I found in some paperwork a request for bounty land by widow of 1812 ancestor. With other things is the "Proof of Claimants Loyalty".......essentially what it is saying is that she professes her loyalty to the government. It also has 2 witnesses stating they have known her for 5 years and saying they believe she has been loyal to the government. Does anyone have an explanation why this paperwork was necessary. I do know that no records could be found on him in order for her to get a pension/bounty. I believe probably because he only served for 4 months. She couldn't produce his discharge because her house had burned down. From going through this paperwork, it appears she must have been turned down. Viola