Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7574, Samuel Gray, N.C.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.C.
Gray, Samuel Rachel
W 7574
CONTENTS

Tennessee 4327
Rachel Gray
widow of Samuel Gray
who was a Pensioner under act 1832.
He died on the 25 th March 1837
of Lincoln Co. in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Walter of the regt, commanded
by Col. in the N. Carolina
line for 13. months
Inscribed on the Roll of Pulaski
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 25 th day of March, 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of Feb.
1846, and sent to Hon. G. W. Jones
House of Representatives
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1845
Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st March 1846.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3.
Recorded by D Brown, Clerk Book C Vol. 1 Page 198
see Roll and 3 1846 to the Hon. G. W. Jones, H. R.

1353. West Tennessee
Samuel Gray 13536 of Bedford in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Walton of the A.H. commanded by Col. Glazebrook in the Northwestern line for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of May 1835 and Seventh A Yell Shelbyville
Bears to the 4th of March 86.66 Remnant allowance ending 4 Sept 21 66 $108 32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book 5 Vol. 7 Page 79
Died in 1837 due a B

State of Tennessee
Bedford County } Nov Term 1832
This the 6 day of Nov 1832
personally appeared before me upon Circuit before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Bedford now sitting Samuel Gray a resident of the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee aged about 81 years of age 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 7th 1832,
I entered the Service of the United States as a Volunteer for the term of six Months under Capt Jno Walton same time in the month of Nov 1776 as here as now recruited in the County of Wilks in the State of North Carolina; soon after my enlistment we were ordered to the frontier to guard the Settlements against the Cherokees. Capt Waltons Company was marched into the Cherokee Nation, or the most of them myself with a few others was attached to Capt Joseph Henshaw Company of Rangers or Spies who were on constant duty in guarding the frontier Settlements of Wilks County and Rock County on the Holston River, after my term of Service had expired we were permitted to return home for this term of Service I received the written discharge.
My first term of Service was in the year as well as I now recollect I was drafted for three Months and was attached to Capt Dickson Hays Company.

who was attached to Col. Belknap's Regt. were ordered to take up the line of march for Kings Mountain, we were encamped at the pleasant Gardens. on our way to Kings Mountain by the Cannon of Col. Campbell, from the head of Halton from which place we marched direct to meet Col. Ferguson; My Company was in the engagement; but I was on the morning of the engagement detained with a few others on duty at Camp, and did not reach Camp until after the engagement was ended, from this place we were ordered to guard the prisoners that were taken at the Battle of Kings Mountain. we took them to Salem, or the Moravian Town, where I remained as a guard until the expiration of my term of service had expired when I was discharged.
Soon after my return we were ordered to join Genl. Metherford for a term of thirty days under Col. Peirce, we joined the Commanding Genl. near Salisbury at the mouth of Little Rocky River, we remained here on duty until the expiration of our term of service, when we were permitted to return to our homes in Wilkes County.
Some time in the summer of the year 1778 or 79. as well as now recollection, I was drafted for a term of three months. I was attached to Col. Dade's Company who was attached to the Cannon of Major Hootgroom, who marched us through Salem and to Deep Creek where we remained in that section of the County, guarding against the Tories who were extremely troublesome this season in that section of the State and in the edge of South Carolina.

I was discharged at the end of my term of service and received a written discharge for this term of service from Maj. Hartzog, which is lost or mislaid so that I can not have now the benefit of it.
Same term after I volunteered under Capt. McLean Allen, who was commanded by Col. Hildebrand. They marched to New River against some left Japs and Horn Thieves, under the command of a capt certain Coyle, we drove him out of that part of the country; he was soon afterwards taken by our party and hung. This expedition lasted about ten or fifteen days. I was on duty one or two other short trips, but the time or particular service I can not now recollect. the whole term of service which I can distinctly recall was upwards of thirteen months.
I knew of no regular office except those mentioned, and I am now unable to say that they were. I mean I was at different times under Col. Hildebrand Campbell, Maj. Hartzog and Genl. Patten. I have no written discharges of my services. My Mother John Gray and old Capt Smith of Franklin County, they give their certificates as to my services. My Mother testified to all my service having been with me, and Smith to one or two campaigns. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. M. [unclear] James Gray

State of Tennessee Bedford County
Nov Term 1832
In the undersigned proceeding in the Neighborhood of Saml Gray being certify that we are well acquainted with Saml Gray who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration believing him to be 81 years of age that he is deputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion;
Nov 1832
Isaac Darnall
C. M. Kisicki Atty John B. Dinnin
State of Tennessee Nov Term 1832 Bedford County
In the said Court do hereby declare after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the Secretary of War that the above named individual, was a Revolutionary soldier and since as he states and the Court further certify that the said John B. Dinnin and Isaac Darnall who has signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee and are credible persons and their statements are entitled to credit.
Will Samuel Phillips John B. Armstrong
State of Tennessee Nov Term 1832 Bedford County
I C. M. Kisicki Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Bedford do hereby certify that the foregoing is the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the petition of Saml Gray for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this the 14 day of Nov 1832
J. C. D. C. my charge
C. M. Kisicki

6665, Rachael Black Feb. 2, 1846, Mdm of Samuel Irwin
aet 7 July 1838
Act. July 4. 1836.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows"
State of Tennessee County of Lincoln ss.
On this 6th day of October A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the Worshipful the County Court of said Lincoln County Rachael Gray, a resident of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Samuel Gray who was a private in the army of the Revolution and as such was placed upon the pension rolls of the United States as appears from his pension certificate hereto appended.
She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Gray on the 19th day of August 1775, in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five, that her husband, the said Samuel Gray died on the 23rd day of March 1837. That she was married to him prior to his entering the service, and previous to the first day of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four, (viz) at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, in open court before
Rachael Gray mark
MB Rhea Chairman Peter G. M c Mullen Charles H. Edmondson Justices holding the County Court of said Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee Lincoln County } I Henry Helms clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that the foregoing detla- ralion of Rachel Gray has made and known to in open court at the time & place and in the presence therein stated In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Fayetteville this the 6 th day of October 1845 Henry Helms clerk of Lincoln County Court
State of Tennessee (To wit) I William B Rhoad Chairman of the County Court of Lincoln County in the State of Tennessee aforesaid, do certify that Henry Helms who has made the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of making the same Clerk of said Court duly elected and qualified and that said Certif- icate is in due form of law Given under my hand and seal this the 6 th day of October 1845 William B Rhoad (Seal) Chairman of Lincoln County Court

State of Tennessee
Lincoln County 30 William Steele a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Lincoln do hereby certify that Austin Gray personally appeared before me this day, and made Oath in due form of that he is the son of Samuel Gray & Rachel Gray that Samuel Gray his Father drew a Pension under the Act 7 th June 1832 as a private in the Army of the Revolution; That his Father Samuel Gray is now dead that he died the 23 rd of March 1837; that his Mother Rachel Gray is or has applied to the War Department in order to draw a Pension under the Act of Congress passed the 7 th July 1838 granting Pensions to Certain Widows and that in order to draw a Pension under said Act, that the applicants must make the best proof possible of her Marriage before the 1 st of January 1794; and the said Austin Gray now makes Oath on the holy evangelist of Almighty God that from the best information and only information he has ever obtained from his Father & Mother Samuel Gray and Rachel Gray and from the Family Record of his Father which Record he says is in his Father's own hand writing that he the said Austin Gray was born the 10 th of February 1788; He further states that he has four Sisters now living all of which is older than himself and which Record of his Father's which he has this day exhibited before =

= we show their births to be as follows Mary Gray was born 19 th September 1774 Mergery Gray was born 12 th December 1776 Elizabeth Gray was born 24 th December 1779 Frances Gray was born 5 th September 1782 and said Record also shows the said Austin Gray to be born the 10 th February 1788-
Sworn to and subscribed before me in Lincoln County Tennessee this 9 th day of February 1846-
Austin Gray
Wm. Field Justice of the peace for Lincoln County Tennessee
State of Tennessee Lincoln County } I Henry Wilson clerk of the County Court of said County do certify that William Field is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing sig- natures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office this 10 th day of February 1846 Henry Wilson clerk

State of Tennessee
So. wt. I William B Rhoad Chairman of the County Court of Lincoln County in the State aforesaid do certify that Henry Helsso. who has made the foregoing Certificate is now and was at the time of making the same Clerk of our said Court duly elected & qualified and that said Certificate is in due form of law Given under my hand and seal this the 10 th day of February 1816
Wm B Rhoad (Seal)
Chairman of Lincoln County Court

20028.
Sam. Gray, of Bedford County, Tennessee.
for 1776 private 13 months $ 43. \frac{33}{100} .
A. Yell, Agent. Bed- ford County, Tenn.

BRIEF in the case of Samuel Gray,  County of Bedford, in the State of Tennessee.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 81 years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Vol. In 1776. 6. pr. Gen. Capt. Joseph Walton, Capt. Joseph Henderson   Drafted, not stated 3. pr. Capt. Richard Allen   Enlisted, not stated 30. " Gen. Rutherford, Capt. Beverly   Drafted 1778 or 79. Vol. not stated. 3. " Capt. Lewis, Major Hostgrov. Col. Wilson, Capt. Allen.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None.  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? North Carolina.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. B. Turner, Examining Clerk.

December 9, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. H. L. Donovan 507 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, Kentucky
BA-J/ady Samuel Gray W.7574
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Samuel Gray, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.7574, based upon the military service of Samuel Gray in that war.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Samuel Gray are not shown.
While a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina, Samuel Gray enlisted in November 1776, and served six months as private in Captains Jesse Walton's and Joseph Herndon's North Carolina Companies. He enlisted in the summer of 1778 or 1779 and served three months as private in Captain Joel Lewis' North Carolina Company. He then served ten or fifteen days as private in Captain Richard Allen's Company, Colonel Cleveland's North Carolina Regiment. At the time of the battle of King's Mountain he served three months as private in Captain Richard Allen's Company, Colonels Cleveland's and Campbell's North Carolina Regiments. He then served one month as private in Captain Beverly's North Carolina Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 6, 1832, at which time he was about eighty-one years old and a resident of Bedford County, Tennessee.
He died March 23, 1837, place not stated.
Soldier married August 19, 1773, in North Carolina, place not shown, Rachel or Rachael, her maiden name not given.
Soldier's widow, Rachel Gray, was allowed pension

on her application executed October 6, 1845, at which time she was eighty-six years old and a resident of Lincoln County, Tennessee.
The names of the following children of soldier and Rachel are shown:
Mary Gray born September 18, 1774. Margery Gray born December 12, 1776. Elizabeth Gray born December 24, 1779. Frances Gray born September 5, 1782. Austin Gray born February 10, 1788.
Date of widow's death not on age
In 1832 soldier's brother, John Gray, was living in Franklin County, Tennessee, his age not given. There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Statement of the military history of Samuel Gray of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
W. 7574
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov. 1776 6 mos. Pvt. { Jesse Walton Joseph Herndon - N.C.   1778 or 1779 3 " " Isaac Lewis -   - 12 or 18 days " Richard Allen Cleveland "   - 1780 3 mos. " Richard Allen Cleveland "   1 " " " Reverly - "  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted in Wilkes Co. N.C. Date of application for pension, Nov. 6, 1832. His Cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Bedford Co. Tenn. Age at date of application, 71 yrs. He died Mar. 23, 1837.
Remarks: Soldier mar. Aug. 19, 1773 Rachel _____ She was allowed pension on an application m. Oct. 6, 1845 while 86 yrs old and a resident of Lincoln Co. Tenn. Children: Mary born Sept. 19, 1774, Frances b. Dec. 12, 1776, Elizabeth Dec. 24, 1779, Frances b. Sept. 5, 1782, and Austin b. Feb. 13, 1788.
Very respectfully,

MRS. H. L. DONOVAN 507 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, Kentucky
Nov. 24, 1937.
Mr. A. D. Hiller, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Mrs. Charles A. Keith, Richmond, Ky. gave me your letter relative to William Gray, - pension S.31079. In it you mention his brother, Samuel Gray, Bedford Co., Tenn. (1833) I find he also drew a pension as a Revolutionary soldier. Would you be so good as to write me what records his application contains of service record and family data?
Sincerely yours,
(Mrs. H. L.) Nell Stuart Donovan.

6665
Act '36
Rachel Gray
Widow of Sam d . Gray
$43:33 per annum, to commence 23 d March 1837, when Sam d . Gray died.
Rev. Nathan  the  member under act 4 July '36
Pulaski, Tennessee, Roll.
married in 1773 husband died March 23. 1837
Cont: to the Hon. G. W. Jones H-R

Payments to be made at Nashville Tenn by the Rev. of W B Bass Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of West Tennessee
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E, Vol. 7 Page 17 by David Pay D. Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Samuel Gray of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty three dollars and Sixty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Sixteenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
Lincoln
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. §
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

State of Tennessee - Lincoln County
Personally appeared before me William Reed a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid John R. Johnson aged about twenty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and saith that in the year 1791. he was appointed a deputy sheriff of Wilkes County in the State of North Carolina and continued as such for about four years. That in the year 1791 he became acquainted with Samuel Gray and his wife, and their living and residing in said Wilkes County. That during the time he continued to act as deputy sheriff as aforesaid he often times staid at the house of said Samuel Gray. That when he first became acquainted with said Samuel Gray and his wife in the year 1791. They were reputed to be married and were living together as such, that is as man and wife, and they then had some several children, were reputable and respectable. They continued to live together as man and during the entire period of my acquaintance with them. Mrs Gray is now residing in Lincoln County Tennessee and is I understand a widow. I have seen her very recently and she is the same person with whom I became acquainted in Wilkes County North Carolina in the year 1791 as the wife of said Samuel Gray.
Sworn to subscription before me this 4th day of September 1845.
Wm Reed Justice of the Peace
[Handwritten signature]

State of Tennessee Lincoln County
I Williams a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid before whom the within or foregoing deposition was sworn to certify that I am and have been for a number of years personally acquainted with the deponent John R. Johnson and that he is a man of respectability and veracity and entitled to full credit in all cases where he testifies
Given under my hand this 14th day of September 1845.
Wm. Sneed
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee
Lincoln County
I Henry Nelson clerk of the County Court of said County hereby certify that William Sneed is a justice of the peace as aforesaid and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 14th day of September 1845
Henry Nelson Clerk

State of Tennessee
(To wit, I William B Rhea Chairman of the County Court of Lincoln County in the State aforesaid, do certify that Henry Helms, who has made the foregoing Certificate is now & was at the time of making the same Clerk of our said Court duly elected and qualified and that said Certificate is in due form of law Given under my hand & seal this the 6 th day of October, 1845
William B. Rhea Seal
Chairman of Lincoln County Court

Con
add left Rachel Gray Term
J. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington
Wm. G. W. Gray Feb 24 46

No 0 of Rife Washington City February 23 rd 1846
Sir
I herewith enclose to you a Certificate from the Comptroller General of North Carolina concerning the revolutionary services of Samuel Gray and also the disposition of Austin Gray a son of Samuel & Rachael Gray both of which papers I wished you to file as part of the evidence in the case of the application of Rachael Gray for a pension.
In relation to Austin Gray I take pleasure in stating that I am and have been for years personally well acquainted with him, that he is a man of respectability and veracity whose statements are entitled to full credit. I would further state that in a conversation with Austin Gray in the fall of 1845 (I think in October) he stated to me that his father's family Bible containing the dates of the birth of the children of his father was in the possession of a Sister older than himself that this Bible was not the one in which the births of the children had been originally recorded. But that while he (Austin Gray) was a boy his father's house was burned and with it the family Bible containing the family record that the

Bible above referred to as in the possession of his Sister was purchased by his father and that he saw his father enter the names and date of births of the children in said Bible, which constitutes the family record  Bible above referred as being the Bible in the possession of his Sister. He also stated I think that said record did not contain the date of the marriage of his father & mother.
Respectfully
W. Jones
From the proof in the case of Rachael Gray I am satisfied that she is embraced within the provisions of the act of 1836 and entitled to a pension under that act, as it is clear from the proof that she was not only married before the last term of her husband's service but was in fact married before he entered this service and even before the war of the Revolution was commenced. Therefore in her name and on her behalf I desire that she be pensioned under the act of the 4 th July 1836. Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. February 23 rd 1846
W. Jones

Alvarado Tex
Aug 17 th 09
Commissioner of Pensions
Raleigh N.C. Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
From the War Dept in Washington it was suggested that I might be able to get something of the war record of one Samuel Grey who was in the Revolutionary War enlisting from North Carolina. His wife Rachel Grey drew a pension, but it didn't materialize until after her death & possibly there was only one payment made. This Samuel Grey was my mother's Grandfather and I want his record to join the D.A.R. Any information you could give would greatly appreciated. I suppose you would have this record before the pension could be allowed. Hoping to hear from you at an early date.

mk. all the desired information I am
Yours truly Miss Frances M c Alfee Alvarado Texas.

Aug. 26, 1909. History to Miss Francis M c Elree, Ex
1937 Dec. 9. Hist. to Mrs. H. L. Donovan. Ad. y.
Recy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7574
Rachel Gray
Wid.
Samuel Gray
Part, N. C. line
Act: July 11/36, Sec. 39
Index:—Vol. 24 Page 286
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dec 7
Yrs
20028
J. S. Edwards
Primrose Office
Washington
647
H. Noble S
Dec 10
Yrs

Shelbyville
March 10th 1832
Mr. Edwards,
Sir
Recd I found you
the claim of Saml Gray for a Pension a part of his proof was found through Mustoe from Fayetteville Tenn with the papers of his Mother John Gray, it was the affidavits of John Gray to Capt Smith of Franklin County Tenn, the Court here was satisfied that he was a soldier of the Revolution without these Certificates but from examination of these Certificates you will be fully satisfied I hope &c
on your correspondence please address Mrs. Hall & Gilchrist &c
very respectfully yours A. Hill
J. L. Edwards

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

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No. Two citizens.
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No.
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1, 2, 3.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mr. Innes

Raleigh N C Compt office
I William G Collins Compt of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the Name of Samuel Gray appears of record in this office as having a Special Certificate issued in his favor (for Military Services) for One Hundred and Sixty Pounds, Seven Shillings and Three pence as will appear in Book No 28 page 48, Book of Settlements of the Army Accounts by the Commissioners at Halifax and Warrenton given under my hand and seal this 19 th day February 1846
Wm Collins Compt

House of Rep. July 27 th 1846
Sir
On last evening I received the Pension Certificate of Mrs Rachael Gray for forty three Dollars & thirty three Cents per annum which is for thirteen months service the time for which you informed me that her husband Samuel Gray had been pensioned upon his own declaration, but which was not sufficient proof since it had been ascertained that the books and records of the Military services of North Carolina troops were in the Comptroller's office at Raleigh, to grant a pension to his widow. And that these records must be appealed to. There are appealed to - And a certificate from the Comptroller shows that Samuel Gray had been paid $160. Specie for Military services during the Revolution. This Amount of money I should think would be compensation for a sufficient length of time to entitle the widow to a full pension of $80.
Hearing some idea of the great amount of business which daily devolves upon you I would avoid all unnecessary augmentation of that business. But in this case I felt constrained to ask of you to inform me why she was not allowed a full pension. From the fact that you have allowed the pension I concluded that the Comptroller's Certificate was received as evidence in the case and if so why not to the full extent of what it did prove?
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions
Respectfully W. Jones

House of Reps
Jany 31 st 1846
Sir
Enclosed you will please find the Declaration and other papers in support of the application of Rachael Gray for a pension. I am aware that perhaps the Marriage is not as fully proved as your rules in some cases prescribe.
About the ninth of October last I wrote to the Clerk of the County Court of the County in North Carolina in which she said she was married but I have never heard from the Clerk. I know several of the Children of Samuel & Rachael Gray who are now over sixty years of age. They are all respectable and of unimpeachable veracity. Would not their testimony as to the facts within their knowledge be evidence to prove the Marriage? I received these papers last night.
Respectfully
G W Main