Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,040, for Elias Manchester, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Manchester, Elias
811,040
CONTENTS
carded

Albany, 1838 N.Y. 01 R 30.111
Elias Manchester discharged in the State of N. York who was a Pvt. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Edm. S. of the Regt. commanded by Col. Van Schaick in the New York line for 15 months.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 5 th April 1838 from 4 March 1837 to the 4. Sept 1837. Age notified 23 Oct 1838
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. at the rate of 50 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Aug. 1835 and sent to W. S. S. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1835 $200.00 Pension allowance ending 4 Sept 35 - 25.00 $225.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. M. [Signature] Clerk, Book E. 2 Vol. 14 Page 45
Letter to Hon. W. F. Doubleday 11. Jan. 1836

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
State of New York, Cayuga County ss.
On this 24 day of September 1832 Personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the The court of Common Pleas — now sitting Elias Manchester a resident of Sippio in the County of Cayuga and State of New York aged seventy four years and upwards, 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 entered the Service of the United States in the Month of March 1776. enlisted at Saratoga for Nine months under Capt. Robert Edmundson Lieutenant Michael Ryan, in Col. Van Schaick Regiment, Marched to Albany thence to Secondoga thence to St. Johns, and there met with and joined Gen. Arnolds Army when on their retreat thence to Fort George thence in company with Capt. Van Ness & Capt. Hodge's Companies to Schuyler Barracks at Saratoga in the County of Albany and was then discharged at the expiration of Nine Months. Then he had a written discharge which has since been lost.
That he Volunteered at Saratoga in June 1777 under Capt. Van Vort. in Col. Van Ruyven's Regiment. Marched to Fort Miller thence to Fort Edward and returned at the expiration of one Month Shortly afterwards Volunteered under the same officer Marched to Fort Ann remained in the service three weeks then returned to Saratoga; soon after Volunteered under the same officer in the same Company Marched to Schenoborough (now Whitehall) remained there Four weeks. had some skirmishes with the Indian Forces and a few British Regulars.

Retracted before Majr. Skene's force to Stillwater Saratoga 1089 Skene's force passing through Cambridge to Bennington
That he Volunteered again at the taking of Burgoyne at Sarato- -ga was in the service this time two weeks was in the engage- -ment when Burgoyne was taken was wounded in his right -14 thigh by a Ball.
That in the Month of March 1778 he enlisted at Saratoga (now Easton) under Capt. John Varni for Six Months. Mar- -ched to Albany and entered the Battle Service from Albany to West Point was discharged at Albany at the Ex- -piration of Six Months. don't recollect whether he had a written discharge if so it has been lost.
That in July in 1779. he was drafted in Capt. Jonathan Willers Company in Col. Southland's Regiment in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York. March to the Highlands remained three weeks and returned home.
That in August or Sept of the same year. he was again drafted under the same officer for three Months. to go to West Point, hired James Knapp as a Substitute to perform said three months Service, which he did perform and then return- -ed home. That in or about the Month of August. 1780
he was drafted at Dutchess County under Capt. Southland for three Months Marched to West Point thence to Fort. Art and remained in the Service until the expiration of the afore- -said three Months. That at another time he was at the -14 Highlands in a General alarm about two weeks.
That in the year. 1781. he was drafted under the same officer to go to West Point hired Henry Head as a Substitute who went and remained in the Service for Six weeks.

That in the year 1781. he was drafted under the same orders to go to West Point Thrice Henry Keck as a substitute who went, and remained in the Service for Six weeks.
That in or about the month of September 1782. he was drafted under Capt. Felt Wheeler in Col. Morehouse Regiment Marched to Croton River in the State of New York - Served Six weeks and then returned home.
  Fort  Months  Regt  Army    1 st Shell  1  Greensborough     Albany  6  Seneca     1 st P t  3  Highland      10  do     2 nd P t  10  Croton river      20 weeks = 5 months    

That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his Service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 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. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above recited
Elias F Manchester mark
We Ansel Clark a Clergyman residing in the town of Scipio in the County of Cayuga and State of New York and Samuel D King residing in the town County and state aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elias Manchester who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Ansel Clark
Subscribed and Sworn
This 24 day of Sept 1832 before me
Samuel D King
Isabel Fitch Judge of Cayuga County.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories described by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as in state and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Ansel Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Scipio and that Samuel D King who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Scipio and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit

That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his Service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 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. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Elias F Manchester mark
We Ansel Clark a Clergymen residing in the town of Scipio in the County of Cayuga and State of New York and Samuel D King residing in the town County and state aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elias Manchester who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Ansel Clark
Subscribed and Sworn
Samuel D. King
This 24 day of Sept 1832 before me
Isahell Titter Judge of the Court of Sessions.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogation as described by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Ansel Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergymen resident in the town of Scipio and that Samuel D. King who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Scipio and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit

State of New York Cayuga County Clerks office
ss.
I Michael S. Myers, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in said county, do certify that the foregoing contains the ori- ginal proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Elias Manchester for a pension.
Witness my hand & official Seal this 30th day of May
1833
M. S. Myers Clerk

13. 074 Elias Manchetto Coeymans Co N York
a.m.
Elias Manchetto Scipio, N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 shew 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 Elias Manchester
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. 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.   Years. Months. Days.     March 1776 9 Capt Camber 74 years Tradition of Saratoga a clergyman   " Cot Van Schaick   June 1777 1 " Capt Van Vert   Cot Van Bichter   21 " Some officers   28 " Same officers   14 "   March 1798 X 6 Butterfield Capt Varnum   July 1799 21 Capt Wells   and Cot Southworth   some year 3 Some officers   Aug. 1780 3 Capt Southworth   and   "another time" 21   1781 1 12 Same officers   Feb.   Nov 1782 1 12 Capt Wheeler   Cot Marshall  
I am respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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 of 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 } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ 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 _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
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, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &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 _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ 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 the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary 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 _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &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 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 traditional 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 must 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 the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an 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 his 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 a 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 places 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 of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 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 must 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 of 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Dec 30
N.Y.
Wm J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Rev. Nathaniel

J. S. O'Connell Esq. Scipio Dec 24 1838 Dear Sir
My Father (Elias Manchester) received a Certificate bearing date August 5. 1835. allowing him a Pension of fifty dollars a year. There must have been a mistake in the amount. I have waited in hopes it might be discovered & corrected at the department.
In your favour of the 26. August 1836. you say he would be entitled to 17 1/2 Months Service - if the 9 Months Service could be proved by record evidence, In yours of the 20. July. 1835. you say the records show that to have been. Nine Months & twenty five days which would make the aggregate 18 1/3 Months amounting to $73 33/100. a year instead of $50. as set forth in the Certificate.
He wishes a Certificate for the remaining balance of $23 33/100. a year. from the 4. of March 1831
It should be borne in mind that the applicant in this case states in his affidavit that in all cases where there was the least doubt as to the length of time he was in the service he has been careful to put the shortest possible period & that he served not less than the periods therein mentioned (that is in the declaration), which affidavit is abundantly sustained by the record evidence showing that the 9. Months set forth in the declaration turns out to be 9. months 25 days.
In my own case from my knowledge of the applicant's scrupulous regard to truth always keeping within the bounds of verity upon all subjects and at all times I have no doubt but he was in the service quite two years (exclusive of the 6 Months additional Ballarat Service for which you say he is not entitled to draw a Pension) and that no injustice would be done in allowing a full Pension.
Yours Respectfully E. Manchester

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY
August 30, 1929.
Mrs. Alma Johnston, Novi, Michigan.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 11040 , it appears that Elias Manchester was born in Dutchess County, New York in 1758.
While a resident of Washington County, New York, he enlisted and served as a private in the New York Troops as follows:
From March, 1776, nine months in Captain Robert Edmonston's Company, Colonel Van Schaick's Regiment.
From June, 1777, one month in Captain Van Vort's Company, Colonel Van Veghten's Regiment.
Shortly afterwards served three weeks under the same officers as previous enlistment; and soon thereafter served four weeks under the same officers as previous enlistment.
In October, 1777, two weeks, officers not stated, was at the battle of Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne, and was wounded in his right thigh, (nature of wound not stated).
From March, 1778, six months batteau service under Cap-

tain John Varner.
From July, 1779, three weeks in Captain Jonathan Weller's Company, Colonel Sutherland's Regiment.
From August, 1780, three months in Captain Sutherland's Company.
About two weeks at the Highlands in a general alarm, no officers given and date of enlistment not stated.
From in September, 1782, six weeks in Captain Felt Wheeler's Company, Colonel Morehouse's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Scipio, Cayuga County, New York.
Soldier's family is referred to, but no names are given except that of E. Manchester, a son, who, in 1835, was living in Scipio, New York.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Act 7 June 1832 New York Elias Manchester
Suspended
See let 21 Oct 1834 to E Manchester
See letter to
E Manchester Esq.
22. April 1834
Dear R. D. [?] John Russ N.Y.
See let 1-26 Aug 7 1834 to E Manchester
left to Hon. M. C. Moore 3 Jan'y 1835
left to Hon. M. C. Moore
left to Manchester 20 July 1835

H
Dear
35 Mt. Vernon St.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
June 10th 99.
Bureau of Pensions:-
Will you kindly furnish information concerning Elias Manchestu who served as a private through the Revolutionary War. Was in Benedict Arnold's company and at the "Taking of Burgoyne" I would like date of

marriage and birth if possible. He drew a pension (I believe) and married Patience Baylee -
Thanking you 2
Yours - Alma Holt.
Mrs. C. H. Holt, 135 Mt. Vernon St. Grand Rapids Mich.

Rev. May
11040
INVALID.
File No. 11040
Elias Manchester
Dist. R.R. Co.
Act: June 1st 1832.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 238
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 3. 1897 - History to Mr. J. D. H. Manchester Denver. Indiana.
1909 June 22. Hist. to Mrs.
C. H. Holt. P.
1911 Sept. 25. Hist to Louis B Manchester
1917 Aug. 20. Hist to Mrs. Clyde P. Johnston
1928, July 17, Hist to Mrs.
Paul McCowan, M.E.
1929 Aug. 30. Hist. to Mrs. Alma Johnston, AN.Y.

Cleveland Ohio
Sept 18-1911
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C
Dear sir:—
If there is any record on file in your office, will you kindly furnish me with a statement of the military history of Elias Manchester, a private in Col Van Schaick's New York Battalion, Revolutionary War.

Also any data regarding parents of this man if any record is on file.
Very truly yours
Louis B. Manchester
2165 E. 86 th St

Rev. Sec in
Hastings, Michigan August, 12, 1917.
Pension Department, Washington, D.C. Sir:-
Will you kindly send me the Record of my Grand father's (Elias) Manchester, Pension. He fought in the Revolutionary War.

And Oblige,
(Mrs.) Clyde P. Johnston.
228 S. Broadway.
Hastings, Michigan.

M.E.E.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
July 17, 1928
Mrs. Pearl McCowan Box 306 Mason, Michigan
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 11040, it appears that Elias Manchester was born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1758.
While a resident of Washington County, New York, he enlisted and served as a private in the New York Troops as follows:
From March, 1776, nine months in Captain Robert Edmonston's Company, Colonel Van Schaick's Regiment.
From June, 1777, one month in Captain Van Vort's Company, Colonel Van Vechten's Regiment.
Shortly afterwards served three weeks under the same officers as previous enlistment; and soon thereafter served four weeks under the same officers as previous enlistment.
In October, 1777, two weeks, officers not stated, was at the battle of Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne, and was wounded in his right thigh, (nature of wound not stated).
From March, 1778, six months battalions service under Captain John Varner.

From July, 1779, three weeks in Captain Jonathan Weller's Company, Colonel Sutherland's Regiment.
From August, 1780, three months in Captain Sutherland's Company.
About two weeks at the Highlands in a general alarm, no officers given and date of enlistment not stated.
From in September, 1782, six weeks in Captain Felt Wheeler's Company, Colonel Morehouse's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Scipio, Cayuga County, New York.
Soldier's family is referred to, but no names are given except that of E. Manchester, a son, who, in 1835, was living in Scipio, New York.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

For a statement of the military history of Eliza Manchester soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's ) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
File 11040
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mar   May 76 9 mos. Pri. Robt. Edmonston Van Schaick N.Y.   June 77 2 yrs. 3 wks. Van Vort Van Veyten   * Oct. 77 2 wks.   March 78 6 mos. John Varner (Battalion service)   July 79 3 wks. Jonathan Weller Southerland   Aug 80 3 mos. Southerland ✓   Sept. 82 6 wks. Felt Wheeler Moorehouse  
Battles engaged in, taking of Kingston and loss of fort
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Washington Co., N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 24 1832. All.
Residence at date of application, Scipio, Cayuga Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, born in 1758 in Dutchess Co. N.Y.
Remarks: Sen E. Manchester was alive in 1835. No other family data living in Scipio City.
Very respectfully,

Novi, Mich., June 3, 1929
U.S. Bureau of Pensions, Rev. & 1812 Wars section.
Dear Sirs:-
Will you kindly send me the war record of Elias Manchester, born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1758? Understand from other descendants of Elias Manchester that the records are under pension claim, S 11040 . I can trace my own ancestry back to him, and desire the official record so that I may be eligible to join the D.A.R.
Manchester was a resident of Scipio, Cayuga County, New York, when granted a pension, in 1832.
Thanking you in advance for any information,
I am,
Very truly,
Mrs Alma Johnston,
Novi,
Michigan.

HOME OFFICE
INCORPORATED 1852 Milwaukee Mechanics' Insurance Company Milwaukee, Wis.
CHAS. H. YUNKER PRESIDENT G. W. GROSSENBACH, VICE PRESIDENT ROBE. BIRD, 2 ND VICE PRESIDENT R. H. WIEBEN, SECRETARY EMIL TEICH, ASST. SECRETARY CHARLES KLENK, ASST. SECRETARY RENE STECKEL, ASST. SECRETARY ERNEST G. EBERT, ASST. TREASURER AGENCY SUPERINTENDENTS C. O. SATRANG H. E. BONING
WM. E. C. Mc COWAN, AGENT MASON, MICHIGAN
Mason, Ingham County, Michigan.
September 15, 1927
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs;—
Can you supply us with any thing more of the Revolutionary War Record of one Elias Manchester , who served as a private in Capt Robert Edmonston's Company, Col. Van Schaik's Battalion of Forces, raised in the State of New York. His name appears on a company muster roll of that organization covering the period from February 18, to December 17, 1776, which shows that he enlisted February 22, 1776.
Family records state that his father, Elias Manchester, was killed in April 1758 in the French and Indian War, four months before the Elias mentioned above was born.
They also state that the Elias of revolutionary times was taken to raise by a Quaker family named Cook who moved to White Creek, Washington Co., N.Y. and that he served in several engagements during the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Fort Edward, and the taking of Burgoyne in 1777, in which engagement he was wounded in the right thigh. Haven't been able to verify the latter, or his marriage to Patience Boyce, on October 16, 1783. The latter is said to be a daughter of Benjamin Boyce, thought to have been an officer in the "Husted" Revolutionary War. (Don't know what that means). Benjamin lived in Duchess county, N.Y. Would be glad of anything authentic concerning him also.
over.
TIME-TEMPERED STRENGTH. SECURITY AND SERVICE

Thanking you in advance for any information which you may be able to give,
Yours very truly, Mrs Pearl McCowan Box 306 Mason Mich

J M
Denver, Ind., Feby 26 1897 Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
There is about to be formed in this State a Society of the "Sons of the Revolution" which I desire to join.
My great grandfather Elias Manchester was a "Revolutionary" and was wounded at the battle of Bemis' Heights at the capture of Burgaine and I suppose a pensioner. He was born Aug 15, 1758 and died May 12 1846. Place of nativity Dutchess County N.Y. place of death Cayuga Co N.Y. He was a member of some N.Y. regiment or co-
I desire a certificate signed by proper party as to fact of his service, date of enlistment, discharge, rank, co, regt &c-
Address
T. D. W. Manchester Denver Indiana Miami Co

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
October 19. 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Elias Manchester a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of fifty — Dollars and " " — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1837 to the 4 th of September 1837
Respectfully, yours,
William E. Parrish
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Oct 9. 39 E. Manchester
Add. evi.
Scipio N.Y. Oct 2 d
39/72
Eliza Manchester J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions Washington City

L. Edwards Esq. Scipio Oct. 1. 1834
Sir. Your letter of the 26. August was duly recd. in which further Proof was required in the case of the Application of Elias Manchester for a Pension. Enclosed is the Affidavit of John Whitcomb of the Nine Months Service to which Elisha Freeman testified, Making thereon two affidavits of that Service by witnesses certified to be competent & credible.
I have written the Secretary of State of this State to forward you evidence of E. Manchester being a Capt. in Washburn's Regiment & to disprove some of the facts. but have received no answer. I am surprised that this case or claim should require so much more & different testimony than others in this section who have long since received their pension also. why this Applicant should be deprived the benefit of his Battery Service while others are since to be allowed for the same Service.
Elisha Freeman has been drawing upon the testimony of my Father a pension for this identical Nine Months Service. they were in the same company under the same officers. & in the same mess.
Yours

By referring to the papers, you will perceive you have the Testimony of the Applicant whose character & credibility is supported in the strongest manner by the most respectable men in this country & the Affidavits of Bishop Freeman & John White- side that he since Nine Months under best Edmondson. If then should not have been such a company & kept, there must be a great mystery somewhere.
I am very desirous that this claim should be speedily acknowledged & adjusted as I trust there can no longer be any doubts of its justice
But if still further testimony must be had please give me the earliest possible information as I have concluded to forego for a long time the Applicant lives if necessary to obtain his just & lawful claim upon his country
Yours Respectfully J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City.
E. Manchester

Dec 31.
My
W. F. Doubleday A.A.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Cours of Pensylvania
Hon. W. F. Doubleday H.R.
Miss Manchester

Washington Dec. 20. 1838
Sir
I send the enclosed for your consideration, and have the honor to be respectfully your ob t Serv t
U. F. Doubleday
Hon J. L. Edwards Com te of Pensions

State of New York, County of Washington & town of Cambridge ss. John Whiteside of said County, being duly sworn, doth depose & say, That he is eighty years old that he is well acquainted with Elias Manchester of Sipio in the County of Cayuga, who, is an applicant for a pension. That he lived neighbor to, & was well acquainted with said Manchester in the year 1776, in the then County of Albany, now County of Washington & town of Cambridge and that said Elias Manchester enlisted in the winter or early in the spring of the year 1776, under Capt. Robert Edmunsen, in Col. Van Schaik's Regiment & service in said Company & Regiment nine months & received an honorable discharge. That he has been acquainted with said Manchester for a period of sixty years, & that said Manchester has, during that time sustained a good character, & is & has been, always, considered a man of strict Integrity & sound Veracity & further saith not.
Subscribed & sworn to at Cambridge      John Whiteside
Sept. 25 th 1834 before me
John P. Putnam Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Whiteside who subscribed the foregoing Affi- -avit, that he is of sound mind & entitled to full credit as a witness Cambridge Sept. 25 th 1834. J. P. Putnam Justice of the Peace

State of New York Franklin county ss. I, James Prescott, Deputy Clerk of the said court do hereby certify that
John P. Putnam, Commissioner of the within affidavit, appears to be known and whose name is subscribed to the certificate of credibility, was then and there, at the time of Notice of the pendency in and for the said court and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Notice and verily be- lieve his signature subscribed within to be his, upon his writing and signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court the twenty sixth day of October 1834.
J. Prescott, Dep. Clerk -

Sequoia Aug 19
1894
J. S. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions Washington City
at ev. sent
Dear Francis

J. L. Edwards Esq. Supt August 19. 1834
Dear Sir
In April I had a communication through R. Day. Rep. in Congress. saying that the pension papers in the case of my Father Elias Manchester, were placed on file in the office except the Affidavit of Elisha Freeman which was forwarded to obtain a certificate from the Justice of the credibility of Freeman as a witness. Said certificate was obtained and the Affidavit forwarded to the Pension Office Direct to you -
I am desirous of knowing whether it has been received, & whether my Father is likely to obtain his pension. He is willing to receive his just due from his country but if deferred many years more he will probably be beyond the reach of want.
You will discover by the declaration that during the time spent in the late war service, he was a regularly enlisted soldier, was officered & drew pay and all other things in the same manner -
Yours Most Sincere E. Manchester

John Cooper Esqr. the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Cattaraugus, before whom the annexed Affidavit of Elisha Freeman was taken sworn and subscribed at Leon on the 28th day of February 1834. Do certify that I am well acquainted with said Elisha Freeman and that he was of sound mind at the time of making said affidavit, that he is a man of good character and entitled to full credit as a witness.
Dated at Leon this 11 th day of June A.D. 1834.
John Cooper Justice Peace
State of New York
Cattaraugus County ss.
I John M. Staunton clerk of the said county do certify that John Cooper Esqr. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the date of the same a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Cattaraugus duly elected and qualified, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the above certificate to be his own proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 12th day of June A.D. 1834.
John M. Staunton, Clerk
John M. Staunton, Clerk

Town of Leon, Delaware County, State of New York.
Elisha Freeman of said County being duly sworn, doth depose & say. That he is well acquainted with Elias Manchester of Seneca County, N.Y. who is an applicant for a pension (as appears from the papers herunto annexed) And that he (the deponent) was in the United States Service with said Elias Manchester in the year 1776. That the said Elias Manchester enlisted as this deponent believes in the month of Feb. 1776. and served for one year. That this deponent was with him during said term of service and at the time of his discharge & knows he served faithfully during said term of one year and was honorably discharged. Though there was no written discharge. That said Elias Manchester enlisted under Capt. Robert Edmonson & marched to Albany, then to Poughkeepsie then to St. Johns & then met & retreated with Gen. Arnold's Army to Schuylkill Banks as set forth in his declaration but this deponent believes the term of service which he served was one year instead of nine months as set forth in his declaration.
This deponent further says. That said Elias Manchester was in the Battle of Saratoga under Capt. John Warner in 1778. as set forth in his declaration this deponent believes this term of service to have been six months and further saith not.
Subscribed & sworn to this 28th day of Feb. 1834. before me
Elisha Freeman mark John Cooper Justice of the Peace

State of New York Cattaraugus County ss. I John M. Stanton clerk of said county do certify that John Cooper esq before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized to take affidavits and administer oaths and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe his name subscribed to said affidavit to be his own hand writing and signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said county this first day of march in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty four. John M. Stanton. clerk
State of New York Cattaraugus County ss. I John M. Stanton. clerk of the said county do certify that John Cooper esq before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, that I am well acquaint- ed with his hand writing and truly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this first day of March A.D. 1834 John M. Stanton. clerk

Wen. W. F. Southday, Sapio Dec. 24. 1835 Dear Sir
After a long and tedious effort my Father (Elias Manchester) has been allowed a Pension of $50. a year. which is $233 1 / 3 per. life than the department had previously acknowledged his claim. providing he could prove medical evidence of 9 Months of the time set forth & proved by Affidavit which medical claim has. subsequently been allowed and admitted by the department.
I apprehend. it is a mistake at the department. which will be corrected at once but should it turn out otherwise. I wish you to give to the subject the attention required to secure his just right.
He is entitled to the sum. above named from the most in dubitable evidence as set forth in his Depn. as well as by the admissions of the department that he would be entitled to 17 1 / 2 Months proving there should be medical evidence of the 9. Months which turns out on record. 9 M. 25. days. besides which you will perceive that there can be no separate periods. of time added together that are set forth in the declaration that would amount to just fifty dollars the amount allowed
Then it will appear evident at once that there is a mistake, unless the administrators of the Pension Law think they have a right to administer it as they understand it, and so when $233 1 / 3 per. is proved. pay $50.
I have written to Mr. Edwards of this dept. directing his attention to the subject
Yours. Sincerely E. Manchester

106 90 ) 121 ( 4 16 120 1
9.25 1.00 21 28  14 21 ) 131 1.12
15.16 14.18 14 150. 30 ) 121 ( 4 120  J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pension Washington City

Scituate March 25. 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir
I herewith send my Father's papers setting forth his claims for a pension. He had after diligent enquiry and at a very considerable expense been able to discover a living witness of his service viz. Elisha Freeman who was in the service with him & by whose affidavit witnessed to the papers. he proves eighteen months service.
The remainder of the time rests upon his own affidavit & certificate & sustained by witnesses of high character as you can readily learn from the Hon. Rowland Day a member of Congress from this County he being personally acquainted with them.
It does seem to me that the evidence in this case most amply complies with the requirement of the Act of June 7. 1832.
I hope the evidence may prove satisfactory to the department & his just claims on his Country acknowledged, that he may be blessed with its benefits the few remaining days or years. Alleluia to him in this world of trials.
Yours Obedt.
S. C. Manchester

May 1869 Elias Manches 28. C. Ave.
Elizabethe Ky. June 13. 1869
free
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City -

13.074
Elias Manchester
Admitted Private 15 months $50.00
Admitted Private 15 months
Boat service Hospital On roll of Col Van Schuick Ent d 22 nd Feb. 1776 Must d 17 Dec 11-9-25
Elias Manchester Schuick New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
August 12 to 1833
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. These 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, showing the Service of Elias Manchester
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. 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.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 9 25 Pt Capt Van Klief at Van Schaick   1777 1 — " " Van Woert " Van Vechten   0 21 " " " " " "   0 28 " " " " " "   0 14 " officers not named   1778 4 6 — " Capt Vemon — Boston   21 " " Wilkes at Sutherland   1780 4 3 — " " Sutherland   4 14 " officers not mentioned   1782 1 12 — " " Wheeler at Alnshaus  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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 of 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 } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the 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
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
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 of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &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 and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary 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 and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &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
It cannot be admitted that so many hours of service performed at... There are applicants for pensions who served at the same time and... proper officers to take affidavits to be used in support of claim

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 traditional 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 inquiry 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 must 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 the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an 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 his 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 a 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 places 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 of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 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 must 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 of 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
different periods are wholly unsearchable of proof the same officers & Voluntary Public is not the same as this office - The same such officer to a service of 2 years

Scipio NY July 28
Free
Aug 3 NY.
O. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

J. S. Edwards Esq. Sir
Verpion July 28. 1833
In favour of the St. Just. Aspire me. The reason why my Father never made application for a pension under the Law of 1815. was because he supposed that Law was made exclusively for paupers to which class he never belonged, although in consequence of the infirmity of age, & the helplessness of his family he has become very much reduced, and is in fact poor. In his declaration and affidavit he relinquishes his claim to any pension or a pension right in the present case, and declares his name is not on the pension list or role of the agency of any state - I am somewhat surprised that the request has not to procure the money on that part of service which is long since acknowledged to be satisfactory proved has never been forwarded & now that the nine months & 25 days are proved, I hope there will be no delay in forwarding the proper papers by which he can procure the money due him by Law , as well as by every principle of Moral Justice . He has been lost by a long time whilst others have been enjoying the benefits of their early labour & privations.
Yours Aff. E. Manchester

These papers will duly attached but separated in order that they might be read

Personally appeared before me, Josiah King Esq - a justice of the peace in & for the county of Washington New York. Elias Manchester of Saipen in said county, well known to me to be the same person who subscribed the annexed declaration. Who being duly sworn, with dispensation that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear to the precise day that he entered the service of his country as a soldier of the revolution at the different times he enlisted, was drafted & volunteered in the exact length of time he served. Some of the times he was drafted & volunteered. That he was careful in making his declaration hereunto annexed & which was sworn to by him in open court on the 24. day of Sept 1852, in those cases when there were any doubts to put the shortest possible time & according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods therein mentioned. & for such service he claims a pension.
That he served in the capacity of a private in each instance that he was in the field, on the march or in the garrison, during the whole time of service. Service & was not employed in any civil pursuit any part of the time.
That he has made diligent inquiry & has not been able to discover a hear of any pension money, by whom he can show his service except those who have subscribed the un- nigned affidavits.
That the true answer to the questions prescribed by the war department to be put by the judges, most or all of which were put to and answered by him, are 1. He was born in the county of Dutchess in the state of New York 1758 2. Has no record of his age except that contained in his family Bible 3. When called into service he lived in Washington County afterwards moved to and lived in Dutchess then moved back to Washington & now lives in Poughkeepsie 4. He enlisted was drafted & volunteered as set forth in his declaration 5. at Scenderosa Col. Wynkoop was the commander at St Johns Jan. Arnold & Waldbury at Fort. George Col. Gansvoort 6. He is not pensioned but thinks he had a written discharge at the expiration of the first term of service.

the commission at St. Johns. Gen. Arnold L. Waterbury at Fort. Gray Col. Ganswoot L. He is not positive but think he had a written discharge at the expiration of the first term of service
I. at. the expiration of the six months service under Capt. Varna If so. they have long since been lost. 7. He is known by Amos Black (a Congregational Minister) Rev. Seth Thomas (a revolutionary officer & pensioner) Deborah Fitch (an Ex. Judg. of Cayuga. Common Pleas) Benjamin Diney Esq. a late Justice of the Peace for the town of Lippis & Capt. William Bennet & many others who will testify to his vicinity, & that they unhesitatingly believe him to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he served as set forth in his declaration Subscribed & sworn March 18 th 1834 before me
Eliab the Manchester March
Josiah King Justice of the Peace
Cayuga County ss.
Seth Thomas of said county being duly sworn doth depose & say, that he is well acquainted with Eliab neighbor to Elias Manchester of Lippis & that he was well acquaint- ed with Eliab neighbor to him & his associates in arms in the County of Washington. That he was then and is now by his neighbors and acquaintances believed to have been a soldier of the revolution & that he fully concurs in that opinion. That he was then & is now a man of sound intelli- gence, & strict veracity That this deponent has examined the said Elias Manchester's Declaration & Affidavit relative to pension & that he has no doubt but what he served as therein mentioned
Seth Thomas
Subscribed & sworn March 19 th 1834 before me
Josiah King - Justice of the Peace
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Said Elias Manchester Declaration & Affidavit herunto annexed & that he has no doubt but what he said in them mentioned Subscribed & Sworn March 19 th 1834 before me Josiah King - Justice of the Peace
Cayuga County ss.
Asahel Fitch, Benjamin Olney & William Bennett of said County, being duly affirmed do upon their solemn affirmation say severally that they live neighbors to & are well acquainted with Elias Man- chester of said who made the foregoing Affidavit & declar- ation herunto annexed, & that they each of them know him to be a man of good character & sound veracity & that he is in the neighborhood where he resides believ- ing him to be a soldier of the revolution & that they concur in that opinion and verily believe that he lived his life as set forth in his Declaration herunto annexed
Subscribed & Affirmed March 10 th 1834 before me Josiah King Justice of the Peace
Asahel Fitch Benjamin Olney Wm Bennett
I hereby certify that Elias Manchester, Seth Thomas Asahel Fitch, Benjamin Olney & William Bennett, who subscribed & before me sworn and affirmed to the foregoing Affidavit are men of unexceptionable character & sound integrity Josiah King Justice of the Peace

State of New York Cayuga County Clerks Official File
I Michael V. Myers Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cayuga do Certify that the foregoing papers contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elias Manchester for a pension. And I further Certify that Josiah W. King Esquire was on the eighteenth and nineteenth days of March 1834 a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and do verily believe his signature to the annexed affidavits & Certificate to be genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 28 th day of March A D 1834 M. V. Myers Clerk