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 * * * This E-mail, along with any attachments, is considered confidential and may well be legally privileged. If you have received it in error, you are on notice of its status. Please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and then delete this message from your system. Please do not copy it or use it for any purposes, or disclose its contents to any other person. Thank you for your cooperation. * * * To ensure compliance with Treasury Department regulations, we inform you that, unless otherwise indicated in writing, any U.S. Federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state and local provisions or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein. Disclaimer Version RS.US.1.01.03 pdc1 ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html