Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9248, for Valentine Standley, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(8-1776) Service Number
Penn Sea Service.  Standley, Valentine  W9248
                              Read, Rebecca
                              or Reed
Contents                (Former widow)
This woman's last husband, James Read or Reed also served in the Revolutionary war
Page 2

1576
Delaware,
Rebecca Reed, formerly, widow of [illegible] Valentine Standley, the widow of James [illegible] who died on the month [illegible] of Penn[?] in the State of Delaware, who was a Surgeon in the Com. comma, by Captain  of the   commanded by     in the Penns. Navy for 19 Nov.
Inscribed on the Roll of Delaware at the rate of 475 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Increased from $ 237.50 pr. annum.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April 1845 and sent to O. Ray, present, 
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1830, Section the 3
Recorded by Y. [illegible] 
Book C Vol. 1 Page 164
Page 3

State of Delaware
Newcastle County ass
On this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven Personally appeared before me Samuel Carpenter one of the justices of the peace for the state and county , and I John Dale aged twenty three years - Grandson of Thomas Fitzgerald Engh. who married in the family of James Manson and became in possession of the Family Bible of said Manson - from which Bible he the said John Dale cut out the leafes hereunto attached wherin it is recorded that Reb[illegible] Standley was married to Valentine Standly the 18th August 1775 - and further he offering that it is his full believe that the prior M. Rebecca Read of [illegible] County  [illegible] is the identical Rebecca Standley who was the daughter of James Manson as per the above record. Subscribed and affirmed this day and year above written [illegible] Carpenter John Dale on this fifteenth day [illegible] in 1837 [illegible]
Page 4


[illegible] and declare the witnesses depositions to be true and I do hereby declare that I am personally acquainted & have been acquainted with the said deponent for several years, and that his character and standing in the society is of the upmost respectability Witness my hand & seal,  Samuel Carpenter 

New Castle County S.S.

I, James C. Mansfield, prothonotary of the superior court of the state of Delaware for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel Carpenter Esquire, before whom the written acknowledgement and declaration was made and who hath attested to the same, was at the date thereof and now is a justice of the peace of the state of Delaware for said county, duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given as the signature thereunto annexed is his genuine signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said court at New Castle the sixteenth day of September A.D. 1837.
Signed:  James C. Mansfield, Prothy.
Page 5

Apocrypha. Chap. XV. 
Before Christ cir. 161. 
he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock, 
46 When as his blood was no quite gone, he pluckt out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died. 
CHAP. XV. 
5 Nicanor's blasphemy, 8 Judas encourageth his men by his dream. 28 Nicaner is slain. 
But Nicanor hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath-day. 
2 Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him, said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above other days. 
3 Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a mighty One in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath-day to be kept.
4 And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept;
5 Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business: yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done. 
6 So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness, determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him. 
7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him: 
8 Wherefore he exhorted his people, not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid which should come unto them from the Almighty.
9 And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful. 
10 And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithal the falshood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths. 
11 Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and besides that he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them. 
12 And this was his vision, That Onias who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken  also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands, prayed for the whole body of the Jews. 
13 This done, in like manner there appeared a man with grey hairs, and exceeding glorious who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty. 
14 Then Onia answered, saying, This is a 

Apocrypha. Before Chirst cir. 161. 

lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God: 
15 Whereupon, Jeremias, holding forth his right hand, gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it, spake thus, 
16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt would the adversaries. 
17 Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city, and the sanctuary, and the temple were in danger. 
18 For the care that they took for their wives and their children, their brethren, and kinsfolks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple. 
19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad: 
20 And now when, as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in aray, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings, 
21 Miccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands towards heaven, and called upon the Lord, that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy. 
22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner, O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias, king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib, an hundred fourscore and five thousand. 
23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us, for a fear and dread unto them. 
24 And through the might of thine arm, let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus. 
25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him, came forward with trumpets and songs. 
26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer. 
27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered. 
28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness. 
29 Then they made a great shout, and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language. 
30 And Judas who was ever the chief defender
Page 6

Apocrypha.
Before
Christ cir. 161. 
II. MACCABEES. 
fender of the citizens, both in body and mind,
and who continued his love towards his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
31 So when he was there, and had called them
of his nation together, and set the priests before
the altar, he sent for them that were of the
tower,
32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and
the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud
brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple. 
34 So every man praised toward the heaven
the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath
kept his own place undefiled.
Apocrypha.
Before
Christ cir. 161. 
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord. 
36 And they ordained all with a common
decree, in no case to let that day pass without
solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from
that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting
the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water
alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste : even so, speech finely framed, delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.

[handwritten below this text] 
Mary Manson was born March 16 1746
Was Maried to James Paine Sept 5th 1764: to John
Hyatt James 1784 and to Thos Fitzgerald on 
June 7th 1792 & Died Jany 27th 1808

Mary Manson was born March 16 day
1746 & was married to James Paine 
September 5 in the year of our Lord 1764 [other text immediately following is struck out] 
 The End of the Acocrypha. 

Thomas Allen Manson his Book and his {age in ye yere November 22 / 1748 ye Lord yous....ye

Rebecca Standley was Maried to Clinton Standley August 18th 1775 & was born Sep 30 1751
Page 7

B. 
Doctr John White's
Deposition
Page 8

On this sixteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven, personally appeared before me, Doct. John White, a resident of the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, aged upwards of seventy eight years who, being duly sworn, according to law, doth depose & say, that he was Surgeon's mate in the Hospital Service, that he
knew Doct Valentine Standley during the Revolutionary war,
& that in consequence of his visiting at the house of his father,
Valentine Standley Sen., whose daughter, the sister of Valentine Standly Jr., he subsequently married, in the year
1783, he verily believes what he has often heard mentioned in the family that Doct. Standley was surgeon of the armament provided for the defence of the River Delaware, at that period;
that he was very active and his services highly useful & efficient that he was succeeded by Doct. Dunlap, and went to the West Indies where he died. That he has no recollection of the time he
the Docter was said to have continued in the service & has no personal knowledge of it - That he also knew his widow, who
resided at Fort Penn, New Castle Co. State of Delaware, and who afterwards intermarried with James Reed of the same place.
since whose death she still remains a widow, and is now in
distressed circumstances. The facts above stated this deponent
verily believes to be true, as he resided in the family of his mother in law, the widow Standley, several years after his
Marriage and often saw Mrs. Reed there and heard the circumstances
above mentioned stated in conversation.
[signature] John White
Page 9

On the 16th day of August Anno Domini 1837 Personally appeared before me one of the Aldermen of the City of
Philadelphia the within named deponent Doctor John White, who being duly sworn according to law declared
the within deposition to be true. And I do hereby declare
that I am personally acquainted & have been acquainted with the said deponent for many years, and that his character and standing in society is of the greatest respectability
Witness my hand & seal
[signature] John Binns
Aw [seal] 

Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Harrisburg Penn September 5th. 1837
This is to certify that John Binns Esquire is an Alderman
of the City of Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
with power to administer oaths and affirmation, and that the signature above purporting to be his, is as I believe his genuine
signature
Witness my hand and the seal of the
said office the day and year aforesaid
[signature] J Wallace
Deputy Secy
Page 10

A
State of Delaware
New. Castle County Ss.

On this twenty first day of July one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven, personally appeared before me Samuel Carpenter Justice of the peace for the County and State afforsaid
Rebecca Read a resident of Port. Penn in St. Georges hundred New. Castle County & State of Delaware aged eighty five years last September, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3rd 1837: That she was married to Doctor Valentine Standley (a Phycian of the city of Phia by the Reverend M. Dane of James parish in this hundred county and state affd on the eighteenth day of August one thousand seven hundred & seventy five) who was appointed by the navy board acting on the part of Pennsylvania at an early period of the revolutionary war a senior surgeon of the fleet for the defence of Philadelphia that he served on board of the Galley Shumbells and the ship Mongomery and particularly under Commodore Hazelwood at the attack of Fort Miflin, at the attack of Red Bank and after most of the fleet was destroyed he was stationed with the residue at Burlington and with the army at Trenton on the River Delaware, and that she further declares that Doct. Standley her husband as afforsaid was ordered by congress to accompany a ship on public business in the fall of the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one to the west Indies where at Portawprince he died on the   day of December of that year - as afforsaid she declares that she was married to the said Doct. Valentine Standley on the [illegible] of August 1775, that her husband the afforsaid Doct. V. Standley died on the  day of Dec. 1781, that she was afterwards married to Capt. James Read who died on the fourth day of May 1796 and that she was a widow on the 4th day of July 1836 and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed 
[signature] Rebecca Read
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before 
[signature] Saml. Carpenter
Page 11

This is to certify that I Samuel Carpenter a Justice of the peace
for New Castle County State of Delaware aged forty seven years
have from my earliest recollection know Mrs Rebecca Read the
within affiant and do cheerfully certify that full credence & belief is and ought to be given to her statements that to my knowledge &
belief she has been a widow for at least forty years and I do
further certify that the afforsaid affiant labours under great
bodily infirmity so as to disqualify her from attending Court
this twenty first day of July A D one thousand eight
hundred and thirty seven
[signature] Saml. Carpenter

New Castle County
State of Delaware} Ss
on this 21st day of July Eighteen Hundred & thirty seven
Personally appeared before me Saml Carpenter
one of the Justices of the Peace for said County Mary McCaulley aged fifty five years a resident of St Georges Hundred New
Castle County & State afforsaid being first duly affirmed on her
affirmation makes the following declaration. That she has long known Mrs. Rebecca Read of Port. Penn who is the same
person that she this deponent avers that she has frequently heard
her mother say that she this deponents mother waited on as
brides maid when the present Mrs. Read was married to
Doct Valentine Standley of the City of Phila. which said marriage took place about or before the commencement of the
revolutionary war and that this deponent does know that the
above named Rebeca Read is now and has long been
a widow.
[signature] Mary McCaulley
affirmed to & subscribed on the ay & year above written - 
[signature] Saml. Carpenter

This is to certify that I Sam. Carpenter a Justice of the Peace for
New Castle County State of Delaware aged forty seven
years, have known Mrs Mary McCauley the above
affiant and do certify that full credence & belief ought to be given to her statement
July 21st 1837-
[signature] Saml Carpenter
Page 12

State of Delaware
New Castle County Ss
On this 21st day of July eighteen hundred and thirty seven. Personally appeared before me Samuel Carpenter one of the Justice of the Peace for said county & state Margaret Dale a resident of Phia. but long a resident of St Georges Hundred in the county & state affd aged fifty three years being first duly affirmed on her affirmation makes the following declaration. That her Father Thomas Fitzgerald Esqr. intermarried with a daughter of James Manson June 7th 1792 that James Manson was also the Father of the present Rebecca Read of port penn. That in consequence of the marriage of this deponents Father with the daughter of the affd.  James Manson. The Family bible of the said Manson has always been in my Fathers family and since his deceased has always been in my possession. In the said bible is a Family record of births marriages & deaths and among them is recorded the fact that the present Rebecca Read then Rebecca Manson was married to Valintine Standly August 18th 1775. This deponent further states that she has known the said Rebecca Read from her earliest recollection and that she is now and has long been a widow
[signature] Margaret Dale
affirmed to & subscribed on the day & year above written
[signature] Sam. Carpenter

This is to certify that I Saml. Carpenter a Justice of the Peace for New Castle County State of Delaware aged forty seven years, have known Mrs. Margaret Dale the above affiant for a number of years and do certify that full credence and belief ought to be given to her statements this twenty first day of July AD one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
[signature] Saml. Carpenter
Page 13

State of Delaware
New Castle County Ss
I James C Mansfield Prothonotary of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County Do certify that Samuel Carpenter Esquire who hast subscribed his name to the within certificates, was at the time of so doing and now is a Justice of the Peace of the State of Delaware in said county duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given and that the signatures there unto annexed are his genuine signatures. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at New Castle this Twenty second day of August A.D. 1837. 
[signature] James C Mansfield Prothy

[written perpendicular] V1953
No. [2585 is struck thru] 
Rebecca Read
Deleware
M [illegible] 
first thing. 
Hon Kennedy Esq
Prest. 
V
Page 14

Hannah Standly
Appley for Pension
not veletted 18 Nov 1828.
Widow of 
Valentine Standley
Surgeon
U.S.S. Montgomery

To
The Hona. Samuel L. Southard
Secy of the Navy
Washington

[circular stamp] SALEM NOV [illegible] 

[written perpendicular on side] H 59. Nov 24 
Hay
Page 15

Beverly November 18th 1828

Sir My Son Robert Standby aged nineteen years was killed on board of the United States ship Chessapeak in her engagement with the British ship Shannon. 
I had one other Son killed about the same time on board of a Pourtheen belonging to Salem. These Sons were my only dependened for support & by losing them I have been very much put to it to procure the common necessaties of life for the last fourteen years. But by what little I could do with the blessing of God I have made out to greaffle along this fair, but I now find that I cannot work as I have don as I am grown old and find that nature failes very fast and have no friends on whom I can claim any help; my age is seventy one years. 

My motive Sir in now addressing you is to see if I am not entitled to a Pention for my Son that was killed on board of the Chessapeak If i am it is my wish that you would assist me in obtaining the same or if I have not been entitled to [illegible] one to assist me in a Partitions to Congress to grant me one as I am very poor & old. 

I have round fifteen dollars as way as which was paid my brother for him in Boston but I had no [illegible] power. 

Sir your answer to this deserted to Samuel D Turner of Beverly wile great by Ably I your Old Poor and Needy friend
Hannah Standley

Sir As Mrs. Standley has no friend capable of assisting her I have undertaken this for her
Saml D Turner
Page 16

Delaware - 1576
Rebecca Read, formerly - 
widow of Doct. Valentine Standley,
who dies in the month of Dec 7 1781;
of New Castle Co. in the State of Delaware, 
who was a surgeon in the Penna. Navy commanded
by Captain -- of the --- commanded 
by Com Hazelwood in the Penna. navy
for 19 months as Surgeon
Increased from $182 10/100 per annm.

Inscribed on the Roll of Delaware
at the rate of 237 Dollars 50 Center,, per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of 
March, 1838 and sent to Hon.
J. J. Milligan, H. Reps. 

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838 == $1662:50
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 S. '38 = 118:75
[implied total] $1781:25
Revolutionary claim, 
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d

Recorded by S. A. Elliot
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 15 [cutoff] 

Let. to Pen. Agt. Mar 22, 1838
Page 17

D
Capt. Sawyers & K. Johns esqr
1953
[print is faint & hard to ready - illegible picked up words I could read]
Respectfully submitted - 
they one of Pension's office
could offer the undersigned 
[print is faint & illegible] having [illegible]
at the earliest convenience [illegible]

[writing at the bottom has been struck through]
Page 18

State of Delaware
New Castle Co. Ss
On this nineteenth day of May eighteen hundred & thirty seven, Personally appeared before me John Wiley one of the Justices of the Peace for New Castle County and said state Captn. Joseph Sawyer aged seventy five years of the Town of New Castle in the county & state affd. who being first duly affirmed according to Law doth on his affirmating make the following deposition viz that he was born and raised in St. Georges Hundred of this affd. County & State That he was well acquainted with Rebecca Read of the village of Port Penn in his early life. her maiden name was Rebecca Manson she married Doct. Stanley and after his death this deponent firmly believes she married Capt. James Read at least this deponent was intimate in the family and was in the room at the time of his death in the spring of the year seventeen hundred & ninty six, and ever since which period this deponent avers that the said Rebecca Read as affd has remained a widow. This deponent knows nothing about the revolusionary services of Capt. James Read other than rumer, except that this deponent saw him at Port Penn at the time of the Capture of the British Schooner by Commodore Barry, at which time he was actively engaged and that his oless son John Middleton was killed at the Piers near that village while defending the property captured by the command of Commodore Barry. This deponent further states that from his long intimacy with Rebecca Read as affd. he can and does cheerfully testify to the correctness and fidelity of her character and that
Page 19

full confidence is to be placed in all statements she may make-- affirmed and subscribed
at New Castle this day & year above written
before me
[signature] Jno. Wiley J. P. 
[signature] Joseph Sawyer

This is to certify that I John Wiley Justice of the
Peace as affd. aged sixty eight years have been long
acquainted with Rebecca Read of Port Penn the widow
of Capt. James Read and cheerfully avow to the correctness & fidelity of her character and believe full credit ought to be given to her statements. May 19th A.D. 1837
[signature] Jno. Wiley J.P.

This is to certify that the above deponent Capt Joseph Sawyer is one of the most respectable citizens of the town of New Castle and full credit is and are given to all of his statements. May 19th 1837
[signature] Jno. Wiley J Peace

State of Delaware to wit: 
New Castle County S.s. 
I James C Mansfield Prothonotary of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County Do hereby certify that, John Wiley Esquire, whose name is signed to the above certificate was at the time of so doing and now is Justice of the Peace in and for New Castle County of said duly commissioned and qualified, to all whose acts and deeds as such full faith and credit, are and ought to be given and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at New Castle this nineteenth day May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. 
[signature] James C Mansfield Prothy
Page 20

State of Delaware
New Castle Co. Ss
Personally appeared before me Joseph Roberts one of the Justices of the Peace in said Co. on this nineteenth day of May eighteen hundred & thirty seven Kensey Johns Esqr. late Chancelor of the State of Delaware aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following statements - That about the year seventeen hundred & eighty four he became acquainted with James Read of Port. Penn St. Georges Hundred County & State affd. who was then the husband of the present Rebecca Read of that village that the said James Read died long since and this deponent does aver and believe that the said Rebecca Read has ever since remained a widow and further this deponent sayeth that from his long acquaintance with Rebecca Read the widow of the said James Read he verily believes that full faith is to be placed in any statement she may make and that he believes her bodily health to be bad and her circumstances are indigent. 
Sworn to & subscribed this day above written before me 
[signature] Jos. Roberts J. P. 
[signature] Kensey Johns

I do certify that Kensey Johns Esquire who hath made the foregoing affidavit is one of our most respectible citizens, having heretofore been the Chief Justice and also the Chancelor of the State of Delaware. May 19th 1837
[signature] Jos. Roberts J. P.
Page 21

State of Delaware to wit, 
New Castle County S.S.
I James C Mansfield Prothonotary of the Superior Court of the state of Delaware in and for New Castle County Do hereby certify that Joseph Roberts Esquire whose name is signed to the within certificate was at the time of so doing and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for New Castle county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts and deeds as such full faith and credit and ought to be given and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at New Castle this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
[signature] James C Mansfield Prothy
Page 22

Know all Men by these presents that I Rebecca Read formerly Rebecca Stanley, of the village of Port Penn in the County of Newcastle and State of Delaware, widow, have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute and appoint William Kennedy of the same county and state, my true and lawful attorney, for one in my name and for my sole use and behoof to ask for demand and receive, from the United States of America, all sums of money which may at the date hereof be coming to, and receivable by me as the relict and widow of Doctor Valentine Stanley, by virtue of his services during the revolutionary war and of the several sets of the benefits of the said United States, in that behalf made and provided; and to give full and legal acquittances and discharged therfor; and attorney or attornies under him for that purpose to constitute and discharge at pleasure. Hereby ratifying and confirming and holding for good and effectual whatever my said attorney may do in the premises by virtue hereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of September anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven 
[signature] Rebecca Read
Sealed and delivered in presence of 
[signature] Rebecca Gordon
[signature] Saml C Carpenter

State of Delaware
New Castle County Ss. 
Be it remembered that on the seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared before me Saml Carpenter one of the Justices of the Peace for said county Rebecca Read who acknowledged the above and foregoing letter of attorney to be her act and deed and desired it might be recorded as such
[signature] Saml. Carpenter 

New Castle County Ss.
I James C Mansfield Prothonotary of the Supierior Court of the State of Delaware in and for said County Do certify that Samuel Carpenter Esquire before whom the foregoing acknowledgement is as made and who hath subscribed his name to the foregoing attestation was at the time of so doing and is now is a Justice of the Peace of the State of Delaware for said County duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at New Castle this eleventh day of September AD 1837
[signature] James C Mansfield Prothy
Page 23

State Navy Dr. to William C. Bradford Esqr
Pay Master
Paid Doctr. Valentine Standley 2 mo. pay as Surgeon L51.15.0
paid between the 11th & 27th Novr. 1777.
Paid Doctr. Valentine Standley pay as surgeon L100.17.6
paid between the 6th & 24th April 1778
Paid Doctr. Valentine Standley for his pay as 
surgeon in part April 1778 } L11.5.0
paid from the 1st May 1778 till 1st June 1779
Paid The Officers and men of the Galley's, armed, 
boats & Navy their wages from the 1st April
1778 till 1st May 1779 per rect. accot. & muster rolls L18.753.6.9

Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg December 29th 1837
I certify the above to be correct extracts from our original account remaining in this office settled on the 6th January 1789. and after search made the receipts, accounts & muster rolls above referred to cannot be found. 
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Nath: P. Hobart
Aud. Genl.
Page 24

This Indenture made this third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety Between James Read of the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware Innholder, Administrator of all and singular the goods and Chattels Rights and Credits which were of Valentine Standley junior late of the City of Philadelphia Physician deceased, and Rebecca his wife late Rebecca Standley of the one part, and John White  of the City of Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Practitioner of Physick of the  other part Witnesseth that Whereas the said Valentine Standley junior in his lifetime became indebted unto John Schaffer of the same City of Philadelphia Sugar Bailer in the sum of Fifty one pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania and for securing the payment thereof with the Interest he the said Valentine Standley gave his Bond or Obligation and warrant of Attorney bearing date the twenty seventh day of October anno Domini 1780. for the said principal sum of fifty one pounds payable unto the said John Schaffer on the twenty seventh day of October next ensuing the date thereof, and by his note of hand bearing date the twelfth day of July ann. Dom. 1780 for the sum of thirty seven pounds and five shillings in Specie like money as aforesaid also unto the said John Schaffer payable on demand. which said Bond or Obligation and Warrant of Attorney and promissory note the said John Schaffer assigned unto George Schaffer of the same City Gentleman who afterwards assigned the same unto the above named John White. And whereas the said several sums of money above mentioned have long since become due and payable with the lawful Interest accrued thereon unto the said John White. Therefore he the said James Read administrator aforesaid doth hereby Covenant promise and agree to and with the said John White his Heirs and assigns by there presents, that for the speedy payment of the several sums of money due on the aforesaid obligation and promissory note, and the Interest thereon accrued, he the said James Read Administrator aforesaid will confess Judgement to the said John White his Heirs Executors and Administrators by Warrant of Attorney, which confession of Judgment he the said John White shall enter up in the Prothonotary's Office of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, and take out such process and processer for the Condemnation and Sale of such estate and estates real and personal late of the said Valentine in the hands and possession of them the said James Read Administrator aforesaid and the said Rebecca his wife as the Counsel learned in the law of him the said John White shall advise and direct. And the said
Page 25

said John White for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators doth hereby Coven. promise and agree to and with the said James Read Administrator as aforesaid and the said Rebecca his wife their and each of their Heirs Exec and Administrators and every of them by these presents, that after such estate and estates as well real as person shall upon such process be by the Sheriff of said County of Philadelphia taken in Execution - condemned and put up for Sale he the said John White or any person or persons properly empowered and authorised by him, shall attend such Sale or Auction and purchase the whole Estate whereof the said Valentine Standley was seized in his own right at the time of his death and also all such estate whereof his Brother Joseph Standley was seized in his lifetime, and whereof the said Valentine became the Heir at law; and offer a consideration for the same amounting to not less than two hundred and forty pounds. and after the said Estate being struck off to the said John White or to his Agent empowered to act for him in that behalf, he the said John White shall after deducting all such sums of money as are now due or to become due to him from the estate of the said Valentine out of the consideration money, by his writing obligatory under his hand and seal to be executed secure to the said James Read and Rebecca his wife the sum of one hundred pounds, twenty five pounds whereof shall be paid three months after the date of the sale, twenty five pounds more thereof in six months next ensuing the date of such Sale, twenty five pounds therefore in six months next ensuing the date of such Sale, and the remaining twenty five pounds in one year next ensuing the date of such Sale - And further that after the Execution of the Deed Pall from the said Sheriff to the said John White he shall deliver up the said Bond and Note from the said Valentine Standley junior to the said John Schaffer, and to the said James Read and Rebecca his wife and acknowledge Satisfaction for the same on Record agreeably to law. And for the true performance of the Covenants and Agreements herein above mentioned and contained each party bindeth himself his and their Heirs Executors and Administrators unto the other of them in the penal sum of Five hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to be paid by the party delinquent to the party observant. In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals this day and year first above written. 
[signature] John White. 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us
[signature] Saml. Jackson
[signature] Obadh. Gore
Page 26

G:
Certificate of the Auditor
General of Penna. 

Wm. Kennedy
of the State of Delaware
Sept 12th 1837
The papers of the late Mrs. Standley
applying for a pention.
Page 27

Comptroller General's Office
Sundries To William Webb Esquire
Pay Master to the State Navy Board Continued
[There are six columns in the text below]
160| 70 |
| 120 | State Navy Brought forward & Continued | 47.561 |  15 | 08 per
1 | | Paid John Frazer of the Hawke his wages for June last, Aug 77, 102
2. | | The armed Boats Chatham Franklin Burke, Washington Effingham, Warren, Campdin, Haniock, Ranger, Congress, Bulldog Experiment of Dirkinson The Putnam & Arnold Battiny, the Brig Convention I Schooner Delaware & Ship Montgomery for July 1777 thier pay Sen 106.6126 | 3633. | 8 | 9
3 | | The following Cher De Thize Pilots, John Snyder James Roberts William Ross Nehemiah and James Naul, Mathew Strong & William Marshall L18 each....7. 8. 9...| 126 | 00 | 0
4| | Benjamin Leseley in Sighting of gang on board, the armed Boats | 20 | 11 | 00=
5 | | Anthony Cuthbert Mast Makers bell .. 134 | 137 | 0 | 42
6| | Ferger Purdon Phu of shr Slorpl. Sur wages. 5 | .9 | 15 | 0 -
7 | | Edward Yorke to pay: bounty to his men 6 | 37 | 10 | 0
8 | | Chas Wudful: for Iron work for Sundiy Boats 26th  9 | 79 | 16 | 5
9 | | William Maybury for his wages in board the Effingham  411 | 4 | 10 | 0
10 |  | Bernard D Vamast for wood for the Fen ship Pluto 2 | 35 | 0 | 0 
11 | | Garrett Davis, a disabled soldier his half pay 3 | 1 | 1- | 0
12 | | Decd Valentine Stanley for one months pay as Surgeon to the Ship Montgomery 4 | 18: | 0 | 0

Auditor General's Office of Pennsylvania
September 5th 1837

I Certify the above to be a correct extract from an account entered in Comptroller Generals Journal. A. Ni 7 page.
191 - remaining in this office. 
Witness my hand and Seal of office the date above written. 
[signature] Jno. W. Hammond for 
Nathl P. Hobart
Aud. Gen'l

[circular stamp illegible]
Page 28

Philadelphia January 22d 1779
Weekly --- Issues for the State Fleet &c ...

[column headings] Galleys | No of Men | Days | No of Rations | # of Beef | # of Bread | Cash in lieu of Rum &c

Franklin | 41 | 7 | 287 | 410 | 287 | ..... £ 15 ~ 7 ~ 6
Officers of Do.. | 3 | 7 | 49 | 70 | 49 | ... 2 ~ 12 ~ 6
Hancock | 28 | 7 | 196 | 280 | 196 | .... 10 ~ 10 ~
Officers of Do | 3 | 7 | 48 | 70 | 49 | .... 2 ~ 12 ~ 6
Chatham | 28 | 7 | 196 | 280 | 196 | ... 10 ~ 10 ~ 
  Officers | 3 | 7 | 49 | 70 | 49 | .... 2 ~ 12 ~ 6
Guard Boats ~ 
Lion | 10 | 7 | 70 | 100 | 70 | ....3 ~ 15 ~ 
Captain | 1 | 7 | 21 | 30 | 21 | ....1 ~ 2 ~ 6
Viper | 9 | 7 | 63 |90 | 63 | .... 3 ~ 7 ~ 6
  Captain | 1 | 7 | 21 | 30 | 21 | .... 1 ~ 2 ~ 6
Fame | 11 | 7 | 77 | 100 | 77 | .... 4 ~ 2 ~ 6
  Captain | 1 | 7 | 21 | 30 | 21 | .... 1 ~ 2 ~ 6
Hospital | 8 | 7 | 56 | 40 | 56 | .. Milk ... 6 ~ 5 ___
Doctr. Standly | 1 | 7 | 35 | 50 | 35 | ....1 ~ 17 ~ 6
Coll L. Sprogle J. J. G. & his man | 2 | 7 | 49 | 70 | 49 | .... 2 ~ 12 ~ 6
Major L. Nichola Continental Ration | 1 | 7 | 28 | 28 | 42 | .... 1 ~ 2 ~ 6
John Thornton Clerk to the Fleet | 1 | 7 | 14 | 20 | 14 | .... 15 ~ 

[inferred totals] 152 | ~ | 1281 | 1778 | 1295 |  £ 71 ~ 10 ~ 0
1778 # Beef ..... D 31 ...266..14
1295# Bread ....D £ 10...13....
5 Bushels Salt .... D £ 4.10 ...22 ...10..
7 1/4 Cords Wood .... D £ 12...87...
12 # Candles for Officers .... D 151 ... 9...0...0
Total for one week  £ 586...14...0
Baking & commissions Excpt.
Page 29

(Endorsement)
1779 recd. January 23d
Account of weekly issues to the State Fleet

Auditor General's Office
November 23d 1837
I certify the above & foregoing to be a true copy of the originals remaining on file in this office

Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid. 

[signature] Nath. P. Hobart.
Auditor General
[circular stamp illegible]
Page 30

Philadela Novr 24th 1837

Sir
On a second application to the Auditor Genl for the date of Paymaster Webbs acct and a further abstract from it, I recd, this morning, the enclosed certificate There is a strange misapprehension of many requests at that department I must if necessary repeat my efforts. 

The accompanying document however affects additional and, I think, satisfactory evidence of Dr Standleys services. It shows that he was drawing rations as Surgeon of the fleet in Jany 1779. and that was continued as I conjectured in service after the Commodore were discharged in August 1778.

I have again, respectfully, to request that I may be furnished, as requested in my last, with information of the nature of the evidence and proof yet required by you to establish Mrs Read's Claim. 
respectfully &c

[signature] Thos F Gordon

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner &c
Page 31

Extract from Minutes of Council of Safety
In Council of Safety Septemr 26th 1776
"Resolved That the officers of the fleet belonging to this State be allowed the same pay that the officers in the
Continental service have from the first of October next"

Extract from Minutes of Supreme Executive Council
The Council met
Philada. Monday February 8. 1779
"Ordered That Doctor Valentine Stanley do receive pay Rations as Senior Surgeon of the State Fleet until the first day of this instant, February z that he be discharged according to his request" 

Pennsylvania Ss
Secretary's Office
I certify that the above are true extracts from the Records remaining in this office
Witness my  hand and the Seal of the said Office at Harrisburg this 11th day of December Anno Domini 1844
[signature] Chas. McClure
Secy of the Commonth

[circular seal on the left side]
Page 32

F
Certificate of John Gordon
Page 33

I John Gordon Clerk of the Peace in and
for New Castle County in the State of Delaware do certify that after a diligent search I am unable to find any Marriage Bonds between
the years 1772 and 1778 they having
been either lost or mislaid 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at New Castle this fourth day of September A.D. 1837. 
[signature] John Gordon C. Peace
[circular seal on left side]
Page 34

Port. Penn. Del - Feby 10th 1846

Sir
I am now in the receipt of a pension on account of my first husbands Surgeon Valentine Stanley's revolutionary service under act 4th July 1836 Delaware Agency at the rate of $237 60/100 per annum. Doct Stanley recd paid for his services as a Senior Surgeon of the State fleet of Pennsylvania, evidence of the fact will be presented by my agent Mr. Alexander Ray of Washington and as it is supposed that a Senior fleet Surgeon recd the highest rate of navy Surgeons pay, The question is submitted whether for such services I am not entitled to a higher allowance of pension then I now receive. 

Very Respectfully
Your obt servt
[signature] Rebecca Read

Witness 
[signature] John D Dilveretto
[signature] Saml. Carpenter

To James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

Philadelphia Nov 1 1837

Sir, 
My friend Wm Kennedy Esqr. of Port Penn Delaware has transmitted me a copy of your letter to him of the 4th Oct last upon the case of Mrs. Read, in whose welfare I take an affectionate interest. You state "The proof of the duration of his (Dr Standley's) service is not satisfactory. It should be made more fully to appear that he was in continuous service as a surgeon as alledged before a favorable decision can be had." 

Allow me respectfully to ask that you will again take up this case, and to remark how difficult it is in cases of this character, to produce a chain of evidence which shall be perfectly satisfactory in every link, as might be expected in transactions which occurred within a few years and of which full public records have been preserved. 

The minutes of the Navy board of the State of Pennsylvania by whom Dr Standley was commissioned are no longer in existence a small part only of the accounts for the payment of the Navy of that State have been preserved. Dr Standley died abroad in the service of the U S and with him perished all his papers almost sixty years since. It would not therefore have been surprising if her relist had been unable to produce any other evidence of his services than imperfect tradition. Happily, however, she has been able to establish by conclusive testimony, I that Dr Standley her husband was in service on and before July 1777. and that he was in service on the 1 Feb 1779, at which time he was discharged upon his own petition. I would urge in the absence of all opposing testimony, that the legitimate inference from these facts is that he continued in service from July 1777 to 1 Feb 1779. and that this inference is supported by the language of the extract, from the minutes of the Ex Council of the State marked F. in your possession That minute recognized the appointment of the Doctor by the Navy board. That Board was constituted by the Ex Council soon after its organization in March 1777. (see minutes of the Ex Council) It was dissolved on record the  17 August, 1778. He must therefore have been appointed after the former and before the latter period, and as he received pay
Page 36

in July 1777 and the council direct him to be paid up to the 1 Feby 1779. without any intimation that his services had been suspended in the intermediate time it should seem a violent and unwarranted inference that his service had be so suspended. 

There is a case of service unquestionably proven, the duration of which from the dissolution of the Navy Board in Augst 1778 to 1 Feb 1779 is also so proven, because we find Dr Standley was in service under the appointment of that board at the latter date and that he continued constantly in service from July 1777 is almost as unquestionable. It is not possible for Mrs Read to show that her husband continued in service every month every week every day from July 1777 to the time of his discharge. been such an exhibition at this day is under the circumstances be expected? She has shown the time of his appointment to have been probably in June 1777. She has shown the actual time of his discharge. Surely the supposition of discontinuance ought not to be entertained without a shadow of evidence. It must be admitted that Mrs Read as a subject for the National bounty within the acts of 1836 & 1837. but that bounty will be refused to her if this department, suspend it until she perform what is, after every effort made by herself and friends, apparently improbable. 

Allow me Sir: to ask what she is to understand by the suspension of her claim? Is it, that no pension will be granted her unless she shows day by day, or month by month, the continued service of her husband? if such be the case she must necessarily be deprived of a pension when some term of service is undeniable. for her husband must have been in service one month in 1777 for which he received pay. and for near six months from the dissolution of the Navy Board in 1778 to the time of his discharge in Feb 1779. The lady is now in a very advanced age, suffering from poverty and from hope defered. Justice and charity require a prompt decision of her case. If you will have the goodness to make a prompt decision of her cause, by such an allowance as the Department deems itself authorized to make, she will take measures to bring her case as early as probable before congress. But it is but too probable that the hand of death will deprive her of her countrys bounty before the action of congress can be definitely had on her case. 

May I ask the favor of an early reply? 
Very respectfully &c
[signature] Thos F Gordon. 

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Page 37

Letter to
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Page 38

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Sir, 
In reply to yours of the 12th Int, I have now the pleasure of enclosing you the leaf of the Bible whereon is recorded the fact that Rebeca Stanley was married to Valentine Stanley the 18th Augt 1775. And therefore offer you in proof of the marriage and that the present Mrs Read is the relict of the said Doct. Stanley. 
1st the affidavit of Mrs. Read herself - the affidavit of Mrs. Dale the affidavits of Capt. J. Sawyer & Doct. J. White as also the affidavit of Mr. John Dale accompaning the leaf of the Family Bible. It is avered also that a bond usually given on the marriage of inhabitants of the State of Delaware, was given and filed at the proper time. but on searching the records it appears from the certificate of John Gordon Esq Clerk of the Peace, that the marriage bonds filed between the years 1772 and 1778 have been lost or mislaid. To all this testamony is added the traditionary testamony of Mr. McCaully and the evidence of the marriage contained in the indenture between Mrs. Read & her late husband and Doct. J. White made the 3d of April 1790. Together establishing the fact of the marriage in so conclusive a manner as would be taken and deemed sufficient in any court of Law. 

That Doct. Standley was in the American service during the revolutionary war. Is avered by Mrs. Read that he was several years & that he died in 1781 while employed by  Congress in the West Indies. 

The following definate evidence is presented, viz The certified contract from the minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, showing that Doct. Stanley was duly appointed Senior Surgeon of the State fleet and that he continued in service and was allowed pay and rations untill the 1st of Feby. 1779 he there was & is recognised as being appointed by the Navy board. and the Navy board was discontinued by the Supreme Executive Council Augt. 17th 1778. he therefore must have been commissioned previously. we offer the certified ex:
Page 39

:tract from the account of the Auditor of Pennsylvania that Doct. Stanley was paid in July 1777 for one months pay as the surgeon of the ship Mongomery  (you will observe the date in the 13th line above the payment to Doct. Stanley all of which was doubtless made during the month) . thus certainly fixing a period exceeding nineteen months service at this time. The record in the auditors office and other offices in Pennsyla. have been diligently searched and the vouchers for payment cannot be found. otherwise we could without doubt prove his monthly payments and service for more than two years and it is also believed he quitted the Pennsylvania services to enter that of Congress in which services he died in the fall of 1781. but the destruction of the public papers together with his dying abroad and the consequent loss of his own papers induces Mrs. Read and her friends to forbear the attempt to make the necessary proof and although we feel entitled to all the Law will or could give we are assured you will give such attention to this subject as early to award her what you deem right. 
Very respectfully your humble svt.
[signature] Wm. Kennedy
Port: Penn (Delaware)
Sept. 15th 1837

P.S. The great length of time consumed in this application I hope will induce your early reply that this aged & deserving widow may reap the fruits of her country bounty. I also ask your opinion of the sufficiency of the power of attorney enclosed. so that a speedy end may be had to this business.  
[initialed] W. K. 

as you have now before you all the testamony we can present and all we believe the case requires. should you come to your heretofore unfortunate opinion of requiring more proof. please inform me of such fact by letter retaining the documents and I will give Mr. Bayard of the Senate an order to call for them.
Page 40

Washington Feby 17. 1845

Sir

In presenting the enclosed letter to you from Mrs. Rebecca Read of Delaware, widow of Doc Stanley asking a reconsideration of the allowance of her pension under act 1836. which seems to have been rated as the lowest Navy pensions pay. I also present two "extracts" from the State of Penna. the later shewing that Doc. Valentine Stanley was to be allowed the pay of a Fleet Surgeon up to the 1st February 1779. 

And respectfully ask is not the widow entitled to a pension under the act resolve of Congress of the 16 July 1777. at the rate of $360 per annum. 
I am very 
respectfully
Your Ob Ser
Alex. Ray

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Page 41

Philadelphia Nov 18th 1837

Sir: 

I have yours of the 15th inst. I had hoped that Mrs. Read's claim had been established satisfactorily to you, from the conclusive nature of the evidence, and from your admission in your letter of the 4th that if it could be satisfactorily shown that Dr. Standley was in service in the year 1777 you would be inclined to think that he had been sufficiently long in service to bring Mrs. Read's claim within the law. I did infer that if such service were established her claim would be admitted. I have established this in a way which you declare "much in her favor" and I think conclusive. 

The whole case seems to me to be proven by testimony of more than ordinary urgency, and of a nature upon which time and improper motives can have no effect, by a firm and clearly connected chain of circumstances. It has been shown; 
1. That Dr. Standley was appointed service surgeon in the service of Penna by the State Navy Board, that such appointment was recognized by the Executive Council of that State on the 18th Feby 1779. that he was at that time in service, and was then discharged with an order for pay & to the 1st Feb 1779. (see min of Ex. Council furnished) These facts are uncontroverted and incontrovertible. 
2. That such Navy Board ceased to exist on the 18th August 1779 (see min. of Ex Coun. and of assembly p. 216) and that consequently the appointment of Dr. S. must have been made before that day; because it could not have been made by a Board not in existence The minute of Council, certainly implies that the Doctor was in service from the time of his appointment until his discharge: because  were it otherwise, some other appointment  would have been noticed, with the suspension of service  and because such is the ordinary and natural course of events, and which shows the onus probandi upon the party denying the service.  Here, then is conclusively established six month's service lacking ten days
3. But it is shown, by the paymaster's account that he had served and had received pay for one months service on board the Ship Montgomery: and by the letters of Genl Washington (official) and all concurrent history that such Ship was destroyed on the 21 Novemr 1777. It would be absurd to say that such service was rendered on board the Ship after she had been consumed by fire, and we are therefore compelled inevitably to admit that the service was for one month before that day. 
Thus, Sir, it is established, by evidence that cannot lie, that Dr Standley was duly appointed to Service before the 21 Nov 1777 and that he was in service on the 8th of Feby 1779. I, therefore, again respectfully submit, that such
appointment and such service, in the absence of all opposing
testimony warrant, not only the conclusion that the service was continued during the interval between the appointment and discharge, but repudiate all adverse inferences. 
By your letter of the 15th you seem to admit the times of appointment and discharge; but observe, that, "the evidence is not satisfactory that he was in service from October 1777 to February 1779," and further say, "we must decide
Page 42

on facts exhibited according to our rules of evidence" "and the claim cannot be admitted without such proof as has been required" 
Will you have the goodness to inform me what those rules of evidence are, which reject evidence which I think would be deemed conclusive in every court of Justice in the land; and what proof has been or will be, required? If such proof exists I will endeavour to obtain it. But I trust Mrs. Read will not be required to prove that her husband was in actual services during every day of the interval between his appointment and discharge; because, such certainly could not have been the fact; and if it were, it is not possible to prove it. 
Do the destruction of the fleet and possession of the Delaware by the enemy engender the suspicion that the officers of the fleet were not continued in service during such possession?
Happily, I am able to show, conclusively, that they were so continued, by the following resolution of the Assembly of Penna of the 5th August 1778. (see Journal p 216.) The enemy left Philadela on the 18 June 1778. On the former day the Assembly resolved, "That this House do recommend to the Honorable  the Vice President and Council, to discharge on or before the 20th day of this instant (August) from and out of the pay of this State, the Commodore and all other the Officers and men belonging to the fleet or navy of this Commonwealth, except such as they shall deem necessary to officer and man a number of gallies not exceeding three and a number of guard boats not exceeding three; without paying any regard to rank or seniority."
Under this resolution, however; Dr Standley was not discharged: because it is proven that he was in service on the 1st Feb 1779 and was then discharged on his own request. His services were doubtlessly deemed necessary for the retained gallies and guard boats. 
Upon review of all the circumstances of this case, I cannot see a loop to hang a doubt on; they appear to me so conclusive that Dr S did serve certainly from October 1777 and probably from June 1777 until February 1779. that I cannot but state hope that on further consideration of them with the additional matter new adduced, you will also deem them satisfactory. If they be not, you will I trust, comply with my request for information of the rules of evidence established by you and the proof required. 
To my request to the Auditor Genl of Penna for a further extract of Paymaster Webb's account and for its date and the time of its rendition, I have the following unsatisfactory reply dated 12th inst
Sir: 
Since the rect of your letter of the 6th inst I have had careful search made among the papers in this office without finding any thing further in relation to the services of Dr Standley, than that which is contained in the document in your possession. 
Signed Nath P Hobart. 
very respectfully &c
[signature] Thos F Gordon

J L Edwards Esqr
Comm. of Pensions
Page 43

Philadelphia Decemr 23 1837.
Sir, 
The pension certificate for Mrs. Rebecca Read was received in course of mail and she is now in the enjoyment of a portion of the bounty designed her by Congress. I say a portion, under the presumption that her pension is graduated on the lowest grade of service recognized by law, viz six months service, only, when she deems herself entitled to one, graduated on full nineteen months service of her deceased husband. 
The evidence which she has heretofore adduced of this service having, as it seems, failed to prove satisfactory to the Department, I have sedulously sought additional proof and I trust that which I now offer will be deemed sufficient. 
By personal and laborious examination of the records in the Office of the Auditor General at Harrisburg, I find; 1st That the payment to Dr Standley by Paymaster Webb, for one months service on board the ship Montgomery was made in the month of August 1777. (See the certificate of Auditor General, herewith enclosed.)
I have examined paymaster Webbs account, at large, It commences with a payment made by him on March 3d 1777 and terminates with payments made in October 1777. The payments through the whole account are charged regularly as of each month and the vouchers refered to are numbered in monthly series. Thus, the voucher of payment to Dr S. is stated to be number 4 of August 1777, showing that payment was made early in that month; But the vouchers themselves cannot be found in that office. It is clear, therefore, that Dr Standley had been one month in service early in August. 
2nd That Mr Webb was superseded as paymaster of the Navy on the 6 of November 1777 by the appointment of William C Bradford who continued in that office until the year 1780, and that he paid to Dr Standley his pay as surgeon at several periods, from Novr 1777 to May 1778 as appears by the abstract herewith sent.  
That Mr. B. has the following item in his account. "Paid from the Warnog officers and men of the gallies, armed boats, & navy their wages from the 1st April 1778 to the 1st May 1779 as per receipts accts and muster rolls £  18.753: 16:9."
These receipts &c have been carefully sought in vain. They would, probably, show the payments to Dr S. up to the time of his discharge from service in February 1779. However this may be, the accounts of Webb and Bradford, together, show, conclusively, that Dr S was in interruptedly in service from July 1777 to May 1778. a period of ten successive months. This seems, to me, the unquestionable result of the additional evidence I have now adduced. 
Permit me now to review the whole evidence of Dr Standleys service, and I think you will concur with me not only that I have made out a case of much more than six months service, but a case of full nineteen months service. 
I have Shown:
1st That Dr S was duly appointed Senior Surgeon of the State fleet by the Navy Board of Penna. and that that board was established by the Ex. Council of the State 13 March 1777,  and was abolished 17 Aug 1778. 
2nd That Dr S was regularly in receipt of pay for services from July 1777 to May 1778. 
3d That the payments to the Officers and men of the Navy from 1 April 1778 to 1 May 1779 are not severally entered by the paymaster, but are embraced in one aggregate charge; and have thus accounted for the
Page 44

omission of individual charges to him, (Dr S) as that time includes the whole term of his service, subsequent to the term of the last charge of pay made against him. 
4th That Dr S was certainly in service in January 1779 since he received rations for that month. 
5t That he was in service in February 1779 for on the 8th of that month the Ex. Council ordered that he should receive pay and rations as Senior Surgeon of the State fleet until 1st Feb 1779 and be discharged according to his request. 
Of all these facts you have now incontrovertible evidence, that does not depend on Memory which may be frail or morals which may be canuses, but on records, which have undergone no mutation. 
I respectfully contend, therefore, having shown, Dr S was duly appointed Senior Surgeon and was in service from July 1777. until May 1778, and was also in Service in January and February 1779, that the only proper conclusion is that he was also in service during the interval from May 1778 until the close of December 1778. But the case is even yet stronger and this legitimate inference is not necessary for the whole of that interval. For as the Ex. Council declares his appointment to have been by of the navy board and as that board, and as that board was abolished in August 1778, is follows, that he was in service, assuredly, from August 1778 to Feb 1779.  Now, Sir, take the [illegible] months service in which we have seen Dr S received pay, and add to them the 6 months; in which, it is certain, he was in office from dissolution of the Navy Board to the time of his discharge, and we have sixteen months service mathematically established: and we leave to imperative inference, only the three month service between May & July 1778. Think you Sir, that, there is a court in the land, upon this evidence, that would hesitate to find full 19 months service? 
Will you then with this additional light favor me by reviewing the case of Mrs. Read, and, if, the evidence be satifactory, send me for her use a certificate for a pension graduated on the term of service above shown. Or; 
If the evidence be not satisfactory, will you have the goodness to state in what is so deficient, that I may bring the case properly before Congress. 
I am with great respect &c
[signature] Thos G Gordon

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions

[Written perpendicular on top of this letter it is difficult to decipher]
x Best to deny his service
for I have th was no account here we must suppose without any authority a discharge and appointment
Feb 7 1779 %Cerby
Page 45

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Dear Sir,
I this day received yours of the 4th Inst. and greatly regret that you do not see with me the facts presented in proof of the continuous service of Doct. Standley viz. The certified extract from the minutes of the supreme Executive Council of Pennsyla. shewing that Doct. Standley was duly appointed Senior Surgeon of the State Fleet and that he continued in service and was allowed pay & rations untill the 1st of Feby 1779 as per document marked F, He was commissioned by the navy board (all the proceeding's of which you acknowledge to be lost) we cannot therefore say definitely when his service commenced, certain it is that he was in service In July 1777. as appears from the certified extract of accounts from the Auditors Office of Pennsyla. when he is charged with the receipt of one months pay as per document marked G, 
After a most diligent search in all of the offices at Harrisburg I cannot find the vouchers refered to in the auditors account as the usual payments was a General charge for sundry ships & galleys at stated times and occationally to specific officers who may at the time of payment of his ship or gally been absent on other duty as was the case of D. Standley in July 1777. otherwise we should not be enabled to distinctly to specify the fact that he was then in service ~..~ would not a riged construction of your rule make it necessary to prove that the officer was in service every month &  week or in deed of every day & hour of the period claimed for? which would be evidently impossible. If you cannot admit our claim for the whole term of two years which we are very confident he greatly exceeded you certainly will not
Page 46

consent to assign her claim for less than 20 months service according to unexceptionable documentary proof which at the pro. rate. distribution will give the widow $280. per year If the 24 months would give $576 The whole amount of his pay that she fees entitled to. 
You will Please therefore to take this subject into early consideration that this aged widow may derive the benefit the liberality of her country intended. 
And oblige very respectfully
Your hum ? Svt. 
[signature] Wm. Kennedy

Port. Penn Delaware
Oct. 9th 1837
Page 47

Philadelphia Nov 13 1837
Sir,
In your letter of the 4th inst. duly received, you say "If the payment was really for service rendered in 1777 and it could be clearly shown, I should be more inclined to the belief that the Doctor (Standley) was in service a sufficient length of time to bring Mrs. Reads case within the provisions of the law."
I think Sir, I can clearly show, that the payment was really for service rendered in 1777. 
I understand from Mr. Kennedy, who inspected the account at Harrisburg, that the entries in Paymaster Webbs account, are chronologically arranged according to the natural and usual order, although the date be not affixed immediately to each. This is supported by the extract you have sent me, as entry not is for service in June and entry No 2 for services in July 1777. Hence, I infer that the other payments were for service or accounts rendered also in the month of July. 
This arrangement of the account might perhaps, more satisfactorily appear by a further extract I wrote to procure this on the 5th of this month and also for information of the date of the account and of the time it was rendered. But I have yet no answer, and apprehend, as the delay heretofore in replying to inquiries made by letter occasioned live visits by Mr. Kennedy to Harrisburg, that a third will be requisite to obtain the information. 
I trust, however, that the circumstantial evidence, I am about to address, of Doct Standley's service in the year 1777. will 
It is apparent from the extract already furnished (entry which I have numbered with the pencil 2) that the ship Montgomery found part of the Delaware squadron in July 1777. By reference to Spark's writings of Washington vol 5 page 77 you will perceive that the Delaware and Montgomery each of 24 guns were engaged in the attack on the British Batteries at Philadelphia 27 Septembr. 1777. that the Delaware was then captured but that the Montgomery escaped. You will know the necessity of having every portion of the naval force in defence of the river forts, and thus, it was utterly impossible for any American vessel to  pass the enemy's fleet below and will therefore be assured that the most important ship of the American squadron was not absent from that defence.  and you will further perceive that the following extract from Genl Washington's letter of 23 Novr 1777. that she must have been destroyed  with that squadron on the 21 Nov 1777. "I am also to  add from the intelligence I have received, that most if not all the armed vessels have been burned by our own people except the galleys  one brig and two sloops which are said to have run by the city."  This account of the destruction of the fleet, is corroborated by the news paper accounts of the day and all the General Histories. It is  still further corroborated by the fact, that the fleet of Pennsylvania when prepared for service by resolution of August 17th 1778. consisted only of three gallies three gaurd boats and the Brig Convention, the brig which had escaped from Red Bank in Nov 1777 when 17 other vessels were fired.  See Journal of Penna House of Representatives. Fol Ed. p 216
 It is therefore I, confidently, submit, clear, that as it is satisfactorily proven that Docter Standley did received pay for one months service on board the ship Montgomery, and that the ship Montgomery was destroyed on the 21 November 1777, Docter Standley must have been in