Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,971, Richard Hackney, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Hackney, Richard
S. 6.971
CONTENTS
carded

Virginia 12.9/4
Richard Hackney
Fluranna in the State of Virginia who was a spin: in the company comm: by Captain Tyler of the Regt comm: by col. Mathews in the Virginia for 12 months
inscribed on the Roll of Virginia the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of June '33 and sent applicant to the care of Jas. Stevens Orange Co. Va.
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 — 80 Femi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. — 20 $100
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, of E. Vol. 6. Page 12
See letter 25 June '34 to Mr. J. M. Patton
See letter 15 Oct 34 to
Pension July 9 1831 to the letter to Rep. — See letter to
Chapman July 16 th let: 26 th Aug 1836 to Mr. Patton do. do. Dec 8-1836 letter to Wm. P. Powell May 2/50

State of Virginia Fluvanna county } To wit:
On this 27 th day of November personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the court of the said county of Fluvanna now sitting Richard Vackey a resident of the said county in the state of Virginia aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer, & served as herein stated. In the years 1777 & 1778 he resided in the county of Elizabeth city near the town of Hampton during these years he was often called into service as a militia-man, upon every appearance of the British vessels in James River. and some times he continued a week, some times two weeks & some times a month in service before he was discharged, the whole time which he spent in this kind of service was probably four months. From Elizabeth city he moved to the county of Caroline; & from that county in the fall of the year 1779 he marched as a militia-

- man under the command of Captain John Tyler served two months in & about Williamsburg. He was there discharged. In the early part of the year he served as a militia man - under the command of Captain Kelly for two months he was then employed in marching up & down the margin of James River watch- ing the movements of the enemy. He was discharged at Malvin Hills, during the same year. He served another tour of two months under the command of in & about the city of Richmond, at the time that the British landed there & burned the tobacco were there in Manchester. He thinks it was in latter part of the year 1781. He marched from the County of Caroline as a militia man under the command of Col. Saml. Temple to Malvin Hills below the city of Richmond. There joined the army under Genl. La Fayette & marched to Little York where he remained until after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, in which tour he served two months he was then discharged. During one of these tours he was at Williamsburg when Col. Arnold landed at Burwell's Ferry, & as the British marched into the town he with the Ame- rican Army marched out, the next morning

he with a body of one hundred volunteers under the command of Maj. Armistead made an attack on the British about day break & continued firing upon them for about two hours when Maj. Armistead party retired. Col. Mathews was the commanding officer at this time; Col. Innis he thinks was however the principal Commander. He has no documentary evidence of his service, nor does he now know of any person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid. Rich d Hackney
We George Rhodes and John Napier residing in the county of Surry hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Richard Hackney who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years old; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. George F. Rhodes, his mark John Napier

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter & after perusing the interrogatories presented by the War Department. That the within named Richard H. Hackney was a Revolutionary Soldier beloved by his State, and the Court further believes that it appears letter from Genl Rhodes & John Brown who have signed the within certificates are residents of the County and are persons who are entitled to credit.
Geo Stillman Pres
I Abraham Shepherd Jr Clerk of the County Court of Macon County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Hackney, for a pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 27 day of November 1832
Abra. Shepherd Jr C.C. By Wm. C. Shepherd D.C.

Ms. A. 9. 2. 10. 16 The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Vol. I
And L. Patten

George Trible of Spotsylvania Spotsylvania County and State of Virginia do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Richard Hackney of the County. I was in the sale aforesaid there that we were raised boys in the same neighbourhood in the County of County of Caroline and that we belonged to the same Militia Company during the revolutionary war which was commanded by Capt John Tyler and do further certify that the said Richard Hackney was called to serve a term in the Militia and marched from home but how long he remained in service I cannot recollect. say three months I was in our way heard the story of November 1833 George Trible
I George Mason of Caroline County and State of Virginia do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with Richard Hackney in the time of the Revolutionary war and lived in same Neighbour- hood in the County of Caroline who at this time is a resident of Spotsylvania County and do further certify that as well as I recollect in year 1779 we was called in in the service under Capt John Tyler and marched to Williamsburg where we was stationed until Genl. Arnold landed his forces at Burwell's Ferry on James River and came to Williamsburg as Arnold marched in we marched out and marched some small distance above Williamsburg that Evening to camp. Next morning May 19th. - Arnold got leave of the commanding officer to get out of Ridgmont 450 Volunteers and go back to Williamsburg to give Arnold surprise and did so and I well recollect that Richard Hackney was one of that marched with that party and returned to us that Evening we then marched and camped on the Pamunkey at Ruskin's Ferry and in

then March, etc, and Capt. D. Monrooke at Rufus ferry, and is continued on to Richmond and continued there until after Arnold came to Manchester and burnt the fort and we was discharged from that Fort at Richmond and don't Recalled of being with Harkness only that four of six months I was in Det my hand this 20 Nov 1833 George Mason
Spotsylvania County To Wit This day George Mason a man of fair charac- ter and sound mind personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid and made oaths that the above certIFICATE contains the truth from end to My hand this 20 day of November 1833 H. Fulcher
Spotsylvania County To Wit This day Benjamin Mason of Fairhaven and sound mind personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid and made oaths that the within certificate contains a true statement given under my hand this the 28 day of November 1833 H. Fulcher
State of Virginia
Spotsylvania County to wit Richard L. Stevenson clerk of Spotsylvania County Court do hereby certify that M. H. Fulcher who has signed the foregoing certificate was at the time of signing the same and now is an acting justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid duly commis- sioned and qualified according to law, and that the within is a true and correct copy of the original thereof. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 28th day of Novem- ber 1833 R. L. Stevenson cc.

Synod of Conn 5 to Wis
This day George Troble a worthy respectable man of sound mind personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the Conn 5 upon oath and made oath to the within Certificate given my hand this 27 day of November 1833
P. H. Tutchen

and John Paton
The State of ... was raised in the same neighborhood in the County of Caroline with Richard Hackney who is at this time a resident of Savannah: and do further certify that I knew of his being a resident of Hampton in 1777 and 1778 and that he returned to the County of Caroline where he was raised in 1779. and do further certify that the said Hackney was called in three towns of the Militia Service and marched from home: and that one of the towns I saw  marched with him, which was at the Siege of York: we were separated. Hackney on the York side: and was stationed on the Gloucester side of the river James under my hand this the 28th day of November 1833 Benjamin Mason

Orange C. Ill.
June 13
Ill
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

Orange Courthouse 12 th June - 1833
Sir
Inclosed I send you your letter directed to the Hon J. M. Patton with respect to my papers in your office being misplaced, as it could not be found. The papers at that time was sent back accompanied with a brief, in the Clerks office of Shenandoah County for further proof or explanation which is done so far as I could do it, unless I could lose the deed - I am a very old man and poor & my situation deplorable, pray my Dear Son, pardon me for troubling you & be pleased to let me hear from you so soon as you can, your letter or papers to me, at this place . The care of Mr. Joseph Stephens
I have the Honor to be your M c Ob d & Very H b Serv t
Rich d H. Harkness
My own hand write

Richard Hackney va
11 am

Nov 18. V.A.
12 1/2
Hono. George Wm Brown Jr. Acting Commr. Pensions
Mr. P. —

Sir,
Orange Court House 16 th November 1835
Your letter dated 9 th July 1835 I have received and observe, the Rules of your office forbid the return of papers after being filed. it was an error on my part to send them before I made out a new declaration, that error may be corrected by letting me have a copy of them, you say I must first make out my declaration and then seek for the best proof. I can give all the proof that is positive by giving witnesses is contained in those affidavits filed in your office, and without them affidavits I can't make out a declaration you say losing my memory is my misfortune. I hope that will not be a bar against my having the benefit of them, if so it will be a misfortune in deed, poor as I am and a foreigner -
I folded in those Affidavits of Continental Money $1048 - which may have been overlooked, will you be so kind to examine them for me and see if they are still there, the intention of sending the money. I thought might be some proof of my being old enough to act for myself, and thinking at one day it might be worth something
I have the Honour to be yr. Ob d Serv t Rich d Hackney

July 14 Va.
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, War Department, Washington City
Richd. H. Harkness

Crangourthouse 12 th July 1836.
Sir:
I have to trouble you in behalf of a near neighbour and most worthy man, old Mr. Richard Hackney.
He has received a pension under the act of 1832, for twelve months service only, when he actually served, as he informs me, and as he says the testimony heretofore forwarded by him to the Department, proves 21 months , exclusive of about 19 months , (in what was called the minute service in the neighbourhood of the town of Hampton in this state) in guarding the Banks of Danes River, which the British vessels were frequently ascending.
He cannot account for the error unless it was in drawing his declaration, which was not done by himself, nor if there was an error in that, how it occurred.
I think I can probably solve the mystery. With other infirmities, he is exceedingly deaf so much so, that it is difficult to make him understand a question, and of course to comprehend him.
The favour I am to ask of you is, to forward to me, as early as convenient, a copy of his declaration (of which no copy was retained) and copies of the affidavits of George Mason, Benjamin Mason and George Dible forwarded by him to the Department. I want them to enable me to draw a supplemental declaration for the do gentleman; which it would be very difficult to do without these papers, for the reason stated above. Mr. Hackney has resided in this place for several

years, during which time I have been well acquainted with him; and I can with perfect propriety say, that I never knew a worthier or more respectable man: and our whole community think of him as I do. He brought with him from the County of Milwaukee, an unspotted character, which he has supported under its penalty.
Mr. Hackmeyer's infirmities and poverty (for with the exception of the pittance he receives from the government he is dependent upon a friend for support) and the distance the witnesses before referred to, reside from here, put it out of his power to procure affidavits here. Begging you to pardon this, should this will pass an early answer. I am very truly for your most obedt.
Reynold Chapman

Appertaining to the Estates of D. Hackney Esq.
Virginia

Sir
He Reps Nov 19 th Dec 1833
The enclosed paper in relation to the application of Richard Hackney is is referred to you and I respectfully ask that you will give them your early attention and apprise me of the result.
I am my respectfully W. O. D. S. S. James Patton

Revhan
6971
INVALID.
No. 6971
Richard Bachney
Pri New War
Act: June 7 th 82
Ex:—Vol. 1 st , Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Richard Hackney's supplemental Declaration
John Patton
in at
Am. J. M. Patton
RR
Dec 7 th

On this 29 th day of November 1836 personally appeared in open court, before the court of Orange County, now sitting, being a court of record, Richard Stackney a resident of the said County and State of Virginia, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832, That in the year 1833 being then a resident of the county of Fluvanna in the state aforesaid, he did before the court of that county make a declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the before recited act of Congress, in which declaration certain services of his in the war of the Revolution were set forth and the same was forwarded to the War Department and upon consideration of which by said Department the applicant was placed upon the Pension Roll of the agency of Virginia at the rate of forty dollars per annum. That subsequent to the making of the said declaration, after diligent search and inquiry he ascertained that some of his old fellow soldiers to wit, Geo: Mason Benjamin Mason and George Tible were then living, by whom he could prove most of his services, That he sought them out at great trouble and labour to himself and obtained their affidavits which he forwarded to the War Department at Washington with the hope and expectation that upon their testimony his pension would be augmented, but inasmuch as he

14 2 he was disappointed - the regulations of the Department requiring that he should make a new declaration in open court and assert the whole claim. He said Richard Hackney therefore, in open court, on oath makes the following declaration, in addition to his former one, to which he refers upon file in the Department of War, and which he hereby redeclares - That from his advanced age and consequent natural decay of mind, his recollection will not at this late period enable him to state with precision and in detail his services in the Revolutionary war, which at the time of making his former declaration were omitted because of his want of perfect recollection and believing that he could not then obtain evidence to establish them - but after a conversation with the old soldiers before mentioned aided by his own reflections, he is now enabled to state and in support of which he refers to the affidavits of the said George Mason, Benjamin Mason and George Trible upon file in the War Department - That in March 1777 to the best of his recollection, he joined a company of Minute Men in the County of Elizabeth City commanded by Capt Edward Mallory, which Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Rives King - That the said Company, himself included, were frequently called into service at Old Point Comfort and particularly when an enemy's vessel appeared in Hampton Roads and were continued in service as long as the enemy remained in the Roads or in James River - The whole time he continued in this service, he cannot at this time undertake to state positively, because of the frailty of his recollection

but he will state a circumstance perfectly within his recollection, which may serve to fix the time he was actually in the service before spoken of - it is this - In November 1776 he, the applicant, visited an uncle of his then residing within two or three miles of the Town of Hampton and whilst upon that visit, he undertook to manage as overseer, the business of Mrs Ann Wallis living on Back river near Hampton at the rate of two hundred dollars per annum - That whilst in the service of Mrs Wallis he joined the company of Minute Men before mentioned - That his contract continued with Mrs Wallis two years at the rate aforesaid, and at the expiration of that time upon a settlement with her he received only two hundred dollars as his wages - she refusing to pay the other two hundred dollars, alleging as the reason that he was so much absent from her business in the service of the Government - that the United States would pay him at the rate of eight dollars per month and that it was not right that he should receive pay from both - from these circumstances he verily believes and so states that he was in the army of the Revolution in the service aforesaid twelve months and upwards - That he received his discharge from the said service from the said Col King, which discharge he has lost - that he has no documentary evidence to support his application and that he knows of no persons other than the said George Mason, Benjamin Mason & George Trice.

4 whose affidavits are referred to, who could prove any part of his services. The former of whom, he has lately been informed and believes, is dead, and the residences of the other two, if alive are unknown to him. and for a further declaration of his services he again refers to the said affidavits and requests that they may be taken as a part of this declaration. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state but that of the agency of the state of Virginia.
Richard Hackney
Mr Reynolds Chapman W m Chapman & J. Stephens residing in the county of Orange and state of Virginia hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Richard Hackney who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age; 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 in open court.
Reynolds Chapman
W m Chapman
Joseph Stephens
And the said County Court of Orange do hereby declare it as their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that Richard Hackney was a Revolutionary soldier and served as his state. And the said Court doth further certify, that Reynolds Chapman, William Chapman & Joseph Stephens, who have signed and sworn to the foregoing certificate, are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to the highest

credit. and further that these are the Original papers in the matter of the application of Richard Hackney before us for an increase of pension.
I, Reynolds Chapman, Clerk of the County Court of Orange, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Richard Hackney for an increase of pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this second day of December, one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, in the 61 st year of the commonwealth.
Reynolds Chapman, D. Clk. Orange County Court.

State of Virginia
Fluvanna County to wit
On this 27 th day of May 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the justices of the court of the said County of Fluvanna now sitting Richard Hackney, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration supplemental to one heretofore made by him before the said court, on the 27 th day of November last, which upon being forwarded to the War Department of the United States has been returned for defects in form, proof &c. which said declaration was made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 th 1832. In addition to the facts therein contained he further states that he was born in 1759 in the county of Caroline -- and State of Virginia, has no record of his age, and that if any was ever made, he is entirely ignorant, when and where it has been kept; that for the first four months of his service, which he now states positively to have been for that period of time, he was in the minute service; under the Command of Col. Malory and was liable to be called out during the years 1777 & 1778, and that for the residue of his service through the years '79, 80 & 81, he was regularly drafted, and served until he was regularly discharged. The whole time for which he served being twelve months, unless he should be considered as in actual service, during the time, he was enrolled as a minute man, which would increase his service to a period of more than two years. During the time computed at twelve months, he was engaged in no civil

pursuit whatsoever. During the whole of his term of service, he was a private. in '79 Capt Tyler's company to which he belonged, was under the command of Col Matthews, in the early part of '80 he was whilst in Captain Kelly's company under the command, of Col Nelson, to the best of his recollection and belief; in the latter part of that year he was in a company commanded by Capt Stuart, and Col Temple and Major Armistead were field officers - one or the other certainly and probably both, according to the best of his recollection. During his service in '78 he was a member of Capt Tyler's company, attached to the command of Col Temple as stated in first declaration. The length of time which has elapsed since these occurrences, and the expectation heretofore entertained that these minutiae of the service could be of no importance prevents that accuracy which would otherwise accompany this statement, together with the many terms of service through a period of nearly five years, all of which were under different officers and the loss of all papers connected with the service by this declarant. He has no documentary evidence of his services, and after enquiry he is confident that none can be obtained, from any living witness who can testify as to his services. He further states that he has known George Rhodes and John Napier of Fluvanna for a length of time. The first (wh. was a soldier of the revolution, and has been receiving a pension from the United States for several years) for something like forty years and the latter about fifty years, who have lived in his neighbourhood many years. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and

declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Richd. Hackney
We, Barnett G. Payne, John Napier, and George Rhodes, a clergyman  a clergyman  Walter Timberlake residing in the County of Fluvanna, and State of Virginia, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Richard Hackney, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age; 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
Walter G. Payne
W. Timberlake. —
John Napier George Rhodes mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 Walter Timberlake who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the County of Fluvanna, and that Barnett G. Payne, George Rhodes and John Napier who have also signed the same are residents in the County of Fluvanna, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit

I Abraham Shepherd Jun r — clerk of the court of Fluvanna, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Richard Hackney for a pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the county court of Fluvanna, this 29 th day of May 1833
Abra. Shepherd jr C.S.O