John Smith, alias John Gates, who resides in the County of Russell in the State of Virginia, wishing to become a pensioner pursuant to the provisions of an Act of Congress of the United States, passed on the 18th day of March, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," personally appeared in Court and declared on oath that he enlisted with Colo. William preston at the Blue Spring in the state of Virginia, to serve in the Revolutionary War as a private soldier. That he was sent by Colo. Preston to Richmond in Capt. Alexander Howens Company, and was afterwards placed in Capt. William Overtons Company. He thinks it was in the year 1781. He was marched to Guilford and was at the battle fought there, Colo. Campbell commanded the Regiment. After the battle of Guilford he was one of the detachment who pursued Cornwallis to Little York and was present at his capture. - It appeared to the Court from the testimony of another person that an understanding existed in the neighborhood of the said John Smiths residence previous to the passage of the said Act of Congress, that he had served in the Revolutionary War, and that he is in such reduced circumstances in life as to need assistance from his country for support. All which is ordered to be certified to the Secretary of the Department of War.