Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18475, for Edward Manchester, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Manchester, Edward Esther
W. 18475
CONTENTS

4322.
Massachusetts Esther Manchester widow of Edward Manchester R.I. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 55 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14. day of March 1849 and sent to A. Bassett Tumut Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 87 Vol. 2.

6671 Massachusetts
Edward Manchester of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Palmer of the Rgt commanded by Col Grary in the Mass R.V. line for 16 months 21 days
R.I. West State
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 35 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued on the 6th day of March 1833 and sent to Hon. J. L. Hodge. H. R.
Arrears to 4th of March $111.32 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept 27 83 $139 15
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book 9 Vol. 2 Page 97

11,781
© Edw. Manchester Bustal
Private 16 mos 21 days Adm. $35.66
Palmer Crab
J. L. Hodge, H R

16,781
BRIEF in the case of  Edward Manchester  of Bristol  in the State of Mass.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? about  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? no  3. How old is he? 71  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years. Months. Days.     In '77 July Summer & Fall 1 As a 4 terms as a Subltut Gen. Capt Hilyard { employed in guarding the shore   1   1   '78 Spring - Apr 1 private Capt Palmer - Co. C. Brigs   '79 21 " not named  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? - Battles of Brandywine & Red Bank Hills  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Littleton  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 2 living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Easton Examining Clerk. 14 July 1833

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ) BRISTOL, ss. )
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at New Bedford in and for said County on the Second day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Edward Manchester a resident of Westport in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventyone years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated (viz). in 1777 in Capt. David Williams company, in 1778 in Phillip Palmer's Co. The particular statement of service, under the 5 th interrogatory
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and Sixtyone .
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? Ans. I have a record of my age on the Family bible at my house.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Ans. When called into service I lived in Little Compton aforesaid, and I lived in said Little Compton about nine years after the Revolutionary War, and then moved into Westport aforesaid and have lived in Westport ever since.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? Ans. In the year 1777. I was a substitute for James Brownell one month and a Substitute for James Manchester one month, and Substitute for Charles Brownell one month, and Substitute for Thomas Palmer one month, afterwards in 1778, by enlistment one year.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
1. m o The said Edward Manchester declares that in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Seven he was living in Little Compton as an apprentice to James Richard Brownell of said Little Compton being then about sixteen years of age. The British having at that time possession of Rhode Island, a draft was made on the Militia of Little Compton, when James Brownell was drafted to go into the army for one month, the said James not satisfied to go, he agreed with the said Edward to take his place, the said Edward says he did take his place, entered the service of the United States as aforesaid in Capt David Hillyard's Company, Benja Lee was Lieutenant, and was stationed along the shore of Little Compton as a guard after the expiration of said month he was discharged and returned home. — that soon after his return James Manchester of said Little Compton was drafted, and the said Edward took his place for one month in the service as guard as above stated, and served the said term of one month as was discharged, that immediately after his discharge as last mentioned, Charles Brownell was drafted for one month as aforesaid, the said Edward took his place as a substitute and served for one month as aforesaid, after which Thomas Palmer of said Little Compton was drafted for one month, that the said Edward took his place as a substitute and served during said term of one month, making four months that he was actually in the service during the year 1777. as a substitute for the above named persons, that during the said time his business was as a guard on the shores of Little Compton as aforesaid; that he was at various places on the shore aforesaid during said time, and does not now positively recollect the day when he entered upon each of the above named 1. m o 1. m o 1. m o

Terms of and fall of that year.
when he left, but does remember that it was in the summer
The said Edward further declares that in the spring of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight believing it to be the month of April, he enlisted into the service of the United States for one year, in Capt Phillip Palmer's company, Ensign Wilson & Lieutenant Simmons, in Colonel Crary's Regiment, that after his enlistment he marched to Popesquash so called in said State of Rhode Island, made but a short stop at Popesquash, when he was marched to Bristol, when he arrived at Bristol he was stationed there to guard the Town and Shores, that he remained there in said service until the latter part of the Season when he was marched from Bristol to Howlands Ferry, to join the army which was then & there raised for General Sullivan, after 12. M th staying a short time at Howlands Ferry the army crossed over the Ferry and went on to Rhode Island, the said Edward says he was in Sullivan's Expedition from the commencement to the end of it, was at Batts Hill, & Quaker Hill at the time of the engagement between the British and American troops, after which the American army, or that part which he belonged left the Islands recrossed the Ferry at Howlands Ferry aforesaid, that he staid at Howlands Ferry till the weather became cold, he went down the river to Fogland, there remained guarding the Shores from Fogland to Second Point until the spring following, and until the year for which he had enlisted expired, when he was discharged, has no recollection of having a written discharge.
The said Edward further says, that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine does not recollect the precise time but it was the summer of that year, while he was in Little Compton aforesaid, there appeared off Second Point, a British armed vessel and some fear was entertained as to their landing - an alarm was made, and some of 3. weeks the Militia was called out to guard the shore - the said Edward says he was called for at this time, and went and was stationed on the shore as a guard for three weeks, after which he returned home - and has no recollection of receiving a written discharge.

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if 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? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
Ans I was a Soldier; And have no recollection of receiving a written discharge
7. State the names of the 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.
Deacon Sylvester Brownell, William A. Brown Esq. Nathaniel Tompkin Esq. Nathan L. Brownell Esq. Henry Brownell Esq. Frederick Brownell, Henry B. Gifford Esq. Adair Gifford, Doct. James H. Handy. Job Davis, Isaac Long, Thomas W. Melhuish, Isaac Palmer, Christopher Palmer, & Washington Davis
And the said Edward Manchester doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of Edward Manchester
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate.
WE Howard Tripp a Clergyman residing in Dartmouth adjoining Westport aforesaid and Abner B. Gifford residing in the same Westport hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Edward Manchester who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about Seventy one 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 to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate.
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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Howard Tripp who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Dartmouth  adjoining Westport in said County of Bristol, and that Abner B. Gifford Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate.
Register of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Edward Manchester of Westport in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County - s. s.
On this Sixteenth day of January in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty nine, Personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in said County, Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol. Esther Manchester, a resident of West Port in said County of Bristol, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Edward Manchester, late of West Port deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution, That the said Edward Manchester resided at Little Compton in the state of Rhode Island when he entered the service, but whether he was draughted, or volunteered, or was a substitute she cannot now positively say; but believes he voluntarily entered the service of his country.
She further declares that the said Edward Manchester was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, and she refers to the declaration made by him, and the evidence therein stated for the particulars of his rank and service in the War of the Revolution.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Edward Manchester, on the twenty first day of April in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two; That her husband the aforesaid Edward Manchester died on the twenty first day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty eight; That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred ninety four, viz. at the time above stated; And that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband as above stated.
Witness my hand and seal Abner B. Gifford
Esther X. Manchester mark

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written My name Oliver Prescott
I Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify that the above applicant for a pension is the Manchester Court by reason of bodily infirmity attend the Court Oliver Prescott
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrick Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott is the Judge of said Court of Probate and that the signatures to the above certificates purporting to be his are genuine. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court This twenty eighth day of January Eighteen hundred & thirty nine. J. Barrick

I Ephraim Manchester of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts testify and say that I am well acquainted with Esther Manchester of Westport, who is the widow of Edward Manchester deceased and that said Edward Manchester was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death, — that his widow the aforesaid Esther Manchester has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband, aforesaid Witness N. B. Gifford Ephraim Manchester
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County. s.s.
On this Sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine - personally appeared the above named Ephraim Manchester, who is well known to me - and made solemn oath that the deposition aforesaid by him signed is true in all its parts.
Honor B. Gifford Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mistlfs. I Arnold Barratt Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Oliver B. Gifford is a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that the signature to the within certificate purporting to be his, is genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty- nine — A Barratt

I Abner B. Gifford of Westport in the County of Bristol, aged fifty four years, do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Edward Manchester late of said Westport deceased - and that the said Edward Manchester died at said Westport on the twenty fifth day of February eighteen hundred and thirty eight leaving a widow viz. Esther Manchester who is still living and that the said Esther Manchester has remained a widow ever since the decease of her husband the said Edward Manchester - Abner B. Gifford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. January 28 th 1839 - Abner B. Gifford, a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed - Before me A. Burdett Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts To all to whom these presents shall come, I, Anselm D. Dowsdell, Register of the Court of Probate in the said County, do hereby certify that Anselm Dowsdell whose signature is subscribed to the within certificate is a Justice of the Peace in the said County -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of January 1839 - A Dowsdell
10 p.

4743
Esther Manchester widow of Edward Manchester
admitted Pr 16 us 21 days $55. 66 100
died 21 Feb 1838
A. Bapett Sanitary Clerk,

Town Clerk's Office Little Compton October 12 th 1838.
I certify that Edward son of Abner Manchester and Elizabeth his wife, deceased, and Ester Daughter of Edward Church deceased and Mary his wife were joined in Marriage — By me.
Jonathan Ellis Clerk.
Dated Little Compton April ye 21 st A. D. 1832. S. S. April twenty first Seventeen hundred and eighty two —
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in fair legible letters and figures — excepting the words, "April twenty first Seventeen hundred and eighty two."
A. H. B. W. M. C. Town Clerk.
State of Rhode-Island
County of Newport ss.
I Alexander A. Brownell above named, do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of my office, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
A. H. B. W. M. C. Town Clerk.
Sworn before me
P. H. Little Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island &c County of Newport ss.
I Daniel C. Denham, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Philip H. Little, is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Little Compton in the County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State bearing date the seventh day of May 1838 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty sixth day of October eighteen hundred & thirty eight.
Daniel C. Denham, Clerk.

Edward Manchester Mass. act of June 1832 to what time paid? Rev. Office.
June 26, 1839
Died 21 st Feb 1838 p st . that period
1855-65 died 1838
214

+
Reps B
Massachusetts
Esther Manchester.
widow of Edward Manchester, De who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1835. and who died on the 21st: February, 1838 - of Bristol Co in the State of Mass: - who was a private in the Compys - commanded by Captain Palmer of the Regt commanded by Col: Crocker - in the Rhode Island line for 16 Months & 21 days -
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 55 - Dollars 66 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March 1836 . 22 d February, 1838 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of June 1839, and sent to A. Baper Taunton, Mass -
Arrears to the 14 th of March 1839 $27.83 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept - 27.83 $81.83
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by M. H. Merrill Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 107

Reps July 5-
3333.c
Massachusetts.
Esther Manchester widow of Edward Manchester who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 21 February, 1838- of Bristol Co in the State of Mass: who was a private in the company - commanded by Captain Palmer _____ of the Regt commanded by Col. Cram _____ in the R. Island - line for 16 mos: 21 days -
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts - at the rate of 5 5 - Dollars 66 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. ending 21 February 1838 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 - day of July - 1843 and sent to Baystate, Farm- -ton, Mass: -
Whole amount due . . . . . $109. 61
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by William D _____ Clerk,
Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 107 -

1084. Massachusetts.
Esther Manchester
widow of Edward Manchester who was a Private
in the R. Island line
80 W. Mo. & 31 days
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 55 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of July, 1843. and sent to
J. Bapst Taunton Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1. Page 48.

221 West 35 th St
New York Nov 17/04
Commissioner of Pensions Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir:
Will you kindly give me what information there is in record in your bureau concerning Revolutionary pensioner Edward Marchbanks - where born - regiment to whom married - when and where - date of death - and if pension was continued to his widow if any - and when discontinued if so - and any

other data you may have con- cerning him - or her -
I would also be greatly obliged for similar information con- cerning Roger Catten of Conn. I am not certain that he was a pensioner -
Yours very truly
James B. Lunt

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss.
On this first day of September 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Esther Manchester a resident of Westport in the county of Bristol - aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1848. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Edward Manchester, who died in 1838 and who was a resident of Westport in said county of Bristol when he was pensioned under the Act of Congress of 1832 and who was a private in the Army of the Revolution. She further says that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17 th June 1844 on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid at the rate of Fifty five dollars and sixty six cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. her Jon a P. Gifford witness to signing. Esther Manchester mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me Benjamin Belisson Just of the Peace In presence of Hon. J. P. Gifford
I certify that the declarant aforesaid is personally known to me and is a widow and a person as she declares. Benjamin Belisson Just of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Wiltshire ss. I James Sproat, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Wiltshire, do hereby certify that Benjamin Belisson Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in the said County of Wiltshire, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty.
J. Sproat

Nov. 29, 1904, His 6 J.B. Laux, N.Y. City.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18475 Esther Munschke Widow of Edward Munschke Brn Rev. Mar.
Act: Feby. 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 9
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Tacitus Oct. 11. 1848
Sir
Herewith is inclosed the application of either Manchester or Westport in this County for a Pension under the Act of Feb. 2. 1848. Any communication you may be pleased to make in relation thereto may be made to me —
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt. A. Bassett
Th. Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City —

16,781 Edw d Manchester
J. L. H. 1899 HR

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Edward Manchester which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Y II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Y III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? — IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Y V. * Has he mentioned 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? Y VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Y IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Y X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ? Yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ? Yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service ? Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses ? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct ? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Feb 18
[Stylized signature or mark]
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Fauntleroy Mass. Feb. 12-1839-
Sir,
Accompanying this, are the applications of Jerusha Godfrey widow of John Godfrey decd. Rebecca Derry " of John Derry decd. Abigail Hodges " of John Hodges decd. Mehitable Hall " of Elkanah Hall decd. Chloe Duggett " of Joel Duggett decd Mary Coggshall " of Gideon Coggshall decd Esther Manchester " of Edward Manchester decd. Merciah Evans " of William Evans decd and the children of Martha Dunn, decd. who was the widow of Frederick Dunn, deceased for Pensions —
Any communication you may be pleased to make, relative thereto may be made to me —
Very Respectfully Yours Obediently J B Bassett
H. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington —

I Abner Simmons of Linton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy years, on the 22 nd day of September of this present year 1832 - testify and say that I am well acquainted with Edward Manchester now resident in Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts - that I was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, in the Service of the State Troops of Rhode Island - that sometime in the Month of March or April in the year Seventeen hundred and 84 Seventy eight I entered the Service of the United States as aforesaid in a Company commanded by Phillip Palmer - in Archibald Crary's regiment, that I served in said Company and Regiment for the term of one year - during which term Edward Manchester of Westport aforesaid was a soldier and served in the same Company and Regiment with me
Abner Simmons
State of Massachusetts
Bristol S.S. - on this Eleventh day of September in the year A.D. 1832 personally appeared before me the above named Abner Simmons Esq. and made solemn Oath according to Law that the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed is true in all its parts
Abner B. Gifford Just of Peace
and I do further certify that the above named Abner Simmons Esq. is well known to me - and that in my Opinion his statement is entitled to credit
Abner B. Gifford Just of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Almer B. Gifford is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol and that the signature to the within affidavit purporting to be his is the genuine signature of the said Almer B. Gifford —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this thirty first day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty two —
Anselm Bassett

I, Bursilla Manchester of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, aged Seventy years in the month of February last past - testify and say that I was a soldier in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war - that I served in the company commanded by Philip Palmer - and in the Regiment of Colonel Brary for one year, commencing in the month of March or April in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy eight - that the service was in the Rhode Island State troops in the State of Rhode Island - that Edward Manchester of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts was in the service aforesaid - with me during the term aforesaid - of one year - that I am well acquainted with said Edward Manchester, and have been intimately acquainted with him from his youth to the present day, all the time aforesaid having lived near to him - present - I testify Bursilla Manchester X Bursilla Manchester mark -
State of Massachusetts
Bristol - I, s. be it known that on this day of September in the year A.D. 1832, personally before me the subscriber, Bursilla Manchester above named who made oath according to Law that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed is true in all its parts before me Almon B. Gifford Juv. of the
and I do further testify that the said Bursilla Manchester is well known to me, and that in my opinion his statement is entitled to credit.
Almon B. Gifford Juv. of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. I Anselm Boush Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Almer B. Gifford is a Justice of the Peace and that the within  foregoing signatures which which  are affixed to the within  foregoing affidavits, justifying to be his  are the genuine signatures of the said Almer B. Gifford — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said Court This 22 d day of October A. D. 1832 — Anselm Boush.

Esther Manchester
Mass-
act 7. July 38
55 66
from 4 march 36 to 21 July 38.
A Bapell Esq 7 Taunton Mass-

for Annuity under act July 7. 1838
Arrears.
A. Bapett Taunton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol county ss.
On this twenty first day of April 1843 personally appeared before Abner B. Gifford a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Esther Manchester of Westport in said county, widow of Edward Manchester late of said Westport deceased, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath, say that she was pensioned for five years, under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838. at fifty five dollars and sixty six cents per annum, that she has received said pension from the twenty first day of February 1838. to March 4. 1841. That there is still in Arrear her pension from March 4. 1836. to February 21. 1838. The time when her late husband died which she requests may be allowed her. She further declares that she is still a widow.
witnes Abner B. Gifford Hannah Gifford
Esther
her
X Manchester mark.
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first above written
Before me Abner B. Gifford Just. of the Peace
I further certify that Esther Manchester, the declarant above mentioned is personally known to me.
Abner B. Gifford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss. I Anselm Powell Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County, do, hereby certify that Abner B. Gifford whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate was, at the date thereof and still is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty second day of April 1843
A Powell

740
Esther Manchester at 43 ?
$ 55:66 per an
A. Basset Farmton Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol County S.S. - On this Twenty first day of April 1843. - Personally appeared before Hon. B. Gifford a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Esther Manchester a resident of Westport in the County of Bristol aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Edward Manchester late of Westport in said County deceased, Who was a private in the Revolutionary Army, and served as he stated in his declaration under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, to which she refers for his said services that she was pensioned under the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838. That she received fifty five dollars and 66 Cents per year, from the twenty first day of February 1838, to March 4. 1841. She further declares that she is still a widow. -
witnes Almer B. Gifford Hannah Gifford
Esther Manchester mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written Before me Almer B. Gifford Just. Peace
I further Certify that Esther Manchester the declarant above mentioned is personally known to me Almer B. Gifford. Just. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County S.S. I Amos Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Almer B. Gifford, whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, was at the date thereof and still is a Justice of the Peace in for said County -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty second day of April 1843 A. Bassett