Potts, Jesse

Pension Number: Continental N.C. S. 47664 (78 Pages)

I, Jesse Potts, an inhabitant of the County of Gadsden, in the Territory of Florida, do hereby declare that I acted as Assistant Quartermaster General, under the immediate control of Colonel Nicholas Long, Quartermaster General, acting as such under General Gates, commanding the Southern Army. I do hereby further declare that I acted in that capacity until six months after the termination of the Revolutionary War, and as such held the rank of Captain in the line, and have been recognized as such under the law of the State of North Carolina. The certificate commonly called a commutation certificate, Co. Long promised and pledged himself to procure for me, but to my knowledge never did, as I never received it. About this time I was ordered to march and to furnish with necessary stores etc. the army commanded by Colonel Porterfield, on his march against Lord Cornwallis in South Carolina. I never received a commission as Captain, although it was promised me. And further I do declare that I have never received any money as a pensioner of the United States, nor have I made application for any. Witness my hand this 15th October 1828.

Jess Potts

Fayetteville 7th September 1820

Mr. Hill

Dear Sir:

I take the liberty to address you, asking your assistance in a matter which much concerns my interest viz. I was in the army almost during the [entire] Revolutionary War, with a commission from the Quartermaster General acting three years and three months in this State (North Carolina). Old col. Nicholas Long promised to procure my land which I was entitled to receive for my services, but did not.

My commission was equal with a Capt. in the No. Carolina line, and my pay was forty Dollars per month which I received.

I am confined by gout, otherwise would see you personally.

N. B. I have now my discharge, which expresses fully that I did my duty faithfully, and made proper returns with vouchers during the time of my acting in the Department, being compared found a just account was given: this is the substance of my discharge—

Sir, I shall always acknowledge the favor if you will advise me how to proceed to get my land as I understand the time is drawing near when a return will be made of the Warrants etc. I expect Mr. Haywood recollects my being in service as he was often at Col. Long’s at that time. Any expense or trouble that may accrue, will be paid by sending notice to

Your respectful obt. servt.

Jesse Potts

A true Copy

Given this 31st December, 1828,

Wm . Hill, Secretary

Halifax, July 11th, 1782

Received of Jess Potts D.Q.M. proper returns with all the vouchers since his acting as an assistant to me in the Quartermasters Department, being compared find a just account was given agreeable to his reception of public stores.

N. B. He was three years in the Army under my directions.

Nicholas Long D.Q.M.

I certify that the above is a true copy.

Given this 31st Dec. 1828,

William Hill, Secretary.

North Carolina

To William Hill Esquire, Secretary of the State aforesaid:

Sir,

On the application of Jesse Potts, of Fayetteville formally of the Revolutionary Army, and an officer therein, who was severely wounded etc. in the cause of the War. We have considered of his claim, and acting under the powers and authority with which we are clothed by the Act of 1819, Hereby advise and direct that you issue to him the said Jess Potts, a warrant for three thousand eight hundred and forty acres of land (3840 acres).

Raleigh 8th Sept. 1820.

John Haywood, ---- Goodwin

I certify that the above is a true copy.

Given this 31st Dec. 1828.

Wm. Hill, Secretary

State of Florida

County of Gadsden

I David L. White of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that I was personally and intimately acquainted for many years with Jesse Potts, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, of the United States, and that to my own knowledge, he was married to Nancy Sterling, in the year 1803 in Fayetteville No. Ca. and that about the year 1826, he (Potts) moved with his Family to the County of Gadsden in the then Territory of Florida, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death, which took place on the 20th day of May A.D., 137 leaving Nancy Potts his widow; that the said Nancy Potts afterwards, viz: March, A.D., 1840, was married to Daniel L. Kenan, with whom I was also personally and intimately acquainted and that the said Kenan died at his residence in the County and State aforesaid, on the 12th day of October, A.D., 1840, leaving Nancy Kenan his Widow. And I do further certify that I know the said Nancy Kenan, formally Nancy Potts, widow of Jesse Potts aforesaid, to be one and the same person.

Sworn to and Subscribed before me, this 18th day of April A.D., 1851

Arthur I. Foreman,

Justice of the Peace

David L. White

Jesse Potts was born in the State of Virginia, Prince George County, Oct. 4th,

1754, he was the son of Francis Potts. At the age of Twenty-one years, Said Jesse Potts was a volunteer in Service of his Country against the British and served with a commission as Quartermaster during the war.

Entry in Family Bible of Jesse Potts.

Official Record

Jesse Potts, decd.

Certificate No. 33225 Florida, (Tallahassee) issued 23rd M--- (torn, appears to be) March 18-4, at the rate of $600.00 per annum, to commence March 4th, 1831, Act June 7, 1832. Agency Tallahassee, Florida. Placed on pension roll Feb. 12, 1829.

Service: Asst. Deputy Qr. Mr. General

Southern Army