Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 835, Levi Wright, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Wright, Levi Mercy
N. 835 B.L. No. 12582-160-55-
CONTENTS

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Dec. 1. 1855
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed.
William H. Soule was Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
W. H. Winthrop Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. Dec. 1 st 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Levi Wright is borne on pay roll of Capt. John Bradford (comp. Col. Shephard's Cotton's Regt of 8 mos men, return made Oct. 7. 1775, name borne on Coat roll, dated Roxbury Nov. 9. 1775. as private, from Plympton.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Henry Wright

No. 83,949 Duplicate
Declaration of a WIDOW who has NEVER HAD a Land Warrant
State of Massachusetts
COUNTY OF Weymouth
88.
On this twenty seventh - day of November , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five , personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mercy Wright - aged Seventy seven years, a resident of Plympton - in the State of Massachusetts who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Levi Wright deceased, who was a soldier in the private in the revolutionary war in the Company commanded by Captain _____ Regiment of _____ in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th of June, 1812,
that her said husband _____ at _____ on or about the _____ day of _____, A. D. 18_____, for the term of _____ and continued in actual service in said war for the term of _____ and was honorably discharged at _____ on the _____ day of _____, A. D. 18_____; but that, to the best of her knowledge and belief, her husband never received any written or printed discharge,
She further states that she was married to the said Levi Wright in Middleborough , on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 18_____, by one Joshua Eddy — a Justice of the Peace , and that her name before her said marriage was Mercy Tinkham ; that her said husband died at Plympton —, on the first — day of October —, A. D. 1840, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3, 1855," and prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Louis Gregory & Son, of Marblehead, Mass. ; and declares that she has not received a Bounty Land Warrant under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
and prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Wm. H. Soule, Plympton Massachusetts
Witness
Wm. H. South
Mercy + Wright
ms. A. 9. 2. 20

We Joshua Loring — and Wm. H. Soule residents of Plympton — in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mercy Wright — in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Joshua Loring Wm. H. Soule.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be; and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm. H. Soule
Justice of the Peace.
State of Massachusetts , Plymouth — County.
We, Joshua Loring — and Wm. H. Soule — having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Levi Wright who was a Soldier — in the war of the Revolution whose widow now applies for bounty land; that we knew him for more than twenty- years before his death, which occurred at Plympton — about fifteen years ago; that we know that he died about that time, because he was a townsman, and neighbour to one of the witnesses and saw him upon his last bed of sickness — that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she is now unmarried, and that we are disinterested.
Joshua Loring Wm. H. Soule.
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this of November — A. D. 1855.
Twentyseventh — day
Wm. H. Soule Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified, that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Joshua Loring , and Wm. H. Soule — of the said County and State, whom I know to be credible persons, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the foregoing application; that Mercy Wright — the applicant for bounty land in the foregoing declaration is now unmarried, and that she is the widow of the late Levi Wright — who was a Soldier in — in the war of the revolution — and that the said Levi Wright died at the time above stated, which I know from observation being a neighbour then to him where he died, and from the records of the town which are in my custody, being Town Clerk. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, this Twentyseventh —
day of November A. D. 1855.
Wm. H. Soule Justice of the Peace.
P.S. Same erasures were made in the foregoing before signing. Wm. H. Soule Justice of the Peace.

6565 Levi Wright
W.C.E
506 April 1833
J. B. Thomas Plymouth Mass

6565
BRIEF in the case of Levi Wright of Plympton in the State of Mass Plymouth (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy five  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.     From Apr l to Dec r , 75. In 17 8 As a Private Gen. Capt n Bradford - Col Cotton Lieut n Bisbe guarding Shore Capt n Washburn - Col Brooks   at the time the English were on Rhode Island *   From Dec r 77 till Apr l 78 5  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Plympton  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Two living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. C. Easton Examining Clerk. 25 Jan y 1833
* don't say how long he served; but one month is put in the margin of the declaration * He claims 5 months, the above statement makes it but 4 months

Levi Wright Plymouth Massachusetts
No 6565.
Respectfully, I have the honor to submit the following statement in the form of an affidavit to the matter of the application of the petitioners, to wit: that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court of the Court of
and that the same is a true and correct copy of the original thereof, and is a true and correct copy of the original thereof, and is a true and correct copy of the original thereof.
who has signed the foregoing statement, is a representative resident in the town of Plymouth, and after having the same read to him, acknowledged that the same is true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, and that the same is true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.
Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, and of the Independence of the United States the twenty-ninth.
Levi Wright

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF PLYMOUTH, ss.
ON this thirteenth day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Plymouth within and for said County of Plymouth, Levi Wright a resident of Plymouth in said County of Plymouth, and Common- wealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Four 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. He hereby relinquis- hes 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. That is to say, that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
(P. month) That I Enlisted in the Company commanded by Capt John Bradford and in Col. Collins Regiment stationed at Roxbury Massachusetts from April to December 1775 and served in said Bradford Company Eight Months which was the time of Enlistment and was at Roxbury the time the Battle was on Bunkerhill
(1 month) and was at Roxbury and on a private Expedition or alarm stationed at Barrington which time cannot remember but at the time the English was on the Island Lieutenant Elijah Prindle was commander on that Expedition guarding the shores against the English

That I Enlisted and went to Cambridge and joined Captain Ebenezer Washburn's Company and in Col. Brooks Regiment and served in said Washburn's Company Four Months guarding 5 Months English Prisoners, Burgoyne's troops at Prospect Hill From December 1777 to April 1778
in the said United Camps. I served Fourteen Months then lived in the town of Plymouth and have lived in Plymouth to the present time my Birth was in Plymouth in the year 1756 and I resided in the Town Records of Plymouth. Never received any written Discharge from said Camps. I am known to Lewis Brodford Town Clerk of Plymouth Jonathan Parker of Plymouth Lockhart Eddy Esq. of Middleborough
Levi Knight
Sworn to me subscribed on the days year aforesaid in the Court of Common Pleas
Abel Root Clerk

We, Elijah Dexter a clergyman, residing in the town of Plympton and Lewis Bradford Town Clerk residing in the Plympton hereby certify, that we are well ac- quainted with Levi Wright who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Five - years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Elijah Dexter Lewis Bradford
in this Court to Common Pleas Attest W. B. Morris Clerk 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 Elijah Dexter who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Plympton and that Lewis Bradford who has also signed the same, is a resident in the Town of Plympton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By order of the Court
Attest W. B. Morris Clerk
I, W. B. Morris of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Levi Wright for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
W. B. Morris

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston June 20 th 1853.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestations Nathan Wing, Isaac Wright and William H. Soule - were justices of the Peace for the County of Plymouth.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I George Pickens Town Clerk of the Town of Middleburyh Massachusetts hereby certify that in the records of Marriages in said Town the Marriage of Levi Wright and Mary Sinkham is recorded as follows viz
Eighteen hundred and twenty five May Twenty fifth Me Levi Wright with Mrs Mary Sinkham both of Middleburyh
True Copy of my Record. Attest Joshua Eddy Free Press
I George Pickens above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Middleburyh Mass. and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of Marriages in said Town with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows viz 1825 May 25 th
George Pickens Town Clerk. of Middleburyh
Wymouth fr. April 2 d 1833. Subscribed and sworn to before me.
William King Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth Town of Plympton.
(a) Levi Wright, died in Plympton, on Thursday October the first, Eighteen hundred and forty, aged Eighty four years, one month & twenty one days.
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, and age which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows:— (b)
“ October 1. 1840. ”
“ aged 84 years, 1 month and 21 days ”
Wm. H. Soule
I, Wm. H. Soule — above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk — in the town, county, and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Wm. H. Soule { Town Clerk { of Plympton
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this Thirtieth day of May — A.D. 1853.
Levi Wright Justice of the Peace.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.

I Isaac Wright of Plympton, in the County of Plymouth Esquire, on Oath depose & say that I have always resided in said town. I well knew Levi Wright late of said Plympton deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. I am also acquainted with his Widow Mercy Wright, who is now living & has not been married since the decease of her said husband Levi Wright. She was formerly from Middleborough in this County. I knew her before she married Levi Wright & have known her ever since Levi Wright her husband died the first day of October in the Year Eighteen hundred & forty.
Isaac Wright
Plymouth ss. June 14 th 1853 Then the above named Isaac Wright well known to me to be a credible person appeared before me & made Oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed
Wm. H. Soule Justice of Peace

Set W P Soule Nov 13/55
Vol W 2, page 142
83945 Oct Mar 3/55 April 20/55
Mary Wright wid of Levi Wright Priv
Private D c Cotton
Miss Troops
Regr War
Rev Ransomer
No mab Feb 53-186j
ad. 160 acs Dec 6/55
Dodge
Plus
Wm H Soule Plymouth Mich

1867
Massachusetts
Mercy Wright
widow of Levi Wright
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a
private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
3 rd February 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the
12 th day of Sept r 53
and sent to
Jacob H. Lono Plymouth Mass a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 20, 1842, Page 47 Vol. A
Feby 3 rd 53
1832
Reg 3 rd m 55-83949
Chas. N.

10.368
Massachusetts
Sir Wright
of Plymouth in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Bradford of the Regt commanded by Col. Cotton in the Mass time for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of April 1831 and dated Thos B. Plymouth Mass
Arrears to the 14th of March 1831 $86.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept th 21.67 $108.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. H. Atwater Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 90

State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth ss.
On this seventh day of June in the Year One thousand eight hundred & fifty three personally appeared before the Hon. Aaron Hobart Judge of Probate for the said County of Plymouth Mercy Wright a resident of Plympton, in said County, Widow, aged Seventy-six years, who first being 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 third February 1853; that she is the Widow of Levi Wright late of said Plympton deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War & a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7 1832 at the rate of forty three dollars & 33 cents per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Levi Wright on the twenty fifth day of May in the Year Eighteen hundred & twenty five; that her said husband died on the first day of October in the Year Eighteen

hundred and forty, that she was not married to him prior to the second of January Eight een hundred but at the time above stated She further declares that she is now a Widow Attest
Joseph G. Beal      Sign Mercy his  his Wright Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me
Aaron Hobart Judge of Probate for said County.
P Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss.
I Joseph G. Beal Register of Probate in & for the County of Plymouth aforesaid do hereby certify that Aaron Hobart above named is Judge of Probate for said Plymouth County and that his signature thereto is genuine and that said declaration was made by said affiant & certified by said Judge in open Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed hereunto the Seal of the Probate Court of said County This seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three Joseph G. Beal

Mercy Wright's application for Bounty Land
57568
6 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

State of Massachusetts, County of Plymouth, ss.
Town of Plympton.
On this thirty first day of March One thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County & State aforesaid, Mercy Wright, aged  seventy eight years, a resident of Plympton, in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Levi Wright, deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, as may more fully appear by the evidence in her application, and certificate of a pension thereof granted, in conformity with the 2d, Section of the act of February, 3d. 1853, Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners, under act February 3d, 1853, Page 47. Vol. A. H. H. Wightman, Clerk. and that her said husband, Levi Wright, died October 1 st A. 1840, in Plympton, in said County & State; and that she is still a widow; she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled under the eighth section of the act, passed March 3d, A. 1855, granting County land to "Soldiers of the Revolutionary war, or their widows or minor children."
her Mercy X Wright mark
Witness Wm. H. Saule Joseph Loring
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written Wm. H. Saule Justice Peace
Please favor'd the land Warrant for the above Mercy Wright to Wm. H. Saule of Plympton Mass.
Sixth line from top interlined before signing Wm. H. Saule Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss.
I certify that Wm. H. South Elgin before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit was made & sworn to, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned & qualified to administer oaths & take acknow- ledgments in said County, and that his signature thereto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County & Commonwealth this ninth day of April A.D. 1855.
Wm. T. Whittan { Clerk of said Court

Ray  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 835
Mercy Wright,
Widow.
Levi Wright,
Prov. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 3, 1853.
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 361.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ 12582
S West Army

I Benjamin Cushman of Plympton in the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts aged ninety one year lately and say I was a Soldier in the war of the American Revolution Five Months Stationed at Cambridge Massachusetts from December 1777 to April 1778 in Capt Ebenezer Washburn Company and in Colo Brooks Regiment guarding English Prisoners Burgoyne's Troops at Prospect Hill I further lately and say I knew Lieut Wright of Plympton who was in said Washburn Company and served the same term of time of Five Months always have known Lieut Wright who has Resided in Plympton to the Present time August 11th 1832.
Benjamin Cushman

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth County ss.
August 11th 1832 then personally appeared
the witness named Benjamin Lushman before the Subscribers and made oath that the within Deposition by him subscribed is true - I certify said Deposition is a credible witness and is to be relied upon -
Jonathan Parker further Deponent
Benjamin Lushman Clerk of the Court of Sessions
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Know all men by these presents: That I, Nathaniel Jones, Clerk of the Court of Sessions, having been duly sworn, do hereby certify that Jonathan Parker, before whom the foregoing Affidavit was sworn to, is a person of the law, for the County of Plymouth, and that he was then and there a Commissioner of the Court of Sessions, duly qualified and sworn to the faithful discharge of his duties as such Commissioner. In presence whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this twentieth day of August A.D. 1832.
Nathaniel Jones

I Jacob Cushman of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts of the age of eighty four years testify and say I was in the war of the rebellion and was at Roanoke in the year 1862 in Col. John Brooks Company in Colo. Colours Regiment Eight Months From April 10, December 1 st and was at Roanoke one Month at our encampment at Barrington under Lieut. Eliz. Brice Commander at the time the English was on the island what year cannot recollect I further testify and say that I knew Levi Wright of Plymouth who served the same term of time at Roanoke of Eight Months and one Month at Roanoke in said Brice Company I have always known said Levi Wright and has resided in Plymouth to the present time August 13 th 1882
Jacob Cushman

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth County ss.
August 13th. 1832 this Person being sworn
the within named Jacob Cushman before the subscriber and Made oaths that the within Deposition by him subscribed is true
I Certify said Cushman is a credible witness
Jonathan Parker Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Know all men by these presents: That I, Jonathan Parker of the County of Plymouth, do hereby certify that the within Deposition of Jacob Cushman, taken before me this day, was sworn to and acknowledged before me this day, and that the same is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court on this twentyth day of August A.D. 1832.
Jonathan Parker
Jacob Cushman for his Right

June 22 1855
No 2381 App of Mercy Leavitt widow of Levi -
mafs $53.33
10368
Act 3d Febr 1853
Reut:
Allowed $13 33 / 100 per ann Cron Feb. 3-1858
Jacob H. Lord Plymouth mafs:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

Pension Office Sept. 2/53
Sir
Please report time of last payment to, or death of within named pen- sioner. Respectfully &c
J. Burt Esqr. S. Cole Bland Acting Commr Present
Levi Wright, act 1832 $13.33 - p. an. - Died 1 st August October 1810. Paid to his death.
J. Burt
Please state the evi- Anecdotes, - dence of above report & " see record of death within
J. Burt Esqr. Respectfully &c Bland S. Cole ( see other side. ) for Comr.

Living Wright; Died 1 st October 1840, and paid. — It is now corrected, but the fault is not exactly mine, as the entry was taken for an abbreviation of Augt. Yours B. L. B.

Plymouth Mass ts June 20. 1853
Sir
I enclose the application of Mrs. Mercy Wright of Plymouth in this County for a Pension. Her Certificate please forward to me & oblige
Your Obt. St. Jacob H. Lord
Loren P. Waldo Esq Com. of Pensions Washington D. C.

Wright

Brief in the case of Mercy Wright widow of Levi Plymouth County and State of Mass. act of Feb. 3 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832, at $43 \frac{33}{100} per annum
Pr.
(If for increase.) Marriage proof, full in rec. Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Death and report
Identity (cert of C)
Name and residence of Agent
Jacob H. Lord Plymouth Mass
Examining Clerk.
J. H. Gray

65-65-
Levi Wright
Yrs 13 Months
A Am
John V P Thomas
Plymouth
Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Levi Wrengham which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? no IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 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? no 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? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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?
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?
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.

Pension Office,
Nov. 13, 1855
Sir:
The application of Mercy Wright for bounty land under the act of 3 d of March last, No 83,949, has been examined.
The papers are defective. Two attesting witnesses should make affidavit to the identity of the declarant and that she made the same in their presence, and their credibility should be certified by the Magistrate, according to the prescribed regulations. Let a new declaration be made.
There is in this office no record evidence of the service performed by the claimant's late husband, Levi Wright, under Capt John Bradford and Col Cotton, in the 8 months' service in 1775; nor under Capt Ebenezer Washburn and Col Brooks in 1777-8. Application should be made to the Secy of State of Mass. for evidence of this service.
I am, Very respectfully,
Your ob't Servt.
B. Hood.
for Commissioner.
Wm H Soule Esq.
Plymouth, Plympton Mass.
S. G. D.
(over)

P.S.
The same irregularity in the papers and want of record evidence of service exists in the case of Olive Bradford, widow of Israel, N 83. 950.
83.950
Ms. A. 9. 2. 16 Olive Bradford

State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth Town of Middleborough Eighteen hundred and twenty five May twenty fifth joined (a) in Marriage Rev. Levi Wright with Mrs. Mary Pink- ham both of Middleborough.
Yours happy & my Record With Joshua C. Cady, Justice Peace.
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows:— (b) “ 1825 May 25 th ”
Andrew M. Eaton
I, Andrew M. Eaton above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Andrew M. Waters } Town Clerk Middletborough
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this Twenty seventh day of December A.D. 1855.
Wm. H. Loule Justice of the Peace.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full.
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.