Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20236, for William Manley, Vermont
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Vt.|Manley, or Manly William|W.20236|
[blank]|Elizabeth|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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Vermont. 18.737
William Manley of Bennington Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Comp'y commanded by Captain Underhill of the Reg't commanded by Col. Dunney, in the Vermont Mo line for 10 months and 6 days.
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont, at the rate of 33 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sep'r 1833, and sent to J. Aiken, Manchester Vt.
______
Arrears to the 4th of Sep'r '33 $84.43
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '34 16.88
$101.31
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E. W. Brown Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3, Page 78
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[verso]
Rep'd Sept 25

[recto]
2091
Vermont Burlington
Elizabeth Manly
widow of William Manly who was a Private in the Vt. line for 10 mo & 4 dys
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars & 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to S. Swift Manchester Vt. 
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 28.
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State of Vermont
Bennington County ss.} On this 24 of September 1838. personally appeared before the Hon. Darius Moon one of the Judges of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington Elizabeth Manly a Resident of the Town of Dorset in said County aged seventy four years 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 7th 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows" - that she is the Widow of William Manly late of said Dorset deceased, who was a Soldier in the service of the United States for a portion of the time during the war of the revolution for which services he received & enjoyed a Pension of between thirty & forty Dollars, & as she now believes about 33 Dollars & 33 Cents, under the Act of the Congress of the U. States of the 7th June 1832. until the time of his death. 
She further declares that she was formerly Elizabeth or Betsey Morse & married at said Dorset by the Rev'd Mr. Sill, on the 6th day of January in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five that she ['Records of no existing' crossed out] understands & believes that there is a Record of the said marriage recorded in the Records of said town of Dorset that her husband the aforesaid William Manly did on the 25th of February Eighteen hundred & thirty five that she has remained his Widow & remained since the time of his death - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four (viz.) at the time above stated & that she has not in her possession any documentary evidence in support of her claim
/s/X her mark Elizabeth Manly
/s/Darius Moore
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me
/s/Darius Moore Judge of County Court
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And I do hereby further certify that the above named Elizabeth Manly is unable by reason of bodily infirmity, personally to appear in Court 
Attest /s/Darius Moore Justice of the County Court
I William Manly a Resident of the Town of Dorset aforesaid aged 45 years, do testify depose & say, that I am the respected Son of the said William Manly deceased, & the above named Elizabeth Manly & that ever since my first remembrance they lived together & were generally reputed & considered as husband & wife & as such have reared a family of children & until the time of his decease I have ever resided in the same house with them, & since that time she has lived in the same house with me & I have always understood from them & do fully believe that they were married on or about the 6th day of January seventeen hundred & eighty five, - he died on the 25th day of February 1835. since which time she has remained his widow & is still single & unmarried - I was knowing also that the said William obtained a Pension for his services during the revolutionary war of between thirty & forty Dollars, - the precise amount of which I am not able positively to state but believe it to have been 33 Dollars & some odd Cents, which he enjoyed until the time of his death.
/s/Wm Manly
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written before me - And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with both of the above Affiants, & that they are both credible & respectable Persons, & their statements entitled to full faith & credit.
Attest /s/Darius Moore Judge of County Court
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2261
Elizabeth Manly
wid of William 
Vermont
Act July 7 1838
married 1785
died 1835
Allow. $33.77 per ann
S Swift Esq
Manchester Vt.
Page 7

I Heman Morse a Resident of the Town of Dorset aforesaid aged 36 years do hereby certify that an examination of the Town Records of said Town of Dorset I find therein an entry worded as follows to wit,
"William Manley was married to Betsey Morse on the sixth day of January, seventeen hundred & eighty five"
I hereby certify that the above is a true Copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair, legible figures as follows [6th day of January 1785
/s/Heman Morse Town Clerk
I Heman Morse above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town County & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town with the exception above named, as certified by me. 
/s/Heman Morse Town Clerk
Sworn before me, /s/Darius Moore Judge Co Court
State of Vermont - I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court hereby Certify that Hon'a Darius Moore whose Signature appears to the foregoing, was at the date thereof & State is an Assistant Judge of Bennington County Court, duly commissioned & qualified by Law, & that I am acquainted with his hand writing, & believe his above Signature to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of Our said County Court & Subscribed my name at Bennington this Second day of October A.D. 1838 - 
/s/Henry Robinson
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State of Vermont
Bennington County ss.} On this third day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. the Probate Court within & for the District of Manchester in said County now sitting at Manchester in said District William Manley a Resident of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont aged Seventy four years & five months, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he the said William was born on Morris's Patent in the County of Putnam & State of New York on the 10th day of February AD 1758. & there resided till the month of June AD 1771. when he removed with his father John Manley & his family to Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, at which place he said William has ever since resided & now resides - 
Said William further declares & says that on or about the first day of Sept 1776, he volunteered in the militia at Dorset, Abraham Underhill Capt. Richard Dunney, Lieut. Ephraim Reynolds, Ensign - that said Company & said William marched from said Dorset to Castleton, thence to Hubbardton & to Mount Independence on Lake Champlain - where they were stationed till the last of October when they were dismissed & went home to Dorset, that he was out during this campaign as nearly as he can recollect about Eight weeks. & that the Rev. Dan Kent of Benson & Jacob Sikes of Pawlet in Rutland County as personally acquainted with said Service - 
Said William further declares & says that on or about the first of June 1777, he volunteered in the military service at said Dorset - Abraham Underhill Capt. - Richard Dunney Lieut. Ephraim Reynolds Ensign that he immediately marched from Dorset thro. Castleton & Hubbardton & on to Ticonderoga where they were stationed at the old fort till it was surrendered to the British, which took place about the sixth of July
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that said Company was under the command of Colo Seth Warner & that Gen. St. Clair commanded at the post, after the surrender of the fort the Company retreated by the same rout through Hubbardton Castleton & to Dorset. that after remaining a few days at Dorset, he said William under the command of the same officers marched to Bennington, where he was at the time of the Battle, that in consequence of ill health, contracted by the fatigues of the early part of the campaign he said William did not go into the Battle, but was stationed near the Breckenridge, & assisted to guard the prisoners taken in the first battle, from the Battle ground to Bennington Meeting House. that said Company was under the command of Col. Seth Warner - Said William further saith, that he remained at Bennington ten days or thereabout, after the Battle & assisted in guarding the prisoners, that said Company & he said William was then marched back to Dorset & there stationed being kept under arms & subject to the command of their officers, till the surrender of Burgoyne in the October following, when he was dismissed. that he served in this campaign amounted to four months - & that George Manly of Dorset afs'd id personally acquainted with his services in this campaign - 
Said William further declares & says that about the first of June 1778. an alarm came from Rutland that the British were coming - destroying all before them, when the said William volunteered under Capt Abraham Underhill - that he with said Company were immediately marched to Rutland & stationed therein a twelve days when they were marched to Castleton & stationed till the first of July, where they were dismissed & returned home. that he was out during this campaign one month, & that George Manly of said Dorset is personally acquainted with said service. - [margin note: 1 mo]
Said William further declares & says that in the fall of the year 1779. an alarm came from Castleton that the British were advancing & that the militia were called for - that he the said William volunteered under John Gray Capt. Isaac Underhill Lieut, Ensign not recollected
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that said Company & he said William immediately marched to Castleton, & there remained three weeks. were then marched to Hubbardton & there kept one week. - then marched back to Castleton, & there kept in service a few days & than dismissed & returned home - said William says he knows of no person living who is personally acquainted with this term of service - 
Said William further declares & says that on the first of March AD 1780 on another alarm, he volunteered under John Gray Capt. Isaac Underhill Lieut. Ensign not recollected. that he marched immediately with said company through Castleton & Hubbardton & nearly to Mt Independence where they met a guard & were informed by them, that the British had returned That said Company was then marched back to Castleton & then kept a few days & there dismissed. about the last of March, that he was in the service of his Country at this time about four weeks but knows of no person living who is personally acquainted with the fact - [margin note: 1 mo]
Said William further declares & says that in the month of October AD 1781 but on what day he cannot ascertain he again volunteered on an alarm, under the Command of Capt John Gray - Isaac Underhill Lieut. Ensign not recollected & marched to Castleton & there remained a few days. [margin note: 1 mo] thence they were marched to Fort Ann - & there remained two or three days then they were marched to Granville & there dismissed, that he said William was out in his country's service four weeks during this Expedition & that John Manly of said Dorset is personally acquainted with said service. - 
Said William further declares that from his best means of knowledge he verily believes he was in the service of his country during the revolutionary war in all something more than nine calendar months that he knows of no persons living who can testify to the same except as above stated, & that he never to his knowledge received any written discharge from any person whatsoever -
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said William further states that the Rev. William Jackson & George Manly of Dorset are well acquainted with said William, & can well testify as to his character for veracity, & there belief of his services in the Revolution - said William further says he has no documentary evidence whatsoever relating to his said services. - 
He the said William relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present. And declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state whatsoever to his knowledge. Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid - 
/s/William Manly
Attest. /s/Henry Robinson Register
I William Jackson, a Clergyman residing in the Town of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont and I George Manley residing in the same Dorset - thereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Manley who has subscribed and affirmed to the above declaration and believe him to be seventy four years of age. ['that we have understood' crossed out] that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we fully concur in that opinion. 
/s/William Jackson
/s/George Manley
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid - }
Attest. /s/Henry Robinson Register
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting ['the putting' crossed out] the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, & served as he states - 
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Jackson who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Dorset, & that George Manley who has also signed the same is a resident in the s'd Town, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit - And the said William Manley, being conscientiously scrupulous of taking an Oath in the ordinary way, "Solemnly affirmed", agreably to the Laws of this State - 
/s/Myron Clark Judge of Probate Court.
I Henry Robinson Register of the Court Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the s'd Court in the matter of the application of William Manley for a Pension - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of our Said Court at Manchester in the County of Bennington this 3d day of August AD. 1832 - & of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson Register
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Personally appeared at Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, before me Myron Clark Esquire, Judge of Probate, within & for the District of Manchester, In said County, William Manley of Dorset in said County, the above named applicant, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of the period of his service: but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades.-to wit
In the year 1776 I served Eight weeks as a common soldier
In the year 1777 I served four months as a common soldier - 
In the year 1778 I served one month as a common soldier - 
In the year 1779 I served five weeks as a common soldier.-
In the year 1780 I served four weeks as a common soldier
In the year 1781 I served four weeks as a common Soldier. 
for which Services I claim a pension. The said William further declares & says that he has no documentary evidence whatsoever by which to prove said services or any part thereof - And knows of no persons living by whom he can prove the same except George Manley, Ashbel Sykes, & John Manley whose affidavits he hath taken, to be herewith forwarded to the War Department - 
/s/William Manly
Att. at Vermont
Page 14

The above amended declaration of William Manly sworn & subscribed in Open Court June 29th 1833 - 
Attest - /s/Henry Robinson Register
And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & Served as he states - 
/s/Myron Clark Judge of Probate Court
I Henry Robinson Register of the Probate Court for the District of Manchester, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Manley for a Pension. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the s'd Court at Manchester this 29th day of June A.D. 1833 - & of the Independence of the United States the 57th
/s/Henry Robinson
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20,236
Elizabeth Manly 
wid of William Manly
Priv Rev War
Act: March 3d/43
Index: - Vol. M, Page 10
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 16

Feby 25, 1896. 
Mil. hist'y to Major Warren R. Dunton Dorset Vt. 
Sept. 25/97 Mrs. Geo. W. Steele, Hartford, Conn. 
See Inv. 40889
Page 17

William Manly V. Act June 7 '32 when paid? HHC
Due 25th Feb 1835/20 to that period TH
33773/101.31/16.88
Page 18

[verso]
2430
Vermont
Elizabeth Manly widow of William Manly, Dec'd: who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 25 February 1835 of Bennington Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the compy: commanded by Captain Underhill of the Regt: commanded by Col: Dunney in the Vermont, mil'a: line for 10 Months & 4 days - private
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington, Vt: - at the rate of 33 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of April 1839 and sent to S. Swift - Manchester, Vermont
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1839 $101.31
Semi=annual allowance ending 16.88
$118.19
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by Wm Stewart Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 46

[recto]
Letter to S. [illegible] 28 June 1843
Page 19

[typewritten letter]
[margin notes: I. Batchelder not I.
S.  "  "  " 3 B&M]
Dorset, Bennington CO. Vermont,
Jan. 27th 1896: 
[margin notes: B. not W/ "  "  9/  " R]

To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Mr. Commissioner: -
I have the honor to request information regarding the military history, service &c. of the following named persons, supposed to have been in the service of the United States during a portion of the Revolutionary War, to whom, or in behalf of whose heirs, pensions were granted. - They were either paternal or maternal ancestors of my Wife, and their history is needed to complete records.
1st. William Manley, of Dorset Vt. - His widow, Elizabeth (Morse) Manley, is believed to have been pensioned. - Mr. Manley is thought to have been at Bennington Aug. 1777, and to have been regularly enlisted for service. -
2nd. Increase Batchelder; from in the neighborhood of Northwood, New Hampshire; supposed to have been in the same war as above, and reported to have been in charge of important powder depot in Southern New Hampshire very early in that war.-
3d. Samuel Batchelder; from same vicinity as #2. Service not so well established, but supposed to have been with a N. H. contingent during a portion of the War.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
/s/Warren R. Dunton
1st Lieut, U. S. Army, 
Breve Major.
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State of Vermont
Bennington County ss}
To all to whom these presents shall come or may concern - Greeting. 
I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington do hereby certify that Darius Moore & Gordon B. Southworth Esqr. whose signatures appears to the foregoing Affidavits, were at the date thereof & still are Justices of the peace in & for s'd County duly qualified by Law to act as such & that I believe their signatures to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said County Court at Manchester this 29th day of June A.D. 1833. & of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson 
Ashbel Sykes affidavit
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I John Manly of Dorset, Bennington county State of Vermont do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with William Manly of s'd Dorset sixty years, and was knowing to his being called out several times in the Militia during the Revolutionary War. and at one time, I was with him in the same company, under Capt. John Gray: at which time we marched to Castleton - Whitehall and Fort Ann. The detachment was commanded by Gen. Enos.
/s/John Manly
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss
Sworn and Subscribed at Dorset this 28th day of June AD 1833 - 
before me /s/Gordon B. Southworth Justice Peace
This certifies that I have been personally acquainted with John Manly thirty four years, and do believe him to be a man of unexceptionable truth, and veracity.
/s/Gordon B. Southworth Justice Peace
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I Ashbel Sykes of Rupert in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont - do testify and say, that in the fall of the year 1776 I was enlisted in the six months service and and was stationed at Mount Independence that I am personally acquainted with Mr William Manly of Dorset in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont, that while stationed as above William Manly came thence as a volunteer and was attached to Capt. Abraham Underhill's company - 
/s/Ashbel Sykes
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Rupert June 27. 1833
Personally appeared Ashbel Sykes and made Solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth
before me /s/Darius Moore J. Peace
I certify that I ['am' crossed out] have been for more than thirty years acquainted with Ashbel Sykes and that I believe him to be a man of strict truth and veracity - 
/s/Darius Moore Just Peace
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[handwritten letter]
Manchester 27 July 1833

Sir
I send you enclosed the declaration of William Manly accompanied by a supplemental declaration & new affidavits duly authenticated as I believe. 
I hope these papers will prove satisfactory to the War Department. Mr Manley is a very worthy man, in moderate circumstances, & would find the aid offered by the government greatly conducive to the comfort of his old age. From personal knowledge I know Mr Manly to be a man of strict integrity & a scrupulous regard to truth. 
Yours most respectfully
/s/John Aiken
Com J. L Edwards
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6497
William Manley 
admit
10 months and 4 days
J. Aiken
Page 25

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office,
May 15 1832

Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, shewing the Service of [blank]
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served.|Age at present,, and place of abode when he entered the service.|Proof by which the declaration is supported.|]
[columns blank]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions. 
Mr. William Manley
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," " militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers : 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. ⇒This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 27

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are  requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform; and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held; as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
⇒The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 28

277
Mrs Elizabeth Manly
$33. 77 per ann
S. Swift Manchester Vt.
Page 29

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss}
On this 3d day of April 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Magistrate within & for the County of Bennington aforesaid, Elizabeth Manly a Resident of the town of Dorset in said County aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843. granting Pensions to Widows of Persons who served during the revolutionary war, that she is the widow of William Manly late of said Dorset deceased, who was a Private in the army of the United States during that war, & who enjoyed a Pension therefor, during his lifetime - & for whom said services, she also, since his decease, has received a Pension of Thirty three Dollars & 33 Cents, or about that sum, per annum under the Act of July 7. 1838 
She further declares that she is still a Widow.
/s/X her mark Elizabeth Manley
/s/G. B. Southworth
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written before me
/s/G. B. Southworth {Judge & Justice
And I do hereby further certify that the above named Declarant Elizabeth Manly is personally well known to me 
/s/G. B. Southworth Judge & Justice of the peace
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Gordon B. Southworth is one of the side or assistant Judges of the said County Court, & ex officis a Justice of the peace within & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified - that his Commission bears date on the first day of December 1842. & will expire on the thirtieth day of November 1843 - & that his signature above written is genuine. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand & the seal of said County Court at Bennington this 6th day of April A.D. 1843 & of the Independence of the United States, the sixty seventh
/s/Paul H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 30

I George Manley of Dorset in the County of Bennington in the State of Vermont of lawful age,  being duly sworn do depose testify & say - that in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven I turned out as a volunteer from Dorset aforesaid under the Command of Capt. Abraham Underhill for the purpose of reinforcing the Garrison at Ticonderoga - that William Manley of said Dorset was also a volunteer with me in the same company - that we marched on to Ticonderoga & were stationed there till the said Post was surrendered to Burgoyne. I further say that said William was present with me engaged in the same service, during the same time - I further say that soon after the surrender aforesaid we returned home to Dorset. - I further say that in a few days after our return to Dorset said William left home & was absent as I understood at Bennington, I was not at Bennington at the time, but then understood & believed, & have ever since understood & believed that said William was at Bennington afs'd in the service of the Country at the time of the Battle and never heard any thing to the contrary - I further testify & say that in the year 1778, I volunteered in the militia service at Dorset aforesaid on an alarm from Rutland, that the Company to which I belonged marched to Rutland & there remained a few days & then marched to Castleton & then remained a few days & were dismissed & returned home that we were out in the service of the Country at this time according to my best recollection about one month. I further testify & say that William Manley of Dorset was with me in the same service & belonged to the same company & served the same length of time that I did. & further saith not - 
/s/George Manley
Page 31

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Personally appeared George Manley the within named Deponent, who after being carefully examined made solemn oath to the truth of the facts set forth in the within affidavit by subscribed Before me
/s/John Aiken Justice of the peace
I further certify that George Manley the within Deponent well known to me, and that he is in my opinion entitled to full faith & credit - 
/s/John Aiken Justice of the peace
State of Vermont
To all to whom these presents shall come-Greeting - 
I hereby certify, that John Aiken Esqr whose signature appears to the foregoing, is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Bennington duly empowered & qualified to administer Oaths &c & that his signature as such is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court within & for the s'd County of Bennington, have hereunto set my name & affixed the Seal of our s'd County Court, this 29th day of June A.D. 1833. & of the Independence of the United States, the 57th
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
George Manley's Affidavit