Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17940, Asahel Gay, Conn.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE 
Conn. 
Gay, Asahel 

Number
W. 17940
Temperance

CONTENTS
Page 2

28003
Connecticut Let to P. agt. June 22. 1838.
Asahel Gay
 of Lebanon in the state of CT
who was a Private in the Company commanded 
by Captain -- of the Regt commanded 
by Col. Sage in the CT. 
line for 21 months & 10 days Musician
Increased from $58.27
Inscribed on the roll of CT
at the state of 78 Dollars 22 Cents per annnum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued [illegible] 30 day of May 1838 sent Henry. O. Holt house officer

Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $547.54
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. "  39.11
$586.65 [initial 5 corrected/overwritten from 6]
 
Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk 
Book A 2 Vol 3 page 15
Page 3

2887
Connecticut 
Temperance Gay.
Widow of Asahel Gay decd [deceased]
Conn.
who was a Musician
in the Connecticut Line

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 78 dollars and 22 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of November 1843 and sent to 
Honorable George S. Catlin
Windham Connecticut

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A 
Vol. 1 page 67.
Page 4

State of Connecticut } Lebanon
County of New London
Probate Court District of Lebanon
On the 27 day of July 1832 personally appeared in open court to wit said Court of Probate

Now sitting Asahel Gay of Lebanon resident therein in said County & State aged Seventy Six 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 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States Under the following named officers, & served as stated herein (viz)

On or about the 20th of April 1775, on the alarm of the Lexington battle, I volunteered, & march'd to Boston was gone six weeks. I was stationed at Roxbury Mass. No person exercising the power of officer went in Mass with us, each one went on as fast as he could; after I arrived, as I was a musician, I acted as Drummer. Those who went with me incorporated with the Massachusetts troops. I did duty till the militia came in.

I then returned home. & Immediately I enlisted, on or about 1st June 1775. I enlisted into a company commanded by Capt John Ripley of Windham Conn't as drummer. Joel Chamberlin was Lt John Vaughn Ensign (Chamberlin & Vaughn were both of Lebanon). I enlisted for six months, but did seven months duty as the recruits did not come in as soon as as the time of our enlistment expired.
Page 5

Col Jedidiah Huntington (afterward Gen Huntington) commanded the Regt.  we were stationed most of the time at Roxbuy; at the Battle of Bunker Hill our Regt was ordered to Bunker Hill, but did not arrive until the Battle was over. We met the troops coming off the neck at Charles Torch, when we rec'd orders from Gen Ward, who was Commander in Chief, to return immediately to Roxbury; after we returned to Roxbury, we (the Regt) continued there blockading the enemy. Till I returned home [about is struck through] the middle of Dec 1775. Genl Putnam was the most active of the officers, & commanded our Brigade, as Genl Putnam was a Connecticut Man he was well known to me. Gen Ward was Commander in Chief. 
On the 18th of May 1776 I enlisted for seven months into Capt James Clarks Company (Col. Sages Regt) of Connecticut Militia. David Patten, & Ebenezer West were Lts, Ichabod Bosworth Ensign. We march'd to New London, & from there sailed to New York & landed in the city & stayed several weeks in the city; we were then stationed (viz) the whole Regt on Governors Island, in the harbor of New York, where we were ordered to remain, & defend the island; we did remain till after the Battles on Long Island, when Genl Washington sent  boats (by his order) to take off the Regt from the island. We escaped narrowly being captured on the Island as Capt Sage was inclined to surrender, to a flag from the Enemy which came & demanded our Surrender to the Enemy, but Capt Clark resisted & declared that none of his men shod surrender till they shod be compelled by absolute force; Capt Clark's spirited conduct, encouraged Col Sage, & the Col returned for answer that he was fight it out - we were favored with a strong North
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Wind which prevented the British Ships from getting up the Bay the Shipping was about Gun shot distance below us; their shot with difficulty reach'd the Island, the fort on Brooklyn heights was Captured the night before we evacuated Gov's Island; but the Cannon in the fort on Battery were spiked up, & the Enemy, had to take time to fire They cod fire upon us, but on our leaving the Island they (the British) fired upwards, tho we had the good luck to escape only with a good Witting, - after we got into the City, we were ordered to retreat to Kings Bridge, from thence to Harlem heights. I was present doing duty as a Drummer, observing the action_ in which action Col Knowlton, & Major Leitch were Killed, I well knew Col Knowlton, as he was from Ashford, Conn't & I had served under him at Bunker hill or in the Vicinity_
Our Company & Regt was with Gen Washington's Army after we left Kings Bridge, & from Harlem heights we March'd eventually to White Plains, where a Battle was fought Gen McDouglas Brigade, had the hardest of the action; from -White Plains- I was ordered to Norwalk in Conn't (By Capt Clark) with three sick men, all of whom I well knew, viz, Sergeant Tho's Loomis, & Josiah Wood, & Walter Woodworth_ Wood, Woodworth are dead, & Sergeant Loomis, has removed from the Area to the State of New York, I have never heard of his death_ There was a hospital at Norwalk, & I remained there till the latter part of Dec 1776 when I was discharged (the Regt was discharged at Crompond) New York. My orders were not to leave the sick, till they were able to go with us, if they recovered_
In the month of Dec 1777 (I went as a Substitute) in a Company commanded by Capt Daniel Dewey, then of [illegible] (now decd); Simon Crocker Ensign I think & Joseph Hill Lieut
Page 7

(for Loviae Rockwell SamlSeabury & Joseph Hutihurt all Men of Lebanon now decd)
My tour of duty was for three Months, I was a Drummer I was Stationed all the time in Providence, Rhode Island Col Obediah Johnson Commanded the Regt Gen Joseph Spencer commanded [illegible] at Providence. The British were on Rhode Island and Newport, we laid at Providence to guard the Area from the Enemy. I was discharged the Month of March following 1778, or the first day of the month of June 1778. I was Drafted into a Company of Militia. Commanded by Col William Huntington of Lebanon (new Dec'd) for two months, Lt. Simon Wacker (the Ensigns name I have forgotten) we were Stationed in New London Connt (in the Tour) our Company were marched frequently to Fort Trumbull, & were on guard at the fort, but were never stationed in the fort. In this Tour as in all the Tours of Duty, I did duty as a Drummer.
The first tour of Duty that I performed was for six weeks as a Volunteer, no Army was then acquired. this tour of Duty I have never rec'd any pay from any Quarter. the inhabitation on My Way to Roxbury & home freely supported of the Soldiers, &c at Roxbury I was freely supported.
My 2nd Tour of duty altho I Enlisted for six Months I did full Seven Months Duty.
The 3rd I Enlisted for Six Month , but for the time of My Enlistment till my Return was full Eight Months.
The 4th Tour was three Months
the 5th T was two Months. Makin in all as I performed Duty. Twenty One Months & an half. I have no discharges or documentary proof particularly adapted to my self, except my name is entered on a mileage roll of Capt Clarks. Company accidentally found
Page 8

(transmitted) all my said Services. I can prove by the testimony transmitted herewith_ I was a Drummer all the time in Every tour I performed. I was born in Lebanon (County of New Haven then) but now New London) Connecticut, on the 9 of June 1756 (I have no record of my age) (This my mother has always told me) she is now Dec'd_ My father died when I was nine Months old, he came home from the old French War sick, & died immediately on his return. he was a Soldier in that war, I was born in Lebanon aforesaid & have always, & Do now live in said Lebanon.
Asahel Gay
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

We Edward Bull a Clergyman residing in said Lebanon and William T. Williams Esq residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Asahel Gay who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy six 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.
Edwrd Bull 
W. T. Williams
Page 9

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 said applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to said court that Edward Bull who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said Lebanon and that William T. Williams Esq. who also signed the same is a resident in said Lebanon and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John Wattles Clerk Pro. Tem.
of the Court of Probate in and for the district of Lebanon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Asahel Gay for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office and of said court this 27 day of July AD 1832
Attest John Wattles Clerk Pro Tem
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. --
State of Connecticut
New London County [squiggly lines]
On this 29th day of May in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty three.
Personally appeared before the Courts of probate in and for the district of Lebanon in said County and state in open Court Mrs. Temperance Gay of said Lebanon Aged Eighty Seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows: that she is the Widow of Asahel Gay who was a Musician in the Revolutionary
Army. The Company & Regiment in which he served or the names of the officers under whom he served she cannot say. That his services were proved at the time her said -
Husband made his application for a pension all which may fully appear, by the files and records of the War Dpt. And that her said husband was a pensioner of the united
States and received a pension certificate for Seventy Eight Dollars and twenty two cents per annum. And that said Pension Certificate has been surrendered to the Pension
Page 11

Agent at Hartford Connecticut. She further declared that she was married to said Asahel Gay on the Nineteenth day of November Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight
That her afore said Husband Asahel Gay died on the nine-teenth day of March Eighteen hundred and forty three.
That she was married to him previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred & Ninety four, to wit at the time above stated -
Temperance Gay [Signature]
Sworn & Subscribed on the day & year here in writen --
Thomas J. Kingsley Judge [Signature]
At a court of Probate held at Lebanon in said
District of Lebanon on the 29th day of May A. 1843--
Present Thomas J. Kingsley Esquire Judge
Personally appeared in open Court Mrs, Temperance Gay of said Lebanon and signed the foregoing Declaration and made solemn oath to the truth of the Statements therein. --And it is hereby Certified that the said declarant Mrs. Temperance Gay is personally known to this court and she is a reputable person and her statements & testimony are intitled to full credit
And that she is the identical person she represents her self to be. --
Page 12

And it is also hereby Certified that Mrs. Clarisa Holt who has subscribed the deposition here unto annexed is a reputable person & that her statements are intitled to full credit. --
In testimony where of I here unto sit my hand Officially and affix the Seal of said Court the day & year last before writen --
Archibald G. Bailey Clerk
Page 13

(678)
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Claris Born August 19th 1779
Temperance Born Feby 23 1782
Asa

BIRTHS.
Asahel born April 11 1787
Asahel 2d born Oct 11 1790
Henry born June 23 1793
Augustus born May 26 1796

State of Connecticut
County of New London}Ss.
Personally appeared on this 5 day of May AD 1843 before the subscriber a Notary Public in & for the state of Connecticut, Mrs. Clarissa Holt - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose & say that she is sixty three years old. That she is the daughter of Mr. Asahel Gay & Mrs. Temperance Gay, and that the family record kept hereon is a correct one & that the same has been kept in the custody of the family & is in the hand writing of Mr. Asahel Gay, 2nd above named & recorded as born Oct 11, 1790.
And I also hereby certify that I saw the same cut from the family Bible of said Asahel Gay & Temperance Gay.
Clarissa Holt

State of Connecticut
County of New London}Ss.
Be it known that on this 5th day of May 1843 Personally appeared before me, a Notary Public for the State of Connecticut, Mrs. Clarissa Holt, who signed the above deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein by her subscribed.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand officially and affix my Notarial Seal the day & year above written.
Socrates Balcam Notary Public
Page 14

Family record
Marriages
Asahel Gay born June the 9th 1755
Temperance Gay born November 28th 1755
Marriages
Mr. Asahel Gay of Lebanon was married to Miss Temperance Cushman November 19th 1778

Mr. Asahel Gay of Lebanon was married at Boxberg to Miss Mary Read September 29th 1822
Mr. Henry Gay was married at Lebanon to Miss Sally Baily February 29th 1815
Mr. Augustus Gay of Lebanon was married to Miss Mary Marwell April 1825
Page 15

Asahel Gay
Lebanon CT
Payroll is in Pension Office
5 mo 5 days in 1775
term ser 1776 not admitted
as such service having been performed
(suspended)
6 mo in Sage 1776
3 mo at R I in 1777
2 mo in 1778
Hon N. Barber
H. R.
13 mo 5 days musician
3 mo private
58.27

[crossed out "W. T. Williams"]
N. Barber CT
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 23, 1833

Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement shewing the Service of Asahel Gay --
[column titles]
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.
 
20th April 1775
#1st June, 1775
18th Mar 1776
20th Dec 1777
1st April 1778

20th Dec 1775

makes two years & 15 days in all if allowed
x I refer to Carey Pratt now a resident of the City of Washington for there two tours of duty

Duration of the Claimant's Service -- Year/Month/Days
--/1/15
--/6/--
--/7/--
--/8/--
--/2/--
1/7/15 --[much like a subtotal]

4
1/11/15 -- [much like a subtotal]
1 month extra service in the tour of 18th May 1776
2 / 11/ 15 the hospital at Norwalk in Connecticut by order of Capt. James Clark
2 / -- / 15
Rank of claimant
Drummer
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served 
General and & Israel Putnam Sr
Col (illegible) Huntington
Genl Putnam
Genl McDougle
Genl Jos Spencer 
Col Wm Ledyard

Col Jno Ely
Genl Joseph Spencer 

Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service
19 years
19 -- Do
20 -- Do
21 -- Do
22 -- Do

Lebanon Connecticut

Proof by which the declaration is supported
Isaac Gillet
Jacob Clark
Carey Pratt of Washington
Thomas Loomis
David Dean 
Dan Bliss
Samuel West

Simon Loomis
Simon Loomis
Amos Fowler
Daniel Dewey
Isaac Gillet

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mr. Asahel Gage

#Mr. Pratt cannot be placed on the files at the Pension Office.  His testimony must be taken like that of any [intuep]
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUN 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, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of } 88.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) [blank] of in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank] , with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched [illustration of a right hand pointing to the right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman. residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 18

8
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 ex-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 it a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before 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 alsu certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, atttend 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 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 lie served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier most give the name of the Colonel under whom be served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant 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 be 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 Pence, &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 then 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 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 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 declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers 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 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 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.
[illustration of a right hand pointing to the right] The notes [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in not [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17940
Temperance Gay
Wid. of
Asahel Gay
Musician Rev. War
Act: March 3.1843
Index:-Vol. A, Page 264

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

7362
Connecticut  Reno 27 June
Temperance Gay 
widow of Asahel Gay 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 19th March 1843 -
of N. London in the State of Connt--
who was a Musisian in the _____
commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt: commanded by Col; Sage in the Connecticut line for 21 months & 10 days
 Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 78 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of pension issued the 26th day of June 1843 and sent to Hon: Geo. S. Catlin, Windham, Ct:

Whole amount due . . . . #391.10
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Lieutenant - Clerk, 
Book A Vol. 1- Page 182
182
Page 21

25.00
Connecticu[illegible]
Asahel Gay
of Lebanon in the State of Con
who was a Private in the Conn
by Captain _ of the Regt
by Col Sage in the Con Troop
line for Increase of $78.22
Musician
21 mo 10 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Con
at the rate of 58 Dollars 27 Cents per annu[illegible]
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Jany
1833 and seus. Hon N
Barber. Hob Rep
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33 $146.6[illegible]
Semianl. allowance ending March 30- 29.1[illegible]
Mr Able Gay Present- $174.8[illegible]
{Revolutiony Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recoded by E D Bullock Cler[illegible]
Book E Vol. 3 Page 36
Page 22

See Let Hon N. Barber 8 Feb 1874
See Let Abel Gay Jany 3d 1838
See let Hon. O. Holt Jany 15 1838
Let Hon O Holt Feby 8 1838
Page 23

W. June 22
Asahel Gay
Ch. Wle.
28,003
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 24

Pension agency 
Hartford 19 June 1838
Sir 
Application has been made for payment of an increase of pension by Asahel Gay a pensioner on the roll under the Act of June 1832. Notice has not been received from your officer from your office at this Agency authorizing the increase
I Am Very Respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant
Sam L Pitkin
Agent 
J.L. Edward Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 25

75 1833 1.12
75 Capt Ripley Dr 7 mo & 20 cfe L. ldw 7 mo 10
Dec 75 Waterman RJ 4 mo _ wit 5.
May '76 Clark 7 mo. Col Sage until Dec 5
Dec 77 Davy 3 mo 3
Apl 78 Huntington 2 2
23.12      21.10

Apl 75 1.12
Nov 7 mo
18 May 76 7
Dec 77 3
78 2
_______
20.12

$44
22
11
______
12 mo 77
10 days 1.29
_________
$78.22

apr 75 1 mo 12
1 June 7

20 apl 75 1 mo 12 did not [illegible] 2 jun
1 jun 6 two w 7 letter home 15 dec
18 May 76 7 NY Col Sage [illegible]
Page 26

Ct.
got papers

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Hon N. Barber
Page 27

H of R
Washington
1 February 1814

D Sir:
I have enclose to you a letter from Wm T Williams Esq on the subject of Asahel Gay's pension certificate do notice its content and furnish me with an answer.
I am Sir Your Obt Servt
Noyes Barber

J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
Page 28

Washington December 27 1826

Mr Edwards,
Sir

By request I enclose to you James Clarks declaration, and the evidence in support of his claim to the placed on the Pension list, will you have the goodness to inform me as soon as your conscience will permit, whether the claim he makes be the satisfactorily proved or not, and oblige.
Yours very respectfully
Calvin Wilby.
Page 29

Mr. Abel Gay
Prest

Abel Gay 
Prest
Dec 28
Page 30

I John Trumbull, now of the City, county and States of New York aged eighty one years in June last, do on oath testify & say that I was born in Lebanon (now) in the county of New London & State of Connecticut. That I am well acquainted with Asahel Gay of Lebanon aforesaid, about my age.
I knew the said Asahel was in the Revolutionary War, he served as a Drummer. He was at Bunker Hill in the beginning of the war, he was also at White Plains & at New York as I have always been referred, & understood, & has ever been purported in the neighborhood where he was true to have been a soldier of the Revolution & to have served about two years in that war. Mr. Gay was born in the same neighborhood that I was. I knew Mr. Gay to be a reputable man & a man of truth & veracity, & do readily believe what he has stated to be truth and further I say not.
John Trumbull

State of Connecticut
New London County} Lebanon Ss
Be it remembered that on the 24th day of August 1837 Col John Trumbull of the city of New York, now at Lebanon aforesaid, on a visit to his friends in Lebanon
Page 31

personally appeared before me, & made oath, that the within depositions by him subscribed contains the truth - and I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the aforesaid John Trumbull Esq = & know him to be a man of truth veracity & a credible person.  
In testimony, whereof I have set my hand hereto the day & year last aforesaid.
William T. Williams Justice of the Peace
Page 32

Jurat May 14
Hon O. Holt
HR
Page 33

Sir
I have [illegible] the pension certificate in the case of Asahel Gay and should the claimant furnish additional testimony we shall wish the care received.
Respectfully yours
Orrin Holt

May 14th 1838

Hon J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
Page 34

          Payments to be made
at Hartford
by Res: of Farmers & Mechanics Bank
 Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of

                Connecticut



         

                  Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E vol. 3 Page 36 by E.D. Bullock           
                                           
                                                  Clerk
Page 35

Cancelled [written across the page]

                        WAR DEPARTMENT.

                   REVOULUTIONARY CLAIM.

      I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Asahel Gay of the State of Connecticut  who was a Private & Musician during the Revolutionary War  is entitled to receive           Fifty Eight dollars and Twenty Seven cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
                        Given at the War Office of the United States this 8th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty= Four

                                         Lew Cass
                                   Secretary of War

Examined and
                       }
Countersigned
                              J L Edward
                         Commissioner Of Pensions
Page 36

State of New York
Columbia County}Ss.
I Joseph Law of Canaan in the County of Columbia and state of New York of lawful age do depose and say, that he was personally acquainted with Asahel Gay, during the Revolutionary War in 1776. And that the said Asahel Gay was a Drummer in a company commanded by Capt. James Clark of Lebanon New London County State of Connecticut and further that the said Gay was a Drummer in said Clarks company - about ten months according to the best of the knowledge and believe of this deponent and further this deponent saith not.
Joseph Law
Sworn and subscribed before me the 21st of September 1826.
Before me
Uriah Edwards J. Peace

I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Joseph Law and do believe him to be a credible witness.
Uriah Edwards J. Peace
Page 37

State of New York
Columbia County, Clerk's Office
ss. 
I Harmen Bay Clerk of the County of Columbia, do hereby certify that Uriah Edwards - -  whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate was on the day of the date of the said certificate affidavit - a Justice of the Peace in and for said Country--And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice- and verily believe the signature of Uriah Edwards - subscribed to the said certificate to be the proper hand writing of the said Justice.  
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County, this twenty first day of September 1826
Harmen Bay Clerk
Columbia County
Page 38

Col. Clarks
Depn
Page 39

I James Clark of Lebanon in New London County State of Connecticut of lawful age Do Depose & say that I was in the Revolutionary War in the years 1775,-1776, & 1777, _ that I was a Captain in the service, that during the time aforesaid _ Asahel Gay was a Drummer in the Revolutionary army in my company & was also in a company commanded by Capt John Ripley formerly of Windham in said state, that said Gay was transferred from said Ripley's to my company _ that said Gay was at Boston & at New York. said Gay was in my company [crossed out] about ten months according to my best recollection, according to a Receipt Book or pay Roll the services of the company commenced on the 10th of June 1776, & ended the 21st day of March 1777 _ how long the said Gay served in Capt Ripley's Company I do not recollect, but know that he was in his Company, before he was transferred to mine _ said Gays receipt of his pay in the army was on said 21st day of March 1777 to me as paymaster of said Regiment _ & further the deponent saith not.
Dated at [illegible] the 3rd May 1826 _
Signed in presence of James Clark
W Williams
Augustus Gay
Page 40

State of Connecticut New London County
Lebanon [illegible] May 3rd 1826
Col James Clark with named personally appeared before me & made oath to the truth of the Within Deposition by him subscribed & the said James Clark is personally known to me as a Credible Witn.
Sworn to before me Jos Williams Just Peace
State of Connecticut  New London County ss foresaid
December. 11th. 1826. I Joseph Williams Notary Pub lic. for said County do hereby certify that William Williams Esq of Lebanon in said County was at the [illegible] of the above certificate as justice of the Peace for said County & that I am acquainted with the handwriting of saw William Williams & the above signature is his genuine signature
In Witness Whereof I have set my Hand & Notarial Seal, the day & date aforesaid.
Joseph Williams
Notary Public
Page 41

Lebanon CT
May 31st

Free

The Hon Orrin Holt Esq
Member of Congress
City of Washington
Page 42

I Jacob Clark of Lebanon in the County of New London & State of Connecticut aged seventy nine years on 28th of Jany 1838 -- Do being first sworn as the law directs, on oath Testify and say -
That I am the son of the late Col. James Clark late decd of This Town, said James Clark was a Captain in the War of the Revolution, several years, & I served under him & others about two years
I well remember Asahel Gay now of Lebanon, was a Drummer in my thus fathers Company, in the War Afor'd ^Viz 1776. That I have seen all my fathers papers at his Decease. They were in a Chest in which he left them. My father afor'd died in December 1826. Since then & about the summer of 1832, much urging by the remnant of the Soldiers, that served in his company & under him sought for his papers - I did also examine them, & I found his pay roll, in which s'd Asa Gays name was entered as a Drummer, in the latter part of July 1776 - for five months, according to my best recollection - & I should now think the s'd pay roll was sent to Washington, to procure the claims of the surviving Soldiers, that served under him During s'd War - I know that s'd Gay was at New York in 1776, as I was there full five months. I served in Capt Watters Hydes Company of Volunteers & as Mr Gay afor'd - was from Lebanon & a musician, as well as my self, I frequently saw him at S New York & at White Plains - all the Soldiers from Lebanon
that survived the Campaign, returned about Christmas & fore part of July next following July 1776 - & further I saith not, except that Mr Gay, staid to take care of the Sick of the company by my fathers orders, as I suppose--Jacob Clark
Page 43

State of Connecticut
New London County} Lebanon
be it remembered that on the 29th day of Jany 1838 before me, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County & State personally appeared - before me the subscriber, Jacob Clark within named & made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed.
& I do certify that the said Jacob Clark is well known to me, that he is a credible person.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand the day & year last aforesaid.
Wm. T. Williams Justice of the Peace
Page 44

Lebanon Jan 31, 1888 [or 1838]
Hon. Orrin Holt - 
D. Sir
I send on Mr. Jacob Clarks deposition at request of Mr. Asahel Gay - which he hopes will serve his claim. Mr. Clark said that Mr. Gay staied to take care of the sick after he came home.
I well remember to have seen the pay roll of Cap Clark & my opinion is, it was sent on to Washington to prove the claims of the old soldiers of Cap Clarks Co. Then Mr. Abel Gay to look up Mr Carey Pratt, who lives in Washington, & was one of Cap Clark's Co. He may remember about it & perhaps he took the roll.
With much Respect
I am sir yours
Wm T. Williams

PS. Will you please hand Mr. Gay the enclosed afs.
Page 45

1061
Temperance Gay
Cont.
act 7 July 38
July 7 1838
admd
21 mo. 10 ds musician
78.22
Page 46

State of Connecticut
New London County
Be it known that on this twenty ninth day
of May in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty
three personally appeared before the Courts of Probate held in
Lebanon in the District of Lebanon in said County and State
Temperence Gay of said Lebanon who being first duly sworn
according to Law doth on her oath depose and say that she is
the daughter of Mr Asahel Gay & Mrs Temperance Gay and that the
family record hereunto annexed is a correct record and was
kept in the custody of the family & was taken from the family
Bible and the record is the handwriting of Ashel Gay 2d (now 
deceased) above named & record as born October 14th 1790
And hereby testify that I see the same taken from the family
Bible of Asahel Gay and Temperance Gay
Temperance Gay
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my
hand officially and affix the seal of
said Court the day and year above writen
Archibald G. Bailey Clerk
Page 47

Lebanon Dec 9th 1837
This is stated that I went out in the old revolutionary War a Volunteer to Boston the news
came to Lebanon the 11th of April I set out
the 17th for Boston as a Volunteer And I
Continued there untill the 13th of December
The Captain John Ripleys Company of Windham
And the reason why I stayed so long the Winter
Troops had not got in General Washington
would not Discharge us untill they got in

The reason why I stayed so Long in Colonial
Sages Regiment I was at the Hospitel when
the Regiment was Discharged I was Ordered
not to leave Two Sick Persons then under
my care untill they Died or got well
and as soon as they got able to walk I
came Home - How long I was out I
never knew untill I went to Capt Clark
and he looked of his pay Roll and he
found he had paid me for Nine Months
and Nine Days and gave me his Deposition
That Deposition is now there sent about
Eleven Years since
Please call on Mr Cary 
Pratt he will tell you further
Asahel Gay
Page 48

3543
Temperance Gay
Ct
Mar 3 '43
$78.22 per an
Hon. Geo. S. Catlin
Windham
Conn

July 19 '43
Page 49

State of Connecticut
New London County   Lebanon
On this third day of July
Eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared
before Thomas J. Kingsley of said Lebanon a Justice
of the Peace in and for the County of New London. Mrs.
Temperance Gay a resident of said Lebanon Aged
Eighty seven 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
provisions made by the act of Congress passed on
the third day of March Eighteen hundred and forty
three granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served
during the Revolutionary war. That she is the Widow
of Mr. Asahel Gay Late of said Lebanon (deceased)
who was a Musician and Soldier in the army of 
Revolution and was a Pensioner of the United States
and received therefrom Seventy Eight Dollars and twenty
two cents per annum. Under the Act of 1832 to the
time of his death, the period, place, and corps in which
he served it is impossible for this applicant to know
and for the evidence therefor, this applicant respectfully
refers to the original application of her said husband
Asahel Gay on file in office of the Commissioner
of Pensions.
Page 50

This applicant on oath further declares that she
has received a five years Pension under the act of
July 7th 1838 at the rate of Seventy Eight Dollars
and twenty two cents per annum and that said
Pension Certificate will be transmited to the
Pension Office by A. H. Pomroy Esq Agent for paying
Pensioners in the Agency of Connecticut
She further declares that she is still a Widow
Temperance Gay
In presence of
George S Gay
Sociates Balcam
Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid to wit this
3rd day of July A.D. 1843. And it is hereby certified that
the Declarant Mrs Temperance Gay is a reputable person
and she is the same Identical person she represents
herself to be, to wit, Temperence Gay, Widow of Asahel
Gay Deceased
Thomas J. Kingsley Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut
New London County
I John D Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said
New London County do hereby Certify that
Thomas J Kingsley Esq before whom the
above declaration of Temperance Gay was
Sworn to us on said 3rd day of July 1843
Page 51

a Justice of the peace in and for said New 
London County - and that full faith and credit
are due to his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the
seal of said county this 10th day
of July AD 1843
John D Witt Clerk
Page 52

Asahel Gay
Petition for an
Elargement of
         his
Pension
Page 53

To the Hon. J L Edwards Commissr of Pension.
The Petition of Asahel Gay of Lebanon in
the County of New London & State of Connecticutt
Respectfully Sheweth
That he served in the War of the Revolution
two years as a Drummer the whole time.
He served under Capt John Ripley
at Cambridge Massachusetts _ Eight months
under Capt James Clark _ Nine months
under Capt Danl Tilden _ two months
under Capt Danl Dewey _ two months
under Capt Andrew Waterman three months
Making two years _ That your Honor, allowed
him a pension of only _
Whereas, he believed himself Entitled to the sum
of Eighty Eight dollars annually _ instead of
[ ] pension granted as [ ]: he therefore respectfully
suggests: that he thinks some mistake intervened,
and wod request a review of his Case: & If there 
appears to be a mistake, that your Honor wod cause the
same to be rectified & Justice done your Petitioner.
Dated this 1st day of December 1837 Asahel Gay
Page 54

Isaac Gillet of Lebanon in New London County
State of Connecticutt aged Eighty four years in
September last being first sworn according
to Law. Do on oath testify I say _ that on
the Alarm of the Battle of Lexington on the
20th of April 1775 (as near as I can now recollect)
Asahel Gay then, & now, of Lebanon
went as a Volunteer to Boston I saw him
there as I was also a Volunteer. Mr Gay
was absent from home Six Weeks, this I 
knew as I was a near neighbor to him, immediately after Mr Gays return he Enlisted into
a Company of Connecticutt State Troop Commanded
by John Riply of Windham Connct as Capt, John
Vaughn, & Joel Chamberlin, were the Lt & Ensign of
the Company _ they were both from Lebanon, Vaughn
was the Lt he was my nearest neighbor. Mr Gay
Enlisted the last time for Six or Seven months
he was absent Seven Months, these facts I know
from my living in his immediate vicinity Mr
Gay Enlisted about 1st of June 1775 under Capt
Riply [ ]
Page 55

& returned home some time in December
I think the latter part following _ I know
Mr Gay performed several of his tours of
duty during the early part of the War & was
for about two years constantly on duty as a
Drummer he was a good Musician & was
much sought for as a Drummer _ and
further saith not  Isaac Gillet
State of Connecticutt
New London County
on the 10th day of November 
1833. Isaac Gillet formally
appeared before & made oath, that
the Deposition ofered by him subscribed
contains the truth & nothing
but the truth & I so testify that
the said Isaac Gillet is well known
to me & that he is a man of truth
& veracity
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & 
affix my Seal of office the day & Year last ofered
Wm T Williams Atty Publick
Page 56

Amos Fowler of Lebanon in New London County &
State of Connecticutt. Aged Seventy five years last
March Do on oath (being first sworn according
to Law) testify & say _ that in the month of Dec
1776 _ I Enlisted in the Connecticutt Militia for four
months. & performed the Tour of Duty at Providence
in the State of Rhode Island. we were stationed there
the whole time. I Enlisted into Capt Andrew Watermans
Company. John Ely Esq was Col of the Regiment. Genl 
Joseph Spencer was Genl of the Brigade, that was
stationed at Providence & the Vicinity. I well remember 
that Asahel Gay was Drummer of the Company
& performed the tour of Duty with me. (Nir for four)
months. I have ever been acquainted with him.
he is now residing & has always resided in Lebanon [ ].
Amos Fowler
State of Connecticutt CC
New London County Jr
on this 7th day of Nov. 1833 Capt Amos Fowler
the above Deponent personally appeared before
me & made oath that the Deposition by
him subscribed contains the truth and I
do certify that the said Amos Fowler is well
known to me, & that he is a man of truth
& veracity & a credible witness
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the 
seal of office the day & year last [ ]
Wm T Williams, Atty Publick
Page 57

Daniel Dewey of Lebanon in New London County & State of Connecticut aged Seventy three years in April last do on oath testify & swear being first sworn as the Law Directs

that I Enlisted as a Soldier in Col John Elys Regiment_ in Capt Andrew Watermans Company for four Months in the Month of December 1776_ I was stationed in Providence in the State of Rhode Island. During the whole tour_ we were Discharged the last of March or first of April 1776_ I well remember that Asahel Gay then & now of Lebanon was one of said company & performed the whole tour of Duty as a Drummer & returned with us when we were discharged as aforesaid. We Belonged to the Connecticut Militia 
& further saith not.
Daniel Dewey

State of Connecticut New London County Ct
on this 7th day of November 1833 Daniel Dewey aforesaid personally appeared before me & made oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed contains the truth.  And I do Certify that the aforesaid Daniel Dewey is well known to me & that he is a man of truth & Veracity & a credible witness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of office the day & year aforesaid.
W. T. Williams Noty Public
Page 58

Simon Loomis of Lebanon in the County of New London State of Connecticut. Aged Seventy three years in August last being sworn according to Law do on oath testify & say that I enlisted as a soldier in the Connecticut Militia for four months. John Ely was Col of the Regiment. I enlisted into into Captain Andrew Watermans Company. I performed the tour of duty. We marched from Lebanon aforesaid to Providence in the State of Rhode Island where the regiment was stationed during the tour aforesaid. I well remember that Asahel Gay then & now of Lebanon, was one of said company and was the Drummer of said company & performed the whole tour of duty. The enlistment was for four months aforesaid. I enlisted in December 1776 & was discharged the last of March 1777. Genl. Joseph Spencer commanded the troops on that station.
Simon Loomis

State of Connecticut
New London County
on this 7th Day of Nov 1833 Simon Loomis the
deponent aforesaid -personally appeared before me and made oath that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed by him containing the truth and I do certify that the aforesaid Simon Loomis is well known to me that he is a man of truth and voracity and a honorable witness
In testimony rendered I have here to set my hand and affix the seal of office - the day and year aforementioned [abbreviated]
Wm T Williams, Notry Publick
Page 59

New Berlin Oct 28,1833
This may certify that Mr Asael Gay of the town of Lebanon State of Connecticut Enlisted in the Army of the Revolution in the month of May A.D. Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Six, that he served in Capt Clark's Company_ Col Sages Regiment from his Enlistment to the discharge of the Regiment and the whole time allowed to return home was about seven months_ I cannot testify to the particular day_
Thos Loomis Serg_ in said Company

State of New York
Otsego County 
Thomas Loomis being duly sworn doth depose and say that all the facts [illegible] in the above certified by him subscribed and are true [crossed out] according to his best knowledge and belief and further saith not.
 Sworn and Subscribed before me this 30th  day of October 1833
Thos Loomis
Elisha Foote Judge of Otsego County Courts
Page 60

State of Connecticut
New London County Ss} Probate District of the Court
On this 18th Day of November 1833 personally appeared Asahel Gay of said Lebanon in open court before Denison Wattles Esq Judge of said Court for the said District of Lebanon. The said Gay aged seventy seven years. Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations (the second he has made & in pursuance of the directions of the Department of War) in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th of June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated, viz:
On the 20th of April 1775 as near as I can now recollect on the alarm of the Battle of Lexington, I volunteered & marched immediately to Boston. I was in the service six weeks when I arrived at Roxbury near Boston, as the army was not then organized, I incorporated with the militia as they arrived. Genl Putnam marshalled us, I did duty as a Drummer & was stationed at Roxbury aforesaid all the time. viz the six weeks aforesaid.
On or near the 1st day of June 1775 I enlisted into a company of state troops of the state of Connecticut command by Capt John Ripley of Windham in Connecticut as a Drummer. Joel Chamberlain was Lt of said company & John Vaughn was Ensign. My enlistment was for six months, but really did seven months duty owing to the recruits not coming in, at the time our enlistment expired. Col Jedidiah Huntington (afterwards Genl Huntington) commanded our regiment, we were stationed most of the time at Roxbury aforesaid. At the Battle of Bunkers Hill our regiment was ordered there but did not arrive till the battle was over. The regiment met the troops returning & on the battle of Charlestown neck we then received orders from Genl Ward who was commander in chief, to return immediately back to Roxbury aforesaid. We continued at Roxbury, blockading the
Page 61

British till I was discharged which was the month of December 1775 - Genl Putman was Commander of the Connecticut forces, he was well known to me -
Immediately on my return to my native place Lebanon aforesaid, I enlisted for four months. This was as near as I can now remember the 20th of December 1775 as a Drummer into a company of Connecticut militia commanded by Capt Andrew Waterman of said Lebanon. Daniel Abel & Joseph Loomis were lieuts & John Frank was Ensign. John Ely commanded the Regt & Genl Joseph Spencer was commander in chief of the division. The company was ordered to march to Providence in Rhode Island where we did & were there stationed during the whole tour of four months & at the end of our enlistment I was discharged.
I here ought to remark that I did not in my application of 27th of July 1832, did not state or name my occurences in this tour of duty & the reasons are that I performed a subsequent tour of duty at Providence as stated in that application & from old age & consequent loss of memory I had not so clear a recollection as I now have - but upon reflections & especially in conversation with my comrades & fellow soldiers who were then with me at Providence in this tour of duty four of whom are now living & have testified to my services, will I trust be fully satisfactory to the department, for this part of my services. The testimony is annexed hereto. About the 1st of April 1776 I was discharged.
On the 18th day of May 1776 I enlisted into a company of Connecticut State Troops - commanded by Capt James Clark of Lebanon (since Col Jas Clark decd) for seven months. David Patten & Ebert West were Lieuts. Ichabod Bosworth was Ensign, the company marched to New London from thence said to the city of New York, we remained some weeks in the city & were then ordered to Governors Island in the harbor of New York together with the whole regiment commanded by Col Sage to garrison the island the Regt remained on the Island until after the battles on
Page 62

Long Island when General Washington ordered boats to take the regiment off the island - the escape of the regiment was very remarkable as Colonel Sage on receiving a flag from the British was fearful of capture and was inclined to surrender but the regiment was saved from capture by the resolute and spirited conduct of Captain Clark who declared that none of his company should surrender to the enemy unless compelled to by absolute force. Captain Clarks conduct encouraged the regiment to hold out and Colonel Sage returned for answer to the flag that he would not surrender - a strong northwest wind prevented the heavy ships from getting up the Bay - the Fort in Brooklyn Heights was captured the night before our regiment evacuated Governors Island, but the guns in the fort were spiked before its capture, and the guns could not be fired upon us until drilled out, we got into the city without injury, we then retreated to Kings Bridge - from there to Harlem Heights - I was in that action. Colonel Knowlton and Major Leitchmore killed, Colonel Knowlton I well knew - as he was from Ashford in Connecticut and was in the Battle of Bunkers Hill - Our regiment was with General Washington's Army all the time after we left the City of New York - until after the Battle at White Plains.  I was in that battle. General McDougall's Brigade did the most service in that action. After the battle I was ordered by Captain Clark to Norwalk in Connecticut to the hospital there established and I had the care of three sick men and Captain Clark ordered me to remain with them until they recovered or died. I did remain there until the latter part of December 1776 [illegible] the regiment was discharged at [illegible] in the state of New York. My discharge is lost. Twas sent by Captain Clark. In the month of December 1777 as near as my memory serves me the 20th of the month, I was a substitute for three months in a company of Connecticut Militia commanded by Captain David Davey now deceased, Simon Crocker was Lieutenant and Joseh Hill was Ensign. In the tour I was a drummer, Obediah Johnson was Colonel of the Regiment. General Joseph Spencer was Brigadier General and was commander of the [illegible] - the company was ordered to Providence Rhode Island where we were stationed all the time and on 20th March 1778 was discharged.
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On the 1st of April, 1778, I was drafted for two months into a company of militia commanded by Capt Wm. Hungtington of said Lebanon now decd. Simon Crocker was Lieut, the Ensigns name I cannot recollect, the company were stationed in New London in Connt. We were frequently marched to Fort Trumbull & were on guard in the fort, but the company was not stationed in the fort. Col. Wm Ledyard was commander of the station in this tour, as in all the others, was a Drummer.
The whole time of my actual services have been two years & fifteen days. Tho my enlistments were for but twenty three months & fifteen days. But I did one months duty in the hospital (after my time of enlistment expired by order of Capt Clark, who was a very meritorious officer) I was a drummer all the time except the one month aforesaid in the hospital. My pay was seven dollars & 34 cents, or forty four shillings per month - lawful money. But I received my pay in Continental Money & realized little or nothing for my services.
I was born in Lebanon aforesaid on the 9th of June 1756 as my mother always told me & in my bible. She is dead. My father died when I was nine months old, he returned to Lebanon sick from the Old French War & died soon after his arrival home. He was a soldier in that war. I have ever resided in said Lebanon where I now live.
I am well known to the Rev Edward Bull a Clergyman in said Lebanon & to W. T. Williams of said Lebanon & I do hereby relinquish all claims whatever to a pension except the one now claimed. Sworn to & subscribed the day & year last aforesaid & my name is not on the agency of Connecticut or any state.
Asahel Gay
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

Mr. Edward Bull a Clergyman resident in Lebanon and Wm. T. Williams of Lebanon, residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Asahel Gay who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be now seventy seven years old. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to
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have been a soldier in the War of the Revolution, that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to & subscribed the
day & year last April –

Edwd. Bull
W. Williams

And said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states, the Court further certifies that it appears to the Court that Edward Bull who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman in said
Lebanon & that W. Williams who has also signed the same is a resident in Lebanon & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.

John Wattles, Clerk of the Court of Pro-
in for the District of Lebanon afar - 
Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the such presented proceedings of the Court in the matter of Asabel Gay for a pension –

In testimony I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office & of said Court this 18th day of November A.D. 1833

Attest John Wattles, Clerk
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I, Jacob Clark, of Lebanon, in the County of New London & State of Connecticut, aged seventy-three years, being first duly sworn according to law, do testify & say on oath—That in April & May 1775, I was a fifer in my father’s company (Sir Capt. James Clark), that I marched to Cambridge in Massachusetts with said Co. While there as a fifer (---) I saw Asahel Gay of said Lebanon, who was a drummer in Capt. McCarty’s Co. of the Connecticut Militia. (I have always been well acquainted with said Asahel Gay & have always and do now live within half a mile of Gay.) I saw said Gay at Cambridge & Roxbury often, as he & I often visited each other—most of both our companies were acquainted with one another. I staid about nine months before I returned home, said Gay about six months, he returned home before I did.

In July 1776— I volunteered as a soldier for four months in Capt. Walter Hyde's Company of Lebanon (---), and sailed as far as Milford, Conn. & then landed, & marched to New York. I there saw Asahel Gay (---) who was a drummer, in Capt. James Clark’s Co.
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(Strikethrough: Col) Sages Regt-as soon as I arrived in New York, I had leave to see my said father (Capt. Jas Clark); said Gay, I often saw, while in said Company in the city. I do not recollect to have seen said Asahel Gay after I left Kings Bridge, my Capt. viz. said Walter Hyde did in the city of New York, said aforesaid Lt. of said Company took command of it after said Hyde's death-& we were discharged at a place called (---) New Rochelle, I left said Asahel Gay at Kings Bridge & did not see him after that, until after he returned to Lebanon aforesaid, which was as late as Oct. 1776. Further saith not.   

Jacob Clark  

---

State of Connecticut {
New London County {
27th July 1832  

The within deposition of Jacob Clark aforesaid was taken at the request of Asahel Gay of Lebanon in said County and State to be used before the War Department in his application for a Pension.  

And the said Jacob Clark being sworn according to law made oath that the aforesaid deposition contains the truth & certify that said Clark is known to be a man of truth to the Day and Year aforesaid before me.  

Wm. P. Williams, Justice of Peace in and for said New London County and Notary Public in aforesaid State of Connecticut

To the Hon Lewis Cass  
Sec'y of the War Department
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I, David Dean, of Somers, Tolland County, State of Connecticut, of the age of seventy-three years, being first sworn according to law, do on oath testify & say, that I enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt. James  Clark (late Col. Clark dec'd of Lebanon in New London County in said State) in June 1776. David Patten & Eb Wirt were Lieuts. Ichabod Bosworth Ensign, we embark'd at New London (in a schooner, Capt. (---) Harriss, & sail'd for New York) & arrived there soon after. We landed at the City of New York, & were stationed on Governors Island in the Harbor of New York under Col. Sage; we remained on the Island a month or more, the time I cannot recollect, at the time I enlisted in said Clark’s Company, Asahel Gay then & now of said Lebanon, was the Drummer in said  Company. I continued in said Capacity until we were discharged from Gov'r Island aforesaid to Harlem Heights-while there, Col. Knowlton of Ashford in Connecticut & Major Leitch were killed in a scirmish with the Enemy, after that the Army marched to White Plains. I was in the Battle of White Plains, after that, the army marched, I think, to Crompond in the State of New York.
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where we our Regt were discharged I think, on the 25 of Dec 1776. The said Mr. Gay was discharged at the same time I was.

I was born in the Town of Norwich, in Connecticut.
I have lived in said Lebanon about forty years.
I now reside in Columbia aforesaid and further say nothing.

David Dean

State of Connecticut {
New London County {

On this 27th day of July 1832, David Dean of residence in the Town of Columbia in Tolland County and State of Connecticut, being first sworn according to law doth solemnly swear that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth & I do certify that said Dean is a credible witness, in testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal

Wm. P. Williams, Justice of Peace in aforesaid New London County & State aforesaid-& Notary Publick in aforesaid State

To the Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War

The within deposition of David Dean was taken at request of Asahel Gay of Lebanon of said County & State on his application for a pension before the War Department.

Attest: Wm. P. Williams, Justice of the Peace aforesaid
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I Dan Bliss of Lebanon in the County of New London + State of Connecticut. Do testify + say (first being sworn according to Law) on both __ that in the Campaign of 1776 -- Asahel Gay of Lebanon was a Soldier with me; (Mr Gay was a Drummer) in Capt James Clarks Company of Connecticut State Troops, our tour of Duty was Six Months, (tho we performed nine) we Enlisted in May or June 1776, + were both of us Discharged together at Crawford in the State of New York on Christmas Day 1776- Yours- ther saith not Dan Bliss

State of Connecticut }
New London County 27th May 1832
Dan Bliss the Above Deponent personally appeared before me + him being first Duly sworn made oath that the Aford Deposition by him subscribed Contains the truth + I do Certify that + Dan Bliss is well known to me + is a credible Witness
Sworn to the day + year Afor'd before Mr Wm T Williams Justice Peace in Afor'd New London County + Notary Publick in Afor'd State of Connecticut

To the Hon Lewis Cass- Secretary of War- the written Deposition of Dan Bliss was taken at Asahel Gay's Regime to be used before the War Department on, Gay's application for a pension
attest W T Williams Justice of the Peace
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I, Samuel West, formerly of Lebanon in the County of New London & the State of Connecticut, but now residing in Columbia in Tolland County & State of aforesaid, aged Eighty-Eight years, being first sworn according to law do on oath testify & say that in the Month of December 1777 I was drafted for a tour of three months under Capt. Daniel Dewey, then of said Lebanon, now deceased. Jas Hill was Lt. The Ensign I have forgotten. I was Orderly Sergeant of said Company. We marched to Providence in December aforesaid. I was discharged March 1778-I believe I was gone nearer four months than three-as I recollect we did not return 'til the ground was settled. During the whole of this tour of Duty Simons. Loomis & Asahel Gay, then both and now of Lebanon, were soldiers in said Company. (Said Gay was a Drummer) & performed the same tour of duty that we did (viz.) full three months or more, and further the deponent saith not.

Samuel West

State of Connecticut {
Windham County {
aforesaid Lebanon

On this 25th day of July 1832, personally appeared before me, Samuel West, the above deponent, being first duly sworn, made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth, -& I further say that the said Samuel West is well known to me- & that he is a credible witness, & a man of truth & veracity.

In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand & seal the day & year aforesaid.

Wm. T. Williams, Justice of Peace in & for New London County & Notary Publick in the aforesaid State of Connecticut
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The written deposition of Samuel West was taken at request of Simon Loomis and Asahel Gay aforesaid to be used before the Hon Lewis Cass Secy at War in the petition for a pension before the War Department in the matter of pension. In pursance of an act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.
Before me, W. Williams Just Peace & Noty Publick as aforesaid.
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Asahel Gays
application for a
Pension
A.G.
P.S.
Carey Pratt in a deposition he has
given for Jacob Clark has also in 
same papers given one for me, to which I refer
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I Simon Loomis of Lebanon [crossed through of the Town of Lebanon] in the County of New London & State of Connecticut being first sworn according to law as on oath testify & say aged seventy two years that in the month of December 177 I performed a Tour of Duty at Providence Rhode Island under Capt Danl Dewey for three months. at this time Asahel Gay of Lebanon performed the same tour of Duty that I did, & was the Drummer of the Company, we were discharged in March 1778.
In the month of April 1778 I preformed a two month tour of Duty as New London [illegible]. the Capt. at this time Asahel Gay [illegible] I was also drafted & was with me he was the Drummer of 2d [?] Comp 1778. Further saith not
Simon Loomis

State of Connecticut
New London Js
On this 1sr Day of August 1832 Simon Loomis being first sworn according to law [illegible] personally appeared before & made oath that the above Deposition [illegible] him subscribed  contains the truth & I further certify that the Deponent is a credible in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year afrsd
W Williams[illegible], [illegible] in open
I New London County & Notary [illegible]
[illegible] in open State of Connecticut

to the Hon Lewis Cass [illegible] War Asahel Gay
the above Deposition was taken at [crossed out] aperd acquainted to be [illegible] before the Deponent in his sd [crossed out] Petr for a Pension
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(8-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER  
Gay, Asahel Temperance   W. 17940
CONTENTS
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Asahel Gay's Declaration
Page 76

I do hereby certify that it appears, to the satisfaction of the court that the said Asahel Gay did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment.  I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule there to [unsure] are truly copied from the records of the said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is ten dollars

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six
Charles Lathrop Clerk of the County court of said New London County
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the roll of any State, except
and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension - For want of necessary evidence agreeable to law - And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent, thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribes
That since the 18th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property

Six chairs, 1 old table 1 old desk 1 pet
2 kettles 1 tea kettle 1 UNCLEAR flat irons 1 UNCLEAR and irons
shovel and tongs, supposed to be worth about ten dollars

Sworn to and declared on the 1st day of December 1826 before the County Court for New London County, Charles Lathrop, Clerk
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I do hereby certify that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Asahel Gay did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceeding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is ten dollars. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, I applied the seal of the said court, on this first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six
Charles Lathrop, Clerk of the
County Court of said
New London County