Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 14,569, Ralph Graves, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Graves, Ralph
R 14,569
Va. Half Pay
CONTENTS

Know all men by these presents that we John H. Gregory, William R. Gregory, William W. Ware and Scatilia D. Ware (who was Scatilia D. Gregory) wife, of the said William W. Ware have this day made ordained constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute and appoint Thomas Green of the City of Richmond and State of Virginia our true and lawful attorney, for us and in our names, but to our use, to ask, demand and receive of the Secretary of the Treasury department at Washington City whatever money we may be entitled to as the only heirs and representatives of Ralph Graves deceased (who was a colonel of Cavalry in the Virginia State lines in the revolutionary war), under an act of congress passed the fifth day of July one thousand eight hundred thirty two, providing for the half pay of certain officers of the said war, And upon the Secretary of the Treasury paying the said half pay to the said Green our attorney as aforesaid, we do hereby authorise and empower him the said Green as our attorney aforesaid to give in our names, and for us such a receipt discharge or acquittal as may be necessary or satisfactory to the said Secretary of the Treasury, to enable him the said Green to receive the same, and further to do and execute all and every other lawful act and acts to enable him the said Green as our attorney aforesaid to receive the said half pay aforesaid, but to our use as aforesaid, as fully and effectually to all intents and purposes, as if we were personally present; hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever our said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done, in or about the premises.
In witness whereof we do set our hands and

Seals this day of hundred thirty two.
one thousand eight-
H. M. Gregory Sealed
Wm K. Gregory Sealed
Wm W. Ware Sealed
Levittia P. Ware Sealed
Charles City County set
This day the parties whose names are signed to the foregoing power appeared before me a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid and acknowledged the same to be their act and deed given under my hand and seal this third day of October eighteen hundred & thirty two
George W. H. Mays J.P. (Seal)

FREE
W. H. Leuan Esq.
Secretary of the Treasury Washington City D.C.

Richm d Feby 8 th 1783
This may certify that Corne Graves has been in the service of this State from Aug t 1779 to the date hereof. (Signed)
Chas Dabney Secy
Executive Department Richmond V a 5 July 1833
The above is a copy of a paper filed with the Land Bounty Vouchers in this department, and upon which it is believed Land Bounty was granted to William Graves 8 February 1783.
Given under my hand the 2 d at above
Henry Richardson Secy Com te

(Copy)
I do hereby certify that Ralph Graves was appointed an Officer in the Corps of State Cavalry, under my command, in the year 1777 (The next figure illegible) of served in the same 'til a little time before the siege of York Town, in 1781
Given under my hands this 22 nd day of February 1822
(Signed) Nelson late Commandant 5 th Cavalry
I certify it appears from a list of such of the names of the Officers of the Virginia State line as received certificates for the balance of their full pay agreeably to the act of Assembly passed November Session of 1781 that a certificate issued on the 11 th day of November 1783 in the name of Colonel Ralph Graves for £162 1. 7
J. Nelson Secy.
Aud: Off: 5 March 1822
Executive Department Richmond Va 5 July 1833
The above are copies of the papers upon which said Bounty was granted to the heirs of Ralph Graves as a Colonel of the Va. State line - 3 rd May 1822. In the certificate of Major Nelson I cannot ascertain from the original whether the date of Colonel Graves' appointment was 1776 or 1779 -
Given under my hand the date above
Wm H Richardson Secy Com'te

Examination of the case of Ralph Graves
Respectfully submitted for the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury as to the sufficiency of proof.
Auditor's Office
Oct. 20. 1832.

Examination of the claim of Ralph Graves
The name of Ralph Graves does not appear on any of the Lists received from Auditor Heath. — But on the manuscript List received from him the name of ——— Graves a cornet in the State Cavalry commanded by Major John Nelson appears at £48 per Annum, and that $2500 as commutation was paid part of Feb y 1829 — It appears & Page 62 of the Report of the Committee of the House of Representatives of the United States of 16 January 1832 on the claim of Virginia, that said $2500. — commutation was paid to William Graves On list of 10 th Fe- bruary 1829.
By the documents herewith it appears that Ralph Graves was an Officer of Cavalry in the Revolutionary War, and that he died in the Month of February 1795. — That his only heirs are John M Gregory, William R Gregory, William P Ware & Latitia P Ware his Wife, who was Latitia P Gregory, (said John M Gregory, William R Gregory, & Latitia P Gregory being the Grand Children of said Ralph Graves) who have given a Power of Attorney dated — day of — 1832 to Thomas Green of Richmond City to Receive the money. The said Power of Attorney appears to have been acknowledged before a Justice of the Peace on the 3 d October 1832
Auditor's Office 20 October 1832 W m Fisher

Tue 11 July 1833.
442.
Williamsburg July 8th 1833.
On the first of this month, I wrote to you, informing you, that I had made application to the Legislature of Virginia, for a copy of the evidence, upon which the claims of Wm. Graves and Ralph Graves were allowed to land bounty for services in the revolutionary war. I deemed it both necessary and proper to furnish you with copies of the original evidence in both these cases, in order that you might see by comparing the two which was most probably correct.
In 1783 Lt. Col. Rabney certifies that Cornet Graves has been in the service of the state from Augt. 1779. to the date hereof his certificate is dated Feby 1783. This is the evidence upon which the claim of Wm. Graves was allowed. In 1822 J. Nelson late Commandant of Cavalry, certifies that Ralph Graves was an officer etc. (see certificate of J. Nelson). Ralph Graves drew the balance of his full pay in November 1783. (see Auditor's Certificate). In May 1822 land bounty was allowed the heirs of Ralph Graves for his services as Cornet in the Va State Line. (See Secretary's certificate).
Graves is by the board of officers reported to be a cornet and entitled to half pay. Now the question seems to be whether Graves is intended for Wm or Ralph Graves. Major Nelson's Certificate shews that Ralph Graves was an officer in the Corps of State Cavalry which he commanded, until a little before the siege of

York Town in 1781. Then if the evidence of Major Nelson is worth anything, it will shew that Ralph Graves was an officer of Cavalry, under him, to a little before Oct 1781. There is nothing which I have met with, to shew that he ever left the service, or to incline one to that opinion. He might possibly have been detached from Major Nelson's Corps and attached to some other Corps; which I think was probably the case. He Ralph Graves was a Citizen of York County, not more than ten or twelve miles stand. I believe from York Town, and from the real or supposed knowledge which he had of that Country, it is probable he was sent on there, when the British marched to that place. In fact, I think it would be absurd, in the absence of positive testimony to conclude that Ralph Graves who had been in service probably five years, certainly two years, should have quitted it; exactly at the period when the enemy had come, into that part of the Country, where his family, his friends and home was. But the evidence of the auditor shews conclusively, that Ralph Graves was a Corral, and as such drew in 1783 £162.1.7 the balance of his full pay. And here again is a circumstance which I think very strong, to prove, that Ralph Graves served to the end of the war, which closed I believe in September 1783; for if he had quitted in 1781 he would most probably have drawn his pay as soon as he quitted service; but he waits until November 1783. Then I think the fact warrants the conclusion, that he was in service to the end of the war, and that he drew his money as soon as he was relieved from service. It must have been that

that he served for five years, commencing in 1776. and ending in 1781. or that he served to the end of the war, or the amount of money paid him under the act of 1781. as a balance of his full pay would have been more than officer of his grade would have been entitled to. Now if he served five years or the end of the war either I imagine his heir would be entitled to pay. Having briefly stated the case of Ralph Graves, permit me to shew how the case of Wm Graves states. Lt. Col. Dabney certifies that Corne Graves has been in the service from Augt. 1779. to May 1783. he does not state whether the christian name of the individual was Corne . or whether it was an officer of the grade of Corne. take for granted that he intended to have written it. thus: Corne. — Graves served &c. Now this could have been filled with the name of Ralph or William either, but if you put in William you do so without the least circumstance to authorise the act. Whereas if you put in the name of Ralph, Col. Dabney's Certificate will be sustained by Major Nelson's certificate. For Major Nelson I think was under Col. Dabney, and consequently Ralph Graves under both. And I think it fair to conclude, that the Major would be more likely to know the christian name of a subaltern than the Colonel. But Major Nelson and Ralph Graves lived in the same County to wit in the County of York in the State of Virginia before the siege of York Town. And I think it fair to conclude were acquainted. Who Wm Graves was, I have never been able to find out, nor do I know where he was from; Again

William Graves cannot be the person alluded to by the board of officers who reported such officers as were entitled to half pay, because he neither served five years or to the end of the war. Now under all the circumstances of this case, I am in hope that you will after referring to the documents now furnished and those furnished by me to your predecessor, reexamine the case of Ralph Graves, and let me hear from you, as soon as possible.
I am Sir Very Respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
J. M c Gregory one of the heirs of Ralph Graves den d
P.S. In my last I asked you for information relative to Lt J. M c Gregory, I will be obliged to you to furnish it to me as soon as convenient.
Respectfully Y r obedt t Servant
J. M c Gregory " " "

To The Secretary of the Treasury
Washington D.C.
April 6th Account Office Washington October 20. 1882.

Rd 20 10 1832
Richmond 16 Oct 1832
Sir,
On behalf of the Heirs of Ralph Graves a Cornet of Major Nelsons corps of Cavalry in the V a State Line I enclose you several certificates of Courts showing 1 st That said Ralph Graves was an officer of Cavalry in the Revolutionary war 2 nd That he died in February 1795 - intestate - & that there is now no administrator - 3 rd That John M Gregory, William R. Gregory and Letitia P. the wife of William W. Ware are the grandchildren and only heirs at law of said Ralph Graves -
I enclose also a Regular Power of Atty from said heirs to me to receive the 1/2 pay due them under the act of the 5 July last. If the evidence is satisfactory you will please remit the amount to me at this place.
You will observe that W m Graves rec d Commutation - but this is Ralph Graves of Nelsons corps - his said bounty was allowed some years ago as a Cornet of the V a State line, but was not drawn until since the act of 30 May 1830. If any thing else is wanting, please inform me that I may

unto to Mr. John M c Gregory who says he can furnish any further evidence that may be necessary.
I am very Respectfully Yrs. Mrs. M c Gregory
Thomas Green

No 14569
ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871
WAR OF 1812
3136
Ralph Graves
va Cav.
Revolution
Discharged _____, 18
4036
REJECTED
W. J. Pay — act 32
Received _____, 187
Attorney.

No. 17 Nov 1891
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal letter or account.]

Richmond Feby 8 th 1783
This may certify that Cornel Graves has been in the service of this State from August 1779, to the date hereof.
Chas. Gabbey Secy.
Warren Department
Richmond 2 nd Feby 1832
The above is a copy of the evidence (I believe to be all the evidence) filed in this Department upon which Land Bounty was allowed to Cornel Graves.
Given under my hand the date above
Wm. Richardson Secy Com. M.

Thomas Green Esq.
Atty at Law Richmond Va

Virginia
City of Williamsburg
I William Stoward of the City aforesaid do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Ralph Graves formerly of York County and can say with certainty that the said Graves was a cornet in Major John Nelson's Corps of Cavalry. I remember this well from having seen him while in service and hearing the Colonel. I was well acquainted with Major John Nelson. I know that when Nelson was in this part of the Country that he made frequent efforts to catch Ralph Graves who was said to be the best horseman in this part of the world - and would ride in sight of the British troops when he pleased. I remember that he rode an excellent horse that ran very fast - and was called Black and all Black. Given under my hand this 6th day of November 1832 Wm Stoward
Virginia
City of Williamsburg
I Robert M. Barrett a justice of the peace for the City aforesaid do hereby certify that William Stoward whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate made oath before me to the truth of the statements therein contained. And I do hereby certify that the said William Stoward is a man in whose statements as much reliance ought to be placed as any other man in this part of the Country as he is generally by all who know him admitted to be a man of respectability and strict truth. Given under my hand and seal this sixth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Robt. M. Barrett

Williamsburg Nov. 6th 1832
Dear Sir
Attached to this you have the Certificate of Mr. Stevens. I think you had better get a copy of the papers and together with this certificate and the certificate of Mr. Green send them on to Washington I wish you would at the same time say that if more evidence is necessary that it will be furnished. if the department will inform us what is yet necessary to prove, attend to this at once, and I wish it decided as soon as possible, and believe me to be truly
Your Very Obedient Servant
J. M. Gregory

paid 3 3/4
Thomas Green Esq. Atty at Law Richmond
Mail
Dec 19 Nov 1852

James City County set
I Alexander W Green of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I was intimately acquainted with Ralph Graves formerly of York County, and I know that the said Ralph Graves was a cornet in Major John Nelsons Corps of Cavalry in the Revolutionary war. I remember this perfectly well from my having seen him frequently while in service, and saw him on duty at the time the Marquis de la Fayette was in this part of the State. Alexander W. Green
James City County set
I Thomas Martin a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Alexander W Green whose name is signed to the foregoing Certificate this day personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the statements therein contained. And I do further certify that the said Green is a very old man of strict moral character and that due faith and credit ought to be given to any statement made by him. Given under my hand and seal in the County aforesaid this 26 day of October 1832
Thomas Martin (Seal)
J. P.

Williamstown October 26 th 1832
Dear Sir, Attached to this you have the certificate you requested me in your last to furnish. I shall be in Rutmond next Monday or Tuesday and will call to see you. in haste
With great respect Yr Obat Servant
W. M. Gregory

It does not appear that R. Grant received land of Virginia. T. A. D.

Recd 19 Nov 1832
Recd 14 Nov. 1832
98.
Sir,
Your favor, stating that Ralph Graves, here claim to be pay was not sufficiently proved, & requesting a copy of the evidence on which the Court certified that he (R. G.) was an officer, was duly received; and a day or two thereafter Mr. S. M. Gregory came to town & was then for the first time informed of the doubt of his Grandfather, being an officer.
He had a few days before sent me the enclosed affidavit of Alexander W. Green, whom I do not know, but who is represented as a man of respectability, He obtained from the files of the Executive the enclosed copy of the Vouchers which on the said Bounty was drawn by Cornet William Graves - in order to show that it applied as well to his grand father as to the other Graves, and since

His return to Williamstown, he has sent me the enclosed affidavit of William Stroud, and as you will perceive from his letter dated the 6 Inst, he professes ability to get further proof. If this addi- tional evidence be not sufficient please say so, & Mr. G. will no doubt get what is wanting if he can.
I am very Respectfully Yr. ob. Servt.
Thomas Green

Reported see letter N o 75.
anted 18 Dec 1882.
letter N o 256.

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Virginia; At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery held at the former Capitol in the City of Williams- burg, for the County of James City and the City of Williamsburg the 18th day of September 1836.
It is proved to the satisfaction of the court by the evidence of the deputy clerk, and ordered to be certified, that after an examination of the records and papers of the former district court, comprised of the counties of James City, Charles City, New Kent, Surry, Gloucester, York, Warwick, and Elizabeth City, which records and papers have been transferred by law to this court, that John Pierce qualified as administrator of Ralph Graves, deceased, in the year one thousand, seven hundred and ninety five, in the said District court, and that it does not appear from any document or paper lodged in said court, that the said Graves left any will at his death. Which suggestion was made on the motion of John M. Gregory.
A Copy
Teste. Wm P Underwood A.D.
Circuit Court Office
Williamsburg September 27 th 1832
I hereby certify that there has been no will or other document relating to the estate of Ralph Graves, recorded, filed in this office, at any time subsequent to the date of the foregoing certificate. And I do further certify (it appearing to me by satisfactory evidence) that John Pierce who is named in the foregoing certificate of the court as the administrator of Ralph Graves, deceased is dead; and that no administration de bonis non upon the estate of the said Graves, was ever granted by the said District Court, or by the late Superior Court of Law for the County of James City or by the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for the County of James City and the City of Williamsburg, to which last named court, the records of the two first named courts, have by operation of law been transferred and further that the said Ralph Graves was a resident of the County of York.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, this twenty fourth day of September 1832. Wm P Underwood A.D.

At a Court of Hustings held for the city of Williamsburg at the Courthouse thereof on Monday the 23 rd day of August 1831.
The Court doth certify upon satisfactory evidence that Scatitia P. Graves was sole heir of Ralph Graves deceased, that the said Scatitia P. Graves married John M. Gregory, that the said Scatitia P. Graves and John M. Gregory are both dead that the said Scatitia P. died before the said John M. Gregory and during coverture, that John M. Gregory, Scatitia P. and William R. Gregory are the only children and heirs of the said Scatitia P. Gregory deceased.
A Copy True
(M c Clusky) C. H. S.
Virginia:
At a Court held for James City County, at the Courthouse thereof in the State of Virginia aforesaid, on the eighth day of October in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
The Court upon satisfactory evidence doth certify that Ralph Graves (formerly of York County deceased) was an officer of Cavalry in the Revolutionary War, that the said Graves died about the month of February 1795. and at the time of his death left one daughter only Scatitia P. Graves who married John M. Gregory that both the said John M. Gregory and Scatitia P. his wife are dead, that the said Scatitia P. Gregory died before her husband John M. Gregory and during coverture, and that John M. Gregory, William R. Gregory, William W. Ware and Scatitia P. Ware his wife who was Scatitia P. Gregory, children of the said John M. Gregory and Scatitia P. his wife are the only heirs and representatives of the said Ralph Graves deceased. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of my Office to be affixed hereunto, this eighth day of October One thousand eight hundred and thirty two, and in the fifty seventh year of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Th: O. Cogbree, Clerk of James City County Court.

Ralph Graves's admir v } copy read The leaminth of V a
To Mr. Harrison Richmond
It having been decided by one of my judges that Graves means by his up-copied words he m Graves, & do not consider the question as open for my decision
B.B.?

Virginia
Pleas at the Capitol in the City of Richmond before the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Henrico County on Monday the 26 th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Be it remembered that at this same term to wit; At the said Circuit Superior Court held at the Capitol aforesaid on the 9 th day of the same month of May 1834, came John M. Gregory admor de bonis non of Ralph Graves dec d by his attorney, and presented his petition praying an appeal from a decision of the Auditor of Public Accounts, rejecting a certain claim of the petitioner for services rendered by the decedent in his lifetime as an Officer in the revolutionary war which petition is in the words following:
To the Honorable John B. Clopton Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for the County of Henrico.
The petition of John M. Gregory admor. de bonis non of Ralph Graves respectfully showeth, that in the judgt. of the Auditor upon the claim of your petitioner agt. the Commonwealth of Virginia, refusing to audit, allow and adjust the said claim exhibited in the annexed record, — " — " — " —
The auditor your petitioner conceives has erred in rejecting the said claim: and your petitioner conceives the reasons assigned by the auditor for his judgt are wholly insufficient your petitioner therefore prays an appeal from the judgt. aforesaid
John M. Gregory admor of Ralph Graves
The statement of the Auditor referred to in the said peti- tion is as follows:
Auditor

Auditors office May 9 th 1834
The claim of Ralph Graves for Half pay alleged to be due to him as a cornet in the State Line of the Revolution being presented to me for audit and settlement, the same is disallowed for the following reasons, to wit:
1. By the act of Congress of the 5 th July 1832. The secretary of the Treasury was authorised and required to adjust all claims for Half pay against the state of Virginia, for which judgments had not been previously obtained, or which had not been previously settled and paid. 2. The name of Ralph Graves does not appear on the list reported by the Board of Field officers assembled in 1782, for the purpose of ascertaining and deciding what officers were entitled to Half pay. 3 In the report of the Board of Field officers referred to in the preceding objection. there is found the name of Graves a cornet in Nelson's Cavalry. but the Christian name is not given. The representatives of William Graves who was also a cornet in the State Line, petitioned the Legislature at the Session of 1828-'29. to grant to them the half pay or commutation promised by the act of 1779. and the Legislature did accordingly by an act passed in Feb. 1829 grant to the said Representatives commutation or five years full pay due to a cornet and Quarter Master. The claim was settled by the Auditor under the act aforesaid, and the sum of $2,500 paid to the Representatives of the said William Graves. 4. Because. there being but one Graves reported as a cornet, & entitled to Half pay and the Legislature having granted commutation to William Graves, the auditor would not be authorised to recognise the claim of Ralph Graves.
Sal. O'Heath and"
Whereupon the said Appeal is allowed, and ordered to be placed on the docket of this account.
And

And at another day, to wit; At the same Circuit Superior Court continued & held at the Capitol aforesaid, on the 21 st day of the same month of May 1834; This cause was heard upon the petition of the appellant, and the evidence produced in his behalf, and the arguments as well of the Counsel for the appellant, as the Attorney General for the Commonwealth; but because the Court is not yet advised of its judgment to be given in the premises, time is taken to consider thereof.
And now at this day, to wit; At the same Circuit Superior Court continued and held at the Capitol aforesaid on the day and in the year first herein mentioned, to wit; Monday the 26 th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, came as well the appellant by his attorney, as the Attorney General for the Commonwealth, and the Court having maturely considered the evidence on the part of the appellant, filed in this cause, and the arguments therein, is of opinion that Ralph Graves, the Intestate of the appellant, was a Colonel in Major John Nelson's company of Cavalry in the revolutionary war, and continued to serve as such until the end of the war, and that the said Ralph Graves was the person alluded to and designated as Graves, Colonel, in the report made by the Board of Field Officers assembled in 1782, in pursuance of the Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, of November 1781; that he was entitled to commutation of five years full pay, with interest thereon from the 22 nd day of April 1783, till payment; and that the Auditor of Public Accounts erred in rejecting the claim theretopresented by the appellant. It is therefore ordered that the said Auditor do issue and deliver to the appellant a warrant on the Treasury for the said five years full pay.

pay, with interest thereon to be computed after the rate of six per centum per annum from the said 22 nd day of April 1783, till payment.
The following are copies of papers filed as evidence in this cause.
Virginia.
At a Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for Fauquier County continued by adjournment and held the 15 th day of April 1834.
On the motion of John M. Gregory who made oath according to Law and together with William W. Wain by Samuel Shields his attorney in fact and William W. Gregory his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs. Certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Ralph Graves deceased administered by John Pierce deceased Pierce his executor administered by John M. Gregory 5 th Dec r in due form.
Copy
Teste
Sam l Shields Clerk.
To Thomas C. Heath Esq. Auditor of Public accounts.
You will please take notice that I shall on Friday the 16 th day of the present instant at the City of Williamsburg proceed to take the deposition of Alexander W. Green and William Stuart and others to be read as evidence in support of the claim of Ralph Graves to pay for his services in war of the revolution as captain in a troop of horse agt the State of Virginia and if on that day I should be prevented from taking the deposition aforesaid shall proceed on the following day and so on from day to day until the same is completed 1834 May 16 th 1834.
John M. Gregory. admr. etc. bonis moy of Ralph Graves

I accept the foregoing notice.
Richd. C. Skethle And.
The Deposition of William Stroud of lawful age taken before me George W. Southall, a notary public for the Counties of York and James City and the City of Williamsburg at the residence of said Stroud in said city on Friday the 18 th day of May A. D. 1834 pursuant to the annexed notice and to be used as evidence in support of the claim of Ralph Graves to pay for his services in the War of the Revolution as colonel of a troop of horse.
This deponent being first duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth & saith.
That he was well acquainted with Ralph Graves, esq. formerly of York County, Virginia and can say with certainty that the said Ralph Graves was a colonel in Major John Nelson's Corps of Cavalry during the War of the Revolution and recollects well to have seen him frequently bearing the colours whilst in service. This deponent was well acquainted with Major John Nelson, and knows that when Nelson was in this part of the country he made frequent efforts to catch Ralph Graves who was said to be the best horseman in this part of the world and would ride in sight of the British whenever he pleased. Deponent remembers that said Graves rode an excellent horse, which was very swift, and was called "Black and all Black". and further deponent says not.
W m Stroud Sen.
City of Williamsburg to Wit,
The foregoing deposition of William Stroud was this day duly taken, subscribed and sworn to before me George W. Southall, notary Public at the residence of said Stroud in said city pursuant to the caption annexed, and the notice herewith returned.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
(eng)

and offered my private seal. (having no seal of office) at the City aforesaid this 16 th day of May 1834.
Geo. W. Northall. A.S.
James City County Set.
I Alexander W. Green of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I was intimately acquainted with Ralph Green formerly of York County and know that the said Ralph Green was a count in Major John Nelsons Corps of Cavalry in the Revolutionary War. I remember this perfectly well from my having seen him frequently while in service and saw him on duty at the time the Marquis de Lafayette was in this part of the State.
(Signed)
Alexander W. Green
James City County Set.
I Thomas Martin as Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Alexander W. Green whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate this day personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the statements therein contained. And I do further certify that the said Green is a very old man of strict moral character and that due faith and credit ought to be given to any statement made by him.
Given under my hand and seal in the County aforesaid this 26 th day of October 1832
(Signed)
Thomas Martin (seal) A.S.
I do hereby certify that Ralph Green was appointed an Officer in the Corps of State Cavalry under my command in the year 177 (the next figure illegible) and served in the same til a little time before the Siege of York Town in 1781. Given under my hand this 22 nd day of February 1822.
J. Nelson, late commander 1 st Cavalry

I certify it appears from a list of such of the names of the officers of the Virginia State Line as received certificates for the balance of their full pay agreeably to the act of Assembly passed at November Session of 1781. that a certificate issued on the 11 th day November 1783 in the name of Colonel Ralph Graves for £152:1:7-
S. E. Woodley, Audr. Aud. Off. 5 th March 1822
Executive Department Richmond Va 5 th July, 1833.
The above are copies of the papers upon which Land Bounties was granted to the heirs of Ralph Graves as a colonel of the Virginia State Line 3 rd May 1822. In the Certificate of Major Nelson I cannot ascertain from the original whether the date of Colonel Graves' appointment was 1778. or 1779.
W m H. Richardson Secy. Com. Va
State of Virginia - Henrico County, to wit;
I John Robinson Clerk of the Circuit Superior Court of law and Chancery for the County of Henrico in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript of the record and proceedings on a certain appeal of John Mr. Gregory administrator de bonis non of Ralph Graves deceased against the Commonwealth, from a decision of the Auditor of Public Accounts, with all things touching the same, as fully and wholly as they now exist among the records of my Office
In

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixing the seal of the said Court, at Richmond, this 31 st day of May one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty four
W. Robinson