Letter1 BF - Jul 1872

Letter2 BF - Nov 1872

Letter3 BF - Jan 1875

"Act of February 14, 1871 - Allowed War of 1812 Pensions"

Benjamin Franklin White 
(Son of Robert White Sr 1743-1843)

"Regimental Fifer 
Hugh Mean's 1st Regiment South Carolina Militia"

In the War of 1812 Pensioners Index:

1.  White, Benjamin - Record S0-21964 - served as Musician
      in Col Dawkins' Regt' of SC Mil. 

This File 21964 Contains 74 pages of correspondence and letters from BF White and Witnesses to his service in the War of 1812, this went on from 1871 to 1875, the letters contains some valuable genealogy information, that I will pass on to the respective family researchers, as time alots.  

Abbreviated Pension Summary of Events:

1.  BF served under Col Elijah Dawkins unit, under Hugh Means Regt. 

2.  1812 April 12th - One document shows his enlisted on this date.
     which may be true as Col Dawkins paid his father for 2 yrs 8 months...
     [other documents show his enlistment about April 1, 1813...]

3.  1813 Apr 1st to 1814 Dec 28th, BF served in the War of 1812,
     discharged at Fort Maultrie SC.  Dept of Interior Pension Office...  

4.  BF was recruited with the permission of his father, at 13 years old.

5.  The solicitation of BF's services took place along the Tiger River
     in Union District SC, near the home of BF White.  

6.  BF marched to Charleston along with Billy Gault, drummer, and
     Simon Murphy, a relative via the marriage of Susan White Murphy, &
     John Boatman, a relative from the marriage of BF's oldest brother 
     William White, who married Elizabeth Boatman. 

7.  Appears BF was hired by Col Dawkins, and paid, in cash by him, 
     for his service, $12.00 a month, but BF claims he voluteered as the 
     other soldiers, which is a valid argument... 

8.  There is No Enlistment or Discharge Record for BF White, he was
     considered a civil servant, and his Pension request were rejected,
     on account of being hired and not enlisted, so they claim...

9. The song played by BF White, the Fifer, and Billy Gault the 
     drummer, on the line, to Charleston was ' Jefferson and Liberty '.
     Has a Scott & Irish sound to it... BF White is quoted as saying
     "The men let out a Cannon Shout - as we played".  

10. One of the Witnesses to BF's service says in his letter; ' ... that
      Col Dawkins paid his little fifer, $12 for his service each month..."
      [I thought this was cute...]

11. 1871 to 1875 case went on for this period. From the 
      documents it  appears all of the appeals were rejected.
      [I feel the decendants of BF should again appeal this...] 

12. 1871 Jul 11th - BF's War of 1812 Pension first filed, in the Court of 
     Ordinary, Judge was W R Webster, in the State of Georgia. BF 
     is 71yrs old, at this time. Residence: Dekalb Co GA. Wife listed:
     Thursy Golightly. Marriage took place in Spartanburg SC; 30 Dec
     1823.  He is listed as serving the full 60 days in Military, (actually
     served longer), he Volunteered in Colonel Dawkins (he thinks), 10th
     regiment, SC Militia, brigade of Hugh Means division, at Cross Keys
     Union District South Carolina, on or about April 1, 1813, and was 
     honorably discharged at Fort Maultrie SC, on or about 28th day of
     December 1814.  That he entered the service when only about 13 
     years as a fifer for Colonel Dawkins Regiment known as a Regimental
     Fifer, he never received any discharge papers.  BF's attorney was
     was H H Walker, of Cross Keys GA.  Witnesses appearing on 
     behalf of BF were Elijah H Clark & Joseph Pitts, both of Dekalb GA.,
     they verified who he was and his signature on the Pension Application.  
     [Marriage Year - is thought to be 1825, BF wrote 1823??]

13.  1871 Feb 14th - Act was passed authorizing Penisons for War of 1812.

14.  1871 Jul 13th - Attorney H H Walker submits BF White's claim...

15.  1871 Dec 7th - Interior Dept form Pension Office - Elijah H Clark and 
       Joseph Pitts sign as witnesses to the Service of BF in the war of 1812.
       [E H Clark was a Reverend and married BF's daughter Martha A White]

16.  1871 Dec 8th -  Letter from Saml J Irby to support BF's Claim, was
       in response to BF's letter dated Nov 5 1871, refers to BF as Major. 

17.  1871 Dec 27th - Hiram J William, Post Master at Decatur Dekalb Co Ga
       attest to the credibility of Elijah H Clark & Joseph Pitts, who are witnesses
       to the Loyality of Benjamin White Survivor or the War of 1812. 

18.  1872 Jan 9th - Internal letter stating no evidence of Unit BF Served in...
       Siged: J H Baker to the Secretary of Interior.
       [At first they found no record of Col Dawkins but did find Col Means]

19.  1872 Feb 27th - Internal Document - from Third Auditor Treasury Dept,
       there is no existance of Col Dawkins command per files of their officers. 

20.  1872 Jul 1st - Internal document Pension Claim they checked for bounty
       claim by BF and found none. Date was 7-1-72. 

21.  1872 Jul 3rd - Pension Office J H Barker to HH Walker Attorney for BF,
       they state there is no evidence of Col Dawkins command SC Militia...
       [BF was distraught over this, and didn't want Col Dawkins to be forgotten]
       
22.  1872 July 11th - Letter BF to Col H H Walker, to prove his service...
       and in response from a letter sent by Col H H Walker, recd 3rd Jul 1872...

23.  1872 Jul 13th - H H Walker letter sent along with BF's letter of Jul 11,
       H H writes in support of BF's letter sent to Hon J H Baker Court of Pensions.
       Also attached a letter from Saml J Irby from Fairfield Dist SC, on behalf of Ben.
       letter dated Dec 8, 1871, and BF addressed as Maj. BF White...

24.  1872 Jul 25th - Dept of Interior form again filed for BF White, this time
       Officer in charge is shown as Col Means, Regiment, signed J H Baker...

25.  1872 Sep 11 - Internal document Third Auditor Treasury Dept, to 
       commissioners of Pensions; Benjamin F White is not borne on the rolls of
       Captain Means, not on any company of Col Means companies... 
       [This is a great injustice to BF - all the folks BF joined with are on the 
         Regimental Roster, descendants should get this corrected...]

26.  1872 Oct 21st - On this claim form returned to Mr Harris, it is suggested 
       to give the Claimant (BF), an opportunity of proving by parole evidence,
       the service alleged. 

27.  1872 Nov 20th - Letter BF in reply to request from Col Walker to the 
       request from Washington D. C. - I State & Certify ... more details of service.

28.  1872 Nov 23rd - Attorney attest to BF's Character and Loyalty in a 
       letter to the Honorable H Baker, Court of Pensions.

29.  1872 Dec 2nd - BF White's Pension Application is rejected. Was filed
       July 18, 1872 by BF's Attorney H. H. Walker, PO Cross Keys GA.
       Rejection said he was a Civilian or hired, by Col Dawkins not a soldier...
       [It must be noted that most other Fife and drummers were considered enlisted!]

30.  1872 Dec 18th - Letter John Boatman to BF confirming BF's Service 
       in War of 1812, in response to letter from BF to John recvd Dec 17, 1872.
       [John Boatman a relative of BF via marriage of Wm White/Elizabeth Boatman]

31.  1872 Dec 23rd - BF letter to Attorney - attaching old Comrades letter...

32.  1872 Dec 26th - Hon J H Baker, Court of Pensions, replies to Attorney,
       'he is recommending reconsideration, regardless of the Act of Feb 14, 1871,
       recommends transferring Appeal to the Hon Secretary of Interior for opinion.
       A letter from "JOHN BOATMAN" of Okalona Alabama is enclosed...' he
       was a Comrade Soldier who states that the Applicant Volunteerd, by consent
       of his father... Letter is being sent to Sec of Interior...

33.  1873 Jan 10th - Letter from Jacob Roundtree to BF, to support claim,
       Letter in response to BF's letter dated Dec 23, 1872. 

34.  1873 Feb 7th - Appeal filed by BF's Attorney. Letter and Affidavit 
      submitted by Mr. Jacod Roundtree of Shelby County Alabama, on 
      behalf and in support of BF's claims...

35.  1874 Jan 9th - H H Walker, Attorney submits letter to Hon J C Freeman, M.C. 
       as he hasn't received a reply from the Sec of Interior... 

36.  1874 Dec 1st - Internal letter Dept of Interior affirming the report dated 
       January 9, 1873, to the Commissioner of Pensions, that their decision is
       upheld based on no evidence of the existence of the said regiment...

37.  1874 Dec 4th - W H Baker, Court of Pension letter to Hon Third Auditor
       asking for list of Col Means Field staff, and if Elijah Dawkins, Samuel Farrow,
       and D Felder were among the commissioned officers... 

38.  1874 Dec 7th - Auditor Allan Tusherford? sends list of Officers serving
       in Col Means Regt to Hon Baker Court of Pensions, it list Maj Elijah 
       Dawkins, David Fielder, but not no Samuel Farrow...    

39.  1874 Dec 23rd - Dept of Interior Pension Office - submits a history of the
       Claim of BF White No. 21964, this history of the case is 10 pages long,
       signed by U? W Fisher to Col C W Seaton, Chief Clerk Present...   

40.  1875 Jan 1st - Letter BF White to the Attorney, giving him an account
       of the situation leading to his recruitment... into Col Dawkins Regiement... 
       This letter detailed BF marches and places he served, until his discharge.

41.  1875 Jan 12th - Attorney Sends letter to Hon J C Freemen, M.C. attached is 
       letter from Hon J H Baker Court of Pensions. Secretary of Interior 'holds that
       the proof of service is sufficiently proven to allow the claim If there was a recorc
       of such a Regiment as Col Dawkins. BF's letter of events is submitted...

42.  1875 July 2nd - H M Atkinson, Court of Pensions to Auditor 
      Allan Tusherford?, Treasury Department.

43.  1875 July 28th - Auditor, Allan Tusherford? responds to H M Atkinson letter
       Court of Pensions. There records indicate service by Col Means Regt.,
       was starting 1st of October 1814... 

44.  1875 Jul 31st - O P G Clark Chief Clerk - the claim of Benjn White having 
       been left on M Seatons Desk on the 28th of Dec 1874. 

Notes:

The Following Link shows a list of volunteers who served with 
BF White Unit under Hugh Means.  
http://freepages.military.rootsweb.com/~york/1812/Means.html 

The Pension dialog of 74 pages boiled down to whether BF deserved
a Pension, as some determined that he was Hired by Col Dawkins and
therefore not a soldier, but others disputed this... and the dialog cont-
inued for several years, 1871 to 1875. In any case he did serve his 
country regardless of the outcome, we know this by fact.  

Note that Ben & Thurza's marriage is listed above as; 30 Dec 1823,
some records show it as 30 Dec 1825. 

NOTE FROM MIKE WHITE:

It is troubling to this writer about the decision by the Board of Pensions & 
Interior Dept, other Fife's and Drummers were considered enlisted, or 
volunteers, which is exactly what BF White did.  BF was persistent in his 
efforts to be recognized as a War of 1812 Vet and enlisted person.  This 
case needs to be brought back to 'whom-ever' would handle such a case 
and justice brought to our ancestor.   "My opinion"!

Just a thought; At the time of this Pension (1871) the civil war was still 
fresh in the minds of most, reconstruction was in full swing, one can 
only speculate as to the prejudices against southerns, and the one letter
sent to the Interior Dept in Washington, addressing BF as a MAJOR, 
may not have helped his cause.   In any case, and in all fairness, to BF
this case should be reviewed.   BF should be ADDED THE THE
REGIMENTAL ROSTER, with the cousins & friends he served with... 

INSPIRATION FROM HIS SERVICE IN THE WAR OF 1812:

BF was a Captain in the Spartanburg SC Militia in 1830, in Harris Co GA,
he was now a Major in the Militia, in the 1860's. No question as to his 
loyalty to country.    BF, in one letter talks about all the 'Practice' he was
getting as a Fife...  working the daily drills, when you consider his musical 
talents, without a formal education, and that he wrote, The Sacred Harp, 
you can clearly see where some of the talent and inspiration came from,
when BF's father consented to his young boy to serve his country at 
13 years old, I am sure he saw his sons future, not as a farmer, surely,
Robert White Sr., saw the advantage and talent of his little boy... and 
an opportunity to improve upon BF's natural ability.  We see this today
Sacred Harper's still using BF's book, and hungry for information on this
wonderful and talented ancestor of ours... 

Source:
NARA (National Archives)
Filed form NATF 85 (Full Pension File)
S0 - 21964

Miscellaneous Rules

Regulation of November 1, 1808

Rules with Regard to Recruiting

"No person shall be received as a recruit, who has sore
legs, scurvy, scald head, ruptures, or other infirmities. Healthy, active boys,
between FOURTEEN and EIGHTEEN years of age, may be enlisted for 
Musicians; and whenever the recruit, who is under age, shall have a parent,
guardian, or master, his consent shall be obtained, and accompany the enlist-
ment.  The recruiting officer shall be accountable for any loss which the United
States would otherwise sustain by enlisting recruits of either of the above
descriptions. 

Information provided by:
Donald Clarke

Fort Maultrie 
Charleston South Carolina

BF White served here & was Discharged here Dec 1814.

IN BRIEF
Fort Moultrie's history covers 171 years of seacoast defense, including the first decisive victory in the American Revolution and the firing onto Fort Sumter during the first battle of the Civil War. The third Fort Moultrie, built in 1809, stands today. By touring the fort, visitors can see how coastal defenses have evolved.

Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle St., Sullivan's Island and is open 9am to 5pm everyday except Christmas.

NOTE from Mike:
Notice the War of 1812 is not mentioned, we know from 
BF White's personal account that, in fact this Fort was also
used in the War of 1812... 

Fort Maultrie SC

American State Papers - 1832
Documents
Legislative and Executive
Of The
Congress of The United Status

- Fortifications -

Harbor of Charleston - Fort Moultrie, Situated at the entrance of the harbor
                                      sea front, and the whole is enclosed with ramparts, 
                                      parapets, &c. mounting forty guns; the magazine is
                                      brick, dry, and calculated to hold five hundred barrels
                                      of powder. The barracks are of brick, and sufficient
                                      for five hundred men and officers. 

Information provided by:
Donald Clarke

US Military District #6
Includes: Fort Moultrie (SC & GA)

1. Two Troops of 1st Light Dragoons
2. One Battalion of the 1st Artillery 
3. The 8th Infantry
4. The 10th Infantry
5. The 18th Infantry

Information provided by:
Donald Clarke

War of 1812 Songs Played 
by & BF's Quotes:
(Mean's 1st Regiment South Carolina Militia)

BF White            - Regimental Fifer
Billy Gault          - Regimental Drummer 

Song # 1 
"Jefferson & Liberty"   (Click to listen - midi file)

"Jefferson & Liberty"  (a fife & drum version)

Played on the march to Charleston SC.

"...the Regiment was in line as we walked up then
back, we were ask to play a tune and played 'Jefferson
& Liberty', the men let out a cannon shout, as we began
our march to Charleston..."                                    BF White.

Song # 2
"Hail Columbia"       (Click to listen - midi file)

Played at the Surrender of the British 
Vessels at Fort Moultrie SC.  

"A line of British vessels approached within 200 yds
we fired our 84 Lb Cannon's, one ball in front of 
the leading ship, the British vessels anchored and 
a White flag was hoisted with PEACE written in 3 places..." 
                                                                                      BF White.

Notes:
Both songs mentioned by BF White 
in a Letter written to his Attorney 
who was applying for his Pension.

Source:   See Letter # 1 below.

1. Recruited along the Tiger River Union Dist. SC, agreement
    between BF's father and Col Elijah Dawkins & Col Hugh Means.
    Other recruits Billy Gault-drummer, Simon Murphy, John Boatman.
    witnesses later, and may have joined with them, Samuel J Irby, 
     Jacob Roundtree.  

2. Left Union District marched to Laurens (Lawrence) Co SC 
    where the Regiment met up with Col Felders Regiment.

3. On the march to Charleston, BF's regiment was ordered 
    into the City of Columbia, for 10 days as a British fleet was
    thought to be approaching for an attack on the City. They
    were relieved by Col Duncans Regiment.

4. Once BF's Regiment arrived in Charleston they were taken 
    to "Point Peter's", or Peter's Point, where they remained for some months. 

5. Next they were moved to "Point Hadrells", or Haddrells Point
    for several months.

6. Lastly, were moved to  Fort Maultrie, SC, where a 'Line' of British
    ships surrendered at the end of the War, witnessed by BF White.

7. BF was paid $25 dollars to get him home.

8. Col Elijh Dawkins arrived in Union Dist SC and paid BF's father
    the balance owed, $12 for each month served; 2 years & 8 Months. 

TOP -   ^Back to Timeline
Letter # 1 - Jul 11th 1872

BF White to Col. H J Walker
War of 1812  

BF White Letter to Col. H. H. Walker

Page 1
Atlanta GA July 11th 1872

Col H. H. Walker Dear Sir

Yours of the 3rd just recvd Contents noted
in response I have to say that I am at a 
loss to answer for it is the first time that 
the service of Col Elijah Dawkins in 
the war of 1812 has ever been questioned
that I have ever heard of true, I never
have been certain whether he was Col 
or Lieut Col and I know that he took the 
active command of the Regiment then
was a man called Col Means associating 
with the Regiment, but never took any 
command of the Regt. Major Dowell Felder
was in command of one Battalion in 
my immediate section Capt Saml Farrow 
commanded the company with whom I 
generally associated because they were my 
neighbors I volunteered by consent of my 

Page 2
Father under 13 years old him & Col. Dawkins 
made the trade for my service at 12.00 per month
I performed the service for the entire Regiment
for each Battalion and for 10 Companies
once every two days alternating, 5 Companies
and our Battalion each day, so you see 
that my service was about ten times over
that of any private soldier, my name
was not known on any Company roll
though mostly identified with my old 
associates in Capt Farrows Company and 
Major Felders Battalion Col Dawkins paid 
me money enough to carry me home in company
as Benj or Benjamin White was not 
known in my boyhood days by B F White
though this was my name, Col Dawkins was 
a man 6 feet high firm & positive in his
department, unusually beloved & obeyed 
hoping this will be satisfactory
I am yours truly Benjn F White

Col H H Walker
I return your copy letter 

TOP -   ^Back to Timeline
Letter # 2 - November 20th 1872

BF White to Col. H J Walker
War of 1812  

Atlanta GA  Nov 20th 1872

Col Walker in reply to the request
from Washington D. C. I State & Certify
that about 6 months before any regular
organization in our section for the war of 1812
I volunteered to play the Fife for the various
calls for enlistment, Drafting & volunteering
Wm Gault the Drummer when 10 Companies 
was organized Col Dawkins called them
together and on there assemblage he called
on me to volunteer for the war we went
to see my Father, and he consented for me
to go and not being susceptible of company
enrollment, on account of my age, I then
volunteered as Regimental Fifer under 
the care & protection of My Col promising 
to serve the Regiment, each Battalion each
company on their Drills Respectively, I had
no knowledge of the value of my services
until my return home my Drummer told me
he was getting 12 dollars per month and 
after my return & found my services was 
worth the same I had been playing the Fife
for a Teacher of Military Schools almost daily
for about 8 months (Col James Ming) which
gave me much practice, and love for it his 
services I played for (on an ?????) 5 Drills 
per day, for about 20 months.

Page 2
I was dubed with the "Little Fife Major" but most
familiary known 'little Benja the fifer' my
name BF White was scarcily known in company.
The above is written in detail of the facts,
circumstances and results of the occasion
allude to all of which is respectfully submitted.
                                          B F White
Georgia                  Came before me 
Fulton County          BF White who
                               being sworn says 
                               
Be it ?????? Statement written and
signed by him is true as therein 
stated.

     In Witness whereof I have
     hereunto signed my official 
     signature and affixed 
     my seal this 21st day 
     of November 1872
         Alenial? Puman?
         Ofinary Fulton 
         County Georgia

NB   Col Dawkins
was in command of Union Dist SC as Col
at the time the government ordered him to organize
a Regiment for the war he being a volunteer 
for the services.             B F White

Letter # 5a Dec 23, 1872

BF White to Attorney information
him he is attaching the letter from 
John Boatman:

Col WAlker    Dear Sir
     Yours forever of the 16 July Received I
had written to an old comrade in the
war of 1812 and on Saturday last I recvd
his reply which I forward you   I regard 
the decision a very strange one for I 
wrote  plainly that I volunteered, and 
gave the reasons why and the circumstances
connected with it, and as such I served 
through the war, and the pay was recvd
as other soldiers I forward you the letter 
of Mr John Boatman  treat as you think 
best,  Yours Truly       B. F. White

TOP -   ^Back to Timeline
Letter # 3 - January 1st 1875

BF White to Col. H J Walker
War of 1812  

BF WHITE - Letter written to his Attorney 
in his attempt to obtain a pension for service 
in the War of 1812. 

BF enlistment is discussed, the march to Charleston
and a eyewitness account of the British surrender at 
Fort Maultrie, by BF White

Page 1  [Little Punctuation - beware!]

Atlanta GA January 1st 1875

Col H. H. Walker Dear Sir

     In response to yours of 17th ??? & ??? have 
to offer in detail in relation to the War of 12,
about the 12th of April 1812 the Union Dist Battn 
was assembled on the Bank of Tiger River near my
fathers house on the passage of the Soldiers Col 
E Dawkins and a man that some called Col Means
(Some called him Genl Means) called at the house to
close the consultation previously had to get me
off with there, finally all parties agreed for me to
volunteer as Regimental fifer, we then went down
to the River, the Battn was in line and we were
requested to play them a salute along the line we the
musicians, Means & Dawkins marched along the line from 
right to left & back when starting Dawkins cued out, play
the tune 'Jefferson & Liberty', we did so with many
shouts from the line we then moved over to Lawrence 
C. H. where we met with Maj. Felders Battn the 
Captains & our not certain as to names, it appears to me
there was Captain Grist, Roundtree & Anderson in 
the Union Dist Battn yet & being very small & young
did not observe as I would now, and so long since
& am subject to forget it is possible that Means was the 

Page 2
     Col elect, but took no command at any time yet
in officer dress and active in counsel Dawkins took the
active command of the Regiment we camped at Lawrence
C H and next day moved for Charleston when we 
got near Columbia we were ordered into the City
in anticipation of the approach of a British Fleet 
to attack the City, we remained there about 10 days
while in Columbia Col Duncan marched in 
his Regt. I think from Shrewburry? or Fairfield Dist.
we left him there, when we got to Charleston we 
even shipped to an Island & little Fort Called 'Point Peter?'
when Capt Farrow took sick & Died we remained 
there about 10 months moved from there to Hadrells Point
(or Hackrells or Hacknells?), remained several months,
then we were moved to Fort Maultrie where we remained 
until peace was proclaimed to our Fort. I think
Dec 28th 1814, Dawkins commanding all the time
though may have been Lieut. Col. Means, Dawkins
Felder the Drummer (Gault) & myself accompanied 
the same Markee? all the time, after the close
Dawkins went to the Treasury, drew means to pay
off with paid the Drummer entire? paid me 25 
Dollars to get home on I ???? ???? January 8, 1815.
Dawkins called a few days after & paid father the balance.
12 Dollars per month for 2 years and 8 months.

Page 3
     The day that peace was declared was an
exciting time, a long line of British Vessels
Came up in about 200 yards of the N C Cannon
of our Fort our 84 lb Cannon was ordered to
land her ball 10 ft a head of the front Vessel
the cannon fired the ships anchored & a White
flag was hoisted from the front Vessel on which
was written Peace in 3 places in large 
letters, the officers got on a yawl boat row
to the Fort with a peace flag in hand walked
up in the walk way, was cordially met by
our officers, the soldiering was thrown into close
column and a British officer read the ??????
proclamation, we were called on for music 
in response and we played for them the tune
'Hail Columbia', and a Cannon shout was
from about every voice there our corner used
???? if I have made any error it is unintentional 
it is the best I can recollect it is strong to me
that the name of as prominent a man as Dawkins
should be left off of Record, there is an error in it
some where perhaps it may yet be found this is all
I think of now,  yours very respectfully  B. F. White

Notes from Mike:
1. ????   = cannot make out the spelling
2. C. H. = after County name, do not know what it means.
3. Spelling is verbatim as I see it in the letter...
4. Source: Letter came with 74 page Pension filing S0-21964
5. Col Dawkin Little Fifer = I thought this cute and catchy, this
    was written by a witness who served with BF. 

TOP -   ^Back to Timeline
Letter # 4 - Dec 8, 1871

Saml J. Irby to Maj. BF White
War of 1812  

In response to your letter of Nov 5th... 

Page 1
Youngville Fairfield Dist. SC
Dated: Dec 8, 1871

Maj B F White Dear old conrade,

your letter of Nov 5th is recd directed 
to Lawrence C H & was truely glad to hear
from you for many years have ?????
without knowing where you was the 
men who you inquire after to wit
3 Cunningham, G McCool, Capt Farrow
Maj Felder & my 3 Brothers are all Dead
I am the only one living that I know of
???? ???? in ???? with us I hereby
certify to all whom it may concern
that on the 4th day of April 1813 Col
Dawkins Regmt left Lawrence C. H.
for the coast in the British war I was 
in Capt Farrows company Major Felder
Battn the the little Boy know as 
Benja or Benjamin White was soon
known as Fife Major though under
13 years old he by consent of his parents
volunteered at the special request of 
Col Dawkins known to no company in
the Regt. his name not on any company roll.

Page 2
was indentified only as Regimental fifer
he was always at his post and served?
had to be called on around at Charleston
Apr 25, 1813 and proceeded to point Peter
in a short time we were ordered to the
fort called Hadrols? Point and thence to 
Fort Maultrie where we remained 
until the proclamation of Peace 
Col Dawkins paid his little fifer cash
enough to carry him home 210 miles and
in taking his Rect to show his Father
on settlement the little fifer signed his 
name Benjn F White in an started forhowever?
Dec 29 1814 I know him to be the same 
person with whom I served 21 months
in actual service.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this Dec 9, 1871
J M Dickison  JP     signed: Saml J Irby

NB  This ?????? of the paid Benjamin was
$12.00 per month for nearly 22 months.
                                             S. J. I
Stamped: Dept of Interior Pension office
Jul 19 1871

Note from Mike White:
The ref to Maj BF White is significant, and 
offers some support to BF's rank in the Civil
War in Harris Co AL. 

Mr Samuel J Irby, in reponse to BF's inquiry about 3 Cunningham's, G McCool, Capt Farrow and Maj Felder and his 3 brothers had all died:

  There were six Cunningham's listed in BF's Unit:
  Alfred, Charles, David, Irdale, James, and John Cunningham

  There were 3 McCool's Listed in BF's Unit:
  Adam, William L, & a Adam McCoole.

  No Farrow's are listed in the Index Card file:
  (not surprising)

  There was Capt Felder (Maj, later?)
  Capt Daniel Felder

  Not sure is Mr Irby was mentioning his brothers as dead, as
  info or meant they also served, but, there were no Irby's
  list in the Index, again this doesn't mean they did not serve.

There were no Irby's in BF's unit, from the online list, which were made from the Index Cards, there was a William and  James Irdy, but from other SC units.  Again, as in Boatman's case, we will have to write the National Archives, as the list made from the Index cards, is not complete.  One other thought, many times on the old documents the first and  middle names were frequently inter-changeable, ie, persons would use the middle name for the first name, as in the case of Census Records.

Below are Cunningham's in BF's unit, 3 of which Mr Irby's letter refers to in
the above letter, only by "3 Cunningham's", there were 6 Cunningham's in BF's
unit, which 3 Ben was referring to, we do know know, but this may be important
and at some point we may be able to figure out which Cunningham family lived
near Robert White Sr's home in 1812, where most of the soldiers were from...
FUTURE PROJECT:

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Letter # 5 - Dec 18, 1872  (2 letters below)

John Boatman to BF White
War of 1812  

In response to your letter received Dec 17, 1872 

Page 1
Okalona Alabama (Perry Co)
Dated: Dec 18, 1872

     My old friend your letter  
received me yesterday asking me 
some questions relative to the 
British War.  I reply in haste 
on the second day of April 1813 
you volunteered as fifer by the 
consent of your father you not
yet 13 years old William Gault also
as drummer I and Simon Murphy 
volunteered as soldiers the same day
on the 4th day of April we all
left for Charleston till the proclamation of
peace about the 28th of December
1814 we then come home together
these are the true answers of the
questions you asked me, I am just
preparing to move westward on
my arrival home I will write 
you when I arrive I am 78 years
old, your true friend.
                                John Boatman

By request I state that Mr Boatman is entirely
a reliable man.                F. B. Holliday  J. P. 

However, in the letter, John Boatman states, at the end that he is 78 years old, the letter is dated Dec 23, 1872... which would make him born abt 1794, now, assuming he is the son of Waterman Boatman, we show him born 1783 died 1816, Union Co SC, but we have no proof he died in 1816? 

There were no other Boatman families in Union Co SC, Waterman's children were born between 1765 and 1785.

Thus, this John Boatman must have been born to Waterman's son's Jesse or Robert, as Waterman's son John born 1783 died 1816 could not have been the John Boatman in the letter to BF White.

***Note:
I did not find a War of 1812 Index Card for John Boatman, and is not listed on any of the online list of vets from the war of 1812 from Union Co., my guess, is that these were compiled from the INDEX cards, the same way I did, however, neither did several others appear on the list that we know served in this same unit.  Writing the Archives in Washington DC is the only way really obtain War of 1812 record for sure...  BF White's record of service was not obtained from these online list, I wrote the National achieves.

Billy "Drummer" Gault

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Letter # 6 - Jan 10, 1873

Jacob Roundtree to BF White
War of 1812  

In response to your letter of Dec 23, 1872 

Page 1
Montevallo Alabama (Shelby Co)
Dated: Jan 10, 1873

     B F White Esqr    Dear friend
your letter of Dec 23rd came to hand
and I now respond, John Boatman 
moved through here last week for Ark
he told me he had writen to you
and enclosed a private note to tell 
you where I lived now about the war
on the 2nd day of April 1813 a part of
our Battalion marched down to Tigar
River you, Billy Gault, Simon Murphy,
John Boatman and myself, went
up to your Fathers house to see him
about you going to the war, as Fifer
for the command, you told him you 
did not want to join for it looked too much
like a ??? treatment, you wouldn't? be treated 
as a soldier the old man said all right
you, Gault, Boatman, & Murphy, all  entered
your names as volunteers, we all marched 
back to the crowd on the River and told
it  you and Gault marched the line yonder
and back, playing the the tune called
Jefferson & Liberty and then was a 
cannon shout throughout the crowd 
on the 4th day of April we started for Charleston

Page 2
On our arrival in Charleston 
we were carried over to Point Peter
remained several months, they we
were carried to Hadsals Point and
lastly to Fort Maultrie where we
remained till peace was made
Decr 28, 1814, while in service
you & Gault performed your service
from 5 to 7 times per day on drills
and every night and morning played
all round the camp the Revelee
& tattoo [that too].  Gault told me he got 12
dollars per month & thought it ought to 
have been 20 instead of 12 all this 
I write from positive recollection 
which is Respectvully submitted
your old Comrade  
Jacob  Rountree

Alabama Shelby County
Come before me this day in person
Jacob Roundtree who being duly sworn
States that the above letter is strickly true 
this January 11, 1873.
John Little  J. P.

Other Unionites who served in the War of 1812:

First Regiment (Mean's) South Carolina Militia:

Robert Browning - Brother of Nancy Browning m. James White son 
                                of Wm White Sr., son of Robert White Sr.

John Bullington  -        Married Mildred White, dau of Robert White Sr.
Benjamin Bullington - Brother of John Bullington.

Robert White     -        Though all lived in Union Co SC - Currently, 
James White                these White's & their Relation are not known...
William White
John White Sr
John White Jr
Abraham White
Francis White
Henry White
Hugh White
Isaac White
Larkin White
Richard White
Thomas White