Much of what we know about Nicholas Carter’s service in the Revolutionary War comes from his own accounts, preserved in early pension applications.
Congress authorized lifetime pensions in 1818 and again in 1830 for Revolutionary War veterans who were in reduced circumstances. On June 30, 1820, Nicholas Carter, aged 65, appeared in court and declared that he had enlisted in the war in 1777, joining Captain Thomas Moore’s company in the 13th Virginia Regiment, along with his brother Barnabas Carter. His declaration met the requirements for the 1818 pension, which he received.
This regiment was mustered from the Virginia counties of Yohogania, Monongalia, and Ohio—areas that now lie in present-day West Virginia and Pennsylvania near Fort Pitt (modern-day Pittsburgh). These counties no longer exist due to boundary changes resulting from the Mason-Dixon Line dispute.
Nicholas stated that he participated in the Battle of White Horse in Pennsylvania. The 13th Virginia Regiment also fought in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. There is also evidence placing Nicholas at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777–1778 under the command of General George Washington.
Both Brandywine and Germantown were American defeats, resulting in British occupation of Philadelphia, the young nation’s capital.
Life at Valley Forge
Conditions at Valley Forge were grim. Up to 12,000 soldiers camped there with little food, inadequate shelter, and insufficient clothing. Morale was low following recent battlefield losses. Only one in three soldiers had proper boots. Many, including Nicholas, wrapped their feet in burlap to fight off the bitter cold. Making matters worse, the troops had not received full pay for some time.
Service at Fort Pitt and Post-War Life
Nicholas served the remainder of the war at Fort Pitt. At the war’s conclusion, he was discharged and awarded a land grant for 200 acres, a typical reward based on rank and length of service. These grants did not specify a location, giving veterans the option to sell them or settle elsewhere.
After the war, Nicholas moved to Kentucky County, Virginia, which would become the state of Kentucky in 1792. The Carter family was among the early settlers who arrived before Kentucky achieved statehood.
Nicholas later appeared in Nelson County Court to apply for the 1830 pension. There, he confirmed that he had served four years and had been discharged at or near the end of hostilities.
Legacy
Nicholas Carter’s story, preserved through official declarations and pension records, reflects the hardship and perseverance of early American soldiers. From Valley Forge to Fort Pitt, and eventually to the Kentucky frontier, his service helped shape the future of the United States.