W.J. Peil's Appeal & Johnson Bowers' Commission
Writing again from Hockley on January 2, 1897, to D.S. Murphy, Commissioner of the Bureau of Pensions, W.J. Peil reported that his inquiries were complete: everyone who might have known the date and death of Mulvina Roberts' first husband, Johnson Bowers, was now dead. Peil made a direct, heartfelt appeal on her behalf, describing her as "perfectly destitute, old and feeble and living on the charity of others," and asking the Bureau what more could be done to help her. In a postscript, he offered a striking piece of family history: he personally held Johnson Bowers' military commission, signed by W.S. Fulton, Acting Governor of the Territory of Arkansas, electing Bowers 1st Lieutenant of the Hempstead County Regiment, dated at Little Rock on May 9, 1831.
Full Transcription
(letterhead:)
OFFICE OF
W. J. PEIL,
Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 6,
and Ex-Officio Notary Public.
Hockley, HARRIS CO., Texas, January 2nd 1897
D.S. Murphy Esq.
Commissioner — Bureau of Pensions — Washington D.C.
Dear Sir — I have not been to answer yours of October 22/96 relating to witnesses knowing of the date and death of Mulvina Roberts' first husband Johnson Bowers — I have just completed my enquiries — and find such parties as was known to have knowledge of the fact are all dead. This is relating to Widow's Pension of Elias Roberts — certificate 17403 — What more can I do to help the poor old creature — she is perfectly destitute, old and feeble and living on the charity of others — surely something can be done to help her — Please answer —
Very Truly
W. J. Peil
P.S. I have in my possession — Commission of Johnson Bowers — from W. S. Fulton — Acting Governor of the Territory of Arkansas — Johnson Bowers was elected 1st Lieutenant in and for the Hempstead County Regiment — dated at Little Rock 9 day of May 1831 —
(round Bureau of Pensions receipt stamp, lower center: "PENSION ... U.S. ... JAN 4 1897 ... OFFICE")
