Virginia document pertaining to James Black VAS1761
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris.
To the Honorable the Speakers and members of the General assembly of Virginia The petition of James Black of the County of Lewis sheweth that in the year of our Lord 1760 he at that time being a citizen of the County of Berkley [sic: Berkeley] was Detaild by a Draft of the Militia to perform a tour of Duty in the war at that time carried on by the French and Indians against the western part of Virginia and was marched under the command of Captain Hedge to Hollidays Cove now in the County of Brook [sic: Brooke] in this state and that he was Detaind in the service for five months for which he never receivd one penny of compensation. That in addition to the above stated service he had served under the Late General Washington in what was and still is calld [blank] War where he receivd a wound which in his extreme old age has disabled him (other circumstances apart) from procuring the absolute necessaries of life without the most painfull exertions He, being near a century of age to with 97 years old prays of the State for whose service he has spilt his blood and wastd his youth, what is justly Due to him for services rendered as aforesaid, fair contract (to wit) his pay for the five month service with interest thereon * Novem 18th 1821
(Signed) James Black
*or, if the great length of time, which has lapsed since those services were rendered, should be considered an obstacle to allowing your Petitioner’s just claim, he hopes, at least, that something will be advance for his present relief, and that a small sum annually will be allowed him by way of pension during the small remnant of his days, and he will ever pray &c
Dec’r 12th 1822
ref’d to Claims 1823
Jany 3 laid upon the table
9 Reasonable that a pension be allowed
10th Report drawn
Lewis County Ss. This day personally appeared George Bozarth & made oath before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County a fore said that he is well acquainted with James Black of said County who is applying for a Pention & that said Black has more than once shewed the said witness his wound that he stated was Received in the war & the said witness states that there is neare the hip a Round Substance that he suposes to be lead & the said Black further stated that it was very painfull to him & the witness states that thy & legg on the side of the wound, is a grate deal less than the other Given under my hand this 15 day of November 1822
John Bozarth J.P.
http://revwarapps.org/VAS1761.pdf
