=====
Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Richard Harper S1908 f81NC
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions the same being a court of record now sitting Richard Harper a resident of the United States in the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law 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 named officers and served as herein stated. That he resided in the State of North Carolina in the County of Halifax in the year 1780 and in the month of March in said year and that he substituted himself to perform a three month tower [tour] of duty in the Army in the room and stead of Thomas Turner and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Lane [Levi Lane] which said company was attached to the Brigade commanded by General Cayewell [sic, Richard Caswell] and applicant states that the Regiment to which he longed was commanded by Major Brickell.
We marched from there to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from thence to the Santee River on our line of march to Charleston with a view to reinforce the American troops that were stationed there during the Siege at which point we received intelligence that the Troops were surrendered and that Charleston was in the possession of the British and General Cayewell ordered a retreat and on our line of march back to Camden we joined the regulars commanded by General Bluford [sic, Colonel Abraham Buford] and we marched together to Camden where we left the regulars and Brigade to which this applicant belonged was ordered to march to Fayetteville in the State of North Carolina and this applicant begs leave to represent that it was on the evening of the same day that we left General Bluford that he was defeated by the British near Camden in the State of South Carolina and the Brigade to which I belonged was stationed at Fayetteville until about the first of September then next ensuing at which time I received my discharge from Captain Lane which said discharge I have lost or misplaced so that I cannot produce it.
The applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the state of North Carolina and about the last of September in the year 1780 he again substituted himself in the service of his Country for the term of three months in the room and stead of Travis Weaver and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Dickson [Jesse Dixon] which said company was attached to a Regiment commanded by [Lt.] Colonel Branch [John Branch] and General Jones commanded the Brigade and we marched from there to Salisbury and from there to a Creek called New Province [New Providence] where we joined the regulars commanded by General Morgan [Daniel Morgan] where we were stationed a considerable time and that Colonel Washington [William Washington] the commander of the Light Horse was also stationed at the same place while the Army remained there we stormed age Tory post in the neighborhood and took a good many Tories prisoners and some of the British. Applicant states that some [time] in the month of February thence next ensuing I received my discharge from Captain Dickson at New Providence and returned home which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 and in the month of April in said year he was drafted to perform a tower of duty for three months and when the Troops were about to march the present applicant was taken sick and was furloughed to stay at home until he was able to march and as soon as he got well he was attached to the baggage wagons and joined the Army at the Eutaw Springs in the State of South Carolina where we staid a few days and we were then ordered back to Halifax after a load of stores and provisions and before we joined the Army again General Green [Nathanael Greene] had fought the battle of Eutaw Springs [September 8, 1781] and applicant states that it was 5 or 6 days after the battle when we arrived with the supplies for the Army at Eutaw Springs and they were ordered back immediately to Halifax in the state of North Carolina to the public wagon yard where this applicant remained until his Term of service expired when I received my discharge from Colonel Long [Nicholas Long] which discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
And this applicant begs leave further to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 that a short time after he was discharged from the last above mentioned Campaign that he volunteered his services in the Army of the United States for three [months] under Captain Cox which said Captain's company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel William Linton [William Thomas Linton] and we throd [threw] some breastworks at Halifax Town and as Lord Corn Wallace [Cornwallis] with his whole Army came marching through Halifax Town we fired upon them and at different times we continued our firing upon them until dark and my Captain Cocks was wounded in the arm the British then crossed the River on their march towards Virginia and we pursued them some considerable distance had some skirmishes with them but no general engagements and afterwards we returned back to Halifax where we were stationed until we heard the news of Cornwallis surrender at Little York the Army was disbanded and I returned home. This applicant states that he did not get a discharge for when the news came from Little York Colonel Linton called his men up and presenting us with his thanks disbanded the Army without a further discharge applicant states that it was about two months that he served in the last above mentioned campaign.
He states that he served with the Continental troops under General Green, General Morgan and General Bluford – he states that he has no documentary Evidence of his services nor does he know of any living Testimony by whom he can prove his services.
Questions propounded by the Court
1st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in Halifax County in the state of North Carolina in the year 1763. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it. Answer I have no record of my age and only know it by what my parents have told me. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? I lived in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina when I was called into Service. I lived a while in North Carolina since the Revolutionary [war] and I now live in the County of Claiborn in the State of Tennessee. How were you called into service. I was drafted and I volunteered and substituted for 2 men Thomas Turner and Travis Weaver. State the names of the Regular officers with whom you were acquainted. I knew Morgan, Green, Bluford, Colonel Washington. Did you ever receive a discharge. I received several one from Captain Lane and Captain Dickson one from Colonel Long all of which is lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce them.
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 whatsoever. He states that he is a very old and infirm [man] and has [no] person living with him but his wife and she is very old and much afflicted with disease and said applicant states that 14 years ago he met with the Great Misfortune of losing one of his legs which is off below his knee which renders him almost unable to make a fire for himself.
Sworn to in open court the 17th day of September 1832. [Illegible signature by the court clerk]. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark. [Samuel McBee, a clergyman, gave a standard supporting affidavit. John hunt gave a separate standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died May 21, 1851; the file contains no family data other than the reference to his wife in his original declaration.]
[p 60] - State of Tennessee Claiborne County. Declaration for an increase of pension. Here Relate the service I was a substitute in the State of North Carolina in Halifax County under Captain Lane and under Lieutenant Narard and Ensign Spand and General Caswell and Major Brickle this Tower was at the siege of Charleston. We marched in 25 miles of Charleston we then got orders to retreat back to Camden there we was divided the militia troops from the Regulars there the militia took the right-hand road the regulars the left the British pursued the regular Army seven miles and there they defeated General Bluford we then retreated from there to Fayette [Fayetteville] North Carolina and there served the remains of that Tower 2nd I then was substituted in Halifax County North Carolina under Colonel Branch and General Jones we then marched to a Creek called New Providence there we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington light horse we then served this Tower at this place making searches for the British and Tories and in this tower was the time that the British and Tories was taken with the pine log I was one of the guard that help guard the prisoners. 3rd. I was then drafted under Colonel Long I do not know what office Mr. Long held but he had charge of the baggage wagons and all the munitions for the Army I was sick when I was drafted and left with Colonel Long to send us on to head quarters I was one of the guard to guard the baggage wagons on to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs we got there a few days after the battle was over stayed there a week or 2 and then returned back to the wagon yard at Colonel Long's own house I then continued there tending to the public business under Colonel long until my time was out.
I then enlisted under Colonel William Linton and was mustered into service near Halifax Town North Carolina there we throwed up a breastwork of the North bank of Roanoke River opposite Halifax town in order to prevent the British from crossing the River the British marched into town about 10 o'clock and we was firing on them times until dark we then marched all night up the North side of the River to Eaton's ferry and crossed the River and marched down the South side for the purpose of coming up in the rear of the British but they had left before we reached the town we were stationed at Halifax Town until Peace was made. Benj. F. Cloud appears to have signed related documents at the same time veteran made his application. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
[attestation dated the 30th, 1847]
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: May the 14th 1847 I certify that I am an illiterate man and cannot from data establish the precise time that I entered the service of the United States agreeable to the statements of my parents I am in my 85th year of age and entered the service at the age of 16 as a substitute for the term of 3 months under Captain Lane and Lieutenant Narard Ensign Spand General Caswell Major Brickle called out by draft we were classed I fell into the 3rd class I then substituted in the first class stationed at Fayette [battle] in the state of North Carolina until discharged. I think the probable number of Troops to be about one Regiment we was paid off in state money. I think the distance from where we was discharged home to be 90 or 100 miles the Rations was beef and rice one gill of spirits I do not know the day of the month nor the precise month it was in the spring of the year when I entered the service in the first class and first Tower.
2nd Tower and 2nd class I was substituted for the term of 3 months tower in the fall of the same year as I believe I think the Captain's name to be Jator but not certain I do not recollect the name of the first Lieutenant but was under Ensign Reuben Harper and Colonel Branch and General Jones we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington's light horse and was stationed at a place called New Province until discharged I think the probable number of troops to me 1500 or 2000 in number received no pay by the state for these services distance home 100 or 150 miles distant rations of beef and corn meal and sometimes flour but no spirits the name of the Commissary was William Amy.
3rd Tower drawn and fell in the 3rd class Drafted for the Term of 3 months when first called out I was sick and left with Colonel Long to send own to head quarters I first was one of the guard but in case of a driver being sick I was taken by Mr. Rose the wagon Master for a driver I went on to head quarters to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs then returned back to the wagon yard at Long's station and was there stationed until discharged. The probable number of men and in the lead horses is from 75 to 100 in number I was rationed plentifully but received no pay from the state discharged in 9 miles this 3rd class Tower was served in the following summer after the former Towers were served.
I then enlisted immediately after being discharge from the Tower that I drawed for which was the 3rd and last militia Tower that I served & under Colonel William Linton and in the company commanded by Captain Gaddy as I believe but not certain that I am right in the name of my Captain I enlisted for the Term of 9 months and was stationed near Halifax Town had one skirmishing engagement at Halifax town thinks the probable number of Troops to be 100 men or more rationed Plentiful but received no pay distance from Home some 6 or 7 miles. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
https://revwarapps.org/s1908.pdf
Contributor: David Goode (49372965)
=====
Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Richard Harper S1908 f81NC
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions the same being a court of record now sitting Richard Harper a resident of the United States in the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law 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 named officers and served as herein stated. That he resided in the State of North Carolina in the County of Halifax in the year 1780 and in the month of March in said year and that he substituted himself to perform a three month tower [tour] of duty in the Army in the room and stead of Thomas Turner and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Lane [Levi Lane] which said company was attached to the Brigade commanded by General Cayewell [sic, Richard Caswell] and applicant states that the Regiment to which he longed was commanded by Major Brickell.
We marched from there to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from thence to the Santee River on our line of march to Charleston with a view to reinforce the American troops that were stationed there during the Siege at which point we received intelligence that the Troops were surrendered and that Charleston was in the possession of the British and General Cayewell ordered a retreat and on our line of march back to Camden we joined the regulars commanded by General Bluford [sic, Colonel Abraham Buford] and we marched together to Camden where we left the regulars and Brigade to which this applicant belonged was ordered to march to Fayetteville in the State of North Carolina and this applicant begs leave to represent that it was on the evening of the same day that we left General Bluford that he was defeated by the British near Camden in the State of South Carolina and the Brigade to which I belonged was stationed at Fayetteville until about the first of September then next ensuing at which time I received my discharge from Captain Lane which said discharge I have lost or misplaced so that I cannot produce it.
The applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the state of North Carolina and about the last of September in the year 1780 he again substituted himself in the service of his Country for the term of three months in the room and stead of Travis Weaver and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Dickson [Jesse Dixon] which said company was attached to a Regiment commanded by [Lt.] Colonel Branch [John Branch] and General Jones commanded the Brigade and we marched from there to Salisbury and from there to a Creek called New Province [New Providence] where we joined the regulars commanded by General Morgan [Daniel Morgan] where we were stationed a considerable time and that Colonel Washington [William Washington] the commander of the Light Horse was also stationed at the same place while the Army remained there we stormed age Tory post in the neighborhood and took a good many Tories prisoners and some of the British. Applicant states that some [time] in the month of February thence next ensuing I received my discharge from Captain Dickson at New Providence and returned home which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 and in the month of April in said year he was drafted to perform a tower of duty for three months and when the Troops were about to march the present applicant was taken sick and was furloughed to stay at home until he was able to march and as soon as he got well he was attached to the baggage wagons and joined the Army at the Eutaw Springs in the State of South Carolina where we staid a few days and we were then ordered back to Halifax after a load of stores and provisions and before we joined the Army again General Green [Nathanael Greene] had fought the battle of Eutaw Springs [September 8, 1781] and applicant states that it was 5 or 6 days after the battle when we arrived with the supplies for the Army at Eutaw Springs and they were ordered back immediately to Halifax in the state of North Carolina to the public wagon yard where this applicant remained until his Term of service expired when I received my discharge from Colonel Long [Nicholas Long] which discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
And this applicant begs leave further to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 that a short time after he was discharged from the last above mentioned Campaign that he volunteered his services in the Army of the United States for three [months] under Captain Cox which said Captain's company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel William Linton [William Thomas Linton] and we throd [threw] some breastworks at Halifax Town and as Lord Corn Wallace [Cornwallis] with his whole Army came marching through Halifax Town we fired upon them and at different times we continued our firing upon them until dark and my Captain Cocks was wounded in the arm the British then crossed the River on their march towards Virginia and we pursued them some considerable distance had some skirmishes with them but no general engagements and afterwards we returned back to Halifax where we were stationed until we heard the news of Cornwallis surrender at Little York the Army was disbanded and I returned home. This applicant states that he did not get a discharge for when the news came from Little York Colonel Linton called his men up and presenting us with his thanks disbanded the Army without a further discharge applicant states that it was about two months that he served in the last above mentioned campaign.
He states that he served with the Continental troops under General Green, General Morgan and General Bluford – he states that he has no documentary Evidence of his services nor does he know of any living Testimony by whom he can prove his services.
Questions propounded by the Court
1st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in Halifax County in the state of North Carolina in the year 1763. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it. Answer I have no record of my age and only know it by what my parents have told me. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? I lived in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina when I was called into Service. I lived a while in North Carolina since the Revolutionary [war] and I now live in the County of Claiborn in the State of Tennessee. How were you called into service. I was drafted and I volunteered and substituted for 2 men Thomas Turner and Travis Weaver. State the names of the Regular officers with whom you were acquainted. I knew Morgan, Green, Bluford, Colonel Washington. Did you ever receive a discharge. I received several one from Captain Lane and Captain Dickson one from Colonel Long all of which is lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce them.
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 whatsoever. He states that he is a very old and infirm [man] and has [no] person living with him but his wife and she is very old and much afflicted with disease and said applicant states that 14 years ago he met with the Great Misfortune of losing one of his legs which is off below his knee which renders him almost unable to make a fire for himself.
Sworn to in open court the 17th day of September 1832. [Illegible signature by the court clerk]. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark. [Samuel McBee, a clergyman, gave a standard supporting affidavit. John hunt gave a separate standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died May 21, 1851; the file contains no family data other than the reference to his wife in his original declaration.]
[p 60] - State of Tennessee Claiborne County. Declaration for an increase of pension. Here Relate the service I was a substitute in the State of North Carolina in Halifax County under Captain Lane and under Lieutenant Narard and Ensign Spand and General Caswell and Major Brickle this Tower was at the siege of Charleston. We marched in 25 miles of Charleston we then got orders to retreat back to Camden there we was divided the militia troops from the Regulars there the militia took the right-hand road the regulars the left the British pursued the regular Army seven miles and there they defeated General Bluford we then retreated from there to Fayette [Fayetteville] North Carolina and there served the remains of that Tower 2nd I then was substituted in Halifax County North Carolina under Colonel Branch and General Jones we then marched to a Creek called New Providence there we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington light horse we then served this Tower at this place making searches for the British and Tories and in this tower was the time that the British and Tories was taken with the pine log I was one of the guard that help guard the prisoners. 3rd. I was then drafted under Colonel Long I do not know what office Mr. Long held but he had charge of the baggage wagons and all the munitions for the Army I was sick when I was drafted and left with Colonel Long to send us on to head quarters I was one of the guard to guard the baggage wagons on to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs we got there a few days after the battle was over stayed there a week or 2 and then returned back to the wagon yard at Colonel Long's own house I then continued there tending to the public business under Colonel long until my time was out.
I then enlisted under Colonel William Linton and was mustered into service near Halifax Town North Carolina there we throwed up a breastwork of the North bank of Roanoke River opposite Halifax town in order to prevent the British from crossing the River the British marched into town about 10 o'clock and we was firing on them times until dark we then marched all night up the North side of the River to Eaton's ferry and crossed the River and marched down the South side for the purpose of coming up in the rear of the British but they had left before we reached the town we were stationed at Halifax Town until Peace was made. Benj. F. Cloud appears to have signed related documents at the same time veteran made his application. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
[attestation dated the 30th, 1847]
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: May the 14th 1847 I certify that I am an illiterate man and cannot from data establish the precise time that I entered the service of the United States agreeable to the statements of my parents I am in my 85th year of age and entered the service at the age of 16 as a substitute for the term of 3 months under Captain Lane and Lieutenant Narard Ensign Spand General Caswell Major Brickle called out by draft we were classed I fell into the 3rd class I then substituted in the first class stationed at Fayette [battle] in the state of North Carolina until discharged. I think the probable number of Troops to be about one Regiment we was paid off in state money. I think the distance from where we was discharged home to be 90 or 100 miles the Rations was beef and rice one gill of spirits I do not know the day of the month nor the precise month it was in the spring of the year when I entered the service in the first class and first Tower.
2nd Tower and 2nd class I was substituted for the term of 3 months tower in the fall of the same year as I believe I think the Captain's name to be Jator but not certain I do not recollect the name of the first Lieutenant but was under Ensign Reuben Harper and Colonel Branch and General Jones we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington's light horse and was stationed at a place called New Province until discharged I think the probable number of troops to me 1500 or 2000 in number received no pay by the state for these services distance home 100 or 150 miles distant rations of beef and corn meal and sometimes flour but no spirits the name of the Commissary was William Amy.
3rd Tower drawn and fell in the 3rd class Drafted for the Term of 3 months when first called out I was sick and left with Colonel Long to send own to head quarters I first was one of the guard but in case of a driver being sick I was taken by Mr. Rose the wagon Master for a driver I went on to head quarters to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs then returned back to the wagon yard at Long's station and was there stationed until discharged. The probable number of men and in the lead horses is from 75 to 100 in number I was rationed plentifully but received no pay from the state discharged in 9 miles this 3rd class Tower was served in the following summer after the former Towers were served.
I then enlisted immediately after being discharge from the Tower that I drawed for which was the 3rd and last militia Tower that I served & under Colonel William Linton and in the company commanded by Captain Gaddy as I believe but not certain that I am right in the name of my Captain I enlisted for the Term of 9 months and was stationed near Halifax Town had one skirmishing engagement at Halifax town thinks the probable number of Troops to be 100 men or more rationed Plentiful but received no pay distance from Home some 6 or 7 miles. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
https://revwarapps.org/s1908.pdf
Contributor: David Goode (49372965)
=====
=====
Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Richard Harper S1908 f81NC
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions the same being a court of record now sitting Richard Harper a resident of the United States in the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law 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 named officers and served as herein stated. That he resided in the State of North Carolina in the County of Halifax in the year 1780 and in the month of March in said year and that he substituted himself to perform a three month tower [tour] of duty in the Army in the room and stead of Thomas Turner and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Lane [Levi Lane] which said company was attached to the Brigade commanded by General Cayewell [sic, Richard Caswell] and applicant states that the Regiment to which he longed was commanded by Major Brickell.
We marched from there to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from thence to the Santee River on our line of march to Charleston with a view to reinforce the American troops that were stationed there during the Siege at which point we received intelligence that the Troops were surrendered and that Charleston was in the possession of the British and General Cayewell ordered a retreat and on our line of march back to Camden we joined the regulars commanded by General Bluford [sic, Colonel Abraham Buford] and we marched together to Camden where we left the regulars and Brigade to which this applicant belonged was ordered to march to Fayetteville in the State of North Carolina and this applicant begs leave to represent that it was on the evening of the same day that we left General Bluford that he was defeated by the British near Camden in the State of South Carolina and the Brigade to which I belonged was stationed at Fayetteville until about the first of September then next ensuing at which time I received my discharge from Captain Lane which said discharge I have lost or misplaced so that I cannot produce it.
The applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the state of North Carolina and about the last of September in the year 1780 he again substituted himself in the service of his Country for the term of three months in the room and stead of Travis Weaver and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Dickson [Jesse Dixon] which said company was attached to a Regiment commanded by [Lt.] Colonel Branch [John Branch] and General Jones commanded the Brigade and we marched from there to Salisbury and from there to a Creek called New Province [New Providence] where we joined the regulars commanded by General Morgan [Daniel Morgan] where we were stationed a considerable time and that Colonel Washington [William Washington] the commander of the Light Horse was also stationed at the same place while the Army remained there we stormed age Tory post in the neighborhood and took a good many Tories prisoners and some of the British. Applicant states that some [time] in the month of February thence next ensuing I received my discharge from Captain Dickson at New Providence and returned home which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 and in the month of April in said year he was drafted to perform a tower of duty for three months and when the Troops were about to march the present applicant was taken sick and was furloughed to stay at home until he was able to march and as soon as he got well he was attached to the baggage wagons and joined the Army at the Eutaw Springs in the State of South Carolina where we staid a few days and we were then ordered back to Halifax after a load of stores and provisions and before we joined the Army again General Green [Nathanael Greene] had fought the battle of Eutaw Springs [September 8, 1781] and applicant states that it was 5 or 6 days after the battle when we arrived with the supplies for the Army at Eutaw Springs and they were ordered back immediately to Halifax in the state of North Carolina to the public wagon yard where this applicant remained until his Term of service expired when I received my discharge from Colonel Long [Nicholas Long] which discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
And this applicant begs leave further to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 that a short time after he was discharged from the last above mentioned Campaign that he volunteered his services in the Army of the United States for three [months] under Captain Cox which said Captain's company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel William Linton [William Thomas Linton] and we throd [threw] some breastworks at Halifax Town and as Lord Corn Wallace [Cornwallis] with his whole Army came marching through Halifax Town we fired upon them and at different times we continued our firing upon them until dark and my Captain Cocks was wounded in the arm the British then crossed the River on their march towards Virginia and we pursued them some considerable distance had some skirmishes with them but no general engagements and afterwards we returned back to Halifax where we were stationed until we heard the news of Cornwallis surrender at Little York the Army was disbanded and I returned home. This applicant states that he did not get a discharge for when the news came from Little York Colonel Linton called his men up and presenting us with his thanks disbanded the Army without a further discharge applicant states that it was about two months that he served in the last above mentioned campaign.
He states that he served with the Continental troops under General Green, General Morgan and General Bluford – he states that he has no documentary Evidence of his services nor does he know of any living Testimony by whom he can prove his services.
Questions propounded by the Court
1st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in Halifax County in the state of North Carolina in the year 1763. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it. Answer I have no record of my age and only know it by what my parents have told me. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? I lived in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina when I was called into Service. I lived a while in North Carolina since the Revolutionary [war] and I now live in the County of Claiborn in the State of Tennessee. How were you called into service. I was drafted and I volunteered and substituted for 2 men Thomas Turner and Travis Weaver. State the names of the Regular officers with whom you were acquainted. I knew Morgan, Green, Bluford, Colonel Washington. Did you ever receive a discharge. I received several one from Captain Lane and Captain Dickson one from Colonel Long all of which is lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce them.
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 whatsoever. He states that he is a very old and infirm [man] and has [no] person living with him but his wife and she is very old and much afflicted with disease and said applicant states that 14 years ago he met with the Great Misfortune of losing one of his legs which is off below his knee which renders him almost unable to make a fire for himself.
Sworn to in open court the 17th day of September 1832. [Illegible signature by the court clerk]. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark. [Samuel McBee, a clergyman, gave a standard supporting affidavit. John hunt gave a separate standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died May 21, 1851; the file contains no family data other than the reference to his wife in his original declaration.]
[p 60] - State of Tennessee Claiborne County. Declaration for an increase of pension. Here Relate the service I was a substitute in the State of North Carolina in Halifax County under Captain Lane and under Lieutenant Narard and Ensign Spand and General Caswell and Major Brickle this Tower was at the siege of Charleston. We marched in 25 miles of Charleston we then got orders to retreat back to Camden there we was divided the militia troops from the Regulars there the militia took the right-hand road the regulars the left the British pursued the regular Army seven miles and there they defeated General Bluford we then retreated from there to Fayette [Fayetteville] North Carolina and there served the remains of that Tower 2nd I then was substituted in Halifax County North Carolina under Colonel Branch and General Jones we then marched to a Creek called New Providence there we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington light horse we then served this Tower at this place making searches for the British and Tories and in this tower was the time that the British and Tories was taken with the pine log I was one of the guard that help guard the prisoners. 3rd. I was then drafted under Colonel Long I do not know what office Mr. Long held but he had charge of the baggage wagons and all the munitions for the Army I was sick when I was drafted and left with Colonel Long to send us on to head quarters I was one of the guard to guard the baggage wagons on to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs we got there a few days after the battle was over stayed there a week or 2 and then returned back to the wagon yard at Colonel Long's own house I then continued there tending to the public business under Colonel long until my time was out.
I then enlisted under Colonel William Linton and was mustered into service near Halifax Town North Carolina there we throwed up a breastwork of the North bank of Roanoke River opposite Halifax town in order to prevent the British from crossing the River the British marched into town about 10 o'clock and we was firing on them times until dark we then marched all night up the North side of the River to Eaton's ferry and crossed the River and marched down the South side for the purpose of coming up in the rear of the British but they had left before we reached the town we were stationed at Halifax Town until Peace was made. Benj. F. Cloud appears to have signed related documents at the same time veteran made his application. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
[attestation dated the 30th, 1847]
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: May the 14th 1847 I certify that I am an illiterate man and cannot from data establish the precise time that I entered the service of the United States agreeable to the statements of my parents I am in my 85th year of age and entered the service at the age of 16 as a substitute for the term of 3 months under Captain Lane and Lieutenant Narard Ensign Spand General Caswell Major Brickle called out by draft we were classed I fell into the 3rd class I then substituted in the first class stationed at Fayette [battle] in the state of North Carolina until discharged. I think the probable number of Troops to be about one Regiment we was paid off in state money. I think the distance from where we was discharged home to be 90 or 100 miles the Rations was beef and rice one gill of spirits I do not know the day of the month nor the precise month it was in the spring of the year when I entered the service in the first class and first Tower.
2nd Tower and 2nd class I was substituted for the term of 3 months tower in the fall of the same year as I believe I think the Captain's name to be Jator but not certain I do not recollect the name of the first Lieutenant but was under Ensign Reuben Harper and Colonel Branch and General Jones we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington's light horse and was stationed at a place called New Province until discharged I think the probable number of troops to me 1500 or 2000 in number received no pay by the state for these services distance home 100 or 150 miles distant rations of beef and corn meal and sometimes flour but no spirits the name of the Commissary was William Amy.
3rd Tower drawn and fell in the 3rd class Drafted for the Term of 3 months when first called out I was sick and left with Colonel Long to send own to head quarters I first was one of the guard but in case of a driver being sick I was taken by Mr. Rose the wagon Master for a driver I went on to head quarters to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs then returned back to the wagon yard at Long's station and was there stationed until discharged. The probable number of men and in the lead horses is from 75 to 100 in number I was rationed plentifully but received no pay from the state discharged in 9 miles this 3rd class Tower was served in the following summer after the former Towers were served.
I then enlisted immediately after being discharge from the Tower that I drawed for which was the 3rd and last militia Tower that I served & under Colonel William Linton and in the company commanded by Captain Gaddy as I believe but not certain that I am right in the name of my Captain I enlisted for the Term of 9 months and was stationed near Halifax Town had one skirmishing engagement at Halifax town thinks the probable number of Troops to be 100 men or more rationed Plentiful but received no pay distance from Home some 6 or 7 miles. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
https://revwarapps.org/s1908.pdf
Contributor: David Goode (49372965)
=====
Southern Campaigns American Revolution Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Richard Harper S1908 f81NC
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions the same being a court of record now sitting Richard Harper a resident of the United States in the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law 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 named officers and served as herein stated. That he resided in the State of North Carolina in the County of Halifax in the year 1780 and in the month of March in said year and that he substituted himself to perform a three month tower [tour] of duty in the Army in the room and stead of Thomas Turner and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Lane [Levi Lane] which said company was attached to the Brigade commanded by General Cayewell [sic, Richard Caswell] and applicant states that the Regiment to which he longed was commanded by Major Brickell.
We marched from there to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from thence to the Santee River on our line of march to Charleston with a view to reinforce the American troops that were stationed there during the Siege at which point we received intelligence that the Troops were surrendered and that Charleston was in the possession of the British and General Cayewell ordered a retreat and on our line of march back to Camden we joined the regulars commanded by General Bluford [sic, Colonel Abraham Buford] and we marched together to Camden where we left the regulars and Brigade to which this applicant belonged was ordered to march to Fayetteville in the State of North Carolina and this applicant begs leave to represent that it was on the evening of the same day that we left General Bluford that he was defeated by the British near Camden in the State of South Carolina and the Brigade to which I belonged was stationed at Fayetteville until about the first of September then next ensuing at which time I received my discharge from Captain Lane which said discharge I have lost or misplaced so that I cannot produce it.
The applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the state of North Carolina and about the last of September in the year 1780 he again substituted himself in the service of his Country for the term of three months in the room and stead of Travis Weaver and that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain Dickson [Jesse Dixon] which said company was attached to a Regiment commanded by [Lt.] Colonel Branch [John Branch] and General Jones commanded the Brigade and we marched from there to Salisbury and from there to a Creek called New Province [New Providence] where we joined the regulars commanded by General Morgan [Daniel Morgan] where we were stationed a considerable time and that Colonel Washington [William Washington] the commander of the Light Horse was also stationed at the same place while the Army remained there we stormed age Tory post in the neighborhood and took a good many Tories prisoners and some of the British. Applicant states that some [time] in the month of February thence next ensuing I received my discharge from Captain Dickson at New Providence and returned home which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 and in the month of April in said year he was drafted to perform a tower of duty for three months and when the Troops were about to march the present applicant was taken sick and was furloughed to stay at home until he was able to march and as soon as he got well he was attached to the baggage wagons and joined the Army at the Eutaw Springs in the State of South Carolina where we staid a few days and we were then ordered back to Halifax after a load of stores and provisions and before we joined the Army again General Green [Nathanael Greene] had fought the battle of Eutaw Springs [September 8, 1781] and applicant states that it was 5 or 6 days after the battle when we arrived with the supplies for the Army at Eutaw Springs and they were ordered back immediately to Halifax in the state of North Carolina to the public wagon yard where this applicant remained until his Term of service expired when I received my discharge from Colonel Long [Nicholas Long] which discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce it.
And this applicant begs leave further to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 that a short time after he was discharged from the last above mentioned Campaign that he volunteered his services in the Army of the United States for three [months] under Captain Cox which said Captain's company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel William Linton [William Thomas Linton] and we throd [threw] some breastworks at Halifax Town and as Lord Corn Wallace [Cornwallis] with his whole Army came marching through Halifax Town we fired upon them and at different times we continued our firing upon them until dark and my Captain Cocks was wounded in the arm the British then crossed the River on their march towards Virginia and we pursued them some considerable distance had some skirmishes with them but no general engagements and afterwards we returned back to Halifax where we were stationed until we heard the news of Cornwallis surrender at Little York the Army was disbanded and I returned home. This applicant states that he did not get a discharge for when the news came from Little York Colonel Linton called his men up and presenting us with his thanks disbanded the Army without a further discharge applicant states that it was about two months that he served in the last above mentioned campaign.
He states that he served with the Continental troops under General Green, General Morgan and General Bluford – he states that he has no documentary Evidence of his services nor does he know of any living Testimony by whom he can prove his services.
Questions propounded by the Court
1st Where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in Halifax County in the state of North Carolina in the year 1763. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it. Answer I have no record of my age and only know it by what my parents have told me. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? I lived in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina when I was called into Service. I lived a while in North Carolina since the Revolutionary [war] and I now live in the County of Claiborn in the State of Tennessee. How were you called into service. I was drafted and I volunteered and substituted for 2 men Thomas Turner and Travis Weaver. State the names of the Regular officers with whom you were acquainted. I knew Morgan, Green, Bluford, Colonel Washington. Did you ever receive a discharge. I received several one from Captain Lane and Captain Dickson one from Colonel Long all of which is lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce them.
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 whatsoever. He states that he is a very old and infirm [man] and has [no] person living with him but his wife and she is very old and much afflicted with disease and said applicant states that 14 years ago he met with the Great Misfortune of losing one of his legs which is off below his knee which renders him almost unable to make a fire for himself.
Sworn to in open court the 17th day of September 1832. [Illegible signature by the court clerk]. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark. [Samuel McBee, a clergyman, gave a standard supporting affidavit. John hunt gave a separate standard supporting affidavit.]
[Facts in file: Veteran died May 21, 1851; the file contains no family data other than the reference to his wife in his original declaration.]
[p 60] - State of Tennessee Claiborne County. Declaration for an increase of pension. Here Relate the service I was a substitute in the State of North Carolina in Halifax County under Captain Lane and under Lieutenant Narard and Ensign Spand and General Caswell and Major Brickle this Tower was at the siege of Charleston. We marched in 25 miles of Charleston we then got orders to retreat back to Camden there we was divided the militia troops from the Regulars there the militia took the right-hand road the regulars the left the British pursued the regular Army seven miles and there they defeated General Bluford we then retreated from there to Fayette [Fayetteville] North Carolina and there served the remains of that Tower 2nd I then was substituted in Halifax County North Carolina under Colonel Branch and General Jones we then marched to a Creek called New Providence there we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington light horse we then served this Tower at this place making searches for the British and Tories and in this tower was the time that the British and Tories was taken with the pine log I was one of the guard that help guard the prisoners. 3rd. I was then drafted under Colonel Long I do not know what office Mr. Long held but he had charge of the baggage wagons and all the munitions for the Army I was sick when I was drafted and left with Colonel Long to send us on to head quarters I was one of the guard to guard the baggage wagons on to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs we got there a few days after the battle was over stayed there a week or 2 and then returned back to the wagon yard at Colonel Long's own house I then continued there tending to the public business under Colonel long until my time was out.
I then enlisted under Colonel William Linton and was mustered into service near Halifax Town North Carolina there we throwed up a breastwork of the North bank of Roanoke River opposite Halifax town in order to prevent the British from crossing the River the British marched into town about 10 o'clock and we was firing on them times until dark we then marched all night up the North side of the River to Eaton's ferry and crossed the River and marched down the South side for the purpose of coming up in the rear of the British but they had left before we reached the town we were stationed at Halifax Town until Peace was made. Benj. F. Cloud appears to have signed related documents at the same time veteran made his application. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
[attestation dated the 30th, 1847]
State of Tennessee Claiborne County: May the 14th 1847 I certify that I am an illiterate man and cannot from data establish the precise time that I entered the service of the United States agreeable to the statements of my parents I am in my 85th year of age and entered the service at the age of 16 as a substitute for the term of 3 months under Captain Lane and Lieutenant Narard Ensign Spand General Caswell Major Brickle called out by draft we were classed I fell into the 3rd class I then substituted in the first class stationed at Fayette [battle] in the state of North Carolina until discharged. I think the probable number of Troops to be about one Regiment we was paid off in state money. I think the distance from where we was discharged home to be 90 or 100 miles the Rations was beef and rice one gill of spirits I do not know the day of the month nor the precise month it was in the spring of the year when I entered the service in the first class and first Tower.
2nd Tower and 2nd class I was substituted for the term of 3 months tower in the fall of the same year as I believe I think the Captain's name to be Jator but not certain I do not recollect the name of the first Lieutenant but was under Ensign Reuben Harper and Colonel Branch and General Jones we joined General Morgan's Army and Colonel Washington's light horse and was stationed at a place called New Province until discharged I think the probable number of troops to me 1500 or 2000 in number received no pay by the state for these services distance home 100 or 150 miles distant rations of beef and corn meal and sometimes flour but no spirits the name of the Commissary was William Amy.
3rd Tower drawn and fell in the 3rd class Drafted for the Term of 3 months when first called out I was sick and left with Colonel Long to send own to head quarters I first was one of the guard but in case of a driver being sick I was taken by Mr. Rose the wagon Master for a driver I went on to head quarters to General Greens Army at the Eutaw Springs then returned back to the wagon yard at Long's station and was there stationed until discharged. The probable number of men and in the lead horses is from 75 to 100 in number I was rationed plentifully but received no pay from the state discharged in 9 miles this 3rd class Tower was served in the following summer after the former Towers were served.
I then enlisted immediately after being discharge from the Tower that I drawed for which was the 3rd and last militia Tower that I served & under Colonel William Linton and in the company commanded by Captain Gaddy as I believe but not certain that I am right in the name of my Captain I enlisted for the Term of 9 months and was stationed near Halifax Town had one skirmishing engagement at Halifax town thinks the probable number of Troops to be 100 men or more rationed Plentiful but received no pay distance from Home some 6 or 7 miles. S/ Richard Harper, X his mark
https://revwarapps.org/s1908.pdf
Contributor: David Goode (49372965)
=====
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