Eric,
Serving in two different units from Richmond is not unusual, and I wouldn't read too much into that. Many local units were absorbed into larger units. You would need to determine who the Captain was in both cases. You should also get his compiled military service record from NARA. Also, look at Stuart Butler's most recent edition (2011) of Guide to Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812 which should be at LVA, just to be sure he was not a Captain during the war. As far as when he attained the rank of Captain, that should be among court order records for the City of Richmond. (Good luck with that.)
Craig
On Aug 6, 2012, at 10:42 AM, Huffstutler, Eric S. wrote:
> He was fairly wealthy but what is a bit puzzling is that he served two
> regiments and both listed as a private. One would think if he was
> promoted that his going from one regiment to another would reflect that?
>
> I had heard that people were promoted after the war in local militias
> which I am thinking is where he became Capt.? Is there any way of
> finding out?
>
> Eric
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Philip Adams
> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 10:30 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] Captain Rank... Militia?
>
> Many came into service as a "private" or a lower ranking officer.
> Either they earned a promotion or were elected to a higher position by
> their men.
> My Ancestor John Pearson, SC Militia with Marion, was an entry level
> Lieutenant and was later promoted to Major. During the war of 1812, he
> was a General SC Militia. Money and property may have been a help to
> getting this rank or just possibly length of service to SC.
> JP Adams
> Texas
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ron Roizen
> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:08 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Captain Rank... Militia?
>
> Eric,
>
> May I register a mild objection to your use of the phrase "only a
> private"?
> My grandfather used to say it was a lot harder to be an private in the
> army than an officer. My limited experience tends to confirm he was
> right on that!
>
> Best,
>
> Ron Roizen
> PVT, U.S. Army Reserve (1966-1972)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Huffstutler, Eric S.
> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 6:59 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [VA-HIST] Captain Rank... Militia?
>
> I am studying a certain family which is connected to our house built in
> 1812.
>
> The person is named Capt. Charles Wills (1775-1820).
>
> Problem is that I find him serving in two different regiments during the
> War of 1812 but only as "private". Yet, he is known as "Captain". I
> haven't found any ship link but possibly he was made that rank in the
> local Camp Holly Militia after the war?
>
> How can I find out?
>
> Thanks!
> Eric
>
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