You must use (National Archives) NATF Form 80 to obtain pension records, military service records and pre-1856 service Bounty-land warrants. These may be obtained by email by sending a request with your mailing address to: inquire@arch2.nara.gov (Note: This email address no longer works)

  The NATF Form 80 may also be obtained by writing to:  

National Archives Records Administration
General Reference branch (NNRG-P)
7th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20408

  Allow 8 - 10 weeks to receive a reply. Pay by credit card if possible; it will speed the process. The fee is normally $10.00 unless the packet is extra large. You will not be sent the amount over the $10.00 charge without your permission. Payment is made before receipt of copies.
  Some things you may learn from pension records:  

• Date and place of birth of veteran
• Date and place of death of veteran
• Veteran's place and date of marriage
• Wife's maiden name
• Names and birthdates of veteran's children
• Veteran's health condition.
• Places veteran lived.
• Letters and affidavits written by the veteran and/or his neighbors and/or family.