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Administrative History

Revolutionary War soldiers and individuals who provided material support during the war were eligible to receive bounty lands from the state. Ad hoc committees considered the petitions until 1800, when the assembly passed a resolution appointing the first standing Committee of Claims. The committee determined whether petitioners were legally entitled to bounty land, some other form of compensation, or nothing at all. The committees generally decided each case on the basis of evidence submitted by the petitioner, although in some cases the committee investigated additional sources such as muster rolls. The committee then reported its opinion on the validity of each claim and recommended actions to the State Assembly, which indicated its agreement through a resolution.