Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 2029, John Clay, Va.

SERVICE
va
NUMBER
R 2029
blay John Melison
CONTENTS

7544 West Tennessee
John Gray
of Rutherford in the State of W Tenn who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Jones of the Rgt commanded by Col Nelson in the Vols time for 1 year 9 mo & 28 ds
Inscribed on the Roll of W Tenn at the rate of 73 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of April 1833 and David William Brady Murfreesboro
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $146.20 Semi-ant. allowance ending 10 Sept 36.50 $182.70
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 74

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed 7 th of June 1872.
State of Tennessee
On this 23 rd day of August 1872 personally appeared in open Court before Henry Druett, James C. Mitchell and W.D. Boren Esqrs, Justices of said Court John Clay a resident of said County aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1872 - That he in August 1861 in Petersburg State of Virginia entered the service of the U States under Capt Joseph Jones, and left Petersburg - He entered the service as follows - The company to which he belonged of the Militia of Dinwiddie County, was called from one to ten, and he was in the first call, and the first call for troops, which was which was called this declaration - He rendezvoused at Petersburg and was marched to Williamsburg, when he joined Genl. Nelson, Col. Nelson and Maj. Matthews. At this place a detachment of one hundred and twenty men, under the command of Capt Joseph Jones, and Lieut Jones, - was detached from the Corps that lay at Williamsburg, and was marched from Williamsburg to York, and Hampton, and then to North Mills - when he was discharged, after a service of three months - He got no muster discharge. The 16 th February 1862 he was drafted and rendezvoused at Petersburg under Col. John Scott, and was marched to Williamsburg, and then joined the 1 st and 2 nd Virginia State Regiments - He recollects that there was in this command two Cpts by the name of Dudley - He was marched with these troops, from Williamsburg, to Yorktown - and then to Williamsburg - then to Yorktown, then to Winchester, then to Little York, and then to Valley Forge, and then joined the main Army under the command of Genl Washington - He was attached to his arrival at Valley Forge to Capt Peter Jones Company, Lieut David McRae and Lieut James Brien Green, and this company belonged to the 16 th Virginia Regiment under the command of Col. William Davis, and Maj. Calhoun. The whole Army was marched to Monmouth in June - and he was in the battle fought at that place 28 th June 1862. From this he was marched with the Army to White Point - Here he was detached to attend the sick at the Hospital at White Point - by Capt Thacker - He remained in the service one or two months - and the Army was marched to Chain-Bridge, where they went into Winter Quarters, and he accompanied the sick with Capt Thacker to Washington, and Maryland Heights - He remained here until 2 nd January 1863, and the sick having recovered, they were ordered to join the Army at Chain-Bridge, and he was in company with Thacker and the correspondents, down to, and on the 16 th February this declaration, was discharged by Capt Winstan - He returned home, through Philadelphia, and to the head of Elk, and then to Williamsburg - and then to

He lived here and towards the last of March 1779, the whole force was called from Danville, and he joined the company commanded by Capt Henry Spain and rendezvoused at Petersburg - and then marched with the Corps to City Point, and commenced the British fleet at that place, and the Enemy falling back down the river, the Corps was marched back to Petersburg and was discharged after a service of four weeks - Again 1 st January 1780, his Co was again called out, and he joined the company commanded by Capt Samuel Davis and Lieut. Francis Epps, and rendezvoused at Petersburg, and after many days work at Petersburg. the Corps was marched to Cabin Point, and there joined the command of Gen. M'Callum, and Gen Robert Lawson - The Baron Stuben was there with a Corps of Light Troops - The Army remained in that place for a few weeks and then marched to Suffolk - and then to Smithfield, and here the Regiment was discharged - He was in service in this Town three months - In 1781 he was again called out under Capt. Hogg and Charles Beardsley and rendezvoused at Petersburg - and a detachment of two hundred and fifty men was ordered to Bristow where they met the British at Retford the progress of the British - The British marched to Petersburg, the detachment returning before the Enemy - up to Chesterfield Court House - From this he was marched by Col. De Clouet up James River to Tickfaw to Randolph, and then crossed James River - and through the Hanover Towns to Richmond - There he was stationed under the command of Col. De Clouet for a few weeks - and then the Corps was marched to Bottoms Bridge - he fought at Blackstock's - and then Gen. Lafayette took the command - and then was marched to Newbern Hall - and then he was discharged and returned home - He served in three battles during the campaign - He has no records or documents in his possession by which he can prove his services, and he knows of but one man now living, by whom he can prove them He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the pension, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Army of any State - Given to his subscribers the day and year aforesaid Richard H. Langhlin, Clk. John Clay
We William Beardsley and John Acaspeith , residing in the County of Loudoun, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Clay who has subsisted and known to the above De Clouet that he believes him to be a worthy servant of the State - that he is respected and beloved when he lives to be a soldier of the Republic - and that his concern is that opinion - Given to our subscribers the day and year aforesaid Richard H. Langhlin, Clk. John Beardsley

Question 1 st When and in what year were you born?
Answer, I was born in Dinwiddie County - In the year 1755
Question 2 nd Have you any record of your age, and if so when is it? Answer - I have in the State of Virginia, but where is what family I do not know, which has the possession of it.
Question 3 rd When were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and when did you move here - Answer, Dinwiddie County, State of Virginia, and lived in Middlesex County, Virginia - forty years, and here was in the State of Virginia when I was born -
Question 4 th How were you called into service, were you drafted, and you volunteered, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Answer - I volunteered, was drafted - and volunteered -
Question 5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such as colonels and majors. Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer I recollect Col Dandridge, Col Cabell, Col De Clorman - Barron Stuber - Lord Sturtevant, Capt Branton - Gen Mostyn, Gen Green, Gen Landon, Major Lacey, Capt Mott - and I recollect, 1 st and 2 nd and 14 th , and 6 th State Troops of Virginia - I marched to my first tour to Portsmouth - and to Hampton to York, Williamsburg and Petersburg - and I went in my next tour to the South, and was at the battle of Manassas - and was discharged at Middlesex 16 th Febry 1789 - came home - I was at Smithfield - Suffolk, Cape Charles and Petersburg - Norfolk, Hills, Nansemond, Princess Anne, Richmond, Chesterfield, Powhatan and Petersburg
Question 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 did at Middlesex, but I have lost it, tore it off
Question 7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known - your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity - and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Answer - Thos Cannon, John Cannon Jr, Martin Cannon, Thos Cannon, Samuel Tucker, John Tucker, John McCracken, William Jones, John McCracken, Richard McCracken,

And the said Court do hereby certify and declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after finding the indictment being presented by the Grand Jury, that the above applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as the States - And the Court further certify, that William Tracy and John Steele Pett, live in the neighborhood of John Clay, who has been and known to the within declaration, as neighbors of said Clay and that they are reputable men of good character, and that their statements are entitled to credit - And it has been made appear to us that as Clay's man residing in the neighborhood of said John Clay
Given under our hands, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Brott J. M. Mitchell W. D. Brown
I John R. Langhlin Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Clay for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 23 rd day of August 1832 John R. Langhlin, Atk.
10,131

State of Tennessee
Weakley County This day personally appeared before me D. P. Caldwell Esquire one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, James Pugh, and being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he was personally acquainted with John — Clay, and Millerson Eppes — late of Dinwiddie County, State of Virginia, and that they intermarried with each other, in the County of Dinwiddie and State of Virginia sometime between the year 1780. and 1782.
Sworn to and subscribed before me.
This 31 st day of January A. D. 1839.
James Pugh
D. P. Caldwell Esq.
State of Tennessee
Weakley County To all whom these presents shall come, I, Kinchin Williams Clerk of the County Court of Weakley County that David P. Caldwell whose name is subscribed to the above is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace for said County of Weakley - due faith & credit should should be given as such Witness my hand and seal of my office this 12 th day of February 1839
Kinchin Williams Clerk of the County Court of Weakley
State of Tennessee I, John Henry Moore Chairman of Weakley County the County Court of Weakley County aforesaid do hereby certify that Kinchin Williams whose official signature appears to the above certificate is Clerk of said Court aforesaid, that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his certificate is in due form according to the laws of the State. Given under my hand at office. This 12 th day of February 1839 —
John Henry Moore Chairman of the County Court of Weakley County

V 2533
Madison Clay land of Mr. du Tenn.
Mar e 1779. 80 due 1835.
last seen 1781
Hor A P Maury Franklin Tenn.

State of Tennessee } ss Rutherford County }
On this 24 th day of July eighteen hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared, before me Thomas Saunders an acting justice of the peace, and a justice of the County Court of said Rutherford County, Melison Clay a resident of said County and State, aged about, eighty six or seven years, who, being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July the 4 th 1836; That she is the widow of John Clay, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, the officers he served under, the Country through which he marched - the engagements he was in, and the time of his entering the service she does not remember - she does not recollect the time he left the service, she does not remember whether he was a volunteer was a volunteer or substitute - she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim, she further declares that she was married to the said John Clay in the fall of the year, as well as she recollects the fall of 1779 or 1780, - that her husband the aforesaid John Clay, died about the 12 th of May 1835, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed, Sworn to, and subscribed Melison X Clay mark on the day and year above written before me
Thos. Saunders Justice of the peace
I Thomas Saunders, a justice of the peace as aforesaid, hereby certify that the above declarant, Melison Clay is too infirm in body on account of old age to attend the Court, July the 24 th 1837-
Thos. Saunders Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee } ss Rutherford County }
I Robert S Morris Clerk of the County Court of said Rutherford County hereby Certify that the aforementioned Thomas Saunders is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, and that he is a justice of the County Court of said Rutherford County which is a Court of record, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 25th day of July 1837 —
Robert S. Morris Clerk of the County Court of Rutherford County, in the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee Be it remembered that on this day Rutherford County) the 7th of August 1837, before the Worshipful The County Court Rutherford County aforesaid which is a Court of Records, in open Court personally appeared John C. Ferris who is a Credible witness and made oath that John Clay deceased was a pensioner of the United States - that he died about the 11th of May A D 1835 - of as he supposed the Cholera - that Nelson Clay the aforementioned declarant is his widow - that Isabella Clay who is the daughter of the said John Clay and Nelson Clay is about fifty five or fifty six years of age and that the said Nelson Clay is about eighty six years of age. In witness whereof I Robert S. Morris Clerk of said County Court have hereunto set my hand in open Court and affixed my seal of office the day and date above written
Robt. S. Morris Clerk of The County Court of Rutherford County in the State of Tennessee

10.124
John Clay Ruthford 6' 7"
Went
on Roll
on Roll from 1777 private to 1779 20 days $73 4/100
Jane Nelson V.C.
Wm Brady Murfreesboro Peterson

BRIEF in the case of John Clay County of Nuthurst in the State of Tennessee (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 77 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     August In 1777- - 3 - Private Gen. Capt Jones Col. Nelson   14 Feb 78 1 2 2 " Capt Dudley Col. Jones   March 779 - 9 28 " Capt Spain Col. Davis   12 Aug 780 - 3 - " Col. Saunders Genl Muhlenberg   1781 - 3 - " Col. Hott Col. Dickerson  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Brandywine  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Petersburg Virginia  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? To a certain extent  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Nicholas Collins Examining Clerk.

January 16, 1908.
Hon. John W. Gaines,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Gaines:
In reply to your letter dated the 13" and received the 15" inst., requesting the military history of John W. Clay, a Revolutionary War soldier, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the claim, Rejected File #2089, it appears that John Clay was born in Dinwiddie Co., Va., in 1755 and while residing there he entered the Dinwiddie County militia in August 1777 and served as Private in Capt. Joseph Jones' company for three months; he was drafted February 14, 1778, served in Capt. Peter Jones' company, Col. William Davies' 14" Virginia regiment, was in the battle of Monmouth, and was discharged February 14, 1779; he was called out in March 1779, served four weeks in Capt. Henry Spain's company, and was in the cannonading of the British Fleet at City Point; again called out January 1, 1780, served three months in Samuel Davis' company; and also in 1781 when he served three months in Capt. Holt's company.
Soldier married in Dinwiddie Co. Va. at some time between 1779 and 1782, Melison or Millerson Eppes. He was allowed pension on an application executed August 23, 1832, while a resident of Rutherford Co., Tenn. and he died May 11 or 12, 1835.
She applied for pension on July 24, 1837 while residing in Ruth-

Rejectd File 2029.
(2)
orford Co., Tenn., aged 86 or 87 years; her claim was not allowed, it not being proved that she was married prior to termination of soldier's service as required by the Act of July 4, 1836, under which she applied.
Their son Joshua was 55 or 56 years of age in 1837.
The Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford information in regard to John W. Clay of Virginia or in regard to any John Clay of Virginia other than the above noted soldier.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mail
2533 Aug 28
Jenn:
4 July 36
3 Dec.
How P. L. Edwards Commemorates Pioneers Washington City 1890
[A large, stylized letter 'A' or 'H' mark]

Murfreesboro, State of Tennessee, Rutherford County August 16 th 1837
Enclosed I send to you the application of Melison Clay for a pension under Act of Congress, July 4 th 1836. It will be seen that the circumstances prove show or at least tend to show that her marriage with John Clay took place 57 or 58 years since which of itself in this case (and in all probability will in all others) renders it impossible to prove the fact of marriage by witnesses who saw the ceremony celebrated. The marriage took place as I am informed by the old lady in Sumner Co. Virginia, to which place I have written to obtain the Certificate of the Clergyman who solemnized the rites, If this cannot be obtained the applicant can make no further proof (at least she now so thinks) in relation her said intermarriage. Her husband the said John Clay applied to the Department under the Act of 7 th June 1832 and obtained his pension Certificate upon which he drew his pension up to 4 th March 1835; The proof necessary for him to obtain his pension under the last mentioned Act is presumed is on file in the Department which it is thought superfluous the majority on the present applicant's part of making any other proof than she has made, In the declaration of the old lady you will perceive that the words " was droughted ," is stricken out, - That was

done for the reason that the declarant felt satisfied that her husband had not been drowned , I think however that upon that point she might easily be mistaken as old age has made a considerable inroad upon her memory - I will send on the Certificate of the Clergyman if I obtain it, (which I think is extremely doubtful as such papers are very where very much neglected) immediately, And I would respectfully suggest a relaxation of the rules laid down for proofs in relation the marriage of the applicant in this case particularly because by the records of the Department and by other means of proof presented in the rules of the Department this applicant has proven every other fact required to be proven , If this relaxation can be made or if the proof here enclosed can be deemed sufficient an early attention to the forwarding the Certificate to her will relieve the pressing wants of indebted old age Yours &c
Most Respectfully - W. A. Seward

Melson V. Clay and of his wife Tenn. the U. S. Dist. Ct. May 19 1827 let 25 June 1835. W. H. Sneed.
at 4 o'clock

John Clay

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Clay Bathurst a 6 - Ten year which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ye
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? ye
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? ye
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? ye
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? ye
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ye
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ye
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? ye
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? ye

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. 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 they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
□ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

17 Oct 1887
O.B.
17 Oct 1887 J. P. ...
Mr. ...
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored handwriting]
[Faint mirrored handwriting]
[Faint mirrored handwriting]

Depart of War Pension Office
Oct 18. 1877
Sir.
I have examined the claim of Mrs. Milison Gelay widow of John Gelay and find have placed her papers upon our files.
Mrs. Gelay alleges that she was married to the year 1779 or 1780. Before any favorable decision can be had on the claim the date of the marriage must be established by proof.
It was the practice in N. to give what was called marriage bonds to the Clerk of the C. it is possible that such a bond may now be found.
The claim will remain suspended, awaiting further proof. The letter of Mr. Meese is returned herewith. I have the honor
for A. P. Maury Franklin Tenn
W. A. R. G.

In ab Oct 17
Mr Evans
Mr S. G. S. S.
Mr Evans will send
this to Mr. S. G. S. S. after having attended to his
Journal
Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Pension Office
A.P. Many M.S.

H. of Rep. Oct 16 th 1837
Sir
Allow me to call your attention to the cases referred to in the enclosed letter. Your decision upon them, I request, may be sent to Mr W. H. Sneed, the writer, Murfreesboro - Tenn
Very respectfully your obt. Servt. A. P. Maury

432. War Dept. Pen. Office June 25. 1839
Sir
The affidavit of James Bulds in the case of Mrs. Melisons Blay widow of John Blay decd. has been examined and filed with her papers. The witness states the marriage to have taken place between 1780 and 1782. He should be more specific as to the period, and state under what circumstances he had a knowledge of the marriage. There may be family records of the marriage or of the births of the children, and if so it should be exhibited. If there be none the claimant should state the fact under oath. It should be shown what evidence of the marriage the records of the court of the county of Cumberland be where the claimant was married, afford in case there be no family record. If the

necessary proof cannot be obtained and it can be clearly proved that the claimant was a married woman as alleged previous to January 1 st 1794 she was obtain a pension under act 7 July 1838 upon making a decl- aration as prescribed in the enclosed printed sheet.
June 25 1839
AL
M. H. Sneed Esq. As us freeborn; Trueman
Ent 2533 act 4 July '36

Tenn. add. proof Mrs Millerson Clay July No-2, 1855
Rev J. S. Edwards, B.A. Washington City D.C.

Murfreesboro Rutherford County Tennessee March 11 th 1839
Hon J. S. Edwards
Sir -
Enclosed I send the evidence of the intermarriage of John Clary (who was a revolutionary pensioner under the Act of 1832 - June the 9 th ) - with Melvina Epps. The declaration of Mrs Clary together with such evidence of her intermarriage as I could at that time procure was forwarded to you in the latter part of 1833 1834, or the first of 1835 - I have thought it unnecessary to forward a new declaration as I presume the one above referred to is in the files of your department -
Under the application made by me at the time stated above you wrote me that the only obstacle to obtaining the pension was a failure of proof as to the marriage or rather as to the time when it took place -
Be pleased to give this your early attention as the old lady is in destitute circumstances and if she can obtain the pension, it will be of great benefit to her - Yours &c
(Most Respectfully, W. H. Hume)

V.P.M.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Ref. 2029
Bureau of Pensions,
Rev. War.
Washington, D. C., Jan'y 24, 1908
Sir:
In reply to your request of Jan'y 18 th , received Jan'y 21 st . for a statement of the military history of John Clay a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1777 3 mos. Pvt. Joseph Jones Nelson Va.   Feb'y 14. 1778 Feb'y 14. 1779 Peter Jones William Davis 14" Va.   Mar. 1779 4 weeks Henry Spain   Jan'y 1. 1780 3 mos. Samuel Davis   1781 3 mos. Holt  
Battles engaged in, Monmouth & cannonading of British Fleet at City Point.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Dinwiddie Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 23. 1832. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Rutherford Co. Tenn.
Age at date of application, Born in Dinwiddie Co. Va. 1753. Died May 11 or 12, 1835.
Remarks: Soldier married in Dinwiddie Co. Va. some time between 1779 & 1782. Nelson or Millerson Eppes. The applicant for pension was a resident of Rutherford Co. Tenn. in 1837 while residing in Rutherford Co. Tenn. aged 86 or 87 years. Her claim was not allowed, it not being proved that she was married prior to termination of soldier's service as required by Act Feb'y 4, 1836 under which the applicant in 1837 then of Rutherford Co. Tenn. was 85 or 86 years of age. Very respectfully,
Mr. R. T. McConico, Nashville, Tenn.
Commissioner,
The cause of rejection of widow's claim omitted as it was only technical. date of mar. after Act

WILSON HOTEL 1000 10th Street Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of my activities during the past season. During the past season I have been engaged in the discharge of the duties of my position as Chief Clerk of the Pension Office. In the discharge of this duty I have been aided by the following gentlemen, who were appointed assistants, viz: Prof. J. A. Smith, Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Mr. Andrew Carnegie, Mr. J. P. Morgan, Mr. George Peabody, Mr. William H. Taft, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, Mr. J. P. Morgan, Mr. George Peabody, Mr. William H. Taft, Mr. Woodrow Wilson. Respectfully, John D. Rockefeller

Rev 1-31 E
WILSON HOTEL
N. Q. DICKERSON, Proprietor
Humboldt,
TENN. TENN.
July 8-
1918.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir - Please advise me if one James Sharpe - of Mecklenburg Co. North Caro. since was in the Revolu- tionary War & if so give Pension Number -
And also would like to know if John or Joshua Clay, of Virginia were soldiers of the same war.
Yours Very Truly J. P. Lannon,
471 East Main Street
Humboldt, Tenn.

Kirkville, Mo
May 14, 1912
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:- I ask you to search the records to find out if John Clay, a Revolutionary Soldier, born in Virginia in 1757 and died in Bourbon County, Ky, received a pension for his services. Should you find such a record I should like a copy of the same.
Yours Very Respectfully,
Mrs. Ella Clay Selby, 316 N. Franklin St., Kirkville, Mo.

JOHN A. PITTS.
K.T.M c CONNICO.
GENERAL COUNSEL TENNESSEE CENTRAL RAILROAD CO.
LAW OFFICES
Pitts & M c Connico NASHVILLE, TENN.
Jany. 18th, 1908.
Rec
Eac
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I am anxious to learn something definite of the enlistment and service of my wife's ancestor, John Clay, or John W. Clay, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, having enlisted from Virginia.
The Adjutant General of the U.S. War Department, suggested through our Member of Congress, Mr. Gaines, that perhaps your records could furnish me with the information I desire. I want to know by definite reference to volume and page of any written documentary evidence of this soldier's enlistment and service in the Revolutionary Army. Any expense incidental to furnishing me with the information I will cheerfully pay.
Thanking you for prompt attention to this request, I beg to remain,
Yours respectfully,
K. T. M c Connico

Congressional 3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by Hill
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. of Dinwiddie or Albemarle
Claimant Les. T. probably a Captain
Soldier John (W.) Clay
Continental soldier Va. Service
Additional Service Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190._____
No claim, combination records _____, 190._____
REMARKS:
No claim as above except R. 2029.
3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by S. D. Lamparter
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier John Clay, or John W. Clay
Service VA
Additional Service Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190._____
No claim, combination records _____, 190._____
REMARKS:
No claim as above except Wid. rej. 2029 + (Inst 46905)

7
INFORMATION FROM A COLONEL OF THE U.S. ARMY ON THE ATTITUDE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TOWARD THE PENSION BILL OF THE SENATE
RE: THE PENSION
RESOLUTION
SENATE COMMITTEE
FOR A
January 15, 1908
WASHINGTON
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON
January 13, 1908.
Hon. V. Warner,
Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D. C.,
My dear Mr. Warner:
I would appreciate it very much if you will give me the military history, if in your power to do so, of John W. Clay, Continental soldier of Dinwiddie or Albemarle County, Virginia. He may have been a Captain. I am specially anxious for this information.
Yours very truly,
A handwritten signature in cursive script, reading "Rowland Gaines". The signature is written in dark ink and is positioned below the closing "Yours very truly,".

✓ A. P. Maury Oct. 19. 1837 ✓ H. A. Sneed June 25. 1839.
Is't well
45
not to...

REJECTED
2029
P. O.
Melissa Clay
Service:
widow of John
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: The printed list of 185-2 gives cause of suspension
Re-enlisted: as follows: For proof of marriage before service terminated.
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1908 Jan. 16. Heir to Hon John N. Gaines M.C. and
1908 Jan 24 Heir to N.T. McCornick V.L.M.
1912 May 14 Heir to Ella C. Kelly V.L.M.
1918 July 17 Heir to G.B. Lammon.