Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5349, John Diddle, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Diddle, John
S. 5349
Born in Pa.
CONTENTS
carded

Virginia 16.388
John Diddle
of Augusta in the State of Ga
who was a Pr. Knight in the
by Captain
of the Regt
by Col. Mathews in the Vol
line for 7 1/2 months.
commanded
commanded
See letters to Col. W. King & R. Aug. 7 Oct. 1836
Health and in Q. B.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of $1. Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Aug. 33
Henry Dr. Staunton Va. and Sarah Williams
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 63.32
Semi-ann. allowance ending Feb. 1833 15.83
$79.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. Rice Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6 Page 6

Virginia
Augusta County } W.
On this 24th day of October 1832, personally appeared in open Court before Jacob Leard Joseph Brown, William J. Estill, Judges of William Young ————— The Court of Augusta County now sitting, John Diddle a resident of the County of Augusta, and State of Virginia aged 87 years, who being first duly 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. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated — He as one of the Militia of Augusta County volunteered his services to go against the Cherokee Indians in the month of August 1776, that he with the other troops from Augusta County rendezvoused at David Steele's in the said County of Augusta, that he was attached to the company under the command of Capt William Christian of the Augusta Militia, Patrick Buchanan was Lieutenant of the same company, the name of the Ensign he does not recollect, from this declarant was appointed a sergeant of the company, they marched from their place of rendezvous to a little beyond New River, where they formed put under the command of a Col William Christian of the Militia of ————— from New River they marched to an Island on Holston River, where they lay until they should be joined by additional men that were expected, when joined by the troops expected, they marched for the Indian Nation, when they arrived near the French Broad River, we were met by a flag, and was informed that a large body of Indians lay on the opposite side of the river, in the course of the day a ford was found a few miles below where our troops lay, in the course of the night we crossed

The war, with the intention of attacking them - but the Indians had fled, we then marched to their Towns where we lay for some time, expecting to be able to effect a treaty with them but they did not come in to hold a treaty, we then burnt their Towns, and the troops were discharged & returned home in the latter part of November 1776 having been absent in the service about four months that he received no written discharge.
His next service was as one of the Militia of Augusta County, an appeal was made to the Militia to turn out against the British, he volunteered his services, and with other troops from Augusta rendezvoused at Teasdale (now Wayne) in Augusta County in the month of Decem January 1781. Col Col. Matthews of Augusta took the command of the troops, the declarant was attached to Capt. John Cunningham's company, they marched first to Fredericksburg where they lay a few days, and were then ordered towards Portsmouth, they crossed James River at Cobbs Point, from Cobbs Point they proceeded until they got below Suffolk to a place called Camp Carson, the service of the troops he belonged to was chiefly between that point and Portsmouth, he was in a skirmish in which his Capt. Cunningham was wounded, and this declarant succeeded in taking one of the British Prisoners Yeasagers, before the close of the campaign, the declarant was transferred from Capt. Cunningham's company to a company commanded by Capt. Charles Cameron. That he was discharged with the other troops and reached home in the month of April 1781 having been absent about three months of nineteen days - that he has no

documentary evidence of his service, but expects to be able to prove his first tour of service by Mary William Wilson of Augusta County who was in the service with him. His second tour of service he expects to be able to prove also by the said Wilson and by John Thompson, both of whom were with him this declarant on the said last tour.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
his John D. Diddle mark
The Court then proceeded to propound the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department as follows.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer. I was born in the year 1744 and raised in the State of Pennsylvania, within seven miles of the City of Philadelphia.
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so. Where is it?
Answer. I have no record of my age, that was in a Family bible which was left in the State of Pennsylvania when I removed to Virginia.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer. I resided in Augusta County when I was called into service. I have resided in the same County ever since the Revolution.

and still resides in the County of Augusta about 16 miles South East of Farmington.
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
Answer - I volunteered my services on both tours of duty.
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served - such Continental or Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer. I remember that Genl Lafayette had the principal command, Genl Wayne had also a command. There were other Militia officers I remember on the last tour that Col or Lt Col Mr Bowyer of the Augusta Militia, and Maj Alexander Robertson of the Augusta Militia. The General circumstances of my services I have in my above declaration set forth.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer. I never received any written discharge -
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, who can testify as to your character for veracity, and belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer. I would refer to Claudius Burts Glen in Wayland esquire, Justices of the Peace for Augusta County
John Duddles mark

No 19026
John Diville Augusta 6 o 8 m
Return i
Admit as a private 4 months pay 20. 3½ " private 11.66  $ 31.66
Wm Kinney Sur. ag Staunton

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
9. May — 1883
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Diddle Augusta B.C.V.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     602 1776 abt 4 Serg Capt M c Christian Christian Col M c Christian Christian New River to and from in Virginia Augusta 69 87 William Wilson for both terms   602 1781 abt 3 19 Private Patt Buck hanan Lt Capn Cunningham Camiron Col Mathews Waynesboro Nash Gloster Port Royal as a camp Warren Ino Thompson as to the last term also fractional  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of 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 the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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. B. 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

July 20, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. E. A. Diddle Bowling Green, R.F.D.#4 Kentucky
John Diddle, S.5349 BA-J/MCS CW
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the record of John Diddle, a Revolutionary War soldier who received a pension while living in Augusta County, Virginia.
John Diddle was born in 1744 in Pennsylvania within seven miles of Philadelphia and was reared there. The names of his parents were not given.
While living in Augusta County, Virginia, about sixteen miles southeast of Staunton, he enlisted in August, 1775, and served four months as sergeant in Captain William Christian's company in Colonel William Christian's Virginia regiment. He enlisted in January, 1781, and served three months and fifteen days as private in Captains John Cunningham's and Charles Cameron's companies in Colonel Mathews' Virginia regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 24, 1832, at which time he was living in Augusta County, Virginia.
There are no data relative to the family of John Diddle.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of this soldier, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of soldier's death, it is suggested that you address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:
John Diddle, Certificate 16388, issued August 5, 1833, rate $31.66. Commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rehr
5349
1937, July 20. hist. to Miss. E. A. Diddle. med
INVALID.
File No. 5349
John Diddle Sergt Reo War
Act: June 7 th '32
Index: —Vol. M , Page 96
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mr Hiller
Will you please send me the war record of John Diddle Private & Sargent Va line when placed on Pension Roll Mar. 4. 1831. age 89. from Augusta Co. Va.
Want to know who John's wife and children where and when he died.
Thanking you.
Mrs E. A. Diddle.
Bowling Green,
R. F. D. #4.
Ky.

H
190.26 John Diddle's
✓
Dalcrathu
A

(May) William Wilson of Augusta County aged about 87 years. appeared in open Court and being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, state that he was personally acquainted with John Diddle the above applicant for a pension, that he served with the said John Diddle both tours of duty he has in his declaration set forth. That he knows well that the said Diddle did serve both said tours of duty as he has set forth in his declaration, and under the officers he has spoken of, that he remembers the name of the Ensign which the said Diddle does not recollect was Lieut. Col. Johnston of the Augusta Militia. That he believes the said Diddle to be about 87 years old, that he has all ways sustained and justly the character of a man of truth - Given under my hand this 23rd day of Octo: 1832. Wirt Wilson
John Thompson of Augusta County appeared in open Court and being duly sworn according to law. doth on his oath state. That he was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and was personally acquainted with John Diddle the above applicant for a pension. That he knows that the said Diddle did serve the last tour of duty he has set forth in his declaration which he has heard read in open Court, and was in the company and under the officers he has therein stated. That he believes the said Diddle to be about 87 years old. That he has all ways sustained a good character - Given under my hand this 23rd day of Octo 1832. John Thompson

We Claudius Buster & Lewis Wayland residing in Augusta County, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Seddles who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be from his appearance and other circumstances of years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed the day of years aforesaid.
Claudius Buster
Lewis Wayland
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of 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 the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, and from their own knowledge, that William Wilson, John Thompson, Claudius Buster and Lewis Wayland who have signed the proceedings, certificates are residents of the County, Augusta, and credible persons and that their statements is entitled to full credit.

State of Virginia ss
I, Jefferson Kinney, Clerk of the Court of Augusta County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Diddle, for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 20th day of December 1832. & in the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson Kinney C. & C.
State of Virginia. Augusta County. ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace of the County and State aforesaid, John Diddle, who being duly sworn, deponeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and 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 period mentioned below, and in the following grades: For four months I served as a Sergeant in Capt. Wm. Christians Company. For three months & fifteen days as a private, and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn & subscribed to by John Diddle before me this 26th day of June 1833.
John Diddle Mark
Gerard B. Stuart JP
State of Virginia to wit
I, Jefferson Kinney, Clerk of the County Court of Augusta in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Gerard B. Stuart whose name appears to the above certificate now is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 5th day of July 1833 in the 58th year of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson Kinney Clerk

Inverness Draught
16,388
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
F.R.E.
Oct 16, 1853

Waynesboro, Va. October 3. 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
I have herewith enclosed to you for your examination a power of attorney, from John Diddler as he is not able to write himself, I presented one in Richmond to your agent then - and the time has been more than 18 months. Consequently, I could not get the money, the individual named in the power of attorney is very needy, and will kindly thank you for your early attention to his business you will please direct your agent at Richmond to pay the money to Joshua L. Gray of the City of Richmond who I have requested to attend to the drawing of the money there.
Yours Very Respectfully
W. M. King