Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4,551, John Hancock, N.C.

SERVICE
Nb.
Hancock, John
NUMBER _____
R. 4551
CONTENTS

State of North-Carolina Montgomery County
On this 24 th day of July 1834 personally before me Littleton Harris who being an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County appeared John Hancock a resident of the United States in the County of Montgomery and State of North-Carolina aged 74 years the 10 th day of July 1834 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 the 7 th 1832. That
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
The said John Hancock first states he entered the service of the United States as a soldier of the Revolution as he believes on the 2 nd or 5 th of the month of October 1778 as a substituted soldier for Richard Clapton as one of the Militia of N.C. in the County of Cate (now Franklin Co. by a division) for and during the service of 5 months at old Bute Court House under Colonel Thomas Eaton, Capt. William Allen, Lieutenant John Hopkins, and as he believes another man by the name of William Allen Ensign and Samuel Hancock Orderly Serjeant (no other officers enrolled at that time) from said C. House. He marched down through the interior of N.C. to Elizabeth on Cape Fear River below Fayetteville N.C. where he met his General (Ash) and there rendezvoused after meeting Genl. Ash and some other Militia troops of N.C. Carolina. From thence he marched through a part of N.C. towards the Chowan-Hills S.C. until they got to the State line where some of the soldiers objected to crossing the line alleging that they were only drafted to serve in N.C. Carolina but ultimately they crossed the State line & marched through by said C. Hills on to Charleston S.C. where he remained a short period; from thence he march for Savannah River towards a place called the "Two Sisters" where the British were said to be but when they got there the British had vacated the place he then marched up Savannah River to Augusta in pursuit of the British then cross the River into Georgia State and then marched to Briar-Creek. There was a Bridge over or across said Creek, but the British had took it to pieces or destroyed it, and near said Bridge somewhat in the fork or near the Confluence of the two streams (Briar Creek & Savannah River) he and the Army stationed some few days when and where the enemy or British assailed and attacked the American troops about the 3 rd or 4 th day of March 1779 just as his time or tour of five months service expired or was within one or two days of it at an onrush when the American troops were scattered and in the worst kind of order for battle owing as was generally supposed to the bad management of Genl. Ash. He further states that the result resulted in the British taking about 4 or 500 of the Americans prisoners out of twenty five hundred and the said John Hancock states that he was taken as one of the prisoners at that time by the British and they caused him the said John Hancock down Savannah River to Savannah town from then he was taken to a British prison ship of war and then put on board of the ship & kept until the last of September 1779 at the mouth of said river or bar about the distance of 20 miles from the main land during which time he lost almost entirely the use of his limbs &c. and had as bad fair as a sick man could apparently have to live and finding no way to escape which had been anticipated by an exchange, or to live, but to enlist in the British ranks which he done expressly in order to make his escape from the British provided he got well or able so to do in case an opportunity should occur and permit him. He states that after he enlisted he was put in the British hospital at Savannah (Fall 1779) in which he continued about twelve months. (Sept. latter part 1780) in that space of time he had the small pox desperately and other sickness after which time he entered the British ranks (hardly able to stand it) but marched with the British up to Augusta the rise of one hundred miles at which town he was stationed some few months in the British

several applicants and as he the said Hancock believes made some errors in some important points in drawing his declaration otherwise the officers of the War Department did according to their reasons given and sent to Mr. Gains relative to his claim which were as was stated the cause of his claim's being rejected; but he hereby calls the attention of the War Department to this declaration, because he states that it contains a true historical sketch of the most important events that occurred during his service etc. as far as he can recollect and which he believes will correct those errors.
He further states that he was born on the 10th day of July 1760 in the State of Virginia from his parents information and was brought by his mother to old Rute Co. (now Franklin Co. No. 6-a) where he was raised & lived there 11 years & later after he returned from the War and then moved into Montgomery county No. 6-a in December 1792 where he has resided ever since.
He further states from the decline of age and bodily infirmity that he is unable to travel the distance to his Court in order to have his declaration recognised in said Court without injury.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
J. HARRIS J.P.
John Hancock
We Benjamin Bell & William Hearn residing in the County of Montgomery do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Hancock and have been for 40 years and upwards who has subscribed and sworn to the above foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 74 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, we never heard one single person doubt it, and that we concur in that opinion for several reasons some of which we will give to wit we heard him talk of his service many years ago before he had any hope or expectation of ever drawing a pension and of said Hancock's being a man of undoubted veracity therefore we believe his declaration to be true so far as he can recollect and that we believe he served as he stated. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
J. HARRIS J.P.
Benj. Bell William Hearn
I Littleton Harris who being one of the acting Justices of the Peace in the County of Montgomery No. 6-a do hereby declare my opinion, after an investigation of the matter relative to the foregoing Declaration that the within above applicant John Hancock who has sworn to and subscribed to the same was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. And I further certify that from the decline of age and bodily infirmity he is not able to attend his Court without bodily injury to recognise his claim. And moreover I further certify that I have been acquainted with said Hancock from my boyhood up to this date and that I have heard him talk of his sufferings when a soldier many years ago and that prior to his advancement in age he was a Minister of the Gospel of the Methodist order and that his word, oath and conduct throughout my acquaintance are such as can be confidentially relied upon by all those who know him. And I do further certify and declare that I am personally acquainted with Benjamin Bell & William Hearn who have signed the above certificate & sworn to the same and that they are residents of Montgomery County and are persons of credibility and that their statements are entitled to credit. Given under my hand & seal, the day and year aforesaid.
J. HARRIS J.P.

State of North Carolina } I John B. Martin clerk of the Montgomery County } Court of Pleas and Quarters Sessions of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Littleton Harris whose name appears to the within and foregoing declaration, probates, and certificates, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly appointed, commissioned and qualified; that they are his proper name and genuine signatures, and due faith and credit are due his official acts as such. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at office this the 30 th day of July A.D. 1834.
John B. Martin C.C.C. P. Henry Lilly C.C.
I Nancy Finch residing in the County of Davidson do hereby certify that I, in Franklin Co., reside near John Hancock the within applicant who, as appears, have sworn to and subscribed to the foregoing declaration and that I was knowing to his going out in the Revolutionary War and saw him soon after he return- ed to his residence from the Revolution as a soldier and that I heard him talk of his being taken as prisoner by the British and being kept sometime before he could make his escape, and of his sickness and pain which he endured whilst with the British. And I further state that he was greatly disfigured by the sign of the small pox which he had had during his absence from home at that time and that his character as for truth was irreproachable and soon after the war he became a Preacher of the Gospel and his conduct is and was consistent with his profession therefore from my personal knowledge of facts and of him I have every reason to believe and do believe that he served as he states; and likewise he was reputed and believed in that neighborhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 9 th day of August 1834.
Val. Hoover P.
Nancy Finch mark
State of North Carolina } I Valentine Hoover one of the acting Justices Davidson County } of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Nancy Finch the above affiant resides in the County of Davidson and that she is a credible person and that her state- ment is entitled to credit. Given under my hand & seal.
Val. Hoover P.
State of North Carolina } I Samuel Gaither clerk of the Court of Pleas Davidson County } and Quarters Sessions of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Valentine Hoover whose name appears to the two last of above certificates relative to Nancy Finch the affiant, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly appointed, commissioned, and qualified; that they are his proper name and genuine signatures, and due faith and credit are due his official acts as such. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at office this the 13 th day of August 1834.
Sam t Gaither clerk By David Mork D.C.

State of North Carolina & Montgomery County & This day personally appeared one of the acting Justices, assigned to keep the peace for the county & State afore said - Samuel Hancock President of the county, and State afore said and of the age of Seventy five years or there about; and made oaths upon the Holy Evangelist of almighty God that he was personally knowing to some in the services of his Brother John Hancock, Plaid in the Revolutionary war; That is the said John substituted himself in the place of Richard Clapton under the following named officers; to wit Colonel Thoms Eaton Captain William Allen Ser John Hopkins the Lieutenant he entered the services under the said officers at old Butts County Court House in said State; But at this time, now Franklin County; In October, about the year 1778 for a five month. There which he served faithfully until the Battle at Brier Creek. Where he was taken prisoner By the British (The Enemy) and did not Return home again, Short of two years and a half and further this deponent sayeth not. Sworn to and Subscribed Before me this 7 th day of February 1833.
Sam l Hancock
H Morgan
State of North Carolina To all, to whom it may concern Montgomery County. That I Hardy Morgan the presiding Justice of the peace, who has taken the accompanying affidavit, Sworn to By Samuel Hancock, and have witnessed the same; Do hereby give it as my opinion that said Samuel Hancock is fully of the age he has Sworn to; and that he is also a man whos Bodily infirmities is such, that I should deem it doubtful for the said John Hancock the applicant to obtain the affidavit of the said Samuel Hancock before any of the courts held for the county & State aforesaid, as his Residence from the Court House is from 12 to 14 miles; and furthermore

The the said Samuel Hancock is a man in his neighborhood, who is intitled to full credit upon his oath and he is also respected & revered upon his word in his neighborhood as being a man of truth. Given under my hand and seal this 7 th day of February A.D. 1833
Hardy Morgan his Seal
State of North Carolina Montgomery County.
I John R. Martin Clerk of the court of pleas and quar sessions of the county State aforesaid. do here by certify that Hardy Morgan whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit is an acting Justice of the peace in & for the county of Montgomery duly appointed and qualified that due faith and credit are due his official acts as such -
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office the 13 d day of February 1833.
J R Martin Clerk
John Hancock
24.126

John Hancock
N.C.
N o . 2426—
Rejected—See letter J. B. Mauney Esq. 6 Montgomery, Co N.C. Apr 29. 1833

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rule: and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Hancock
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1778 sub. for 8 mos was taken prisoner carried to Wilmington Island was made to enlist in British service then to Savannah Col. Williams Brig. Genl. Ash 72 years Bertie Co. N.C.   1781 vol. accepted from the British and in 1781 vol. under Genl. Green in July 1781 he returned home being absent about 2 years and 9 mos — Traditionary Witness —  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [c] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Hancock 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.     Oct. 1778 was taken prisoner at Brier Creek and after parole, from motives of personal safety, enlisted in the British Army and served for some time, deserted in May or June 1781, and gained the American Army in order that he might safely make his way home & was discharged in July 1781 William Allen Thomas Eaton N.C.  
Battles engaged in, Brier Creek
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Butte Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Jan 7 1833
Residence at date of application, Lawrenceville Montgomery Co. N.C.
Age at date of application, born July 10 1760 in Virginia
Remarks: This claim was not allowed, he did not render but about two months service in the American Army after his escape from the British Army and the pension laws required six months of such service
brother Samuel
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

June 9 th 1852
Re: to Case of John Hancock of Mass. under Act of June 1832
John Hancock Esq. Edmund D. Sullivan Esq. N.B.
Bank of America
Washington D.C.
Free

Miami, Florida
Res. m Jan. 24 th 1922
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Have you any record of John Hancock, militiaman from Virginia in the Revolutionary war, applying for a pension?
He moved to Montgomery Co. here N.C. after war, and made application
Your early attention will greatly oblige.
Respect.
Mrs C. H. Reeder
No 3 N.E. 28 th St.
Miami Fla

Jackson-Hill Davidson Co. N. Carolina,
Sir,
I believe it every correspondent's duty when transacting either private or publick business to facilitate it as much as he conveniently can, and that too without exaggeration, or hyperboles, which only can be done by a strict representation of facts; therefore I, as agent of John Hancock have enclosed his declaration & other proceeding thereon for your inspection and serious consideration with the few following remarks. He applied for a pension as he says in 1832 through the agency of Mr. J. S. Gains, but he states to me and I believe it to be true, that when Mr. Gains drew up his declaration that he was full of business at his court, and that he was crowded, that he did not even read the whole of it to him after having written it; so from the report he the said Hancock received from the War Department through the medium of Mr. Gains is supremely erroneous on the part of the Department as Mr. Gains (but he believes it to be from Mr. Gains entirely in writing his declaration; therefore he has made out another entire new which he has declared on oath that it is correct as far as he can recollect which every man who is acquainted with the old deceived preacher, soldier of the Cross & of the Revolution is unquestionably bound to believe. He states that this erroneous declaration is in the Department if it has not been withdrawn by the agency of the Hon. C. Deberry to whom he gave order this to do. He is sensible that the former one of the reports of the officers of the Department are erroneous therefore he wishes this to be entirely introduced in its stead (except the certificate of Samuel Hancock) which is on the former identifying a part of his service. He wishes to point out some of the errors. He states to me that the report which he received from the Department and sometime after handed over to Mr. Deberry stated that he the said Hancock was in the British ranks about 3 years as well as he recollects about it now which is entirely erroneous. Which  summing will stand about this: from Fall 1778 5 months service to Spring 1779 taken prisoner 6 months or the rise Sept. 1779; then waiting as long apparently of. He then enlisted to save his own life & to make his escape if possible. He from that period laid in the British hospital with S. Fox 12 months or the rise Sept. 1780 and then before he was fairly able to be on duty he was did remain about 6 months in the British ranks before he got a chance to make his escape in stead of the 3 years as above alluded to. And he then came to General Green's troops which he has explained so clear in his declaration that it is useless for me to mention. His word stands, without saying one solitary thing of his oath clearly beyond the least shadow of suspicion of the truth of which there could be 500 persons to testify to the same on the account of his being a preacher from the time soon after he returned from the War till some few years ago. I think Sir that his case was was a peculiar hard one & is so well authenticated, that you will allow him at the lowest for 13 months service or punishment if no more which he does at the lowest calculation claim from your hands.
I am very respectfully yours H. C.
Hon. J. S. Edwards
War Department Pension Office Washington City
Report to Mr. Newson Jackson Hill N.C.
C. Allen Newson

N o . 24126
John Hancock
N o . 6 a
4551
Rejected - see let. to L.B. Martin of the 29 Apr. 1833
Letter Allen Newcomb
Aug. 27 1834
Ltr 9 Jan y 1835 E. C. Harris " 25 Mar. 36 An E. de Berry " 23 Aug y 52 same

J. B. Martin Esq. Clerk Montgomery Co. Lawrenceville
Apr. 30-33 N.C. O.C.
Re. vol. 9
Pa 561.

Depart. of War
April 29 1833
Sir
The declaration of John Hancock has been examined and has been rejected, upon the ground that he did not serve in the Army of the Revolution in such a manner as to entitle him to the pension of the act of June 7. 1832.
He alleges to have entered the service of the U.S. in the year 1778 for 5 mos. — that he was soon made a prisoner, and after remaining or not about six months, escaped in the course of Great Britain's prison matter of prisoner exchange, and that he deserted from them in the year 1781, having been almost three years a prisoner prisoner in the enemy's ranks.
It appears also, that he joined the Green Army, but that he left it in the short space of one month, and never afterwards performed any military service.
J. B. Martin Esq. Col. 6 th Montgomery 6 th N.C.
Genl

Mr Hancock
RL
Amend W.
Hn. E. Debney
HN

State of North-Carolina } I John B. Martin Clerk of the Montgomery County } Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of and in the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Hardy Morgan whose name appears to the foregoing declaration and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly appointed, commissioned & qualified and that they are his proper name and genuine signatures and due faith and credit are due his official acts as such —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at office — This the 24 th day of December 1834
John B. Martin Clerk of Montgomery County Court

Alvin Newcomb
Aug. 27-1934
ae
Dec 1

War Department Pension Office
August 27 1881
Sir:
The amended declaration of John Hancock has been examined and is placed on file with his other papers.
The applicant must produce some more satisfactory evidence of his having been taken prisoner by the British, and again entering the American Service, or his claim cannot be allowed.
The witnesses must state the time of the claimants entering the Service - when and where he was taken prisoner - and how long he served in the American Service after he left the British Army &c -
I am:
Alles Hudson Jackson Hill Ct. Ca.

Mr. C. C. Deberry
Aug 23/52

Pension Office Aug 23 1852
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 28 May last. I have to inform you that Mo Hancock asserted in his declaration that he enlisted in the American Army for 5 months, served nearly to the end of his enlistment, when he was taken prisoner and afterwards from motives of personal safety, enlisted in the British Army, served against his country for some time, deserted from the ranks of the enemy and again, in May or June 1781, enlisted in the American Army, in order that he might under the protection of the army safely make his way home , and in July 1781 he was discharged, serving only one or two months after his virtual desertion. His pension could only commence from the time of his second enlistment, and not serving under this enlistment, 6 months, he is not entitled,
Mount Gilead Me

H. A. L. DeLong
March 28 W.R.C.
OL
Rec. Vol. 40. pa. 454

Department of War Pension Office March 25 th 1836
Sir
I have rec d the amended declaration of J m Hancock die d . and in reply have the honor to state that  the facts in his case are simply these, that Mr Hancock was taken prisoner by the British and subsequently enlisted with and served with the some years, that he deserted in 1781 as he says and joined the American troops. As no allowance can be made for any service previous to the enlistment above named, and as his service after the alleged desertion did not amount to 6 months, his claim was rejected; — The decision cannot be reversed
I have the honor
A. C. Ela De Berry A. C. Rep

Eli Harris
9- Jan 8 1830-
OC
W. 11 P. 21

Depart of War P Off
Nov 9 1835
Sir
In reply to your letter upon the subject of the rejected claim of Mr Hancock I have to state, that the admission on the part of Mr Hancock of his having enlisted and served in the British service is a fatal bar to an allowance for service in the American Army, anterior to the time of his having been made a prisoner by the enemy.
It also is admitted that he did not join the American army after his "desertion" from the British until May 1781, and that he left at Philadelphia in July, same year, giving a time only of about 2 mo., of course his claim cannot come within the provisions of the Act of June 7. 1832.
FANNY
Dr Harris Esq.
TC Mad Heli nl

Mount Gilead N.C May 28. 1852
Mr Heath
Some years ago while I was a member of the House of Rep. s  John Hancock of Montgomery County N.C sent to my care while in Washington his Declaration and papers as an applicant for a Pension
I sent them to the Pension office and was afterwards informed that his application was rejected and he has since died, but his family seem to think that he was certainly entitled to a Pension. It has been so long since he made the application I have forgotten upon what ground it was rejected.
At the urgent request of his friends I have to ask the favor that you would have his case reexamined and inform me what is lacking in his case The papers are no doubt in file
Yours respectfully
Edmund Diberry

1922 Feb 25, Hist. 15 Mrs. C. H. Reader.
REJECTED
4551.
P. O. _____
John Hancock
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: Cause of rejection not on printed list of 1852
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18