Brother Jonathans Images, No.

10
No. 10. Vergers Virginia Rifleman
Artist: Jean-Baptiste-Antoine de Verger, Sublieutenant, Royal Deux-Ponts
Regiment.
Year: 1781
Collection: Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University.

Virginia Rifleman, 1781

Contents
1. Background
2. Virginia Rifleman, 1781
3. Joined Genl. [Daniel] Morgan about 36 hours before the Battle at the
Cowpens: Riflemen in the Carolina Campaigns, 1780-1781 (sources)
4. My riflemen, their faces smeared with charcoal, make the woods resound
with their yells : The Marquis de Lafayettes 1781 Summer Virginia
Campaign
5. The American riflemen insulted the outposts, whilst a body of continentals
advanced : British Accounts of the Green Spring Action
6. My brave boys give them one more fire : Riflemen Pension Narratives,
1781 Virginia Campaign
For a study of riflemen at the Yorktown siege see:
William W. Reynolds, The Virginia Militia at the Siege of Yorktown, Military
Collector & Historian, Vol. 67, no. 2 (Summer 2015), 168-186.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/283544605/William-W-Reynolds-The-Virginia-Militiaat-the-Siege-of-Yorktown-Military-Collector-Historian-Vol-67-no-2-Summer-2015168-186
For early and mid-war rifle troops see:
Brother Jonathans Images, No. 9, Virginia Rifleman, Richard St George Mansergh St
George, 52d Regiment of Foot, 1777
https://www.scribd.com/doc/245356391/Brother-Jonathan-s-Images-No-9-StGeorge-s-Virginia-Rifleman-Artist-Richard-St-George-Mansergh-St-George-52dRegiment-of-Foot-1777-Collection

Sublieutenant Jean-Baptiste-Antoine de Verger, Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment, of Lt.

Gen. JeanBaptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeaus army was nineteen
years old on 7 November 1781, his natal day. Having survived the assault on
Redoubt Number 9 (night of 14-15 October) on the left of the British Yorktown
defenses, he also had recently witnessed the surrender of Lt. Gen. Charles Earl
Cornwalliss army on 19 October. He wrote of that day in his journal:
The French and American armies formed in line of battle on either side of the road
by which the English troops were to march out, beginning at the old trenches and
following the lines to the American redoubt. The English came out of the town at
noon with drums beating and colors cased, in the following order: a battalion of Foot
Guards; the Third Foot; Seventeenth Foot; Twenty-third Foot; Thirty-third Foot;
Forty-third Foot; the Highlanders: Seventy-first, Seventy-sixth, Eightieth; and the
garrison of Gloucester: the Queens Rangers (light infantry), the British (or
Tarletons) Legion; Germans: the Erbprinz and von Bose regiments of Hesse; the
Anspach and von Seybothen regiments of Anspach.

Detail of the Yorktown Surrender (1781), 1786 gouache painting by Louis-Nicholas

van Blarenberghe; exhibited at Chteau de Rochambeau.
(Entire painting on following page) van Blarenberghe, The Surrender at Yorktown
(executed in 1785 and 1786)

Details from two miniature paintings of the Yorktown surrender, also by LouisNicholas Van Blarenberghe . (See below for background information and images of
the entire paintings.)

Miniature painting: The Surrender at Yorktown

1785
Artist: Louis-Nicholas Van Blarenberghe (1716-1794)
After work by: Louis-Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815)
After work by: Charles-Louis Berthier (1759-1783)
Origin: Europe, France, Paris
Framed: 3 1/8"
Gouache on paper; gilt-metal frame
Museum Purchase
Acc. No. 2003-8,1 and Acc. No. 2003-8,2
These meticulously rendered watercolors depict the Siege and Surrender of
Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. Based on drawings by Alexandre
and Csar Berthier, eye-witnesses to the battles and draftsmen under Rochambeau,
each miniature measures only 3 1/8 inches in diameter and illustrates over 300
individual figures.
Label: This miniature painting (one of a pair) depicts the 1781 surrender of British
troops to American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia, a development that
effectively ended the Revolutionary War. Few contemporary views of the event are
known. Louis-Nicolas van Blarenberghe or his son Henri-Joseph painted this one and
its mate in Paris in 1785. Both pictures were likely based on sketches by draftsmen
Louis-Alexandre and Charles-Louis Berthier, brothers who served under the French
General Rochambeau and were eyewitnesses to the surrender. The Berthier's
sketches were sent to the French court where they were available to the van
Blarenberghes. The painting shown here is just over three inches in diameter, but
meticulously illustrates hundreds of individual figures.
(Taken from "Just Arrived" CW Journal)
Provenance: S.J. Phillips, Ltd., London, 1973
Dr. Anton C.R. Dreesmann
Christie's London, April 2002, Lot. 752
Private Collector (sold to CWF via Robert Hunter)
Inscription(s): Signed and dated: "van Blarenberghe 1785" on lower left of card.
http://emuseum.history.org/view/objects/asitem/Objects@68761/0?t:state:flow=e
a46c251-20dc-4ad1-870e-59f78ce543a0
http://emuseum.history.org/view/objects/asitem/classification@16/258/displayDa
te-desc?t:state:flow=83a1605e-3835-4c0c-9841-6cd5acaef99b

Jean-Baptiste-Antoine de Verger, Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment, self-portrait.

__________________________________________________

De Verger today is best known as the soldier-artist who created colored drawings
of four American soldiers (three Continentals and one Virginia militiaman) in late
1781 or early 1782; possibly the best and best-known set of eyewitness renderings
of Revolutionary soldiers. (See image on following page. The three remaining
soldiers will be discussed in future Brother Jonathan installments.)

Two of four Continental soldiers drawn in late 1781 or early 1782 by French Sublieutenant
Jean-Baptiste-Antoine de Verger, Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment. The soldier on the left has long
been thought to be from the Rhode Island Regiment of 1781, the next in line of Hazens
Canadian Regiment. Another version, found in French officer Baron Ludwig von Closens
journal, is headed Costumer de lArm Amricaine en 1782. Closens copy notes that the
left-hand soldier belongs to a Massachusetts Continental regiment, that to his right a New
Jersey regiment. Since de Verger was the artist, his descriptions are deemed more accurate.
Howard C. Rice and Anne S.K. Brown, eds. and trans., The American Campaigns of Rochambeau's
Army 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, vol. I (Princeton, N.J. and Providence, R.I.,: Princeton University
Press, 1972), between pages 142-143 (description on page xxi). Anne S.K. Brown Military
Collection, Brown University. Sidney Kaplan, The Black Presence in the Era of the American
Revolution, 1770-1800 (Greenwich, Ct.: New York Graphic Society, Ltd. in Association with the
Smithsonian Institution Press, 1973), 42.

________________________________

The rifleman pictured by Sublieutenant de Verger was undoubtedly a member of

the Virginia militia, those being the only rifle-armed troops serving under Maj. Gen.
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette in the summer
campaign, and at Yorktown in September and October.
The man in the drawing wears what looks to be a flat-crowned hat, with a black or
black and white band, topped by three feathers of blue, black (or dark green), and
red. His hair comes only to the nape of his neck, and around that neck is a black
stock or neckerchief. His clothing consists of a short hunting shirt, with a single
cape, and gaitered trousers (overalls). He also wears at his hip a brown leather
hunting pouch, with an unidentified object attached to the brown belting across his
chest. A slung powder horn tops his pouch, and a tomahawk hangs from his pouch
or the attached belt. The rifle he carries has a carrying sling, an item usually not
associated with that weapon. (For detailed information on hunting shirts see, Neal

Thomas Hurst, Kind of armour, being peculiar to America: The American Hunting
Shirt,
http://www.academia.edu/3336557/_kind_of_armour_being_peculiar_to_Ame
rica_The_American_Hunting_Shirt )
De Verger goes into detail concerning riflemen only once in his journal:
The English suffered quite a lot from the American riflemen, some of whom are very
expert marksmen with the carbine [long rifle]. They never faced the enemy as a unit,
but individually, hiding from bush to bush until they brought their quarry within
range; then they picked off a sentry and, having fired, fled as fast as their legs could
carry them. They rarely missed their mark. I learned from an Anspach officer that
the day we arrived [Verger disembarked from shipboard on the James River on 18
September 1781] the riflemen killed 8 sentries in this fashion. When the English
catch them, they give them no quarter. One day we saw one coming back after killing
a sentry on the parapet of a redoubt the previous night. He had been caught by a
patrol who disarmed him and would have beaten him to death had he not been
rescued by an American patrol. (p. 152)

In his excellent article The Virginia Militia at the Siege of Yorktown,

William W. Reynolds adds further details gleaned from pension accounts.
Several counties sent rifle companies to Yorktown that proved troublesome
to the British. Early in the siege, militiaman Major Groom observed the
British to retreat from a battery on a small creek below the town due to
the action of rifle men [who] approached under cover within gun shot.
John Dickenson belonged to a rifle company and upon occasion himself and
fourteen others volunteered their services to anoy the enemies picket guard
by crossing unperceived behind a hedge within about one hundred and fifty
yard of where they were stationed; they succeeded in killing a number
before [being] discerned by the enemy when they fired a cannon loaded with
canister and grape shot, which happily done them no other injury except to
cut up the hedge and destroy their place of concealment. Christopher Liner
and others of the rifle corps were employed in watching the bank of the
river above Yorktown, and annoying all that made their appearance within
reach of his rifle. During the last days of the siege, Royal Jennings recalled
we advanced so near them that if we could see a small opening we could
[throw] a rifle ball into the fort. Patrick Sinnett stated that at this siege I
believe I shot the last man that was killed on the enemies entrenchment at
the setting of the sun the night before Cornwallis sent out his flagg to
surrender. (See page 176 of William W. Reynolds, The Virginia Militia at
the Siege of Yorktown, Military Collector & Historian, Vol. 67, no. 2 (Summer
2015), 168-186.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/283544605/William-W-Reynolds-TheVirginia-Militia-at-the-Siege-of-Yorktown-Military-Collector-HistorianVol-67-no-2-Summer-2015-168-186 )

American siege works and British defenses, including Redoubts 9 and 10,
Colonial National Monument, Yorktown Battlefield, Virginia (section),
1:25,000-scale topographic map of Colonial National Historical Park, Virginia
(Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1981)
(Following page) Siege of Yorktown (1781), 1784 gouache painting by LouisNicholas van Blarenberghe; held by Muse National de Versailles.

Detail of the Siege of Yorktown (1781), 1784 gouache painting by Louis-Nicholas van
Blarenberghe; held by Muse National de Versailles.

Note: Louis-Nicholas van Blarenberghe executed two scenic paintings of The Siege of
Yorktown: in 1784 for the king, Louis XVI, and a near replica in 1786 for the comte de
Rochambeau. The detail shown above is from the 1784 painting; Blarenberghe also
painted The Surrender at Yorktown (executed in 1785 and 1786) for the same
patrons. These works are discussed in volume two of the Howard C. Rice and Anne
S.K. Brown work The American Campaigns of Rochambeau's Army 1780, 1781, 1782,
1782, 2 volumes (Princeton and Providence, 1972).
Blarenberghe was a professional painter of battle and campaign scenes for the
French army. He executed his Yorktown paintings under the direct supervision of
Berthier, a skilled draftsman and former member of Rochambeau's staff in America
(1781-83).
Evidently, one of the changes Rochambeau requested for his version [detail shown
below] of the 'Siege' painting was for him to be depicted in a dress blue coat and the
more formal red waistcoat and breeches of the French senior officer's uniform. In the
1784 painting, Rochambeau wears the field-dress uniform -- Lighter blue coat [due to
the material] and off white waistcoat and breeches, which was more likely. It is upon
the 1784 Blarenberghe version [the more creditable] that Augste Couder (17891873) based his c.1836 oil painting of the 1781 Siege of the Yorktown (1781),
essentially a focused scene of the allied headquarters in front of a stylized tent.
See, Comments on famous paintings of the Siege of Yorktown (1781),
http://xenophongroup.com/mcjoynt/yrkt-z.htm

Detail of the Siege of Yorktown (1781), 1786 gouache painting by Louis-Nicholas van
Blarenberghe; exhibited at Chteau de Rochambeau,.

______________________________

Joined Genl. [Daniel] Morgan about 36 hours before the Battle at the Cowpens
Riflemen in the Carolina Campaigns, 1780-1781
While the purview of this monograph is riflemen in the 1781 Virginia campaign, some
acknowledgment should be made to rifle-armed troops in the Carolinas in 1780 and 1781.
Several of the men whose pensions are included below served at the battles of Camden,
Cowpens, or Guilford Courthouse. Here are two excellent works covering actions in which
southern riflemen played an important role:
Lawrence E. Babits, A Devil of a Whipping: The Battle of Cowpens. Chapel Hill, NC: University of
North Carolina Press, 1998
Lawrence E. Babits and Joshua Howard, Long, Obstinate, and Bloody: The Battle of Guilford
Courthouse. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2008.

My riflemen, their faces smeared with charcoal,

make the woods resound with their yells
The Marquis de Lafayettes 1781 Summer Virginia Campaign
Virginia riflemen also took part in Maj. Gen. Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du
Motier, Marquis de Lafayettes maneuvering and skirmishes against Lt. Gen. Charles,
Earl Cornwalliss forces in summer 1781. Below are a few documentary mentions of
rifle armed troops under Lafayette, and for context, links to two works that cover the
entire campaign.
Lafayette to Daniel Morgan, 21 May 1781: Richmond May 21st 1781 General
Phillipss death Having left the Command to the Infamous Arnold His Army
Consisted of 2300 Regulars Rank and file fit for duty and Has Received a Small
Reinforcement from Portsmouth. The Ennemy Have Much Cavalry and we Have
for the present forty. Our Regular force is Near 900. Our Militia are not Very Strong
upon the Returns But Much Weaker in the field. We Have not [a] Hundred
Riflemen and are in the Greatest Want of arms. (Stanley J. Idzerda, ed., Lafayette
in the Age of the American Revolution Selected Letters and Papers, 17761790, vol. III
(Ithaca, N.Y.: 1980), 118.)
__________________
Lafayettes orders:
Bozworths Ord[inar]y 10th [June] 81
The Order of the Army will generally be this; the Right under General Wayne will
Consist of the Pensylvania Brigade the first Brigade of Malitia on the left the
other in a second Line, both commanded by Genl Nelson the Light Infantry under
General Muhlenburgh will form a separate Corps to be placed agreable to
Circumstances McPhersons Corps Calls Legion & such Corps of Rifle Men or
mounted Infantry exclusive of Calls Legion as may hereafter be formed will act
upon the Flanks / by particular Order all Volunteer Dragoons Capt Pages Compy
excepted to be thrown into Calls Legion
Louisa County 14th [June] 81
Evening Orders the Arrival of a Reinforcement renders it proper to alter the
distribution of the Army the first line under Genl Wayne will be composed of the
Continental [troops] in the same order as they are arranged in the Main Army; the
second Line of the two Malitia Brigades will be under General Nelson every Brigade
will have two Pieces of Cannon; the comander of the Artilery Stores will forma Park
of Artilery & will move & incamp between the first & second Line. Calls Legion,
McPhersons Corps & all mounted & dismounted Infantry the Riflemen & every
detachd Corps will form an advanced party under Genl. Muhlenburgh
(Lt. Col. Gimat's Light Infantry Battalion, (LaFayette's and Muhlenberg's Light
Infantry Brigade), 18 May 178130 Oct 1781, New Windsor, Albemarle,
Williamsburg, Yorktown, John Hart Orderly Book, 1781, vol. 6R, American
Revolution Collection, microfilm 79956, reel 3, frames 939end; reel 4 frames 410,
Series 6, Journals and Order Books, 17751782, US/CTH/AMREV/1776/VIIX, at
the Connecticut Historical Society; frames 945 and 946.)
__________________

Lafayette to the Chevalier de La Luzerne: Camp near Pamunkey, June 16, 1781
As yet, my lord has not succeeded in bringing up into an action. For a long
time we had Tarleton entering our camp two hours after it was abandoned. There
was not a shot fired, and the junction with the Pennsylvanians was made. I
expected that the junction would take place sooner. I expected they would be
more numerous. I expected that 500 regular troops and a corps of militia
attacked by 400 men, 200 of whom were armed with swords, would prevent their
crossing an impassable river. I am sure he [Steuben] acted for the best, but in
every respect, I have been, as we say, disappointed.
After having slipped rather fortunately between the enemy army and our
stores, we made a junction with a few riflemen. Lord Cornwallis seemed not to
like these hilly terrains and withdrew towards Richmond. We make it seem
we are pursuing him, and my riflemen, their faces smeared with charcoal,
make the woods resound with their yells; I have made them an army of devils
and have given them plenary absolution. What regular troops I have are very
good but few in number...[and] we arre much inferior to the enemy
My first line, composed of Pennsylvanians and light infantry, is commanded by
General Wayne. The second, composed of militia, is led by the new governor,
Nelson, the best that the state of Virginia could choose. The riflemen and
light troops are under General Muhlenberg, and General Weedon is at
Fredericksburg to assemble the militia from the area near the Potomac in case
of an alarm. I am expecting the baron [Steuben] and General Lawson and
Stevens, but the baron is so unpopular that I do not know where to put him.
There you have...the picture of our small corps. Lord Cornwallis has brigades
of guards, brigades of light infantry, British regiments, German regiments, I
know not how many dragoons; in a word, he has all the fine airs of an army.
They made many Whigs along their way, but almost everyone accepted paroles.
Those who refuse to bear arms will be sent to the enemy." (Idzerda, Lafayette in the
Age of the American Revolution, vol. III, )
__________________
Lafayette to George Washington:
Allens Creek 22 miles from Richmond 18h. June 1781 In Spite of every obstacle
thrown in our Way I shall Collect our Forces to a point 800 light infantry, 700
Pennsylvanians, 50 dragoons, 900 Riflemen, 2,000 Militia, and 400 New levies (the
Remaining Having deserted) will Be the Utmost Extent of forces we Can Expect. But
the Harvest time will Soon deprive us of the greatest part of the Militia. (Idzerda,
Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution, vol. III, )
_____________________

Area of operations for Cornwallis and Lafayette in Virginia, 1781. Henry P.

Johnston, The Yorktown Campaign and the Surrender of Cornwallis 1781 (New
York, 1881), 57.

Lafayettes army at this date [25 June 1781] was composed of about [4,500] men,
divided as follows: The Light Infantry, eight hundred effectives, under
Muhlenberg, and Waynes Pennsylvanians, [750], were the Continental veterans
equal to the best in the English army. The three Virginia militia brigades were
commanded by Generals Stevens, [650] men; Lawson, [750]; and Campbell, with
his [780] riflemen. The Virginia Continental regiment of eighteenmonths men,
commanded just now by Colonel Christian Febiger, an excellent officer, but
generally by LieutenantColonel Thomas Gaskins numbered [425]. The artillery
detachments from the Second and Fourth Continental [Artillery] Regiments was
[200] strong, with eight or ten guns. The regular cavalry was represented by only
[60] indifferent horsemen, to whom are to be added about as many volunteer
dragoons.1
Select detachments of Continentals and riflemen generally formed the advance,
led by good officers, such as a small legion of the cavalry and a few infantry
commanded by [Pennsylvania] Major William McPherson Majors Richard Call and
John Willis, two experienced officers of the Virginia line the former of the third
Continental Cavalry also commanded parties of one hundred or more good
riflemen each; while LieutenantColonel John Mercer was constantly
reconnoitring with his volunteer troop. Major Galvan, a French officer, of Voses
Massachusetts Light Infantry, had an advanced guard from his own corps. (Henry

P. Johnston, The Yorktown Campaign and the Surrender of Cornwallis 1781 (New
York, 1881), 55.)
The unit strengths listed above were provided by Col. Christian Febiger in a 3 July
1781.
Christian Febiger, col. commanding Virginia Regulars.
Camp, 20 miles from Williamsburgh, July 3d, 1781 On the 1st instant, our army,
consisting of Campbells brigade of militia, two brigades of regulars under Wayne
and Muhlenburg, five pieces of artillery in park, Stephens and Lawsons brigades of
militia, and my detachment I will give you our number as nearly as possible.
Campbells advanced brigade
Waynes brigade
Muhlenburgs brigade
Stephens brigade
Lawsons brigade
Febigers regiment
Or,
Regular infantry
Do. cavalry
Do. artillery
Total regulars
Militia, infantry
Do. cavalry

780 militia [riflemen]

750 regulars
800 do.
650 militia
750 do.
425 regulars, best
4155
1975
50
300
2325
2180
60 very bad
4565 is about our strength

 now we are disposed as follows.

General Campbell in front, near Byrds ordinary, 16 miles from Williamsburg; my
detachment four miles in his rear; Wayne and Muhlenburg about 1 miles in my
rear; and the [artillery] park and militia in their rear (Charles Campbell, ed., The
Bland Papers: Being a Selection from the Manuscripts of Colonel Theodorick Bland, Jr.
of Prince George County, Virginia. To Which Are Prefixed an Introduction and a
Memoir of Colonel Bland, 2 vols. (Petersburg: Printed by E. & J.C. Ruffin, 1843), II,
7172.)
______________________________

(The following is excerpted from `Their presence Here Has Saved this State :
Continental Provisional Battalions with Lafayette in Virginia, 1781, Part 1. `This
Detachement is Extremely Good : The Light Battalions Move South
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/light.pdf )

Following the junction with Wayne's Pennsylvanians on 10 June Lafayette's

force moved immediately towards the British under Cornwallis and encamped
the next day near the South Anna River. On 15 June Cornwallis turned his
troops towards the east and Lafayette followed. Conditions during the
subsequent marches were quite difficult. On the day the British moved off Lt.
William Feltman, Stewarts 1st Pennsylvania (Provisional) Battalion, wrote: "A
great scarcity of water, and a very fatiguing march"; the heat, sometimes
described by the soldiers as being "excessive," was repeatedly mentioned.23 On
the 26th the Continentals forced a skirmish on the Crown troops commanded by
Lt. Col. John Simcoe, Queens Rangers. From Mr. Tyrees plantation 20 miles
from Williamsburg 27 June 1781 the Marquis reported to Nathanael Greene,
On the 18th the British army moved toward us, with a design as I apprehended to
strike at a detached corps commanded by Gen: [Peter] Mulenberg. Upon this the
light infantry and Pennsylvanians marched under Gen: Wayne, when the enemy
retired into Town. The day following I was joined by Gen: [Wilhelm Friedrich de]
Steubens troops and on the night of the 20th Richmond was evacuated.
Having followed the enemy our light parties fell in with them near New Kent Court
house. The army was still at a distance, and Lord Cornwallis continued his route
towards Williamsburg. His rear and right flank were covered by a large corps
commanded by Col. Simcoe. I pushed forward a detachment under Col. [Richard]
Butler [2nd Pennsylvania Provisional Battalion] but notwithstanding a most fatiguing
march the Col. reports, that he could not have overtaken them, had not
[Pennsylvania] Major [William] Macpherson mounted 50 light infantry behind an
equal number of dragoons [elements of Armands Horse and 1st Regiment Light
Dragoons], which coming up with the enemy charged them within six miles of
Williamsburg. Such of the advanced corps as could arrived composed of
[Virginia] rifle man under Major [Richard] Call and Majr. [John] Wilis began a
smart action. Inclosed is the return of our loss. That of the enemy is about 60
killed including several officers, and one hundred wounded, a disproportion
which the skill of our rifle men easily explains. I am under great obligations to
Col. Butler, and the officers and men of the detachment, for their ardor in the
pursuit, and their conduct in the action.

Gen. Wayne who had marched to the support of Butler sent down some troops
under Major [James] Hamilton [1st Pennsylvania Provisional Battalion]. The whole
British army came out to save Simcoe, and on the arrival of our army upon this
ground retired to Williamsburg. The post they now occupy is strong, and under
protection of their shipping 24
_______________________

(See map on following page)

Plan of the Action at Spencer's House, Seven Miles from Williamsburg, by
Capt. Johann Ewald, Field Jger Corps. Inscriptions read, from bottom to top:
Below road to right: "Marshy and impenetrable wood"; "The Ranger Corps
and jgers." Along lower vertical road: "Road to James City Island or
Jamestown." Along road to right: "Cattle and provisions wagons"; "Road to
Williamsburg." Left of vertical road: "Rendezvous"; "Dragoons of the Ranger
Corps which fell upon the enemy as soon as they were sighted"; "The advanced
guard of the enemy"; "March of the enemy." Right of vertical road: "Spencer's
house"; "Ranger battalion -- Grenadiers and Light Infantry Company -- Jgers";
"Where the first action occurred"; "First disposition of the rebels"; "Area
where the second action occurred and where I came to close quarters with the
enemy"; "Second disposition of the enemy"; "Retreat of the enemy as soon as
they were informed that Lord Cornwallis was advancing with a strong
corps." Along upper vertical road: "Road from Cooper's Mill." Johann Ewald,
Diary of the American War: A Hessian Journal, Joseph P. Tustin, trans. and ed.
(New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1979), 310-311. See also
Andruss Library Special Collections, Harvey A. Andruss Library, Bloomsburg
University, 400 E. Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; (World Wide Web),
http://www.bloomu.edu/library/Archives/Maps/maplist.htm

________________________

William Macpherson, whose brother John had lost his life in the 1775 assault on
Quebec as an aide to Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery, had been a lieutenant in the
British 16th Regiment of Foot until he resigned his commission in late 1778,
escaping to the American lines. Awarded by Congress the rank of brevet major in
September 1779, Macpherson first served as Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clairs aidede
camp, then as second in command of a battalion in the 1780 Light Division. His
promotion over other Continental Army officers caused difficulties, and in 1781 he
headed to Virginia as a volunteer aide to Lafayette. Pennsylvania Lieutenant William
McDowell identified Macphersons light infantry: Capt. Ogdens company of Jersey
Troops were ordered to mount behind the same number of Dragoons, and pursued
[the enemy] and soon overtook them. The Jersey soldiers evidently came away
unscathed. American losses were noted as two lieutenants and six privates of
the light horse, and one sergeant of the riflemen killed; one light horse
captain, one rifle captain and ten riflemen wounded; one light horse
lieutenant and fourteen riflemen missing; and one sergeant and private of the
light horse captured. British losses were admitted to be three officers and thirty
privates killed and wounded.25
Lt. Col. Francis Barber told his wife of the trying campaign they had experienced thus
far,
Camp 15 miles from Williamsburgh July 3rd 1781
My dear Girl Since my last our affairs in this department have taken a very favorable
change. The Enemy, upon our receiving the reinforcement of Pennsyl[vania]. troops
and a considerable one of militia riflemen evacuated Richmond & retreated with
much precipitation to Williamsburgh. We have since our reinforcements afforded the
enemy numerous opportunities for action; but they have carefully declined them. We
have frequently marched for that purpose from our camp another four or five miles of
theirs in the morning & have remained until after sundown; and the only reason why we
are encamped at so great distance from them, is, there is no water for an army between
this & Williamsburgh. There are many very plausible reasons for conjecturing that they
mean to evacuate this state instead of attempting a prosecution of the war here. This
country is at length alarmed & begin to turn out with spirit which if there were no other
reasons would be sufficient to put a period to their opperations in this quarter The
campaign in this quarter has been much the most severe that I ever experienced from the
warmness of the climate & our almost incessant marching marching almost day &
night. Altho we are perfectly healthy, yet we do not look like the same men. Our flesh &
colour have gradually wastd away. Three of my captains are, as we say, totally knocked
up; one of them John Holmes is obliged to quit the department & return to New Jersey to
be relieved by another officer. I am leaner than ever I was in my life; but I do assure you,
I am very healthy. Billy is also much reduced, but enjoys his health & spirits.28

_______________________

Breakdown of American casualties as follows:

Return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Light Corps under Col. Butler in
the action of the 26th June 1781
Cavalry under Majr Macpherson
of the 1st. Regt. of Dragoons 1 Capn. wounded
5 privates killed
1 Do. taken (since returned)
of Armands horse

2 Lieut. killed
1 private Do.
1 sergt. prisoner
[light] Infantry and Riflemen
under Majr. Mcpherson
Capn. Longs Co. Rifle men 1 sergt. killed
1 private wounded
5 Do. missing
Horses lost 11
Loss of Major Williss corps of Riflemen
3 privates wounded
2 Do. Missing
Do. of Major Calls Do. Do.

Total Wounded
Killed
Missing
Prisoners

1 Capn wounded
6 privates Do
1 Lieut. Missing
7 privates Do.

2 Caps. 2 lieuts. 10 privates

2 Lieuts. 1 sergt. 6 Do.
1 Lieut. 12 privates
1 sergt. 1 private (returnd since)

Richd. Butler Col. Commanding Advanced light corps

(Richard Butler, Return of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Light
Corps under Col. Butler in the action of the 26th June 1781, PCC, reel 176, p.
169.)
_______________________
Capt. Francis J. Brooke, Harrisons Regiment of Artillery.
I was attached to Gen Lawsons brigade, with one six-pounder, and had some
opportunity to know the whole force of the American army. It consisted of eight
thousand militia, Stephens and Lawsons brigades; of one thousands light infantry,
New England troops, brought on by the Marquis (fine troops they were;) the
Pennsylvania line, as it was called, between six and seven hundred men,
commanded by Gen. Wayne, with a good train of artillery; one thousand Riflemen
under Gen. Campbell, of Kings Mountain, and part of the regiment of Virginia
Continental troops, under Colonel Febiger, a Dane; a vidette corps of dragoons,

under Captain Larkin Smith; and a single company of Harrisons regiment of

artillery to which I belonged; there were some additional militia, under Major Willis.
The British army was more efficient; seven thousand infantry, who had fought the
battles of the South; Tarletons and Simcoes full regiments of cavalry, and a fine
train of artillery. These were all troops that could not be easily driven out of a field
of battle. The Marquis, in a few days, marched to the Cross-roads and the Burnt
Ordinary, sixteen miles from Williamsburg. (The skirmish at Hot Water, by Col.
Butler, of the Pennsylvania line and Major John Willis, with some Virginia militia,
had occurred a few days before.)
While the army lay on this ground, Lord Cornwallis marched from Williamsburg
to Green Spring, or Jamestown. The morning of that battle, Major Geo. Washington,
an old schoolmate, the second aid to the Marquis, was at our quarters, and was
asked if the Marquis knew where Lord Cornwallis was, and whether he had crossed
the river. His reply was, that Gen. Wayne had been sent on that morning to find out
where he was. Tarleton, in his journal, says, that one or two days before, he had
bribed a white man and a Negro to go out, and, if they met with any American
detachments, to inform them that the British army, except a small portion of it, had
crossed the river. It was this Negro who fell in with Gen. Wayne, who, on his report,
marched down and attacked the whole British army. Tarleton is wrong in
supposing that the Marquis intended to bring on a general engagement; on the
contrary, at 12 oclock, when he learned that Wayne was in some danger, he
ordered Col. Galvan, who belonged to the light infantry, to run down with only
one hundred men to his relief, while he, with Capt. John F. Mercers troop of
horse, who had lately joined, and some militia riflemen, followed to support
him. The Marquis certainly had no idea of a general battle, as the rest of the army
remained quietly in their encampment the whole of the day. General Wayne brought
on the battle; relying on the intelligence the Negro gave him, whom Tarleton had
bribed; for which his troops suffered very much. He, as Tarleton says, attacked the
whole British army, and got off only by the Lord Cornwallis supposing that a general
action was intended by the Marquis, and taking time to prepare for it. Wayne not
only lost his artillery, but had, I think, eleven officers badly wounded, whom I saw
the next morning under the hands of the Surgeon, at the church, in the rear of our
encampment. I think it is very certain that the Marquis, at this time, intended no
general battle; nor Lord Cornwallis either. His object was to cross the river and fall
down to Portsmouth, that he might send the reinforcement required of him by Gen.
Clinton, who apprehended an attack by Gen. Washington, and the Count
Rochambeau, who was hourly expected to arrive with French troops from the West
Indies. (A Family Narrative Being the Reminiscences of a Revolutionary Officer
Afterwards Judge of the Court of Appeals Written for the Information of his Children by
Francis J. Brooke Sometime Captain in Harrisons Regiment of Artillery (Richmond:
Macfarland & Ferguson, 1849))
___________________
William McDowell, a lieutenant in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, was more
expansive concerning the July 6th action and immediate aftermath:
4th. [July 1781] A wet morning. Cleared up at 10 oclock. This day we had a
Fude of Joy [feu de joie] in celebration of our Independance. After that Genl Wayne
performed some new maneuvers, in which we fired. Had the thanks of the Marquis.
The Fude of Joy was with a running fire from right to left of the army.

5th. Took up the line of march at one oclock, on our way to Williamsburgh, which
I longed much to see. Proceeded as far as Chickahominy church, where we lay on
our arms till sunrise. 6 miles.
6th. At sun rise we took up the line of march for James Town, at which place the
enemy lay encamped. The first battalion [Stewart] of our line were detached
with a small party of riflemen, which brought on a scattering fire in front, & on
the flank of our battallion, that continued for two or three hours with the
Yagers. Our battallion was then ordered to form column and advance, when we had
the intelligence of the 2d and 3d battallions, with one of the Infantry, hove in sight of
us, we then displayd to the right and left, the third battallion on our right and the 2d
on our left, being then formed brought on a general action; our advance was regular,
and at a charge till we came within 80 yards of the whole army, they being regularly
formed standing at one yards distance from each other, their light Infantry being in
front of our battallion. We advanced under a heavy fire of grape shot at which
distance we opened with our musquetry, but being overpowered were obliged to
retreat with precipitation, and in bad order for at least one mile, where we formed
and retired in good order. Happy for us, the enemy did not press us at this critical
moment, or our troops would have inevitably been cut off. We retired to
Chickahominy Church about 8 miles where a number of the officers wounds were
dressed, and all the privates who were wounded, it being at this time about 10
oclock at night.
A list of the wounded officers of our Line Capt. Crosby, Artillery.
Officers of Infantry. Capt. Doyle, 6th Penna. Regt. Capt. Van Lear 9th [5th] Penna
Regt. Capt. Finney, 6th Penna Regt. Capt. Stake, 1st Penna. Regt. Capt. MClellan, 1st
[2nd] Penna. Reg,t Capt. Montgomery, 7th [4th] Penna Regt. Lieut. Herbert, 6th Do.
taken prisoner. Lieut. Piercy , 2d Penna Regt. Lieut. Feltman, 1st Penna Regt. Lieut.
White, 1st Penna Regt. The number of killed, wounded, taken prisoner Sergts,
rank and file, being 97.
(William McDowell, "Journal of Lieut. William McDowell of the First Penn'a. Regiment,
in the Southern Campaign. 17811782", William H. Egle, ed., Pennsylvania Archives,
second series, vol. XV (Harrisburg: E.K. Meyers, State Printer, 1890), 297311(26
May 178121 December 1782), 300.
Regimental affiliation according to Feltman, page 682: William Feltman and Joseph
McClellan, "Diary of the Pennsylvania Line. May 26, 1781 April 25, 1782," John Blair
Linn and William H. Egle, Pennsylvania in the War of the Revolution, Battalions and Line
17751783, vol. II (Harrisburg, Pa., 1880), 677727; The foregoing "Diary" includes the
journals of both Captain Joseph McClellan (26 May 178113 June 1781) and Lieutenant
William Feltman (26 May 178125 April 1782))
__________________

Plan du terrein la Rive Gauche de la

Riviere de James vis--vis James-Town en
Virginie ou sest livre le Combat du 6 juillet
1781. entre larme Amricaine Commande
par le Mis de la Fayette et larme angloise
aux orders du Lord Cornwallis.
Legende.
A. Postes avancs de Larme angloise que les
riflemen amricains replierens
B. Attaques des riflemen sur les Postes avancs
des Anglois.
C. Corps amricains command par le Gnral
Wayne en bataille
D. Terrein Sur le quel ce corps avancas et ou
il combattit.
E. Arme angloise sur cinq colonnes la
premiere alarme la tte des ravins.
F. Les deux Colonnes de droite de larme angloise
detaches et marchant pour tourner les amricains
par leur gauche.
G. terrein sur le quel les trois autres Colonnes
angloises savanerent et Combattirent.
H. retraite des amricains qui ne furent Suivis
que jusquen H.
Lord Cornwallis profita de la nuit et de la
matine du Lendemain pourfaire passer
la riviere toute son Arme la plus
grande partie de ses Bagages tait dja
de lautre ct au moment du Combat.
---------------------------------------------------------------Map of the terrain on the left bank of the James River opposite Jamestown in Virginia where
the combat between the American Army commanded by the marquis de la Fayette and the
English Army under the orders of Lord Cornwallis was fought.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Advanced posts of the English army which the American Riflemen reduced
Attack of the riflemen on the advanced posts of the English
American corps commanded by General Wayne in (as of: right now, as shown) battle
Terrain on which that corps advanced and were it fought (with the English)
English army in five columns at the first alarm at the head of the ravines
The two right columns of the English army detached and marching to turn the left
flank of the Americans.
G. Terrain on which the other three English columns advanced and fought
H. Retreat of the Americans who were not pursued further than H.
Lord Cornwallis took advantage of the night and the morning of the next day to cross the river
with his whole army. The largest part of his baggage was already on the other bank at the
moment of combat.

(Translation courtesy of Robert A, Selig

http://www.xenophongroup.com/vita/selig/selig.htm )

Key to Desandrouins map.

(Above) Map and key, Battle of Green Spring Plantation, Jean Nicolas Desandrouins
(1781) Plan du terrein la rive gauche de la rivire de James vis--vis Jamestown en
Virginie ou s'est livr le combat du 6 juillet 1781 entre l'arme amricaine
commande par le Mis. de La Fayette el l'arme angloise aux ordres du Lord
Cornwallis, Rochambeau Map Collection, Library of Congress [G3884.J15S3 1781 .D4
Vault : Roch 51] http://www.loc.gov/item/gm71002168/

6th. [July 1781] Chickahomony Church. At sun rise we took up the line of March
for Jamess town which place the Enemy lay at / the 1st Battn was detachd with
some rifle men which brought on a scattering fire, that continued many Hours,
when the 2d & 3d Batt. with one of [light] Infantry arrivd in sight, we formd &
brought on a Genl Action. Our advances regular at a charge till we got within 80 yds
of thir main body under a heavy fire of Grape shot at which distance we opend our
musquttry, at this time 3 of our Artillery horses being wounded; & their right
flanking our left renderd retreat necessary with the loss of 2 pieces of Artillery.
7th. This day we lay at this church Dressing & sending our wounded to Hospl.
14th. This day the incorporation [merging of the three Pennsylvania battalions into
two] to take place when officers drew who was [to remain and serve] for the
Campaign.
15th. This day was taken up in crossing the James River when our freds [the
officers returning to Pennsylvania] took their leaves.
("The Yorktown Campaign: Journal of Captain John Davis of the Pennsylvania Line",
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 5 (1881), 295-296.)
__________________________
Maj. William Galvan's account of Green Spring.
Camp Near Norrells Mill 8th July 1781
Dear Sir On the 3rd Instant the Marquis having received information that the
enemy had evacuated Williamsburg and were marching to Jamestown, we left our
Camp near New Kent Court house and proceeded to Norrells Mill where we arrived
the 5th. There we received intelligence that the greatest part of their army had
crossed the river and in consequence the two brigades of Continentals moved off
early on the 6th in order to attack what remained at James town. Our march was
considerably retarded by the uncertainty, variety and contradiction of the reports
that were brought. The intelligence was so fatally delusive as to induce the
General to Send back the whole of the Light Infantry and to leave behind the
greatest part of the Pennsylvanians, so that we proceeded with a few
[Virginia] riflemen, McPhersons legion of 80 men [approximately forty
cavalry and forty New Jersey light infantry, the latter commanded by Capt.
Aaron Ogden], Colonel Stuarts battallion [Walter Stewart, commanding the 1st
Pennsylvania (Provisional) Battalion], one field piece and the advance guard
commanded by me [Major Galvan] as field officer of the day [Note: As Henry
Johnston suggests in his work on the Yorktown Campaign, Galvans advance force
would have comprised a party of light infantry from Voses Battalion], the whole
under General Wayne.
Galvan then described the action from his point of view:
About 2 oclock in the after noon, we arrived to a large brick house at the Green
Springs where we halted we resolved to attack and advanced within a mile of
the enemys last incampment where we formed in a wood: Colonel Mercer with
ten or twelve [Virginia] Volunteer Light Horse was sent to reconnoitre, and the
riflemen were detatched on our front where they kept firing at the small
parties with which the enemy had covered their Number and Dispositions. The
Marquis, who was with us, had sent for the rest of the Continental Troops: the
scattered firing of the riflemen (now and then returned by the advanced
parties of the enemy) had continued for about two hours when on a sudden we

heard a field piece firing towards our right. A little after the canon ceased firing,
and a report was brought that the piece was retreating, upon which I applied to
General Wayne for permission to go and carry it off; this being granted and a
regiment of Light Infantry commanded by Major Wills [Wyllys] being arrived and
sent to support me with a field piece under Capt. Savage, I moved towards the place
where the firing had been heard: we soon came up with several parties of
riflemen from which I could learn nothing of the pretended retreating field
piece, neither could they better inform me of the situation of the enemy, nor I
see any part of their line; upon this I kept moving forward and met Col.. Mercer
whose horse had been killed and who, wounded himself, had the galantry to guide
my little column till we came in full sight of the British line> I found their left
extended as far as I could see, a wood prevented my discovering much of their right,
but from my prepossession of the inconsiderable number they had on this side, and
from the great extension of their left, I judged that the extremity of their right flank
could not be far distant and without further hesitation resolved to turn it. I therefore
wheeled to the left [still in column] and soon came to a large open field, where I
perceived them drawn up and stretching out of my sight with a field piece opposite
to me which had already begun to play. In this critical situation a retreat, when so
far from the American line and only within 300 yards of the British was excessively
dangerous [knowing the Pennsylvanians would soon be up, and expecting Wyllys
and the artillery to reinforce him, Galvan continued] parallelly to their line and
under their fire till I came to a skirt of wood that terminated the field I was in: there
I wheeled to the right, came up within 60 yards of the enemys line, displayed and
begun a smart running fire. [Not receiving the expected aid] I remained 15 minutes
alone under the fire of the whole British line, which kept advancing at the same
time, tho very slowly. They being at last close to me and no support arriving, I
formed the Party in column and retreated I soon met the Pennsylvania Brigade
advancing in line: I immediately wheeled my column about and placed my Self at
their left flank to cover that point, considerably outflanked by the right of the
enemy, and in this order we proceeded about thirty yards during which the enemy
had halted and were pouring an immense fire upon us. I found that our step was
slackening, and together with Colonel [Josiah] Harmer, who commanded the
regiment next to me, we endeavored to animate the troops to a brisker charge, but
they halted and begun to fire. I displayed my little column a little obliquely to the left
of Colonel Harmer and began to fire like the rest Our stop encouraged the British
and, tho our fire was as brisk as could be expected from so small a line, they began
to move rapidly upon us and the right of the Pennsylvanians [began] to give way, the
left followed, and the enemy making a devil of a noise of firing and huzzaing (tho by
the by they did not push on very fast) all on our side became a scene of confusion. I
attempted two or three times to stop it, but our flight was too rapid to be checked.
The Marquis ordered me to endeavour to rally the men in the rear of a marsh
which was the most eligible spot, but the men that passed by were exhausted by the
fatigue of the march, of the action and of the flight It was at [the brick house] that
the Marquis reestablished order and from it we marched in the night to Norrells
Mill. Capt. Savage saved his piece, the Pennsylvanians who had two lost them both,
the horses having been shot
(William Galvan to Richard Peters, Near Norrells Mill, July 8, 1781 in Gazette of the
American Friends of Lafayette, vol. 1, no. 1 (February 1942), 34. The original is in
the Anthony Wayne Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania.)
_____________________

Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne to General George Washington.

Chicohominy Church 8 Miles from James town 8th July 1781
Dear General After a variety of Marches and counter marches frequently offering
battle to Lord Cornwallis upon Military terms, the Marquis Lafayette recd.
Intelligence on the 5th. that the Enemy had Marched from Wmsburg for James town
& was preparing to throw their baggage and troops over that river, this Induced the
General to make a forward move to that place (with the Continental troops
Including [Pennsylvania] Major [William] McPhersons little Legeon together with a
few Volunteer Dragoons under Colo [John Francis] Mercer & Capt Hill [Virginia
militia] the vicinity of which to the Enemy was such as to put it into his power to
strike them should the passage of the James be their Object.
on the morning of the 6th several corroborating advices arrived removing every
doubt upon that head, with the addition that nothing but a forced march with the
lightest & most advanced part of the troops could arrive in time to effect their rear.
this Induced the Marquis to order the advanced Guard, Major McPhersons,
Colo Mercers & Capt Hills Corps one Hundred & fifty rifle men, with Colo
[Walter] Stewarts Detatchment of Penns[ylvani]ans amounting in the Whole
to about 500 men Artillery & Dragoons included, to make a forward move
under my Conduct, & endeavour to come up with the enemy.
upon our arrival at the Green spring farm, a variety of contradictory intelligence
rendered it prudent reconnoitre them with a Military eye, their vast superiority in
horse also made it expedient to advance the whole of our little Corps to drive in
their Guards and keep their horse in check, about this period the Marquis arrived in
person & adopted the Maneuver, which being effected it was soon discovered that a
very considerable part of their army yet remained on this side the river which
induced the General to send for the remainder of the Continentals distant about six
miles, at 2 Oclock PM a large smoke was raised by the Enemy, probably as a signal to
their parties to return to camp, & for all such as had crossed the river to repass it. at
3 Oclock the rifle men supported by a few regulars began & kept up a galling fire
upon the Enemy which continued until five in the Evening when the British began to
move forward five Columns, the Marquis anxious to view them near had proceeded
rather far upon their left, it was therefore thought proper to Order Major [William]
Galvan [French volunteer, granted a commission in January 1780, Massachusetts
Provisional light battalion] at the head of the Advance Guard to meet & attack their
front who after a spirited tho unequal contest retired upon our left, a Detatchment
of the Light Infantry under [Connecticut] Major [John] Willis [Wyllys, Provisional
light battalion] having that moment arrived also commenced a severe fire upon the
Enemies left but were obliged to fall back, which the enemy taking advantage of &
beginning to turn our flanks, a Manoeuver in which had they persevered, they must
inevitably penetrated between this Corps & the Other part of the army, but being
joined at this Crisis by Lieut Colo [Josiah] Harmar & Major [Evan] Edwards with two
Detatchments from the 2nd. & 3rd Battalions of Pennsyans. under Colo [Richard]
Humpton, it was determined among a Choice of Difficulties to advance & Charge
them, this was done with so much vivacity as to produce the desired effect i.e
checking them in their advance & diverting them from their first Manoeuvre,, but
being enveloped by numbers many brave & worthy Officers & soldiers killed or
wounded, we found it expedient to fall back half a mile to green spring farm, two
of our field pieces which were necessarily Introduced to keep up the Idea of our
being in force, were served with equal spirit & effect, until disabled by having Capt.
[Jesse] Crosly [4th Continental Artillery] with many Matrosses Dangerously

wounded & all the horses killed, at last fell into their hands the Waggons &
Amunition were carried off safe, the Enemy [sore?] from the Contest & finding us
supported at that place by the remainder of the Light Infantry were content with
barely keeping the field, altho opposed but by a handful of men Compared with their
Numbers & which from the the [sic] nature of the Ground were obliged to act in a
Detatched manner except that part of the Pennsa. Line who had time to arrive &
those not more than 500 men with a few Dragoons under Major McPherson
from the Mutual emulation in the Officers & men of each Corps I am confident that
had the army been in force Victory would have inclined to our Arms however
every Circumstance considered our small skirmishing party of Horse & foot who had
the hardiness to engage Lord Cornwallis at the head of His Whole army with the
Advantage of so Numerous a Cavalry on their own ground & in their own Camp, is
more to be envied than pitied as it not only disconcerted the British General &
effectually [a____] him from his premeditated Manoeuvres, but precipitated him to
retreat to James Island the same night to avoid a General action in the morning,
which the pointed Attack he experienced in the Evening might be the sanguinary
prelude to
Our field Officers were Generally dismounted by having their Horses either killed or
wounded under then, Colo. Mercer & other young Virginia Gentlemen of his Corps were not
more fortunate
I will not condole with the Marquis for the loss of two of his [horses], as he was
frequently requested to keep at a greater Distance, his Native bravery rendered him
deaf to the Admonition [Note: Memoirs of Lafayette, At Green Spring The report
was that he had had a horse killed under him, but it was merely the one that was led
by his aide.
(Henry Steele Commager and Richard B. Morris, eds., The Spirit of SeventySix: The
Story of the American Revolution as Told by Participants (New York and London:
Harper & Row, Publishers, 1975), 1208.)
_______________________
The Marquis de Lafayette to General Nathanael Greene:
Amblers plantation opposite James River 8th July 1781
Sir On the 4th Instant the Enemy evacuated Williamsburg where some stores fell
into our Hands, and retired to this place under the Cannon of their shipping. The next
morning we advanced to Birds tavern, and part of the army took post at Norrels mill,
about nine miles from the British camp.
The 6th I detached an advanced corps under General Wayne, with a view of
reconnoitering the enemys situation. Their light parties being drawn in, the
piquets which lay close to their encampment were gallantly attacked by some
riflemen, whose skill was employed to great effect.
Having ascertained that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his heavy baggage under a
proper escort and posted his army in an open field, fortified by the shipping, I returned
to the detachment, which I found more generally engaged. A piece of cannon had been
attempted by the van guard, under Major Galvan, whose conduct deserves high
applause. Upon this the whole British army came out, and advanced to the thin wood
occupied by General Wayne. His corps, chiefly composed of Pennsylvanians and some
light infantry, did not exceed eight hundred men with three field pieces; but
notwithstanding their numbers, at sight of the British army, the troops ran to the
rencountre.[engagement]. A short skirmish ensued, with a close, warm and well
directed fire, but as the enemys right and left, of course, greatly outflanked ours, I sent

General Wayne orders to retire half a mile to where Col. Vose and Col. Barbers Light
Infantry battalions had arrived by a most rapid move, and where I directed them to
form. In this position they remained till some hours in the night. The militia under
General Lawson had been advanced, and the continentals were at Norrils mill, when
the enemy retreated, during the night, to James Island, which they also evacuated,
crossing over to the south side of the river. Their ground at this place and the Island,
was successively occupied by General Muhlenberg. A number of valuable horses were
left on their retreat.
From every account the enemys loss has been very great, and much pains taken to
conceal it. Their light infantry, the brigade of guards, and two British regiments formed
the first line. The remainder of their army the second. The cavalry were drawn up, but
did not charge.
By the inclosed return you will see what part of General Waynes detachment suffered
most. The services rendered by the officers make me happy to think, that, although many
were wounded, we lost none. Most of the field officers had their horses killed; the same
accident to every horse of the two field pieces made it impossible to move them, unless men
had been sacrificed. But, it is enough for the glory of General Wayne, and the officers and
men he commanded, with a reconnoitring party only, to have attacked the whole British
army, close to their encampment; and, by this severe skirmish, hasten their retreat over the
river.
Col. Boyer of the riflemen is a prisoner.
(Idzerda, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution, vol. III, 236238. See also
photo of original, Papers of the Continental Congress (microfilm edition), reel 176,
171172.)
____________________
"Return of the killed wounded and missing of the detachment commanded by General
Wayne in a skirmish with the British army near the Greene springs, in Virginia, July
6th 1781."
"Major Galvans advanced guard":
4 rank and file killed; 1 sergeant, 7 R & F wounded.
"Col. Stewarts Detacht. Pennsylvania":
11 rank and file killed; 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 30 R&F wounded.
Col. Butler's Pennsylvania detachment:
2 sergeants, 4 rank and file killed; 15 R&F wounded; 9 R&F missing.
Col. Humptons Pennsylvania detachment:
1 sergeant, 4 rank and file killed; 3 captains, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeants, 19 R&F wounded.
Majr. Williss light infantry detachment:
1 sergeant, 1 rank and file killed; 7 R & F wounded.
Capn. Ogdens Co. or Macphersons Legion:
2 rank and file wounded
Capn. Savage & Duffys artillery:
1 captain-lieutenant, 1 sergeant, 2 rank and file wounded; 3 R&F missing.

Total casualties:
4 sergeants, 24 rank and file killed;
5 captains, 1 captain-lieutenant, 4 lieutenants, 7 sergeants, 82 rank and file wounded;
12 rank and file missing.
N.B. A few rifle men were wounded, the number not ascertained
Names of the officers wounded
Captains McLean Division Inspector
Doyle
Finney
Montgomery
Stake
McClellan
Lieutenants Peircy
Feltman
White
Herbert taken prisoner
Capt.-lieutenant Crosly of artillery
Wm. Barber Major and D A Genl.

(The Papers of the Continental Congress 17741789, National Archives

Microfilm Publications M247, (Washington, DC,: Government Printing Office,
1958), reel 176, p. 173.)
___________________________

Anthony Wayne to Lafayette, 9 August 1781.

Bottoms Bridge 9th Augt. 1781
My Dear Marquis Yours of the 7th Instant inclosing letters from His Excelly. Govr.
Nelson, Colo. Davis & Mr. Ross complaining of a seizure of certain articles of Clothing
belonging to the State of Virginia duly came to hand. The situation they were
found in, & the danger of being all embezzled or destroyed, added to the distressed
Condition of our people were in for want of shoes & Overalls (more than three
fourths being totally destitute of the first article, & too many bare leged rather too
high up for a modest eye to view) as well as the presumption that they were the
property of the United States, Induced me to order them to a more proper use
However should they be property of this state, they shall be delivered to the
Governors Order. In this case 173 Veterans must inevitably be rendered unfit for
service for want of these essential articles. It will therefore be my duty to send these
troops into a safe position until shoes & overalls arrive from Pennsa. Humanity will
also Induce me to direct Genl. Irvine not to advance his Detatchment until properly
supplied with Clothing. if these shoes & Linnen are the private property of the
State of Virginia, the Governor has only to Demand & receive them which probably
may be sparing the lives of many of my brave Veterans, by keeping the out of the
way of Danger.
I must beg leave to suggest that had we not made a forced march & accidently fell
in with these stores, you would probably have only heard of them in the usual way
after being destroyed, or in the hands of the Enemy.
Notwithstanding this Circumstance, Delicacy has induced me to march the
Pennsans. bare foot over sharp pebbles, & thro burning sands (altho

heretofore unused to such treatment) rather than discriminate between any

body of troops under my Command. the greater part of the troops with me
were riflemen Dragoons & Eighteen months men belonging to this State."
(Idzerda, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution, vol. III, 307-309.)
________________
Lafayette to Daniel Morgan, from Montok Hill August 15h. 1781:
My dear friend, I Have Been Happy to Hear Your Health was Better. I Hope the
Springs will Entirely Recover it and then, My dear Sir, I Shall Be Happier than Can Be
Expressed of Seeing you with the Army. You are the General and the friend I want,
and Both from Inclination and Esteem I loose a Great Deal when You Go from me,
and will think it A Great pleasure and a Great Reinforcement to See You Again ....
Your Influence, My dear Sir, May Render Us the Greatest Service. The Militia
ordered out are Coming on very Slow So Slow that I will Be soon left with the
Continentals. For God's Sake tell them to Come on. It Appears the Ennemy Had
Rather Expose New York and Pursue their Serious Intentions Against Virginia. I do
Every day expect a New Campaign and Never Was Worse provided. We put on the
Best face we Can, But I Confess I dread the Consequences. In the Same time You
Hurry the Militia, let them take their Arms with them Rifles Particularly as
Riflemen are the Soldiers I Most Wish for. If there are Continental or State
Arms within Your Reach I Request You will forward them on ....
(Idzerda, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution, vol. III, 323.)
________________________
Gen. George Washingtons orders:
Head Quarters, Williamsburgh, Thursday, September 27, 1781 The Rolls are to
be called with the greatest strictness at retreat beating this evening and again at
tattoo in presence of the Field Officers, at which time no Officer or soldier in
condition to March is to be absent from his Post in Camp. The General confides in
the Commanders of Corps for the punctual execution of these orders.
Till circumstances shall render a change of disposition Necessary, the following
will be the order of Battle for the Army, the American Troops composing the right
Wing will be formed into two Lines, the Continental Forces in the front line,
consisting of the following devisions and in the following order viz. Muhlenberghs
and Hazens Brigades to form The Division on the right under the Command of the
Marquis de la Fayette, Waynes and the Maryland Brigade, the Division of the centre
for the present to be commanded by Baron de Stueben, Daytons and Clintons
Brigades, that on the Left. The senior Continental Officer will Command the Right
Wing and his Excellency Count Rochambeau the Left Wing of which he will be
pleased to make his own disposition.
The two Companies of Delaware are for the present to be annexed to the 3d
Maryland Regiment.
[Brig. Gen. Adam] Stephens and [Robert] Lawson Brigades of [Virginia] Militia will
form the second Line, the Park of Artillery, the Corps of Sappers and Miners and the
Virginia State Regiment will be posted between the two Lines in the order above
Mentioned, commencing from the right.
The whole Army will March by the right in one Column at 5 oClock tomorrow
Morning precisely. The particular order of March for the right Wing will be
distributed by the Quarter Master General.

The General desires that the Officers will confine themselves in point of Baggage
to objects of the first Necessity, that the Army may March as light and unincumbered
as possible. The Quarter Master General will have directions to appoint a proper
deposit for the effects that will be left, from whence they will be transported to the
Army as soon as a parmenent position is taken.
The Quarter Master General will allot a proportionate Number of the Waggons in
his possession for the service of the Left Wing.
If the Enemy should be tempted to Meet the Army on its March, the General
particularly enjoins the troops to place their principle relyance on the Bayonet, that
they may prove the Vanity of the Boast which the British make of their particular
prowess in deciding Battles with that Weapon. He trusts that a generous Emulation
will actuate the Allied Armies, that the french whose National Weapon is that of
close fight, and the troops in General that have so often used it with success will
distinguish themselves on every Occasion that offers; the Justice of the cause in
which we are engaged and the Honor of the two Nations must inspire every breast
with sentiments that are the presage of Victory.
General Muhlenberghs Brigade of Infantry with the Artillery attached to it,
preceded by Colonel Lewises Corps of Rifle men and the light Dragoons will
form the advanced Guard. The present Camp Guards the rear guard under the
Command of Major Ried. It will form on the great Road on the left and in the rear of
the encampment at five oClock.
(General orders, 27 September 1781, John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George
Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 17451799 (Washington, DC:
Government Printing Office, 1937), 23 (1937))
_______________________
George Washington to Continental Congress:
Head Quarters, Camp before York, October 1, 1781 ... In my last, which bore Date
the 23d ulto. I informed, that our Preparations for a near Investment of the Enemy
at York, were fast ripening to a Point. I have now to acquaint [your Excellency] that I
marched from Williamsburg with the whole Army, on the 28th and approached
within about two Miles of the Enemy at York, at which Distance a Shew was made of
some Opposition [on our Left]. But, upon the Count Rochambeau, who Commands
that Part of the Army, his Moving a few peices of field Artillery under Direction of
the Baron Viominil, and giving a few Shots, the Enemy retired. On the 29th. the
American Troops moved forward and took their Ground in front of the Enemys
Works on their Left; no Opposition, except a few scattered Shots from a small
Work, by Moor's Mill, on Wormleys Creek and a Battery on the Left of Pigeon
Quarter. A small fire all Day from our Rifle Men and the Enemy's Jagers. 30th.
in the Morng we discovered, that the Enemy had evacuated all their Exterior Line of
Works, and withdrawn themselves to those near the Body of the Town. By this
Means we are in possession of very advantageous Grounds, which command, in a
very near Advance, almost the whole Remaing. Line of their Defence. All the
Expendition that our Circumstances will admit, is using, to bring up our heavy
Artillery and Stores, and to open our Batteries, this Work I hope will be executed in
a few Days, when our Fire will begin with great Vigor.
The Investment of the Enemy is now fully compleated, and drawn very near to
their Lines, except on the River above the Town, where their Communication is still
open; to prevent this and to compleat the Blockade a Request is gone to the Count de

Grasse, desiring him, to push, if he thinks it practicable, One or more Ships above the
Town; this, if effected will answer, many very valuable Purposes.
(Washington to Continental Congress, 1 October 1781, John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The
Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 17451799
(Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1937), 23 (1937))
_______________________
Lt. William Feltman, Pennsylvania Line:
2d. Octr. [1781] A continual cannonading this whole day at our fatigue parties. One
Maryland soldiers hand shot off and one militia man killed.
One of the Maryland soldiers deserted to the enemy this afternoon from his post;
my waiter was in pursuit of him, bit could not overtake him, and in his pursuing him
made him drop his arms and accoutrements, which he brought off with him.
Four of the enemys Dragoon horses made their escape from them this day
and were taken up by our riflemen.
This evening 6 oclock our picquet was ordered to return to camp
3d Octr. Very little firing this whole day. Last night three men of Capt. Rices
compy were killed at our works with a cannon ball and one badly wounded, all with
one shot.
4th. Last night four hundred men of our Brigade went on a fatigue. Very little firing
this day. A number of heavy pieces of artillery arrived in camp this day. This
afternoon Capt. Steel and self paid a visit to Capt. John Irwin formerly of 2nd
[Pennsylvania] Regt. but now in the staff department. We dined with him and spent
the afternoon drinking a sup of good grog.
This day two of the British soldiers deserted to us.
(William Feltman and Joseph McClellan, "Diary of the Pennsylvania Line. May 26, 1781
April 25, 1782," John Blair Linn and William H. Egle, Pennsylvania in the War of the
Revolution, Battalions and Line 17751783, vol. II (Harrisburg, Pa., 1880), 677727; The
foregoing "Diary" includes the journals of both Captain Joseph McClellan (26 May
178113 June 1781) and Lieutenant William Feltman (26 May 178125 April 1782))
______________________________

For further information on the 1781 Virginia campaign see:

`Their presence Here Has Saved this State : Continental Provisional Battalions
with Lafayette in Virginia, 1781
Part 1. `This Detachement is Extremely Good : The Light Battalions Move South

A.`The Fire of the Light Infantry cheked the Enemys Progress : Light Battalion
Composition and Service
B. `Ill founded jealousies, and groundless suspicions. : Unrest in the Light
Battalions
C. `The Cloathing you long ago Sent to the light infantry is not Yet Arrived.: Apparel
and Equipment

The Brigade Dispatch, vol. XXXVI, no. 2 (Autumn 2006), 2-23.

http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/light.pdf

Appendices for Above

1. Diary of Soldier with Lafayettes Light Infantry, 1781
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Atkins.pdf.pdf
2. Asa Redington, Scammells Light Infantry Regiment, 1781
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Redington.pdf
3. Barbers Light Battalion, 1781 (New Jersey Light Company Personnel)
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Barber.pdf
Parts 2-4. `Almost all old soldiers, and well disciplined : Brigadier General Anthony
Waynes 1781 Pennsylvania Provisional Battalions
A. I fear it is now too late : The Pennsylvania Line Mutiny, January 1781
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/PA-A.pdf
B. Our Regiments are yet but very small : Settling with the Troops and
Rebuilding the Line
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/PA-B.pdf
C. The whole Line behaved in a most orderly manner.: Organizing and
Disciplining the Pennsylvania Provisional Battalions for the 1781 Campaign
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/PA-C.pdf

The Brigade Dispatch, vol. XXXVII, no. 2 (Summer 2007), 2-19; vol. XXXVII, no. 4 (Winter
2007), 2-15; vol. XXXVIII, no. 1 (Spring 2008), 2-21.
Appendices for Above
1. `A Smart firing commencd from from both parties : Brig. Gen. Anthony Waynes
Pennsylvania Battalions in Virginia, June to November 1781
Contents:
A. We will be much inferior to the enemy : May 31 to July 5 1781
B. A charge under a heavy fire of Grape shot :
Battle of Green Springs, 6 July 1781
C. Cornwallis threatens every Devastation that fire & sword can produce :
Marching and Countermarching, 9 July to 25 August
D. The batteries were opened and fired with great success :
September to November 1781
E. The Cloathing was drawn near twelve month ago :
1780-1781 Pennsylvania Clothing, Letters and Returns

http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Virginia.pdf
2. `The British army marched out and grounded their arms : Pennsylvania Lt. William
Feltmans Diary, 26 May to 5 November 1781
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Feltman.pdf
3. `Pennsylvania Battalion Troop Returns, 1781-1783:
(In Camp and on Campaign in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina)
http://revwar75.com/library/rees/pdfs/Returns.pdf

The American riflemen insulted the outposts, whilst a body of

continentals advanced
British Accounts of the Green Spring Action
Extract of a letter from an officer in the 76th regiment, dated on board the Lord
Mulgrave transport, Hampton Road, Virginia, July 23 1781.
"From the 14th April to the 15th instant, we have travelled about 250 miles by
water, and about 500 by land, in this province, going backwards and forwards, in
order to bring the rebels to action, but to no purpose, except destroying 6000
hogsheads of tobacco, a vast quantity of military and other stores, a loss which
cannot be retrieved for some years. Lord Cornwallis having orders to send a great
part of the army to New York, marched from Williamsburg to James's City Island,
and on the 4th and 5th instant, crossed over the whole baggage of the army to
Cobham, the opposite side of James's River. The Queen's Rangers went over as a
guard. The rest of the army waited at Jame's City Island, ready to cross the next day,
but the rebels imagining the whole had crossed except three or four hundred and a
few cavalry, marched down their whole force under the command of the Marquis de
la Fayette and General Wayne, to attack this supposed handful of men.
They first began by attacking a small piquet consisting of 20 Highlanders of the
76th, commanded by Lieutenant Balvaird of the 80th, who being early wounded,
Lieutenant Alston of the same regiment, who was accidentally there, took the
command of the piquet, he was also wounded. Lieut. Wemys, who was acting as
adjutant to the 76th, being sent on a message to the piquet, seeing Alston wounded,
dismounted and gave him his horse, drew his sword, and took the command of the
piquet. He had hardly had it two minutes when he was wounded; and though the
half of the men were by this time killed or wounded, the rest of the brave
Highlanders kept their ground, (though oppsed by ten times their number), till
ordered in by Lord Cornwallis, but not before they had expended about 50 rounds
each man.
The piquet was engaged nearly two hours, Lord Cornwallis would have reinforced
it, but did not chuse to show his strength, wishing to bring the rebels out of the
woods: his calling in the piquet had the desired effect; for the rebels, who were still
undeceived as to our numbers, advanced into a plain field, and proceeded some way.
Mean time Lord Conwallis had his whole army drawn up into two different lines. On
seeing the rebels advance, he ordered Col. Dundas's brigade, consisting of about 250
men of the 76th, as many of the 80th, and 100 of the 43rd to attack, which they did
briskly; and after reciprocal vollies passed, we charged them with bayonets and put
them instantly to flight. After pursuing them above a mile and a half, night becoming
dark, and a thick brush wood favoured, their escape.
We took two field pieces, (one of them taken from Gen. Burgoyne at Saratoga.)
About 60 of the rebels were found killed, and a number wounded; besides several
prisoners taken. A number of deserters came in, by whom we are informed that
above 2500 of the continentals, chiefly consisting of the rifle-men and light
infantry, were opposed to us in the action; besides 3000 militia as a corps de

reserve, which were not engaged. None of the British were engaged except Col.
Dundas's brigade, as above, and latterly a few of the light infantry and Hessians. The
76th had killed Mr. Lewis Macdonald, a volunteer of my company, who fell by my
side, and six privates; and wounded, three officers, and 23 rank and file. The officers
are, Lieut. Wemys, Lieut. Donald Macdonald, and Ensign C. Macdonald. The 80th had
three officers wounded, two of whom since died, and 27 rank and file:42nd one
killed. The light infantry and Hessians a few wounded.
Except the action at Petersburgh, this was the first day the 76th and 80th were
tried. It would not become me to pass any encomium upon them, the compliment
paid them by Lord Cornwallis, in next day's orders, far surpass any thing that I can
say.
On the 15th instant, we left Lord Cornwallis at Suffolk, 30 miles from Portsmouth,
with the 23rd, 33rd, 71st, and 80th regiments, Hessian regiment de Buy, and the
guards, in all about 1700 men. Tarleton and the legion were then about Richmond.
On the 17th, the light infantry, 43rd, 76th, Queen's Rangers, and two regiments of
Anspach, embarked at Portsmouth, and still lie at anchor here, not five miles from it.
We were once told that we were bound for New York; it is now rumoured we go
elsewhere. There is a report that the French fleet has got out of Rhode-Island;
perhaps that detains us."
(Transcribed by Alexander Good from the Caledonian Mercury, Oct 10th, 1781, on
microfilm reel at the Ohio State University, 16 November 2005.)
Colonel Banastre Tarleton
EARL Cornwallis, judging the call for troops positive and pressing, and that his
command, after such a diminution, would not be adequate to maintain his present
position, determined instantly to leave Williamsburgh, and retire to Portsmouth;
whence he might send the troops specified in the requisition of New York: For the
execution of this project, it was necessary to cross James river; and James island
presented the most convenient situation to secure an unmolested passage to
Cobham. The navy, under the direction of Captain Aplin, being prepared for such an
undertaking, on the 4th of July the royal army marched by the left, and arrived the
same day in the neighbourhood of James island, which is separated from the main
land by a small gut of water, not two feet deep at the reflux of the tide. The advanced
guard, under Lieutenant-colonel Simcoe, passed to the island, and from thence to
Cobham in the evening. The legion cavalry and two companies of mounted infantry
were directed to cover the right flank and rear of the British column during the
march: Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton moved to a church, eighteen miles from
Williamsburgh, which he understood was fortified and garrisoned by the riflemen
who lay in front of the American army: By surprise he got within the abbatis,
the church yard, and the church, and dislodged the enemy with some loss: He
afterwards proceeded towards Tyres plantation, when, under the advantage
of a heavy rain, he drove in the pickets, and communicated a general alarm to
the Marquis de la Fayettes corps. In the mean while, the British army reached
their encampment near James island, to which place the cavalry slowly retired.
THE position occupied by the Kings troops was equally strong and convenient;
the right was covered by ponds, the center and left by morasses, over which a few

narrow causeways connected it with the country, and James island lay in rear. On
the 5th, the stores and wheel carriages began to pass, which employment would
continue till the 7th, when it was imagined the boats would be ready for the troops.
On the morning of the 6th, the foragers from the cavalry were ordered to the front,
who reported that the enemy were advancing. Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton, after the
party returned, gave money and encouraging promises to a negroe and a dragoon, to
communicate false intelligence, under the appearance of deserters. These emissaries
were directed to inform the Americans, that the British legion, with a detachment of
infantry, composed the rear guard, the body of the Kings troops having passed
James river. In the afternoon, a patrole of cavalry was beat back over one of the
causeways on the left, and Lieutenant Grier, who commanded it, was wounded.
Soon after, the American riflemen insulted the outposts, whilst a body of
continentals advanced towards the morass: The British cavalry supported the
pickets on the left, in order to contain the enemy within the woods, and prevent
their viewing the main army: Earl Cornwallis directed Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton
to continue this manoeuvre, and he ordered the battalions and regiments to remain
quiet in their camp, where they were concealed from observation. Before sunset, the
Marquis de la Fayette had passed the morass on the left, with about six hundred
militia, nine hundred continentals, and some cannon; bodies of riflemen attacked
other pickets; and the remainder of the American force took post at a brick
house, beyond the wood and the causeway. Upon the first cannon shot from
the enemy, the British army formed and advanced, when the dragoons fell back
through the intervals made for them by the infantry
LIEUTENTANT-COLONEL Dundass brigade (d.) composed of the 43d, 76th, and
80th regiments, with two six-pounders, under Captain Fage, sustained the weight of
the enemys attack. The conflict in this quarter was severe and well contested. The
artillery and infantry of each army, the presence of their respective generals, were
for some minutes warmly engaged not fifty yards asunder. The other part of the line,
consisting of the two battalions of light infantry, Lieutenant-colonel Yorkes brigade,
(I. Late Websters) the brigade of guards, and the Hessians, met with little or no
resistance, being opposed by only by small parties of militia, who made a precipitate
retreat: But on the left of the British, the action was for some time gallantly
maintained by the continental infantry, under General Wayne, against the 76th,
80th, and 43d. The legion cavalry formed a second line behind the 80th, and the
light companies, under Captain Champagne, dismounted to reinforce the 76th. The
affair was not ended before dark, when the enemy abandoned their cannon, and
repassed the swamp in confusion. The woods, the morasses, and the obscurity of
night, prevented the pursuit of the cavalry. The Marquis de la Fayette rallied part of
the Americans to the troops posted beyond the swamp, and halted some hours at
the Green Springs, to collect the fugitives. Earl Cornwallis returned to his
encampment. The Kings troops had five officers wounded, and about seventy men
killed and wounded. The steadiness of the new regiments, who bore the brunt of the
action, did honour to those corps; and the conduct of Lieutenant-colonel Dundas,
who commanded them, was highly animated and meritorious. On the part of the
Americans, near three hundred continentals and militia were killed, wounded, and
taken.

THE events of this day were particularly important, and claimed more attention
than they obtained. The Marquis de la Fayette had made a long march, in very sultry
weather, with about fifteen hundred continentals and one thousand militia, to strike
at the rear of the British before they passed to James island: Too great ardour, or
false intelligence, which is most probably, for it is the only instance of this officer
committing himself during a very difficult campaign, prompted him to cross a
morass to attack Earl Cornwallis, who routed him, took his cannon, and must
inevitably have destroyed his army, if night had not intervened. His lordship might
certainly have derived more advantage from his victory. If the two battalions of light
infantry, the guards, and Colonel Yorkes brigade, who had all been slightly engaged,
or any other corps, and the cavalry, had been detached, without knapsacks, before
dawn of day, to pursue the Americans, and push them to the utmost, the army of the
Marquis de la Fayette must have been annihilated. Such an exploit would have been
easy, fortunate, and glorious, and would have prevented the combination which
produced the fall of York town and Gloucester.
Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. dated Cobham, July 8, 1781
SIR,
I WAS this morning honoured with your dispatch of the 28th ult. The troops
are perfectly ready, and will proceed to Portsmouth to wait the arrival (f.) of the
transports. I will give immediate orders about the artillery, stores, &c.
THE transports now at Portsmouth are sufficient to carry the light infantry; I had
prepared them to receive that corps, and should have sent them to you in a few
days, if your last order had not arrived. In your cyphered dispatch, the 2d battalion
of light infantry only is mentioned; but I conclude that to be a mistake, and shall
keep both ready to embark. I take for granted that General Robinson will come with
the transports to take command of the expedition. General Leslie is still here; but as
it was not my intention to have send him with the troops to New York, and as he will
be the properest person to command here, in case you should approve of my
returning to Charles town, I shall not send him on the expedition, unless it shall then
appear to be your excellencys desire that he should accompany General Robinson.
I MUST again take the liberty of calling your excellencys serious attention to the
question of the utility of a defensive post in this country, which cannot have the
smallest influence on the war in Carolina, and which only gives us some acres of an
unhealthy swamp, and is for ever liable to become a prey to a foreign enemy, with a
temporary superiority at sea. Desultory expeditions in the Chesepeak may be
undertaken from New York with as much ease and more safety, whenever there is a
reason to suppose that our naval force is likely to superior for two or three months.
THE boats and naval assistance having been sent to me by Captain Hudson, I
marched on the 4th from Williamsburgh to a camp which covered a ford into the
island of James town. The Queens rangers passed the river that evening. On the 5th,
I sent over all the wheel carriages, and on the 6th, the bat horses, and baggage of
every kind, intending to pass (b.) with the army on the 7th. About noon, on the 6th,
information was brought me of the approach of the enemy, and about four in the
afternoon a large body attacked our out posts. Concluding that the enemy would not
bring a considerable force within our reach, unless they supposed that nothing was
left but a rear guard, I took every means to convince them of my weakness, and

suffered my pickets to be insulted and driven back; nothing, however appeared to

us but riflemen and militia till near (c.) sunset, when a body of continentals,
with artillery, began to form in the front of our camp. I then put the troops
under arms, and ordered the army to advance in two lines. The attack was began
by the first line with great spirit. There being nothing but militia opposed to the light
infantry, the action was soon over on the right: But Lieutenant-colonel Dundas (d.)
brigade, consisting of the 43d, 76th, and 80th regiments, which formed the left wing,
meeting the Pennsylvania line, and a detachment of the Marquis de la Fayettes
continentals, with two six-pounders, a smart action ensued for some minutes, when
the enemy gave way and abandoned their cannon. The cavalry were perfectly ready
to pursue; but the darkness of the evening prevented my being able to make use of
them. I cannot sufficiently commend the spirit and good behaviour of the officers
and soldiers of the whole army; but the 76th and 80th regiments, on whom the
brunt of the action fell, had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves particularly,
and Lieutenant colonel Dundas conduct and gallantry deserve the highest praise.
The force of the enemy in the field was about two thousand, and their loss, I believe,
between two and three hundred. Half an hour more of daylight would have probably
given us the greatest part of the corps.
I HAVE enclosed a list of our killed and wounded. We finished our passage
yesterday, which has been an operation of great labour and difficulty, as the river is
three miles wide a this place. I have great obligations to Captain Aplin and the
officers of the navy and seamen for their great exertions and attentions on this
occasion.
I HAVE not received the letters your excellency alludes to, of the 29th of May, or
8th and 19th of June.
I have the honour to be, &c.
CORNWALLIS
(Artwork by Don Troiani)

Southern American Long rifle (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) Ca. 1770-1780

Origin: America
Overall - 60 1/4", Barrel - 45 3/16", Lock - 5 1/2" x 1 1/16"
Iron/steel, walnut, brass & silver.
Museum Purchase
Acc. No. 2004-5
Full stock of dark walnut, inlet for a wood patchbox (cover now replaced with a modern
reconstruction), and a cheek rest on the left side. Made without the benefit of a sideplate,
buttplate or tail pipe. Trigger plate present. Both sides of the buttsrock are covered with
decorative carving depicting a rooster on the left side and a stag on the other, in addition to
some heavy-handed hatched foliate carving. Bottom of buttsock with hatched scoring.
Barrel of swamped octagonal section, about .45 caliber. Rear sight 13" from the breech and
decorated with some filing. Brass & silver front sight dovetailed in 2" from the muzzle. Plain
breech plug tang with stepped & lobed end.
Flat lock of classic Germanic-American form with a bridleless pan and decorative filing on
the tail of the lockplate. Steel spring screw protrudes from inside of lockplate. Sidenails
(replaced in modern times) were originally about 5/8" in diameter and were likely of the
Franco-American musket type now used as the barrel tang screw.
Cast brass triggerguard, of classic Germanic-American faceted form.
Label: While smoothbore guns were available and cheap in the pre-Revolutionary South,
those with rifled bores were far more difficult and expensive to make. Spiraling grooves cut
inside the guns barrel made the rifle highly accurate, ensuring its desirability in the
wilderness. A missed shot could mean starvation, so function trumped all. Crafted by an
unknown Backcountry artisan, this rifle dispenses with non-essential features and has no
sideplate, buttplate, or tailpipe. Indeed, it appears to have been constructed with recycled
European and American parts. Although truly utilitarian, the weapon is not devoid of
embellishment: one side of the buttstock features a folk carving of a rooster and the other
sports a carved stag.

My brave boys give them one more fire

Riflemen Pension Narratives, 1781 Virginia Campaign
Note: The appended transcriptions courtesy of Will Graves and C. Leon Harris,
Southern Campaign Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters (World
Wide Web, http://www.southerncampaign.org/pen/ .
_________________
Pension Application of George Deeds W10734 Mary Deeds VA
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris.
he was drafted into the service in the company of Virginia militia commanded by
Captain Patrick Buchanan, a rifle company in the Regiment Commanded by Col.
Wilson, in Majr. John Laughridges [John Lockridges] Battalion.
Deeds was 17 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
October 1780: Capt. James Tates militia rifle company (Battle of Cowpens)
April 1781: Capt. Patrick Buchanans militia rifle company (Battle of Green Spring)
September 1781: Capt. John Vances militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
State of Ohio } Ss.
Greene County }
On this 19th day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of
Common Pleas, now sitting George Deeds, a resident of the County of Greene, and state of
Ohio, aged 69 years on the third day of August last, 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 was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the 3d day of August 1763, and resided in
and near that city until he was twelve years of age, when he removed to Augusta county
State of Virginia, where he resided until within about 14 years past, during which time he
has resided in Greene County and state of Ohio; That he entered the service of the United
States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he entered the
service in the month of October 1780 & served a tour of duty of three months as a volunteer
in the Virginia militia, in the Company commanded by Captain James Tate, under Genl.
Daniel Morgan, and was in the battle of the Cowpens in the month of January [17th] 1781,
and was honourably discharged on the 28th day of the same months and year, as by
reference to his written discharge signed by his Captain James Tate, which is herewith
exhibited, will more fully appear. That early in the month of April 1781, being a short time
after the battle of Guilford [Guilford Courthouse NC, 15 Mar 1781], he was drafted into the
service in the company of Virginia militia commanded by Captain Patrick Buchanan, a
rifle company in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Wilson, in Majr. John Laughridges
[John Lockridges] Battalion, and served a second tour of three months. Capt. Buchanans
company rendezvouzed at Col. John Esoms on South river in Augusta county Virginia, and
marched through Albemarle, Richmond, Petersburg and Williamsburg. He was in the battle
of Jamestown [Battle of Green Springs Plantation], under Genl. [Anthony] Wayne, which
took place early in the month of July, (he thinks on the 6th day) 1781: and that within a few
days after the battle he was discharged and returned home. He did not obtain a written
discharged for this tour, his Captain alledging that he had not got paper sufficient to write
discharges for a fourth part of his company at that time, and he never afterwards applied for
one. That early in the month of September 1781 he was drafted for a third tour of
three months, in the Rifle company commanded by Capt. John Long in Col. Vances

[Samuel Vances] Regiment, and again rendezvoused at Col. Esoms on South river in
Augusta County Virginia, and marched through Albemarle, Richmond, and Williamsburg to
York, where his company arrived two days after the siege of that place had commenced, and
remained there under the command of Genl. Washington until after the surrender of
Cornwallis, on the 19th day of October 1781. From York he marched with the detachment
who guarded the British prisoners to Winchester Virginia, where he was discharged
sometime in the month of November 1781, but the exact day he does not recollect, but
remembers well, that the weather was at the time very cold. He did not receive any
discharge in writing for this tour that he remembers, nor does he recollect the reason why
he did not; he may have received one, but if so he has lost it. He thinks he was discharged
before the three months for which he was drafted expired, but it was considered by his
officers as in full of a three months tour. He further states that he never received one cent of
pay for all or any of the services performed during the three tours he was in service,
amounting in all to nine months or upwards. that he has no documentary evidence of his
services, except the discharge above mentioned, and that he knows of no person, whose
testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present,
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to
and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[The following discharge is old and much faded.]
North Carolina January 28 1781
This is to Certify that George Deeds a Soldier of my Company of Militia from Augusta
[illegible words] Tour of three Months under General Morgan [illegible words] now
Regulary Discharged from the Service [illegible words] to Draw Provisions given from
under my hand [signature illegible]
NOTE: On 19 Oct 1846 Mary Deeds, 79, applied for a pension stating that she married
George Deeds in May 1788, and he died on 8 Oct 1846. Mary Deeds and Rebecca Deeds
certified that a Bible belonging to their father, George Deeds, contained a family record
showing that their sister, Elizabeth Deeds, was born on 2 March 1789, and that Mary Deeds
was the second child, born on 10 Oct 1790. George Smith, upwards of seventy five years,
certified the same information as well as the statements made by his sister, Mary Deeds.
The Clerk of Augusta County stated that there was a record showing that George Deeds and
Mary Smith were married by Rev. William Willson on 11 May 1788.
__________________________
Pension Application of Louis Smith W4805
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
Smith was 16 years old at the time of his first service in 1781
1781: Captains Bell and Smith (wagon guard at Battle of Guilford Courthouse)
July 1781: Captain Smiths militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
I recollect while their we were called out one day towards Littel York and spred out
3 men deep and sent [two illegible words] 1 horse[?] a head to bring on the british
army the front men was ordered to rest upon their knees so the rest of the american
army could fier over them on the approach of the British army
State of North Carolina } Court of pleas and quarter sessions Decr term 1832
Haywood County }
On this the 3 day of January AD 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices
theirof Louis Smith a resident of the County of Haywood and State aforesaid age 71 years
[several illegible interlined words] as does appear from the record keep by my father in his

famly bibel and it was also recorded in the Church Book in Lancaster County Pensylvania
who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed the 7 June 1832 at the
age of 16 years I entered into the servicies of the United States in the month of Febuary and
Coln Louis[?] and first Capt. Bell [possibly James Bell] and afterwards Capt Smith [probably
Thomas Smith or John Smith] and marched directly to guilford Courthous and there joined
Generels Greens Army [sic: Southern Department under Gen. Nathanael Greene] I was not
in the battel [Battle of Guilford Courthouse NC, 15 Mar 1781] but was with the wagon guard
about 1 mile from the battelground and then marched back home making a three month
touer I was discharged by Capt Smith that discharge was left at my fathers house
whare I lived when entering into the servicies that was in Augusta County Virginia
left their by me when I moved to this County that is to Rutherford County N Carolina I
entered agane July after the battel of guelford Court hous in N Carolina and went out
agane under Coln Luis [probably Samuel Lewis] Capt Thomas Smith and marched to
Richmon [sic: Richmond] Virginia thense to permunca river [sic: Pamunkey River]
and then turned back and crossed James River after the british army we crossed
James River agane supposed about 8 miles from Little Yourk [sic: Little York =
Yorktown] and ther joind the main army under melinburg [sic: Gen. Peter
Muhlenberg] and then lay their about 3 weeks then marched down and surrounded
Little york and was put under the command of General Washington
I was in a grate deal of the firing peteculary firing across a Branch or pool of watter
between the flank of the two armies I was not ingured in the taking of Lord Corn
Wollice [sic: Cornwallis; 19 Oct 1781] after the Capture of Corn Wallace we lay then
round Little York and when he surrendered we [illegible word] two line paralel with
the place where his army marched out of the town to ground their armes & then I was
discharged by Capt Smith after leaving Littel yorn [Little York] about 4 miles as I
supposed I got home in November I was a riffleman is the reason that I was kept firing
upon the Brittish army across the pool of wattor for the never don any harm to us
only wounded one man in the rist or first Joint of his arme and we could see them fall
very often at our fier as we ware all [illegible word] led to the best advantage my first
[illegible word] it was a Volunteer at near 16 years of age my second I was drafted just as I
had commensed my Fathers oats harvest and [illegible word] a six monst touer I now of no
body in this County that I can prove my servicies by nor have I any documenary eveadenceI
do hereby relinquish every clame whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present
and declair that my name is not upon the pension roll of the agency of any state Sworn to
and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid Luis hisXmark Smith
Sworn to Jany 3 1833 rd [signed illegibly]
R Love Clk.
By Jno. B Love DC Signed in Dutch [i.e. Deutsch = German]
Question first
1/ whare and in what year were you born
A. I was born in 1763 in the month of March the 4 day, State of Pensylvania - Lancaster
County and Hampfield Township
Q2/ Have you any record for your age and if so whair is it
A I have it recorded at home in my famly bibel and it was also recorded in my fathers famly
bibel and in Lancester Lutherian Church book
Q3/Whare were you living when called into the servicie whare have you lived since the
revolutionary war and whare do you know Live

A I was living in Augusta County State of Virginia when called into the servies and remaned
living there untill 2 or 3 years after the close of the war and then I moved into North
Carolina Rotherford County and then to Haywood where I have lived ever sence
Q4/ How were you called into the servies were you drafted did you Volunteer or were you a
substitute and if a substitute for whom
A The first touer I was a Volunteer the second touer I was drafted
5Q/ State the names of sum of the regular officers who were with the troops where you
served such Contennental and militia Redgments as you can recollect and the general
circumstances of your service
A The first touer there was Lutenant Crage [probably George Craig] William Christian live
near Stanton [sic: Staunton] Alexander Luis [sic: Alexander Lewis] a wagin master the
second touer the Colns Command by the day as we marched Coln Luis I recollect
peticular for Capt Smith and him had a diferance about geting a ration of Spirits in the
moving for his men on a nother day I recollect as we were in the rifle company we
marched in singel files by the side of the army and a Coln from old Virginia order us
to march thru a creek but that Capt Smith refused and toock a log and ordered his
men to follow him the Coln rode up to the end of the log and ordered him to go back
with a drawn sword the Capt presented his rifle and drove the Coln from his position
and that a court marchal was held over Capt Smith and was sentenced to march next
day without his Sword. when we arived at the main army at General Meolingsburg
hed quarters near Littel Yourk at or near a mill their we lay about 3 weeks or beter
and I recollect while their we were called out one day towards Littel York and spred
out 3 men deep and sent [two illegible words] 1 horse[?] a head to bring on the
british army the front men was ordered to rest upon their knees so the rest of the
american army could fier over them on the approach of the British army and on a
nother day we march nearer to the British fort past a mill and where our Light horse
retreated and informed us that the british was just behind them the rifle company in
whitch I was was ordered to get into a dich to save ourselves from the charge of the
horse but the did not come up and shortly after that we marched close to the British
where ther was a march [sic: marsh] the riflemen before being 200 men on the next
sid of said march and the british army was lying on the other side formed into a line
with the horse in frunt and regulars formed on the [illegible word] sid of the mar[sh]
in an old field & then our men toock [illegible word] to the march five or 6 cannon an
fierd at them and then the retreated and then our men moved across way over the
swamp or march rather below the British fort & after crossing the march the British
and our riflemen kept firing a cross a small pit or pool of wattor that came from the
see near to the fort and shortly after that General Washingtons arrived and then we
crossed the watter that came near to the fort on a bridge below York town to the river
and the british kept firing at us with the cannon and in several days the british
surrendered
Q6/ Did you ever recev a discharge from service and if so by whome was it given and what
has become of it
A I receved two discharges and two Certifficats but the were all left in Virgina with my
father when I moved from their and I havt saw them in 40 years
7. I am acquanted with William Greer & John [illegible] who can testify as to my charector
for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolutionary war State of N
Carolina } Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace Haywood
County } four said County Luis Smith who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by
reason of old age and the Consaquent loss of memory he cannot swair posatively as to the
precise lenth of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not Less

then the period mentioned below and in the following grades to wit I enterd in to the serves
of the United Stats as a privet in the month of Febuary 1781 for three month and served it
out Living in the State of Virginia Augusta County and was at the Battel at Guilford Court
house in the but was not in the engagement being on guard that day I Entered into the
sirvies of the united stats in the month of July 1781 as a privet Living in Augusta county
Virginia for three 3 month touer and served three month and fifteen days and the reason
that I served more then the time that I was drafted for was that I was at the capture of
Cornwallice at Little York & my time expired during washington persute of him in his
retreat and we served on untill the capture a fue days then I was discharged by Capt Smith. I
had discharges for bouth touers but the ware left with my father in the State of Virginia
when I left that countery and now nothing about them and my first touer I volunteer to
serve with a drafted company I not being quit sixteen was not subject to be drafted that
touer but as my neighbours ware joing I concluded that I would rather serve with them as
the next touer when in all probability so many might not be in the army in which I might be
placed his two touers makes six month and fifteen days that I sware their is no person by
whome that I can prove that the saw me in the army but sum that ware in the army at the
same time but have not recollection of my [illegible word] but believe just from cercus
stances related by me to them that I ware their at the two time mentioned I served all my
time as a privet and for which services I clame a pension Sworn to before me this 4 day of
October 1833 [appears to be signed luis Aussersmit] NOTE: On 30 Mar 1844 Mary Smith,
71, applied for a pension stating that she married Louis Smith in Rutherford County NC in
Oct 1790 or 1791, and he died 4 Jan 1842. As proof of the marriage she submitted a family
record written in German by her husband, and a translation of which is transcribed below.
Also in the file is a copy of a bond signed on 25 Oct 1791 by Lewis Smith and George Painter
for the marriage of Smith to Mary Wycle.
Mary Wycle was born on the 30 th day of October 1772
Louis Smith and Mary Wycle was married on the 27th day of october in the year 1790
Henry Smith was born March 17th 1792
Peter Smith was born July 27th 1794
Mary Smith was born December 10th 1798
__________________________
Pension application of Benjamin Neal (Neale) W10220 Delilah f94VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 1/6/13
he inquired of a fellow Soldier the name of the General under whom they were to be
mustered into the Service. ["]General Gourd ["] was the reply this being a nickname
[of] General Weedon had acquired among the troops. He observed he wished the d_d
[damned] old gourd would give them orders, at which time the General was sitting on
his horse a few paces in his rear and heard the expression.
Year of first service uncertain, 21 years old in 1781
1781: Capt. Joseph James company, 3d Virginia Regiment
1781: Capt. Jacob Pennyweights militia rifle company
State of Kentucky Logan County: SS
On this 4th day of March 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the
County Court of Logan County in the State of Kentucky now sitting Benjamin Neale a
resident of Butler County in the State aforesaid 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 officers and
served as herein after stated. To wit.
Between the year 1777 and the year 1780 the precise date however he cannot now recollect
he entered the Said Service as a Militia man in Fauquier County in the State of Virginia in a
Company Commanded by Captain Francis Atwell of said Fauquier County Virginia and was
detached to guard the Highland prisoners then Stationed at Fauquier Court house, Colon
[Colonel] Martin Pickett was at this time Commander [indecipherable word or
abbreviation] of the County of Fauquier & frequently visited the Company Stationed to
guard said prisoners He continued in this Service nine months about the time of his
discharge from this duty or shortly thereafter the British troops Captured with General
Burgoyne on their march from the North to Albemarle Barracks passed through Fauquier.
His father being called on to attend them from Fauquier Court House He substituted for
his father and marched with said prisoners to the Barracks; and was stationed there for
several weeks the precise time he cannot now recollect, Under the Command of a Captain
Sharp. He was then discharged and returned to Fauquier County the place of his residence.
In the Spring or the early part of the Summer of the year 1781 he again entered the
Service of the United States in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Colon Elias
Edmonds, Samuel Blackwell was the Major, the Company in which he volunteered
was commanded by Captain Joseph James, Gus Smith, Burr Harris were Lieutenants
and Matthew Nance was the Ensign we rendezvoused at Fredericksburg Virginia at
which place General Weeden [George Weedon] had the Command at the time of our
arrival there He recollects an [indecipherable word or words] which Occurred
Soon after he reached the place of Rendezvous he inquired of a fellow Soldier the
name of the General under whom they were to be mustered into the Service.
["]General Gourd ["] was the reply this being a nickname [of] General Weedon had
acquired among the troops. He observed he wished the d_d [damned] old gourd
would give them orders, at which time the General was sitting on his horse a few
paces in his rear and heard the expression. He remained here a few days when we
marched to the City of Richmond where we joined the Army under the Command of
General Muhlenberg [Peter Muhlenberg] whilst the Army was in this neighborhood
he was detailed to accompany and guard the records of the State of Virginia from the
City of Richmond to Charlottesville. On his return he joined the Army at Walton Camp
8 miles below Richmond here being a good Riflemen he was transferred from Captain
James's Company to a Company of Riflemen from Shenandoah County Commanded
by Captain James Pennyweight [sic, probably Jacob Pennyweight] one Marnay was
Ensign in said Company the name of the Lieutenant he cannot recollect he however
was a Dutchman, as was also the Captain and all the Company except himself and
Ensign Marny and some 2 or 3 of his brothers He had frequently to make out the
morning & evening Reports for the orderly Sergeant a Dutchman whose name was
Stoffle Kiester who could not write English Major Jack Willis was the officer of the
Rifle Corps to which he was attached. When the Army of the United States commenced
the retreat on the approach of the British he thinks the main Army marched up by the
way of Hanover Court House, but he together with others was detached to go up the
road by ground Squirrel Bridge with the Baggage & Guard to break up the bridges on
that road and obstruct the march of the enemy as much as possible. We fell in with
the main Army at Raccoon Ford or in that neighborhood, about which time General
Wayne [Anthony Wayne] with his detachment also joined the Army. General Lafayette
was also in this Army the Army going up as far as the Bigg fork Church [Big Fork
Church?] in Culpeper County. Shortly after the concentration of our forces in this
neighborhood the British began to retrace their steps towards the sea board, and the

American Army to pursue until the British reached little York. Shortly after the
British occupied this post he was discharged on account [of] a Wound he received in
the foot which disqualified him for further Service He returned to his residence in
Fauquier after six or eight months Service he would remark that he was during this
Campaign again transferred to another Company of Riflemen commanded by Captain
Stump [Michael Stump] That Colon Edmunds being privy to the whole of his Services on
his return home gave him a discharge for eighteen months Service in the Virginia Militia
which discharge he kept for a long time, but it is now lost or misplaced.
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.
S/ Benjamin Neale [not clear that "e" is included]
[Thomas Porter, a clergyman, and Samuel Caldwell gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
[f p. 13]
The affidavit of George Timmons3 of the County of Hopkins & State of Kentucky made this
28th day of December 1832
George Timmons S11553
This affiant being of lawful age & duly sworn deposes & says That this affiant was a soldier
in the revolutionary war that when he joined the service in a Regiment under the command
of Colonel Elias Edmunds and (or Edmonds) he saw a certain Benjamin Neale (who is now a
resident of the County of Butler & State aforesaid & an applicant for a pension) who was
then a soldier in the same Regiment, previously to this time the affiant was acquainted with
the said Neale. This affiant was a substitute for the term of 3 months which term he served
and during the same time the said Neale served as a soldier in the same Regiment at the
expiration of the said 3 months the affiant left the service & left the said Neale in the service.
And further saith not.
S/ George Timmons, X his mark
[f p. 36: On May 24, 1852 in Shelby County Indiana, the veteran filed notice that he is a
resident of Marion County Indiana and wishes his pension to be payable at the nearest
pension office. This document was signed using his mark.]
[f p. 38]
State of Indiana Shelby County: SS
This day personally appeared Benjamin Neale before me Lewis F Reeves a Justice of the
Peace within and for said County and makes oath that he entered the service in the year
1776 on the 4th day of July and continued in the service until the 22nd day of March 1782,
then Legally discharged by Elias Edmons the Commander of the 3rd Virginia Regiment and
further saith not.
S/ Benjamin Neale, X his mark
[f p. 16: On March 28, 1854 in Rush County Indiana, Delilah Neal, 73, filed for a widow's
pension under the 1853 act stating that she is the widow of Benjamin Neal, a private in the
revolutionary war and a pensioner for such service from the United States at the rate of $60
per annum; that she married him February 15, 1806 in Ohio; that they were married by Mill
Stevenson, a justice of the peace; that her name prior to her marriage was Delilah Barton;
that her husband died in Shelby County Indiana April 15, 1853; that she has no record of her
marriage and there is no family record. She signed her application with her mark.]
[Facts in file:
The following names of children of the veteran and his wife, Delilah, are shown in the
documents in this file as of 1857:
Joseph Neale aged about 51 years in 1857

Mary aged 47 or 48 years and the wife of __ Bird [see f p. 76at which time she gave her
address as % William Bird, Lumber Merchant, Washington City.]
Matthew H Neale deceased
Richard B Neale
Melinda wife of __ Low [possibly Woodbeck Low who gave testimony but didn't expressly
state his relationship to the veteran] [See f p. 81]
Thomas T Neale deceased
Joshua Neale deceased
John Neale
Mahala, wife of __ Thomas
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $60 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for
service as a private for 18 months in the Virginia service. Veteran's widow was pensioned at
the rate of $60 per annum commencing April 13, 1853 for her husband's service as a
private.]
__________________________
Pension application of George Purvis W2691 Elizabeth f36VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 12/10/12
The Company in which he was a member was a rifle company and each man was
directed to run 30 bullets, the next morning the Army was put in motion, & Captain
Morrison's rifle company was placed as front guard to the Artillery, so this company
was in advance and the artillery following, and the order was if the enemy made its
appearance the rifle Company should fire & fall to the right and left, and let the
Artillery come into play
Purvis was 18 years old at the time of his first service in 1775
1775: Capt. James Higginbothams militia company
1776: Capt. James Montgomerys militia company
1777: Capt. John Digges militia company
(Served in several other militia companies to 1781)
May 1781: Capt. James Morrisons militia rifle company (Battle of Green Spring)
Virginia: At a Court of Monthly Session held for Nelson County at the Courthouse on the
25th day of September 1832
State of Virginia Nelson County: SS
On this 25th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of
said County, now sitting, George Purvis, a resident of said County and State aforesaid aged
seventy-five years the 19th of October next, 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: That in the year 1775, he joined a
volunteer company in the County of Amherst & State aforesaid, commanded by James
Higginbotham, as Captain, James Cabell as Lieutenant & Nicholas Cabell as Ensign; the
company met at Nicholas Cabell's in said County, and then marched direct to Williamsburg
Virginia by the way of Richmond, and served there under said officers three months, or
upwards, and was then marched back to said County & discharged. He does not recollect
what field officers commanded at Williamsburg. He was standing guard when Governor
Dunmore made his way to the British's shipping: a guard was afterwards placed at his
house to take him in case he should return. That in the year 1776, he again entered the
service in a volunteer Company commanded by Captain James Montgomery, Tilman Walton
Lieutenant, and the Ensign he has forgotten, the company met at Lovings Gap in said
County, and marched by Richmond to Petersburg, and headquarters was about three miles

above Petersburg, where he remained at a place called the Long Ordinary, until his tour of
three months expired, having stayed about ten days at Petersburg in the first part of the
tour; two regiments were stationed there, one of which was commanded by Colonel Stovall,
the name of the other Colonel he has forgotten, he does not recollect the name of the other
officers of said Regiment; after the tour of 3 months was out, the company was then
marched to Richmond, & discharged. In the year 1777 (he believes) he was drafted in said
County of Amherst and marched from Roberts' in said County and a company commanded
by Captain John Digges, Lieutenant Morrison, and he does not now recollect the name of the
Ensign, to the County of Hanover, where the Company was attached to the __ Regiment
commanded by Colonel Meriwether & Major John Pope after getting to Hanover, Captain
John Digges resign, and the company was put under another Captain, his name not
recollected. The Regiment was then marched and easy march to the Burnt Ordinary
between Williamsburg and James Town where the Regiment was stationed until the tour of
three months had expired, the company then marched to Bottom's bridge below Richmond,
and was discharged. That in the same year (he believes) he was again called into service and
served in a Company commanded by Captain John Christian, Lieutenant James Pamplin and
Ensign Thomas Haskins, the Company met at Amherst Courthouse, and marched from
thence down into the County of New Kent, to a little place not recollected, where the
Company joined the Regiment commanded by Colonel Mathews, he does not recollect the
names of the other field officers; after this the Regiment was continually moving about, and
guards placed at almost every crossroad, so there was no place of regular rendezvous the
British were then at Hanover town, the Regiment was stationed from three to five weeks at
a place called the Burnt Chimneys, between Williamsburg and Norfolk, he served in this
tour three months, and the Company marched to Richmond, & was discharged. That in the
year 1778 (he believes), he was again called on, and served in a Company commanded by
Captain John Pamplin, Lieutenant Samuel Bell and Ensign Samuel Allen, the Company met at
Amherst Courthouse and marched on by Albemarle old Courthouse on James River, then to
Richmond to Gillis Creek, and joined a Regiment commanded by Colonel Daniel Ganes
[Daniel Gaines] and then marched on to an old meeting house below Richmond between
James Town & Williamsburg, the meeting house was called (he believes) Hickory run
meeting house, there the Regiment stayed four or five weeks, then marched to a place called
Holts old Forge, on the Chickahominy, where it remained sometime, say a month, when it
again marched, in company with another Regiment, to Bacon's Tavern, about halfway
between Richmond and Williamsburg where the tour of service expired, & the Company
discharged. That he was again called on (he believes) in the year 1778 or 1779, and the
Company met at Amherst Court house, and under the command of Captain John Jacobs,
Lieutenant James Ried [James Reid or Reed or Read], the Ensign not recollected, the
Company marched by Richmond, and joined a Regiment commanded by Colonel Tompkins
just below Rockets, the other field officers not recollected, the Regiment then marched
down James River, near to James Town and stayed there a short time, and was constantly
moving about; guards were again placed at almost all the cross roads, & over places, so the
Regiment had no regular station, after serving out the tour of three months the Company
was marched to Richmond & discharged. That in the year 1780 or 1781, he again joined
a Company of volunteers commanded by Captain Tilman Walton, Lieutenant James
Roberts, the Ensign not recollected, the Company met at Loving's Gap in Amherst
County, and marched to Richmond and crossed James River, and marched down to
Osborne's and again crossed James River, where the company joined a Regiment, by
whom commanded he does not recollect, nor the other field officers nor the number
of the Regiment, after joining the Regiment it marched near to a place called the
Malvern Hills, the Regiment stayed there about 10 days, and was marched about from

place to place in the lower Country and was again stationed a while at the Burnt
Ordinary, at this place said Purvis was on guard one night under Lieutenant Roberts,
when the British light horse were said to be approaching, a guard fled and secreted
themselves in a thicket, two of the light horse of the enemy came up and one was shot
by one of the guard, through the thigh, of which he died, & the horse was killed dead;
the other made his escape; after this the Regiment marched towards Richmond, a few
miles, to a place of few houses, the name not recollected, stayed there a few days,
when the company in which he was marched to Richmond & discharged, having
served three months. In the year 1781, he thinks, about the 19th or 20th of May,
Cornwallis had crossed James River at Columbia in pursuit of the Army, under
Lafayette, who again crossed back, at this time a Company of volunteers was again
raised in Amherst County, and James Morrison was Captain __ Reid was Lieutenant,
the name of the Ensign not recollected, said Purvis volunteered in this Company, it
met at Warwick's Gap, then called Key's Gap in the said County of Amherst, and
marched near Columbia, where the company remained some few days; Cornwallis
was then at Mrs. Lewis' with his forces and as the different companies & forces from
the upper Country were gathering upon him he continued to move down the Country,
the gathering force continued to follow on until they got to Richmond, where the
company, of which said Purvis was a member, joined a Regiment, commanded by
Colonel Meriwether, the other field officers not recollected; the forces under
Lafayette, to which this Regiment was then attached then marched down to within
two miles of James Town, where General Wayne's Army was stationed. General
Lafayette commanded them to move from that place to another. He said Purvis heard
the picket guard, under Wayne & the British fire upon each other, none of the soldiers
under Colonel Meriwether was in that guard. It was thought the next day there would
be a general engagement. The Company in which he was a member was a rifle
company and each man was directed to run 30 bullets, the next morning the Army
was put in motion, & Captain Morrison's rifle company was placed as front guard to
the Artillery, so this company was in advance and the artillery following, and the
order was if the enemy made its appearance the rifle Company should fire & fall to
the right and left, and let the Artillery come into play, after this, very early in the
morning before it was clearly light some of the officers came riding up, and ordered a
halt, but the Army continued to march on until it arrived in sight of James Town, and
found Cornwallis & his force had taken shipping, the forces stayed there near the
town on the height two or three days, and then marched to Malvern Hills, and was
stationed there until the Company of Captain Morrison was discharged, having served
three months or more; he having entered the 24th or 25th of May and was not
discharged until the last of August. He served in the whole service a little upwards of 2
years, having served sometimes over and above the regular term, and as it was the practice
not to discharge one company until another came to take its place. He does not now know
what has become of his discharge, as she kept no care of them, so they are lost, nor has he
any documentary evidence of his services, he knows of no person living who served with
him, but he knows Hezekiah Hargrove & Charles Purvis both of whom knows of his services,
& can also testify to his veracity. 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 & year aforesaid.
S/ George Purvis
The Court propounded the following Interrogatories to the applicant and they are answered
as follows
1. Question. Where and in 4 year were you born?

Answer. I was born the 19th of October 1757 in the County of Caroline.
2nd Question. Have you any record of your age, & if so, where is it?
Answer. I have it in this Bible (which was shown to the court.)
3rd Question Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since
the revolution, and where do you now live?
Answer. I lived in the County of Amherst since is division, in Nelson & have ever lived since
the War in the same County.
4th Question. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or
were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom?
Answer. I first entered as a volunteer & served as a volunteer 4 times & as a Militia man
drafted 4 times of three months each time.
5. Question. State the names of the regular officers will with the troops when you served;
such Continental & militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of
your service?
Answer. I have stated all these things in the declaration here prepared which I referred you
to, it is very long and would take some time for me to rehearse the whole. It has been
prepared by my
directions, and is all true, the court will please read it as my answer.
6th Question. Did you ever receive any discharge from service, if so, by whom was it given,
and what has become of it?
Answer. I received a discharge from Captain Higginbotham from Colonel Meriwether &
several others, from all my commanding officers. I believe, when I left the service, at the
different times, but I have since taken no care of them, leaving they were of no service, they
are all lost.
7 Question. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present
neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity & of their belief of your
services as a soldier of the Revolution?
Answer. Hezekiah Hargrove, Charles Purvis, Robert Rives & Spotswood Garland.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
S/ George Purvis
We Hezekiah Hargrove & Charles Purvis the first aged eighty-five years & the latter age 66
years residing in the County of Nelson, formerly a part of Amherst County, hereby certify
that we resided in the neighborhood in which George Purvis lived, who has made the
foregoing declaration, during the revolutionary War, except the part of the time, when said
Hargrove was in service himself, that we well know that said George Purvis was frequently
in the service of the Country both as a volunteer & Militia man, during the revolutionary
war, and we believe he was in the service every year and we think, to the best of our
recollection, that he was in the service at least seven or eight different times, and we further
certify, that we all well acquainted with the said George Purvis, that we believe him to be a
man of 75 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, because
we know the fact. We also state that he is a man of veracity & can and all to be relied on.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
S/ Hezekiah Hargrove
S/ Charles Purvis
[f p. 14: : January 24, 1852 in Nelson County Virginia, Elizabeth Purvis, 85, filed for a
widow's pension under the 1848 act stating that she is the widow of George Purvis, a
revolutionary war pensioner; that she married him October 29, 1795; that he died on or
about the 15th day of October 1838; and that she remains his widow. She signed her
application with her mark.]

[f p. 17: copy of a marriage bond issued in Amherst County Virginia October 19, 1795 to
George Purvis and John Lowing conditioned upon the marriage of George Purvis to
Elizabeth Murphy.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $70 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for
service as a private for 21 months in the Virginia militia. His widow was pensioned in a like
amount.]
__________________________________
Pension application of Elliot Rucker S46408 f77VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 8/11/12
[Note: While Ruckers claims of service are problematic (his contention that he
served with Col. George Gibsons 1st Virginia State Regiment seem not to be true), it is
likely he did serve in some command capacity (lieutenant or a higher brevet rank)
with the Virginia militia and commanded rifle troops in 1781. For that reason, the
entire pension account is included.]
I served under Major Elliott Rucker formerly of said County as a Soldier he
commanded the Rifle Company at the battle of Jamestown Virginia in 1781 and
brought home the engagement which continued for 2 or 3 hours when the Rifles
began to play he was on the right of me. General Wayne rode up in five steps of me
and said ["]my brave boys give them one more fire and I will take it of [off] your
hands ["] which we did.
(See also, Pension Application of Christian Peters: S5898
In the month of June afterwards he volunteered as a Sergeant and marched with the
militia from the County of Rockingham in Virginia under Captain Jeremiah Beasley
and march to the eastern part of Virginia and was attached to the Regiment
commanded by General [William] Campbell Col. Jack Willis and Majr Rucker. during
this trip they were in the Battle at Hot water [or Spencers Ordinary, 6 miles NW of
Williamsburg, 26 June 1781] and James Town [6 July 1781]. At Hot water the Battle
lasted two Hours & ten minutes and they were unsuccessful and retreated under the
shelter of Genl. [Anthony] Wayne fourteen of the men in their company were
wounded and one killed At the Battle of James Town he was on the right where there
was but little danger but Genl. Waynes regular Troops suffered very much.)
Revolutionary Claims of Elliot Rucker for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act
entitled an Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and Soldiers of the Revolution
approved on the 15th of May 1828 I Elliott Rucker of and in the County of Shelby and State
of Kentucky, did enlist under Captain John Green of Culpeper, afterwards Colonel Green of
the Continental Virginia line, as a private soldier for one-year, In which capacity I served
through said term of enlistment. After which I was appointed an Ensign in Colonel George
Gibson's Regiment raised by quota of men as such and marched them to Williamsburg,
where so soon as said Regiment was organized marched and joined the grand Continental
Army to the North under the command of Washington which Regiment was transferred to
the Continental line 1777 or 78 in the place of the 9th Virginia Regiment taken in the battle
of Germantown [October 4, 1777]. Was after that appointed to the rank of Lieutenant in
said Regiment and marched with it to Virginia in the year 1780 In the year 1781 after
the reduction of the regular forces, was called on by General Muhlenberg to take the
command of other troops as Major Was in the battle of Jamestown, under General
Anthony Wayne & served through the siege of York in the said capacity and continued
to hold my said regular Commission as Lieutenant to the end of the war. In the year
1826 the Assembly of Virginia allowed me commutation for my services as

Lieutenant aforesaid having previously received a Lieutenant's bounty of land as a

satisfactory testimonial of such services. All which facts and evidences are herewith
submitted to the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
S/ Elliot Rucker
[f p. 48]
I Joseph Carpenter of the County of Madison and State of Virginia do hereby Certify
that I served under Major Elliott Rucker formerly of said County as a Soldier he
commanded the Rifle Company at the battle of Jamestown Virginia in 1781 and
brought home the engagement which continued for 2 or 3 hours when the Rifles
began to play he was on the right of me. General Wayne rode up in five steps of me
and said ["]my brave boys give them one more fire and I will take it of [off] your
hands ["] which we did. I further state I was in another engagement with Major
Rucker and he was a brave officer.
That given under my hand this 22nd day of July 1830
S/ Joseph Carpenter
[f p. 53]
I do hereby certify that Major Eliot Rucker of Shelby County Kentucky did enlist as a soldier
under Captain Green of Culpeper County State of Virginia for one-year and served until his
time expired and in the winter '76-'77 was appointed Ensign in Colonel George Gibson's
Regiment raised his cota [quota] of men and join Gibson's Regiment at Williamsburg
Virginia and as soon as the Regiment was Organized that Gibson was ordered with his
Regiment to the North to join the grand Army commanded by General Washington and that
he the said Rucker marched with Gibson's Regiment and joined the grand Army and at the
North took rise to the command of Lieutenant after Gibson's Regiment was transferred to
the Continental line and there commanded as Lieutenant and in the winter '79-'80 the
Regiment was ordered to Virginia and got to Alexandria in Virginia in January 1780 there
Colonel Gibson gave his Regiment furloughs to go to see their parents for three months after
the expiration of the three months they were to join the Regiment again and he Lieutenant
Rucker join Gibson's Regiment at Petersburg and took command as Lieutenant in the said
Gibson's Regiment and so continued him 1781, General Muhlenberg who commanded the
brigade that Gibson's Regiment belonged to sent his aid for the said Lieutenant Rucker to
come to the siege of York and take command as brevet Major while at the siege of York and
the said Lieutenant Rucker obeyed his General's orders. Further the deponent sayeth not.
S/ Angus Rucker
2 Angus Rucker S19068
3 Churchill Gibbs S46002
[the above affidavit is attested July 27, 1830.]
[f p. 55]
I Churchill Gibbs of the County of Madison and State of Virginia do hereby certify that Major
Elliott Rucker formerly of the said County enlisted as a Soldier under Captain John Green of
Culpeper County and State of Virginia in the year 1775 for one-year and served the time out.
I further certify in the latter part of 1776 or the 1st of 1777 he was appointed an Ensign in
and for George Gibson's Regiment and raised his man and marched them to Williams, Joined
the said Colonel Gibson's Regiment marched with said Regiment to the North and joined the
Continental Army commanded by General Washington; and while at the North took rise to
the command as a Lieutenant and continued in the north in the Army until 1780 & when the
Army marched to Virginia where the said Rocker commanded in said Gibson's Regiment
Lieutenant, being taken prisoner in 1781 and not being in said Regiment after that time but
from everything I have heard and believes he served to the end of the war.
Given under my hand this 22nd day of July 1830

S/ Churchill Gibbs
[f p. 44]
State of Kentucky Shelby County Sct.
Jesse Alvis this day personally appeared before me George P Miller a Justice of the
Peace in and for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid and made oath that he was
in the Army of the Revolution, that during the year 1781 he is certain that Major
Elliott Rucker commanded a Battalion in the Virginia line attached to General
Wayne's Brigade, and that he the said Rocker commanded in the capacity of a major
at the Siege of York and that he the said Alvis was under the command of the said
Rucker on his march thither, but was ordered to Winchester, and was not at the siege
with said Rucker. He further states that he was with said Rucker in the battles at Hot
water [June 26, 1781 also known as the Battle of Spencer's Tavern or the battle of Hot
Water Plantation] and Jamestown.
4 Jesse Alvis S35765
Given under my hand as a Justice of the peace in and for said County this 5th day of October
1830
S/ Geo. P. Miller, JP
[f p. 32]
Shelby County Kentucky October 18 1830
I certify that I served through a campaign of nine months in 1781 under the command
of Major Elliott Rucker of the Revolutionary Army, & from the State of Virginia; He
commanded a Battalion which at that period of the campaign General Wayne
requested the commanding Officers to place [themselves and their men] under his
Wayne's control, which request was readily complied with & in that situation Major
Rucker acted until the capture of Cornwallis at York [October 19, 1781] when he was
given the charge of the Prisoners to conduct them to Lancaster Pennsylvania unless
released by a sufficient force on the route to take them safe to that point.
Major Rucker was ever considered as standing amongst the most enterprising of our
Officers, he had less rest or gave himself less than any officer of my whole
acquaintance; He was ever on the scout unless we were likely for an engagement. I
fought under his command at Hot water, where we had to cross the Cyprus Knee Mill
dam near where the British were, and after crossing the same the troops were halted,
when Generals Wayne & Lafayette had a short consultation & Wayne remarked that if
the British line of cavalry could be broken or thrown in confusion, that they the
Americans could sustain the conflict; Major Rucker advancing towards him replied
General give me the command of our Cavalry and I will do it or die in the attempt, a
few words then passed between the Generals, when Wayne replied, "Rucker you have
it," whereupon Rucker took command of our Cavalry, and succeeded to the
satisfaction of his commanding Officers. I was commanded by said Rucker also at
James Town & at the siege of York, in all of which cases he moved in front of his
troops when going into action, and in cases of retreat he was always found covering
our rear.
I will further state that Major Rucker continued in the service until the close of the War,
which secured to us our independence.
Given under my hand the day & date aforesaid
S/ John Shipman
[f p. 42]
I was in Loueasy [Louisa] County on Mechunk Creek in the year 1781 when General
Lafayette marched through Virginia and Elliott Rucker was then commanding as a Major in
Lafayette's Division and I have always understood that Major Rucker subbed until the close

of the war and I have every right to believe that he was a gallant and distinguished officer:
having always heard him spoken of under that character.
James Rowe this day personally appeared before me Robert T. Robb a Justice of the peace in
and for the County of Shelby and made oath to the truth of the above statements given
under my hand as a Justice of the peace in him for the above named County this 8th day of
November 1830
S/ Robert T. Robb, JP
[f p. 4]
Commonwealth of Kentucky Shelby County Sct.
Whereas I Elliot Rucker of the County of Shelby in the Commonwealth of Kentucky was an
officer in the Revolutionary War which secured the United States it's Independence and am
entitled to compensation for my services, and I have in him about applying therefore, and to
the effect that object I did heretofore appoint Henry Norfolk my attorney-in-fact, Now I do
hereby revoke all former powers of attorney by me made and executed and declare the
same to be null and void, and I do hereby authorize constitute and appoint my son Legrand
F. Rucker, of this place, my true and duly lawful attorney in fact, for me and in my name to
do all acts, and execute all deeds in relation to my claims for money and lands to which I am
entitled from the Government of the United States as a revolutionary officer to receive all
patents or grants for land, or script or money from the proper officer war Department
which I could or might hereafter in my own proper person receive or apply for, and
whatever the said Legrand F. Rucker shall do, or authorized to be done touching the
premises, shall be as good and valid as I myself could do or make the same. In witness
whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affixed my seal this 18th day of November 1830.
S/ Elliot Rucker {Seal}
[f p. 62]
Pension Office
April 20, 1844
It is hereby certified that I have examined the claim of Lewis H Bascom, administrator with
the will annexed of the estate of Elliott Rucker, deceased, who was a Lieutenant in the
Virginia State Troops and I find that in addition to the amount heretofore paid on account of
said Rucker's revolutionary service, there is still due the estate of said deceased, half-pay
under the act of July 5, 1832, entitled "An act to provide for liquidating and paying certain
claims of the State of Virginia at the rate of $160 per annum, from the 6th of February 1782
to the 3rd of September 1783, and from the 3rd of March 1726 to the 19th of March 1832
when he died at the same rate per annum; and that the same is payable to Francis A.
Dickens, of Washington City, attorney of Lewis H Bascom, administrator of Elliott Rucker
deceased.
Commissioner of Pensions
Approved
Secretary of War
[f p. 8]
State of Kentucky Shelby County: Sct.
On this 12th day of July 1844 came in person in open court Mrs. Merial De Neal who on her
oath makes the following declaration to obtain the provisions of the Act of Congress passed
the 7th of June 1832.
Affiant states that she is the only Surviving Child of Major Elliot Rucker deceased that She is
informed and believes, that her deceased father was a Lieutenant of the Virginia State line
during the Revolutionary war and has been recognized as such by the several departments
at Washington City, he having received a half pay as such from the month of November
1783 to the __ day of __ when he was inscribed on the pension roll under the Act of Congress

of the 15th of May 1828 at $320 per annum which pension said Elliott Rucker continued to
receive to the day of his death that she is informed & believes that in the year 1779 or 1780
the said Elliott Rocker retired as a supernumerary officer that as to the time he retired she
begs leave to refer to the records of the war Department at Washington City & the State of
Virginia, that immediately after the time he left the Service as a Supernumerary officer of
the Virginia State line of Regular Officers. He said Rucker received a Commission from the
proper authorities of the State of Virginia, as a Major of Militia of said State, that he
continued to hold the command of a Battalion of militia until the close of the war, as she is
informed and believes, She states that said Elliott Rucker made application for a pension
while he lived in Shelby County Kentucky, that he died in said County on the 19th day of
March 1832, that his widow survived him, a few years and then died, leaving this affiant her
only child, She therefore most respectfully prays to be allowed the difference between the
pension which her deceased father received in his lifetime and that to which he was entitled
from March 1831 to the day of his death further saith not, Sworn to & subscribed the day &
date above written.
S/ Meriel A. Deneal
[From rejected pension records in the Library of Virginia]
Petition for bounty land (additional)
The Heirs of Lieutenant Elliott Rucker S. Line
Elliott Rucker has received the land, for a service of three years, as a subaltern. His
commission of Ensign bore date in 1777. His commission of 1st Lieutenant bore date
January 11th 1779. He was not on the list of officers of the 1st State Regiment entitled to
half pay in 1782. He was, by the Board of Officers, who sat in Richmond in 1782
discriminated, as not entitled to half pay. It does not appear that he was ever reinstated in
his rank &c in the Army. He probably commanded militia, after he was discriminated; if he
was in service at all: and his heirs are not entitled to more land, for his services.
Respectfully submitted
John H. Smith, Comr. etc.
To his Excellency
Governor Tazewell April 28, 1834
_______________________________
Pension application of Major Groom S31073 f18VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 12/5/11 rev'd 6/4/14
The enemy had built a battery on a small creek a small distance from the town &
annoyed, much annoyed our men digging entrenchments-- this creek ran into the
river below the town -- battery was aboned [sic, abandoned?] in a short time as rifle
men approached under cover within gun shot & compelled them to retreat.
Groom was 17 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
1781: Militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
State of Kentucky, Caldwell County
On the 20th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before James C. Weller,
Morton A. Rucker, & William Lander, Esqrs., justices in the said County court of said County
& state now sitting Major Groom, a resident of said County & state aged 69 [? written over
and difficult to decipher] years who being first duly sworn does under oath, make the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the
7th 1832: That he entered the service of the United States under the following
commissioned officers & served as herein stated to wit: That at about the age of
seventeen, & in the year 1780 he now believes in the County of Orange, State of

Virginia, he was drafted in the militia of that state for the purpose of guarding the
prisoners taken at the capture of Burgoyne who were confined at the Barracks in
Albemarle County, Virginia that while in the service, which was the term of six weeks he
was under Captain Buckner [William Buckner] -- that two companies of regulars were in the
same service, one of which was Commanded by Capt. Burley [Garland Burnley], & several
militia Companysthat these prisoners were confined in the interior to keep them out of
reach & to prevent a recapture. That a short time afterward he was again drafted from the
same County & for the same purpose & again stood his tour of six weeks & was again
discharged, as he was relieved by other drafts. That not long after this time, he was again
drafted from the same County under Colonel Dark [William Darke] & Lieutenant Gab'l
Poindexter [Gabriel Poindexter] (his captain's name is not remembered) that they joined
the Regt. at Richmond & proceeded to Cabbin Point [sic, Cabin Point]; thence to Petersburg,
thence to Richmond again, which marching & countermarching was to prevent the
movements of the British then in the country, & a further object was to guard James River &
to prevent the enemy's vessels coming up that river. The expedition was for two months,
after which he was again discharged. That in short time he was again called out under Col.
Matthews [probably George Mathews] to guard York River & the lower part of that country that they marched first to Williamsburg & to several other points, that were thought to be in
danger - then an engagement at Jamestown was confidently expected at that time, but the
enemy retired for the time & did not appear - that he was in this tour for two months, & was
again discharged. That not long afterward sometime in 1781 as well as he remembers he
was again drafted to go to Yorkthat two Companies were drafted from his County,
and rendezvoused at Williamsburg, and from there marched to Yorktown and there
joined Gen'l Washington, who was besieging Cornwallis at that place. The enemy had
built a battery on a small creek a small distance from the town & annoyed, much
annoyed our men digging entrenchments-- this creek ran into the river below the
town -- battery was aboned [sic, abandoned?] in a short time as rifle men approached
under cover within gun shot & compelled them to retreat. The American Army was
posted on both sides of river, & the French fleet was below the town, so that the town
was completely surrounded. Washington's plan was to entrench himself & so advance
by degrees to protect his men from the enemy's fire & in about ten days our batteries
were raised & we returned the fire -- the first battery was raised below the town &
the firing continued without intermission until Cornwallis surrendered under both
the posts of Yorktown & Gloucester Point, which was about the 18th of Oct. 1781 -that he served in the expedition two months & was discharged, making in all eight months
of his service as a soldier in the revolution. In this siege, Governor Nelson [Thomas Nelson]
commanded the Virginia Militia, as well as he remembers. He knows of no person now living
who served with him in either the campaigns -- they may be in Virginia, but there is no one
in this County that he knows of. He states that he was born in Orange County Virginia, but
the precise time he does not know. According to the custom of the country, when an infant,
he was christened at Church & his age & name registered - that his parents failed to get this
Register before the war, & then it was impossible & the record was lost. That from his best
information he was about the age of seventeen when he was first drafted into service -- that
he received discharges from his services, but they are worn out & lost that he supposed
belonged in the Virginia State Troops & that his name is on the rolls in the War Department
that he lived in Virginia for many years after the war & moved to this County where he has
lived for the last 13 years. He hereby relinquished his every claim to whatever pension or
annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency
or any other state.
S/ Major Groom

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

[Timothy McMan, a clergyman, Lawson Robertson and Buford Lewis gave the standard
supporting affidavits.]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $29.30 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for
service as a private for 8 months and 24 days in the Virginia militia.]
_________________________
Pension Application of Isaac Collett S30964 VA
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
it was a critical time of service, we were too weak to contend in any way, our
cavalry consisted of less than 100 under the command in common of Capt Hughs
much worn down. Tarlton [sic: Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton] with 900 it was said in
contact in good flight[?], in order to support in some measure our deficient cavalry as
before mentioned a detached company of what then was termed regulars and
commanded by Capt Ogden and the company to which I belonged a company of
riflemen commanded by captn Stump were associated and acted with the cavalry,
which of course rendered our service very hard and fatiegueing and, destitute of
Tents or baggage Waggon; for six weeks day and half of the night either on the scout
or standing on our arms, only one piece of a day were permitted to lie at rest in that
time.
Collett was 21 years old at the time of his first service in April 1781
April 1781: Capt. William Vestals militia company
May 1781: Joined Capt. Michael Stumps militia rifle company
State of Kentucky. Henry Cty} SS
On this 14th day of Nov 1833 personally appeared before me Price Nuttall a Justice of the
peace in and for Henry County Isaac Collett aged 73 years who being duly sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an
act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832
The declarent states that he entered the service of the United States under the following
named Officers and served as herein stated, viz, that in the month of April 1781 he
entered the service as a drafted militiaman and was commanded by Capt William
Vestal of Berkly [sic: Berkeley] County Virginia for a tour of three months he states
that he with the balance of Capt Vestals company rendezvoused at Martinsburg in
said County of Berkly and after remaing there a short time that Coln Richard Willis
[probably Robert Carter Willis] Regiment to which he was attached was ordered to
march to
Fredercksburg [sic: Fredericksburg] on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania
County for the purpose of arresting Cornwallis progress in the country. he states that
about the first of May that Coln Willis Regiment reached Fredricksburg where they
remained for a few days waiting for a supply of ammunition &c on arriving at
Fredricksburg he states that the militia from Hampshire County Commanded by Coln
Higgins were there stationed waiting for arms and amunition after some consultation
between the officers it was ordered by the commanding officers that such soldiers as
had arms should form a company and march in haste to Richmond he further states
that out of the militia from the counties of Hampshire and Berkly a company was
formed and he having taken his rifle from home with him was put in that company
The company thus formed was officered by Michael Stump Capt, Thomas Hart,
Lieutenat, and Mr Toff Ensign, he states that they were then ordered to march to
Richmond, which they did and joined the main army Commanded by General Lafaette

[sic: Lafayette] after remaining with General Lafaette army about two day Capt
Stumps Company was ordered to march to a place called the Ground Squirrel Bridge
[on South Anna River 20 mi above Richmond] to unite with Capt John Hughs [sic:
John Hughess] Company of Cavalry at this time the British army commanded by
Cornwallis compelled us to retreat, he states that they were ordered up into the
country, into the County of Albemarl [sic: Albemarle] as well as he now remembers
where they were stationed for a short time thence to a place called the Racoon ford
on the South branch of the rappahannock [sic: Raccon Ford on Rapidan River] the
British failing to come as was expected this high in the county Capt Stumps Company
and Capt Hughs Company of Cavalry were then ordered to march to Richmond and as
they marched to Richmond they fell in with General [Anthony] Waynes army that had
united with General Lafaette about two days march above Richmond [at Brocks
Bridge near Monrovia, 10 June]. the whole army under the command of General
Lafaette was then ordered and marched to New Kent within a few miles of the British
army the time of this declarents drafte being out he state that was discharged in
writing by his said Capt Michael Stump in the absence of his Coln (Richard Willis) this
declarent states that upon receiving his discharge that Capt Stump proposed to his
men to volunteer for an other tour of three month as General Lafaettes army had
been reinforced by General Wayne there was then a prospect of being able to
withstand Cornwallis army and to prevent his making inroads into the county he
states that he and nearly all of Capt Stumps company volunteerd for an other tour of
three months and that after remaining some time in New Kent that Cornwallis
directed his course towads Little york to which place the army under the command of
Lafaette marched and was there statione till his second tour expired when they under
the command of Capt Stump were discharged he states that he has no documentary
evidence of his service and that he knows of no living witness by whom he can prov said
service he also states that from old age and being severely strickin with the palsy that he is
unable to appear in open court to make his 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 State
[signed] Isaac Collett
Inneragatories put by by the magistrate
Qus Where and in what year were you born
Ans I was born in Baltimore Couny State of Maryland 1760
Qus Have you any record of your age
Ans. I have as taken from my Father family record
Qus Where were you living when called into the service
Ans Berkly County State of Virginia
Qus. Where have you lived since the revolution and where do you now live
Ans I lived in Bercly County Va till the year of 1784 when I moved to Ky and I now live in
Drennon ridge in Henry Couty Kentucky
Qus How were you called into the service
Ans I was drafted and marched to Fredericksbug under Capt William Vestal and and there
transferred to Michal Stunp and a second tour I volunteerde under Capt Ml Stump
Qus Did you receive a discharge and by whom was it given (and) what has become of it?
Ans I received two two written discharges given by my Captn michael Stunp which
discharges I have lost many years since these discharges were given in the absence of my
Coln (Richard Willis)
Qus State the names of som of the regular officers who were with the troops where
you served and such continental and militian regements as you can recollect?

Ans) Major Mcpherson and Capt Ogden were all the regular officers until we joined
General Lafaette near Richmond General Wayne after was joined us Coln Higgins
regiment of Militia was with us a part of the time and whether his regement was
discharged or sent to an other place I am not able to say at this time
Ques State the names fo some of your neighbours who can testify as to your character for
veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Ans I will name Capt John Field and Mr Anthony Lindsay.
[The handwriting is extremely shaky except where indicated.]
The Honorable J L Edwards { Milton Gallatin County Ky
Commissioner of pensions { 4th of January 1836
Whereas I have become a revolutionary pensioner under your administration of that
business, I am induced to make a statement of my situation in life which is singular. As to
any satisfaction to be made me for my service, had it been double, or thribble I should not
have thought about, but consider the great benefit derived from such a government to my
self and posterity amply sufficient for such short lived services, as I was fortunate enough to
go through without any uncommon disaster. I did it freely and feel gratified in
contemplating that I can be hailed among the heroes of the revolution Whether this course
pursued is consistent or not, I am at a loss to know, should it be out of order your Honour
can determine and treat it accordingly. Though I heard it spoken of that government was
extending its clemency to shorter times of service than at first contemplated, I still was
neuter, but at length there were a number of persons took in head for lucrative purpos to
make diligent search for all whom they considered by their appearance of age, probably
existed, and might be active in the service, proposed to make a statement by their
information agreeable to the provision of the law of congress in that case made and provide
their terms was half the first draw by which they made money, and in that way myself and
many others were brought forward before you my case was before you, and was sanctioned
beyond my expectation for had it been returned without allowance I should have been
satisfied after an acknowledgement of your clemency, for myself I will aver that the facts
contained in the address were true to the best of my recollection, and had I been depraved
enough to betray my veracity which I had supported through life for Lucres sake I coul as
easily have claimed more as there were no one living who could controvert me, there is one
point in my case which was not as fully set forth agreeable to my information a I would have
set forth had I complied it myself. that is, it was a critical time of service, we were too
weak to contend in any way, our cavalry consisted of less than 100 under the
command in common of Capt Hughs much worn down. Tarlton [sic: Lt. Col. Banastre
Tarleton] with 900 it was said in contact in good flight[?], in order to support in some
measure our deficient cavalry as before mentioned a detached company of what then
was termed regulars and commanded by Capt Ogden and the company to which I
belonged a company of riflemen commanded by captn Stump were associated and
acted with the cavalry, which of course rendered our service very hard and
fatiegueing and, destitute of Tents or baggage Waggon; for six weeks day and half of
the night either on the scout or standing on our arms, only one piece of a day were
permitted to lie at rest in that time It was my opinion always that it might be
considered a two-fold Tour (But it is not my provence to dictate) I just mention those
sacred facts as introductory to some other circumstances which is rather disagreeable to
my feelings. Early in 1784 I emigrated to Kentucky fell into a open dangerous frontier which
was attended with many difficulties losse[ink blot] But had I not met with difficulties more
serious in consequence I should have considered those as nothing but unfortunate about
forty four years past I was taken with an intolerable attact of the Pleury [pleurisy?; the
handwriting becomes steady here], by the eminent skill of a physician, and the blessing

attending the means the disorder was broke, but not finally cured. I have ever since
experienced a painful disagreeable passage through life, its effects was such, it immediately
rendered me incapable of laborious exercise, the, way in which I depended for the support
of a family, which I had undertaken to support, but so it was, I was capaciated and
considered after 6 or 7 years practice as an eminent Teacher of common English schools by
which I could have supported myself and family well and carried on concerns to have
something prepared beforehand for the rainy day, But alas the lingerings of the complaint
mentioned was the foundation of divers heavy sickness which terminated in destroying the
articulation of my speech which put an end to my capacity as a teacher, which with
propriety I can say has been thousands out of my way because my capacit and integrity
would have given me a place as an assistant in the public Seminary And though advanced
in age, and labouring under various afflictions had I the use of speech I could command an
income that would set me on a footing more agreeable to my feelings than pensioning
[handwriting becomes extremely shaky] (not considering the gratuity allowed as
derogatory) my case is such, that to keep the system in an easy regular position on account
of a weak disgesture I am bound to be very particular in dieting, cannot make use of what I
could live on that is called common fare also heavily oppressed in the discharge of Urine in
consequence thereof a constant applications of medical [illegible word] that and many
nourishment for comfortable [about eight illegible words] needful also. I have no resource
of friends [illegible word] to supply If consistent for some addition such as may be thout
proper can be made to the former it can come together there is particular attention is
necessary to be given to the collection and some cost I now submit my case upon a hazard
not knowing whether right or wrong and as [illegible word] treated agreeable to the
[illegible word] if consistent well if not cast it by and no response necessary with
submission yours &c
[sigend] Isaac Collett
NB when beggars are supplicating (which epithet on the present case I fall under) They
make use of all disaster attending their case which I missed in due form I mentioned I had
no friends situate to supply my real necessities to be brief I state my self and four children
one son and 3 daughters form a family which is such as is naturally a heavy charge on the
one male whose employment is coopering for support. but unfortunate for him very
recently his shop together with all his tools and a large quantity of materials collected to
work on was consumed by fire in a very unaccountable way not less than $300 worth
damage to him which is a very considerable check to his concern us old Revolutionars cant
trouble the government long. I frequently hear of the cost of those who are pensionsers If
worth your perusal excuse a confused diction compiled by a palsified hand with submission
and reliance that your Honours will give it such attention as is consistent [sigend] I Collett
______________________________

Pension application of Thomas Tipton S16274 f49VA

Transcribed by Will Graves 12/15/11
A. he went as first Sergeant in his last tour he took his own gun, a rifle called
the Ranfro gun."
B. he was one of the Rangers all throug [through] that War he was in that noted
Battel [battle] in the BuCkwheat [Buckwheat] field with Morgan and had
Severel [several] Bulet hols [bullet holes] shot through his hat that day [Note:
Morgans Rifle Corps fought in 1777 at the "Battle of Bemis Heights," also
know as the "Battle of Barber Wheatfield." This was the first battle of
Saratoga.]
Tiptons first service was likely in 1776 or 1777 (Battle of Barbers Wheatfield)
1781: Capt. Capt. John Galloway's militia (rifle?) company (Yorktown Siege)
State of Ohio Champaign County
On this ninth day of March 1838 personally appeared before me John Taylor, an associate
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Thomas Tipton, a resident of the County
of Champaign and State of Ohio, aged 100 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 volunteered in the
Army of the United States in the year of 1776, the last of June or first of July in that
year, in what Regiment, or with whom he does not now recollect; when he entered the
service he lived in Fairfax County Virginia since the Revolutionary war he has resided
in various parts of the State of Kentucky and Ohio and he now resides in Adams
Township, Champaign County of Ohio: he recollects fighting under General Gates &
General Morgan and [indecipherable word1] with General Washington this Affiant
recollects of being at the siege of York as 1st Sergeant in Captain John Galloway's
Company under General George Washington he was also at the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis [October 19, 1781] and was in the United States service for years, during
which time he was not employed in any civil pursuit: by reason of extreme old age he
cannot now recollect positively any of the circumstances connected with his service during
the war, he has however other testimony than his own, viz.: William Tipton of Montgomery
County Kentucky, whose affidavit is herewith and made part of this declaration this affiant
was regularly discharge from the Service, but is unable to procure his original discharge
this Affiant never received a commission of any kind, although as above stated he served as
first Sergeant in Captain John Galloway's Company this Affiant further declares that he is
known to Charles Wilson, Reuben Clark, John Wall, AsahelWilkison, Thomas Daniel, John
Daniel, and many others, who are his present neighbors and who have known him for many
years as is shown by their statement, written and subscribed by their own hands mark (B)
and who therein this testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as
a soldier of the Revolution he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or
annuity and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency.
Witness S/ John H Young S/ Thomas Tipton, X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
S/ John Taylor, Associate Judge
[f pp 4-5: is a 2-page, very crudely written and spelled document stating the understanding
of the applicant's services in the Revolution and testifying as to his credibility and good
reputation.
Among the statements they made is the assertion that he is between the ages of 90 and 100
and his mind is so compromised that he is "a child again." They state that he has ever been a
free Will Baptist. That they do not believe he ever received a single cent for his services in

the revolution; that he was born in Baltimore in Maryland then lived seven miles from
Mount Vernon Virginia in Fairfax County; then moved to Frederick County Virginia near
Winchester then moved to Botetourt County when he went his last tour. That he states he
went as first Sergeant in his last tour he took his own gun, a rifle called the "Ranfro
gun." "He says the Reason that he gat [got] no disCharg [discharge] that he was
poisoned and Lay on the field at York in spelted [?] and parnounsed [pronounced] not
to Recover But he was picked up By a Wagoner that nere [knew] him and Brought
him within therty [thirty] mils [miles] of his home; after that war he moved to Cain
Tuckey [Kentucky] living in many plases [places] ther Last of all he lived in
Mountgomery [Montgomery] County then moved to Ohio lived in diferent [different]
plases and in difirent Countys now Livs [lives] in Champaign County Adams
Township. N. B. he says he was one of the Rangers all throug [through] that War he
was in that noted Battel [battle] in the BuCkwheat [Buckwheat] field with Morgan and
had Severel [several] Bulet hols [bullet holes] shot through his hat that day [Note:
Morgans Rifle Corps fought in 1777 at the "Battle of Bemis Heights," also known as
the "Battle of Barber Wheatfield." This was the first battle of Saratoga.] he canat [can't]
Recalate [recollect] his ofiCers [officers'] namesonly Washington, gats [Horatio Gates] and
Morgan his children says the [they] heard thir [their] mother of ten tell them that thir
Father Com [came] home 3 or 4 times and she thought evrytime [everytime] the Last time
she would se [see] him he had three Children at that time."
Charles Wilson, Reuben Clark, John Teall, Jospeh Newcom Sr., Asahel Wilkison, Shemar
Wilkison, Robert Alexander, Joseph Newcomb, Jr., N. W. Mumsell [?], John M. Kinnan, Joseph
Kinnan, Esq., [illegible first name] Kinnan, Abiathar O=buck, Thomas Daniel, John Daniel
[each man indicated in a separate column how long he had been acquainted with the
veteran]
[fp 23: James Peregrine, a clergyman, and Samuel Lewis gave the standard supporting
affidavit.]
[f p. 25]
William Tipton Senior of Montgomery County Kentucky, states that Thomas Tipton
was in Captain Galloway's Company Virginia Militia, at the Siege of York Galloway's
Company was attached to Colonel Lewis' Regiment and all under command of General
Long. This Affiant does not know the precise length of time the siege lasted, but
knows that Thomas Tipton was the first Sergeant of Captain Galloway's Company
during the siege and capture of Cornwallis. This Affiant states that he with Thomas
Tipton marched from Botetourt County through Bedford and Williamsburg on their way to
York. This Affiant also remembers that shortly after the surrender of Yorktown, Thomas
Tipton was taken sick, and was hauled in the baggage wagon to within 30 miles of his home,
from which place this Affiant took him on a horse. Thomas Tipton is now upwards of 90
years old.
2 FPA S14700 transcribed and posted in this database 12/15/11
[attested September 17, 1835 [could be 1832] by L. Y. Millspaugh, JP]
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $25 per annum commencing March fourth, 1831, for
service as a private for three months and a Sergeant for three months in the Virginia
militia.]

a Virginian Rifleman (1776 or 1777)

Brother Jonathans Images, No. 9, Virginia Rifleman, Richard St George Mansergh St
George, 52d Regiment of Foot, 1777
https://www.scribd.com/doc/245356391/Brother-Jonathan-s-Images-No-9-StGeorge-s-Virginia-Rifleman-Artist-Richard-St-George-Mansergh-St-George-52dRegiment-of-Foot-1777-Collection

Pension Application of Robert Christian S9177

Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
While stationed at Mud river a short distance from Williamsburg which was then
in the occupation of the British, Gen. Campbells brigade had a severe skirmish with a
party of British at a place called Hot water mills [Hot Water Plantation 6 mi NW of
Williamsburg, 26 June]. The force to which this affiant was attached continued to
hang upon the rear of the British until their embarcation at Jamestown, at which
place and during the embarcation of the British troops, a severe engagement took
place between the forces which lasted for the space of two hours or more
Christian was 17 years old at the time of his first service in 1781
March 1781: Capt. Francis Longs militia rifle company (Spencers Ordinary, Green
Spring, and Yorktown Siege)
Virginia Kanawha County towit
On this 10 day of September 1832 personally th appeared in open court before the
Justices of the County Court for Kanawha County now sitting Robert Christian resident of
Kanawha County and State of Virginia aged sixty eight 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 was born in the County of Augusta State of Virginia about seven miles from the
Town of Staunton where he continued to reside up to the time of his entering the army.
when 17 years of age and in the month of March 1781 he was placed on the muster
roll of his county and in the month of April following he was drafted to serve in the
Virginia militia and entered the service under the immediate command and in the
Company of Capt. Francis Long in the regiment of Col Hurgard [sic: Thomas Hugart].
In this regiment Robert McCreery was at the time the Major. this affiant and his
Company received orders to rendezvous at a place 12 miles East of Staunton and the
site of the present Town of Waynesborough [sic: Waynesboro], where at Rockfish Gap
his regiment was stationed for the purpose of resisting an anticipated incursion of Col
Tarlton [sic: Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton] to Staunton in pursuit of the Legislature
which had been first driven from Richmond [22 Apr] and then from Charlottesville [4
June]. From this position he was marched to a place called Deep run Church [in NW
part of present Richmond; 12-14 June], in his march to which, his regiment was
attached to General William Campbells Brigade of Virginia militia, to which Brigade
his regiment continued attached while stationed at Deep run Church. While he was
stationed at this place, Lord Cornwallace [sic: Cornwallis] was in the occupation of
Richmond.
On the evacuation of Richmond by Lord Cornwallace [14-15 June], Gen. Campbell
marched and took possession of the city from whence he proceeded in pursuit of
Cornwallace in the route to Williamsburg. At a short distance below Richmond this
affiants Brigade met with and was placed under the command of Gen. LaFayette. On
his route to Williamsburg at New Kent and other places, several sharp skirmishes
occurred in which this affiant participated. While stationed at Mud river a short
distance from Williamsburg which was then in the occupation of the British, Gen.
Campbells brigade had a severe skirmish with a party of British at a place called Hot
water mills [Hot Water Plantation 6 mi NW of Williamsburg, 26 June]. The force to
which this affiant was attached continued to hang upon the rear of the British until
their embarcation at Jamestown, at which place and during the embarcation of the
British troops, a severe engagement took place between the forces which lasted for
the space of two hours or more [Battle of Green Springs Plantation, 6 July]. A short

time previous to this Col Hurgard who commanded this affiants regiment resigned his
command and was succeeded by Majr McCreery who was succeeded by Col John
Willis. From James Town Col Willis was ordered to the South side of James River on
which side he was directed to proceed down toward York town. At York Saml Lucas
succeeded as Col. At Yorktown this affiant was again attached to LaFayettes command
and to the forces assembled to besiege that place. This affiant continued before york
town during the siege & up to the surrender of the British [19 Oct] and was actively
engaged with others in the arduous duties of that affair.
A short time after the surrender of York Town this affiant received his discharge
having served a period of seven months. His discharge was in writing & signed by Gen
Campbell but it has been mislaid or otherwise has passed out of the hands of this
affiant so that he now is unable to produce it. After a lapse of 40 years and more
which has swept off most of his early acquaintances as well as his comrads in the war
of the revolution, this affiant finds himself unable to produce any witnesses who can
testify in detail to the facts which he has stated above, except an older sister whose
knowledge is confined to his entering the service and to the period of his return. Her
affidavit to these facts is hereto subjoined.
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 [signed]
Robert Christian
Virginia Kanawha County towit:
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid
arah Wilson of Kanawha County & state of Va who being first duly sworn deposeth & saith
that she is the full sister of Robert Christian who makes the annexed declaration but
seventeen years older that she distinctly recollects her brother Robert leaving home and
serving a tour in the army of the revolution, but does not remember with certainty the time
or duration of his service.
The affiant is very aged & infirm & has now an indistinct recollection of events that a
few years since were fresh & familiar to her
Given under my hand & seal this 10th Sept 1832. Thomas Matthews
[The following report is by District Attorney Washington G. Singleton who investigated
many pensioner from present West Virginia. For details see pension application S6111 of
David W. Sleeth.]
Robert Christian. Pensioner. receives 23 33/100 annum.
I the undersigned Robert Christian having been called on by W G Singleton Agent of the
Pension office for the details of my services as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, give
the following to wit I shall be 71 yrs. the 28th February next am a native of Augusty
county & lived there during the war of the Revolution In the Spring of 1781 I was
drafted for a three months tour, marched from augusty county in a company in which
Francis Long was a Captain Joseph Long Lieut. & Jno. Bell Ensign. there was a Regt
marched at same time in which Col. Hugart Lieut. Col. McCleary & Major Armstead
[sic: Thomas Armistead] were the officers we marched to Richmond, thence to the
Burnt Chimneys, near Williamsburg, and thence to Jamestown. at the latter place we
crossed the James River & marched through Goochlan [Goochland?] recrossed the
River above York town. Went on and joined the main army at the last mentioned
place. I was attached to Genl. Campbells brigade of Rifle men. Joined him near
Charlottsville I continued at Yorktown until Cornwallis surrendered after my own
tour of 3 months expired, which was somewhere near Goochlan I took my brother
Johns place, who had been drafted for 3 month also. after serving out his term at the
solicitation of Genl. Lafayette I remained in the army with others for an additional

month. I was in service in all seven months & proved it by my sister Sarah Wilson
Ezra Walker wrote my Declaration to whom I gave the same statement in substance I
now give.
In witness of all which I hereto subscribe my name. Jany 8 1835. Robert Christian
A Copy. W. G Singleton Jany 11, 1835
____________________________
Pension application of Robert Miller R7205 Jane Miller f23VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 6/9/13
his father state that he was in a small skirmish at Jamestown, he was in the rifle
Company and was stationed on the outskirts he also recollects hearing him the said
Robert Miller say he had fired frequently, but whether he killed any one or not he
does not know Colonel Sampson Mathews was his Colonel, and Wayne [presumably
Anthony Wayne] was his General He the said Robert Miller was with General Wayne
when he Wayne was attacked by Cornwallis with a superior force to the Americans,
and that General Lafayette came up during the engagement, and ordered a retreat.
Colonel Mathews' Regiment retreated across a swamp or low marshy place, and in
crossing this place the said Robert Miller lost his shoes In the retreat of Colonel
Sampson Mathews' Regiment they got separated (that is the men) in this swamp or
marsh, and did not get together until the next day
1777 service claimed in Capt. John McCreerys militia
December 1780: Capt. Thomas Hugharts militia (rifle?) company
April 1781: Capt. David Gwins militia rifle company (Green Spring and Yorktown
Siege)
State of Virginia Monroe County: SS
This day John Miller (aged seventy-five years) appeared before me Henry Alexander a
Justice of the Peace for said County and made oath according to law that he is the Brother of
Robert Miller Deceased who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he knows, that his
brother Robert, was drafted for three months, to go to Clover lick he thinks in the year 1777
or '78; he was commanded by Captain Robert McCrarsey [probably Robert McCreery] and
Lieutenant JacobWarrick [Jacob Warwick] after he returned home his father was drafted,
and he the said Robert went back to Clover lick as a substitute for his Father, and he
believes that he went a third tour to the same place as a Substitute for some other person,
but is not positive. He then went to Kentucky in September '79 or '80, and returned the next
July and in the month of January 1781 he was drafted for three months, and marched
to Portsmouth Virginia under Captain John McCrory [probably John McCreery] and
Colonel Sampson Mathews [also spelled Sampson Matthews] and he thinks Major
Robinson [probably Alexander Robertson] he heard him say that he had been in
several Skirmishes with the enemy He returned home and in the month of June the
same year he was drafted for two months to go to Williamsburg and he said he was in
the Battle at Jamestown, he believes that David Guinn [David Gwin] was his Captain,
John Brown, was an officer, as he believes He further states that Robert Miller
returned from this Tour of 2 months as he believes before the taking of Cornwallis
[October 19, 1781] He now recollects that he heard him say that JacobWarrick was
his Lieutenant at Portsmouth Virginia and that he Robert Miller acted as Sergeant in
the 2 last named tours.
He further states that he has heard the Declaration of John Miller (one of the Heirs of Robert
Miller) read and believes the facts there stated (as far as he can recollect) to be true.

He further says that he was present at the marriage of Robert Miller in the year 1793 and
thinks on the 17th day of July of said year, in County of Augusta Virginia.
S/ John Miller
[Attested September 24, 1847]
[p 5]
State of Virginia Monroe County: SS
This day Mary Benston (aged eighty-five years) and made oath according to law, that she is
the sister of Robert Miller who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. That he left home as
a soldier not long after the war commenced and went to Clover Lick to guard and fight the
Indians, he was two or three tours of three months each, one of said tours he went as a
substitute for his Father, he came home at the end of each three months and I often have
heard him relate the circumstances which had taken place, and heard him say that he was
under the command (at Clover Lick) of Captain McCrorey and that Joseph Warrick was the
Lieutenant She further states that after this service he went to Kentucky and returned as
she believes in the year seventy-nine or eighty, after that he was drafted for three months
and went as she was informed to Portsmouth Virginia, he returned home and shortly before
the surrender of Cornwallis, he the said Robert Miller and his Father, was drafted for two
months and they did not return until after Cornwallis was taken She does not recollect the
officers' names he served under, the Last 2 tours, although she heard her brother often
named them.
She further states that in the year 1793 her Brother went to get married and return, and
always after lived and died as a married man And he died in the month of February 1828
as she believes although she cannot say positive She further states that she has heard the
Declaration of John Miller (one of the heirs) read and believes the statements therein is true,
and many of the circumstances which he [sic, she] once knew has left her recollection.
S/ Mary Benston, X her mark
[Attested September 24, 1847]
[p 7]
State of Virginia Greenbrier County: SS
On this 26 day of September in the year 1847 personally appeared in open Court before the
Court of Greenbrier County now sitting John Miller resident of said County of Greenbrier,
State of Virginia who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the
following declaration (in behalf of himself and the other children of Robert Miller and his
wife Jane Miller deceased of said County of Greenbrier[)], in order to obtain the benefit of
the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That his father the said
Robert Miller was an Indian spy in the revolutionary service, and died the 18th of February
1828, and that his widow the said Jane Miller survived him eleven years, and died on the
17th day of September 1839. The following are all of the children of said Robert Miller and
his wife Jane Miller to wit William Miller, John Miller, Alexander Miller, Elizabeth Miller,
Jane Alexander, Margaret George, these reside in the State of Virginia Greenbrier County
and Monroe County Mary Ferry and Robert Miller reside in Davis County [Daviess County]
in the State of Missouri That the said Robert Miller, was a soldier in the revolution, and
served as follows Entered the service in 1777 in the summer, and served three months
tour; in the years of 1777 1778 and 1779 one of which tours, he was a substitute for his
father Patrick Miller, but which one of the three tours he is not able to say. The said Robert
Miller was a soldier under Captain Robert McCrery for the nine months above stated; been
in September 1779 he went on a tour to Kentucky and returned to that state (Virginia) in
June 1780, at which time from September 1779 to June 1780 the declaimant [sic, declarant]
is not certain that he was in the United States service, but he has often heard him speak of
this tour, as going from one station to another, but who was his officer in that last tour, the

declarant does not pretend to say In the summer of 1780 he entered into the regular
service of the United States as a drafted militia man. He was drafted in the County of
Augusta, and entered the service under Captain John McCrery and served a three months
tour, and marched to Eastern Virginia; after serving out that three months tour he returned
home. Then in December 1780 he was again drafted in the County of Augusta
and went into service immediately, under Captain Thomas Hughart [Thomas Hugart], and
marched to Portsmouth Virginia where he remained during the winter of 1780 and 1781
and returned home in April 1781 then in the summer of 1781 he was again drafted
and entered the service immediately under Captain David Gwinn (to the best of the
declarant's recollection) and served a two months tour, in the Eastern part of Virginia
The declarant recollects of hearing his father state that he was in a small skirmish
at Jamestown, he was in the rifle Company and was stationed on the outskirts he
also recollects hearing him the said Robert Miller say he had fired frequently, but
whether he killed any one or not he does not know Colonel Sampson Mathews was
his Colonel, and Wayne [presumably Anthony Wayne] was his General He the said
Robert Miller was with General Wayne when he Wayne was attacked by Cornwallis
with a superior force to the Americans, and that General Lafayette came up during
the engagement, and ordered a retreat. Colonel Mathews' Regiment retreated across
a swamp or low marshy place, and in crossing this place the said Robert Miller lost
his shoes In the retreat of Colonel Sampson Mathews' Regiment they got separated
(that is the men) in this swamp or marsh, and did not get together until the next day
This was in July or August 1781 This declarant has often heard his father speak of
other battles but the one above, he recollects more particularly During all his
service in the revolution he acted as first Sergeant That he believes his father the said
Robert Miller was married to the said Jane in the month of July 1793 and that the marriage
took place in the County of Augusta State of Virginia that his Mother's maiden name was
Jane Yowel [or Youal]
1 that the said Jane never married after the death of her husband the said Robert Miller and
that she died in the County of Greenbrier on the 17th day of September 1839 without ever
having drawn the arrearages of pension due to her on the account of the services of her
husband as aforesaid and the preceding declaration is made by him for the purpose of
drawing what was due at the time of her death; and the declarant does hereby relinquish
every claim, to all annuity, or pension except the present, and declares that his name is not
on the pension roll of the agency of any state, nor was the name of either the father or
mother on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
S/ John Miller Juner [sic]
[Attested on the 4th Monday in September 1847 in Greenbrier County Virginia]
____________________________

Pension Application of Royal Jennings S1541

Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
August 16, 1780: We marched about half way to Campden as was supposed when the
advanced Infantry met the advanced Infantry of the British [at about 2 AM] and the
advanced Infantry of the British fired upon the advanced Infantry of the Americans
and a pretty smart scermishing was kept up until day. About sunrise our army was
put in order of Battle. We were ordered not to fire until we could see the whites of
their eyes. The Virginia troops were formed on the left wing towards Campden along
the side of the road about 90 or 100 yards from the road. The British had to extend
their files six or eight feet in order to flank with us. While we were standing waiting
for the British to advance on us and for orders to fire we heard the British Officers
give the command to their army to wheel about and fire on us. They did so and our
soldiers could not stand that but immediately fired upon them without orders Then
the British began and the whole army was engaged My Capt Thomas Williams was
wounded in the shoulder The British charged upon us and we gave way, but kept up a
constant fireing until we retreated to a Swamp that was near us when Tarlton [Lt. Col.
Banastre Tarletons Legion] charged upon us with his horse and we were compelled
to make the best way we could through the swamp. The Battle lasted about two hours
and we sustained a complete defeat.
Jennings was 17 years old at the time of his first service in 1779
1779: Col. William Flemmings militia regiment
June 1780: Capt. Thomas Williams militia company (Battle of Camden)
Spring 1781: Capt. Gaines militia company (Green Spring and Yorktown Siege)
State of Tennessee }
Grainger County } On this 21st day of May 1833 personally appeared in open
Court before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for Grainger County in the State of
Tennessee now sitting Royal Jennings a resident of the County of Grainger and State of
Tennessee aged seventy one 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 That he went as a substituted for Joseph Holt
under Capt Dudley Basdel in the latter part of the Spring to the best of his recollection in the
year 1779. Col Flemming [possibly William Fleming] commanded the Regiment He states
that he was born in the county of Henrico in the State of Virginia in the year 1762 but he has
long since lost the Record of this age. He states that his father removed from Henrico to
Prince Edward County and from thence to Charlotte. He states that he was living in the
county of Charlotte in the State of Virginia when he entered the service for Joseph Holt and
served two months to the best of his knowledge that from Charlotte we marched to
Petersburg from thence to Cabbin Point [Cabin Point in Surry County]. We then continued
down to Prides Old fields when we heard the British fleet [under Commodore George Collier
and Gen Edward Mathew, 9 - 24 May 1779] had dispersed and we then were discharged by
our Officers. We were called into service to prevent the British fleet from landing but before
we arrived at the Sea board we heard the British had put to sea and we were discharged He
states that he was then drafted for a three month tour under Capt William Mortno [sic:
William Morton] in the regiment commanded by Genl [Robert] Lawson that he was living in
Charlotte from thence we crossed James River at Carters Ferry [at present Cartersville in
Cumberland County] as well as he recollects and then down towards the seaboard after
being stationed in different places to Old Jamestown from thence to Long Bridge [Great

Bridge] near Portsmouth and continued in the neighbourhood of Norfolk Portsmouth and
Suffolk until his time of service expired and he was discharged.
He states that he was again drafted in the County of Charlotte for a three month tour in
the month of June 1780 as near as he can recollect under Capt Thomas Williams
Major [Nathaniel Garsden] Morris, Col. [James] Lucas, Lieutenant [John] Harvey,
Ensign Austin Hulotte[?]. He states that Lieutenant Harvey was arrested and broke
and ordered to be driven through the company twice in dirty clothes and to go home
He states that he resided in the County of Charlotte when he was drafted. He states
that he was in the Battle of Gates [Gen. Horatio Gatess] defeat near Camden South
Carolina [16 Aug 1780] He states that from Charlotte we marched to Hillsboro [sic:
Hillsborough] North Carolina then we waited nearly a month for the northern county
Virginia militia. After the two Regiments had got togeather Genl Gates from the main
army arrived about the first of August and reviewed the army and ordered the
Officers of our Regiment to meet him at Rougeleys Mills [sic: Rugeleys Mill in SC] by
such a time (meaning the time) within six miles of Campden and the time was so
short that we were allowed to get to Rougeleys Mills that we were compelled to
march until twelve oclock every night the weather being both rainy and hot and we
were supported upon half and quarter rations. He states that when we arrived at
Rougeleys Mills Genl Gates took command of the army and we joined the Baron De
Kalb with his regulars and the North Carolina Militia. We arrived about twelve oclock
in the day [15 Aug] at Rougeleys Mills and were ordered to wash and fix ourselves
and be ready to march by eight oclock that night to Campden to attack Lord
Cornwallis. We did so. We marched about half way to Campden as was supposed
when the advanced Infantry met the advanced Infantry of the British [at about 2 AM]
and the advanced Infantry of the British fired upon the advanced Infantry of the
Americans and a pretty smart scermishing was kept up until day. About sunrise our
army was put in order of Battle. We were ordered not to fire until we could see the
whites of their eyes. The Virginia troops were formed on the left wing towards
Campden along the side of the road about 90 or 100 yards from the road. The British
had to extend their files six or eight feet in order to flank with us. While we were
standing waiting for the British to advance on us and for orders to fire we heard the
British Officers give the command to their army to wheel about and fire on us. They
did so and our soldiers could not stand that but immediately fired upon them without
orders Then the British began and the whole army was engaged My Capt Thomas
Williams was wounded in the shoulder The British charged upon us and we gave way,
but kept up a constant fireing until we retreated to a Swamp that was near us when
Tarlton [Lt. Col. Banastre Tarletons Legion] charged upon us with his horse and we
were compelled to make the best way we could through the swamp. The Battle lasted
about two hours and we sustained a complete defeat. At this Battle the Baron De Kalb
was mortally wounded and died in a few [three] days after as I understood. At this
Battle Genl Gates behalved most shamefully betaking himself to flight in the first of
the fighting and left the Baron De Kalb to fight the Battle. The arm[y] was completely
put to route and fled in consternation and confusion in every direction. I went to
Hillsboro and about a hundred men where we staid until we had collected some
clothes we were commanded to meet at New Garden [W of present Greensboro] by
Col Fortner [sic: Lt. Col. Ralph Faulkner] I think in Guilford County in North Carolina
where we were under the command of Col Fortner. Then we were marched to Pointy
fork on James River [sic: Point of Fork at the junction with Rivanna River] in Virginia
from thence we marched to Richmond from thence to Old Williamsburg were we
continued until our time of service expired and we were discharged

He states that he again entered the service and served a three months tour of service under
Capt Gaines from Charlotte County, Lieutenant Richard Davenport, Genl Robert Lawson
commanded the militia to whom I belonged. He cannot recollect the precise time when but
it was in the spring of the year 1781. He states that he was stationed at Prides Old fields
when the news of the Battle of Guilford reached us [Battle of Guilford Courthouse NC, 15
Mar 1781]. At this time of service our principle duty was to guard the sea ports and eastern
part of Virginia. He states that he was discharged at Suffolk on Nansemond river in Virginia.
He states that he served another three month tour under Capt Wm Morton of Charlotte
County and marched to Swanns Point on James River [opposite Jamestown] from thence we
marched to the Morbin Hills [sic: Malvern Hill in Henrico County] where we were stationed
from for three to four weeks thence we had orders to march down towards the sea coast.
We were stationed a while at Old Williamsburg from thence to old Jamestown we then
crossed the Chickahominy swamps and joined Genl Lafayette about twelve miles from
Jamestown We continued there expecting the British fleet to land until our term of service
had nearly expired when we were marched to Richmond and discharged.
He further states that he entered the service for another three months tour under Capt
Gaines about the 24 or 25 of July 1781 from Charlotte County in Virginia from
Charlotte we marched to Chesterfield Courthouse thence we beat down James River
and were stationed for short times at different places until we were commanded to
join Genl Washington and Genl Lafayette at Little York. We arrived there at the
commencement of the Siege [28 Sep] just before the building of the Poplar tree fort
which was a little place of security to shelter us when they were firing upon us. From
that fort we commenced out entrenchments for several days before we could mount
any pieces they still fireing on us until we got so far that we raised some field pieces
and Bomb Batteries. We then began to fire on them and drove them into their forts.
We then worked night and day until we got the entrenchments finished We
surrounded them in the form of a half moon The French fleet prevented them from
excaping down the river. We stormed the British redoubts that were about the British
forts before they surrendered. Then we continued to get stronger until we
surrounded them with our heavy mettle[?]. We advanced so near them that if we
could see a small opening we could through [fire?] a rifle ball into the fort. The guard
was not more than fifty yards apart before they surrendered Lord Cornwallis
surrendered to Genl Washington on the 17 day of October 17 th 81[sic: signaled for
negotiations on 17 Oct; surrendered on 19 Oct]. The capitulation was such that they
continued in the fort that night The capitulation was that they were to march out with
their colours with all their arms in such a position as though they were going to
march through the County. The French and American army paraded in rank and file
and we were ordered to treat them civilly but look at them as conquered Brothers.
They marched in front of our army The British grounded their arms after they had
marched in front of our army we then took them into our possession and the 19th
[British 19 Regiment of Foot] marched them to Winchester. th I marched a few days
with the army when my time of service expired and I was discharged
He states that he served in the service of the United States for fourteen months. He states
that he has long since lost his discharges He states that he has no documentary evidence
and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure whose can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state. Royal hisXmark Jennings
Interogatories propounded by the court to Royal Jennings an applicant for a pension
1 Where and in what year were you born
answer I was born in Henrico County in the State of Virginia in the year 1762.

2 Have your any record of your age and if so where is it

Answer I have no record of my age
3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolution
and where do you live now
Answer I was living in Charlotte county Virginia when called into service I also lived in the
State of North Carolina after the Revolution and I now live in the County of Grainger and
State of Tennessee for thirty seven or eight years.
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 of duty I served as a substitute for Joseph Holt and the rest of my
services 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 you service
Answer. I served with Genl Gates. The Baron De Kalb. Genl George Washington Genl
Lafayette Genl Anthony Wayne and as to the general circumstances of my service I refer to
my declaration for a detailed statement
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
of the Revolution.
Answer. Revd Charles McAnally Major Genl. John Cocke Col Thomas Whitesides Doctr Wm
E Cocke. Doctr James R Cocke
Personally appeared in open court before the justices of our court of pleas and quarter
sessions for Grainger County now sitting Royal Jennings and made oath that by reason of
old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot state the particular day of the month
and year that he entered in the service of the United States in some of his tours of service
nor the particular day and year that he left the service but according to the best of his
recollection he served fourteen months and for such service he claims a pension. Sworn to
in open court.
[No date] Royal hisXmark Jennings
NOTE: A Treasury Department document states that the children of Royal Jennings received
his final pension payment up to his death on 1 Feb 1839.
____________________________

Pension application of Jonathan Seamands S1588 f27VA

Transcribed by Will Graves 1/23/12
A. July 6, 1781: received orders to march to James Town, which we did, we
arrived there about 1 o'clock in the afternoon I then belonged to a Rifle
Regiment commanded by Colonel Blackwell which Regiment was ordered in
front to meet the enemy who were marching to meet us all at once we were
commanded to advance from the center to the flanks and give place to General
Wayne's Brigade which we did a brisk firing ensued many were killed and
many wounded the battle continued till darkness separated the combatants a
retreat was ordered and we marched three miles and camped for the night 1
or 2 hours before day we were called to arms and marched back to the
battleground our enemy were gone.
B. we marched to York Town 16 or 18 days before the Surrender of
Cornwallis and remained there some few days and then were ordered up to
West Point to cross the River which we did and went down to paradise old
fields we laid a few days there and one day was ordered to take off and clean
and grease our gun locks while at it the British came upon us in a mighty hurry
[a skirmish] took place but we drew them drove them down to their
entrenchments at Gloucester.
Seamands was 24 years old in 1781
1776?: Capt. Francis Taylors militia company
1778 or 1779: Capt. John Millers militia
1781: Colonel Blackwells regiment (in a rifle company (Green Spring, Yorktown
Siege at Gloucester Point
State of Tennessee County of Jefferson: SS
On this 9th day of March 1833 personally appeared before me Jacob Gear one of the acting
justices of the peace for the County aforesaid Jonathan Seamands a resident of the County
and State aforesaid aged seventy-six years who being 1st 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 day 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and
served as herein Stated That he enlisted as a minute man under Captain Francis Taylor
William Taylor 1st Lieutenant Benjamin Porter 2nd Lieutenant Herondon [perhaps John or
Zachariah Herndon] Ensign first name not recollected and the next day after he joined the
Company at Orange Court House from thence he marched to New Kent Court House and
there was transferred and fell under Captain Fountain Subalterns not recollected thence we
marched to long bridge and joined the Army there commanded by General Woodford, there
we staid 3 weeks and was then discharged he thinks he was in the service 6 weeks he does
not recollect on what day of the month nor year he entered the service nor what day he was
discharged, but he received a written discharge from Captain Fountain [perhaps Captain
John or William Fontaine] but has lost or mislaid it and all the rest of his discharges that he
can't find them In September 1778 [could be 1776] he enlisted under Captain Francis
Taylor Lieutenant William Taylor Benjamin Porter the same mentioned above for the term
of two years in the County of Orange from thence he marched to Williamsburg and joined
the Army there commanded by General Woodford mentioned above from there he marched
to the mouth of Queens Creek, where there was about six thousand men stationed, and
there stayed a short time and was ordered to Guinns Island [Gwynn's Island], Stayed there
about 2 or 3 weeks then marched up to College Camp and remained at the three last
mentioned places back and forwards till the Camp Fever got amongst them and then the

Regiment was broken up which Regiment he thinks was commanded by Colonel Temple
and those that were able were furloughed and went home he was amongst that number and
before he had recovered his health he was ordered to march to Dumfries to the inoculated
for the Small Pox [smallpox] and on the way he found himself unable to proceed further and
hired a Substitute in his place and returned home after being in the service fourteen months
as well as he now recollects After he returned he removed to the County of Albemarle
State of Virginia and not withstanding he had a substitute in the regular service he was
drafted and called into service under Captain John Miller Lieutenant Henry Birk [probably
Henry Burke] Ensign Ralph Rogers he rendezvoused at a little town called Charlottesville
and from there marched to pointed fork and there was commanded by Major Boyce from
thence marched to Petersburg and on our way fell in with a foraging party of the British and
had a little Skirmish in which one of our men was wounded and two of the enemy killed and
three taken prisoners after staying some time in Petersburg we marched to Richmond and
after remaining there some time we marched back to pointed fork and was there discharged
by Captain Miller after remaining in service two months and thirteen days and after he
returned home he remained till spring and then was ordered out to build Barracks for
Burgoyne's Troops and then served two months at hard labor building what was afterwards
called the Albemarle Barracks then went home and remained there until winter and then
was drafted again under the service on New Year's day thence marched to Potomac in order
to guard Burgoyne's troops to the Albemarle Barracks and met Burgoyne's troops then
prisoners at home and guarded the Prisoners to the Albemarle Barracks commanded by
James Cosce [?] Captain, Major Burton Lieutenant under Major Thomas Barbour and then
was discharged, on the first day of next March after remaining two months in the service.
After remaining some time at home he was drafted and fell under Captain Richard Webb
Lieutenant William Smith and marched down to Richmond and joined the Brigade
under Brigadier General Muhlenberg and remained about Richmond and was
frequently in scouting parties sometimes drove the enemy and sometimes were
driven by them this was the base for some time and then we started from Richmond
under Captain Pennywilt [?] a regular Captain and scouting parties and in an old field
met with a party of the enemy and had a skirmish in which he received a bayonet
through the inside of his thigh and was wounded and the Americans drove the British
from the field and then returned to Richmond and marched to Bottoms Bridge below
Richmond and there camped for the night and then marched back to Richmond and
camped for the night and on the next morning was drawn up in battle array for
nothing, separated the enemy from us but James River some cannons were fired at
the enemy across the River but nothing done and then we left Richmond, and
marched 4 or 5 days to meet General Wayne where we met at Brock's Bridge and
from Brock's bridge we marched to Petersburg and there was stationed for a while
and then received orders to march to James Town, which we did, we arrived there
about 1 o'clock in the afternoon and marched to the top of a high hill I then belonged
to a Rifle Regiment commanded by Colonel Blackwell which Regiment was ordered in
front to meet the enemy who were marching to meet us all at once we were
commanded to advance from the center to the flanks and give place to General
Wayne's Brigade which we did a brisk firing ensued many were killed and many
wounded the battle continued till darkness separated the combatants a retreat was
ordered and we marched three miles and camped for the night 1 or 2 hours before
day we were called to arms and marched back to the battleground our enemy were
gone we next marched to goods Bridge in pursuit of Lord Cornwallis and his men the
Bridge being partly burnt and partly taken up, the pursuit here ended thence we
marched to York Town 16 or 18 days before the Surrender of Cornwallis and

remained there some few days and then were ordered up to West Point to cross the
River which we did and went down to paradise old fields we laid a few days there and
one day was ordered to take off and clean and grease our gun locks while at it the
British came upon us in a mighty hurry took place but we drew them drove them
down to their entrenchments at Gloucester and there I was discharged and went
home after being in service 2 months and 10 days on our way home we heard of the
surrender of Lord Cornwallis [October 19, 1781] after I got home there was a
declaration put out that if any man would Cooper two months he would be exempted from a
tower [tour] of duty I turned in and made flour barrels two months steady and boarded
myself and further saith that he has no documentary Evidence and knows of no person
whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He hereby relinquishes
every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his
name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Statethe name of persons to
whom you are acquainted and that can testify to your veracity. Answer Ephraim More, and
Thomas Gibss/ Jonathan Seamands, X his mark
[Ephraim Moore and Thomas Gibbs gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
Interrogatories
1st where and in what year were you born Ansr. In Caroline County State of Virginia on the
Rappahannock River in the year of our Lord 1757 according to the best information I can
get on the subject. 2nd have you any record of your age and if so where is it Ansr. No I have
no record of my age 3rd where were you living when called into service where have you
lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live Ansr. When I was called into
the Service I was living in Orange County Virginia and continued in that County until I
returned from my fourteen months service as a regular Soldier and then removed into
Albemarle County Virginia and continued in these two counties back and forward until the
date 1804 [?] and then removed back into Orange County Virginia and continued there
about one year and then removed back again to Albemarle County Virginia and then
continued until the date 1806 and from there I removed to Jefferson County East Tennessee
where I now live 4th How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer
or were you a Substitute and if a Substitute for home Ansr. I enlisted as it was then turned
as a private man and afterwards enlisted for the term of 2 years but did not serve but 14
months and afterwards was drafted several times 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 Ansr. I cannot
tell whether the officers that I now recollect were Regular Officers or not as it was then
enough for me to know whom to obey but I remember General Woodford, Colonel
Temple, Major Boyce Major Barbour, General Muhlenberg and Colonel Blackwell and
General Wayne and when I was at York Town I saw General Washington and the
French General Lafayette I remember the 2nd Virginia Regiment and for general
Circumstances I refer to my travels in my declaration 5th. Did you ever receive a discharge
from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it Ansr. I received
several discharges one for every term of service I served From the before mentioned
captains under whom I served They were all lost or destroyed so that I cannot get them for I
never took any care of them as I never expected them to be of any use to me. 6th did you
ever receive any Commission Anrs. Know I served as a private 7th State the names of
persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood and who can testify as to your
Character for Veracity and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution Ansr. It
from Moore and Thomas Gibbs

With regard to two months tower of duty at the Albemarle barracks the Applicant served
under Captain Ambrose Madison and Colonel Taylor and he lived in and into the service at
that time in the County of Albemarle State of Virginia
In reference to one of the points to which the Applicant is called relative to the support of
the 14 months service as a regular Soldier he says in addition to what has been already said
that he has nor does he know of any person living that he could prove this Service by but
thinks it most likely that his name has been spelled on the roll Simmons in the place of
Seamands as Simmons is the name that he has usually answer to but in truth his name is
Seamands when he entered the under Captain Taylor he received $4 bounty money. As to
the different times when he entered the service and at times when he was discharged he can
say no more than he has said he was an imperfect scholar and kept no record of either and
is very frail in memory and feeble and health.
S/ Jonathan Seamands, X his mark
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $33.88 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for
service as a private for 10 months & 5 days in the Virginia service.]
____________________________
Pension application of Alexander Telford S4681 fn29VA
Transcribed by Will Graves 11/17/11
this deponent was a near neighbor of the said Telford at the time he entered the
service and also that the said Telford left the neighborhood in said company and
that in about three months or more he returned home, brought home a rifle being as
this deponent believes, this one which he took away with him, and he had every
appearance of having been in the service.
Telford was 20 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
Autumn 1780: Capt. Charles Campbells militia rifle company
June 1781: Capt. John Telfords militia company
August 1781: Capt. David Grays militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
The State of Ohio Miami County SS
Court of Common Pleas September Term 1832
On this 29th day of September in the year of our Lord 1832 personally appeared in open
court, before the court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid, being a court of record,
now sitting, Alexander Telford, a resident of said County, aged seventy-two 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 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. That he entered the service aforesaid in the County of Rockbridge
Virginia, about the latter end of the harvest in the year 1780, as a volunteer for the term of
three months, in the company commanded by Captain Charles Campbell that he and his
company, together with another volunteer company under the command of Captain David
Gray marched together to Richmond Virginia that after remaining there a few days they
marched to Petersburg from thence to Cabin Point on James River where there were two or
three Regiments of regulars as he thinks which together with the company to which he
belonged were under the command of General Muhlenberg that the company to which he
belonged being a rifle company they were nearly all the time engaged in scouting through
the country and at so many different places of no particular note that he cannot recollect
them now [or] the length of time he remained at any of them with any degree of certainty
that the company returned from Cabin Point to Petersburg and from thence to Richmond at
which place he thinks he was discharged at the expiration of his said term of service. And

further that about the first of June 1781 in Rockbridge County aforesaid, he entered
said service as a volunteer in a company commanded by Captain John Telford in the
Regiment commanded by Colonel John Boyer that the Regiment marched in the
direction of Richmond through Charlottesville to deep run church about 12 miles
from Richmond that their march was not direct, but went from Charlottesville in the
direction of Fredericksburg and then across to the road from Charlottesville to
Richmond that at deep run church the services of said militia being no longer
required, he was discharged from the service aforesaid the served in said last
mentioned tour five or six weeks as near as he can now recollect. And further that
about the first of August 1781 he entered the service aforesaid as a drafted militia
man for the term of three months, in said County of Rockbridge, in the company
commanded by Captain David Gray in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Lewis, &
that from there they marched to Richmond through Charlottesville that they lay at
Richmond several days when they were reviewed by Governor Nelson that they
marched from Richmond and crossed the Pomonky [Pamunkey] River and a short
distance from the River where they encamped, to wit, the Regiment to which he
belonged, which was composed entirely of riflemen under the command of said
Colonel Lewis together with a considerable number of the regular troops, where they
lay some days, when they marched through Williamsburg to Burrill mill, midway
between Williamsburg and York Town there they lay until the Army collected, and
then marched to York Town when the siege of that place was commenced that he
remained there in said service until within about three days of the surrender of
Cornwallis, when he was discharged from said service at that place that at the time
he was discharged the company to which he belonged were nearly all sick, and it is
probable that on that account they were discharged a few days before the end of
three months from the time they entered the service, that as soon as he was
discharged, he returned home to Rockbridge County aforesaid without delay and he
is very certain that he did not get back until the expiration of three months from the
time he left home in said service that he knew General Washington, General
Lafayette, General Muhlenberg he thinks, & Colonel Tucker who were with the troops
at the siege of York Town. 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. He states further
1. I was born in what was then called Augusta County Virginia on the first day of June 1760
2. He has a record of his age in his possession which is a correct transcript of the record
kept by his father
3. He was living in the County of Rockbridge aforesaid at the several times he entered the
service as aforesaid where he continued to reside until the year 1787 he then removed to
Scott County where he resided until the year 1804 he then removed to Green County Ohio
where he resided three years he then removed to Miami County of Ohio where he has
resided ever since.
4. He has already stated how he entered the service and he has stated the names of all the
officers he knew & whose names he recollects who were with the troops where he served &
the general circumstances of his services.
6. He did not receive any written discharge from the service aforesaid & he has no
documentary evidence of his said services but has procured the affidavit of Wm Berry to
prove them.
7. He states the names of James Harrison clergyman, Hurlbut Murray & William Barbee to
whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for
veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.

Sworn to and subscribed in open court 29 September 1832.

S/ John G Telford, Clerk S/ Alexander Telford
[James Harrison, a clergyman, Holbert Murray and William Barbee gave the standard
supporting affidavit.]
The State of Ohio Miami County: SS
Court of Common Pleas September Term A.D. 1832
1

Personally appeared in open court William Berry of the County of Mercer in the State of
Ohio, who after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that about the latter
end of harvest in the year 1780 Alexander Telford now of the County of Miami of Ohio, then
a resident of Rockbridge County in the State of Virginia, entered the service of the United
States in the County last aforesaid as a volunteer in a company of Militia under the
command of Captain Charles Campbell, which company was raised for the performance of a
three month's tour of duty that this deponent was a near neighbor of the said Telford
at the time he entered the service aforesaid and distinctly recollects the above facts,
and also that the said Telford left the neighborhood in said company and that in
about three months or more he returned home, brought home a rifle being as this
deponent believes, this one which he took away with him, and he had every
appearance of having been in the service. This deponent further saith that about the
first June 1781 the said Telford entered said service in Rockbridge County aforesaid
as a volunteer in a company commanded by Captain John Telford, and that this
deponent was in the same company as a volunteer, which company was under the
command of Colonel John Boyer that they marched to deep run church about 12
miles from Richmond, and their services being no longer required they were there
discharged and returned home that said Telford was in said service in the last
mentioned tour five or six weeks the exact length of time he does not recollect.
Further that about the first of August 1781 the said Telford was drafted in the County
of Rockbridge aforesaid into the service aforesaid for the term of three months in a
company commanded by Captain David Gray which company was under the
command of Colonel Lewis. That the said Telford started from home about the time
last aforesaid in said company that in a few weeks afterwards this deponent was
drafted and went to Yorktown at the time of the siege and he there saw the said
Telford in said service and was there when he was discharged about the time of the
surrender of Yorktown by Cornwallis and that from the time he entered said service
until he returned would have taken up the full term of three months as this deponent
believes.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court 24th of September 1832.
S/J. G. Telford, Clerk S/ Wm Berry
[Alexander Telford was pensioned at the rate of $20 per annum commencing March 4th,
1831, for six months service as a private in the Virginia militia.]
William Berry S2371
____________________________

Pension application of Taverner Jones S5627 f21VA

Transcribed by Will Graves 1/20/14
A. I was at that time detached with others to keep a lookout between the
American Army and the enemy. I was armed with a Rifle and never remained
many hours in the same position. It was whilst on this kind of service that the
small scouting party to which I belonged encountered a small party of the
enemy at a church seven miles from Jamestown called Hickory Nut where we
exchanged fires and both parties retreated and each with a loss of a few
prisoners and a few wounded.
B. A few days after this last mentioned affair at the Church a considerable
portion of the troops near this place called old Jamestown encountered a
portion of the Enemy's troops at Jamestown [this may be a reference to the
engagement near James town on July 6, 1781] and after exchanging many fires
both parties in a measure drew off and I was ordered to assist in dressing
[butchering and cutting up] sixty or seventy head of Cattle which we had taken
from the enemy.
Jones was 22 years old at the time of his first service in 1777
August 1777: Capt. Henry Hills militia company
January 1781: Capt. John Rodgers militia company
May 1781: Capt. Elijah Kirtleys militia rifle company (Battle of Green Spring)
September 1781: Capt. William Tripletts militia (rifle?) company (Yorktown Siege)
Virginia Madison County SS
On this 27th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices
of the County Court of Madison now sitting Taverner Jones a resident of Madison County in
the State of Virginia aged Seventy-Seven 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 In the month of August or September
1777 I was drafted for a two months tour in the County of Culpeper in the State of Virginia
where I then resided. I now reside in the County of Madison which was taken off from
Culpeper about the year 1792. I served this my first tour of duty under Captain Henry Hill,
the Regiment when I marched was under the command of Colonel James Barbour, I crossed
the Potomac River at Noland's ferry and joined the Army under General Washington in the
neighborhood of Philadelphia passing through Frederick town in the State of Maryland and
Little York & Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania, At this time the enemy had possession
of Philadelphia. At the expiration of this tour of service I was discharged and returned
home. It was the last of November we reached home. In the month of January 1781 I was
drafted again for a two months tour from the County and State where I resided when first
drafted. I was attached to the Company commanded by Captain John Rodgers and marched
to the neighborhood of Fredericksburg and stationed at Hunters Fourge [Hunter's Forge]
for the purpose of protecting that place, I was only in service about two weeks before the
troops were discharged; as it was ascertained that their presence was not wanting at that
point, About the first of May 1781 I was drafted the third time for a tour of two
months and attached to the Company commanded by Captain Elijah Kirtley the
Regiment to which I was attached was commanded by Colonel Alcock, the Regiment
joined the Continental Army under General Lafayette no great distance from
Richmond Virginia then on the Retreat to Raccoon Ford in Culpeper County Virginia,
at which place we met the Troops under the Command of General Wayne [Anthony
Wayne], The united forces under the two last mentioned generals made a movement

towards Richmond Virginia by cutting a new road which I assisted in making soon
after reaching the Tidewater Country near Richmond Virginia I was at that time
detached with others to keep a lookout between the American Army and the enemy. I
was armed with a Rifle and never remained many hours in the same position. It was
whilst on this kind of service that the small scouting party to which I belonged
encountered a small party of the enemy at a church seven miles from Jamestown
called Hickory Nut where we exchanged fires and both parties retreated and each
with a loss of a few prisoners and a few wounded. A few days after this last mentioned
affair at the Church a considerable portion of the troops near this place called old
Jamestown encountered a portion of the Enemy's troops at Jamestown [this may be a
reference to the engagement near James town on July 6, 1781] and after exchanging
many fires both parties in a measure drew off and I was ordered to assist in dressing
sixty or seventy head of Cattle which we had taken from the enemy. My memory does
not enable me to say positively which of our Officers had the Command but I am
inclined to the belief that it was General Wayne. In this last mentioned affair I was
attached to the Company under Captain Kirtley, shortly after this I was attached to a
portion of the Army and ordered to the South side of Rames River [? James River?] 1
under the Command of Colonel Campbell or General Morgan I can say which
positively. I was however regularly discharged in the County of Amelia or at any rate
the place was called Amelia Bridge. About the first of September 1781 and not more
than a month or so after returning from the above third tour, I was again drafted for a
two months tour from the same County and State in which I resided when heretofore
drafted. The Company to which I belonged was commanded by Captain William
Triplett, The troops went down to the tide water Country in Virginia in great haste
and I can say who it was that Commanded the Regiment but I well remember
General Edward Stevens of Culpeper County Virginia Commanded the Brigade. After
reaching the neighborhood of Williamsburg Virginia and trolling a short time I
marched on to Yorktown and joined the American Army under General Washington
then carrying on the Siege. I was in active service during the whole of the Siege and
after the surrender of the British Army [October 19, 1781] assisted in guarding the
Prisoners to Winchester in Virginia where I was discharged and returned home. The
discharge is long since lost, I was born in the County of Culpeper in Virginia in the year
1755. I have no written record in my own possession but I have reason to believe it is the
real date of my birth. I have never resided more than 10 miles from my present residence
from the day of my birth. I refer to 2 of my neighbors General William Madison and Colonel
Linn Banks. The affidavits of William Twyman and Robert Clark are here with enclosed. 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.
S/ Taverner Jones
[John Kehler, a clergyman, and William Twyman gave the standard supporting affidavit.]
I William Twyman2 of the County of Madison and State of Virginia aged seventy-eight years
do hereby certify that in the year 1777 I was drafted to perform a Tour of two months in the
militia drafted from the County of Culpeper (now Madison) for a Tour of two months, and I
hereby certify that Taverner Jones my neighbor was drafted and performed the tour with
me. I have
2 William Twyman S7771
resided near Taverner Jones and can say in fact that I have been acquainted with all his life.
I have reason to believe that he was in the militia in other tours but the one Tour is the only
one that we performed together. Given under my hand this 23
rd day of August 1832

S/ William Twyman
I Robert Clark3 of the County of Orange in State of Virginia aged about seventy-eight I years
do hereby certify that Taverner Jones, now of the County of Madison, served a tour of duty
in the Revolutionary War as a militia man from the County of Culpeper the Tour as well as
I remember was about three months in the year 1781 I was a militia man from the
County of Orange at the same time and knew him before he went into service during the
service and ever since.
Given under my hand the 31st day of August 1832.
S/ Robert Clark
[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $21.44 per annum commencing March 4th, 1831, for
services as a private for 6 months and 14 days in the Virginia militia.]
____________________________
Pension application of Berryman Jones S5632 f25VA
Transcribed by Will Graves revised and supplemented by C. Leon Harris 1/10/14
(I was always attached to a rifle corps)
Date of first service uncertain.
Mr. Jones also confused the sequence of his service. Appended is an attempted
reconstruction:
December 1780 (?): Capt. James Tates militia rifle company (Battle of Cowpens)
(March?) 1781: Capt. James Tates militia rifle company (Battle of Guilford
Courthouse)
(June?) 1781: Capt. Browns militia rifle company (Battle of Green Spring)
(September?) 1781: Capt. Francis Longs militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
Summer 1782: Capt. John McKissicks militia rifle company
State of Virginia and County of Greenbrier: To wit
th

On this 27 day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Worshipful,
the Court of Greenbrier now sitting, Berryman Jones a resident of the County of Greenbrier
and State of Virginia, aged about 75 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
th

Congress passed June 7 , 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the
following named officers and served as herein stated That he was born in Amherst County
Virginia, in the year 1757, he believes as he has now no register of his age from
whence, during his minority, his father emigrated to Augusta County Virginia, where
he entered the service with the militia in a draft under Captain Brown and
Colonel Cameron, and served a three months tour, in the neighborhood of Richmond
whence he was discharged, without any written certificate of such discharge A short
time after the first discharge, he was again drafted; and entered service and served
out a three months tour of duty under the command of Captain James Bell and
Major Wilson He was marched to Richmond, and from thence to James Town where
he was engaged in a Battle, under the command of General Green [sic, Nathanael
Greene] and Major Wilson and after serving another three months tour of duty he
was dismissed He returned home, and immediately substituted for his Brother
Voluntine Jones [sic, Valentine Jones?]; and was marched to Carolina in pursuit of
Cornwallis, passing through Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Virginia and Salisbury
Carolina from thence to the Catawba [River] & crossing it on to Broad River, thence
to the Cowpens where he was engaged, in the Battle, under the command of Captain
James Tate and General Morgan some of the other field officers there were Major

Brook and Colonel Howard The day after the Battle he was detailed to guard the
prisoners, and marched them on to Salisbury where he left them after serving a tour
of six months duty and returned home thence he was called out against the
Indians, and marched to Clover Lick crossing Greenbrier River, on the West fork of
Monongahela River Under the command of Captain John Machisic [sic, John
McKissick] and after serving three months returned home and was immediately
drafted on a tour of duty against the enemy who were then marching through Virginia
His march was by Rockfish Gap, Charlottesville, Williamsburg and to Yorktown
where he was engaged in the Siege or Battle of Yorktown under Captain Francis
Long as well as he now recollects The field officers as he now recollects there were
General Washington General Lafayette General William Campbell and General
Wayne &c He was there during the Siege and was present under arms at the
Surrender of the British Army, and was then one of the detailed, to march the
prisoners to Winchester, where he accompanied and guarded them making in all a
service of one year and nine months during the war He does not recollect the
Continental regiments to which he was Joined, during any of his campaigns 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 & year aforesaid.
S/ Berryman Jones, X his mark
Test:
S/ John Mathews, C. G. C.
1

I Samuel Sams a resident of the County of Monroe and State of Virginia do hereby certify,
That I was well acquainted with Berryman Jones, who has sworn to the above declaration;
and served in the same company with him during a six months tour, and went with him at
the Battle of the Cowpens and he served faithfully that tour of duty all which is
subscribed by me and sworn to in open Court before the County Court of Greenbrier the
day and year above mentioned.
1 Samuel Sams S6049
2 Samuel Clark S9188
Sworn to in open court. S/ Samuel Sams, X his mark
Test: S/ John Mathews, C. G. C.
State of Virginia, Greenbrier County
th

On this 29 day of August 1832 Personally Appeared in open Court before the County Court
2

of Greenbrier now Sitting Samuel Clark a Resident of Monroe County & State of Virginia
Aforesaid & After being first Sworn as the law directs on his Oath states that in the month
of May 1781 that he the said Samuel Clark Volunteered his Service on a draft in the
Room of John McCutchen been drafted from the County of Augusta & that Berryman
Jones [spelled Joens throughout] who applies for this Affidavit appeared in the
Service with him & that the [sic, they?] ware [sic, were] commanded by Captain
Patrick Buckannan [sic, Patrick Buchanan?] & marched to near Williamsburg where
they joined the Army commanded by Generals Wayne & Lafayette & had a scrimmage
with a small Scouting Party of British they were then marched to Jamestown where
they had an Engagement with the British where the said Samuel Clark was wounded
by the British light horse & then taken to the hospital where he remained until
discharged, And that in the month of September 1781 the said Samuel Clark was
again called into Service by draft & was marched to the Siege of Yorktown where the
British Army commanded by Cornwallis Surrendered & was made Prisoners & that
the aforesaid Berryman Jones was then in Service that in April 1782 the said Samuel Clark

volunteered his service on a Tour of duty against the Indians on the Waters of the Ohio
River on the West fork of the Monongalia River & was Stationed in Tygers Valley [sic,
Tygart's or Tygart Valley] in during Which time the said Berryman Jones was continued at
said Station & that he the said Clark performed the duties of a spy during said tour until
discharged & the said Jones returned with him to the County of Augusta & further saith that
to the best of his Recollection the above tours of duty was for three months each Sworn to
the day & date above.
Sworn to in open Court. S/ Samuel Clark
Test: S/ John Mathews, C. G. C.
Supplement to the declaration of Berryman Jones to obtain a pension under the act passed
June 7, 1832 which is made before me the undersigned Henry Erskine a Justice of the
nd

Peace for Greenbrier County State of Virginia on oath on this 2 day of July 1833.
That he cannot now recollect the precise periods, that he entered the service in several
tours of duty which he performed nor does he recollect the precise time of his dismissals
But he recollects distinctly as stated before the length of each term of service and the
Battles he was again during the Revolutionary War That his whole service amounts to
one year and nine months That as before stated he has received no pension and
relinquishes all claim to any but the present.
Question Where and in what year were you born?
Answer: I was born in Amherst County Virginia in the year 1757.
Question: Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
Answer: I have none But have kept my age my memory.
Question: 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 when called into service in Augusta County Virginia since the War I have
lived generally in Greenbrier County Virginia where I now live.
Question How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were
you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer: I was first drafted and served a three months tour then returned and was again
drafted a light term and the next tour was a substitute for my Brother Valentine Jones and
served a tour of six months duty then I was again drafted to go against the Indians a three
months tour in then served a six months tour I believe as a volunteer I know I volunteered
once and believed this last campaign was the time.
State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops where you served
such Continental and militia regiments as you recollect in the General circumstances of
your services -Answer I served under Colonel Howard, Major Brook and General Morgan-- In
another tour I was under the command of Major Wilson and General Greene I
recollect also of being under the command of General Wayne and General Campbell
I do not recollect the names of the regiments I was always attached to a rifle corps
and I think we lived separate only when the Junction with the Army was required.
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 do not recollect of receiving written discharges but once and that was from
General Morgan and I have lost it.
Question: 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 -Answer the Reverend John McElhaney and Colonel Mark H. Goshen --

nd

Sworn and subscribed before the 2 day July 18933 S/ Berryman Jones, X his mark
S/ Henry Erskine, JP
Berryman Jones Served 18 mos. has drawn $180
I the undersigned Berryman Jones having been called on by W. G. Singleton agent of the
Pension office for a narrative of my Revolutionary Services and Statement of my age, give
th

the following to wit from the best information in my possession I am in my 77 year

of age and a native of Amherst County Virginia and resided in the County of Augusta
during the War of the Revolution Shortly after I was put on the muster rolls but I
can't tell in what year I Substituted in the place of my elder Brother Valentine, we
marched from Augusta County under James Tate Captain, John Crawford Lieutenant &
Michael Coulter Ensign Captain Buchanan's Company went from same place & at
same time. We rendezvoused at Staunton, went through Williamsburg & Saulsbury
[sic, Salisbury] and Joined General Daniel Morgan in Carolina, but can't recollect at
what place, our companies ( to wit Tates' & Crawford's) were rifle companies and
were consequently generally stationed some distance from the Main Army, we were
moved about from place to place the names of which I can't now recollect but finally
got to the Cowpens where we had an engagement with Tarleton's men in which they
were defeated Morgan commanded the American Army the day after the Battle we
moved the prisoners to Salisbury and were there discharged, after being six months
in Service.
Immediately after my return, there was a general call for the Militia, to meet
Cornwallis who was pursuing & endeavoring to retake the British prisoners captured
at the Cowpens. I volunteered and marched from same County under same Captain.
We went to Guilford Court House and Joined General Morgan's Army where a battle
took place in which the Americans were beaten. I think that General Morgan was the
only General officer at the Battle of Guilford Court house. I don't recollect that there
was any other General we volunteered for an indefinite time. After the Battle was
over we returned home. I was in this service at least six weeks in a few days after
my return from Guilford Court House I was drafted for two months marched from
same County under Captain James Bell, there were several companies went at same
time under Major Wilson. This was in the Summer [illegible word or words]. We went
through Richmond to James town where we had a smart engagement we remained
at Jamestown and about there for the two months. We Joined General [illegible name]
Army at James town I can't tell the year in which this or any of my Services was
performed returned home & remained only two or three days and was again
drafted for two months marched from same County (I think under Captain Michael
Coulter) some three or four companies were from same County or same town & that
the same Major Wilson commanded. We went on to James town and Hot Water. Joined
General Wayne at Jamestown. We were [indecipherable word] in or about James
town for the two months returned home and had been at home for a few days only
when I was drafted again for two months, we marched from same County under
Captain Patrick Buchanan several companies [indecipherable word] from same
County at this time. I think there was a Major but am not certain & if there was I can
recollect his name. We went on through Williamsburg to Yorktown and was in the
engagement which resulted in the capture of Cornwallis, his Army went with the
Prisoners to the Winchester Barracks. I don't recollect the number of my Regiment or
the name of my Colonel. I remained in service in this tour for three months although
only drafted for two in the Summer after Cornwallis was captured I served two
tours of two months each in Taggart's Valley [Tygart's Valley] against the Indians, we

went from Augusta under Captain John McKissick was at Warrick's Fort under
Colonel Randolph also served about four weeks at Staunton guarding the Tories
thus ended my Service. I proved my services in part & James Bolen wrote my Declaration
to whom I gave the same [several indecipherable words] he charged me $10 In Witness of
all which I hereto Subscribe my name. January 19, 1835.
S/ Berryman Jones, X his mark
Witness:
S/ W. H. Wood
A Copy
S/ W. G. Singleton
Jany. 21, 1835
Lewisburg, Greenbrier County Virginia April 14, 1835
Sir,
th

Yours of the 9 Ultimo asking me to return my pension certificate with some explanations
as to some objections made to my former declarations.
You say that my declaration is ironious [sic] in setting forth that I substituted and
served six months for my brother. I substituted to serve my brother's Tour of duty
and was marched to North and South Carolina and was under General Morgan as
commander in chief and after I had served three months, I was continued in the
service three months longer in all six months. My first three months service was out
before the battle of the Cowpens and about the time there appeared a considerable
danger and the whole company was detained on account [of] the danger and I
understood that the commander in chief had a right to detain the militia in service
when there was danger. Such was said in the Army and believed by the men. I was in
the battle at the Cowpens, after that battle I was one that aided in marching the
prisoners to Salisbury. I feel satisfied that I served six months during this time. I will
refer you to the affidavit of Samuel Sams.
You say that there is another error in the time I served in the [sic] 1781 as the militia
were not detained in Service after the Battle of Yorktown. I was detailed in the County
of Augusta and had to march to Yorktown upwards of 200 miles. I was there or in the
neighborhood of York some time beyond the battle of York and was in the Siege
during the whole time. I was then detailed to aid in guarding the prisoners and
marching them to Winchester which is upwards of 200 miles from Yorktown. I did
not keep any correct account of time but in my opinion I did serve this tour full three
months.
You say that I set forth in my declaration that I served one tour against the Indians. I do not
now recollect particularly what is said in my declarations but I distinctly recollect that I
served two tours the first one I was called out early in the Spring the other a short time
after I got home the reason I went so soon news reached that depredations had been
committed by the Indians. Samuel Cark [sic, Clark?] I believe proves one tour.
You will find my certificate returned to you to do as you may think best.
Your Obedient Servant
S/ Berryman Jones
Sworn to and subscribed before me Henry Erskine a Justice of the peace for Greenbrier
County
___________________________

Pension application of Humphery Majors f18VA

Transcribed by Will Graves 2/21/13
marched to the vicinity of old Jamestown where I was engaged in a fearful
rencounter with the enemy a part if not the whole force under Lord Cornwallis after
sustaining my post long enough to have 5 deliberate fires with my Rifle we had to
retreat with the loss of a good many.
1776, 1777 or 1778: Capt. William Stauntons militia company
1779 or 1780: Capt. John Bells militia company
May/June 1781: Capt. Robert Pollards militia rifle company (Battle of Green Spring)
Virginia Madison County SS
th

On this 27 day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of
the County Court of Madison now sitting Humphrey Majors a resident of Madison County
Virginia aged Seventy-five 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
th

passed June the 7 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and
served as herein stated. In the month of February the date has escaped my memory but is
[it] was either in 1776, 77 or 78 I was drafted for a Tour of two months or three my memory
fails to say which from the County of Culpeper Virginia (now Madison) where I then resided
and still reside, I was attached to a company commanded by Captain William Staunton the
Regiment was commanded by Colonel William Thornton. I march[ed] from Culpeper to the
Town of Falmouth Virginia where the Troops were stationed for the purpose of having an
eye to the movements of the enemy on the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers. I was
engaged during this Tour in various reconnoitering services. In the fall of the same year that
I served the above Tour I was again drafted from the County I resided in when first drafted
for a tour of Two months the Company to which I was attached was commanded by Captain
Reub [Reubin?] Beale [?] the Regiment commanded by Colonel Edmunds, I marched to the
tide water Country in Virginia and as low down as Williamsburg where the Troops with
which I served was under the command of General Mathews. In the interim between the
above first and second Tours I was detailed to assist in driving cattle from the County of
Culpeper [to] the County of New Kent and Virginia. I was only one month on this duty, and
was detailed by Captain Davenport for the purpose. In the year 1779 or 1780 I was again
drafted for a Tour of two months from the County and State resided in when first drafted,
The Company to which I was attached was Commanded by Captain John Bell the Regiment
was commanded by Colonel James Slaughter, I was march[ed] again to the tide water
Country in Virginia and the greater part of the time in the Counties of James City, Charles
City and New Kent in Virginia keeping a look out on York River and James River. In the
month of August 1781 I was again drafted from the County of Culpeper Virginia and
attached to the Company Commanded by Captain Robert Pollard, the Regiment was
under the Command of Colonel Alcock. I joined the American Troops under General
Wayne [Anthony Wayne] and General Lafayette at Raccoon Ford in the County from
which I was drafted, From the Raccoon Ford marched with the American Army under
General Lafayette again to the tide water Country in the vicinity of Richmond Virginia.
From the neighborhood of Richmond the Army marched to the vicinity of old
Jamestown where I was engaged in a fearful rencounter with the enemy a part if not
the whole force under Lord Cornwallis after sustaining my post long enough to have 5
deliberate fires with my Rifle we had to retreat with the loss of a good many. A short
time after the above engagement and a little while before the commencement of the

Siege of Yorktown, and at the time the militia from the upper Country were
assembling I was detailed to assist in driving a large Drove of Cattle out of the reach
of the enemy and in consequence of this service was not present at the Siege or
surrender of Yorktown, At the latter end of my tour I was engaged in guarding the
troops taken at York as far as Fredericksburg where I was discharged. The whole term
of my service in the Militia in the above Tours was ten months, From all these tours I was
honorably discharged and the discharge is long since lost, I have no knowledge of any
person who can testify to all the different tours I served in the Militia, I here with enclosed
the affidavit of James Clatterbuck and others who can testify to the greater part of my
service, I was born in the County of Caroline Virginia in the year 1757. I have often seen the
Register of my Birth it is now in the possession of my nephew William Majors of Culpeper, I
have resided in the County of Madison ever since the year 1774 or 75, I refer to my
neighbors Colonel Linn BanksWilliam Finks, Angus Rucker and Churchill Gibbs The two
last surviving officers of the Revolution. 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.
S/ Humphery Majors
1

[John Klelher [?] , a clergyman, and Joseph Carpenter gave the standard supporting
affidavit.]a
2 James Clatterbuck S9179
3 There is no federal pension application for a veteran by this name claiming service in the
Virginia militia. Consequently, this may be the only evidence of his service contained in the
federal pension documents.
2

I James Clatterbuck of the County of Madison and State of Virginia aged Seventy-two years
in May last, do hereby certify that to my knowledge Humphrey Majors of Madison County
Virginia served 2 or 3 tours in the Militia I was myself a soldier at the same time and well
th

remember him in the service, Given under my hand and seal this 19 day of September
1832.
S/ James Clatterbuck, X his mark
3

I Joseph Carpenter of the County of Madison and State of Virginia do hereby certify that in
the war of the Revolution and towards the end of it he was drafted 2 or 3 times in the
Militia from the County of Culpeper Virginia. I take pleasure in saying that Humphrey
Majors of the County of Madison was drafted several times and served in the militia from
the County of Culpeper Virginia, I have been well acquainted with Mr. Majors before the war
of the Revolution and ever since. He has resided in the County of Madison ever since I knew
th

him, Given under my hand this 27 day of September 1832

S/ Joseph Carpenter
th

[Veteran was pensioned at the rate of $33.33 per annum commencing March 4 , 1831, for
service as a private for 10 months in the Virginia militia.]
___________________________

Pension Application of Christian Peters: S5898

Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
A. was attached to the Regiment commanded by General [William] Campbell
Col. Jack Willis and Majr Rucker. during this trip they were in the Battle at Hot
water [or Spencers Ordinary, 6 miles NW of Williamsburg, 26 June 1781] and
James Town [6 July 1781]. At Hot water the Battle lasted two Hours & ten
minutes and they were unsuccessful and retreated under the shelter of Genl.
[Anthony] Wayne fourteen of the men in their company were wounded and
one killed At the Battle of James Town he was on the right where there was but
little danger but Genl. Waynes regular Troops suffered very much.
B. in all of which service he carried his own Rifle Tomahawk & Butcher knife.
Peters was 19 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
June 1780: Capt. Robert Cravens militia rifle company (Battle of Cowpens)
June 1781: Capt. Jeremiah Beasleys militia rifle company (Spencers Ordinary and
Green Spring)
1782: Service against the Indians
State of Virginia}
Monroe County) S.S. On this 14th day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open
Court before the Justices of the County Court of Monroe now seting Christian Peters a
resident of Peterstown in the County of Monroe and State of Virginia [sic: Peterstown, now
in West Virginia] aged 71 years past who being 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 and served as herein
stated that he was drafted in the County of Rockingham about the 1st of June 1779 to
go to the West fork of the South Branch of the Potomac against the Indians that he
marched about the 1st of June or early in June 1779 under Capt Robert Cravans [sic:
Craven] to the place of their distination that some time after they were stationed
there their captain received a commission to raise a company of men under a
proclamation of the governor of South Carolina offering 1000 lbs Tobaco to each
volunteer that Captain Cravens offered him the command of a Corporal if he would go
with him to the South which he accepted that four others of the company and
himself returned with Captain Cravens to the County of Rockingham having been out
about two months or perhaps a little less that Captain Cravens soon raised his
company & that they started to the South he thinks on the 1st day of September 1779
or about that time from the County of Rockingham they marched directly to
Hillsborough in North Carolina where they joined General Stephens [sic: Edward
Stevens] and lay there about two weeks waiting the arrival of other Troops. from
thence they marched to Salisbury in South [sic: North] Carolina & stayed there two or
three days from thence they marched by Camden [SC] to the Cheraw Hills and arrived
there on the 1st day of January 1780 and there joined General Greens [sic:
Nathanael Greenes] army from the Cheraw Hill a party of which I was one was sent
down the Pe Dee [sic: Pee Dee] River to surprise a party of Tories which were
collected at a place he thinks called the Black Swamp before this arrival the tories
dispersed but they took 14 prisoners in the neighbourhood as well as he recollects
part of their men were sent back with the prisoners and the ballance marched down
the River to George Town [sic: Georgetown SC] where they took 25 British prisoners
some Rum and some clothing and then another part of their men up the River to
Greens head quarters with the prisoners the ballance of them marched on and joined
Genl. [Daniel] Morgan who was flying before the British about 36 hours he thinks

before the Battle at the Cowpens [17 Jan 1781] we march with Morgan the balance of
the day after we joined him & the next day the succeeding night the army moved in
the night about half a mile from the place they were encamped the place selected for
the Battle leaving some men to keep up the fires untill day light the British were then
close on them and the Battle commenced the next morning about sun rise or a little
after. I belonged to the Rifle men and was stationed on the right of the army and was
in the 2nd company counting from the right they had the pleasure at that place of
taking 600 prisoners they then moved on before the British to Salisbury where their
company was detailed in part to convey the prisoners to Virginia after leaving
Salisbury. by the time they had fairly crossed the Yadkin river [at Trading Ford
several miles NE of Salisbury, 4-5 Feb 1781] the British advanced Guard were on the
other bank but the river was raising fast and they could not cross at that place they
lost their Baggage Waggon which they had taken with them from the County of
Rockingham in Virginia from the Yadkin river they encountered no other difficulties
untill they arrived at Pitsylvania [sic: Pittsylvania] Court House Virginia where they
delivered the prisoners to the militia of that County from there they marched on to
the County of Rockingham where they were discharged some time in the month of
April his Bounty he sold in part pay for a Horse and gave up his certificate and discharge to
the man to whom he sold his Bounty In the month of June afterwards he volunteered as
a Sergeant and marched with the militia from the County of Rockingham in Virginia
under Captain Jeremiah Beasley and march to the eastern part of Virginia and was
attached to the Regiment commanded by General [William] Campbell Col. Jack Willis
and Majr Rucker. during this trip they were in the Battle at Hot water [or Spencers
Ordinary, 6 miles NW of Williamsburg, 26 June 1781] and James Town [6 July 1781].
At Hot water the Battle lasted two Hours & ten minutes and they were unsuccessful
and retreated under the shelter of Genl. [Anthony] Wayne fourteen of the men in
their company were wounded and one killed At the Battle of James Town he was on
the right where there was but little danger but Genl. Waynes regular Troops suffered
very much. he served this time three months after joining the army, but it was about
four months from the time the company left home untill they were marched back and
discharged. he does not recollect that he received any discharge for this service
making in all of service performed by him about two months the tour against the
Indians. about seven months as a corporal to the South. At this six months was the
time for which he volunteered and about four months in Virginia as a Sergeant altho
three months was the time for which he volunteered and served after joining the
Army in all of which service he carried his own Rifle Tomahawk & Butcher knife. 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 and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Christian Peters
Virginia Monroe County .S.S
Personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the
County of Monroe aforesaid Christian Peters who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that
he did on the 17 day of September 1832 before the justices of th the County Court of
Monroe make a declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions of the
act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 which declaration is herewith annexed and in
addition to the facts therein stated makes the following statements that by reason of Old
Age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length
of his service in the Revolutionary War but to the best of his recollection he served not less
than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades I served one month as a
private in the Militia of Virginia I served six months as a Corporal in the Southern Army and

afterwards I served three months as a Sergeant in the Militia of Virginia and for such
services I claim a pension and I do further state that according to a Memd written in an old
Bible which belonged to my father I will be 73 years of age on the 16th day of October next
the Memorandum was written in the German language and in my fathers own hand writing
I have not seen the Bible for several years but I have a distinct recollection of the
Memorandum and I think the Bible is at this time in the possession of a sister of mine and I
further state that I know of no other testimony (except such as has been produced) by
which I can prove my Revolutionary services given under my hand this 16th day of April
1833 [signed] Christian Peters
NOTE: A typed summary states that the soldier had two brothers, John and Conrad Peters,
living in Giles County VA in 1833.
Additional materials relating to Christian Peters, S5898
Transcribed by Emer Gunter
We, Samuel Clark, Henry Alexander, and James Dunlap residing in the County of Monroe and
State of Virginia (no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of Christian Peters) hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with Christian Peters who has subscribed and sworn to
the above declaration that we believe to be 71 years of age that he is reported and believed
in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we
concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
James A. Dunlap
Sam Clark
Henry Alexander
I, John Peters, of the County of Giles and the State of Virginia do hereby certify that I was
well acquainted with Christian peters who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing
declaration during the revolutionary war that I know of my own knowledge that he enlisted
under Capt. Robt Cravens and marched to the south and served I believe six months and
that he afterwards volunteered and marched with the militia of Rockingham under Capt.
Beasley and served I believe three months sworn to and subscribed to in open court this
14th day of September 1832.
John Peters
(Note John Peters was the brother of Christian Peters)
I, John Dunn, of the County of Monroe and the State of Virginia do hereby certify that I
served one tour of the revolutionary war in the year 1781 with Christian Peters of
Peterstown in this county. We marched from the county of Rockingham together. I think we
started the 1st day of June and we served I think some little more than three months we
were in the same company and were both in the Battles of Hotwater and James Town and I
do further certify that from the report of the neighborhood and the conversation that I had
with the said Christian Peters when we were in the army together I think I can safely say
that there is no doubt but that the said Christian Peters had served in the Southern Army
before we served together as above stated and that I believe he served as a sergent given
under my hand this 30th day of August 1832.
John his X mark Dunn
(Note John Dunn was the brother in law of Christian Peters, husband of his sister Mary)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of September.
Conrad Peters J.P.
(Note Conrad Peters was the son of Christian Peters)
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and
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 Samuel Clark, Henry Alexander and James A. Dunlap who have

signed one of the preceding certificates and residents of the county of Monroe and state of
Virginia that John Peters who has signed another is a resident of Giles County and state
aforesaid that John Dunn who was unable to appear in court made the preceding affidavit
before Conrad Peters Esq a magistrate whose attestation is genuine, is a resident of the
county of Giles of state aforesaid and is a credible person, and that when several statements
are entitled to
credit I, John Hutchison Jr, Clerk of the Court of Monroe County do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the court in the matter of the application of
Christian Peters for a pension. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and seal
of office at union this 24th September 1832 this 57th year of the Commonwealth.
John Hutchison,Jr
NOTE: A typed summary states that the soldier had two brothers, John and Conrad Peters,
living in Giles County VA in 1833. This is not correct the typed note actually states: In
1832, soldiers brother, John Peters, was a resident of Giles County, Virginia; one Conrad
Peters was then a Justice of the Peace for said Giles County , no relationship to the family
stated. (Note Conrad Peters was actually the son of Christian Peters)
___________________________
Pension application of Isaac Trimble S6268 fn17VA
Transcribed by Dylan Trimble, T. J. Price, Colton Kinser, Matt Brown, and Haley
Hunter, Mr. Wilsons US Military History Class, Edgewood High School, Ellettsville,
Indiana
shortly after he joined Muhlenburgs troops, he was ordered by Col. Willis to take
24 men and march over to The Back Road, about 3 miles distant and conceal his
men in the Pine bushes for the purpose of firing when Tarlton [Banastre Tarleton],
who (it was reported) was coming round upon sd road to take Muhlenburg by
surprise. Willis's orders to this Applicant were to fire and retreat to where
Muhlenburgs troops were stationed, consisting as he believes of 700 or 800 men.
Tarlton did not come as it was expected.
Trimble was 19 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
June/July 1780: Capt. William Moores militia company
1780 or 1781: Capt. David Grays militia company
1781: Capt. William Moores militia rifle company (Yorktown Siege)
Service Number
Va. Trimble, Isaac. S.6268
Carded
Virginia 16185
Isaac Trimble
Of Rockbridge in the State of Virginia
Who was a Pri[vate], En[sign], Lt [Lieutenant] in the company commanded by Captain
Moore of the Regt commanded by Col. Bowyer in the Virginia line for 15 Months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
At the rate of 100 Dollars ------ Cents per annum
To commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 33 and sent SMD Reid, Lexington, VA
Arrears to the 4th of March 33- 200
Semi-anl. Allowance ending 4 Sept 50
$250
Revolutionary Claim;

Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by William Miller Clerk
Book E. Vol. 6 Page 28
State of Virginia 3rd September, 1838
Rockbridge County
This day personally appeared before me. Joseph Steel, a Justice of the peace for sd County
Isaac Trimble, a resident in sd County, aged 77 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. This Applicant states that he volunteered as a militia man for 3
months under Col. Bowyer, then of sd County, now dead, in the months of June or July 1780.
That he marched from sd County, under the sd Col. Bowyer [William Bowyer] and Capt.
Wm. Moore [William Moore] of sd County, now living to Charlottesville, thence to
Richmond, having joined the main army near Deep Run Church, under the command of Gen.
Muhlenburg [Peter Muhlenberg] -- that shortly after he joined Muhlenburgs troops, he was
ordered by Col. Willis to take 24 men and march over to The Back Road, about 3 miles
distant and conceal his men in the Pine bushes for the purpose of firing when Tarlton
[Banastre Tarleton], who (it was reported) was coming round upon sd road to take
Muhlenburg by surprise. Willis's orders to this Applicant were to fire and retreat to where
Muhlenburgs troops were stationed, consisting as he believes of 700 or 800 men. Tarlton
did not come as it was expected, and this Applicant returned to the troops next morning.
This Applicant was discharged a short time afterward having been ordered by Col. Bowyer
to return home and bring the draughted men who remained in Rockbridge. But received
counter orders, after having arrived at home from Col. Bowyer, and did not return. He
received no written discharge as be believes he can not say, how long he served in camp this
Tour, having returned home upon orders, before his term expired, and there remained in
pursuance of his Cols. order, to act as a Deputy Commissary in Rockbridge, for the purpose
of sending flour, to the troops at Richmond.
This Applicant further states that immediately after this tour, he was called upon as a
Lieutenant under Cpt. David Gray, then of sd. County now deadthat he marched with
another company under Cpt. Charles Campbell of sd. County, now dead to Richmond
Thence to Cabin Point, 30 miles below Richmond, on the River [James River] where the
Companies remained about two weeks under Col. Richardson [Holt Richardson], a Militia
officer. Thence marched to Petersburg, there joined the main army. Then returned to
Richmond , and there received a discharge, which he has lost. This Applicant served three
months in this tour, he cannot recollect any if the regular officers under whom he served
during this tour.
This Applicant further states that he volunteered as a Substitute for his brother John
Trimble, now dead, under Cpt. William Moore, mentioned in the foregoing part of this
Declaration, and marched about the latter part of August 1781, from sd. County of
Rockbridge, to Charlottesville thence to Richmond, and there received orders to
march to York where this Applicant served as a Rifleman, under Col. Lewis [Samuel
Lewis]. After the battle fought there, Col. Vance [Samuel Vance], of the Rifle Regiment,
was ordered to take 6 or 700 Prisoners and deposit them at Winchester, in which
service, this Applicant volunteered as a guard and did not return home, until the last
of November, in the same year. He does not recollect of having received a discharge.
He served, in this tour he thinks, 3 months.
This Applicant further states that he served 3 tours against the Indians, during their
disturbances upon our frontiers. To wit one tour under Cpt. John Monroe of Bottetourt

County [Botetourt Count] now Rockbridge in 1774 against the Shawnee at Point Pleasant
[10 October 1774], under an order of the Governor [John Murray, Lord Dunmore, Royal
Governor of Virginia], to Col. Lewis [Andrew Lewis], to call out 1000 men, from Shenandoah
Augusta & Bottetourt Counties in the valley of Virginia.
in which tour this Applicant served 3 months.
This appointment further states that in the year 1776, he served as an Ensign under Col.
Skillern [George Skillern] of Bottetourt against the Shawnees at Point Pleasant, where he
witnessed the death of the 6 Shawnee Hostages; then in the fort, consisting of Cornstalk,
Ellenepsico [Elinipsico], & others.1 He couldnt say how long he served in the tour.
1 C. Leon Harris notes: In Nov 1777 Chiefs Cornstalk (Hokoleskwa), his son Ellinipsico, and
Red Hawk were being held hostage at Ft Randolph at Point Pleasant. They were murdered
in retaliation for the killing of Lt. James Gilmore by person or persons unknown.
2 C. Leon Harris notes: Rockbridge County did not exist until it was formed in 1778 from
Augusta and Botetourt counties.
This Applicant further states that he served as a Private under Col. Christie [William
Christian] of Bottetourt County, VA against the Cherokees in 1777 for the term of 3 months.
This Applicant declares that he was born in the sd County of Rockbridge2 on the 24th Oct.
1753.
He has a record of his age in his fathers handwriting, now in his possession and exhibited to
the Justice before whom he makes this declaration.
He was living in sd County of Rockbridge when called into service, where he has since
continued to live.
This Applicant refers to the Rev. John D. Ewing, Edward Jackson, & Andrew Alexander of his
neighborhood as evidence in his behalf.
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity, except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written.
Isaac Trimble
[John D. Ewing, a clergyman, and Edw. Graham and Andrew Alexander gave the standard
supporting affidavit.]
Materials added by Will Graves 2/16/11
Rockbridge County State of Virginia} to wit
On this 7th day of June 1833, personally appeared before me, Joseph Steele a Justice of the
Peace for the County aforesaid, Isaac Trimble a Resident in said County and an applicant for
a Pension, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following
amendments to his Declaration for a Pension.
He states that in the Tour at Point Pleasant, mentioned in his Declaration as having taken
place in 1776 and in which he served as Ensign, he served 3 months, being induced to
believe so, from the Recollection of others as well as from his own memory. He states that
his service, during the Revolutionary War as mentioned in his Declaration, amounts in all to
Fifteen months for which period, he claims a Pension. Three months in this period he acted
as a Lieutenant and three months as and Ensign as mentioned in his Declaration. For
evidence of this service as Lieutenant & Ensign, he refers to the Testimony of Captain
William Lyle and James Harrison, both of Rockbridge County aforesaid, herewith exhibited.
He further states that he was commissioned, and that he received his commission as
Lieutenant from the court of the County of Rockbridge and as Ensign from the Court of
Bottetour [sic] County and that he acted under these commissions as above stated. He
further states that if the proof of his having been commissioned, and having acted under his
commissions, the not considered sufficient, by the Commissioner of Pensions, he only claims

for the time, he served under his commissions, as a Private, to wit for 15 months as a
private. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
N. B. This applicant further states that he may be mistaken as to the year, mentioned in his
Declaration in which he served at Point Pleasant as an Ensign. He thinks it may have been in
1777, instead of 1776.
S/ Joseph Steele
Rockbridge County State of Virginia
On this 3rd day of June 1833, personally appeared before me William Paxton a Justice of the
Peace for said County of Rockbridge, James Harrison,3 of said County who being first duly
sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Isaac Trimble, an applicant for a
Pension, and a Resident in said County that he served with said Isaac Trimble, in an
expedition against the Shawnees at Point Pleasant in 1776 or 77 (he is confident though it
was 77). That he knows from his own personal knowledge that said Isaac Tremble was
Ensign in this Expedition, and acted as an Ensign, during the whole Tour of 3 months. I
further certify that the said James Harrison is a credible witness.
3 James Harrison S5496
Given under my hand the day and year above written.
S/ Wm Paxton
Rockbridge County State of Virginia} to wit
On this 3rd day of June 1833 personally appeared before me, John F Caruthers a Justice of
the Peace for the County aforesaid William Lyle4 of said County, who being first duly sworn,
deposeth and saith, that he is acquainted with Isaac Tremble of the County aforesaid, who is
an applicant for a Pension that he served with him one Tour viz. the Tour mentioned in
said Trimble's Declaration as having taken place in the Fall of 1780 in which he, said
Trimble, served as a Lieutenant under Captain Gray and Colonel Richardson that he knows
from his own knowledge that said Isaac Tremble acted as a Lieutenant in this Tour, and he
presumes he must have received a Commission that he does not think he (William Lyle)
remained in the whole Tour, having left the said Trimble, with the Troops encamped at
Petersburg, as he thinks. In this Tour this witness states that he acted as Commissary for the
Troops from Rockbridge, and he also thinks, as quarter Master. He further certify [sic] that
the said William is a credible witness, being a man of unblemished name & one of the oldest
magistrates in the County.
4 There is no record of a veteran by this or any similar name filing for a federal pension
based on service rendered in Virginia. A Capt. William
S/ John F Carothers
___________________________

Pension Application of Spencer Monroe S8900

Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
(Note: Monroe did not participate in the 1781 Virginia campaign, but did write of
Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgans movements after Cowpens, and mentioned an incident
concerning rife troops.)
about eighty Riflemen [Virginia Militiamen under Maj. David Campbell] who said
they would stay & fire on the British if they came up that night.
Monroe was 20 years old at the time of his first service in 1780
October 1780: Capt. William Masons militia company
State of Virginia } SS.
Loudoun County }
On this 14 day of November [1832] personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of
the County Court of Loudoun County Va. now sitting, Spencer Monroe, residing in said
County & State aged seventy two 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 officers & served as herein stated. I was born in Fairfax County, Va. in the
year 1760 between the old and new Court House. The Record of my age was set down in my
Fathers Bible, which at his Death, went to his oldest son, William & I expect it is lost. When I
was called into service I resided in Fairfax Coy Virga and I continued to reside there until
thirteen years ago I removed to Loudoun Coy. where I now reside. Early in the month
of october 1780 I volunteered in the company of Capt. William Mason of Fairfax Coy.
on the 2nd of that month we mustered at Alexandria & on the 7th of that Mo. marched
from Colchester. Gen officers were Lieutenant Wm. Donell & James Nisbet Ensign
Josiah Adams. We marchd thro Dumfries, Fredericksburg, Richmond & Petersburg
then to Hillsboro [Hillsborough] in North Carolina & joined our Regiment under
Genl. Stephens [sic: Edward Stevens] and Col. [James] Lucas. General [Nathanael]
Greene was also there. I remember Majors Williams & Clayton were the Aids of
General Stephens. We marched from Hillsboro & passed by Guilford Court House,
Salisbury & Charlotte & thence to South Carolina on the Pedee [sic: Great Pee Dee]
River, which we crossed on Christmas day at Haleys ferry [west of Rockingham NC].
Here we lived on parched corn & was allowed half a Gill [2 oz.] of whiskey a day. The
day after crossing the Ferry we marchd to Cheraw Hills, where we staid till sometime
in January [28th]. We were then ordered to take charge of the Prisoners taken by
Genl. [Daniel] Morgan at the Cowpens [17 Jan 1781]: but the British pursued Morgan
so closely that he was compelled to send them on with a guard of Carolina Militia. The
Enemy would have captured Morgans Troops and the Virginia Militia if the Yadkin
had been fordable: we got over before night [at Trading Ford, 4 Feb] and they came
up about nine oclock in the Evening, but was unable to cross. Genl. Morgan had
collected several Boats from other ferries to convey his Troops over, and left one of
them for the use of about eighty Riflemen [Virginia Militiamen under Maj. David
Campbell] who said they would stay & fire on the British if they came up that night.
They took a position behind an old fence and a number of Grape vines & as the Enemy
passed fired on them twice, killing as they supposed about thirty. The British
retreated up a Hill, formed & returned & received another fire from the Riflemen
which they returned. Two of the Rifle Men were killed. Our Troops then retreated to
their Boat & all that could get in succeeded in getting over the others, with much
exertion, effected their passage lower down. We had about Sixty British Prisoners &
Tories which had been left from sickness there, we conveyed into Virginia leaving

them at Pittsylvania old Court House. They were taken charge of by some of the
militia of the western Counties. We then returned home for our discharges at
Dumfries 23rd Feby 1781. My Discharge, which I recd. of Capt William Mason is long
since lost. this tour of duty from Oct. 2 1780 23 Feb. 1781 inclusive embraced a
period of four months & 24 days. In the fall of 1781, as nearly as I can recollect, about the
latter part of August I was drafted at Colchester for three months, and ordered to Yorktown,
but said order was countermanded & I was placed under the command of Capt. Clarke
Payne & made to do duty in opening & repairing the Road from Cameron Run to Colchester
to aid the artillery and other Corps of the army in passing. As nearly as I can remember I
was out about seven weeks on this service making altogether 6 mos. & 15 days. I further
declare that in the last session in Paynes Company I did not see Jesse Dailey [pension
application W6980]. I account for this fact in this manner that the men in Paynes
Company were separated into several working parties which were employed at their
several working places & did not meet at all. I was with a party working near Dogues Run,
Pohick Church [in Lorton about 3 mi NNE of Colchester] and Rose Hill some 4 or 5 miles
[NE] from Colchester. I remember two Sergeants in Paynes company, named James
Grimsby and Thomas Bailey. The documentary evidence I offer is the affidavit of Jesse
Dailey, my companion in Masons company.
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.
Spencer hisXmark Monroe
________________________________

Brother Jonathans Images Consortium

Neal T. Hurst tailor@nhursttailor.com
John U. Rees
R. Scott Stephenson
Matthew C. White
The British were very civil, and indeed they generally were after they had received a
check from Brother Jonathan for any of their rude actions. Connecticut soldier
Joseph Plumb Martin writing in his 1830 memoir of the October 1776 Battle of White
Plains.
It will give you great pleasure to hear that we gave Brother Jonathan a good
trimming the other day we marched [at night] in two columns, so as to be able to
beat up his Lordships [Maj. Gen. William Alexander, Lord Stirlings] Quarters at day
Break, the Right Column under Lord Cornwallis in which I had taken was to command
an advanced Squadron fell in with just a little after day Break & we drove them Above
the distance of eight Miles from height to height till at last Brother Jonathan thought
better to go quite off, we killed I believe a great many (though I cant say I saw many
as we push[ed] on so quick,) Capt. Thomas Stanley, 17th Light Dragoon Regiment,
writing of the Battle of Short Hills on 26 June 1777, from Camp near New York July
15 1777.