Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8248, John Collins, S.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
S. b. _____
collins, John _____
S 8248 _____
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.

Paid Paid at the Treasury under Act of April 6 th 1838 from 4 th March to 4 th April 1841. Agents notified July 27 th 1842.
Note of death not on file.

State of South Carolina by 4 / 3 Yowit Spartanburgh District
X On this 29 th day of September 1832. personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, and Sessions now sitting, John Collins, a resident of Spartanburgh District in the State aged Seventy-Eight 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. "I in Lord the of the United States, Surd, as a Volunteer, under Capt. and Genl. Brant and Col. Thomas, Col. Richardson, having the Chief Command, and Surd also took Camp in 1775. in the Winter of that year - but cannot recollect the day. In 1776. I again went into the Surd against the Indians (as a Volunteer) under Capt. McElhany, and General Williamson, and Surd another tour of Service. In 1778. I Surd in the Florida Expedition, three months, as a Volunteer under Capt. Palmer and Col. Brannon. On the 1 st of March 1780. I entered the Service as a Captain in the Militia under Col. John Thomas, and was ordered on to Georgia, where I came under the Command of Genl. Williamson, and was ordered by him to Cubbert Creek under the Command of Col. Purvis. I was then ordered by Col. Purvis, with a detachment of a Picket Guard to Spirit Creek - where I remained until the fall of Charleston in May - I

and following I joined Genl. Sumpter on the Cantaba near the old station; and was shortly afterwards ordered home to raise more men. - I then joined Col Shelby Shelby as Col Clark, and fought at the Battle of the Iron Works, - and then took Thickety Thickety Fort. - I next fought at Musgrove's Musgrove's Mill. - And was ordered on to conduct the prisoners to North Carolina, after which I returned and joined Genl. Sumpter and fought under his Command at Black- stock's Ford. - and immediately afterwards joined Genl. Morgan at Grindstaff's Grindstaff's Shoals and was by him ordered home for more men, and on the night before the Battle of the Cowpens I again joined General Morgan with 24. fresh men, and fought with my Company the next day, - the next engagement was at Watkins, at night, we met the same party again the next morn- ing routed them and regained our prisoners. I next had a small engagement at Bush River under Command of Col. Pochock, a- gainst the Tories who were commanded by Young and Steele. - I then joined General Pickens, and marched marched to Augusta to the siege of Prisoner's Fort, and had several skirmishes there. - I then joined Genl. Twiggs in Georgia, and was sent under Maj. Carr Carr over the Altamaha, and there had two small engagements with the Indians and whites , and finally returned home in June 1782. I have no documentary evidence evidence of my service - but can furnish many living witnesses who served with me. omit (I do truly

Omit relinquish every claim whatever to a pen- sion or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the army of any State. I was born in the year Nov 28th 1754 in York County Pennsylvania, I have the record of my age at home. - I resided in Spar- tansburgh when I entered the Service and reside there still. - My services as a private were rendered as a volunteer - my commission as a Captain was signed by Col. John Thomas, and supposing it of no value after the end of the war, I lost or threw it away. -
Omit As to my character for veracity and moral conduct I refer to the Revd W. Dickson, W. B. Moore and any respectable citizens of my neighbourhood or district. -
John Collins
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Geo. McWhorter Pres. Judge.
South Carolina Spartansburgh Dist. } We Michael Dickson a Clergyman residing in Spartansburgh District and A. B. Moon residing in the same, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Captain John Collins who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age - that he is respected and beloved

in the neighborhood where he resides, to have him a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion Sworn to and Subscribed M. Dickson. the day & year aforesaid A. B. Moore Jno M c Call } Pres Judge
Staten Island Hon. H. K. Clancey
Capt. Geo. Collins Declaration 1838 Spasante of Street Gardens
And the said Court do, here by declare its opinion after the investigation of the mat- ter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Rev- olutionary Soldier, in service of the State and the Court further enjoining that it ap- pears to it that Mr. Dickson who has signed the preceding certificate is a Pluggman resident in Staten Island Dist. and that Dist. B. Moore who has also signed the same, is resident in the said District and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Jno M c Call Pres Judge

not even matter you have been better and the very best and
Yours truly
Papers - L.M.
R. W. Young agent

State of South Carolina Spartanburg District
I J. B. Tolleson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions for the district and State aforesaid do hereby certify that J. C. Caldwell Esq. before whom the foregoing Power of Attorney was acknowledged was at the date thereof a Magistrate for the district & State aforesaid who had been duly appointed and qualified and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and that all due faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such
Given under my hand & seal of Office at Spartanburg Court House this 10 th day of May A D 1835
J. B. Tolleson Clerk

State of South Carolina Spartanburg District I know all men by these presents that I. John S. Collins of the District and State aforesaid son and Executor of John Collins Deceased who was a captain in the States Revolution- ary war and a pensioner of the united States allowing arrearages of pension due said John Collins Deceased. at the time of his death do hereby constitute and appoint A. S. Wallace of York District South Carolina my true and lawful attorney with power to appoint one or more agents to examine into and prosecute said claim
And to receive such Certificate as may be issued hereby revoking any power of attorney which may have been heretofore given and confirming all things that my attorney the said A. S. Wallace may lawfully do in the premises
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 30 th day of April A. D. 1855
Sister J. G. Tennant
J. S. Collins
McRowland acknowledged before me the day and year last above written
J. C. Caldwell Magistrate
3

May 7, 1938
John Collins S. 8248 BA-J/AWF Cur
The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information in regard to John Collins, Captain in the War of the Revolution, from South Carolina.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 8248, based on the military service of John Collins in the War of the Revolution.
John Collins was born November 28, 1754 in York County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not stated.
While residing in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, John Collins volunteered in 1775, served six weeks as private in Colonel Thomas and Richardson's regiment. He volunteered in 1776, served six weeks as private in Captain McElhany's company, in an expedition against the Indians. He served in 1778, three months in Captain Palmer's company, Colonel Brannon's South Carolina regiment in the Florida Expedition. He was appointed March 3, 1780, Captain in the South Carolina Militia, served in Colonel John Thomas' regiment, went to Georgia and served under General Williamson and ordered by him to Oubbert Creek, then placed under Colonel Purvis, and was sent with a detachment to Spirit Creek, and was there until the fall of Charleston, in May; he joined General Sumter June fol-

lowing on the Catawba, and shortly afterwards was ordered home to raise more men, after which he joined Colonels Shelby and Clark, was in the battles at Iron Works, Thicketty Fort, Musgraves Mill, at Black Stocks under General Sumter, was at Grandal Shoals under General Morgan, again sent home to raise more men, returned and was in the battle of Cowpens, in an engagement at Watkins, and one at Bush River under Colonel Roebuck, then marched to Augusta under General Pickens, was in several skirmishes, and in two engagements with the Indians "over the Altamahaw", and returned home sometime in June, 1783.
John Collins was allowed pension on his application executed September 29, 1832, at which time he was living in Spartanburg District, South Carolina. He died about April 4, 1841.
His son, John S. Collins, was a resident of Spartanburg District, South Carolina, in 1855.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further reference to family.
The application for headstone for John Collins is returned herewith, also a letter from J. T. Bailey addressed to "Mr. J. Edwin Allen, G.M. General, Washington, D. C."
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev War
8248
1932 May 7 - list Lt Memo Bn. Aug
INVALID.
File No. 8248
John Collins Capt Rev War
Act: June 3 rd 32
Index: Vol. 12 Page 75
[Arrangement of 1870.]

War Dep Pension offn May 8. 1834

John Collins S. Carolina at 1832
Sup d . see letter to Hon. W. K. Claiborne May 10. 1834
2177

John Collins Spartanburg S.C.
11000 m.m. J. P. Smith

State of South Carolina Spartanburg District } } Forwit
I Elisha Barron, clerk of the Court of Spartanburg District do hereby certify, that William Trimmit Esq. before whom the forgoing affidavits were made is an acting Magistrate for said District only authorized to administer Oaths. And that the forgoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 19 th day of April 1833.
O. Remond Clerk of Spart Dist.
South Carolina. Spartanburg Dist } } Forwit
I William Trimmit, one of the Magistrates for the District aforesaid before whom the forgoing affidavits were taken. Do hereby certify that William Caldwel, and Solomon Cracker, who have made the forgoing affidavits, are credible persons, and their statements are entitled to due faith and credit.
Given under my hand this 20 th Augt 1833.
W. Trimmit J. D. Ex. off.

The State of South Carolina
I Elisha Bonar clerk of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas in & for the district of Spartanburg, do hereby certify that the sheet of paper herunto annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Collins for a pension. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office, this 16 th day of October, 1832. —
E. Bonar
Clerk.

11/7/72
P. O.
John Collins
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 1
Discharged: _____, 1

Hon: W. H. Clancy
Mr J. S. Edwards Com te of Pensions

House Rep. May 5 th 1834
Dear Sir
It has fallen to my lot to trouble you again with the amended declaration of Capt John Collins applying for a pension. Upon a careful examination of the papers I am unable to discover any material difference between the several amendments & the original declaration. His service of six months as a private prior to the first of March 1780 is precisely stated both in the amendments & original. The balance of his claim for a continuuous service as Captain from the 1 st of March 1780 until June 1782 making 2 years & 3 months is considered an unusual service, & therefore cannot be allowed unless clearly established. That he was a Captain in our revolutionary struggle and served as such are specifically stated in the declaration & proved by living witnesses. It is also clearly stated that he entered the service as a Captain on the 1 st of March 1780, received his Commission on the 3 rd of March 1780, & performed a tour of duty until May following making 2 months. It does not appear that he then left the service, but if he did he was absent only one month, because it is clearly stated that in June following he joined Gen l Sumpter, continued with him until ordered home to raise more men, & with his newly raised company

fought at the Iron Works, Fort Mifflin & Musgrove's Mills, which last battle was on the 18 th August 1780, a little more than 2 months after he had joined Sumpter. After the battle at Musgrove's Mills he still continued in the Service and was employed in conducting the prisoners to North Carolina. From North Carolina he immediately returned and again joined Genl Sumpter and was engaged with him in the battle at Blackstock's Ford on the 20 th Dec r 1780. On the 25 th December 1780, only 35 days after the battle at Blackstock's Ford, Genl Morgan entered the state of South Carolina - The applicant then joined Genl Morgan, & with an increased number of men which he had raised in obedience to the orders of Genl Morgan, he fought the battle at the Cowpens on the 17 th Jany 1781 - From this period until his final return home in June 1782, it does not appear that he ever left the Service, but was constantly performing active duty under different Commanders & engaged in various battles, a detailed account of which is given in his declaration - The numerous battles in which he was engaged, the number of different officers under whom he served, the remarkable correctness compared with history, with which he in his 80 th year relates the events of that period in which he was engaged afford the strongest internal evidence of the truth of his statement. Besides all this, he swears positively that he served two years and 3 months as a Captain in the Revolutionary War, during which time he was not engaged in any civil pursuit. In addition to this I have good authority to say, that he is ready to qualify, that during the 2 years & 3 months he never spent at one time more than three days at home, and then he was employed in making preparations for a fresh campaign.

This continuous service will not appear surprising when you recall to mind the fact, that after the surrender of Charleston in the Spring of 1780 until its abandonment in 1782 the State of South Carolina was in a state of anarchy. During this dark period of our history country, the Whigs in the Western extremity of the State called the New Acquisition, where the inhabitants had never been paroled or taken prisoners, formed themselves into Companies, volunteered their services & preferred for their own safety to continue in the active service of their country, to the dangers that threatened them at home. To such men as these who volunteered their services and remained in the service without any particular regard to the requirements of the Law, the cause of Liberty in S. Carolina is chiefly indebted. It is to such men as these under Samspter, Pickens, Clarke, Brandon & Marion we are greatly indebted for the reverse of our ill fortune after the fall of Charleston & the rapid succession of splendid victories that finally redeemed the South. I hope therefore you will find it perfectly consistent with the rules of your office to allow the claims of Capt John Collins to the fullest extent. The dates of the battles I have mentioned in this communication are to be found in Ramsay's history.
I am willing to accept of the terms proposed in your's of 30 th ult respecting the claims of Mr. Daniel Palmer.
Yours &c Wm H. G. Townley

Mr James L Edwards Com r of Pensions

X
House Reps. May 12 th 1834
Gen. Linn
I am unable to state from any information now in my possession the precise length of each tour of duty which the militia of So Carolina was liable to perform as required by law. In Ramsay's revolution of So Car I find that in 1778 the So Carolina militia were divided into 3 Brigades - each Brigade was classed into 3 divisions liable to be called out in rotation, and in case of invasion all were liable to be called out who resided within 80 miles of the place invaded. Under the provisions of this law the services of the militia of S. Car were rendered previous to the surrender of Charleston in May 1780. It will be at once perceived the term of service or tour of duty depended upon a contingency, that might reasonably account for the protracted service of some men beyond three & six months at one time - After the fall of Charleston in May 1780 the whole state fell into the hands of royalists & remained in their possession until the evacuation of Charleston in the close of the year 1782. During the greater part of this time the state was without a governor or council - the laws therefore of the state and of Congress could not operate in the state of South Carolina during this period. Notwithstanding this state of things we have abundant historical evidence of the fact, that the whig militia on the extremities of the state formed themselves into parties under leaders of their own choice, & sometimes attacked

Attachments of the British Army, but more frequently those of their own countrymen who as a royal militia were "cooperating with the Kings forces" See Ramsay's A. Rev. 2 d Vol. 163 In confirmation of this fact certain refugees from So Car rallied under Genl. Sumpter, in S. Car. in one month after fall of Charleston in S. Car, amongst whom was Capt John Collins according to his declaration, returned to South Carolina & immediately recommenced military opera- tions. After the defeat of Genl Gates at Camden in August of this year (1780) for 3 months while there was not the vestage of a continental Army in the state, Genl Sumpter constantly kept the field with volunteers preferring the camps of their countrymen to their homes. See Ramsay's A. Rev. 2 d Vol. Page 174 &c - In this service Capt John Collins was engaged & fought in the battle at Blackstock, according to his declaration. About this time near the close of the year 1780 the celebrated battle on King's mountain was fought by volunteers. The historian in speaking of the army that defeated Ferguson states that it was raised of their own motion without any direction from the govern- ment of America or the officers of the continental army." Such was truly the nature of the military service in the state of S. Car. from May 1780 until Genl. Green at the head of the continental army changed the condition of things in 1781 - Hence I feel no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that Capt John Collins did continue constantly in the service of his country under the command of lawful officers as a volunteer the full time stated in his declaration - In this matter I can give

you nothing more than the grounds of my belief - The number who rendered this kind of service in the State of South Carolina, I am disposed to consider small when compared to the whole population of the State at that time & confined principally to the Western extremity of the State. Immediately after the fall of Charleston thousands of Whigs were either paroled on conditions of not taking up arms against the King or took protection. But there were some Whigs who never abandoned the cause of their country, who were never paroled or took protection, & who did prefer to remain in the constant service of their country; to the dangers that surrounded them disembodied at home. That Capt John Collins was one of these men the detailed account of his services, corresponding so strictly with historical truth, convinces me beyond a reasonable doubt. It is for you however to form your own opinion from the sources to which I refer as deriving mine, and if you can arrive at the same conclusion with myself, I know it will afford you equal pleasure to grant the claim as for me to accept it  the same .
Yours &c Wm H Clowney X Wm H Clowney
omit P.S. On next Saturday I hope to call upon you personally. W.H.C. N.B. The papers of Sethio Shields have been returned to me. Some mistake exists - This claim has been adjusted according to my recollection W.H.C.

Spartanburg SC 23 rd April
Free
Hon. Mr. K. Clancy
S.C.
enclosed L.P.
To the Hon. Mr. W. K. Clancy Washington City D.C.

Spartanburgh St. House
22 nd April 1834.
Dr. Sir,
I herewith enclose the application of Capt. John Collins, of this District, for a pension, together with the note of the Comm. of Pensions, assigning his reasons for not allowing a Pension Certificate. Mr. Collins requests that you will have the kindness to personally attend at the Pension Department & urge the justice of his claim. He is well aware that the Militia were never called into service for two years at a time notwithstanding he did actually serve a continued term of more than two years as stated in his declaration & amendments thereto; during which term he was not engaged in any Civil pursuit. This kind of service arose from the peculiar situation of our Country. It is out of the question for him to set out the beginning & ending of every term as he was continually continually engaged. He can undoubtedly testify, as he informs me, that he was never at home three days at any one time from the date of his commission to the close of the war, & when it became actually making preparations to meet the enemy. If upon giving to the department a proper explanation of the nature of the claim of the applicant, the commissioner still refuses to grant an admit his claim please inquire what will satisfy him. Mr. Collins can state that he was in actual service from one battle to another; but cannot say he entered on a certain term at a particular period & ended at another, as required by the department. Mr. Collins is a gentleman of veracity which cannot be questioned & I apprehend I hazard nothing in asserting in saying his claim to a pension is as meritorious as

that of any individual placed on the Pension Roll. —
Respectfully yours &c.
E. Bement
N. B. I have received Tho. Hanna's Papers & forwarded them to him.
E. B.
The Honbl. W. R. Blarney Washington City. D. C.

The State of South Carolina Spartanburg District
Personally appeared Captain John Collins before me William Grimmer Judge of the Court of Ordinary & Ex officio Justice of the Quorum in & for said District, who being duly sworn deposes & saith in amendment of the foregoing declaration that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot distinctly as to the precise time when he received his commission; but to the best of his knowledge & recollection on the 3rd day of March, 1780, he received a Captain's commission in the Militia of the State of South Carolina, in the Revolutionary War, in the District of primarily from Col. Thomas that he served as Captain in the South Carolina Militia two years & three months - during which time he was not engaged in any civil pursuit. A part of his services were rendered in the State of Georgia as may be seen by his original declaration. And for further particulars see the original declaration & amendment thereto. —
Sworn to and subscribed before me. 11 th Nov 1833.
John Collins
Wm Grimmer O.S.D. & J. Ex Off
State of South Carolina Spartanburg District
I Elisha Pomer clerk of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas in & for said District, do certify that William Grimmer is a magistrate as above duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and the foregoing signature purporting to be his and is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 4th day of December 1833.
E. Pomer Clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
July 22 d , 1842.
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,"
The Executor of John Collins, deceased, late _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina _____ Agency, at the rate of Four hundred eighty Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 1 st of April 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
Merriam B. Tassie COMPTROLLER.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Adm C
John Collins Capt. 2 nd $480 per an
Hon. W. K. Clancey H R

War Department. Pension Office. May. 10. 1834.
Sir,
Capt n John Collins's papers are herewith returned. - If you will certify that it is a fact well known in the revolutionary history of South Carolina that the Militia of that State were continuously in service so long as the applicant states, the claim will be allowed. -
I have the honor to be very respectfully your ob t serv t J. L. Edwards

Hon. W. R. Clowney, House of Representatives.

On this 19 th day of April 1833. personally came before me, Wm. Pennock a Justice of the Quorum Ex Officio, in and for the District aforesaid, Capt John Collins who being duly sworn, in due form of Law, on his oath saith, in addition to his Declara- tion hereto attached, that he did serve in the militia in the Revolutionary War, for the space of six months - as a private. - And did serve as a Captain in the militia from the first of March 1780. until the month of June 1782 - two years and three months, making in all two years and nine months - as a private and officer - to wit six months as a private and two years and three months as a Captain. -
This Deponent again repeats that there are many persons by whom he can prove his services - but believing the testimony herewith submitted will be sufficient, submits the affidavits of W. William Caldwell and W. Solomon Grackner - who knew him, and his services in the Revolutionary War - Sworn to & Subscribed before me 19 th Ap. 1833. John Jenkins
Your kindest J. D. East

South Carolina Spaulding Dist } Personally came before me, the subscribing Magistrate, William Caldwell, who being sworn, on his oath saith, that he knew Captain John Collins, who makes the foregoing Declaration and affidavits, in the Revolution- ary war. That this deponent served under his command, and knows, and believes that he understood the sum as stated in the said Declaration and affidavits. And has been well acquainted with him ever since the end of the war.
Sworn to and subscribed } W. Caldwell before me 19 th Ap. 1833 Jno. Kennett J. D. Exoff.
Personally came before me Solomon Cracket, who being sworn, saith that he knew Capt. John Collins in the Revolution- ary war, and has known him since. That he was in service with said Collins - and knows much of the sum as by him stated, and having such knowledge believes the whole of his statements to be true and correct.
Sworn to and subscribed } Solomon Cracket before me 19 th Ap. 1833 Jno. Kennett J. D. Exoff.

State of South Carolina Spartanburg District
Personally appeared Captain John Collins aged 78 years on the 28 th day of November last, before me William Grimmett George of the County of ordinary & Ex officio Justice of the Quorum for said District, who upon being duly sworn according to law, deposed & saith that he entered the service of the United States as a Captain in the Militia on the 1 st day of March, 1780, in Ninety Six District, and two days afterwards viz on the 3 rd of March he received his Commission as Captain from Col. Thomas & was attached to the Regiment commanded by him. He continued to serve as Captain to the end of the War viz. two years & three months. He was marched under the command of Col. Thomas to Augusta in the State of Georgia from where Col. Thomas returned to Ninety Six District & the Regiment was attached to the Brigade commanded by Genl. Williamson. He was ordered by Genl. Williamson to Cubbard Creek. See the original Declaration. He was in the battle at the Old Iron Works - Col. Shelby, Clark & Grimes commanded. He was in the Battle at Musgrove's Mill Col. Williams, Shelby & Clark commanded. He was in the Battle at Blackstock's Ford Genl. Sumpter & Col. Thomas & Chandler commanded. He was in the Battle at the Cowpens Genl. Morgan commanded the Regulars & Genl. Pickens the Militia Col. Washington commanded the horse. That from old age & consequent loss of memory he does not recollect any other officers who commanded at the different battles above named. That the other towns mentioned in the original Declaration, he cannot recollect the dates so as to bring himself within the provisions of the Act. That he served as Captain of the Militia 2 years & three months. John Collins Sworn to & subscribed the 20 th August 1833 Wm Grimmett D. Ex Off.

State of South Carolina Spartanburg District
I Elisha Pomer Clerk of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas in & for said District, do hereby certify that William Trimmer Esquire before whom the within affidavit of John Collins was made & sworn is a Magistrate as within stated, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 23rd day of August. 1833. —
E. Pomer Clerk.