Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6790, for Charles Mc Manus, South Carolina
Page 1

(3--1776)

SERVICE NUMBER

S.C. McManus, Charles     R. 6790

Sarah    B.L. Wt 38840-160-55

Contents [None shown]
Page 2

Act Mar 3)     33
July 13)

Sarah McManus  Widow of
Charles McManus
      Priv.

Private.

Col Sumter
S. C. Troops

Revolutionary War

S.C. No Papers

A L. 160 Ac's Aug. 19/56
Dodge
 R.C.

A. G. Smythe
Calhoun P.O., Miss

Vol. Mi--110c

[vertically written over other writings]
38.40
Wo384 [then crossed out]
iss Aug. 25/?
Page 3

State of Mississippi
County of Tippah  SS

On this 10th day of 
April A.D. one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty five, personally appears
before me a Justice of the Peace within and
for the county and state aforesaid.  Sarah
McManus, aged seventy nine years, a resident
of the county of Tippah and state of Mississippi
who being duly sworn according to law
declares that she is the widow of Charles
McManus, who was a private in the
war of the Revolution, and that she
does not recollect the company or regimental
officers.  Nor does she know at what time
or particular place that he was drafted, or
volunteered.  But is of opinion from what she
has heard her said husband say, that he was
in several battles in the state of South Carolina
and is confident that he was at the Battles
of Camden, and Eutaw Spring in said state
and that her said husband did draw a
pension from the state of South Carolina
for his services in the aforesaid war from
the year A.D. 1824 to the year 1830 at which time
he died and that she believes she can establish
all the aforesaid facts from the records in
the archives of the state of South Carolina.

She further states that she was married
to the said Charles McManus in Lancaster
District in the state of South Carolina on
the fifteenth day of March A.D. 1799
by one _____Crowder a Justice of the Peace
and that her name before her said
marriage was Sarah Hancock that
her said husband died at the place where he
was married on the 15th day of March A.D. 1834.
Page 4

and that she is now a widow.

She makes this declaration for the
purpose of obtaining the bounty land to
which she may be entitled under the act
approved March 3rd 1855.  That she knows of no record of
her said marriage, either public or private.  

[signed] Sarah (her mark) Mc Manus

We Raleigh W. Robinson and Judy L. Bryson
residents of the county of Tippah and
state of Mississippi upon our oaths
declare that the foregoing declaration
was signed and acknowledged by Sarah McManus in our
presence and that we believe from the
appearance and statements of the applicant
that she is the identical person she
represents herself to be.

[signed] R.W. Robinson
[signed] J.L. Bryson

The foregoing declaration and
affidavit was sworn to and subscribed
before me on the day and year above
written and I certify that I know the
affiants to be credible persons, that the
claimant is the person that she represents
herself to be and that I have no interest in
this claim.

[signed] William A. David    [seal]
Justice of the Peace
Page 5

State of Mississippi
County of Tippah,    SS

Personally appeared
before me, a Justice
of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid
Rebecca Huff, aged seventy years, a
resident of the county of Itawamba and
state of Mississippi, who being duly sworn
according to law, declares that she is well
acquainted with the applicant Sarah McManus
and that she knew her previous to her
marriage with Charles McManus and that
she did ? a near neighbor to the said
Charles McManus in the District of Lancaster
and state of South Carolina for the period of
seventeen years, and that they reared a large
family, and were known, and reputed to have
been lawfully married at or about the time set
forth in the foregoing declaration by one
___ Crowder, a Justice of Peace, whom 
the affiant knows as a such and affiant says
that she removed to the state of Alabama about
the year A.D. 1823, and that she has had, and
kept, a partial correspondence, with the said
Charles McManus, and since with the applicant
and her family, and that the said Charles McManus
was reputed to have died at the time and place set
forth in the aforesaid declaration.  She further says
that the said Charles McManus was al all times
said to be, and reputed to have been, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War, and that he served entirely
in the state of South Carolina.

[signed] Rebecca (her mark) Huff

The foregoing affidavit sworn to and subscribed before me
on the 10th day of April A.D. 1833 and from her appearance and
statements, I believe her to be correct.

[signed] William A Davis [seal]
Justice of the Peace
Page 6

State of Mississippi
County of Tippah

I Daniel Hunt, Clerk of the
Probate Court in and for the county aforesaid
do certify that William A. Davis, whose name
appears for the within declaration, is now and
was at the time of the signing the same
a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned
according to law and full faith and credit
is due his acts, as such, and that his
signature is genuine.

Given under my hand and
the seal of the court affixed
in the office of said court in
town of Ripley in the aforesaid
county, on the 30th day of 
June A.D. 1855

[signed] David Hunt, Clerk

[folded paper with ribbon through page]
Page 7

[faded writings]

Sarah McManus
Dec ?20 Nov 1854

1797

1854
77
[total subtraction] 1777

[written vertically on page]  State of Mississippi

[more faded writings]

Married Mar 15, 1796
He died Mar. 18, 1830
State pension go to June
1, 1830
Page 8

State of Mississippi
County of Tippah SS.

Personally appeared
in Open Court before me, James Rogan,
Judge of the Probate Court for said 
county Sarah McManus who being
first duly sworn, declares that she is
the widow of Charles McManus, deceased,
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War and in the South Carolina service
that she has often heard her husband state
and she believes that he served during
the greater part of the war.  She has often
heard him mention the following officers
under whom he served, viz, Generals,
Sumter, Gates, and Greene,
That she is not able to state the length
of time, he performed service under
each officer above named, but she
has heard her husband state that he
did service in the state of South Carolina.
She also has heard him state that he was
at the battles of Camden and Eutaw Springs.
She further states that her husband drew
a pension for services rendered in said
war from the state of South Carolina
said pension commencing in the year 1824
drew down until the year 1830, in which
he died.  That she has no documentary
evidence sustaining the said service; and
moreover that his services can be fully
established, as she believes, by his neighbors
as it was generally reputed in his neighborhood
that he served as set forth in the above
declaration--and she further declares
Page 9

that the said Charles McManus resided
before the said war in the District of
Lancaster South Carolina, and continued
to reside in said District until the time
of his death which took place on the
15th day of March in the year 1830, leaving
the above named Sarah McManus
his widow to whom he was married
on the fifteenth day of March 1799, and
that she had the following children by
the said Charles McManus deceased viz
Josiah, July 29th 1802; George, January 14th, 1804;
James, January 8th, 1806; Susan, May 8th, 1808, Rumell
April  2nd 1812; Nancy, July 17th 1814; Mary, February
2nd 1816; William, October 22nd 1819; Hugh June 15th 1826.

She further makes oath that she knows of
no public or private record of her marriage to the
said Charles McManus;  But that they were
married on the day and year above stated
by one Esqr. Crowder, a Justice of the Peace
and the same can be proved by persons
now living.  And she further makes oath
that she still continues the widow of the
said Charles McManus.  That this declaration
is made to obtain the benefit of the Act of
the 7th July 1858.

Sworn to and subscribed before 
me this 20th day Nov. 1854.

[signed] Sarah (her mark) McManus
[signed] James Rogan
Judge of Probates
Page 10

The State of Mississippi
Tippah County

I, Daniel Hunt, Clerk of
the Probate Court in and for said County
do hereby certify that James Rogan is
now and was at the time, the presiding
judge of the aforesaid Court and his
signature is genuine, and that full faith
and credit are due his acts such
Given under my hand 
and the seal of the of the court
affixed in the office of said
Court in the town of Ripley
in said county on the 20th
day of November A.D 1854.

[signed] Daniel Hunt
Clerk of the Probate Court
Page 11

No. 1479

Sarah McManus
Widow of Charles
[struck out "So. Carolina"]
Mi

Act July 29, 1848

Dec. Mar 24 Mch 54



M. Thompson
Present
Page 12

The State of Mississippi
Tippah County SS.

On this 24th day of March A.D. 1854 appears before me
James Rogan, Judge of the Probate Court in
and for the county and state aforesaid Mrs.
Sarah McManus, a resident of the aforesaid
county and state, aged seventy seven years, who
first being duly sworn according to the law, doth
on her oath, make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of the pension
made by the "Act of Congress passed on the
3rd February 1833" granting pensions to widows
of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she
is the widow of Charles McManus who was a
Lieutenant one hundred and sixty one days, that
he served in that capacity in the Revolutionary
war under General Marion.  She further makes
oath, from the best evidence that she can obtain
that her husband, the said Charles McManus,
also served two hundred and six days in the 
capacity of a private under General Sumpter in the
State of South Carolina, in the aforesaid war.  As to
the precise time, that her said husband entered the
service in either case she cannot correctly say.  She also
declares that her said husband did draw a pension
for his services in the Revolutionary War from the
State of South Carolina from the year A.D. 1824
and continued to draw until the year A.D. 1830
which year he died, in the district of Lancaster
and State of South Carolina.

She further declares that she was married
to the said Charles McManus on the 15th day
of March A.D. 1797.  That her said husband
died on the 15th day of March A.D. 1830.

She further declares that she is now a widow
Page 13

? James Rogan

Sarah (her mark) McManus

The within declaration sworn to and subscribed
on the day and year within written.

James Rogan
Judge of Probates

The State of Mississippi
Tippah County S.S.

Personally appeared before me
William A. Davis, a Justice of the Peace for the County
and State aforesaid.  Doctors A. G. Smythe
and Madison W. Lindsey who after being duly sworn
declare that Mrs. Sarah McManus whose name
appears on the within declaration is known and
recognized only as a widow.  Sworn to before
me on the 21st day of March A.D. 1854.

[signed] William A. Davis [seal]
Justice of the Peace

The State of Mississippi
Tippah County S.S.

I, Daniel Hunt, Clerk of the Probate Court, in and for the
county and state aforesaid to hereby certify that
James Rogan, whose name is signed to the
aforesaid declaration is now and was at the time
of the signing the same the presiding judge of this
Court and that full faith and credit are due his
acts as such.  I also certify that Wm. A. Davis
whose name is signed to the foregoing affidavit
is now, and was at the time of the signing of
the same, a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned
according to law, and that full faith and credit
due his acts as such, and that the signatures of
both are genuine.

Given under my hand, and the 
seal of the court affixed at the
office of the court in the town of Ripley
in the aforesaid County on the 24
day of March A.D. 1854.

[signed] Daniel Hunt
Clerk of the Probate Court
Page 14

Rebecca Sullivan
Affi

? 24 Sept 1855
Page 15

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster

On the 24th day of September one thousand
eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before
me a magistrate of the peace within and for the District
and State aforesaid Mrs. Rebecca Sulivan aged 80 years
a resident of Lancaster District in the said State and District
who being duly sworn according to law declares and saith
that she is daughter of the identical Charles McManus
deceased officer in the revolutionary war.  She further
states that she has seen her Father after his return home from
one of his volunteer excursions with the enemy and has heard him relate the
incidents which occurred while he was in revolutionary
war.  She further states that her Father was married to her mother
before the revolutionary was but the year she does not know
for their is no public or private record of her marriage.
She further states that her Father married again after the death
of her mother to a woman by the name of Sarah Hancock in
the year A.D. 1796 and they lived together as man [and] wife
and raised a large family in said District and State.  She never
heard their marriage disputed.   She further states that she
was at wedding and saw them there joined join hands
and they was married by a man by the name of Crowder
Magistrate of Peace.  She further states there is no public or private
record of their marriage.  She further states that her
Father, the identical Charles McManus, is the identical
one who performed the service in the revolutionary war
who the widow has sworn to his service in her application
for pension.  She further states that her Father [is the] identical
Charles McManus deceased drew a pension from
said state for his service in the revolutionary war up
to his death.  She further states that she has never found
doubter to the contrary but he was [a] faithful soldier while
Page 16

he was in the revolutionary war.  She further states that
her father died at his residence in said district and
state in the year A.D. 1830 and that his widow Sarah
McManus moved out to the west with one of her sons
and is living at this time.  She further make oath that she
has no interest in the widows application for pension and
she still continues the widow of said Charles McManus deceased.

[signed] John C. Secrist, Magst.
[signed] Rebecca (her mark) Sulivan
Witness K.G. Billings

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster

Personally appeared R. D. Montgomery
and Wm. Sullivan residents of the
said District & State persons whom I certify to be respectable
and entitled to credit and who being by me only sworn
say that they were present and saw Mrs. Rebecca Sulivan
make her mark to the foregoing affidavit and they further
swear that they have every reason to believe from the
appearance of her and their long acquaintances with
her that she is of the age stated and that they (deponents) do
reside in the district aforesaid.

[signed] R. D. Montgomery
[signed] Wm Sullivan
[signed] John C. Secrist, Magst.
Page 17

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster 

I John A Stewman Clerk of the 
Court of Common Please [Pleas] and General Sessions for said District do
hereby certify that John C. Secrist Esq before whom the foregoing
affidavit were made was at the time of so doing a Magistrate 
of the peace in and for said district duly commissioned and sworn 
and that his signatures are genuine  

Witness My hand and 
the seal of said Court this 24th Day of September AD 1833
J A Stewman.
C.C.P. & G.S.
Page 18

REJECTED
6790
P.O. 
Sarah McManus
Service: Widow
Charles McManus
Enlisted: A.O.T.    , 18    .
Discharged: Aug 9, 1906     , 18   .
Application filed: __________, 18   .
Alleges: ______________
______________________
Re-enlisted: ___________________
________________________________
Attorney: ________________
P.O. __________________________
_____________________________
_______________Recognized.   ________ Contract.
__________Cert. of Dis.  Searched for ______, 18   .
Page 19

No. 1479

Sarah McManus
widow of Charles
So. Carolina

Set M. Thompson Sep. 8 1857
Thompson & Jones Sep 17, 1857
Same Sept. 24, 1857
Geo. S. Houston [line through "Houston" and noted "dead']  Jan 12 '58
J. A. Green May 20, '58
Sec Interior July 12, 1858
K. G. Billings Oct 25/58

Act July 29, 1848
Page 20

38,840


McManus
Page 21

[postcard]


[return address] Calhoun Miss
29 June

John T. Neely, Esq.
Atty. at Law & General Agent
Corner of 4 1/2 St. Pen. Avenue
Washington City, D.C.

[postage stamp 3 cents upper right corner]

[vertical writing] Pension case
Page 22

No. 1479

Sarah McManus
Wid. of Charles
So. Carolina

Letter to M. Thompson
Sept. 8, 1857

T. Thompson & Jones
Sept. 17, 1857

Same Sept. 24, 1857

Hon. Geo. S. Houston
Jany 12, 1858

We assume that Thompson & Jones
were refused authority to act
in this case.  See within.
 
[signature initials unclear]
Page 23

Sept 28/57

Sarah McManus
Atty. M. Thompson
of Thompson & Jones

Application filed
Aug 31st, 1857
Page 24

Land Warrant
No. 38840, for 160
acres under Act '55
was rec'd at this office
for approval of assignment
thereon, and referred
to the Comm. Gen Land
Office June 8/55, and
Garvin, Bell &  Co of
Louisville Ky who
transmitted the same
to this office, so informed
 _____ [initials]

? pension in name
of Sarah McManus
widow of Charles,
Rev. War

____ Room 100
please file in case when
returned to the files.
Page 25

1857
Aug 31st   Appl of Sarah McManus widow of Charles Rev pension filed by M. Thompson

Sept 14  Let rel to claims of Sarah McManus Rev pension filed by T&Jones

Sept 23   Let rel to claims of Sarah McManus Rev pension filed by T&Jones
Page 26

John McManus 81 in 1855, aged 74 in 1850

Rebecca McManus 82 in 1855 , aged 53 in 1850

Alexander Montgomery 97 in 1850, aged 90 [in] 1850

Rebecca Sulivan 80 in 1855, aged 67 in 1850

All of Lancaster Dist. So Carolina
Page 27

Calhoun Miss.
2nd July

Free
A. G. Smythe, P.M.

J. T. Walton
Commissioner of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Washington City
D.C.

[vertical notes]
189 vol.

1855
65
____
1790
Page 28

Calhoun P.O. Mi 2nd July 1855

Sirs

Mrs. Sarah McManus is an applicant
for a pension as well as for bounty land
and supposes that a declaration for that
purpose has been forwarded to the pension
office. But does not know what or how
much proof has been made and wishes
to inform the department, that the
proof accompanying the enclosed declaration
is all that she has any knowledge
of at this time.

Respectfully Yours ?
AG Smythe

J. T. Walton
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 29

K. G. Billings
Lancaster CH
Lancaster District
L.C.
Sept 16 1852
Aug
Sept 22, 1852

Elizabeth Simmons
Wid of
Henry Sinnimons
40 acres p.35

? on Charlst
? 30 Sept 1852
$32
Page 30

Lancaster C 86 So Carolina
September 16th 1832

Dear Sir

I received yours by the last mail and the draft for
?   ?  Land Warrant , I forward you a land issued in
the name of Ms. Elysabeth Simmons for sale whilst I hope
you will sell as quick as possible.  I also forward you the
power of attorney of Jeff ?Leonall to see into his Father's
claim as for the rest of those named in the other
Districts it is out of my power to attend at this time
but will do it as quick as I can.  See if you can
find Charles McManus name down on the rolls any
where.  He was a revolutionary soldier his widow living
yet he married about fifty years ago he was a major a
part of his time I find that in Columbia State House
I can prove six months services in the Com?, office
official will fifty years ago bring the widow in  I want
you also to look and see if you can find the name William
Holton he enlisted in the year 1813 died while in Washington
he enlisted under a man by the name of Smith his Father
was a Colonel in this District stationed at Fort Deborne
on the Catawalice River called Rocky Mount at this time in this River [lined out]
District his relations want to get his warrant write.

Sworn
[signed] John T. Neely Esq
Washington City
DC

Respectfully 
Your O. S.  (official seal)
K. G. Billings
Page 31

No person named
McManus in
$ Tishomingo Co
Mi in 1850
Page 32

Case of
Sarah McManus


Report of investigation by
S. G. Dodge

[below very faded]
Report the facts for
?  information of Mr.
Sigy the ?

[initials unclear]
M Dodge 12 July 1858
Page 33

Pension Office,
July 10, 1858

Sir:

By your direction, I left Washington
for Mississippi on the 25th of May last, for the purpose of
investigating the facts connected with the application of Sarah
McManus, widow of Charles, of Mi. for a pension, under
the act of July 29th, 1848.    On the 30th of May I arrived
at Ripley, the County seat of Tippah County, where I met the
Marshal for the Northern District of Mi, and on the 31st he
proceeded with me to the neighborhood of Carrollville, in
Tishomingo County, near which place Burwell McManus,
the son of Sarah, resides.  There we ascertained that Sarah
McManus, the applicant, died about the sixth of September,
1856.  She had resided in Mississippi only about three or
four years before her death, having before that time, and after
her removal from So. Carolina, lived with another son in
Tennessee.  From all the circumstances I could gather I became
satisfied that she was the widow of the Charles McManus who
was a pensioner of the State of So. Carolina.  Had she still
Page 34

been living she would not have been entitled to a pension
as it was not proved that her husband performed so much
as six months' service.

It was supposed here that the letter
of December 2d, 1857, to Hon. George S. Houston, purporting
to be signed by Burwell McManus, had been written
by Dr. A. G. Smyth [Smythe], Postmaster at Corona (formerly
Calhoun) Mi.  The resemblance of the hand-writing of that
letter to that of the declaration and other papers written by Dr.
Smith [Smythe] was so striking that I had no doubt, until I reached
Carrollville, that he was the writer of that letter.  But then
McManus and Mr. Cale both assured me that it was
written by James H. Cale, of Corona, at the dictation of
McManus.  I called the attention of McManus to the
expressions in the letter which, in effect, asserted that his
mother was still living, and he confessed to me that he
dictated the form of the expressions employed in that part
of the letter.  Cale admitted that he was well aware of the
death of Mrs. McManus--(She died one mile from Corona).
but asserted that the thought of an intentional deception
did not occur to him.  McManus explained that he
Page 35

had been advised by Col. Robbins, a neighboring
lawyer, that the children of his mother were entitled to her
pension money, and to write his letters in the terms employed.
I did not see Col. Robbins, but received a letter from him
which did not confirm the statements of McManus.  I met
Mr. J. A. Green, of Ripley, at Pontotoc, but he could not
remember his conversation with McManus, previous to writing
his letter of the 17th of February last, with sufficient distinctions
to be able to say whether the latter did assert that his mother
was alive, or not.

The conclusion to which I came was, that
McManus really believed that his mother's children were
entitled to her pension money; and that he determined, as
her administrator, to obtain her land warrant, which he did,
and her pension money; and, prompted by avarice, to
withhold from the other children their share of either, justifying
the action to his own conscience on the ground that he had
tenderly nursed his mother in the last years of her life, when
she was totally helpless.  I have no doubt that he studiously
concealed the fact of his mother's death from this office from
unworthy and dishonest motives; but, whether, if a certificate
Page 36

had issued in her name he would have been capable
of an attempt to obtain the money by forgery, I am not
able to satisfy myself.  My opinion is that he would not.
He bears a good character in his neighborhood.  I doubt
whether the letter to Mr. Houston would sustain a prosecution
under the act of March 3d, 1823; and am satisfied that
a conviction could not be obtained against him.

Under these circumstances, I contented myself with
leaving him in a state of perfect uncertainty as to what
course would be pursued respecting him.

Dr. Smyth [Smythe] has had no agency in the case since
the death of Mrs. McManus, and there is no circumstance
connected with the case that reflects in the remotest degree
upon his personal integrity.

I am, very respectfully,
Your Ob't [Obedient] Ser't [Servant],
[Signed] Stephen G. Dodge

[Signed] Geo. C. Whiting, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 37

Letter of
A. G. Smythe
a Witness in the case
Page 38

Calhoun Miss. 27th Jany, 1857

Sir,

I read your favors of the 6th Nov. last 
only a few since. I had written twice during 
the interval to you, for which I have no 
reply, yet.  Enclosed I forward you 
the power of Atty.  Also the no. of the warrant 
which is 38.840 for the case.

Please advise me as soon as 
practicable what the prospects are. 
The power of Atty. would have been 
forwarded much sooner, but the 
applicant and her friends having 
been deceived by Mrs. Billings, and 
my having procured the warrant for 
bounty lands they were anxious that 
I should retain the papers & present them.  
But as I had not the declaration, nor 
could not get it I advised her to 
employ you to prosecute the case 
at Washington, and promised on my 
part not to lose sight of her case.

Very Respectfully 
Your most ob. st.,
A.G. Smythe

J. T. Neely, Esqr.
Washington City D.C.
Page 39

A. G. Smythe
Calhoun
Pontotoc Co
Miss.
June 28, 1856
Ans
Page 40

Calhoun Miss. 28th June 1856

Sir

In reply to yours of the 17th [August] in regard
to the claims of Mrs. Sarah McManus.  The
name which you find who served in Virginia is
not the same.  "Charles McManus," is not on any
of the Muster or pay rolls in any department.  He
drew a pension from the state of S.C. and not from
the U.S.  I have already filed an application
for bounty land for the old lady, and have a
report dated 13th July 1853.    But do not know what
action has been taken upon it.  I have made
enquiry  but have no reply immediately on the receipt
of your note.  I consulted the applicant, and
she requests me, to say to you, that the proof on
file accompanying the declaration for bounty land
is the best and all the proof she can make.
That it may lack form, but the facts are all
that she has any knowledge of.  Except proving the
credibility of the witnesses.  Now as a preliminary
in engaging your services in the Pension Case
I hereby authorize you to Examine the declaration
on file in the Pension Office for bounty land
Page 41

and if the proof is sufficient to pass the case
I will forward a declaration and authority to
you to prosecute case.  If you report unfavorable
it will be unnecessary to make any further
effort to obtain the pension.  The No. of the
declaration filed is 189.009 under the Act of  3rd
March 1855.  If you report favorable and wish
a new declaration made out, it may be best
that you return to me the declaration forwarded
by Mr. Billings for the reason that the applicant
is aged and infirm having been confined to her
room ever since she went to make that paper
and from her long confinement, and ?
physical suffering, she may not be able to recollect
the facts so well as she did at that time.  It
will be advisable to make as much dispatch the nature
of the case will admit of.  I fear she will
hardly survive the present summer.  (I am Ann Mildred attendant.)  

An immediate reply is Respectfully solicited by
your most obedient Honorable St.
[signed] A. G. Smythe
[signed] J. T. Neely, Esq.
Washington City
D.C.
Page 42

Treasury Office Columbia
November the 10th, 1853

I do hereby certify that the name of Charles
McManus was placed on the Pension Roll of
this State on December 1824 and that his annuity of 
Sixty Dollars was paid up to June the 1st, 1830 when
$120 Dollars (one hundred and twenty) was paid for 
the two preceding years.  In one of our ledgers
the name is written Charles Mc Manners, and
in another Charles McManer, but they all seem
to represent the same person.

Given under my hand and Seal of
Office the day and year above written.
[signed] E. P. Jones
Treas. U. Dev

P. Atty, Thomas ?ean
Page 43

The name of
McManus--
Manus, or Manners
not (underscored) returned in
the census of Tippah
County,  Mi. for
1850.
Page 44

Sally Bass--with Brigman Josiah
vc Tippah Co. p 1117
Page 45

Lancaster C H So. Ca.
Oct 13 7B8

G. W. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Dear Sir

Will you be so kind to inform me if Sarah
McManus the widow of Charles McManus
a Revolutionary Soldier whether her pension
was passed or not the application was
made from the state of Mississippi.
She moved from this District since
the heir wants to know I think
her application was made by a
man by the name of Smythe.  Let us
hear soon.

Respectfully
Your [obedient servant]
[signed] KG Billings
Page 46

J. A. Green
Reply - Missi.
Feb. 17, 1858


Respecting the application
for pension of Mrs.
Sarah McManus

Rec'd March '58
Wm Rhett
Page 47

Ripley Missi
Feby 17 1858

My Dear Sir

My object in writing
you is to get some information
in regard to an application
that has been before the Commissioner
of Pensions for an allowance
of Pension, in favor of Mrs.
Sarah McManus.  I have
heard that the Commissioner
decided against the application
and an appeal was taken before
you.  Is this so--?  Mr.
McManus, the husband of
the applicant is dead,--
and I have been employed to
prosecute her claims--although
she has some one in ?
Page 48

attending to it for her,
I wrote to the Commissioner
for instructions 
but have not yet received
an answer from him--
If you have any knowledge 
of this matter, you will
please communicate it
to me--.  I would not
thus interrupt you if I
had any better means of
getting the necessary information.

To news that would
be of any interest to you.  All well--

Yours very truly

J. A. Green
Page 49

[mostly empty page with very faded writing]

written by James H. Cole
Page 50

December 2nd 1857

Carrolville PO Tishomingo County Miss.
George Houston, Esq.

D friend,

I obtained 
from the land office for my Mother
Sarah McManus, widow of Charles
McManus, [deceased], a Land Warrant
for 160 acres No. 38840 dated the
25th of August 1856 for services
rendered as a soldier in the Revolution
War.  My mother Sarah
McManus is also entitled to a
pension from the death of her
husband Charles McManus.

The same evidence under
which she recovered the land warrant,
I am of opinion, will give her the
pension.  I saw your brother Pew
Houston not long since he being
an old acquaintance and friend of mine.
I inquired of him who I could get
at Washington to attend to the business
& he assured me that you would give
Page 51

punctual attention which is the cause
of my thus troubling you.

You will please go to the land
office examine the records evidences
&c by which she obtained the warrant
you will find all necessary proof
there on record and make application
to the proper person for the pension
& if any thing further is necessary
for me to do please let me know it
immediately.--

J. T. Neely of Washington at one
time had the business in charge
and when the department refused
to recognize or transact any more
business with him he handed this
business over to Messrs. Thompson & Jones 
together with all the papers which I
present within found in their
possession & in September last Messrs.
Thompson & Jones sent me blank power
of attorney to fill up giving them
fair power to transact all business.
Page 52

and, having no acquaintance with
them I declined giving the power of attorney desired.

From the intimacy & friendship
existing between your brother
Pugh Houston & myself I feel
confident you will use all the
means in your power to accommodate
me & have the Pension allowed.

I am willing to pay you for
all the trouble you may be at
Punctual attention will much
oblige &c.

Yours Respectfully
Burwell McManus

December 2nd, 1857

PS
Direct your letters to
Carrolville PO
Tishomingo County
Mississippi
Page 53

K. G. Billings
Lancaster ch
Lancaster Dist.
S. Ca.
Nov. 25 1855
Ans [underscored]
Page 54

Lancaster C H SoC
Nov 25th 1833

John T. Neely, Esq.
Washington City

I received a letter from the
Commissioner of Pension by last mail that you have
not presented Mrs. Sarah McManus application yet.
You have rather placed one in delicate situation for I
informed the widow that application had been made sometime
ago, be so good to present the application and that will
take the responsibility of me if it i rejected.  Honorable John
McQueen will be their in a few days and he will help you with
it.  He is one member from the Congressional District.  I seen him
when he was here.  I will also write to him about it.  He will
do any thing you want in aiding you in procuring her pension
if you do not intend to make the application you can return
the papers over to McQueen.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.

[signed] K. G. Billings
Page 55

K.G. Billings
Lancaster CH
Lancaster Dist
S.C.

Oct 26/ 55
Oct 30/ 55      Ans.

Forms &c
Page 56

Lancaster C H SoC
Oct 26 1853

John T. Neely, Esq

Dear Sir

Your letter was received
when I went to see about the children's ages I could not
find out the ages exactly not to correspond with widow's
affidavit of their age it seems to me that I have
proven enough.  This old woman Mrs. Sulivan--
states that she was their and saw them married
She says that she was 14 years old that she was born
in the year 1782.  If you can inform me in what way
that she can say any more than she has said let me
know.  As for old Mr. Montgomery, he is too old to get
anything more out of him he has got so that he
can't hear.  Mrs. Sulivan says that she was 14 years
old when they were married and she recollects it distinctly.
Be so good to let me hear from you soon in
reference to it for the widow is anxious to hear.

Very Respectful
Your Obt Servt/
K. G. Billings
Page 57

K. G. Billings
Lancaster C H
Lancaster Dist
S.C.

June 18/55
June 23/55     Ans
Forms &c

[There was faded writing vertically across page--unreadable]
Page 58

Lancaster CH [So Carolina]
June 18th 1883

John T. Neely, Esq
Washington City

Dear Sir

Your kind letter was received 
and I hasten to reply.  I sent you the affidavit of old
Mr. McManus and his wife the only proof which can be
obtained.  If that will not, be so kind to return all the papers
I sent to you in her case.  Let me hear from you as soon
as [possible].

Respectfully
Your [obedient servant]
K. G. Billings
Page 59

In the matter of
Sarah McManus,                )   Application for a pension, under
widow of Charles, of S. C.   )   Act of July 29, 1848.

The papers in this case are submitted by
the Commissioner of Pensions at the request of Hon. Geo.
S. Houston, who makes an appeal, but does not set out
the grounds of his appeal in writing.  The Commissioner
accompanies the papers with a copy of his letter, of the
12th of January 1858, to Mr. Houston, in which all the
facts and testimony in the case are reviewed with
great particularity.

To establish the applicant's claim
to a pension, it was necessary for her to prove that
she was the widow of a man who served for as
much as six months in the Revolutionary war, and
to whom she was married befoe the 1st day of
January, 1800.

That she is the widow of a man 
who served fourteen days, or in some battle, has been admitted
by the allowance of her claim for bounty land; but
this not an admission of the date of the marriage
nor of the duration of her late husband's service;
and the question remains to be considered, whether
these two facts are established.

It appears, from the papers in the
Page 60

case, that, in Nov 1824, Charles McManus, of Lancaster
District, S. C., petitioned the Legislature for a pension, which was
granted him.  In his petition he stated that he served,
as volunteer, a three months tour under Genl. Sumner, a
three months tour under Manon, and afterwards under
Genl. Green; and that, "after the the services aforesaid,"
he was promoted to a captaincy, and afterwards to the
rank of Major.  He also stated, in general terms, that he
served all through the war.  John Laney testified to the
same general effect, but not specifically to any duration of
service.  Sarah McManus, of Tippah
County, Miss., made two declarations in 1854; but as
her allegations are, manifestly, based upon a certificate
of the Comptroller Genl. of So. Carolina, they do not
add to the evidence of service [underscored].  The certificate of
the Comptroller, dated October 21, 1853, shows that
Charles McManus was allowed and paid for 206 days
service as a Soldier in the Horse Service, and 161 days as
1st Lieut; but there is nothing to show under what
officers this service was performed, excepting that Fred'k
Kimball Col." certifies that the account is "just and true."

There is no evidence to show that this Charles Mc
Manus is the same man who petitioned the S. C. Legislature
for a pension; yet proof can be made on this
point.  Charles McManus signed an order for his
Indent, and the petition to the Legislature is signed.
Fac similes of these signatures can be procured, and
should be required.

To the claimant the widow of the pensioner
Page 61

or of the soldier mentioned in the Comptroller's certificate?

In his petition for a pension McManus stated
that his wife was equally old and frail as himself, and
that he was nearly eighty years of age (in 1824).  Thirty years
later the claimant stated her age at seventy-seven years.
This discrepancy, of thirty years, is too gross to be overlooked.

The claimant alleged that her husband was a pensioner
of Lancaster District; but she stated that he told her he was
at the battles of Camden and Eutaw Springs; while the only affair
mentioned by the petitioner was "the capture of several prisoners" while
he was under Marion.

Alexander Montgomery, of Lancaster district, testified in
1850, to the service of Charles McManus, and that he married
Sarah Hancock about 1796; but he, being then 97 years old,
as stated in his affidavit, or 90 as appears by the census
returns, cound have no personal knowledge of the claimant's
identity.  John McManus, stated to be 81 in 1855 and Mrs. Rebecca
McManus, stated to be then 82, are made to testify that they
were both present at the marriage in 1796; yet in the census
returns Rebecca McManus is returned as 53 years old in
1850.  Rebecca Sullivan, whose age in 1855 is stated at 80
years and is returned in the census of 1850 as 67, testified that
she was at the wedding.  None of these witnesses, all residents
of Lancaster District, have any present personal knowledge of
the claimant.  Mrs. Sullivan, a daughter of Charles, stated that
her father died in 1830, and her mother removed west with
one of her sons and still living, (in 1855).  The claimant's
identity is attested by two witnesses, who do not
Page 62

sign his oath, and only states that Sarah McManus is
known as a widow.  Both declarations with the
certificates appear to be in one hand writing, the
same as the signature of James Rogan, the Probate
Judge before whom the two declarations purport to
have been made, - excepting the signature of William
A. Davis, a Justice of the Peace, who does not appear to
have seen the claimant.

From the statements of McManus,
coupled with the history of the service, it does not appear
that he served more than from six to nine months, and,
taking his statements and those of the witnesses together, he
was not a commissioned officer until after the Revolutionary
war closed; and was not the same man who served as
private and Lieut. more than a year, as described in
the Comptroller's certificate.  It appears clearly that the
present claimant is not the same Sarah, who, as Sarah
Hancock, intermarried with McManus about the year
1796.  The witnesses state that McManus and his second
wife, Sarah, raised a large family of children; and yet
not one of these children has come forward to attest her
identity.
Page 63

Thompson & Jones

It appears from a 
letter to Hon. Geo. S.
Houston from
Burwell McManus
dated at Carrolville
P.O. Tishomingo Co
Miss. that he had
declined employing
those gentlemen to conduct
this case & further that
they got no papers from
J. T. Neely after his ?

?
11 May 1858
Page 64

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:

We have the
honor to be in receipt of your official communication of the 17th
inst. in the suspended application for pension of Sarah
McManus widow of Charles, under the act of July 29th, 1848.
From the non-iteration of the objection of your former communication
of the 8th inst. viz: "inadequacy of  proof of the marriage", 
it is presumed that it has been removed, in part
by our letter of the 12th inst. in which one referred you to the
testimony of the three witnesses, filed in the case.

We must confess our astonishment at the new objection
contained in your last, of the 17th, signifying that the
proof, does not show that the marriage took place prior
to 1800.  The only proof of marriage in the case, is that of
these three witnesses, who also [underscored] swear [underscored] that
it took place in 1796.  If upon their testimony you have conceded the
fact of their marriage, in all candor, we think you are
bound also to admit that it took place in 1796.  Their testimony
must be taken in toto [underscored], both as to the date [underscored], as
well as the fact [underscored] of marriage, or else discredited altogether.
They swear not only that the parties "were married" [underscored]"
Page 65

but also [underscored], that they "were married in the year 1796." [quoted
was underscored]
Upon what ground, can you virtually say to these witnesses
"I believe you, so far as you testify to the fact [underscored] of the
marriage of Sarah Hancock and Charles McManus, but do
not believe what you say in regard to the date thereof?"  In
all deference, you should not credit one fact and discredit
another, when the testimony substantiating both, is the same,
based upon the same independent recollection, and sworn to
positively by credible witnesses, and we cannot but think
that your objection will be removed upon another examination
of the Evidence [underscored] relating to these facts.

The second objection you make is that the service [underscored]
of Charles McManus must be shewn to have been "for not
less than six months".  Apart from the certificate of the
Comptroller of the State of South Carolina, no witnesses swear
that they knew of his serving in three "tours" [underscored, under
Generals Sumpter, Marion, and Greene, and add that these "tours" were
usually three months.  This it would seem would be
sufficient proof in itself, of the service for nine [underscored] months; but
when you will be pleased to read the certificate of the
Comptroller, that the account of "Charles McManus" stands
upon the state records, as having served "206 days as a soldier
(meaning private) in the horse service," and 161 days as
1st Lieut." together with the regular pay computed and affixed opposite
Page 66

the several items, amounting to [pounds] 568:5:0;, with the
additional and weighty fact, of Charles McManus' having sworn
to the correctness of the same, and having received what was then
given in lieu of said amount, which was all he could obtain;
we think you can no longer have a shadow of a shade
of doubt upon this point, or hesitate in issuing the certificate,
respectfully asked for.   [The following lined out "upon a perfection
of evidence in applications for pensions &c."]

The applicant therefore is entitled, and we claim
for her a pension pro rata for services rendered by her husband as follows
  206 days as soldier in the horse service    $28.21
  161 days as 1st Lieutenant                          70.57
                                                                     $98.78 [total]

for which sum as yearly pension from the 4th of March 1848
during her life, we desire that you will cause a certificate
to be issued in our care, and sent to us, attorneys in
fact, and have the honor to be

Your obed't servants,
Thompson & Jones
Attys for Sarah McManus

Washington Sept. 22d 1857
Page 67

Corona Mich.  7th June 1858  

Col Doge (Dodge)

Dier Sur

Enclosed pleese find
a (few) letters from J. Robbins Esq.  He was
(disappointed) and cod (could) not come to Pontotoc as he
had promerst (promised) to do you will perceive that he is
mistaken in your name in his note but you
will discover he intends to (write) to the proper
man.  Please refund to the (court) and ban at
Pontotoc as to the liability of Ms. Robbins hopping 
that the explanation of the gentelman will
give you sattisfaction.  Mr. Robbins sent me this
letter on yestida and is entend going to Pontitock
with it my self but my helth wold not
permit it s am very onwell at present.

Your most respetly

Burrell McManus
Page 68

Campbellton Miss 6th June 1858
Mr. Door, Agent of U.S.

Dear Sir:

Sometime I think during last year (I
am not certain as to date) I met Mr.
McManus in the Road he stated that
he had been to my house to see me
to get some advice in reference to
a pension he thought his mother
was entitled to in her life time.  I told
him he had best to write to Washington
City to some person & get them to see
whether there was any pension due,
he stated that she had received a
land warrant.  I told him he could
give the No. of the warrant and they
could refer to the papers there by the
No. and ascertain whether it would
be worth while for him to make
an effort to get anything, he said
he was acquainted with Mr. Houston
of Ala--.  I told him he would be
a very proper man for him to write
Page 69

to & get to make the examination
& when he heard from Houston
on the subject.  If he would
come and see me at my
office I would then advise
him fully, where I could
have an opportunity of
examining the Pension Law.
He did not come to see me
any more on the subject.

I deem this explanation due
for Mr. McManus & also to show
all that I had to do with the
matter in any way.  I expected
to have been at Pontotoc but
could not go conveniently--
& have therefore taken the
liberty of writing you--

I do not think Mr. McManus
intended anything wrong--he appeared
to be seeking for legal information
as to his rights.

Respectfully
I. Robins
Page 70

Pension Office
January 29, 1858

Sir,

In compliance with the verbal request of the
Hon. George S. Houston of the House of Representatives,
I have the honor to submit to you herewith the papers
in the case of Sarah McManus, of South Carolina, who
claims a pension as the widow of Charles McManus,
deceased, under the Act of July 29, 1848.

Mr. Houston's request is an appeal from the decision
of this office, adverse to said claim, and I submit with the
papers my original letter to him of the 12th inst., which he
handed me for that purpose, as showing the nature of the
objections taken to its allowance.

I am, Sir
With much respect,
Your Obedient Servant,
[signed] G. C. Whiting
Commissioner

Hon. Jacob Thompson
Secretary of the Interior
Page 71

Department of the Interior
May 21st 1858.

Sir,

I think it advisable that active
measures should be pursued in the
investigation of the claim of Sarah
McManus widow of Charles McManus
for a pension under Act July 29th
1848.  You will therefore cause such
proceedings to be taken in the matter
as your judgment may suggest,
and report the result to me.

I am very respectfully,
Your obed. Servt.
[signed] J. Thompson
Secretary

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Commissioner 
of Pensions
Page 72

Washington City
Aug. 29 1857

Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Comm of Pensions

Sir

I herewith inclose the
papers evidence in support
of the claim of Sarah McManus
widow of Charles
McManus, to a pension.

Yours respectfully

T. Thompson
Atty for Claimant
Page 73

To the Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir;

We have the honor of your
official communication of the 8th inst. in the case of Sarah
McManus widow of Charles of So. Carolina, an applicant for
a pension under the Act of July 29th 1848.

The main, indeed the only objection therein
made, is, that "you cannot regard the date of the marriage
of Charles and Sarah McManus as satisfactorily proved."

With all due deference, we consider your
office estopped and precluded from raising or taking the
benefit of this objection as to the insufficiency of the proof
of the marriage, at this late date.  The Pension Office
has already established the fact of the marriage both
positively and by implication, in having heretofore granted
your client Sarah McManus, Bounty Land Warrant
No. 38,840 for 160 acres of Land, for and by virtue of the
military services rendered by her deceased husband Charles.
Her application for said Land Warrant it must be
presumed, contained all the necessary and sufficient
proof both of marriage and service, for the Land
Warrant issued thereupon; and this fact of issue
is sufficient admission of the adequacy of proof
brought to sustain the application, by the office, as
to operate forever as an estopped to the objection
now raised of inadequacy of proof, unless indeed
the office has established new rules, and require
Page 74

more evidence to obtain and establish a pension,
than has heretofore been found amply sufficient
to establish the right to, and obtain a Land Warrant.

We opine that this is not the case;
and would respectfully refer you for confirmation
of the premises herein assumed to the application
(upon which the Land Warrant herein mentioned was
obtained) with the papers therein upon file, made
by Sarah McManus, which will be found among
the records of your office.

We have the honor to be
Yours respectfully
Thompson & Jones
Attys for Sarah McManus

Wash'n Sept. 12th 1857.
Page 75

John & Rebecca
McManus
1855, May 18th
Page 76

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster

On this 18th day of May
AD 1885 personally appeared before me a magistrate
in and for said District John McManus aged 81 years
and Mrs. Rebecca McManus aged 82 years who are to me well
known & who use credible witnesses and who being by me
only sworn according to law declare and says that they
are each well acquainted with Mrs. Sarah McManus
in the said applicant for a Pension that they have
known her for 10 years but ? that they well acquainted
with Charles McManus her late husband having known
him for 60 years previous to his death: that they the
said Charles McManus and Mrs. Sarah McManus were married
on the day of     AD 1796 they further make oath that
they have no family or public  & recond of their marriage. They state
that they were at their wedding and seen them married--
any they further make oath that said Charles--
McManus deceased & Sarah McManus his
widow raised a large family of children--that the
deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed
or questioned that the said Charles McManus died
on the    day of     1830 in said District and State.  And the deponents 
believe to be the fact, that she has never married since her said husband's
death and is still remains his widow and that her said husband 
was the identical man mentioned as a Revolutionary soldier
in her declaration for pension They further make oath
that said Charles McManus deceased was a soldier
in Revolutionary war and that he drew a pension
from this state for his service rendered in said
war--they further make oath that it was never
disputed that said Charles McManus was
a soldier in said war.   Said John McManus make
oath that he has seen the said Charles McManus
when he would come in from excursions or when
Page 77

after the British he further make oath
that he had often heard the said Charles McManus
deceased relate different battles he has bee  in
that he has heard him speak of the Battles of Camden
[South Carolina] and Battle of Eutaw Springs which he
was engaged in and that deponents are disinterested.

Subscribed and sworn to before me
the day and year first above written
and I certify that I am not interested
herein John C. Secrist, Magst.
Testimony Amos McManus

John [his mark] McManus
Rebecca [her mark] McManus
[faded underwriting includes "mother's name

The foregoing affidavit were sworn to and subscribed
before me on the day and year above and I certify that I
know the affiants to be credible persons and I believe they
are of the ages they make oath of.

[signed] John C. Secrist
Magistrate
Page 78

South Carolina
Lancaster District

I, J. Stewman
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General
Sessions for the District of aforesaid do hereby
certify that John C. Secrist Esqr whose name
appears to the foregoing in his own handwriting
is and was at the time of signing the same an
Acting Magistrate for the said district duly
commissioned & sworn.  I also certify that I
am acquainted with the said John McManus
& Rebecca McManus his wife that they are
very old persons and would be likely to know
the facts stated.

Given under my hand & seal of office
at Lancaster Court House this 30th
day of May in the year of our Lord,
one thousand eight-hundred and
fifty-five.

J. A. Stewman
Clerk, C.C.P. & G.S.
Page 79

Sarah McManus
widow of
Charles McManus

Reg. pension claim

Papers sent to 
pension officer
Aug. 29, 1857

6790

[written vertically "Justice of the Peace"]
Page 80

Know all Men by these present.  That I Sarah
McManus of the county of Tippah, and state of Mississippi
and widow of Charles McManus, deceased, who was, a soldier
in the Continental service.  (In the war of the Revolution) do hereby
irrevocably constitute, and appoint John T. Neely Esq. of
Washington City, D.C. my true and lawful attorney, ?
for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from
the united States, the Bounty Land certificate or warrant, and
pension or backpay, and all claims due me by virtue of
my deceased husband's service in said wars under existing
laws granting Bounty Lands and pensions [underscored], to the
officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs for services
rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful
acts, and things whatsoever touching the premises, an
attorney, or attorneys under him, for the purpose of aforesaid
to make and at his pleasure to invoke, hereby confirming
all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my
name legally do, or cause to be done in and about the
premises, as much so as if present myself.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto 
set my my hand and seal this 2nd day of July 1858.

[signed] Sarah (her mark) McManus (seal)

Acknowledged and subscribed before me a
Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Tippah and
state of Mississippi this 2nd day of July A.D. 1858

[signed] W. A. Davis (seal)
Justice of the Peace
Page 81

The State of Mississippi
County of Tippah

I Daniel Hunt, Clerk of the Probate
Court in and for said county do hereby
certify that W. A. Davis whose genuine
signature appears in the within Power of Attorney
is now and was at the time of signing
the same a justice of the peace duly
commissioned according to law
and that full faith and credit is
due his acts as such.
(Seal here)
Sworn under my hand 
and the seal of the court
affixed in the office of
said Court in the town
of Ripley in the aforesaid
county on the 26th day of
January A.D. 1857.

Daniel Hunt, Clerk
By E. Newton Hunt D.C.
Page 82

State of South Carolina

To the Honorable the
President & members of the
Senate

The humble petition
of Charles McManus, sheweth
to your favorable body
that in the Service of the
Revolutionary war he was
active & vigilant to the best
interest of his country as a
soldier & so cheerfully was
he disposed to aid in the
great cause that he always
acted as a volunteer
under Genl Smythe.  He
served a three months tour
in this state.  He served afterwards
under Genl Marion a three months tour
& was at the capture of
several prictorites whilst
under his command.
He also served under the
? and of Genl Green,
after the services aforesaid--
Your petitioner was promoted
noted to a captainship &
afterwards to that of a
major.  Your petitioner
hopes he will not be
thought where he states
Page 83

that in the different spheres in
which he move as a private & as
an officer he always discharged
his duty with fidelity and with
satisfaction to his superior
officers.  From the great length 
of time that year Petitioner was
in the Service (during the whole
war) & the hardships he endured
he sustained great corporal
debility.  His pecuniary loss was
such that at the conclusion
of the war he was worth not
any thing.  Your Petitioner
is now nearly eighty years
of age & his circumstances very
humble. He has a wife eg --
really old & frail with self.

Your Petitioner therefore 
may your honorable body
to place him on the pension 
roll & he will ??

Charles McManus

Nov. 18 1824

State of South Caroling
Lancaster District

Personally came John Laney before me & on
oath states that during the Revolutionary
war he served as a
Page 84

[ribbon tied into paper on top of page]

Soldier (a volunteer) with Chas.
McManus.  He knew him
to be a volunteer under Genl.
Smythe & Genl. Marion in
this state.  That he always behaved
himself with credit in
the camps was a brave and
active soldier & when he was
a captain & major he gave
general satisfaction.  His character 
was always that of honest
man & after the war was over 
he still continued to preserve 
his good name & character
by his morals & right 
deportment.  His circumstances
in life are humble & ??
he has a wife [rest of line covered by a fold in paper]
old & frail.  Neither of them is
capable to work on account
of their old age.
[signed] Saml Thunderling
J.P.

John (his mark) Laney

The Committee on Pensions to whom was
referred the petition of Chas. McManus
praying to be replaced see the pension list
report that they have duly countered the
same & respectfully ? that the
prayer thereof be granted & that he be
placed on the pension list
E. Benbour
Chairman
Page 85

In the Senate 2d Dec. 1824

Resolved that this House do agree to
the Report ordered that it be sent
to the House of Representatives for
concurrence.  By order of the Senate.
W. P. Martin
C.S.

In the House of Representatives 18 Dec. 1824

Resolved that the House do concur
in the Report:  ordered that it be
referred to the Senate.  By order
of the House.
R. Anderson
C.J.R.

Office of Clerk of the Senate of the
State of South Carolina.  Thereby certify
the foregoing to be true copy of the Petition
of Charles McManus praying
to be placed on the pension roll
together with the accompanying 
affidavit & endorsements showing the
action taken by the Legislature.

Given under my hand 29
March 1855
W. F. Arthur
L. Librarian
& State House Keeper
Page 86

[pictorial letterhead with State emblems]
[upper left corner a ribbon and tag drawn through page]

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
by his Excellency
James H. Adams
Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and Over the State Aforesaid

To all to whom these Presents shall come.

Know ye that W. T. Arthur whose signature
appears to his certificate on the copy/petition hereunto
annexed was at the date thereof L. Librarian & State House
Keeper, in whose charge the Legislative documents
are & that his signature is genuine & his certificate
in due form.

THEREFORE, all due faith, credit, and authority is and ought to be had and 
given to his proceedings and certificates as such.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused
to be affixed the seal of the State, in the City of Columbia
the third day of May in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
and in the seventy ninth year of the Independence of the
United States of America.

By the Governor,
J. H. Adams

W. T. Arthur
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 87

[top of page shows image of ribbon tied through paper]

The State of Mississippi
County of Tishomingo SS

Personally 
appeared before me a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County aforesaid 
Solomon Ivens, aged sixty five years
a resident of the aforesaid State and
County, who after being duly sworn
according to law, declares that he was
formerly a resident of the District of
Lancaster, in the State of South Carolina,
and that he was well acquainted with the
applicant Sarah McManus.  Also that he
knew the deceased Charles McManus, and
that he did accompany his parents (he being
a boy or lad at the time) to the marriage of
the aforesaid Charles McManus and the
applicant, and that he was at the place
at the time the said marriage was reputed
to have taken place.  But does not recollect that
he actually witnessed the ceremony; but
that he does recollect that one
Crowder who was known
in the community as a Justice of the
Peace, was present, and was reputed to have
solemnized the Rite between the parties, and
that they did live together and were recognized as
lawful husband and wife until the death of
the aforesaid Charles McManus, and the said
Charles McManus did die on or about the
time and at the place set forth in the
foregoing declaration and that he had no
interest in this claim.

Solomon (his mark) Ivens
Page 88

[a ribbon was inserted into the top of the page]

The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and
subscribed before me on the 5th day of
June, A.D. 1855

[signed] Alex Templeton
Justice of the Peace


The State of Mississippi
County of Tishomingo SS

I, E. C. Gillenwaters, Clerk of the Probate
Court in and for the county aforesaid
do certify that Alexander Templeton
whose name appears to the foregoing
affidavit was at the time of the signing
the same justice of the peace duly commissioned
according to law, and that full faith is
due his acts, as such, and that his
signature is genuine.--
Given under my hand
and the seal of the court
affixed in the office of said
court in the town of
Jacinto in the aforesaid
county on the 5th day of
June, A.D. 1855

E.C. Gillenwaters
Clerk

[a seal was attached to the page with a ribbon]
Page 89

[words on page very faded]

Copy of
Petition
of Charles McManus

Legislation of So Ca.
for a pension


[more faded writing perpendicular on the page]
Page 90

State of South Carolina

To the Honorable the President
and members of the Senate.

The humble petition of Charles
McManus is herewith to your
Honorable body.  That in the period
of the Revolutionary war he was
active and vigilant to the best
interests of his country as a soldier
and so cheerfully was he
disposed to aid in the great
cause.  That he always acted
as a volunteer under Genl.
Sumpter he served a three
months tour in this State.  He
served afterwards under Genl.
Marion for three months tour
and was at the capture of several
prisoners whilst under his
command.  He also served under
the command of Genl. Green.  After
the Services aforesaid, your petitioner
was promoted to a captainship
and afterwards to that of a major.
Your Petitioner hopes he will
not be thought when he states
that in the different spheres in
which he moved, as a private
and as an officer, he always 
discharged his duty with fidelity
and with satisfaction to his
superior officers.--From the great
Page 91

length of time that your petitioner
was in the Service (during the
whole war) and the hardships
he endured.  He sustained great
corporal debility.  His pecuniary
loss was such that at the conclusion
of the war, he was worth
not anything.  Your Petitioner
is now nearly eighty years of age,
and his circumstances very humble.
He has a wife equally old and
frail with self.  Your Petitioner
therefore prays your Honorable
body to place him on the pension
roll and he will ever pray.
Nov. 18--1824
Charles McManus

State of South Carolina
Lancaster District

Personally 
came John Laney before me &
on oath states that during the
revolutionary war he served as
a soldier (a volunteer) with
Charles McManus.  He knew
him to be a volunteer under
Genl. Sumpter & Genl. Marion
in this State.  That he always--
behaved himself with credit in
the camps, was a brave & active
Page 92

soldier, and when he was a
captain and major, he gave
general satisfaction.  His character
was always that of honest
man, and after the war was
over, he still continued to preserve
his good name and character
by his moral and upright
deportment--His circumstances
in life are honorable
and I know he has a wife
who is both old and frail.  Neither
of them is capable to work on
account of their old age.

John (his mark) Laney

Paul Underbuck
J.P.

The Committee on Pensions to whom
was referred the petition of Charles
McManus praying to be placed
on the pension list report that
they have duly considered the
same and respectfully recommend
that the prayer thereof be granted
and that he be placed on the
pension list.

E. Benbow
Chairman
Page 93

In the Senate 2d December 1824

Resolved that this House do
agree to the Report.  Ordered
that it be sent to the House of
Representative3s for concurrence.

By order of Senate
Wm. P. Martin
J.P.

In the House of Representatives

December 18, 1824

Resolved that the
House do concur in the Report
ordered that it be returned to
the Senate

By order of the House

[signed] R. Anderson
C.H.R.
Page 94

Office of Clerk of
the Senate--
of South Carolina

I hereby certify
the foregoing to be a true copy
of the petition of Charles McManus
praying to be placed on
the Pension Roll together with
the Report of the Committee showing
the action taken by the Legislature
on the said petition.

Given under my hand

W. T. Arthur
L. Librarian &
State House Keeper

(Official seal of office)
Page 95

[ribbon through upper left corner of page]

Pension Office,
January 12, 1858

Sir,--

In compliance with your request I have
personally examined the claim of Mrs. Sarah McManus for
a pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved
July 29, 1848, as the widow of Charles McManus, deceased,
who is alleged to have rendered military service in the
State of South Carolina during the war of the Revolution, but
do not find her allegations sufficiently sustained to justify
the allowance of the claim.

The evidence adduced to prove the Revolutionary
service of Charles McManus consists of two papers, one
dated October 21, 1853, and signed "W. T. Arthur For Compt
Genl" of South Carolina, and the other, without date, and
signed by him in the capacity of "Librarian and State
House Keeper," and neither in any way authenticated as official
acts.  The first purports to be a copy, from the records of
the Comptroller's Office, of an Indent issued to Charles McManus
the 19th May, 1785, for 81.3.6 3/4 pounds for 206 days' duty as
private and 161 days as a Lieutenant in the militia, and of
the account of said McManus against the State of South
Carolina on which said Indent was issued, which account
appears to have been verified by the oath of Charles McManus
in Camden District, June 14, 1784.  When the services
thus charged for commenced on ended does not appear.
Said Indent appears to have been delivered to James [ underscored]
McManus on the 19th May, 1785 ["5" underscored] on an order from Charles [ underscored] 
McManus dated Febry. 7 1786 ["6" underscored].  The other paper purports
to be a transcript of the petition of Charles McManus to the
Legislature of South Carolina, in the year 1824, for a pension
on account of his Revolutionary Services, and of the action of
the Legislature thereon, by which it is stated in another
Page 96

unauthenticated paper, dated Treasury Office, Columbia,
November 10th 1833, and signed E. P. Jones Treas. W. Div
for Atty. Thos. T. Grean, that "Charles McManors" was placed
upon the pension roll in December 1824, and that his
annuity of $60 per annum was paid to June 1 1830.--his
name appearing in one place as McManners and in another
as McManer.  If these papers had been or should be
properly authenticated they would suffice to show that at
some time during the Revolutionary was a person by the name
of Charles McManus did duty in the militia of South Carolina
for 206 days as a private and for 161 days as a 1st Lieut. of
Cavalry, and for which he would be entitled, were he now
living, to a corresponding pension from the United States, under
the Act of June 7, 1832.

The present claimant, Mrs. Sarah McManus, states
that she is the widow of this Charles McManus--that she was
married to him prior to the year 1800, viz: on the 15th of March,
1797, 15 March 1799, or as her witnesses say, some time during
the year 1796--that she had by him a large family of children
whose names and exact ages she gives--that her said husband
died 15 March, 1830, and that she has remained and is
still his widow.

To sustain these allegations she adduces the testimony
of 1st, Alexander Montgomery, who claims to have been in
the service under Genl. Sumpter in the year 1780, and to have
known the Charles McManus who was the husband of the
claimant while in the same service, &c.  It is pertinent and
sufficient to say, in answer to this witness, that not having
been able to establish the fact of his own service he is not
competent to establish that of another.

2d, Mrs. Rebecca Sullivan, of Lancaster District, South
         [inserted here are words "24 paper? 1855"]
Carolina, who says she is 80 years of age--that she is the
daughter of Charles McManus by a former wife--that she has
Page 97

seen her father after his return from a tour of service and
heard him recount incidents of the Revolution--that after
the death of her [underscored] mother, her father married Sarah Hancock,
the present claimant; that she was present at the wedding
and that it took place in 1796--that her father, the said
Charles McManus is the identical soldier of the Revolution
who, for his services, was pensioned by the State of South
Carolina to the time of his death which took place in 1830.

The testimony of this witness taken by itself does not appear
inconsistent, but it is materially deficient in not explaining
how, after a lapse of fifty-nine years, she is enabled to fix
upon the year 1796, as that in which claimant was married.
Compared, however, with the statements of Charles McManus
himself, in his petition to the South Carolina Legislature in
1824, it becomes highly questionable.  He then stated that
he was nearly 80 years old and that he had a wife who was
"equally old and frail" with himself.  Mrs. McManus, the claimant,
stated in her declaration, in 1854, that she was then 77 years
of age.  Now if this lady was the wife, Charles McManus
alluded to, in 1824, he or she must have been greatly mistaken
as to her age; for if in 1824 she was 80, in 1834 she
would have been about 113 years of age; but if only 77 in 1834,
she could only have been about 47 in 1824,--a variance
as to a material fact not easily accounted for.

3d, John McManus, aged about 81, and Mrs.
Rebecca McManus, aged about 82 in May 1855, testify
that they have each been acquainted with Mrs. Sarah
McManus for the last 70 years--that they also knew
her late husband the said Charles McManus, having been
acquainted with him for either 60 or 70 years (it is not
certain which is meant) previous to his death, [words underscored]--
that Charles and Sarah McManus were married "on the--day of --
A.D. 1796"--that they were at the wedding and saw them
Page 98

married--that Charles McManus died in the year 1830,
--that he was a soldier in the Revolution and drew a
pension from the State of South Carolina.  John McManus
testifies further to his having seen Charles McManus "come in
from excursions or when after the British", and that he had often
heard him speak of having been in the battles of Camden and
Eutaw.  If it be true that Charles McManus was, or ever claimed
to have been, in these celebrated engagements he was extremely
modest in addressing the Legislature of South Carolina:  for,
[words inserted "when doing so"]
although he says he served throughout the was as a volunteer--
first as a private, then as a captain, and subsequently as major, the
only allusion he made to anything like a battle was that he
"was at the capture of several prisoners while under his (General
Marion's) command."  But these witnesses, like all the rest,
omit to tall us how they now arrive at the conclusion that the
marriage of claimant took place in 1796, or why they cannot
specify more particularly the much more recent occurrence of
her husband's death and their means of knowledge concerning it,
and the other facts about which they testify.  While falling short
in this respect, they go too far in another.  All agree that Charles
McManus died in 1830.  They [inserted--i.e. John & Rebecca McManus]
say they knew him 60 or 70 years previous to that time.  Now,
seventy, or even sixty, years will take
us back to a period anterior to the dates of their births, if they stated
their ages, in 1855, with anything like an approximation to accuracy.

Mrs. Sarah McManus made two declarations--one on the
24th March, and the other on the 20th of November 1854, both
subsequent to the granting of the certificates from the Comptroller's
and Treasurer's offices of South Carolina, setting forth the account,
Indent, &c. of Charles McManus, and from which she evidently
derived her pretended knowledge of the Revolutionary services of her
alleged husband.  In the first, she says she was married the
15 March, 1797; in the second, that that event took place the 15
March, 1799, and in this latter statement she adds the names and
Page 99

exact ages of nine children, the fruit of that marriage, but
without stating how she is now enabled to fix so many dates
with precision.  Neither claimant nor any of her witnesses
appears to know how to read or write, and I can only account for
the imperfections and inconsistencies in their statements by the
supposition that they may not have been fully acquainted with
the affidavits to which they made their marks.  Independent
of all these objections there is yet another, and that is the
fact that more than two years (the Statutory limitation against
frauds,) were suffered to intervene between the taking of the
testimony and its presentation at this office.

On the whole I am entirely satisfied that whatever
may be the real merits of the present claimant's demands
against the United States, it is my duty to reject them on the
evidence now on file.

I am, with great respect,
Your Obedient Servant,
[signed] G. C. Whiting
Commissioner

Hon. George S. Houston,
House of Representatives
Page 100

Comptroller ?

Account info of C. McManus
14 June 1784
Indent iss -- 19 May 1785
Chas. McManus James
McManus & receiv
7 Feb 1786 [86 underscored] &   ?
??? 19 May
1785 [85 underscored]

206 days Priv. Cov
161 1st Lt. do ?
Page 101

Booke R.
No 227

Issued the 19th May 1785,
to Mr. Chas McManus
("Manus") for eighty one
pounds three shillings
& six pence three farthing
Sterling, for 206 days
duty as a private & 101 days
as a Lieut. in the militia
as per account audited
Principal Pounds 81"3"6 3/4
and Interest Pounds 5"13"7

No. 48

State of South Carolina

To Charles McManus D
as private soldier in the horse service

To 206 days duty @ 20/___________Pounds 206....  .....)
To 161 days duty first Lieut @ 45/_________362.5 .... Pounds 568:5   Pounds 81:3:6 3/4
[Total] 367  20/  Pounds 367 or Pounds 52:8:6 3/4

I do hereby certify the above account to
be just & true
[signed] Fred R. Kimball Col

South Carolina
Camden District

This day came Lieut Charles 
McManus before me and
being duly sworn, declares the above account is
just and true and that he never received any
satisfaction for the same.  Sworn this 12th
of June 1784 before me.
[signed] Fred R. Kimball, J.D. 
When the above duty commenced or ended no
mention is made.  Rec'd 29th June[ink blot here]
Page 102

Received 19th May 1785, full satisfaction for the
within in an Indent No. 227 Book. R.
James McManus

Gentlemen.  Please to deliver to Mr. James
McManus any Indent of Indents that may
appear due to me from the State of South Carolina
& this shall be your sufficient Receipt for the same
this 7th day of Febry 1786.

To the Commissioner of
Treasury for the State of South Carolina
Charles McManus   227R

Certified by John Marshall, J.P.    

Mr. Chas. McManus his account of 206 days
duty as Private & 161 days as Lieut.

Amount to Pounds 81.. 3..6 3/4
Eighty one pounds three shillings & six pence, three
farthings sterling.

Exec.
J Mc A.G.(?)
Page 103

Columbia So Ca
Compt Genls Office
21st October 1853

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy from
Indent Book R. page 227 & also
of the account upon which said
Indent was issued.

Given under my hand
W. T. Arthur
for Compt Genl

(Seal of office)
Page 104

Alex Montgomery
15 July 1855
Page 105

State of South Carolina)
District of Lancaster)

On this 15 day of July AD one
thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared
before me Notary Public within and for the District and
State aforesaid Alexander Montgomery aged 97 years a resident
of said State & District who being duly sworn according
to law declares that he is the identical Alexander
Montgomery who was a private in the company commanded
by captains Coffee & Lieutenant John McMurray under General Sumter
in the Revolutionary war he further states that while he was out
under Sumter he has often seen Charles McManus deceased
under Sumter but he does not recollect his captain that
Charles McManus served under.  He further states that
he has saw Charles McManus in camps often.  He further
states he himself volunteered in about year A.D. 1780 for the term
during war and continued in actual service in
said war for the term of six months.  But he further states
that he cant prove any one hundred and forty days service
in the United Army or militia.  He further states that he lives in the same neighborhood
?hood that Charles McManus deceased lived in and that he married
Sarah Hancock in about the year AD 1796 and he raised a large
family in said neighborhood.  He further states Charles McManus is dead.
He makes this affidavit for the purpose in aiding the widow in the
to obtain/have pension to which she may be entitled under the
various act of Congress.  He further states that he has no interest
in claim of the widow for pension.  He further states that
he never heard the marriage disputed between Charles McManus and his said widow
and that said Charles McManus died at his residence in said District & State AD 1830.

Alexander (his mark) Montgomery
[inserted was what may have been a faded signature "Alex Montgomery"]

Test. of R. D. Montgarig
Page 106

Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before
me and I hereby certify that I believe said Alexander
Montgomery his of the age stated and that he was revolutionary
soldier and further I am not interested in the
claim of said widow for pension as attorney
agent or otherwise this 15 day of July AD 1853

John C. Seacrest (Seal)
Magst

State of South Carolina
District of Lancaster

I John A. Stewman
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions
for said District do hereby certify that John C. Secrist
Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were made
was at the time of so doing a Magistrate of the Peace
in and for said District duly commissioned and
sworn and that his signatures are genuine.

Witness my hand and and the seal of said
Court this 24th day of September AD 1855
J. A. Stewman
Clerk , CCP&GS
Page 107

J. A. Green
Reply Miss
May 15, 1858

Respecting the claim
of Burwell McManus
for a Pension
Page 108

Ripley Missi
May 13th 1858

Dear Sir

I write you this morning
to get you to investigate a matter
for me that is probably in your
office.  

Burwell McManus -- son
of Charles McManus who was in the
war of 1812 and I think held a commission
has made application for his farther's allowance
his mother being dead -- who drew up
to the time of her death -- Now
the question, is whether the Pension
ascends to the children at the
death of their parents.  The case has
been under investigation for some
time but I can find out nothing
about it.  The facts I have nearly
forgotten as McManus lived some
distance from here, and it has
been some time since I saw him.

The ? Geo. S. Houston, knows all
about it, and I want you to get
the facts from him and give it a
full investigation, and then let me
hear from you as it is a matter
of some interest to me.--

All one well and no ?--

Your attention to the above
will much oblige 

Your friend
J.A. Green