Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17, Gilbert Combs, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Combs, Gilbert Christiana
N. 17
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the left side of the CONTENTS section]
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the right side of the CONTENTS section]

West Tennessee Gilbert Coombs of Maryville in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the com d commanded by Captain Hendrick of the reg t commanded by Col. Stevenson in the N. Div. time for 9 months and 8 days
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 30 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Sept r 1833 and applicant Maryville
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 73.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 March 15.00 $90.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam l Boyd Clerk, Book E Vol. Page 75

3298.
Tennessee Christiana Combs, widow of Gilbert Combs Col. Foreman R.I. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of May 1849 and sent to Machin Cross Perry Tenn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 287 Vol. 3 .
Reported Jan'y 23/49

Declaration State of Tennessee } ss. McNairy County }
Whereas Gilbert Lamb a resident of this County, aged 73 years, being now very infirm, & not able able to attend court, in consideration whereof and at his particular request, I then as I was one of the justices of the peace in and for the said County of McNairy and State of Tennessee, have this 24 th day of July 1833 waited on him at his own residence, at which time and place, he 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 in the Spring of the year 1776, he served a tour of one month at Sandy Hook, in the in the Militia of Monmouth County New Jersey, under the command of Captain Hendrick Saneck, there being but one company stationed at that place, the object of which was to guard the coast from the intrusion of marauding and victualing parties, from the British shipping then lying near the lighthouse at the point of said Hook. and that he did in the same year serve a tour of Military duty in what was then called the flying camp, which was enlisted for the term of five months, commencing the first of July and ending the first of December. the Brigade to which I belonged was commanded by General Heard, the Regiment was commanded by Colonel David Forman, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Henderson, Adjutant William Wilcoff; the company was commanded by Captain John Henderson, Elisha Wallen Lieutenant. That he enlisted in said Company on or about the 18 th of August, and joined the Regiment in three days after, which was then encamped at Brooklyn Meetinghouse Long Island. That he was in the battle fought not many days after between said Meetinghouse and Flatbush, shortly after which they passed over into New York, and in about eight or ten days after was marched to Fort Washington; and while stationed there, two British frigates passed up the Hudson River under the fire of both Forts Washington and Lee; that sometime in October, we were marched to the White Plains; that he was in the battle fought at that place toward the close of October. and here he remarks that the Delaware Blues having sustained the heat of the engagement, suffered more severely than any other part of army. that from thence they were marched to Kings Ferry, crossed the Hudson River at that place, and passed down by way of Haverstraw to Fort Lee; at which place they lay when Fort Washington was taken. That from thence they passed on by way of Hackensack, Newark, Elizabethtown, and Amboy to Monmouth, by the first of December, and expiration of our term making a term of 3 months & thirteen days ; that in the Spring of 1777, when the whole body of the Militia of the State was called at Headquarter, for the purpose of making a descent on the British Garrison in New Brunswick, which is appointed us in the intercept, by descending at early dawn before we had approached sufficiently near to

pay them a morning salute. at which time he served a short tour of twenty five days in the company of the aforesaid Captain Howick Smock and Regiment of the aforesaid Colonel David Forman. that the latter part of 1777 & the year 1778 he was employed in erecting an extensive fort works, opposite Barnegat Inlet in the southern part of the said county of Monmouth, and that in the year last mentioned the British ship Matthew of 500 Tons Burthen, & 16 carriage guns, bound from Great Britain, via Halifax to New York; stood near the north end of Long Beach, and a little south of the said inlet. that himself with 15 or 18 others, in three small open boats did cross the Bay six miles wide, passed through the inlet, entered the Ocean, boarded the said ship, and brought away between 65 & 70 persons, amongst whom were a Captain Campbell of the British army, Captain Bennet commander of the ship, Captains Reed, Nelson, Somerville, and Devereux, Sea Captains passengers, two ladies whom friends were living near Allentown in said county, some few professing to change their colors and remain with us: leaving about fifty who were deemed fit subjects of Military control and made Prisoners of war, these were committed to the care of Lieutenant Conklin, the nearest commissioned officer to the place, who together with this applicant and four or five others did march the said prisoners to Princeton, a distance of 70 miles, and handed them over to the commissary general of Prisoners at that place. this service comprehended a term of twenty days. that in the spring of the year 1779 I served a tour of two months at Trenton Falls in the said county of Monmouth under the command of the aforesaid Colonel now General David Forman, which Garrison was kept at that place for the purpose of guarding the coast, for the purpose of warding off the intrusions of, and preventing an illicit correspondence with the enemy. I also served another tour of two months at the same place and under the same commander immediately proceeding after the expiration of said term, as a substitute for my Father. I do not recollect the names of any of the officers under whom I served, except those with whom I was intimately acquainted, and whose names have been given. the only circumstance by which the last tour was characterized, was that of a certain Robert Morris, belonging to the same company with myself, having deserted, was taken up by a scouting party, brought back, tried by a Court Martial, sentenced to be shot, brought to the place of execution, six men detailed and placed in their proper position to perform the painful task, the moment of execution having arisen, the culprit begged his life and was pardoned. I performed military duty also in various scouting parties, but as to their number, length, or dates, I have no recollection, and therefore dismiss them. these being included, the terms enumerated appear to amount to nine months & 28 days
interrogatory 1 st Where and in what year was you born Answer according to my Father's family Register, I was born in Freehold near mouth of the Shrewsbury, the 5 th day of November 1759

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it
Answer. I have a record of my age, in my own family register, and here it is fully set to your inspection, which being exhibited, is found to correspond precisely with the answer given to the preceding interrogatory.
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary War, and where do you now live.
Answer. When first called into service, I lived in Freehold Monmouth County New Jersey, and I continued to live there until the month of December 1780, at which time I removed to the south as far as Shenandoah County Virginia; where I continued to reside until May 1791, at which time I removed into Culpeper County same state, and while there I had the honour of being acquainted with the Honourable Philip R. Thompson, Boatswain's Mate, George Strother and John S. Barbour Esq s Representatives to Congress from that District, and in the spring of 1812, I transferred my residence from thence to Botetourt County same state, being then very infirm was generally confined to my bed and room, in consequence of which my acquaintance was very limited, notwithstanding I had not the honour of being personally acquainted with General John Floyd, and Robert Lee Esq s Representatives to Congress from that District; nevertheless I was so far known to them as to induce them to honour me with their communications, and in October 1830 I again transferred my residence from thence to Hawkins County East Tennessee, where I had the honour of becoming acquainted with the Honourable John Blair Esq s Representative to Congress from that District, who also had the courtesy and kindness to honour me with his communications, and again in January 1832 I left Hawkins County, and in March following I arrived at my present residence in Mt. E. Henry County Western District Tennessee.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if a substitute, for whom.
Answer. My first term in the militia service was determined by lot, and all the subsequent terms, my service was according to my proper routine of duty, except the time when the whole body of Militia was called to headquarters, and one term of two months I served as a substitute for my Father, as above stated, and for the term served in the following Camp, I enlisted and in bringing the Prisoners from the British Ship Martha, I was certainly a volunteer, and without an officer to command.
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 service.
Answer. When I was with the army in 1776 I was very young barely 16 years old, my observation seldom extended beyond the bounds of my own Regiment, which was generally in my

tion, were made the longest halt at Fort Washington; here I first saw General Washington, General Putnam, & Lord Stirling, to know them, nor do I recollect any other. I have stated my having been in the Battle on Long Island, the passage of the ships up the River under the Fire of Forts Washington and Lee, my having been in the Battle at the White Plains, the fierce suffering of the Detached Blues at that place, crossing Hudson River at Kings Ferry, thence by way of Haverstraw to Fort Lee, and thence passing on by way of Hackensack, Newark, Elizabeth Town, and Amboy to Monmouth; these appear to be all the prominent circumstances recollect of this campaign, and the only circumstance worth naming in that short tour in the spring of 1777, was that of the enemy escaping from us at New Brunswick, at a time when we confided them fully entrapped: all my other services, was remote from the regular army, and confined to my own country.
6 th 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 do not recollect at this time of ever having received a Written Discharge from any of the services performed. If I did they must have been consumed in the burning of my house in the year 1785, and been long forgotten.
7 th 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.
Answer I am known to Colonel John Burtwell, William S. Wisdom Esq r , None Wisdom the Reverend A B Lambert, Doctor Thomas L. Harkness, and sundry others. Some have heard, and I trust all would if requested, speak favorably of my character. and I do not know of any person living that has any knowledge of my services.
This applicant then exhibited various communications from General John Floyd, Robert Lorain, & John Blair Esq r , Members of Congress, which fully proves the favorable notice taken of him by those gentlemen, as stated in his answer to interrogatory the 3 d .
He hereby renounces every claim whatever to a pension or annuity whatever except the present, and declares that his name is not nor never was on the Pension Roll of any the agency of any state.
Gilbert Smith
Sworn to and subscribed the Day and year aforesaid
Thomas Pain

THE NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST,
TRANSLATED
FROM THE ORIGINAL GREEK

Gilbert Combs was born the 5 th day of December 1759 Joseph Combs was born the 3 rd day of May 1762 Robert Combs was born the 22 nd day of February 1782 Martha Combs was born the 1 st day of January 1784 Mary Combs was born the 22 nd day of April 1786 Phoebe Combs was born the 8 th day of February 1789 Agatha Combs was born the 6 th day of March 1791 Nancy Combs was born the 26 th day of April 1793 Thomas Combs was born the 6 th day of February 1796 John Combs was born the 26 th day of April 1798 Gilbert Combs was born the 15 th day of March 1801 Betsey Combs was born the 2 nd day of June 1803 Phebe Combs was born the 8 th day of March 1804   1759  1762  1782  1784  1786  1789  1791  1793  1796  1798  1801  1803  1804 

AND
WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS
DILIGENTLY
COMPARED AND REVISED.
HARTFORD:
PRINTED BY HUDSON AND CO.
..... 1817.

Benson C. Stanley was Born the 28 day of January — — 1834

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Gilbert Combs son of Thomas & Martha Combs, was born in Freehold Monmouth County New Jersey the fifth day of November ----- 1759
Christianna Combs Daughter of John & Margaret Dutton was born in Shenandoah City Virginia the 30 th day of May ----- 1762
Robert Combs son of Gilbert & Christianna Combs was born in Shenandoah County the 22 nd day of Feb -- 1782
Martha Combs was born in Shenandoah County Va the 1 st day of January 1784
Margaret Combs was born in Shenandoah City Va. the 30 th day of April 1786
BIRTHS.
Phebe Combs was born in Shenandoah City Va. the 8 th day of Feb -- 1789
Aguila Combs was born in Shenandoah City Va the 6 th day of March 1791
Nancy Combs was born in Culpepper County Va the 26 th day of April 1793
Thomas Combs was born in Culpepper County Va the 6 th day of Feb 1796
John Combs was born in Culpepper County Va the 26 th day of April 1798
Gilbert Combs was born in Culpepper County Va. the 15 th day of March 1801

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Gilbert Combs & Christiana Combs was married in Shenandoah County Va the 5 th day of April in the year of our Lord 1781
MARRIAGES.
G. G. Adams & Priscilla Adams was married in Botetourt County Virginia on the 22 nd day of Decr in the year of our Lord 1825
Deaths.
Robert Combs dec. the 11 th day April 1803
Martha Combs Dec. 30 th day June 1824
Gilbert Combs son Decased 13 th day May 1836. aged when died 76 years 6 m. 27 days
Deaths

26.612 Gilbert Coombs. McNairy Co. Tennessee
from 1776 private 9 months & 8 days $ 30 \frac{88}{100}
Mr. Gilbert Coombs Adamsville McNairy Co Tennessee

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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, showing the Service of Gilbert Coombs
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 1 P te . Capt Hendrick Smith 73 N.J. Testimony   " 3 13 P te . Col D. Foreman Capt Henderson   1777 " 25 " " " "   '77-'78 20 not called into service by competent authority, therefore not allowed.   79 2 " Col Foreman   2 " "   9 08  
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. Q. 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.
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 days 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 inquiry 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.

No 9411 Elizabeth Combs Maw of Gilbert Jr
Act 7 July 1838
Married before 1794
Husband died 13 May 1826
of the County of Henry and State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee McNairy County Be it Remembered That at a County Court began and held for the County of McNairy at the Court house in the Town of Purdy On the first Monday in July in the year of Our Lord 1845. (the same being a Court of Record,) before the Worshipful A. C. Houston, Joseph Anderson & A. M. Barrow Esquires Justices of the peace in and for said County and Authorized by Law to hold said County Court,
Be it also Remembered That at the Term aforesaid, it appeared satis- factorily to the said Court from the Testimony of B. B. Adams and Joseph L. Rushing, Who are Respectable persons That Christiana Combs a Resident of said County cannot appear in Open Court by reason of Disease and Old age, Without endangering her life, Whereupon the said Court appointed Samuel D. Pace and George G. Adams two of the Acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County as Commissioners to take the Declaration of the said Christiana Combs - Whereupon the said Samuel D. Pace and George G. Adams the Commissioners appointed as aforesaid, reported to Court that they had taken the following Declaration which was read and by the Court confirmed, and Ordered by the said Court That the acts of the said Commissioners aforesaid, have all the force and effect as though the same was taken in Open Court, Which Declaration is in the words and figures following to wit:
Declaration of Christiana Combs, In Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 Entitled An Act Granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows,
State of Tennessee McNairy County Ye.
On this the seventh day of July One Thousand Eight hundred and Forty five, Personally appeared before me Samuel D. Pace and George G. Adams two of the Acting Justices of the peace in and for said County, (And members of the County Court for said County,) Christiana Combs (She being so Old and infirm that she cannot appear in Open Court) a resident of the County of McNairy and State of Tennessee aged Eighty three years

Old the 30 th day of May 1845, 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 Gilbert Combs who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and was a Pensioner under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1832 and received an Annual Pension of Thirty Dollars and Eighty Seven and One half Cents, a Reference to said Gilbert Combs Declaration now in the Office of the Secretary of War will fully appear She further Declares that she was Married to the said Gilbert Combs On the 5 th day of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty One, And that her Husband the aforesaid Gilbert Combs Died On the 13 th day of May 1836, that she was not Married to him prior to his leaving the service but the Marriage took place previous to the first day of January - Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, to wit at the time above stated Sworn to and subscribed before us Christiana Combs On the day and year first above written J. D. Rhea Justice of the Peace Geo. G. Adams Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee } McNairy County } On this the 7 th day of July in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and forty five, Personally appeared in Open Court Now sitting for said County R. R. Adams and Joseph S. Rushing of Respectable Standing, and made Oath in due form of Law, That they and each of them are well acquainted With Christiana Combs the present Applicant for a Pension, That she is Verry Old and infirm, so much so that she cannot appear in Open Court, That her Mental faculties are good and that she sustains a good Character for Truth and Veracity, And that the said Christiana Combs is now a Widow and has remained a Widow ever since the Death of her Husband Gilbert Combs, And that he the said Gilbert Combs Died On the 13 th day of May 1836. And said Witness

Further Maker Oath, That it has always been sayd and never contradicted that the said Christiana Coombs, before Marriage was Christiana Austin Given Under Our hands the date above.
Severnte and subscribed in Open Court the date above.
B B Adams J. V. Rutherford
A. A. Sanders Clk
State of Tennessee Set. McNairy County.
I A. A. Sanders Clerk of the County Court for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains a full true and correct copy of the Record Appointing Commissioners to take the Declaration of Christiana Coombs for a Pension. And also the copy of the
Record confirming the Acts of said Commissioners, I further certify that the foregoing Declaration and Certificate thereto attached is the Original taken by the Commissioners, In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 7th day of July 1845.
A. A. Sanders Clk of McNairy County Court

Law. 26. 112.
July 31 Memorville Ga July 17 3
Honorable Lewis Bagby Esq. S. J. W.
War office Washington D.C.
Application for Pension

Honorable Lewis Cass Esq re
St. Lawrence County June 16th July 1833
Sir
Enclosed you will receive my Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 4 th 1832, making further Provision for the relief of the surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution. which act I have not seen, consequently am comparatively ignorant of its Provisions, and requirements; all the knowledge I have respecting it, is derived from your report to Congress under date of the 24 th of December last, and the regulations adopted the 24 th of June 1832, to carry the said act into effect. which last mentioned paper I had before me when drawing my Declaration, and as far as I have been able to comprehend it, have conformed to its requisitions. Having been confined to my bed and room for more than five months past with severe afflictions, I could only avail myself of those occasional hours of comparative ease and comfort, as they occurred, to perform this task. which being so very seldom, that more than five months elapsed from the commencement to the final completion of my Declaration. I was prompted to this course from the circumstance, of there being as I am informed, but a single person in the County who professes to possess a competent degree of legal knowledge, and clerical skill, to draw a Declaration; and for which service he requires the exorbitant fee of twenty Dollars. and being unwilling to submit to so flagrant an imposition, and that from one who, only for the services and sacrifices, of those having sons or brothers, who at a period far distant, had endured all the toils and hardships of the camp, together with the dangers of the field, he himself in all probability, might at this time have been nothing more than a hewer of Wood and drawer of water, for some Royal Governor, or the servant of a Governor. and believing that the rough scrawl, and uncouth address, of a soldier of the revolution, would not be frowned on by those who are capable of appreciating his services. the value of his services. it may not be amiss to remark, that at a first view, the services charged in relation to the British ship Northampton were unauthorized and illegal but when it is recollect d that Lieutenant Cookkin received orders from his superior officer to take charge of the Prisoners when landed, and employ a sufficient guard to convey them to Princeton, which I humbly conceive, with great deference, will go fully to legalize the service. all the other terms enumerated were strictly legal.
I am Sir with Due Respect
your obedient Serv t
Guilford Cookkin

V 9461 Christiana Combs Jen tt
Suspended
Set to M. Corp. Oct 19. 1843 ✓ " " Same - April 5 th 1845. " Same Augt 21. '45
Act July 7 th 38

Dr Sir,
Woodstock N o Dec r 3 1844
I have carefully examined the records of my office respecting the marriage of Gilbert Combs & Christiana Rendon and can find no trace whatever.
I found your letter among some old ones and not recollecting whether it has been answered I have thought it not now too late.
Yours with respect Philip Williams clerk
G G Adams Esq. Purdy M c Nairy County Tennessee

Purdy Jan 27 Sept 1848
Sir
Enclosed you will receive the Declarations of Christiana Combs and Nancy Swett, for the renewal of their pensions.
Yours Respectfully M c Lean Clegg

Hardy McHenry County Tennessee 11 July 1845
Dear Sir
Enclose I return to you the Declaration of Christiana Bombs, for a Pension, also the Affidavit of her sister, proving her marriage before the year 1794 Early investigation in this case is requested, as the petition for the Pension very much, You are referred to other proof now in the Office of the Secretary of War Yours Respectfully
Shacklin Croft

Suray McHenry County Ill
August 16 1843 -
Dear Sir!
Enclosed you will receive the Declaration of Christiana Bombs to be placed upon the Pension list under the act of the 7th July 1838 granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows. Mrs Bombs requests that the Family Record enclosed may be sent back if not wished to be retained in your Office.
Yours Respectfully Martin Crops

J L Edwards Esq Sir
Spurly M c Naughton City Tenn 20 Dec r 1844
Enclose you will receive the Declaration of Christiana Combs for a pension you will receive also enclosed a letter from the Clerk of Shenandoah County Va, where she was married showing that he cannot find the marriage license in his office - also the Family Record in the hand writing of Gilbert Combs. You will also receive, a letter from yourself admitting the service by Gilbert Combs. An early investigation of this claim is desired by the Old Lady who much needs the small amount.
Yours Respectfully Martin Cragg

Surry 21 Sept 1845
Dear Sir
Enclose you will receive the affidavit of Joseph Groves & Margarette Pearson, as testimony in the case of Christiana Bonds, for a Pension
The Old Lady desires that you should send back the Record of ages forwarded to you, provided it should not be necessary to keep them in your Office
I L Edward Washington city
Very Respectfully M c Lean Crops

No 9461
Christiana County, Mann of Gilbert Ire
Act 7 July 1838
Adm. 9 mo 8 days per $30 58 / 100 per ann
per 13 May 1836.
Adm acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 — 8221 903. $30 58 / 100 per ann
E E
Maclean Corp Paras McTair Co Ire

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 77
Christiana Combs,
Widow
Gilbert Combs,
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 2. 1848.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office, October 19. 1843
Sir,
The papers in the case of Christiana Lamb, claiming a pension under the act of July 7. 1838, have been examined and the declaration is herewith returned that the proceeding before the Magistrate may be submitted to a Court of Record, duly organized and sanctioned, under the seal thereof as required by the regulations of this Department. The date of the marriage should be proved by the certificate of the Clerk of the County in which it took place, or a sufficient reason assigned for its not being so. The service for nine months and eight days is admitted.
I Am My respectfully Your Servant, J. L. Edwards
Maclean Corp, Esq, Purvis, McRae County, Miss.

State of Virginia
Shenandoah County To wit:
On this the twenty second day of May, One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty five. Personally appeared before me John M. Mauldin, an acting Justice of the peace in, and for said County, Phebe Denton, aged Eighty Seven years (and of respectable standing in said County) and made oath in due form of law, that she was present at the marriage of Christanna Denton, (now Christanna Combs), to Gilbert Combs and that the marriage took place in Shenandoah County Virginia. As she believes about the year 1854. She further declares that herself and Christanna Combs are Sisters, and that she is a few years older than her sister. — Given under my hand this date above written.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written. Phebe Denton
John M. Mauldin J.P.

State of Virginia } ss. Roanoke County }
I Samuel M. Peters deputy Clerk for William M. Cook Clerk of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John M c Cauley Esquire whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is a Magistrate of the County aforesaid, and that all his acts and deeds as such should receive full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed my seal office on this the 22 nd day of May in the year 1845 & of our foundation the 69 th .
Teste
Sam d M. Peters D.C. for W m M c Cook C.R.R.

Ref 2
Tennessee 9703.
Christiana Combs
widow of Gilbert Combs who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 13. May 1836. of McNairy Co, in the State of Tennessee who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hendrick of the regt. commanded by Col. Fannin in the N. Jurey line for 9 mos. 8 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Jackson, Tenn. at the rate of 30 Dollars 88 13 / 4 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1836. May.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of November 1845 and sent to Maclin Cross, Purdy, McNairy Co. Tennessee
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 343

7389
Rep d
Jackson Tennessee
Christiana Combs
widow of Gilbert Combs
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of November 1845 and sent to Madam Combs, Purdy, McNairy Co. Tenn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. June 17 1844 Vol. 2. Page 190

Additional Testimony in these of the application of Christiana Combs for a Pension
State of Tennessee McNairy County } ss } Gs.
Be it known That before me George G Adams an Acting Justice of the peace in and for said County - personally appeared Margarette Pearson age Fifty Nine years Old last April, and Joseph Groves aged Fifty Nine years Old past both of whom are Creditable and Respectable persons, and made Oath in due form of Law, that they and each of them was acquain- ted with Christiana Combs, the present applicant for a pension previous to the first day of January 1794, she was then the lawful Wife of Gilbert Combs now Deceased, and lived together as such from Our first Acquaintance which was prior to the first day of January 1794 to the day of the Death of the said Gilbert Combs We further make Oath that the said Gilbert Combs and his wife Christiana Combs had Children which was Born prior to the first day of January 1794. Given under Our hands this 16 th day of September 1845
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written
George G. Adams Justice of the peace for McNairy Co
Joseph Groves Margarette Pearson

State of Tennessee } Set. McNairy County }
I A. A. Sanders Clerk of the County Court for said County do hereby Certify That George G. Adams Esquire Whose name appears signed to the Within Certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an Acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly qualified and Commissioned agreeable to the Laws of this State, that all due faith and Credit should and Ought to be given to all of his Official Acts as such, In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and My seal of Office this 19 th day of Sept 1845
A. A. Sanders Clk of McNairy County Court

Declaration in Order to Obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848 entitled, An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution
• State of Tennessee } ss.
County of McNairy } On this 12 th day of Septem- ber 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Christ- iana Combs with whom I am personally acqu- ainted, a resident of McNairy County in the State of Tennessee aged Eighty seven 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 on the 2 nd February 1848 Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Gilbert Combs who was a Private during the Revolutionary war, for the services of the said Gilbert Combs and the Amount of Pension which she drew under the Act of 17 June 1844. She refers the Secretary of war to the proofs now on file in your Office, She further declares she is Still a widow, Christiana Combs Sworn to and Subscribed On the day and year above written before me,
Geo. G. Adams Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee A. A. Sanders and McNairy County of McNairy County
(know all hereby certify that I have to Adams where now appears before me the within declaration was made and sworn to at the time of signing the same and according to the laws of the state in and for
Seventh County, duly elected, Commissioned and qualified according to law and is then for the purpose to administer Oaths that the signature hereunto is his and that full faith and credit are and should be given to all his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at office in Paducah this the 21st day of September A.D. 1848
A. A. Sanders
and sealed
notary public

21. 6125
Gilbert Combs

We Anthony B. Lambert a Clergyman residing in the County of McNairy State of Tennessee And Thomas G. Hudspeth residing in the same hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Gilbert Combs who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be twenty three years of age 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 Given under Our hands Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before Me Thomas Lane Esqr a Justice of the peace for said County of McNairy Tennessee
A. B. Lambert Thos. G. Hudspeth
Thomas Lane
And the said Thomas Lane a Justice of the peace in and for the County of McNairy State of Tennessee do hereby declare his Opinion after the Investigation of the Matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the Applicant above named was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the said Justice of the peace further Certifies that it appears to him that Anthony B. Lambert and that Thomas G. Hudspeth who has signed the preceding Certificate are residents in McNairy County and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to Credit I do further Certify that Anthony B. Lambert who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman, I do further Certify that Gilbert Combs the applicant for a Pension is so much afflicted with Disease together with Old age that he cannot appear in Open Court to make his Declaration Given under My hand and seal the day and date aforesaid
Thomas Lane

State of Tennessee McNairy County
William S. Wisdom Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarters Sessions for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings in the matter of the application of Gilbert Combs. As taken before Thomas Paine Esq. For a Pension
I do further certify that Thomas Paine Esquire who the within Declaration was taken before is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commis- -ioned qualified and empowered to administer oaths and authorized with others to hold the County Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for said County. the same being a Court of Record. and that his signature is his own proper hand writing. that all due faith and credit should and ought to be given to all of his Official acts as such. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed my seal of Office in the Town of Purdy this 11 th day of July in the year of Our Lord 1833 & 58 th year of the American Independence
W m S. Wisdom Clerk of the County Court M c Nairy County Tennessee