Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1815, Henry Cato, New Jersey

SERVICE
New Jersey
Cato, Henry
NUMBER
R. 1815
CONTENTS
Left column of dotted lines for contents.
Right column of dotted lines for contents.

State of Virginia Rockbridge County. 3 rd set -
On this 29 th day of April 1834. personally appeared before me Robert Campbell a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Henry Bato, a resident in said County and State, who being aged 77 or 78 the 25 th of last March, 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 th 1832.
That he enlisted in the Army of the United States (in what year he cannot say) but he enlisted at the begin- ning of the Revolution, 4 weeks before the British came into Long Island Sound, with Capt: Joseph Dark and served in the 22 nd Regiment of the Continental line Troops of the Jersey Line, under the following named officers -
Before he proceeds with his services, he will state that he is a free man of colour (having been free born) his Father was a Catawba Indian, and his mother a slaves servant.
He further states that he enlisted in the service of the United States, for " during the War " as it was called and served from the commencement till the close -
For fear that his name may not be found upon the Rolls, he will make out his "Statement" as parti- cularly as if he had been a Militia Soldier - Question 1. Where and in what year were you born?
He was born within 5 miles of Newark in the State of New Jersey on the 25 th day of March 1756 or 7 -
Question 2 nd . Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
He has no record of his age, none except in his memory.
Question 3 rd . Where were you living when called into service?

vice - when have you lived since the Revolution - and where do you now live?
Answer - He was living in the Town of Elizabeth Town in the State of New Jersey, when called into service - He lived 8 years in the State of New Jersey after the Revolution - he then lived a few years in New York, after which he removed again into New Jersey, where he remained until 1791, when he enlisted under General Rife in the Jersey Battalion, and after St. Clair's Defeat he went to Knoxville Tennessee where he lived 3 years - after which he returned under Mad Anthony Wayne. And after he had (Wayne) subdued the Indians he returned to Knoxville, where he remained 2 years, at the end of which he removed into the said County of Rockbridge, where he has continued to reside since, having lived in said County about 38 years as well as he can recollect.
Question. 4 th How were you called into service &c.
Answer - He enlisted, as above stated -
Question 5 th
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 - He enlisted at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the Town of Newark in the State of New Jersey for a period of four weeks before the British first came into Long Island Sound, under Lord Howe or Lord Cornwallis. His Col: was Commodore  General Washington. Then Col: as he believes He states that 2 or 3 weeks after he enlisted he was stationed at a Fort on Staten Island. Whilst at this Fort, the time he cannot state, the Asia a very large British Ship, under the command of Lord Howe or Cornwallis (which the affiant cannot say particularly) when she came in sight, she ran

aground the tide having left her - she then hoisted a white Flag. But when the tide rose, she hoisted a "Bloody Flag," and then fired upon the Fort. There were only one hundred & five men, at that time in the Fort. We did not fire at all, but were ordered to retreat. We retreated to New Ark, where the whole army was then stationed under General Leigh or Lee. The British landed at New York. They also landed at Elizabeth Town Point. A short time after they landed they met and repulsed them at White Plains, under General Green or Sullivan. General Lee had been taken at New Ark by the British. After the White Plains, he went on to Quebec under General (or Col.) Washington. He had a skirmish at Quebec - retreated from there to Morris Town in New Jersey, where we took Winter quarters. During this winter quarter he was with General Washington, where he took 500 Hessians on Christmas day, without firing a gun. He thinks the Hessians were taken on Staten Island. They were in a drunken frolic, when taken - at this time, which he thinks was in December 1776. All New Jersey was overrun by the British. He was present at the Battle of Trenton and there fought, under General Washington. He was at the Battle of Princeton under General Washington, after the battle at Princeton, a detachment was ordered by Washington consisting of 700 - to guard Springfield when invaded by the British. Then In this detachment this applicant marched. When they arrived at Springfield, the houses were on fire - The British fled - we pursued to Elizabeth Town Point, firing on them as long as they could reach them - The British then crossed over to Long Island. 20 or 30 of the British were killed & wounded. 10 or 12 were taken prisoners. The army then came together. After this he was at the Battle of Monmouth

This applicant further states that he was acted as a waiting servant on General Washington for 3. years during the term for which he enlisted. He was present in his capacity of waiting servant on Washington at the Battle of York Town. He further states that he bore arms in actual military service, four years, and acted a waiting man on General Washington Three years. making the term Seven years. He has now in his possession a copy of an discharge given to him by Gebulon Pike Capt. from his service in the Indiana War. to a copy of which herewith exhibited, he refers as evidence of his character as a soldier.
Copy.
By order of his Excellency Arthur St. Clair. Henry Bato private soldier, belonging to the Jersey Battalion, having served from 18 th of April to the 20 th November 1791 1791. as a far the true brave soldier, is hereby discharged, honourably discharged.
Signed Gebulon P. Re. Capt. Commander Jersey Battalion Liberty.
The above is a true copy of the original discharge as filed in the office of the Register of the Treasury as appears, by a certificate now in my hand, from under the hand of W m Simmons Accountant
(Signed)
E. W. Abisher
That he remained in the service until after the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, at which time he was discharged.
Question 6 th Did you ever receive a discharge, and if so by whom was it given - and what has become of it? He did receive a discharge from

General Washington, after the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis. But it was destroyed with his house, which was burned about 20 years ago. But he refers to William B. Donald of his Neighbourhood, who has seen said Discharge, and who is well acquainted with this applicant — He also refers to the Rev. Allen D. Metcalfe, and Samuel Cummings of his neighbourhood, as evidence in his behalf — He knows no living Witnesses.
This applicant from great deficiency in his memory, & from his want of learning has been unable to make a connected statement of his services. This applicant believes that he enlisted the 1st day of August 1776, and served until the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis 4 years of which time he actually bore arms — And for this amount he claims a pension.
He hereby relinquishes all and every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Henry his T. Cato mark.
I a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify.
Mr Samuel Cummings & A. D. Metcalfe a Clergyman Residing in the said County of Rockbridge, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Cato who has sworn to and subscribed the above attestation — That we believe him to be 77 or 78 years of age as he states — That he is reported and believed in his neighbourhood to have been a Revolutionary, and that we concur in that opinion We far then certify

That no doubts to our know ledge have been raised as to his Revolutionary services -
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. D. Metcalfe
Samuel Cummins
I Robt S Campbell a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, that 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. I further certify that the copy of a paper purporting to be a copy of an original discharge, is a correct copy of the paper which said Henry Cato has in his possession. I further certify that I am well acquaint- ed with said Henry Cato - that I believe him to be a man of veracity, and I have always understood that he was a regular Soldier in the Revolution, having known him upwards of 30 years. Said Cato is a Free man of colour.
I further certify that A D Metcalfe who has signed the above certificate is a Clergy- man, resident in the neighborhood of said Cato, and that Samuel Cummins who has also signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the same neighborhood, and is a credible witness - and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I further certify that said Henry Cato is a de- crepit old man, too much crippled to attend (ex- cept with great inconvenience) at the Court House,
Robt S Campbell J.P.

State of Virginia County of Rockbridge
Be it Known, that on this Thirty first day of January A. D. 185 3 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared William Cato, William Cato jr. resident of Fairfield in said County, and made oath according to law that They are the legal heirs of the identical man who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 4 that They are directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint SAMUEL M. KNIGHT , of Washington City , my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Henry Cato for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
William his mark Cato
William his mark Cato jr.
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said William Cato & Wm Cato jr. to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Wm Strickler J.P.
State of Pa County of Rockbridge
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of
_____ that _____ the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the _____ reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that _____ Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office,
this _____ day of _____ 185_____
L.S.
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3 "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

Virginia
Rockbridge County, ss
I Charles Chapin Clerk of the County Court of Rockbridge, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Mr. Stricklen whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to Law.
In Testimony whereof I hereto sign my name and annex the seal of said Court at Lexington this 17 th day of February 1853, and in the 77 th year of the Commonwealth.
C. Chapin
Cato
Dec 1832
Henry
Ja-

RECEIVED
1815
P. O. Henry Co Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Sept. 24, 1853.
Let. in case of Henry Cato.
Saml Keppler, Present.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS.
Commissions.

Sept. 18, 1863. Det. in case of Henry Cato, A.C.O.
Dear
Saml. Keppler, Present.
Palermo Tenn. N.Y.
Yours

Henry Cato. —
Virginia —
Rejected — Deferred
Letter 15 Jan y 1835
Sam l M c L. Reid — Sam l Keppler Oct o 8/53

Know all men by these presents that we William Cato sen: and William Cato jr. heirs of Henry Cato dec? do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel Keppler, our true and lawful attorney, for us, and in our name, to procure a pension for said Henry Cato, under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, and do hereby further confirm and ratify, all the acts of said Samuel Keppler, as agent in the premises, as if done by ourselves. Witness our hands and seals, this 9 th day of September 1853. Attest H. J. Colomes
Wm his mark Cato sen. Seal William his mark Cato jr. Seal
State of Virginia, County of Rockbridge, S.S. I Harvey Risk, a Notary Public in and for the County and State afore- said, doth hereby certify that Wm Cato sen: and Wm Cato jr. personally appeared before me and acknowledged their signatures to the fore- going article to be their act and deed and desired me to cer- tify said acknowledgment, and I further certify that the said Wm Cato sen: and Wm Cato jr. are the legal heirs of Henry Cato dec?, given under my hand this day of September 1853. H. Risk N.P.

Virginia
Rockbridge County to wit:
I Charles Chapin Clerk of the County Court of Rockbridge in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Harvey Risk, whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Notary Public in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law.
In testimony whereof, I here sign my name and annex the seal of said Court at Lexington this 12th day of September 1853 and in the 78th year of the Commonwealth.
C. Chapin
Samuel Keppler Present
Andrew
John
1852

In looking over the printed lists of rejected & suspended Revolutionary Claims as prepared by order of Senate's Resolution of Sept 1850 the claim of Henry Cato is stated to have been rejected on the ground of his claiming for service as Waiter to Genl Washington which narrative is not believed &c.
This is a mistake. Cato claims for 4 years Military Service although it is true he did act as Waiter at one time for Genl Washington - But then in his declaration you will find a copy of documentary testimony of his being honorably discharged from Capt Pickett's Comp. - It is further testified by a witness that he had seen the discharge of Cato from Genl Washington which was destroyed when Cato's house was burned down - Other witnesses testify of repeated conversations with Revolutionary Soldiers who affirmed Cato to have been one himself - for years It is true Cato being nearly 80 years old admits blunders and errors in some of his statements but as a man of color this is not surprising hence he speaks of connexion with 22 d Regt of N.J. Line when there was none - but he was certainly I think in Capt Wm Dunkle's Comp y it might be well

to examine the Rolls &c In view of feebleness of mind on the part of the Old Man, rendering it very difficult to connect dates officers &c of the Revolution it is certainly very easy to perceive how blunders & errors could be made, but that the Old Man was a Revolutionary Soldier I think is quite apparent, and it is earnestly hoped his claim may be allowed - At the request of the Commissioner, I write the above and desire it may be considered as part & parcel of my former letter respecting this case.
Sept 23/53
Saml Kephler Present

State of Virginia Rockbridge county set
I Samuel
[Faint, mostly illegible handwritten text covering the remainder of the page]

The affidavit of William B. Donald of Rockbridge County, Virginia, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following statement, in behalf of Henry Cato, of said County, a free man of colour, and an applicant for a Pension under the late Act of Congress.
This Affiant states that he has been acquainted with said Henry Cato for thirty eight years, and during that time has resided, in the immediate neighbourhood of said Cato, excepting two years of which during which the said Cato he, resided in the State of Ohio. The said Cato and he resided for many years upon the same plantation. This affiant further states, that he has always remained a free man and believed that the said Henry Cato was a Revolutionary soldier , enlisted in the Regular service. That he was always reputed and believed in his neighbourhood, in said County to have been a Revolutionary soldier. This affiant further states that, before the said Cato lost all his papers & property, by the burning of his house about twenty years since he has some recollection of having seen the said Cato's papers, and amongst them, he is well satisfied of having of having seen the said Henry Cato's discharge, from his service as a soldier during the Revolution. At the time this affiant cannot recollect the date of the discharge - by whom it was given, or for what period of time, it stated that the said Henry Cato had served during the Revolution - but this he well remembers that after reading the said discharge, he was fully satisfied of the fact that said Cato had been a Revolutionary

Soldier - The said discharge corresponding fully with the statements made to him by said Cato, before that time, of his Revolu- tionary services. And the statements which have been since made to him by said Cato respecting his Revolutionary services are the same, which he always made previously to the time he saw his discharge, and cor- respond fully with the statements made in his Declaration, which I have just exam- ined, at the time I saw said discharge. I also saw the Freedom Papers of the said Henry Cato, and distinctly remember, that at that time I was fully satisfied that the said Cato was a Freeborn man of Colour, and had been a Revolutionary Soldier in the Regular service from the State of New Jersey. This affiant far then disposes that he has full faith in the veracity of the said Cato. That he believes him to be a man of truth and honesty. He further states that he believes said Cato to be 77 or 80 years of age as he states. That he has heard said Cato in conversations with other men, frequently, whom this affi- ant knew had been Revolutionary Sol- diers, and that they not only concurred with the said Cato in his statements of the War of the Revolution, but that they belie- ved said Cato to have been a Revolutionary Soldier as he stated. This affiant having ex- amined the Declaration of the said Cato, for the states, that said Cato's statements have always corresponded with his Declara- tion - That he enlisted at the beginning of the War - and served till the close - of was four years in actual military service.

and for three years acted as a mailing servant on General Washington - In conclusion the affiant states that, from the very manner: and frequent statements, made to him and others, both before and after he saw said Cato's Discharge - his impressions, when he saw said Discharge, by which he was so fully convinced of the truth of his statements - the said Cato's character for truth - and the traditions of his neighbourhood, he is as fully convinced that the said Cato was a Revolutionary soldier and that he served as he states as he can be of any thing of which he has not been an eye witness.
Given under my hand this 23 rd day of May 1834 -
Wm B Donald
Rockbridge County } ss. State of Virginia }
On this 23 rd May 1834.
Before me Robert White a Justice of the Peace for said County, personally appeared William B Donald and swore to and subscribed the foregoing certificate, having been first sworn in due form of law. I further certify that said William B. Donald, is a resident of said County of Rockbridge, aged about 52 years, is a man of veracity, and as respectable in every point of character as any man in said County, and that his statement is fully entitled to credit - Given under my hand this day and year last above named -
Rob t White

31. 218
Nancy Cato Virginia
clk.

State of Virginia Rockbridge County ss
I Samuel M c Reid Clerk of the county court of Rockbridge county in said state, do hereby certify that Robert White and Robert Campbell Gentlemen whose genuine signatures appear to the annexed claim for a pension by Henry Cato, now are and were at the dates of their signatures acting Justices of the peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified and that all their official acts are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal and subscribed my name this 24 th day of May 1834 and in the 58 th year of the commonwealth -
Sam c M c Reid Clerk

31.218
Henry Cato.

State of Virginia Rockingham County to wit. }
In this 24 th day of October 1834 - before me Robert Campbell a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Henry Cato, an applicant a resident in said County, and an applicant for a Pension under the late Act of Congress, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amendments, to his original declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
This applicant from extreme utility both of mind and body, is unable to make a full a statement of the particulars of his service, as the Department may require. He will endeavor to make such amendments, as the authorities require.
To the first requisition, respecting his Regiment Company and Line, to which he belonged, during his first mentioned service - He answers - That he belonged to the 22 nd Regiment of the Jersey Line on Lockhaven Establishment, (the troops raised the Veteran Corps) and armed under Col. Henry in Capt. William Darke's company of Infantry, called the "Green Coats" (In his original declaration he states the name of Darke as being Joseph. He now believes that Joseph Darke was the lieutenant of William the Capt.) That he served in the 22 nd Regiment, under Henry & Darke, until the end of the second year of his enlistment - At which time, about February he was transferred from the 22 nd Regiment of the Jersey Line, to the Continental Line and went upon Continental Establish.

ment under Col. Matthias Ogden ( of the  Continental  Army ) and served with troops, called the " Veteran Troops ." His Capt. he can not remember nor the Number of the Regiment to which he was transferred. It was the Regiment was in the Continental Line, of forcey Troops, commanded by Col. Matthias Ogden, as his applicant is informed who was, after: wards a Brigadier General. The date at which he was transferred to this Regiment must have been February 1778 - In Ogden's Regiment he remained until he was became a Waiter to Gen: Washington. At the end of this term of Four years his father, who was a Regular in the United States Troops (and who was a Friendly Indian) interceded on account of this applicant, being unable to bear Arms, common by reason of the Rages of the Small Pox. and he became a waiter to Washington, in place of a man with whom Washington was dissatisfied on account of his habits of drinking - and who took this applicant's place in the Line under Ogden - Washington promised this applicant that he should receive the same wages as a soldier. When this applicant broke the Small Pox. it was supposed the Contagion was brought into the army by the a Ship load of clothing for the Soldiers - It committed great ravages, and the men died " like rotten sheep " -
This applicant farther states in addition to his original statement that he was in the battle when Gen Burgoyne surrendered his army to Gen: Gates at Saratoga - This was about the middle

of Detotter, in the second year of his enlistment and whilst he was in Darke's company and Shelby's Regiment - After this surrender, a Hog's head of Rum was rolled out of the British stores, upon the Green, and each soldier was to fill his Can'teen - This applicant tied two to: Can'teens together, and dipped them into the Rum and filled both - The only piece of roguery he will confess - The quarter master of the troops to which this applicant then belonged, at the time of this defeat, was named Swale, as he now believes, and was very hard upon the soldiers -
This applicant will farther state that when Gen: Morgan was taken (commonly called the "Black Waggoner,") was taken prisoner by the British, he was bound under an oath never to raise arms against Britain again. He was released (or escaped) which this applicant cannot say) and came to Washington, whilst this applicant was waiter to him, and got permission to raise a company. This applicant was in the door of Washington's Marble , when the application was made. Washington asked him, what, about his oath, he had taken to the British -? Morgan replied "By God Sir, he had let it run down the wrong side" -! Washington smiled - and told him, that if the British would take him again, they would greater him. Gen Morgan a short time afterwards went to the South, and fought there till the close of the war -

one Whistler a waiter to Marlinton, this appli- cans does not consider himself as having been as an enlisted Soldier, but merely as a private wait- ing man - of course he had no one belonged to no regiment - or particular Line - He only claims for the first four years of his service, for which time he was an en- listed Soldier, and was in actual military service - He for the state that he may from his ability of mind, and from the con- fusion of names, dates & circumstances; of the Revolution, consequent produced by his debility, have confounded many things and made mistakes as to names and dates - but, refers his claim to that indulgence, which is due to his old age and loss of mind. He is now in want - unable to help him- self - Threatened with the Poor house - and will soon be beyond the aid of Pension provisions -
He is required to furnish living evidence of his services - This he cannot do - He knows of no one - who was with him in the ser- vice - who is now alive, or within his reach.
He went from New Jersey into service - and it would now be utterly impossible for him to acquire living evidence -
The first two years he served in the 22 d of the Jersey State line - and the remainder of the four years, in the Continental

line.
Having said all he can say, he submits his claim, to the indulgence of the Government agents.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, before me - a jus line of the Peace for the County aforesaid -
his Henry + Eato Dowar R.
I Robt S Campbell a jus line of the Peace for the said County of Rockbridge do hereby certify that Henry Eato. the above named swore to and subscribed the above declaration before me this 24th day of Oct r 1834 - Robt S Campbell J.P.

Rockbridge County. } set- State of Virginia }
In this 21 th day of October 1834. Before me a William Gask Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Dr. James M c Clung, a practising Physician of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose, that he is well acquainted with Henry Cato, of said County an applicant for a Pension under the late Act of Congress. That he believes the said Cato to be 77 or 80 years of age as he states. That he has al- ways been reputed and believed in his neigh- bour- hood, to have a Revolutionary Soldier, and a Regular. That he has heard his statements in his Declara- tion read, and believes his statements therein con- tained to be true. That he has been a Practis- ing Physician in said Cato's Family for 4 years last. That he believes him to be a perfectly honest man - and incapable of making a false statement on oath - and that such is his general character. That said Cato is a cripple, unable to do any thing for himself - in wretched health - and wholly dependant upon others for his subsistence. That he has often heard the said Cato, before the passage of the Pension Act in 1832 speak of his services as a Regular Soldier during the Revolutionary war - and that his statements heretofore to me, correspond- in very particular, with the statements in his Declaration. From what this de- ponent knows of the character of said Cato - of the traditions of his neighbourhood - and from facts he has heard the said Cato often relate he

for he could have had any prospect of a Pension in view, he is as well satisfied, that said Cato was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, as he well be of any thing, of which he does not know of his own personal knowledge. I farther certify, that the said Dr. James M. Clary is a practicing Physician in the neighbor- hood of said Cato - and a highly respectable man and credible witness.
Sworn to and subscribed to before me a justice of the Peace, this 21 st day of October 1834.
J. W. M c Clung
William Clark
State of Virginia } set - Rockbridge County }
On this 21 st day of October 1834. before me William Clark a justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally Robert Wright, an old resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose, that he has been well acquainted with Henry Cato, of said County, an applicant for a Pension, under the late act of Congress - for upwards of thirty some years - that he believes him to be 77 or 80 years of age as he states - that he has always been respected and be- lieved in his neighborhood, ever since he has been ac- quainted with said Cato, to have been a Revolutionary Soldier in the Regular Service, and to have served as he states in his declaration. That he has heard the said Cato make the statements contained in his De- claration, thirty years ago - and quite numerous parties.

lars, which correspond with the statements of his De- claration - That he has always heard said Cato say that he was in actual military service, for four years, during the Revolution, and served as a waiter to Gen: Wash- ington for three years. That from what he has heard Cato say, and from the tradition of his neighborhood, he is well satisfied that he was a Regular in the Revolution, and served as he states in his Declaration, which I have just heard read.
I further certify that That he believes said Cato to be and to have been ever since this deponent hath known him, an honest man, and incapable of making a false statement - and that such is his general character -
I further certify that that the said Robert Wright is an credible witness, and that his state- ment is entitled to full credit.
Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace this 21 st day of October 1834 -
J.P.
William Cook
his Robert S. Wright. mark.

State of Virginia Rockbridge County for
I Samuel McD Reid Clerk of the court of said County do hereby certify that Robert S Campbell and William Lusk Gentlemen whose genuine signatures appear to the annexed, amended declaration of Henry Cato and the affidavits of Dr James W McClung & Robert Wright, now are and were at the dates thereof, acting Justices of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that all their official acts are entitled to full faith and credit -
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my official and subscribed my name this 26 th Day of November 1834 and in the 59 th Year of the Commonwealth
Sam l McD Reid CLK

31.218
Henry Cato Virginia
ad June 7 1832

Washington City D.C.
Sept 17. 1853.
Sir.
The case of Henry Cato, a deceased Revolutionary Soldier, was rejected by this Office as appears from a letter addressed to S. M. D. Reid of B. and dated Jan'y 15 th 1835. At the instance of W m Cato Sen t & W m Cato Jr, heirs of said Henry Cato, I have the honor to request a re-examination of the merits of this case. Having run over this claim in a cursory manner, there appears to be the highest degree of truthfulness, to the effect, that the said Henry Cato did perform four years Military Service. The case is also sustained by various testimonials of highly respectable bearing, which give validity to the claim, the details of which it is not deemed important at this time to state, but to which your attention is respectfully requested. - At the same time it is admitted, that the Declarant (for statedly himself ) was unable from debility of mind, loss of memory &c as an aged man, to connect many of the dates, officers and other circumstances of the Revolution, and that as a consequence, many erroneous statements may have been made in the Declaration &c. Hoping that (some indulgence,

Some indulgences may be extended to this case, in view of the acknowledged infirmities of the Declarant, if consistently with the rules of your office, and that a decision, gratifying to the heirs of the deceased soldier, may be the result of a re-examination,
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Old Servt. Samuel Keppler
To Hon. L. B. Waldo Commr. L. C.
P.S. Be pleased to address me through the Lehigh Port Office. Sam Keppler

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Cato, William GRADE Private LINE Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER 11042 and 14046 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED May 30, 1793 to John Cato, Adm r .
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.