Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3773, William Carter, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Carter, William Martha
No 3773
8, died in 1838
CONTENTS

6444
Virginia
William Carter - of Patrick in the State of Va. who was a M t in the Campy commanded by Captain Hunter of the Reg t commanded by Col. Lindsay in the Va. line for 2 years from -
Enrolled on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 80 - Dollars - - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of March Patrick - 1832 - and Luke A. Hable Clk County -
Arrears to the 4th of Sept - 1832 120 - Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar. 33 40 - $160 -
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk, Book D Vol. 7 Page 111 -
No 19057 -

Open Court's declaration for...
Pension
19057
✓

State of Virginia & County of Patrick Co.
On the 2 nd day of November 1832 personally appeared before me Harvey Fitzgerald a Justice of the peace for the County of Patrick aforesaid, William Carter a resident of the County of Patrick and State of Virginia aged eight seventy four years the 17 th day of October last past, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. - At an early period of his life he was drafted for a three months tour in the County of Albemarle where he then resided, in a Company commanded by Capt. John Hanton and Marched from thence to the City of Richmond Virginia and joined the Regiment of Col. Harrison where he remained without having any engagement with the enemy till his time of service was expired and he was discharged - Some time afterwards in the year he went as a substitute for his father Parnell Carter who  he was again drafted in the same County
for a three months tour in the Wartilities under Capt. John Martin, and marched to the City of Richmond, where he joined the Regiment of Col. Lindsay. From thence they marched to a place near Williamsburg V a , from thence sup. to King William County and was moved about from place to place wherever the public service required, and after his term of service expired he was discharged in the City of Richmond, and returned home to his residence in Albemarle.
Some time after that he was again drafted in a Company of Militia under Capt. John Miller, and marched to the City of Richmond, from thence to the Manakin Halls where he joined the Regiment of Col. Dix. The enemy were then lying at a place called Sandy Point and at the Manakin Halls, the Regiment was frequently marched about watching the movements of the enemy till the expiration of the three months tour when he was discharged at the Manakin Halls & returned home -
Some time afterwards in the year went as a substitute for John Samsing who  he was again drafted for a three months tour in the same County under Capt. Richardson and marched to the City of Richmond V a from thence to the City of Williamsburg and joined the Regiment of Col. Lewis. From thence he marched to Yorktown, and from thence to a place called the half way house near Hampton. - The Vessels of the enemy were then lying in the Bay, or Hampton Roads when a storm arose and blew some of them ashore and a number of their men were captured by the Americans, and when Col. Lewis' Regiment arrived in Hampton they were met by the Americans who had the prisoners in charge, and they soon grew up to Capt. Richardson, who received them and immediately moved off with them to Richmond V a where the prisoners were lodged in Jail and the Company having finished their tour were discharged -
Some time after he returned home he was again in the year drafted in a Company of Militia in the same County for a three months tour under Capt. Benjamin Harris and Marched to Richmond V a where he joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Matthews of Augusta, from thence he marched to a place between the lines of

the American Army Commanded by Generals Lafayette, Nelson, Wayne & & this Enemy. Stuber, where they remained until relieved by Genl. Wayne And then the applicants with the rest of the Company were discharged having finished their tour of duty. returned home with as a substitute for William Jones who Some time afterwards in the year he was again drafted to perform a three months tour under Capt. Brown And marched from the County of Albemarle through the City of Richmond to the City of Williamsburg V a where he joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Stubblefield. The enemy then being in Little York. he remained in service, and was marched about from one place to another watching the enemy and their movements, till his term of service expired, when he was discharged and he returned to his place of residence in the County of Albemarle.
Soon time afterwards in the year 1781 he was again drafted to perform a tour of duty in the Militia for three months under Capt. John Key. and immediately marched to the City of Richmond and joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Lewis, who immediately marched and joined the American Army at Little York. where Lord Cornwallis was besieged, when he remained there till about a week before the enemy surrendered when he was taken sick and discharged. he saw many of the American Officers when there both of the Continental line and State troops, but had no personal acquaintance with any of them. Among others he distinctly remembers to have seen Generals Washington, Lafayette, Wayne & Stuber of the Continental troops, and Genl. Lawson & others of the militia whose names he has forgotten.
He also states that in the year he was drafted in a Company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Wheeler for a three months tour to guard the prisoners belonging to the troops of Genl. Burgoyne who were taken at the battle of Saratoga  Bandy and were stationed at the Barracks in the County of Albemarle; and at the expiration of his term of service the Company was relieved by the Regular troops enlisted for that purpose, and discharged.
He also states that he served a three months tour in the year under Lieut. Barris Brown at Charlottesville guarding some Tories, of public Notoriety, one by the name of Gootrick, and another by the name of M c Lean & many others whose names he has forgotten And was discharged by sergeant Brown at the expiration of his term of service. He is not positive as to the precise time that he came in all, but is very confident that it was considerably over two years. He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services. He received written discharges for every tour which he performed and kept them for many years but claiming them useless papers they were all lost or destroyed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity or after the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. I solemnly subscribe this day and year aforesaid.
William Hobson

We Julius Ferrill a Clergyman, residing in the County of Stokes and State of North Carolina near the Virginia line and Matthew Sandefur residing in the County of Patrick Virginia hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Barton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; and that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed this day and year afore- said
Julius Ferrill M. Sandefur
And the undersigned of the county doth hereby declare his opinion, after investigating the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states, and he doth further certify, that it appears to him that Julius Ferrill who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the County of Stokes and State of North Carolina, and that Matthew Sandefur who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County of Patrick, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. He also certifies that the above named applicant is very infirm, totally blind, and unable to walk a step & consequently unable to get to the Court house. H. Fitzgerald J.P.
I Abram Staples Clerk of the County Court of Patrick do hereby certify that Harry Fitzgerald a J.P. whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration and who is a magistrate of the Army duly appointed & commissioned according to Law, that the said signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of my Office this 17th day November 1832
A. Staples Clerk

The [illegible] [illegible]
The [illegible] [illegible] that I am personally acquaint-  ed with Mr. [illegible] the [illegible] name of [illegible]  — that he is a [illegible] of the [illegible] of [illegible]  has frequently been a member of the [illegible] [illegible]  It is [illegible] a [illegible] is a [illegible] of the  and is a highly [illegible] citizen  and greatly [illegible] when he [illegible] [illegible]  a [illegible] of the [illegible]
[illegible] Member of [illegible]

Palmer e mrs Aug 1
Aug 8 th 1844
Cl. Martha Carter Va Oct 1840.
Jan
J. L. Edwards
Commissaire of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 17 th June 1844 granting pensions for four years to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July the 7 th 1838
State of Virginia } County of Patrick } ss
On the 29 th day of July 1844 personally appeared before me W m Little one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Martha Castor a resident of Virginia in the County of Patrick aged supposed to be seventy eight or nine years who being first duly sworn according to law, on her oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress on the 17 th June 1844 granting pensions to widows of pensioners who served during the revolutionary war that she is the widow of William Castor who was a private soldier in the army of the revolution and for full proof of service she would refer (the Hon Department) to the evidence filed in the pension proceedings Office where she applied for a pension under the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 and under the act of Congress of the 3 rd March 1843 and she further states that she received a pension under the act of 7 th July 1838 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum and she has received a certificate to draw a pension under the act of 3 rd March 1843 for the one year pension at the rate of eighty dollars per annum. She is personally known to me and has drawn a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838.
Martha Castor
W m Little JP

I Abram Staples clerk of the court of Patrick County certify that William Loyle is as may appear as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 30 th day of July 1884
Abram Staples clerk of the court of Patrick County
not shown
30th July 1884

Patrick County Va 30 th July 1844
Dear
Sir I have with send you the declaration of Mrs Martha Carter if it is in good forme and you send a certificate you may send it to me as I am the agent for the Mrs Martha Carter she is my Grandmother you will please direct your letter to Patrick Co Va and if not in forme please to send me a forme and you will recd oblige yours with respect to
J. L. Edwards Commission of Pensions
A. B. Clarke
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint handwritten note in the bottom right corner]

North Carolina Stokes County to wit ss.
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid Henry Carter who being first duly sworn states that his brother William Carter was married by the publication of banns - Mrs. Martha Carter (who has applied for a pension) in the County of Albemarle in the State of Virginia. That he heard the banns published three times (by Parson Irwin, a Presbyterian preacher) and that at that time it was usual and authorized by the laws of Virginia to marry by the publication of banns and that when marriages were made in that way no licenses were necessary nor was any record left of the same. I well recollect that William Carter and Martha McKinney was married in the year 1782. in the month of January I went after one William Woods a Baptist preacher to marry them in the County of Albemarle & State of Virginia the reason why I so well recollect it, in going for the parson my horse fell and I received a hurt in my knee that I did not get well of for a long time and the said William Woods did marry them together for I saw it. The above named Martha Carter now resides in Patrick County State of Virginia and has resided there upwards of thirty years sworn to and subscribed before me the 7 th day of Sept. 1840 Attest W. A. Mitchell H. ss. Henry Carter

North Carolina } Stokes County }
I certify that Henry Carter is a res- -pectable citizen and entitled to as much credit on oath as any man in our neigh- -bourhood given under my hand the 7 th day of Oct. 1840.
W. A. Mitchell Jp.
State of North Carolina } Stokes County } I Ruben D. Golding Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Stokes, certify that William A. Mitchell whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and and certificate is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature is purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 9 th day of October AD 1840.
Ruben D. Golding Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Stokes

6. Sep 1841. Mrs Sylvester
Patricia Lee Nee August 30th
Comptroller of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
1841
1841

State of North Carolina Stokes County } ss.
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County Henry Carter & Sarah Carter, who being first duly sworn states that Martha Carter wife of William Carter dec d now resides in Patrick County State of Virginia, by our own recollection and also by reference to our own family Register we recollect that Martha Carter, who has applied for a pension was the wife of William Carter dec d who was a pensioner, had the following children to wit. Alexander Carter was born in the year A.D. 1784. Elizabeth Carter in 1786. Nancy Carter in 1788. Sally Carter in 1790. and William Carter in 1792 all of whom was born in Albemarle County State of Virginia - given under my hand, the 19 th day of August A.D. 1841.
W. A. Mitchell J.P.
I certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Carter & Sarah Carter and I believe them to be honest Respectable Citizens this 19 th Aug t 1841. W. A. Mitchell.
State of North Carolina Stokes County } I Ruben D. Golding Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County, certify that William A. Mitchell whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 20 th day of August A.D. 1841.
Ruben D. Golding Clerk.

Patrick County Va
23 August 1841
Dear
Sir
I have complied with the Law and your request as far as possible concerning the Law granting a pension to certain widows and am in hopes that this affidavit and the proof heretofore sent to the Department will be considered sufficient proof to entitle Mrs. Martha widow of William Carter and who was a pensioner to a pension the last letter I received from the War Department Pension Office under date of 24 Octbr 1840 stating that a copy of the marriage bond or church record on the original family register should be furnished. I have proven that they were married but there is no record that I can get the family register has been lost but from the said letter I take it for granted that as the birth of children prior to 1790 is all that the Department thinks necessary to be shown I would have sent the original family register if it had not been lost but I have got all the proof that can and am in hopes that this will do as the said Mrs. Martha Carter is very old and in great need of any relief that the laws of her country will give her. Sir please to give me an answer as soon as possible and believe your letter Patrick Court house Va. and you will confer a great favour to  your humble servant &c. Alex. B. Carter
To
The commissioner of Pensions

Patrick County Va
23 August 1841
Dear
Sir
I have complied with the Law and your request as far as possible concerning the law granting a pension to certain widows and am in hopes that this affidavit and the proof heretofore sent to the Department will be considered sufficient proof to entitle Mrs Martha wife of William Carter deceased who was a pensioner to a pension. The last letter I received from the War Department Pension Office under date 25 Octr 1840 stating that a copy of the marriage bond or church record or the original family register should be furnished. I have proven that they were married but there is no record that I can get the family register has been lost but from the said letter I take it for granted that as the birth of children prior to 1790 is all that the Department thinks necessary to be done I would have sent the original family register if it had not been lost but I have got all the proof that can and am in hopes that this will do as the said Mrs Martha Carter is very old and in great need of any relief that the laws of her country will give her Sir please to give me an answer as soon as possible and direct your letter Patrick Court house Va. and you will confer a great favour to  your humble servant &c Alex. B. Carter
To The commissioner of Pensions

Reported Jan 9/49
2891
2891
Virginia Richmond Martha Carter widow of William Carter Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9. day of Jan 9/49 and sent to
Hon. T. S. Murray Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 144 Vol. 3

1875.
To Hon. C. Y. Thomas sec. 4718. 4719 Revised The only provision under any payt can be made or can be no minors e had assets - no me r to claim - M.J.M. Fin d.
Mar 16,
Covering Stat. - which r as the r as sh entitled
Levy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3773 Martha Carter Wid. Wm Carter Port Rev. War
Act: Feb. 28/48
Index: - Vol. 2 , Page 113
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Martha Carter widow of William Carter, Private, $80 per annum; who died 9 Oct 1833. Pension to commence 4 March 1836
act July 1838 Richmond, Virginia, Roll
Send cert to Hon. W.L. Goggin H. Rep.

laws is on some respect very so. which the husband was entitled to, in both of them like provision as made a language employed in both laws is. in the 3 d section of the act of 1836 is might have been allowed to her at at the time it was passed." Thus for all who were widows in 1836 the marriage took place before.
to state the case of Mrs. letter from the Hon. J. R. W.
On a careful per and July 7. 1838, it will read of them must be are nugatory, or In the interpretation of them that knowledge which we of the law makers, and we we endeavored to ascertain it in passing those laws. The in executing the act of 1838

Richmond 5659 Virginia
Martha Carter widow of William Carter who was a Privat in the Virginia Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of June 1843 and sent to
A. B. Clark, Patrick H. Va.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 153
recd June 14/43
Instructions under the act of 1844 - sent to A. B. Clark, Patrick H. Va. Aug. 16. 1844

Virginia 6669
Martha Carter widow of William Carter
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832, and who died on the 9 th October 1833 of Patrick Co., in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hunter of the regt. commanded by Col. Lindsay in the Va. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond, Virginia at the rate of 80 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of May 1842 and sent to Hon. M. L. Gaggers, Member of Representatives
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $ 400 ————— Pension annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 184
Reported to Agent
Let to Hon. W. L. Goggin June 30. 1842: do to 3 rd and Aug 9. 1842.
let to P. Agent, Richmond Jan'y 10. 1843 & to Hon W. L. Goggin same Jan'y 14. 1843,
Decl r (3mths) ret d to A.B. Clark

Virginia
Patrick County to wit
On this 14 th day of June 1839 personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Patrick, Martha Carter, a resident of the County of Patrick aforesaid aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of William Carter who was a soldier of the revolution. She is unacquainted with the particulars of his service but refers therefor to his declaration made for the purpose of obtaining a pension and on file in the War Department. That the said William Carter obtained a pension in his lifetime having made his declaration for that purpose in the County Court of Patrick, he then being a resident of said County.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Carter on the 9 th January eighteen hundred and eighty two, and that her husband the aforesaid William Carter died on the 9 th day of October 1833. Martha Carter
Sworn to and subscribed on the day above written before the Court aforesaid.
A. Staples Clerk

Virginia Patrick County to wit
This day Henry Carter appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court of Patrick and made oath that he was present when the cause of matrimony was published between William Carter and the within named Martha Carter. That he was also present when they were married which was on the 6 day of January 1882 thousand seven hundred and eighty two. That the said William Carter was the brother of this Deponent and this deponent knows that  has heard that he was a pensioner of the United States in his life time and knowing that the within named applicant is his widow
Henry Carter
Sworn to in open court this 14 th day of June 1889. J. A. Staples Clk
1889 June 14 th I certify that I have been slightly acquainted with Henry Carter above named for a number of years, that I have known him from my small acquaintance with him, and from his character & standing in society when he resided, that he is a man of good character - Given under my hand this day at above - Greenville Penn
Patrick County Office. Sec y
J. A. Staples Clerk of the County Court aforesaid. Certify that the foregoing declaration of Martha Carter and the affidavit of Henry Carter were made & taken in open court during the session of said Court - and I moreover certify that Greenville Penn who has signed the above Certificate is a man of good character and a Magistrate in the said County of Patrick. I further certify that Martha Carter is the widow of William Carter mentioned in the foregoing proceedings.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my Office this 18 th day of July 1889 in the 68 th year of the Lord our God
J. A. Staples

Patrick County Va
4 th May A.D 1842
Dear
Sir I received yours dated 9 th March for the 21 st April stating that if I would send the Book that had three ages of the Children to you that the pension could be granted I expect I can send the family register of Henry and Sarah Carters Children which register Henry & Sarah Carter had referance to when they made their affidavit which was made in the his county B.C. you stated that my letter that accompanied the affidavit of Henry & Sarah Carter stated that the family register was lost and that was the reason the I could not send it to the Department
I think that if you would percamine the letter it would stat that it was the register of William & Martha Carters Children that was lost and if I did not say it was the register of W m & Martha Carters Children I intended to say it and if I said it was many other register I make a mistake in writing the letter pleas to examine and see if any thing else is wrong in any of the papers and write to me as soon as possible and pleas to write to me how long you expect to stay at Washington so I can know how long when to write to you
Sir
pleas to attend to the matter as well as you can as there is no doubt but Mrs Carter is justice entitled to the pension and is in great need of all she can get and your compliance will much oblige your humble servant and you shall be paid for your trouble if I can get the pension allowed the old Lady etc
R.B. Cart
W m L Goging
Home to office

M. Carter act 43
59 1/2 $80 per an
A. B. Clark Patrick C. H. Wing a

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the third March eighteen hundred and forty three granting pensions for one year to certain widows who has received pensions under the act of July the 7 th 1838
State of Virginia } Patrick County }
On the 13 th day of April 1844 personally appeared before me W m Critz one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Martha Carter a resident of Virginia in the County of Patrick aged supposed to be seventy eight or nine years who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that she has made the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of pensioners who served during the revolutionary war that she is the widow of William Carter who was a private soldier in the army of the revolution and for full proof of service she would refer the (Pension Department) to the evidence filed in the pension office when she applied for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 and she further states that she received a pension under the act of 7 th July 1838 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum
Sworn to and subscribed before me the undersigned W m Critz J.P.
Martha Carter --
I Adam Staples clerk of the County Court of Patrick do hereby certify that William Critz is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 13 th day of May 1844
Adam Staples clerk of the court

State of Virginia on this 16 th day of December 1848 before me Martin Bland a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Patrick in the said State, personally appeared Martha Carter a resident of the said County aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848 granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of William Carter who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and that under the act of Congress of the 19 th June 1844 she received a pension at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow
Martha Carter
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
in presence of Edward Bolling
Before me Martin Bland J.P.
I certify that Martha Carter the declarant above named is, is personally known to me.
Martin Bland J. Peace
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original on file in my office and that the said Martin Bland is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly appointed & qualified according to law. That the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof these presents set my hand & affixed my seal of office at office this 24 th day of December 1848
A. Staples Clerk of the County Court of Patrick

3887
Aug 28 1843
Patrick Calhoun Esq. Sept 27 1843
va. Mar 3 rd 1843 Martha Carter
the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
[Handwritten signature]

Patrick County Va 17 August 1843
Dear
Sir
I send you in this letter a Declaration of Mrs. Martha Carter who is in title to a pension according to the act of Congress passed Third March last she has received a pension under the act of July 7-1836 at rate of $80 per annum for five years and I beg leave to refer to evidence filed in the pension office you will please to write back to me wheather or not she is entitled to draw and if any info thing is lacking on the account of the declaration yet being in good form and if so please to send me a form how such Declaration should be drawn as I am the Grand son of said Martha Carter and have her business to attend to direct your letters to Patrick Co. Va as that is the nearest post office to me &c yours with respect and most obedient
De
Commissioner of Pensions
A. B. Clarke

Stearns Dept. July. 28th 1887
Sir,
I will thank you to inform me what is wanting to establish the claim of Mrs. Martha Clark (widow of the William Carter of Patrick Co. Va.) to a pension - I understand from Mr. A. B. Clark "that she has proven that she is the widow of Mr. Carter who drew a pension" - please state what depositions or other proof are on file?
J. L. Edwards Esq.
I am very Respectfully Yours &c M. L. Goggin

Dear Sir
Ho Rps June 29, 1842
Will you be kind enough to inform me what amount of pension was annually paid to Mr. Carter of Patrick Co. Va. - husband of Martha Carter of that County who is now receiving a pension - his Christian name was George.
Yours with great
respect yours
M. Goggin
J. L. Edwards Esq

Concord Mps. Jany 3. 1843
L. L. Edwards Esq Dear Sir,
I will thank you to inform me why it is that Mrs Martha Barker of Patrick Co Va who was allowed a pension during the last year cannot receive her money - I believe the allowance was under the Act of 1836 -
I am with respect M. L. Goggins

Patrick County Va 18 August 1839
Sir
I did not know that it was improper for me to write any thing about the declaration of Martha Carter Widow of W m Carter and that is to show that I was her agent to see to her business concerning her drawing a pension I wish to get a answer from you as soon as possible and you will much oblige me I want you to direct your answer to Patrick Co. House Va and yours much obliged your Obedient servant
So
W m L rd Edwards
Alexander B. Clark
B B
M rs Martha Carter is my Grandmother
Alexander B. Clark

Patrick County & State of Virginia 16 October 1840
Sir
I have taken the affidavit of Harvey Carter again and have inclosed it in this letter which affidavit is the only I can get cert proof of the marriage of Mr. Martha Carter widow of W m Carter and who was a petitioner in his life time and the in the declaration of Mrs. Martha Carter and the accompanying affidavit that was made at Patrick Court house, Va. in June 1839 did not state in what way they was married (if my memory serves me right) I did no  not that it was necessary for it to be in
M rs Martha Carter is my grandmother and she has got me to attend to this matter for her and if Mr. M. Carter has not procured testimony enough plus to write to me the part that is lacking and direct your letter to me and the post office is at Patrick Court house, Va. where I want the answer sent if you and any and by so doing you will much oblige your humble servant with respect &c To J. P. Edwards commr of Pensions Alexander B. Colarick

William barter.
Adams By: 80/100 of Mullica - $80 Adams By 80/100 80/100 80/100
For N.N. Claiborne

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Elisha Ayres, Mr. Carter which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No.
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1866?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
1. 2 + 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. H. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Patrick C H. W er 13 May A D 1842
Dear
Sir I have with send you Mrs Martha Carters Declaration and am her agent and attend to all her business and she is my Grandmother I you will please to write to me and please to give me all the information that you think proper direct your letters to Patrick C H. W er and you will much oblige your humble servant without
J P Edwards
Alexander B. Clark
Commission of Persons

Patrick County no. 21 st Sept 1841
Dear
Sir I this day received your letter bearing date 7 th of this instant and am sorry that I did not write to you as as to as  as  under stood the affidavit of Henry and Sarah Cart stated that from their recollection and by reference to their own family register that Mrs Martha Cart widow of Wm Cart had children born in 1784 in 1786 in 1788 in 1790 & in 1792 and in your letter to me under date 6 th Sept 1839 you stated that a copy of the marriage bond or church record or the original family register should be furnished for we proved that Martha Cart was married to Wm Cart and they were married by publications of bans and there was no record of the same and also I have stated to you that the original family register of Wm & Martha Cart has been lost and that is the register that I wrote was lost not the register of Henry & Sarah Cart but it is of Henry & Sarah Cart children being of about the age of Wm & Martha Cart children and that is how they Henry & Sarah Cart knows the ages of Wm & Martha Cart children your letter that of this instant stated that an explanation was wanting and I hope that you will understand me to say that it is the original family register of Wm & Martha Cart that is lost and if any thing is yet lacking please to write what it is as soon as possible to me as it is a very hard matter for us in county people to know in what you want matters of this sort are etc etc
To
as I am your obed Servt.
Mr J L Edwards Com.
[Signature]