executive of Virginia granted to Mr. Clark bounty land for services as "Cornet of Horse" — we are bound to presume it was for services in the Virg a

Line,— although upon an examination, before this Office, of a claim for pension for such services in the Virginia line, the mere fact of a grant of land by Virginia for such services, would be no evidence here unless accompanied by the proof upon which the grant was made. Much less, then, is it any evidence of service in the North Carolina Line. As Mr. Clark does not now pretend to have ever served in the Virginia Line as "Cornet of Horse", it is clear that the grant of land to him by the Executive of Virginia was improperly made and proves that but little attention was paid to the evidence when deciding upon applications for Bounty Land.
Fourthly.— The only evidence, then, in support of this claim for an increase of pension, and that upon which the attorney for the Claimant principally relies, is the affidavits of Chas. Croxton & Richd. Shackelford. It will only require a very brief notice of this evidence to show its insufficiency to establish the service claimed in North Carolina Line. Mr. Croxton the first witness says: "I have read the declaration of John Clark to the best of my recollection and belief it contains minutely & substantially the truth. I know he enlisted twice as he stated, and that he was appointed a Cornet in the Cavalry and served in that Capacity to the end of the War. Mr. Clark and myself were in service at the same time." This is the evidence of Mr. Croxton— who swears that he believes Mr. Clark's declaration contains the truth. One fact he appears to know of his own knowledge and that is, the fact of Clark's two enlistments. He says Clark "was appointed a Cornet in the Cavalry and served in that Capacity to the end of the War" but he does

show himself in a situation to know any thing of Clark's services at "Cornet of Horse" — nor could Croxton have known any thing, of his own knowledge , of this service if Clark's account of his services, be true. He says he was in service during the same time Clark was, but does not say he was in the same service or with Clark any part of time. He swears only in general terms — and from the fact that Croxton was himself a soldier in the Virginia line — an impression which his testimony leaves upon the mind — we are bound to presume that he could not possibly have had any personal knowledge of Clark's services, as Cornet of Cavalry in the North Carolina line.
Mr. Shackelford the other witness says: "Mr. Clark and myself entered the Regular Army about the same time. I was not in the same regiment with him, but saw enough of his services to enable me to testify with confidence to the truth of his declarations." His affidavit, it will be perceived, is even more general than Mr. Croxton's. The witness mentions no circumstance whatever which would go to show him in a situation to know any thing of Clark's services under Capt. Ashe in the North Carolina line. These oaths are evidently based in a great measure upon the confidence of the witnesses, in the strict integrity of Mr. Clark — and upon no personal knowledge of their own as to his services under Capt. Ashe.
The Claimants having thus failed to furnish proof of Mr. Clark's services in the North Carolina Line, we look to the ordinary sources for such evidence, but look in vain. — The Auditor of N. Carolina

says there were two John Clark, in the North Carolina Line, but they both performed a large amount of service in the state , and were paid large sums of Money (See II) from 1782 to 1787. The John Clark for whose services an increase of pension is now asked, does not allege that he ever received a Cent from N. Carolina - or applied for any thing, although Capt Ashe was paid for 33 months service. Nor did this John Clark ever perform actual service within the limits of N. Carolina, if his own statements be true. The Third Auditor of the Treasury reports that there is no evidence in his Office that John Clark was a "Cornet of Horse" under Capt. Ashe. While the records of the Pension Office show Clark to have been a Corporal in Capt. Colston's Company in the 5 th Regt. Va Line - up to June 1778 - when his name entirely disappears from the rolls of the Office.
Mr. C. may have served as "Cornet of Horse" in the N. C. Line after June 1778 - but if he ever did, there is no evidence of that fact known to this Office and therefore we think the claim for an increase of pension for such service should be rejected.
Very Respectfully Yr. Ob t Servant Thos H Evans
Hon L. P. Waldo Com d & Sec
Ex. Check

Sept. 23, 1853. Let. in place of Lucy Clark, widow of John.
Henry Clark Sept 18 1853
J. P. Walter
Count of Surry
Washington City
26
R. Saunders, near Shackelford's King & Queen Co. Va.

120075_00150 Near Shacklefords, King & Queen Co. Va Sept 16 th , 1853 My Sir
Will You allow me respectfully to call Your attention to the claim of Mrs Mary Clark widow of John Clark, who was a Corral during the Revolution, claiming an increase of Pension under the act of 7 th June, 1832. This claim, was for a long time before Your department, before any action could be had on it. At length my associate in the case, Dr R. W. Young of Your City, got the claim up for examination (which was last Sept 17 th months), it was examined, allowed, sent up to the Secretary for his approval & signature. The Certificate was signed by Mr Stewart, came back to be countersigned by Mr Heath - Mr H. being absent, the acting Comd. at the time refused to countersign the Certificate upon the ground that the claim had been improperly allowed - The case was then taken up the second time, re-examined and again allowed, the Certificate made out & sent up to be signed by Mr Stewart - This was done, & the Certificate came back to Mr Heath, who countersigned the same & delivered it to Dr Young, who had it in his possession for some 12 or 15 days when to our surprise Mr Heath issued an order of suspension to the Pension Agency in Richmond. This act was not only a great disappoint- ment to the poor old widow, but it was a

hard case. Mr Hunt should have looked well into the merits & facts of the case before he allowed it. My object however, now his, is to solicit your only attention to this claim, and cause it to be taken up by your Chief Clerk at as early a day as consistent with the rules of your department - You will of course bear in mind that it has now been more than 12 months since the claim was suspended. The old lady in the mean time, is exceedingly anxious that the case should be decided, either one way or the other. If she is not entitled to the income of Pension, she does not expect or wish it, if on the other hand, she is entitled to it, it would seem pecu- liarly hard on her, to defer its decision any longer. She is very poor & needy, & I may add old and infirm - I have entrusted this case to Dr Young & when the claim is up for examination, would be glad if you would apprise him of the fact, as he may wish to offer something in support of the case. If you should allow the claim deliver the certificate to him, & be so good as to apprise me of the fact.
Very respectfully
Yr Oct 21st
W. Farnsworth J. B.

No. 21.459
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Mch 28 th , 1855
Lucy Clark wid. of John Clark
Sergt. in the
Va. Contl. line
Va. Mil.
Rev. War.
Warrant 2495-160-55
James T. Sutton Jr. Richmond Va.

21.459
/
J. P. Waldo Esq. Connerly Pensions Washington City D.C.

Mr Stevens who writes the within note, is the son in law of Mrs Clark & with whom she is now staying. If the Certificate can be made payable at the Richmond Agency he states, within, that it will be more convenient
Very Respectfully
A. T. Suttler

Heilton Feb 7 th 1855
Mr Jas T Sutton jr
Sir Sir
Yours of 1 st inst was recd yesterday & I hasten to return the application duly executed.
Mrs Clark will probably spend the balance of her days here, (she is in very full health) but it will be best on account of convenience to have her cer- tificate made payable at the Richmond Pension Agency
Please be so good as to push the claim through as quick as possible & send the necessary papers to my address
Very respectfully
A. H. Stevens

This letter shows that Mr Stevens (the son in law, of Mrs Cluck) recognized me as her agent R Saunders,

Milton Me Oct 20 th 1854 Mr R Saunders
Dr Sir Mrs Black is now with me, sis in such inferior health, that she desires me to say to you, that she thinks you had better try to secure the pension, due under the act of Feb 1813, without regard to the other claims, as she is greatly in need of swishes to realize, in her own person, the benefits of this smaller claim, because, she does not think it at all probable, that she will live to see the other one settled.
I think myself, Sir, that under the circumstances, together with her failing health, it will be better to let her enjoy the benefits of the $96 - a year, than for her to win want it the few remaining days of her life, for fear of jeopardizing the larger claim.
Please write to her or me at this place on rest of this, Respectfully, A. G. Stevens

Lucy Clark widow of John
Letter to R. Wilson May 26/37

Claim of Lucy Clarke for the arrears of Pension due her husband John Clarke - Cornet of Ashe Cavalry.
In this case an appeal from the decision of the late Comr. of Pensions, was taken to the Secy. of the Interior, and I respectfully submit this brief statement as my reply to Mr Heath's report made thereon.
Mr Heath commences his report by saying, that Circumstances which came to his knowledge after the allowance of the claim, in- duced him to believe, that the allowance was improperly made. What these circumstances were he does not state, and therefore the charge of in- tended fraud, thus made by innuendo, is too ridi- culous, and when the evidence is weighed will be found to be too absurd, to require a single word of notice. The case is submitted then, to be deter- mined, upon the facts presented by the evidence.
In 1818 Clarke applied for a pen- sion and swore that he enlisted first, for two years under Capt. Ball in 1775, and then in 1777 un- der Capt. Salton for 3 years, & served in the war to the siege of Yorktown. This service was ad- mitted and he was placed on the Rensselaer Rot. The evidence was taken in Middlesex County Va.
In 1822 Clarke applied to the Ex- ecutive of Va for Land bounty as a private, re- citing the same facts as stated in his declaration of 1818 - This bounty was allowed him as claimed. Here I would call your attention to the fact, that he mentions in this application his rank and service under Capt. Ashe.

150070 00403 In 1832 he made application to the Executive of Va a again for Land Bounty, for his services as a Cornet in Ashby's Cavalry. The evidence in support of this application, it seems has been mislaid at Richmond, but must have been very satisfactory to that Officer, for Land Bounty as a Cornet was allowed him - Clarke.
In 1833 Clarke then residing in the County of King and Queen Va a applied for the benefits of the act of 1828. He still repeats his service under Bale and Calston, and avers in addition, that some time after the Army had gone into winter quarters, at Valley Forge (Dec r 1777) he was made an Ensign, but soon after resigned that Office, to accept the appointment of Cornet in Ashby's Troops. This is broadly and fully confirmed by the Oaths of Foster Croxton and Richard Shackelford.
In 1833 he also applied to Congress for Commutation Pay. In 1837 Genl. Hugh Lombard Chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Claims reported a bill in his favor. House Bill N o 222 passed the House, and failed in the Senate, only for want of time. Mr. Heath says, this unmarked, no bill in his favor for commutation ever passed either House; which assertion shows, that his Carefulness in the statement of facts, was fully on a par with his application of the rules of evidence.
It appears then, that as a Cornet, Land Bounty has been allowed Clarke by the Executive of Va a . Commutation Pay by a Committee of the House, and then by the House itself, and a Pension under the act of 1832, by an examiner, & also by the late Chief Clerk of the Office, year more by

the Com r : himself, who I presume would not now deny, that the evidence individually and collectively is in favor and fully justifies the Pension allowance. The weight of evidence as well as of Authority, I apprehend will be found on the same side.
The Character of Clarke is so clearly & abundantly established, as that of a man of unquestioned integrity, high moral worth and exemplary Christian deportment, that even Mr. Heath did not venture to question it. But if his statements are not true, there is no escape from the position, that he deliberately and on several occasions swore to direct falsehoods. And to convict him of this crime his witnesses must be involved in the same charge; and it will then be perceived by the Office, that these three men, as highly regarded for as it is possible for men to be, must have committed frequent and premeditated perjuries; two of them for the mere love of perjury itself. For Croxton and Shackelford swear, that they were in a position to know the facts of the affair, and leave no room, to shelter themselves behind the plea of mistake. Are not the probabilities in favor of their having told the truth, rather than of having wantonly perjured themselves? And how is any fact to be established, if presumptions of false swearing are to be indulged, against men of unblemished reputation?
In his declaration under the act of 1818, it is true Clarke did not mention his services as an Officer. He swears, that the reason for this omission, was his inability at the time, to procure

156070 004/1 evidence on that point. And the Rev. Mr Sample who drew up that Declaration, swears that Clarke at the time, mentioned those services, but did not recite them for the reason above stated. I do not find this affidavit in the papers now, but I find it mentioned to the Com te in a letter by Mr Wood, and no one unless perhaps Mr Heath, would presume to make an agent guilty of the folly, of calling the attention of the Com te to, and relying on a paper, he did not know to be in existence.
In 1822, four years after, & before that unaccountable decay of his mental powers which Mr Heath has discovered, could have taken place, Clarke, in applying to the Executive of Va a for Land Bounty, recites his services as Com te , but having no evidence of them at hand, he does not claim his bounty as such, but claims and receives as a private. Now, had he been a man of the most abandoned character, he would hardly have introduced a purposeless perjury here. And it could not have been stated as a foundation for some subsequent claim, for he never applied for an increase under the act of 1818, and the act of 1828 was not passed for six years after. In 1833 eleven years after, he did apply under the act of 1828, having discovered the testimony of Poorton and Shackelford, and he then recites the statements made to Sample, (when his papers under the act of 1818 were drawn up) and his recital of his services in his application for Land Bounty in 1822. His statements then, were always consistent with

each other, and I will briefly show, that they were also consistent with history.
Clarke says, that in 1777 he was listed in the 7 th Line for 3 years, and this is so found upon the Rolls. But between May '78 and the next rolls made up, his name was withdrawn from them, and appears thence no more. If he had deserted or been discharged, the fact would have been noted, but having been promoted in another Corps, a fact so notorious at the time, seems to have required no note, and accordingly the rolls are silent. And this omission of his name from the rolls corresponds, perfectly with his statement, as to the time of his promotion.
He says he was appointed the Colonel of Ashe's Cavalry, and designates it as a Corps of Congress Troops; it will be found in Whelpley's History of North Carolina page 280, that Capt. Genl. Ashe did Command such a Troop & served to the close of the war. He says that about the time of the adjournment of Congress from York to Philadelphia, his Troop was sent to the West for the protection of the frontier under the Command of Genl. McIntosh. Congress adjourned to Philadelphia on the 24 th June 1778, and we find the resolution of Congress placing the frontier under the protection of Genl. McIntosh dated on the 11 th June 1778. Were these statements of Clarke mere guesswork, or were they the assertions of a man acting in the scenes, and conforming his statements to his history, from his own collection of the passing events? Liars are proverbially cautious

of Ascending to particulars, but Clarke enters minutely into them. It is however even conceded by Mr Heath, that Clarke did act as a Corral, but not for two years. Now Clarke states on oath that his Troop went to the West to protect the frontier in the Spring of '78 and remained there until the fall of 1780. If one portion of his statement be true, and nothing is discovered to falsify the remainder, by what rule of evidence is its falsity in any portion, to be taken for granted? So far as the records go, they show Clarke's statement to be minutely true, he then supplies the record by the evidence of two of his Companions in Arms, who upon oath assert the truth of his statement.
The only thing alleged in the report of Mr Heath against the Claim, which could be entitled to any weight, happens not to be true, and that is, that Clarke's application under the act of 1832 was adversely decided by the Secy of War. Clarke never in his lifetime applied under this act, nor did any one for him, until the present application, made a year or two since. The Secy I think decidedly very properly against his Claim under the act of 1828, but could not have settled the present one on its face by anticipation.
In conclusion it is proper to say that after the Chief Clerk had allowed the Claim, he would not in the absence of Mr Heath have the Certificate made out; some days after his return however it was made out, and handed to me by Mr Heath himself. The Certificate then remained

in my hands, for ten or 15 days, before the Agt. in Richmond was directed not to make payment thereon. Thus committing the absurdity of placing himself in a position not likely to be envied by any Public Officer.
R. W. Yancey Atty.

To the Congress of the United States
Your Petitioner, Mary Clarke late of the County of King and Queen in the State of Virginia, but at present a Resident of the City of Richmond in said State, begs leave more respectfully to represent to Your honorable body, that her husband the late Rev. John Clarke, died in the aforesaid County of King and Queen on the 13 th day of April — 1844 leaving her entirely destitute of a home, or any means of obtaining one, and without even the means of obtaining a support except from her own exertions — That she is now pretty far advanced in Years, being Sixty five — Years of age, and therefore unable to do but little for her support & comfort. And although Your Petitioner, has no legal claim upon the the Government for aid, nor does she conceive herself entitled to the benefit of any of the numerous Pension laws hitherto proposed, yet she does deem herself morally entitled to some aid from a Government which has always been so willing to lend a helping hand to the widows and orphans, of those who had fought and bled in the War of the Revolution. And as her husband was one of them, she at least, conceives herself entitled to the additional Pension to which her husband in his life time deemed himself entitled. And her Your Petitioner would remind that some time after the law of the 7 th June 1832 was passed, her husband filed a declaration in the Pension office at Washington City, setting forth all his services as an officer in the Revolution, but as he was not able to comply with the rules and regulations of that department his claim for an additional allowance was rejected by the Commissioners of Pensions, and he was forced to go before Congress in the shape of

a Petition and to ask that Justice at their hands which had been denied him by a legally constituted agent of the Government. His Petition was favourably received and favourably acted on having twice (as Your Petitioner believes) passed the Lower House. I only wanted the action of the upper to make it the law, but unfortunately for him, the Two Houses adjourned without its being called up in the Senate. His claim was thus permitted to sleep for several Sessions when his at claim was again renewed by presenting a subsequent Petition through the Honorable Mr. Newton, at the Session of 1843 & 4. which Petition was accompanied by a statement of all his Revolutionary services from his first entering the service to the close of the war. And Your Petitioner would here state that that statement was made by her husband on his death bed at a time when he knew that he could not long survive, and as there was no person there living who could testify to the truth of it, he verified the same under oath in the presence of a magistrate. To this Petition and its accompanying statement and other papers Your present Petitioner would most respectfully refer You herewith, not doubting that after You shall have seen the same together with the numerous letters & certificates in relation to the character of the Petitioner, that the claim which has been  was so long withheld from the husband will now be made good to the widows & children of whom there are a goodly number all of which is most respectfully submitted, hoping at least to receive justice at your hands, and as in duty bound she will ever pray
Lucy Clark

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Clark, John GRADE Private "in the LINE Artillery Artificers of Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 12958 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 29, 1789 to Matt. McConnell, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.