Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S., William Harris, Va.

SERVICE
Va.
Harris, William
S.
CONTENTS

Virginia 12.835
Wm Harris
of Nelson in the State of Virginia who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Cabell of the Regt commanded by Col: Lindsey in the Virginia line for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 st day of May '33 Lovington and sent S. Garland C.H. Va
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 — 86. 66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " — 21. 66 1/2
$108.32 1/2
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6. Page 12

Wm Harris,
(Ex. d)
25/82

Virginia.
At a Court of Monthly Session held for Nelson County at the Courthouse on the 22nd day of October 1832.
State of Virginia County of Nelson } ss.
On this 22nd day of October in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Court of Nelson County now sitting William Harris a resident of the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia, aged eighty four 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 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. He entered the service some time in the month of September in the year as well as he recollects 1776 and served four months as a volunteer under the command of Col. Joseph Cabell Captain Nicholas Cabell and Lieutenant Nathan Crawford, he was first marched to Richmond and from thence to Williamsburg where he was discharged, he was not in any battle during that tour. That he was drafted some time in the month of April 1777 and served a tour of three months under the command of a Col. Lindsey Captain Christian and Lieutenant James Higginbotham was stationed at the Hoback Hills where he was discharged, was in no battle during that tour. He was again drafted some time in the year 1780 and served a tour of three months under the command of a Col. Richerson Captain James Lamplin Lieutenant Joseph Staples and Ensign Thomas Smith he was stationed near the same Hoback Hills and was there discharged, he was drafted a third time and served a fourth tour of three months under the command of Capt. John Loving and Lieutenant Abraham Seay in the year 1781 and was discharged at Yorktown shortly after the siege, he was present at the siege, but the Corps to which he was attached was not actually engaged, he received regular and honorable discharges at the end of each tour, but has lost them. He resided during the time aforesaid in the then County of Amherst, now Nelson, where he has ever since and still resides. He marched direct from the said County to Richmond during each tour and from thence to the place where he was discharged, he recollects the number of only one regiment to which he was attached and that was the second Regiment of Virginia Militia. He has no particular acquaintance with any of the Officers of the regular army, but frequently saw Generals Washington, Lafayette, Wayne and Morgan, he saw Lord Cornwallis surrender his sword after the surrender of Yorktown. That he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person who can testify to the whole service herein stated, but that a certain Joseph Matthews can testify to his service of one tour.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. William Harris

The following interrogatories were propounded by the Court to the said William Harris the applicant to which the answers thereto annexed, were given.
1. Where (and in what year) were you born?
Answer. I was born in the County of Goochland in Virginia, on the 13th day of July, 1748.
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Answer. I have in an old Bible, which is at home.
3. Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, (and where do you now live)?
Answer. I lived in the County of Amherst which is now the County of Nelson, (and have resided there ever since).
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, (and if a substitute, for whom)?
Answer. The first tour, I volunteered, the three last I was drafted.
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 service)?
Answer. General Washington, General Lafayette, General Morgan (and General Wayne), were in command of the troops where I served. I have no recollection of the number of any regiment except the 2 d Regiment of Virginia Militia. There are no particular circumstances that I recollect attending my service, except my being within hearing of the firing when General Wayne made an unsuccessful attack upon the British army near James River, with great disparity of force.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; (and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it)?
Answer. I received a discharge at the end of each tour, first from Captain Nicholas Lebeil 2 d from Captain Christian, 3 d from Captain James Sampson & 4 th from Captain John Loving, all of which I have lost.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known, in your present neighbourhood, (and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier)?
Answer. William Allen & Joseph Matthews (and many others).
This day Joseph Matthews personally appeared in open Court (and testified, that he knew that William Harris the foregoing applicant, served a tour of duty of three months in the Militia of Virginia in the year 1781, during the Revolutionary war, (and was among the troops stationed at York town, during the siege at that place.
We William Allen (and Joseph Matthews residing in the County of Nelson State of Virginia, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Harris, who has subscribed (and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him

to be Eighty four years, that he is reputed (and believed) in the neighbourhood 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.
William Allen Joseph Matthews.
State of Virginia } County of Nelson } Court:
On this the fourth day of October one thousand eight hundred & thirty two. Nathan Crawford personally appeared before me James Woods for a Justice of the Peace for the aforesaid County (and after being first duly sworn said that himself (and William Harris) marched together from the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia in the time of the revolutionary war (and went below Richmond to the Town of Williamsburg) where they served a short time of duty as volunteers two Companies of Militia having been regularly ordered out from the said County of Amherst the place of which Companies we filled and farther this affiant saith not. Sworn and subscribed to the day and year above affixed.
Nathan Crawford
I James Woods a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the above named Nathan Crawford who has sworn and subscribed to the above affidavit is a man whose statements are entitled to full credit (and from inability produced by old age I consider unable to attend Court. Given under my hand and seal this fourth day of October 1832.
James Woods for
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 William Allen and Joseph Matthews who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the County of Nelson (and are credible persons (and that their statement is entitled to credit as a part of the record.
In testimony whereof I Spotswood Garland Clerk of the said County do hereto set my hand and affix the seal of my Office this 15th day of November 1832 (and the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Sp. Garland

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
aws
March 14, 1924.
Maude H. Beckham, Farmville, Va.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6956, it appears that William Harris was born July 13, 1748 in Goochland County, Virginia, and resided in Amherst County, Virginia, when he enlisted in the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension, for thirteen months service as a private in the Virginia Troops, on his application executed October 22, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Nelson County, Virginia.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Owing to lack of clerical force available for such a purpose, only two reports are furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Wm Harris
va.
No. 25782.
Collins as a private of 13mo $43.33

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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. These 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, showing the Service of William Orris
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sept 1746 vol. 4 Pri. 84 years   1777 drafted 3 " Col. Lindley Amherst Co. Va. Traditionary   1780 " 3 " Col. Richardson Witness -   1781 " 3 "  
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) _____, who has 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place-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.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev. War
6956
INVALID.
File No. 6956
Wm Harris
Pris Rev War
Act: June 7th 82
Index: — Vol. 15 , Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1924-Mch. 14. Hist to Maude H. Beckhane - See letter in William Harris S. 8686 awj.

Virginia 12.835
Wm Harris
of Nelson in the State of Virginia who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Cabell of the Regt commanded by Col: Lindsey in the Virginia line for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 st day of May '33 Lovington C.H. Va and sent S. Garland
Arrears to the 14th of March '33 - 86. 66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept - 21. 66 1/2 $108.32 1/2
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E. Vol. 6. Page 12

Wm Harris,
(Ex. d)
25/82

Virginia.
At a Court of Monthly Session held for Nelson County at the Courthouse on the 22nd day of October 1832. —
State of Virginia County of Nelson } ss.
On this 22nd day of October in the year 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Justices of the Court of Nelson County now sitting, William Harris a resident of the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia, aged Eighty four 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 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. He entered the service some time in the month of September in the year as well as he recollects 1776 and served four months as a volunteer under the command of Col. Joseph Cabell, Captain Nicholas Cabell and Lieutenant Nathan Crawford, he was first marched to Richmond and from thence to Williamsburg where he was discharged, he was not in any battle during that tour. That he was drafted some time in the month of April 1777 and served a tour of three months under the command of a Col. Lindsey, Captain Christian and Lieutenant James Higginbotham, was stationed at the Nottin Hills where he was discharged, was in no battle during that tour. He was again drafted some time in the year 1780 and served a tour of three months under the command of a Col. Richerson, Captain James Lamplim, Lieutenant Joseph Staples and Ensign Thomas Smith, he was stationed near the same Nottin Hills and was there discharged, he was drafted a third time and served a fourth tour of three months under the command of Capt. John Loving and Lieutenant Abraham Gray in the year 1781 and was discharged at Yorktown shortly after the siege, he was present at the siege, but the Corps to which he was attached was not actually engaged, he received regular and honorable discharges at the end of each tour, but has lost them. He resided during the time aforesaid in the then County of Amherst, now Nelson, where he has ever since and still resides. He marched direct from the said County to Richmond during each tour and from thence to the place where he was discharged. He recollects the number of only one regiment to which he was attached and that was the second Regiment of Virginia Militia. He has no particular acquaintance with any of the Officers of the regular army, but frequently saw Generals Washington, Lafayette, Wayne and Morgan. He saw Lord Cornwallis surrender his sword after the surrender of Yorktown. That he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person who can testify to the whole service herein stated, but that a certain Joseph Matthews can testify to his services of one tour.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. William Harris.

The following interrogatories were propounded by the Court to the said William Harris the applicant to which the answers thereto annexed, were given.
1 Where (and in what year) were you born?
Answer. I was born in the County of Goochland in Virginia, on the 13th day of July, 1748.
2 Have you any record of your age: and if so, where is it?
Answer. I have in an old Bible, which is at home.
3 Where were you living when called into service: Where have you lived since the revolutionary war (and where do you now live)?
Answer. I lived in the County of Amherst which is now the County of Nelson (and have resided there ever since).
4 How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, (and if a substitute, for whom)?
Answer. The first tour, I volunteered, the three last I was drafted.
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 service)?
Answer. General Washington, General Lafayette, General Morgan (and General Wayne, were in command of the troops where I served. I have no recollection of the number of any regiment except the 2 d Regiment of Virginia Militia. There are no particular circumstances that I recollect attending my service, except my being within hearing of the firing when General Wayne made an unsuccessful attack upon the British army near James River, with great disparity of force.
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; (and if so, by whom was it given, (and what has become of it)?
Answer. I received a discharge at the end of each tour, first from Captain Nicholas Lebelee 2 d from Captain Lehrushaw, 3 d from Captain James Samplin & 4 th from Captain John Loving, all of which I have lost.
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known, in your present neighbourhood, (and who can testify as to your character for veracity, (and their belief of your services as a soldier)?
Answer. William Allen & Joseph Matthews (and many others).
This day Joseph Matthews personally appeared in open Court (and testified, that he knew that William Harris the foregoing applicant, served a tour of duty of three months in the Militia of Virginia in the year 1781, during the Revolutionary war, (and was among the troops stationed at York town, during the siege at that place.
We William Allen (and Joseph Matthews residing in the County of Nelson State of Virginia, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Harris, who has subscribed (and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him

to be Eighty four years, that he is reputed (and believes) in the neighbourhood 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.
William Allen Joseph Matthews.
State of Virginia } County of Nelson } Court:
On this the fourth day of October One thousand eight hundred & thirty two. Nathan Crawford personally appeared before me James Woods Jr. a Justice of the Peace for the aforesaid County, (and after being first duly sworn said that himself (and William Kearns) marched together from the County of Amherst in the State of Virginia in the time of the revolutionary war (and went below Richmond to the Town of Williamsburg) where they served a short time of duty as volunteers two Companies of Militia having been regularly ordered out from the said County of Amherst the place of which Companies we filled, and farther this affiant saith not. Sworn and subscribed to the day and year above affixed.
Nathan Crawford
I James Woods a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nelson in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the above named Nathan Crawford who has sworn and subscribed to the above affidavit is a man whose statements are entitled to full credit (and from inability produced by old age, I consider unable to attend Court. Given under my hand and seal this fourth day of October 1832.
James Woods Jr. (seal)
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 William Allen and Joseph Matthews who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the County of Nelson (and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit as a copy of the record.
In testimony whereof I Spotswood Garland Clerk of the said County do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of my Office this 15th day of November 1832. (and the 57th year of the Commonwealth.
Sp. Garland (seal)

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
awt
March 14, 1924.
Maude H. Beckham, Farmville, Va.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6956, it appears that William Harris was born July 13, 1748 in Goochland County, Virginia, and resided in Amherst County, Virginia, when he enlisted in the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension, for thirteen months service as a private in the Virginia Troops, on his application executed October 22, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Nelson County, Virginia.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Owing to lack of clerical force available for such a purpose, only two reports are furnished each inquirer.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Wm Harris
va.
No. 25782.
Collins as a private of 13mo $43.33

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 William Davis
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sept 1776 vol. 4 Pri. 84 years   1779 drafted 3 " Col. Lindley Amherst Co. Va. Traditionary   1780 " 3 " Col. Richardson Witness -   1781 " 3 "  
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) _____, who has 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Perhans
6956 INVALID.
File No. 6956
Wm Harris
Pris New War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 of , Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1924-Mch. 14-14-14 to Maude H. Beckhane - See letter in William Harris S. 86 96 aut.