Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10086, John Hancock, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
966
Hancock, John Handcock or Hannah
W 10086
B.L.Wt 87014-160-55.
CONTENTS

North Carolina - 16.767
John Hancock of Cambridge in the State of Mass who was a Br in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt - commanded by Col: Nixon in the Mass. line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of C. V. Carr at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Sep. 1833. Beaufort. and sent to applicant N o Can
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 58.32 Pen s and allowance ending 31 Dec 32 11.66
69.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Not June 7, 1852. 3 Recorded by N. Rice Clerk Book 6 Vol. 6 Page 43

Deed
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Sept 1837 to 24 Feb 1838 the day of his death. Age note of death 21 March 1839

6575.
North Carolina — Fayetteville Hannah Hancock. widow of John Hancock
who served in the Revolutionary
N.C. war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 22 d day of March 1853 and sent to
Jennings Piggott Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 211. Vol. H

287.053
Act 12 March 3/55 Feb 11/58
Wannah Hancock wid of John Hancock priv
Col 14 Col 14 Decol Pensions n 6 Mil
No 32 - no 16767 Ans July 53
W: 1/1 ac, Mch. 19/59
Sheel B. [Signature]
Jennings Pigott Present
J. Pigott, Apr. 24/58 Edd Batt
42395
Vol 41, page 85,

State of Carolina County of Craven
207.053
Hancock Hancock County Invd for Revolutionary Service " Oct 35-6
Personally came before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid James Hancock and Robert Hancock whom I certify to be respectable residents of the county of Craven State of N. Carolina who on being duly sworn according to law declare that Mrs. Hannah
Hancock signed and acknowledged the foregoing declaration in their presence, that they know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that they were well acquainted with her and her late husband John Hancock deceased, who was a pensioner of the U.S. for services in the C.H. Militia during the war of the Rebellion, during the life time of her said husband and knew them to live together for many years as husband and wife, and were reputed to be such, the legality of their marriage never being questioned, that her said husband died about the year of 1838 and that she the said Mrs. Hannah Hancock is still a widow and that they have no interest in her claim for Pension or bounty land.
Witness Paul H. Street S.D.
James Hancock Robert Hancock
State of North Carolina Craven County
I James T. Stanley, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Craven County, do certify that Samuel R. Street Esquire was at the date of the foregoing and annexed certificates, declaration & affidavits a Justice of the Peace of Craven County, duly commissioned & qualified, and authorized to administer oaths in ordinary cases, and the signatures purporting to be his on said papers & affidavits are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at New Bern in the County of Craven State aforesaid this 30th of January A.D. 1858 J. T. Stanley Clerk

State of Carolina County of Craven 3
Presented by Jennings P. J. H. present
On this 28 th day of Jany 1858 personally came before me Saml N. Street an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said State and county an officer duly authorized by law to administer oaths for several purposes Mrs Hannah Hancock a resident of Craven County State of Carolina aged 73 years who on being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of the identical John Hancock deceased who was a pensioner of the U.S. at the rate of $23 33 / 100 per annum under act of 1832 for services in the Colo Militia during the war of the rebellion, and for proof of service she respectfully refers to the original papers on file in the Pension Office upon which a Pension issued to her husband about the year of 1837. That she was married to her said husband John Hancock a pensioner as aforesaid in the county of Craven N.C. on or about the 2 nd day of October 1803 by one Richard Kennaday a Justice of the Peace. That there is no public or private record of said marriage to her knowledge, that her said husband died in the county of Jones Carolina during the year 1838, that she is still a widow. And that she has never re- ceived a Warrant for bounty land under any act of Congress nor made any previous or other application therefor. She makes this declaration in order to obtain the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the acts of 1855 & 1856.
Test Saml N. Street
Hannah her Hancock Mark
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written and I certify that I have no in- terest in the foregoing claim and that I believe the affiant to be the identical person she represents herself to be
Saml N. Street J.P.

State of North Carolina, County of Craven
1858 Feb 10
Personally came before me an acting justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Robert Hancock and James Hancock whom I certify to be respectable residents of the County of Craven State of North Carolina who on being duly sworn according to law declare that Mrs Hannah Hancock signed and acknowledged the foregoing declaration in their presence, that they know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that she was well acquainted with her and her late husband John Hancock deceased, who was a prisoner of the W.B. for service in the N.C. Militia during the war of the Revolution, during the lifetime of her said husband and knew them to live together for many years as husband and wife, and were respected to be such, the legality of their marriage never being questioned, that her said husband died about the year of 1838 and that the said Mrs Hannah Hancock is still a widow, and that she has no interest in her claim for Pension or bounty land
Witness James H. Street S.P.
James Hancock Robert Hancock
For evidence of the signature & official character of James H. Street, see Bounty Land application, 10 Feb 58
J. Cole C.C.

Presented by Jennings Pritchett Present
State of Hardin County of Gravin
On this 28 th day of January 1858 personally came Mrs Hannah Hancock a resident of the county of Gravin Hardin aged Twenty three years who on being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Hancock deceased late a pensioner of the U.S. for service in the Hardin Militia during the War of the Revolution at the rate of $23 33 / 100 per annum under act of Congress of June 1832. That her said husband died in the year 1838, that she is still his widow, that she was married to her said husband in the county of Cartwright Hardin on or about the 2 nd day of October 1803 by one Richard Kennedy a Justice of the Peace there is no record of her said marriage either public or private that she is married that she has never rec d a pension. that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Shepard
She makes this declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of 3 rd July 1853 and all other acts in such cases made and provided
Test Paul N Street  her Hannah Hancock (mark)
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written before me Paul N Street a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of State of said and I certify that I believe the affiant to be the identical person who represents herself to be and that I have no interest in her claim
Paul N. Street L.D.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the Seventh of June 1832.
State of North Carolina Montgomery County On the Seventh day of January 1833 personally appeared in open court in the town of Lawrenceville in the County and State of before William Swearingen Eli Harris & Archibald Graham justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions then in session John Hancock of the County of State of aged Seventytwo years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
This affiant states that he was born in the State of Virginia in the year 1760. Subsequently moved into North Carolina before he could remember to Butts County then called New Franklin. That he has a record of his age taken from his father's Book. That he entered the service of the United States in the year 1778 in October to the best of his recollection as a substitute in the place of one Richard Clapton who was draughted for a term of five months under one Captain William Allen who raised a company in Butts County. By draft. The Lieutenant named John Hopkins Ensign William Allen. After the Company was made up they joined others under the command of Col. Eaton when they marched to Elizabeth Town on the Cape Fear River below Fayetteville, which was a place of Rendezvous where they joined the Army under Brigadier Genl. Ashe and one Col. Williams. After remaining a short time at that place the army took up its March through a long leafy and sandy Country until they came to Piedmont which they crossed at a place called Churton Hill. From thence they marched to Charles Town where they remained a few days encamped.

in the suburbs of the Town. Leaving Charles Town they marched intending to go to a place called the two sisters on Savannah River - but before they arrived there the news came that the British had left that place and had gone up the Savannah River on the Georgian side. When Aske's Army marched up the same river on the South Carolina side to Augusta. Then the American Army crossed the Savannah River and the British marched back down the River the American Army marched in pursuit of them until the British Army crossed Brim Creek and tore up the bridge after them. When Aske's Army came to the bridge torn up they went into camp in the neigh- bourhood where Brim Creek empties into the Savan- nah River and while the American Army was there encamped the British Army marched around and recrossed Brim Creek above and attacked Aske's Army in their rear suddenly when Aske's did not expect an attack. The American Army were defeated and several hundred of them made prisoners one of which this affiant John Hancock was. The enemy were a detachment from Genl. Boote's Army. After the battle was over the American prisoners were carried down to Savannah River Town and kept there a few days and afterwards were carried by water to the prison ships at that time lying at the bar at the mouth of the River. This affiant states that Col. Paine from Chatham County was taken prisoner on board the same ship with himself. This affiant further states that he remained on board the ship a prisoner for about six months suffering greatly for the want of wholesome provisions and sickness until from continued confinement he partially lost the use of his limbs when he was taken to an Island called Wellington Island and when all hope of his being released had vanished he was en- dured from the fear of losing his life to en- list in the British service for a certain term. The ex- act time he does not recollect after he enlisted

3 he was carried up to Savannah which was besieged by the Combined American and French Armies. This affiant states that he remained in Savannah not sick in the Hospital for some time and that when he recovered his health he was marched up the country toward Augusta and at Augusta he deserted from the British and made his escape in the year 1781 in March or June as well as he recollects and joined Genl. Green's Army at Monument Hill as a volunteer until he could get an opportunity to return home. That he was sent by Genl. Green with a company of soldiers who guarded some British Prisoners to Salisbury in North Carolina where he met with an opportunity and returned home in July 1781 having been absent about two years and nine months. This affiant states that after the war was over he lived in Franklin County until he came to Montgomery County where he now resides and has resided for nearly forty years. This affiant states that there are no persons at this time who can testify as to his services ex- cept his brother Samuel Hancock whose affidavit is herewith transmitted. This affiant states that there are be others in Franklin County which is some distance from him who could state his services but he is un- able if they are living. To procure them is impossible. This affiant is known to Eli Davis P. Hardy Morgan and others who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
This affiant hereby relinquishes his in any claim to a pension or annuity except the present one and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state sworn to and subscribed The day & year aforesaid
John Hancock
J. Platt
State of North Carolina } Mr. William Knight Montgomery County } Mr. Cluggerman residing in the County and State of } and P. Hardy Morgan residing in the same hereby certify

That we are well acquainted with John Hancock who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seven or two 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 W m Knight sworn to it. Subscribed in open court. (It was given the day & year aforesaid.)
J B Martin
And the said court as aforesaid 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 soldier of the Revolution and served in the state and the court do further certify that it appears to them that William Knight who has signed the preceding certificate is a German resident in the County and State of Ohio and that Hardy Morgan are residents of the same who signed the same are residents of the same County & State and are creditable persons and that this statement is entitled to credit.
Eli Harris H Swaringer A Graham
State of North Carolina Montgomery County
I John W Martin Clerk of the Court of pleas & quarter sessions of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Hancock for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20 th day of March 1833
J B Martin clk

23129
John Hancock
Lateral county
North Carolina
Alma
Alma
7mi. 2333
e.m. not authent.
Applicant,
Beaufort,
Catalog, N.C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 18 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Hancock, Catawba co. N.C.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     In 1781 various times 7 private Capt Dunn Col Nixon Kinston Fishdam Ford Rindie Eutaw Newbern 70 Craven Co N.C. traditional  
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 _____
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 _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he 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 [a] to [j] are applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops.
[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.
F. E. Bradley

Return to GEORGE ALLEN & CO., 22 & 24 Pollock Street, NEW BERNE, N. C., If not delivered within 10 days.
Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
Mr. [Signature] Mid July 1886 John. Hance, Jr., R.H. 5
B.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
March 12 th , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States;" The Widow of John Hancock a Pensioner on the Roll of the North Carolina Agency, at the rate of Twenty Three Dollars and thirty three Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept., 1837, to the 24 th February, 1838, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Passmore Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

North Carolina Agricultural House and Hardware Store!
GEORGE ALLEN & CO.
PLOW MANUFACTURERS.
DEALERS IN
GENERAL HARDWARE, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, STEAM ENGINES, COTTON GINS, PRESSES, CORN & WHEAT MILLS, BELTING, PACKING, PIPE, STEAM FITTINGS, FANS, CIDER MILLS, COTTON PLANTERS, GRAIN CRADLES, SCYTHES, GUANO, BONE DUST, PHOSPHATE, KAINIT, PLASTER, BRICK, LIME, CEMENT, WHITE LEAD, PAINT, OIL, GLASS, &c.
Newbern, N. C. July 14 1886
Pension Bureau,
Gentlemen:
We have a Certificate dated March 22, 1859, stating that there was then to the credit of Hannah Hancock Widow of John Hancock, due on Pension from July 3, 1853 to March 3, 1859. $141.92, as Recorded in Pension office on the Roll of Pensioners, under Act of July 3, 1853, Page 214, Vol. 11, G. T. Getty Clerk. —
This Widow died in the Year 1860. — Her heirs are living, and some of them poor. If this Amount is available, please let us know, and also what steps are necessary in order to recover it.
Respectfully
Geo. Allen Co.

BH
W.W.
Treasury Department,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
August 2 nd 1886
Sir:
In reply to your letter of 28 th ult. , in case of Hannah Hancock Certificate 6.1570 Fayetteville, N.C. Agency, Widow Roll, 33 the records of this Office show payments to have been made at 23. Annual per month from date of commencement, 3 February 1853 to March 1860 date to which last paid Letter herewith returned
Very respectfully,
Thos M. Mathews Auditor.
Rev. Saml. J. Greene,
W.W.

Brief in the case of Hannah Hancock , wid: of John , Craven County and State of N. C. , act 3 rd Feb: 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband was pensioned under the act of 1 st June, 1832, at the rate of $23. 33 / 100 per An. Four witnesses testify the parties lived & cohabited together as husband & wife, were generally reputed such & raised a large family of children. The Soldier died 24 th Feb: 1838, as appears from parole proof & record Evidence. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The Claimant received from the pension agent the arrears of pension due at the decease of her husband. Her present widowhood & identity is satisfactorily established.
Jennings Figgott, Esq. Present,
Name and residence of Agent
A. C. Blyton.
Examining Clerk.

Hannah Hancock Wid;
John.
N.C.
All Woodford 23. \frac{33}{100} per An: Com: Feb: 3. \frac{1}{5} 3 under 2 nd Dec: act Feb: 3. \frac{1}{5} 3
Act: to
James Piggott Present

Rev of
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
10086
Hannah Hancock
Wid
John Hancock Brit Rev. War
Act:
Febry 3 rd
1853.
Index:—Vol.
A
Page
307
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 27/86 Cuts to 3 rd and for augment. white.
Aug 5/86 Letter to Allen that pension from March 4/60 to death of widow has not been paid. white.

No 6970
Hannah Hancock, Died of John W.
Set. P. Gott. Mch. 15/88
Aug 15 3
 1859.34  1853.23    21.11  20.33    139.88  1.94 h/2333    141.92 194 
287053

is
St. John
Woerger

C.M. Ana. 1.
L. 6 M.
Department of the Interior, PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., July 28 th , 1886
Hon. Third Auditor.
U. S. Pension Agent, Present
{ Fayetteville }
N.C. 1859
Rev. War.
Sir:
Please furnish a report as to payment of Certificate No. 6575. F. 10.086 of Hannah Hancock Wid of John Hancock Rev. War, who is alleged to have died on the _____ day of _____, 1860. The information is desired for use in the claim of the children for arrears Cert. No. 6575. F. 10.086. Pension was allowed in 1859 from Feby. 3 rd 1853. Claimant died in 1860. Very respectfully,
John C. Black, Commissioner
REPORT.
Payment made to include _____, 18____, with increase. The payment was discontinued on the _____ day of _____, 18____, because of the _____
U. S Pension Agent.
_____, 18____
NOTE.—If any change in amount of pension originally allowed please so state.

State of North Carolina
Carteret County
3 p.
On this 26 th day of February A.D. 1833 Personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. John R. Dornell one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Law and Equity in and for the State of North Carolina, in Carteret Superior Court now sitting John Handcock a resident of Carteret County N.C. aged on the 14 th of Oct 1833, Seventy years, who being first duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, according to law both 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 entered the Service on the 10 th day of February 1781, and was draft one of the thirteen who were left in the Company of Capt. Will. Durn of Carteret County, after various drafts from the same, and marched to Newbern N.C. under said Capt. Durn, at which place, a company rendezvous, over which Col. Richard Nixon took the command & to which this declarant was attached; Under Col. Nixon we marched to Kingston N.C. which place was appointed as a general rendezvous, here we were supplied with arms & ammunition, & received by Genl. Caswell. — Under the command of Col. Nixon, we

Marched from Kingston to join Genl Greene, who was much in want of Men, and was understood in consequence thereof to be retreating before Lord Cornwallis; our reg- ment consisted of Seven hundred & fifty Men. We encamped after marching many days at the Fish- dam Ford About 220 Miles from Newbern, which dis- tance I ascertainment from my Brother at the time, who kept a journal of our Marches. — When we reached this place Cornwallis had overtaken Genl Greene in Guilford and brought on an engagement, the Commanding of which we distinctly heard at our encampment, but were not enabled to join Genl Greene in time to assist him in the battle. — After the battle Genl Greene ordered Col. Nixon, to send a detachment of Seventy five Men to remove a Magazine, on the Pee Dee river, which lay in the route of March taken by Lord Cornwallis to Wilmington etc. — Before we reached the Magazine, our detachment was attacked by a company of Tories consisting of four hundred Men, under one Hector McNeil, and completely defeated, which we mainly attributed to the fact that our Captain Godfrey Stansel, had the chest of ammunition removed from the Wagon when it usually staid into his

tent - as soon as we encamped (previous to the engage- ment) many of the neighbors professing to be friends came to visit our encampment, spied out all our means of defence and gave information thereof to the tories. - Lieut. Abraham Hardy, wished the Captain to confine them assuring him that they were spies & the Captain would not accede to it & by their means the tories secured our ammunition & we were defeated. - We were then dispersed & this affright with twelve or thirteen more made the best of their way to Cropp Creek & the next morning after our arrival Lord Cornwallis arrived there, on his way to Wilmington. - We continued our retreat until we reached Newbern where this affright received permission from Col. John Tillman, to go home & recruit himself as he had lost all his clothes, &c. - This affright remained at home but a few days, when he again repaired to Newbern to share the jail where prisoners were confined, under John Council Bryan, here this affright remained per- forming this duty, until news arrived that Major Craig was on his way from Wilmington to Newbern, upon the receipt of which information, Gov. Nash, who resided

at Pembroke in Kent where he had been ordered Capt John Blandy to raise a horse company to intercept Major Craig. — This declarant volunteered in that company and held themselves in readiness to march at a 'minutes' warning; but were unable to attack Major Craig on the account of the paucity of our number, being only thirty five in the company. — We hung on Major Craig doing some damage we could, until he reached Cape Fear river on his return to Wilmington; In these times of duty this affair lasted about seven months. — We never received any formal discharge, as Gov r Nash promised us if we engaged in this latter service, we should be exempt, military duty during the remainder of the war. — In March after the surrender of Cornwallis, a schooner, ship & some other vessels, with marines & artillery, under the British flag on board under Beaufort & this affair with many others were ordered from Craven County under Capt Christopher to the Isle of Craven County to March to Beaufort, to assist the people against the depredate Jav. — We accordingly marched to Beaufort and found the enemy anchored in the channel of the harbor of Beaufort; we fired upon them from the fort in the town & they cannonaded the town with nine pound shot.

The Americans fired with much effect, and so scattered one of the vessels which had been taken by them, as to cause them to fire it & then destroy. After remaining in Beaufort upon the service about three weeks, this applicant was discharged by Capt. Neale, but no written discharge was given to this applicant. This applicant has neglected to remark, that upon his first term of duty, after Capt. Sluss left the Company to which this applicant belonged, the command was given to Capt. William Windham, and that Capt. Godfrey Starn, who commanded the detachment, which was ordered to remove the magazine on Pele river was at least a miserable tory. — This applicant does not recollect the number of the regiment to which he belonged, and never applied for a written discharge, as he did not think that it ever would be of any service to him. — He has no documentary evidence, and he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service; 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. Witness to & subscribed the day John Hancock Jr. & year aforesaid.
Thos Marshall C.S.C.

1 When and in what year were you born?
Ans. In Craven County NC, the 14 th Oct. 1763. —
2 Have you any record of your age, & if so where is it.
Ans. Yes in my father's bible, in the possession of my elder brother in Wake County NC. to whom my father gave it by will.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolution; & where do you now live?
Ans; When called into service I lived in Craven County. I continued to reside there until I removed to Carteret County where I now live, about the year 1787. —
4 How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was reduced into service being one of the remaining thirteen of a company, which company stood various drafts & I volunteered once. —
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental & militia regiments, as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service? —
Ans. Col. Bryan, Capt. Will. Dunn, Genl. Carroll, Capt. Will. Waidham, Capt. Staird, Capt. Blanks, Capt. Keale & Capt. John C. Bryan. —

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it? Ans; I never did receive a written discharge. —
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood & who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. —
Ans. John Weeks, John H. Hill, Leonard Manns Amending Commission. —
In answer to the fourth interrogatory this affiant would remark that he marched to assist Genl. Greene from Kinston to Guilford, went in a detachment to remove a magazine on Pedee River, volunteered to intercept Major Craig on his way to Newbern, guarded the prisoners in the jail at Newbern & went to fight the picaroon at Beaufort. — sworn to in open court. — Thos. Marshall Atty Hancock Co.
We John H. Hill & John Weeks residing in the County of Carteret hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Hancock who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be nearly seventy years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. — sworn to in open court. — Thos. Marshall C. S. C.
J. H. Hill John Weeks

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interroga- -toris prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the Court further Certifies, that there is no clergyman residing in the applicant's neighborhood, but that it appears to them, that John H. Hile & John Webb, who have signed the preceding Certificate are residing in the County of Cumbert & are credible persons & that their Statement is entitled to credit.
P. A. Dounan J. S. H.
Thomas Marshall
I John H. Hile Clerk of the Superior Court do hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Handcock for a pension; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal this 26th day of February A. D. 1833. —
Thomas Marshall by S. H.

State of Carolina County of Craven
On this the 15 th day of March 1857 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas and quarter session of the State of North Carolina & County of Craven Hannah Hancock a Resident of the County & State aforesaid, aged seventy four years whom first being 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 on the 3 rd February 1855 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of John Hancock who was a private private in a Regiment Comanded by Col Nixon in the Carolina. Matitia in the War of the Revolution, and that her said husband was pensioned from the County of Carteret. She further declares that she was married to the said John Hancock in the County of Carteret on the 2 d day of October 1803 and that her said husband died on or about the 24 th Feby 1838 that she was not married to him prior to 1800 but at the time stated, she further declares that she is now a widow and the widow of the identical John Hancock who was pensioned from the County of Carteret, in the State of North Carolina, under the act of 7 th June 1832 and that

There is no record public or private of their marriage Hannah her  X Hancock mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me H. G. Ryan Clk.

Kannah Wancsek Widow of John
Boynton Specer
Presented by J Pigott Present

State of North Carolina } County of Craven } /
On this fifteenth day of March 1859, personally appeared William R. Bell and Joshua Taylor residents of the State of North Carolina & County of Craven whom I certify to be credible witnesses and whom on first being duly sworn according to law depose and say that they were well acquainted with the late John Hancock who was a pensioner of the U.S. from the County of Carteret in the State of N.C. and Hannah his wife during the lifetime of said John and knew them to live together as husband and wife for many years they raised a family of children and that the legality of their marriage was never questioned or doubted, according to the knowledge and belief of your affiants. That the Mrs Hannah Hancock whom is now applying for the benefit of the provisions of the act of 1853 was the wife of said John Hancock who was the identical person who was pensioned by that name in the County of Carteret and State of North Carolina, and that said Mrs Hannah Hancock is still the widow of said John deceased having never married since his death
H. R. Bell
Joshua Taylor

Sworn and subscribed before me Johnson H. Bryan a Justice for the County of Craven and State of North Carolina on the day and year above written and I believe the statement of affiants to be true and I have no interest in the claim of Mrs Hancock for pension on Bounty Land
J. H. Bryan
J. P. [unclear]

State of North Carolina Cran County
I William H Bryan Clerk of Cran County Court hereby Certify that Johnson H Bryan who signed the foregoing probate is an acting justice of the Peace for said County & and was at the time of signing the same - and that his signature thereto is in his own proper hands writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said Office
Wm H Bryan Clk Cran County Court

State of North-Carolina Montgomery County
On this 16th day of December 1834 personally appeared, before me Hardy Morgan one of the acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County, John Hancock a resident of the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following additional declaration as the aid and strength of further proof to a former or an original declaration made by him the said Hancock about the 24th of July last in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. He the said Hancock states that, from the rapid decay of his old fellow soldiers, his having moved from the County in which he first entered the service, into which he returned from the Army of the Revolution, and his feeble body, and his unfortunate lot of his having been taken a prisoner, and having to return to the American Army in the best manner that he could, he cannot as he believes make altogether such conclusive and comprehensive proof as is required by a letter from the War Department to his agent in answer to his application made last August; but he states that he will give the best circumstantial proof he can that it is now in his power to do to the best of his knowledge believing at the same time the said act was passed for him as well as others and that the laws of our free and Republican Government does not require impossibilities of an honest man, nor does he believe that the Honorable Officers of the War Department ought to require them. He the said Hancock states that he will designate some of the American soldiers who were taken at Genl. Ash's defeat at Briar Creek, and imprisoned with him at the same time by the British as mentioned in his preceding declaration in order that some of them perhaps may come within the scope of an acquaintance of the War Department so to wit the fellow prisoners. Col. Elbert of the Regular troops from Virginia, (so said) Col. Philip Alston of the N. Carolina Militia, an officer by the name of Williams who was a gallant soldier, one Fitner a Whiper (perhaps from Virginia), (private) John Stokes, John Carrel, Matthew Garrot, Edward McBride said to be a regular from Virginia, William Poplin, one Stokes a regular as he believes from Virginia, Moses Lambert, from N.C. a, John Vinson, John Rickmon perhaps a regular, Benjamin Hays, & one Mills.

He the said Hancock further states that after he left the British lines and came to Genl. Green's Army at Ninety-Six S.C. and volunteered and remained as described in his former declaration of July last he was detached with others to convey prisoners to Salisbury at which place he received his discharge from the head officer but does not at this time recollect but one of the soldiers, with whom he marched to Salisbury whose name was one Serpion So the whole circumstance and nature of the case precludes his proof from the prison at which he left the British lines to the end of his service with Genl. Green's troops except by his own faith because he states that no person left the British lines with him and there was no person in Genl. Green's Army with whom he had any personal acquaintance before that period except Serpion, and the acquaintance that he formed then among the soldiers was a limited one, and time and old age has robbed him of that sometime ago Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
H Morgan J.P.
John Hancock
We William Harris & James Hurley residing in the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Hancock the above applicant and have been for many years, and do certify that he has sustained and does sustain an unblemished character for truth and veracity and that we never heard his word doubted and that we always understood that he was a faithful soldier of the Revolution and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution as he commonly stated, and that we fully concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
H Morgan J.P.
William Harris
James Hurley
I do further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the applicant (John Hancock) for upwards of the twenty six last years, he is a respectable citizen and possesses a fair character as to truth and veracity. So is the character of the subscribers (William Harris and James Hurley) who above certify; Given under my hand and Seal the 16 th day of December 1834
H Morgan J.P.

Wartburg County, Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace for said County, John Handcock who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age & other the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively, as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his ollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below as a private; and for such  other service I claim a pension. I was first called into service under Capt William Dunn & Lieut Joseph Master & attached to the Regiment mand by Col. Richard Nixon all of Clinton County & were reviewed at Nash Creek house by Col. John Heritage. Capt Dunn not having a full company we were transferred to Capt William Windham served under him till we arrived at a place called Harrisburg, we were then transferred to Capt Shaeffer's com- pany & served till we were defeated by the Tories on our march to remove the magazines as before stated. After my return to Newbern I served under Capt John Council Bryan till I was taken sick and went home on furlough & stayed about fifteen days which service was four months & a half. I then returned to Newbern & joined the horse company under John Blanke ordered out by Gov. Abner S.

before stated. Which a half. And served the twenty days at Beaufort under Christopher Scals who commanded that company, but from authority I do not now know. During the time of said service I followed no civil other employments
Sworn to before
Me this 18 th day of July 1833.
John Hancock S r
Rufus W. Davis JP (Seal)
State of North Carolina, Clerk's office of the Court of Circuit Court 3 d Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid. I Gilbert Wm. Wm. Wm. Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that Rufus W. Davis who signature appears to the above deposition is and was at the time signing an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and that faith and credit is due to all his lawful acts and deeds done as such in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office at Beaufort in said County 18 th day July 1833
W. David Wm. Wm. Wm.