Greetings - the LVA is preparing to release several new Revolutionary War databases to the public, and we would like to ask our VA-ROOTS and VA-HIST subscribers to have a "sneak preview" prior to a wider release. They are: Pension Records for Veterans and Widows http://eagle.vsla.edu/rwp Beginning in October 1777, the General Assembly passed several recruitment acts that included provisions for pensions for disabled soldiers and for the widows of men killed in action. The provisions varied according to the specific terms of each act. In October 1782 an act was passed that required county courts to certify on a semi-annual basis the continued eligibility of pensioners. This collection consists of the surviving records that approximately 650 veterans and their widows presented to the county courts to certify their eligibility for pension allowances as well as other correspondence and notations relating to the payment of pensions. Documents in individual folders may include correspondence, medical evaluations, orders for payment signed by the governor, powers of attorney, and receipts signed by the pensioner. The index entries point to more than 15,000 digitized images of the original documents. Public Service Claims for Compensation http://eagle.vsla.edu/rwpsc The collection includes claims for compensation made by Virginia citizens for materials, supplies, and personal services provided to the Virginia militia and the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. The collection consists of several types of materials: court booklets, certificates, lists, and commissioners' books. There are more than 35,000 records in the database. The commissioners of each county issued receipts, or certificates, to individuals for materials and services provided, which included the name of the provider, the date, a description of the item, and its value. The certificate and any other available documentation was presented to the county court during special sessions held between 1781 and 1783. The court examined and authenticated the certificates, and determined the amount of compensation. The local commissioners and deputy commissaries also kept lists of the foodstuffs, animals, and other provisions that were collected in each county. The documents are available on microfilm. Coming soon: Revolutionary War Bounty Warrants and Rejected Claims. All of these databases will replace the existing Electronic Card Index for each collection. Elizabeth -- Elizabeth Roderick email ([log in to unmask]) Director, Digital Library Program voice (804) 692-3761 The Library of Virginia fax (804) 692-3771 800 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23218 ********************************************** http://www.lva.lib.va.us The Digital Library Program ********************************************** To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html