Respectfully sheweth

That your Memorialist from the Commencement of the Rebellion was ever attached to his Majesty and the British Government his Opposition to the Americans and their Measures drew on him their Odium, and necessitated him to fly his Home and abandon his Property.

Your Memorialist joined the Royal Army on their arrival at Philadelphia, and soon after was appointed a Lieutenant in the British Legion commanded by Colonel TARLETON, in which Corps he served to the day they were disbanded, in the different Provinces of New York, Jersey, Pensylvania, Virginia, North & South Carolina, and Georgia.

Your Memorialists Estate real & Personal has been confiscated and sold by the Americans in Consequence of his joining the British Army, and the offensive Part he took against them (the Americans).

Your Memorialist has made a Settlement in this Province, and although he enjoys the Advantages of half pay, he still feels the want of that Property he lost by the Rebellion, to enable him to support himself and Family.

Annexed is a List of his Losses, with an Affidavit to prove the Cause why his Claims were not exhibited to the Commissioners on or before the 25th of March 1784, which Affidavit, he hopes, will be satisfactory to the Commissioners, and he prays his Memorial and Claim may be received, and such Compensation granted him, as he may appear to deserve whenever the Commissioners will be pleased to examine him, and your Memorialist, as in Duty bound will ever pray

Walter WILLETT

[Note: Although he makes no mention of it in this memorial, Walter WILLETT also served in the Bucks County Light Dragoons before joining the British Legion.]

Great Britain, Public Record Office, Audit Office, Class 13, Volume 57, folio 491.

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