Printed or published document

In response to fraudulent claims for bounty lands

Addresses fraudulent claims by officers and soldiers from the old Continental Army for obtaining bounty lands. McHenry now requires that all claims be forwarded to the War Office on or before January 1, 1799, so that the claims may be strictly examined.

1798

01

01

War Office

James McHenry

officers

Continental Army

attorney

claimant

witness

War Office

Bounty lands

warrants

deed

certificate

residence

occupation

Fraud

Revolutionary War

forgery

1798010100001

2

War-Office of the United States.
January the 1st, 1798.
WHEREAS frauds have been practised, in obtaining warrants for Bounty Lands, due to the Officers and Soldiers of the late Continental Army, by the production of forged instruments. To check in future such impositions, it has been though adviseable; that all persons, having claims for Bounty Lands, whether in their own right, as legal representative, or by virtue of any instrument or deed of transfer, be required to forward their respective claims to the War-Office, on or before the first day of January, 1799, in order that such claims may be duly examined, adjusted and determined upon.
To substantiate such claim, a strict observance of the rules heretofore issued from the War-Office will be indispensable; and in addition to what is required by the said rules, the certificate of acknowledgment of a Deed or Power of Attorney, must also set forth the place of residence and occupation of the claimant or person making such acknowledgment; and when the proof of personal knowledge is by a witness or witnesses, their place or places of residence must be set forth in like manner.
JAMES M'HENRY
Secretary of War.