Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 4362, Benjamin Allen Upham, Mass.
Page 1

Service
Mass

Upsham, Benjamin Allen  
Mary

Number  W4362

M
Page 2

Payable to Caleb Upsham, Mary White, wife of Shadrach White, & Anne Dubois, children.

New York 8960

_______________________________________________

Mary Upsham, dec?
 
widow of Benjamin A. Upham
who [was a pensioner under the Act of-crossed out] and who died on the 8th of January 1795 of Greene County in the State of New York and who was  Surgeon's Mate in the company commanded by Captain_______ of the regt [regiment] commanded by Col. Crane in the Mass line for 2 years

____________________________________________________
 Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 480  Dollars___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836, to 4 March 1841.  Widow died May 11, 1841

________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of December 1844 and sent to H.H. Sylvester, Present

________________________________________________

Total Amount, $2,400.00
Act July 7, 1838

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book 2 Vol 1, Page 185


Repd see letter
Page 3

Dr. Samuel Shane
Paramus
Page 4

Truro Nov 18, 1782

Dear Brother

Have received your agreeable favor and was happy to hear you where (sic) so agreeably situated-may every blessing attend you thro' (sic) life.  Polly and myself are well. We hoped to see you here this [fall?] but though one season is gone almost [illegible] another [illegible] I can [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]fail of coming soon as possible and altho (sic) a concurrence of events has removed us & at a considerable distance from each other yet the ties of love and friendship extend over created nature and reach through the world___

I wish you my dear sir every happiness that this world can bestow and every enjoyment that a rational [illegible] has a right to expect-you will please to direct all the letters you may send me to Mr. Stephen Emery Goldsmith  Union Street Boston where care will be taken of them

[continued on next page]
Page 5

I should be happy to hear from you + soon as possible--and believe me your sincere friend and Brother  B. Allen Upham


My Dear Brother

Perhaps you littel (sic) think how much you have disappointed me by not coming this fall but I am willing to think you have not forgot you have yet one sister living thinks of her in some spare moment.  I am always thinking of you and would hope if I could that we may yet live near together you with your Polly with [us?] home.  I wish you many happy days.  I am very glad to hear your (sic) so agrebly (sic) [situated?] but what do you mean by [illegible] soon to invite mammy [?] where you live.  Are you really the happy man  be it so then and may you be happy but mammy must live with me  Indeed she must [illegible] out of the world  There is a possibility of her her coming.  with best love I am dear brother your affectionate sister Mary Upham
Doctor Thane  Our compliments to Miss Gano
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, May ? 1844

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 remainder of this page is so faint as to be illegible]
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[this is the continuation of the document which began on page 6]

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; that the said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and cirumstances which tend to satisay me of the identity of the part described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the  Commonwealth, the date above written.  Wm Tufts, Dep[Deputy?}
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 8

State of New York
Delaware County ss

[These calculations appear at the top of the page, before the body of the affidavit:

1844
    58
________
1786

48
_____
1796

Mary T. White, wife of Shadrach White, of the town of Kortright, County of Deleware (sic) and State of New York, being duly sworn deposeth and saiths that she is sixty one years of age since last February and is the oldest child of Doctor Benjamin A. Upham deceased late of the town of Cairo in the county of Greene That deponent has often heard her father, mother converse at different times about events that happened during the revolutionary war; that deponent always understood that her father the said Benjamin Upham before the revolutionary war resided in the State of Massachusetts in a place called Truro; that he was a physician by profession, that during the revolutionary war he held a Commission as an officer & deponent thinks he continued until near the close of the war during which time deponent has often heard him say he had been in several battles and skirmishes and remembers he was in the Battle of Monmouth  and was stationed at West Point and different Military Stations then occupied by the American army, during which time he was legally married to Mary Thane daughter of the Rev. Thane who was killed by the British in the State of New Jersey.  That shortly after marriage the said Benjamin and Mary Upham moved back to the town of Truro aforesaid where they continued to reside until deponent was nearly thirteen years of age.

That deponents parents & children then removed into the town of Cairo County of Greene, where he continued until he died which took place more than forty five years since and left him surviving the said Mary Upham who remained his widow until the day of her death. that deponents mother the said Mary Upham died in said town of Cairo on or about the eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one and left her surviving [continued on next page]
Page 9

three children viz. this deponent, Caleb Upham and Anne Dubois wife of William Dubois who are the only children living of the said Doctor Benjamin A. Upham and Mary Upham his widow and that the said Anna Dubois is the person who is authorized to make an application for a pension in the name of the children due their mother the said Mary Upham for the revolutionary services of her deceased husband the said Benjamin Upham and further this deponent saith not.

[signature]:  Mary White

Sworn to and subscribed on this 26th day of April 1844 by the said Mary White person [illegible] known to be as  a reputable citizen and her statement entitled to full credit.  

[signature]:  Leman Stuart, J Peace

State of New York
Delaware County Clerks Office ss

I Crawford B. Sheldon Clerk of the county of Delaware do certify that Leman Stewart Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mary White purports to sworn and subscribed was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace, duly elected and qualified and that his name subscribed to the jurat of said afidavit (sic) I believe to be his genuine Signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said County this 29th day of  April, 1844

[signature]:  C. B. Sheldon, Clerk
Page 10

[ numbers faintly written at the top of the page:

1844
    61
______
1783   [see comment]

1844
       4

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the 3rd Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th July 1836

State of New York
Greene County

On this thirteenth day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four at a Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer held at the Court house in the village of Catskill in and for said Count personally appeared in open Court before the Judges thereof Anna Dubois a resident of the town of Cairo in said county aged Forty five 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 the 4th of July 1836

That she is the daughter and legal Representative of the Estate of Mary Upham deceased who was the widow of Benjamin Allen Upham deceased who (as this applicant was informed and believes) at and before the Commencement of the Revolutionary war resided in the State of Massachusetts at a place called Truro and was by profession a Physician and Surgeon; that according to the best of her knowledge and belief her father the said Benjamin Allen Upham entered the military service of the Unites States in the Massachusetts Continental line in a Regiment of Artillery Commanded by Col Crane in the capacity as she now believes of Physician and Surgeon and continued in said service until near the close of the Revolutionary War during which time her father the said Benjamin Allen Upham was engaged in several battles and skirmishes and was stationed near Highlands in the State of New York and at several military stations in said State and New Jersey and Pennsylvania the occupied by the American Army as this [continued on next page]
Page 11

[continued from previous page]

applicant was informed and verily believes  She further declares that her mother the said Mary Upham was legally married to her father the said Benjamin Allen Upham on or about the twenty ninth day of May in the year one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two in the town of Warwick in the State of New York as appears by the annexed certificate found among the papers of her late deceased Mother:--
And believes that the ceremony was performed by the Reverend Simon Thorton Clergyman of the Presbyterian Church

And that her mothers maiden name previous to her marriage was Mary Thane.

She further declares that she has always understood and verily believes that her father and mother after this marriage moved into the town of Truro in the State of Massachusetts where they continued to reside several years and had several children.


That afterwards her father the said Benjamin A. Upham and family moved in the town of Cairo in the County of Greene and State of New York where he continued to reside until the day of his death.

She further declares that her father the said Benjamin Allen Upham died in said town of Cairo on the eighth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Five and left him surviving a widow the said Mary Upham the mother of this applicant who remained a widow and continued to reside in said town of Cairo until the eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one when she the said Mary Upham also died; and left her surviving the following named children, viz. Mary White wife of Shadrack White, Caleb Upham and [continued on next page]
Page 12

Anna Dubois wife of William Dubois (this applicant) who is the Executor and legal Representative on the Estate of Mary Upham deceased who in behalf of the children now  claims a pension in the name of their mother the said Mary Upham for the Revolutionary Services of her husband the said Benjamin Allen Upham deceased who were the parents of this applicant.

She further declares that she knows of no living witness to prove any of the foregoing statements, neither has she any documentary  evidence except the annexed certificate of marriage her parents family record, together  with the several annexed correspondence between their father and mother and their friends before and after marriage corroborating her statement and she knows of no other testimony to prove the same she hopes it may be satisfactory.

[signature:] Anna Dubois

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written in open court before me

Wm Pierson Clerk of Greene County Court
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Warwick in the State of New York May 31, 1782.  This is to certify whomever it may concern that Dr. Benjamin Allin (sic) Upham * Mary Thane wee married the 29th day of this month by me Simon Horton.
Page 14

Mrs. Priscilla Upham Died in a fit of the apoplexy suddenly in the fifty eighth year  of her age January 8th---1785

Rev'd Caleb Upham died with a consumption in the sixty third year of his age and thirty first of his ministry April 9th-----1786

Benjamin Allen Upham Son of the Rev'd Caleb Upham and Mrs. Priscilla Upham was born at Truro Feb 5th 1756

Mary Thane daughter of Rev'd Daniel Thane and Mrs. Mary Thane was born at Connecticut Farms State of New Jersey December 9th (?) ----1754(?)

Mary Thane daughter of Benj'a Allen and Mary Upham born at Truro Feb. 25th 1783

Benjamin Allen Son of Benjamin Allen Upham and Mary Upham was born at Truro July 21st ---1784

Caleb Thane son of Benj'a Allen Upham and Mary Upham was born at Truro January 8 - - - -1789

Daniel Thane son of Benj'a Allen Upham and Mary Upham was born at Truro May 10, ----1791.
Page 15

Caleb Upham was born at [illegible] October (?) 14th  old stile (sic) 1723--son of Mr.  Ebenezer and Mrs. Elizabeth Upham

Priscilla Allen Daughter of Mr. Benjamin Allen and Mrs. Elizabeth (?) Allen was born at [illegible] October 8 old stile 1727

Mr. Caleb Upham was ordained at Truro October 29, 1755.


Samuel Upham, son of Benjamin and Mary Upham born in Truro March 6 - - -1796

Anna Upham daughter of Benjamine and Mary Upham and born at [illegible] county of Albany State New York  June 1, 1798.

Anna Upham baptized Sept 19, 1798 by Rev. [illegible name] of New Durham, NH (?)

Dead(?) Dear(?) son Samuel Upham died with a [illegible] consumption at [illegible] State of New York(?) Nov 8th 1798 aged two years eight months and two days

Doc't  Benjamin Allen Upham departed this life with a consumption at [illegible] in the state of New York January 8 at 10 o'clock in the evening anno domine 1799
Page 16


[A the very top of the page is written the name:  Daniel Upham.]

The Book of Common Prayer
and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the CHURCH according to the Use of the CHURCH OF ENGLAND:  
Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, as they are to be Sung or Said in CHURCHES.

OXFORD:

[print]ed by THOMAS BASKETT, Printer to the UNIVERSITY, M  DCC LX.
Page 17

[This is the Table of Contents, presumably of the Book of Common Prayer, the title page of which is at page 16}

At the top of the page, written by hand:

Mary Thane was born at Connecticut Farms in the year 54.

At the bottom of the page are written three sets of numbers representing years which appear to be subtracted from each other.  

1807
1783
____________
    25

1807
1789
______
    18

1786
1755
______
     31
Page 18

1,206

NY

Act July 4 1836

Mary Upham Decd
Page 19

State of New York
Greene County

William Telfairly of the town of Cairo County of Greene and State f New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is now and has for several years past been a practicing Physician in said town, and was well acquainted with Mary Upham the reputed widow of Doctor Upham deceased,

That she resided a near neighbor to deponent for several years, during which time deponent officiated as her family Physician and continued so untill (sic) the day of her death; 

That according to the best of deponents present recollection she the said Mary Upham died on or about the eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one in said town of Ciro and left her surviving three children one son, and two daughters, viz. Caleb Pham, Mary Wilte wife of Shadrack White and Anna Dubois wife of William Dubois

Deponent further saith that said Anna Dubois is the Executriz and legal representative of the Estate of said Mary Upham deceased and as deponent was informed is now an applicant for a pension in the name of her mother the said Mary Upham deceased for the revolutionary services of their father the said Doctor Upham  and further this deponent saith not.

[Signautre]:  W Telfair Sr. (?)

Sworn to and subscribed this 16th day of May, 1844 by the said William Telfairly to me personally known as a Respectable hysician and his statement entitled to full credit.

[Signature]:  Anthony M. Van Berger one of the Judges of Greene County Courts.
Page 20

[there is a seal and ribbons at the top of this page]

State of New York
Greene County Clerks Office ss

I William Pierson Clerk of the Courts in & for said County do certify that Anna Dubois appeared in open court on the thirteenth of May instant and was by me duly sworn to the annexed declaration.  And further certify that Anthony M. Van Berger Esq. before whom the foregoing annexed affidavit of Doctor William Telfairly purports to have been subscribed and sworn was at the time of the same one of the judges of the Greene County Courts in and for said County and duly commissioned and qualified and that his name subscribed to the jurat of said affidavit purporting to be his is his genuine Signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County this 14th day of My 1844

Wm Pierson, Clerk
Page 21

State of New York
Greene County ss

The people of the State of New York by the grace of God free and independent:
To all to whom these presents shall come send Greetings-Know ye that at a Surrogates Court held in and for our County of Greene

The most satisfactory evidence was adduced to prove that Mary Upham late of the town of Cairo in said County (was the reputed widow of Doctor  Benjamin A. Upham deceased) departed this life on or about the eleventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one and that she left her surviving three children whose names are as follows viz. Caleb Upham, Mary A. White wife of Shadrack White and Anna Dubois wife of William Dubois who are her only children and of lawful age  And further that letters [of Administration-crossed out] Testamentary on the Estate of said Mary Upham deceased were in due form of law granted and committed unto Anna Dubois of the town of Cairo in our said County of Greene.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal at Catskill in the County of Greene the 14th day of May, 1844--
Malcom Watson Surrogate of the County of Greene
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8960

New York

_______________________

Mary Upham, Dec'd-

widow of Benjamín A. Upham [crossed out:
who was a pensioner under the Act of] and who died on the 8 January 1795-of Greene County in the State of N. York who was a Surgery mate in the------- Commanded by Captain------of the Regiment Commanded by Col. Crane--in the New York-- line for 2 years--increased from $480 per annum
________________________________

Inscribed pm the Roll of Albany---at the rate of 600 --dollars   Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 ending 4 March, 1841.  Widow died 11 May, 1841.

______________________________________

Certificate of Pension issued the --24th day of January, 1844--and sent to H.H. Sylvester, present.
_____________________________________
Total amount, $3,000

[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by WM Stewart Clerk,
Book D Vol 1 Page 185

Rep'd by letter agt 24 January:  1845
Page 23

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 4362

Mary Upham
Wid.

Benjm Upham
Surgery Mate N.Y. Line

Act:  July 7, 38

Index:-Vol W Page 293

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 24

Mary Upham, dec'd
Who was widow of Benjamin A. Upham Surgeon's Mate 
Crane's Artillery
$480 per annum Act 1838
to commence 4 March '36 & end 4 March '41.
_____

Payable to the children Caleb Upham, Mary White wife of Shardrach White and Anne Dubois wife of William Dubois. 

Albany Roll

_______

Married 29 May 1782
Husband died 8 Jan. 1795
Widow died 11 May 1841
________________

Cert to:
H.H. Sylvester, Present
Page 25

War Department.

Revolutionary  Claim

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th July 1838, Mary Upham, deceased, who was the widow of Benjamin A. Upham, who was a Surgeons Mate in the Revolutionary War, was entitled to a pension at the rate of six hundred dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1836, and ending on the 4th of March, 1841: which will be paid upon the production of the proper vouchers to Caleb Upham, Mary White and Anne Dubois, 
children of said Mary Upham Dec'd, after have deducted the amount already paid.  This pension [crossed out:  has been] is increased from $480 per annum.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24h day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.

Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 26

War Department.

Revolutionary  Claim

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th July 1838, Mary Upham, deceased, late of New York, widow of Benjamin A. Upham, who was a Surgeons Mate in the Revolution,  was entitled to a pension at the rate of Four Hundred and Eighty  Dollars per annum, & having died on the 11th of May, 1841, the amount due from the 4th of March, 1836, and ending on the 4th of March, 184, is payable to Caleb Upham, Mary White, wife of Shadrach White, and Anne Dubois, wife of William Dubois, 
children of said Mary Upham Deceased.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this19th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.

Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 27

11492

Mary Upham
NY Act 38

See paper [illegible]
Act July 4, 1836.

H.H. Sylvester
Page 28

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:

State of New York
Greene County, ss

    On this thirteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty four at a Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer held at the Court house in the village of Catskill in and for said  County personally appeared in open Court before the Judges thereof Anna Dubois a resident of the town of Cairo in said County aged forty five 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 of the 7th of July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:  That she is the daughter of Mary Upham deceased who was the widow of Doctor Benjamin A. Upham deceased who (as this applicant was informed and believes) at the commencement of the revolutionary war resided in the State of Massachusetts in a place called Truro, & was by profession and a Physician and Surgeon.  That according to the best of her knowledge and belief her father the said Benjamin A. Upham entered the Military Service of the United States in the Massachusetts Continental line in a Regiment of Artillery Commanded by Col Crane in the capacity as she now believes of Physician and Surgeon, and continued in said Service until near the close of the Revolutionary war:  during which time she has often been informed that her father the said Benjamin A. Upham was station- [continued on next page]
Page 29

[continued from previous page]
ed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and at the several Military Stations in the State of New York then occupied by the American Army during which time she was informed that he was in several battles and skirmishes:  she further declares that her mother the said Mary Upham was legally married to her father the said Benjamin A. Upham on or about the 29th day of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two in the town of Warwick in the State of New York and believes that the ceremony was performed by   [blank space-no name]  

And that her mothers maiden name previous to her marriage was Mary Thane.  She further declares that she has always understood and verily believes that her father and mother shortly after marriage moved into the said town Truro in the State of Massachusetts and remained there several years and had several children.  that afterwards her father the said Benjamin A. Upham and family moved in the town of Cairo in the County of Greene in the State of New York where he continued to reside until the day of his death.  She further declares that her father the said Benjamin A. Upham died in said Town of Cairo on the eighth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine and left him him (sic) surviving a widow the said Mary Thane, deponents mother who remained a widow and continued to reside in said town of Cairo until the eleventh day of Mary in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one when she died And left her surviving the following named children viz. Mary White, wife of Shadrack White, Caleb Upham, Anna [continued on next page-
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Dubois, wife of William Dubois, who is the executor and legal representative on the Estate of said Mary Upham deceased and also the application (sic) for a pension in the name of their mother the said Mary Upham for the Revolutionary Services of their father the said Benjamin A. Upham deceased.

She further declares that she knows of no living witness nor has she any documentary evidence to prove any of her foregoing statements except the annexed certificate of marriage and the family record of her parents and the several annexed correspondences between their father and mother and their friends both before and after marriage corroborating her foregoing Statement, and as she believes it to be out of her power to furnish any other testimony--she hopes it may be satisfactory.

[Signature];  Anna Dubois

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year first above written in open Court before me
[signature]:  WM Pierson, Clerk of Green County Courts

State of New York
Greene County, ss
I, William Pierson, Clerk of County of Greene and Clerk of the County Courts held in and for said County, do hereby certify that Anna Dubois appeared is said Court and was by me duly sworn on the date of the foregoing Declaration to the facts therein contained.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court and County this 20th day of May, 1844.

[Signature]:  WM Pierson, Clerk
Page 31

Dear Miss

Though I wrote you so lately by Wm Stracham which [illegible] no doubt you have received before this --yet so good an opportunity of writing presenting I cant let it pass and be easy.  Tho'  i fear you perhaps think me impertinent by troubling you so often yet how can I help it--indeed dear miss the pleasure of writing [can?] let me [illegible] the pleasure the very great pleasure of receiving letters from those we love is equalled (sic) by nothing but the pleasure of seeing the beloved object of our fondest wishes and hopes:--I am here cooped up in this hatefull (sic) garrison separated from all that my soul holds [illegible] dear on earth--and why--why my Dearest Miss because I am a soldier and by that means subject to the will of others.  Oh Heaven may I say without [illegible] say how unequal are thy Distributions --why wast not I blest with an [illegible] fortune--that i might lay it at your feet and be permitted fond thought to add myself to it--but methinks I hear you say shall mean vain foolish man presume to dictate to his creator and carve out his own portion my dear Polly I own your observation just yet how severely do I feel it--but believe oh believe the whole happiness of my future life depends on you and only you--and if cruel fortune should by any means deceive me how unhappy must I be [continued on next page]
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[continued form previous page]

Think not dear Madam that I doubt your [illegible] that I doubt your constancy-- and oh permit me to add your love--ah that and only that can make me happy--and that such happiness is reserved for me.  I fondly hope--it is needless for me to tell you that I am impatient to see you which I intend if possible the first of next month--and nothing short of an absolute impossibility shall hinder such.

Dr. Adams a gentleman for whom I have the greatest esteem will bring you this--Oh dear Miss I beg entreat and pray that you would let me hear from you--how happy would it make me.-[illegible] so.

I am Dear Miss with the greatest love and affection your forever.  
B. Allen Upham

West Point Garrison August 23, 1779

Miss Thane
Page 33

Miss Polly Thane

Hon. [illegible] Lieut Strachan

Chester
Page 34

Dear Miss

With the greatest pleasure I embrace the first opportunity of writing you--entertaining at the same time the fond pleasing hope that it may afford you some small degree of pleasure to hear I am well.  Tho (sic) in obedience to my orders I am thus cruelly obliged to be absent from all that my soul holds most dear on earth yet you are ever present to my imagination and be assured I can Madam (sic) that no time or place tho (sic) ever so distant no circumstance nor event whatever can change that love which you permit me to entertain for you.---There can be no greater happiness in this world than that of loving--and being mutually beloved. Fain would I flatter myself that this is the case with me.  I fear I am too presumeing (sic) yet cant help it you must excuse me--Oh my dear Miss Thane I must indulge the sweet expectation that Heaven and you will permit me to pass my life with you--what greater happiness can await me.  entertain dear Polly I beg you not [illegible] the least doubt (sic) of my sincerity if you do you wrong a heart devoted to you Oh that I had ever been as sincere in every past action of my life--yet think my life not bad  [illegible] whatever it has been you dear Miss have affected a reformation which will be as lasting as that life which I would wish to spend in endeavoring to make you happy. [continued on next page]
Page 35

Soon very soon I hope that I can leave the [illegible] as the commanding officer is my particular friend and fly on the wings of love to Chester--oh that these wings could carry me there every day vain man--vain wish--how hard do I find to reconcile to my mind that maxim of the celebrated Mr. Pope:
"Whatever is is right"  and yet how oft have I defended it.

May I without offending ask to hear from you--is it not too presumeing (sic) nothing but seeing you could give me greater pleasure.  Permit me to subscribe--Dear Miss with the sincerest love-- your unalterable friend and obedient servant

B. Allen Upham

P.S. Remember dear Polly remember Doctor Upham
Col Cranes artillery West Point

West Point Garrison Aug't 18 1779

Miss Thane
Page 36

Sunday Morning 11 o'clock
Dear Miss 

This moment have I received your letter with an alternative of pleasure and pain and is it possible that any thing that relates to you my dear miss can give me pain-barely possible yet have none to thank [crossed out:  by] but myself that I never doubted your constancy or honor heaven is my judge. believe me oh dear miss--believe me when I tell you this that it is as true as that there is an all seeing power above us.  [illegible] Madam-Perhaps I chose to believe every report of [illegible] can you think it of me. Can you dear Polly think my soul capable of such an act.  Oh the idea wrings my [illegible] soul. You say farther Madam-think no more of one you have a mean opinion may you be happy with [illegible] young lady. [illegible]

and what young lady is there in created nature that can make me happy but you Madam.  I declare on my sacred honor that I never believed nor thought that you ever gave the least encouragement to either of those gentlemen mentioned in my last letter far otherwise.  I entertain the highest opinion of your honor Could I madame make you sensible of my feelings  at this moment you might pity me and I hope forgive me for having ever [illegible] offended you.  Jealousy Dear Miss Jealously is a passion which I have a soul above (excuse my vanity)  The fever [illegible] which you are please to think so slight and which I had sometime before I had the pleasure of courting you last produced a dysentery--which conducted me some way toward the cave of death.  at length that being whose tender mercies are over all his works however undeserving took pity on me--
[continued on next page].
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[continued from previous page]

called me back to life-and I am now once [more?] beginning to traverse the gay pleasing paths [of?] health.  May I sing songs of joy and gratitude [to?} my great Deliverer as I go along.  I confess myself under great obligation to Mr. Strachan [for?] the care he is pleased to take of my letters--why Dear Polly why may you not speak to [him?] and thank him if you please too (sic) for his trouble.  I know of no reason in nature that can be [illegible].--Col Tophine my good friend is also very unwell with the same disorder that I am recovering from and is loath to let me leave him till he is better for which event I shall exert all my poor abilities in my possession and the whole powers of medicine to effect  [so?] That is all that hinders me from seeing you My dearest Miss at Chester which I need not tell you I wish for if Dear Madam you think me worth of so great a favor--would earnestly request a line form you on the [receipt?] ] of this.  I beg Madam you would pardon my offense that I unknowingly gave you in my last  Write me oh dearest miss write me if not too great a favor and still believe me Dear Miss with the greatest sincerity your constant and unchangeable lover

B. Allen Upham

West Point Garrison Sep't 4th 1779

Miss Thane
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Miss Polly Thane

To the car of
Doctor [Adams?}

Chester
Page 39

My dearest Miss

With the greatest pleasure I embrace the first opportunity of writing to my dearest Polly after my arrival at Boston.  I could not leave the garrison till the next Sunday after I had the pleasure of seeing you at Chester.  My jouney was pleasant for so cold a time of year and I enjoy good health--oh my dear love--when I consider that I am distant from you more that two hundred miles it does not afford the most pleasing sensations--but anticipate the pleasure I shall enjoy when I shall have the happiness of seeing my lovely girl once more.  This night fortnight I had that pleasure--oh Polly do not forget that you have a lover who loves you more than [illegible] 

[continued on next page]
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world besides--think on him at some spare moment--with some tenderness and remember oh my dear remember that his all depends on you--and be assured my dearest girl that however distant no time or place or circumstance can make the least change in my affections--I hope I may be assured of the same with regard to my dear Polly--I hope I may sweet hope I can idea--when will the time come that we shall never never part again--oh that it may be nigh at hand--heaven grant it may.  I expect to go to [illegible] Uphams tomorrow.  I shall do myself the pleasure of writing you every opportunity but to that part of the country where I am going dear they will be scarce.  This circumstance my love I mention that you need not  [continued on next page]
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think it strange if you do not receive letters from me as often as I could wish.  Depend on it my dear, I will miss no good opportunity of writing you .  The greatest pleasure I enjoy now I can't see you is writing [illegible] cant add.

I remain my dear Miss your [word cut off] lover and obedient  [word cutoff]

B. Allen Upha  [signature cut off]

PS  Did you ever hear of Molly Low

Boston December 8th, 1779

Miss Thane
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Miss Polly Thane

Warwick
Page 43

My Dearest Love

There is not one passage in my life that affords me so great pleasure as when I am with you.  and next to that the pleasure of writing you and tho' my dear Miss I can write nothing worthy your perusal yet simple unadorned as it is yet in the language of love; and of a heart that is devoted entirely devoted to you alone   Soon very soon I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you: this my dear I hope will be very soon.  I am at length well settled in winter quarters at Murderers Creek near New Windsor CT  I marched with the [illegible] the other day & through Gray Court Mrs. Braistead informed me that you had lately heard of the death of your sister. Give your lover leave my dear miss to console with you on so melancholy an occasion--life my dear is a checkquered (sic) scene and hopes and troubles we might all expect [continued on next page]
Page 44

moralising (sic) from a young fellow to a young lady might to some afford matter of ridicule but I flatter myself to you it will be excusable.  I my dear have passed through scenes exceeding (sic) painful on recollection and my mind now is not at ease. Oh my Polly I can never never be happy till I am united to you by those bonds which nothing can destroy that time happy time will I hope  now soon arrive.  Hope supports me.  "Hope spring (sic) eternal in the human breast; Man never is but always to be blest."
 Am my dearest miss your most affectionate lover and obedient servant.  [illegible signature]

Artillery Park, Dec 17th (?) 1780

Miss Thane
Page 45

Miss Polly Thane

Warwick
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My Dearest Miss

There is no one action of my life that affords me greater pleasure than writing to you:  when I have the the pleasure of being with you and from this principle:  that my letters--however uninteresting and trifleling (sic) in themselves may add the least degree to your satisfaction: and if you love like me they surely must but why [illegible] say if--I am my dearest girl convinced you do and that is the greatest happiness I enjoy: and be assured my love the happiness of my future life in the greatest measure depends on you :  for none of the [illegible] will ever make any alteration on that heart that is devoted to you alone.  No though they were more beautious than their first mother when first they came from the hand of her great maker: and possessed more graces than the queen of love- every allurement they could possibly frame would be in vain- I hope that time will soon arrive when we shall be united never to part again.  This to me my love would be a most desirable event and may I flatter myself it would not be disagreeable to you.  [continued on next page]
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There is I am now fully convinced there is more charmes (sic) more true happiness in a virtuous passion such as ours is than all the pleasures the libertine can taste in all his [illegible] after what he vainly calls happiness-tho' I will say I can freely confess I once thought otherwise.  Shall I do myself the pleasure of coming to Warwick soon as possible--but when I cannot exactly tell as I am much confined at present  be be assured no alteration of time place or circumstance shall ever change the heart of him who is my dearest miss your ever devoted lover and most affectionate friend
 You know who

Artillery Park, March 10, 1781

Miss Thane
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Miss Polly Thane

Warwick
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My Dear Miss

With great pleasure of embrace so good an opportunity of writing to all that is most dear to me on earth:  but my Polly without the deepest regret I must inform that I know not when I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again:  as we are in daily expectation of marching and encountering the dangers of an active campaign:  but oh my dearest girl do not forget your lover do not forget the man whose happiness is centered in the pleasing idea of one day be connected (sic) with you by the dearest of all bonds:  with a pleasing melancholy I reflect on the many happy hours we have spent with each other:  return oh return ye fleeting moments vain wish time cannot be recalled. yet but a few months the campaign will be over.  then with what unspeakable pleasure shall I fly to my dearest love.  If possible I will yet see you in the  course of the [illegible] Nothing can afford me greater pleasure But my dear it is very uncertain This campaign will finish my being a soldier and then I hope to be happy as happy as love can make me:   you know my meaning  Think of my sometimes my love; I am always thinking of you- that is the most pleasing thought that employs my mind--that will afford me pleasure when encountering fatigue and danger  The thought of you and the pleasing thought I am [illegible] will clean my soul--I am tired of the Army.  I want something else to make me happy. Then (sic)  to be engaged in strife and tumult.  [continued on next page]
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The pleasures flowing from virtuous love are greatly superior to any others. I speak my Dear from experience:  oh Polly oh my Dearest Love--my heart is torn with anguish:  even now I write when I reflect on the cruel idea:  that I shall not see you for a long time.  But do not forget me and make not the least doubt my dearest girl of my love constancy and [illegible] in whatever I situation I may be cast-might I may dear ask you to write me by the Bearer I do not [illegible] it but what pleasure would it give me.  Oh Polly think how anxious we are to hear from what we love  I shall write you all opportunities but shall be at a great distance.

Adieu Dear Polly
Best Beloved of my soul
Oh could I see you

([illegible signature]

Camp  July 3, 1781

Miss Thane
Page 51

Doctor [illegible]

Benjamin A. Upham

@ 

Truro


Favor 
by Doctor Standish
Page 52

Green River December 31, 1791.

Dear Brother and sister  Yours dated May 23rd 1791 came to hand August  7th which I answered August 17 since when we have not had any accounts from you--Permit me to congratulate you on the birth of your son--our family is in health and business is good, Mammy is with us, she has been troubled with the rheumatism but at present is very comfortable.  We have lately heard of the death of Uncle Pickett and also of John Clowes, the same fate inevitably awaits us all, may deity enable us [illegible] to realise (sic) so important & serious a fact--this I propose to send by Doctor Standish his [illegible] will not come nearer to you than the distance of 40 o 50 miles. I shall request him if possible to bring back a [illegible-a line?] I make no doubt of your vigilance to effect it if practicable.  particularly to mention the defeat of our western army is needles as our newspapers are in a measure repleat (sic) with these accounts  Young Doctor Gano a brother of Mrs. Thane is among the wounded  I do not learn that Mamma's [illegible] mother are in anymore of a favorable situation that when I wrote last year.  [continued on next page]
Page 53

Mamma requests me to present her tenderest regards to you both and to all  your little ones and sends love to all her acquaintances. Mrs. Than joins with and in much love to you both and to your children--I am with sincere love yr brother Samuel Thane
Page 54

This page is probably the reverse side of page 53. It contains lines of the alphabet. Perhaps a child used this letter to practice writing.
Page 55

Preakness Marcy 28, 1782

Dear Polly

Upon the score(?) of old Acquaintance & Friendship permit me still to call you s0--How often have I wished to see you and to have had the pleasure of enjoying an afternoon conversation with yourself and Amiable Mama.  I have repeated the agreeable Discourses  I was honored once with

Oh Upham, Happy Man to have so charming a lady to be yours, but I cannot suppose it to be any new thing to you now, blessed all beyond dispute with an amiable companion, and may I add several prattling infants, pledges of your love

What, Polly, are they named  I expect the oldest to be a Billy.  I cannot think otherways (sic) since I know it was Expected that a wedding would soon Happen when I [illegible[ at Chester which is now several years ago.

But oh-what do I hear.  Can it be possible let me tell you what I hear  It must b so and I cannot account for it.  Capt Wright tells me that you are not married.  Oh Polly what are you about, why spending your time of youth in toying and trifling which might afford you real pleasures. Has the Doctor altered his mind  and have you altered your once amiable Principles.  That I cannot think of [illegible]

I think you are depriving others of a chance by keeping up the appearance without coming to a conclusion.  Poor Wright I think has left his heart with you  He is now with me Polly & has been these several days, upon what occasion, you must guess, but as I glory in what I have done I know I have your best wishes 

I'll tell you The Last Sundays My Arms where (sic) blest with a most virtuous and amiable young lady & Poor Wright is my assistant on the occassions (Sic)  

Turn over
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By this time you are surprized (sic) I may suppose, but if you recollect, I was always of the Oppinion (sic) that if Happiness where (sic) to be found in this Uncertain World it was in that State, the Wonder then ceases Immediately--From the Shortness of the time It cannot be supposed I should launch out much in its praise Especially from Experiences, But where two hearts mutually inclined & Determined to Endeavour to make each other happy no fear (?) can be expected-

Why unhappy matches takes (sic) place, I account for them thus, should a Lady have a fortune, no good qualification is looked after, Nay where (were) she even possessed of Every Bad Habit, money has the charm so with many Ladys  (Sic) in Regard to the Gentleman.  Another     reason I think so often Practiced too is that of Flattery  How a Sensible lady can sit and hear a Gentleman tell her such fine storys (sic) of Every Kind I acknowledge I am at a loss.  But so it is that he who would win (Marry or many?  of)  the Faire Acts not considering that Certainly after the ceremony that flattery dies away but I'' quit, Perhaps tired already with reading thus far--Well Polly Adieu  Present my Best Respects to your Mama. & Brother and believe me to be, tho altered in Condition still one who wishes you Every Happiness--You once told me you could not write to young Fellows.  I am now an old man  You I suppose will say therefore the objection is Removed.  A line then from my once friend Polly Directed to W. Stracham at Ms. Nicholas Bogarts at Preakness will come safe.   Once More Adieu  May you be as happy as him who has the honor to say is a sincere friend.

Billy Strachan
Page 57

To Doct. Benjamin A. Upham

att Truro

To the care of 
Mr. Stephen Emery
Goldsmith Union Street
in Boston
Page 58

[illegible] June 7, 1783

My [illegible] Brother & Sister

I have this evening arrived at Greycourt on a visit.   I have the pleasure of seeing your letter mentioning that you are blest with a yound daughter and a wish you much joy on the occasion.  I shall remove in a little time to [illegible] a few miles distant from my present dwelling and Mamma I [illegible] there as soon as I am settled.  Mrs. Braisted has written several letters which she supposes you have not received by your not mentioning anything of them.

I earnestly wish to see you more [illegible] than you can imagine and intend as soon as my little family is settled and I can leave home to visit you which i hope will not be very long--I was a few weeks ago on Long Island.  I conclude it will not answer at present to settle there and I shall yet remain among the [Dutch?] they become more and more agreeable and their gold is as brilliant as that of any other class of people-----

It seems I am an uncle.  I want to feel that little female Babe.  Pray by what name do you call it. Do let me know tho' I hope to see it before very long and then I shall hear the song By by babe by on the highest key--Sally Carpenter is married to a [refugee?] When I come I can tell you news for a fortnight.  You must [illegible] the odd comments stuff I have written I am very happy but by some means not enough composed to write. 

I am with real love and true friendship yr Brother Sam'l Thane

Mamma's + my compliments(?) to Mr. & Mrs. Upham and her best love to you both.  I likewise. (signature:  Mrs. Braisted)
Page 59

Doctr

Benjamin A. Upham

Truro
Page 60

June 4, 1795

Dr (dear?) Brother

My intention of visiting you in January (?) last was frustrated by Mrs. Thane's indisposition which rendered it [illegible] for me to leave home-I feel urgent to accomplish the visit but cannot at present determine the exact time when our family are in tolerable health, we have a young son nearly 3 months old, tho of rather a slender habit.  I write in haste, am in good business.  My best love and dutiful respects to my worthy parent whom I learn is with you--much love to my dear sister and the little ones of the family--I am [illegible] with love and true regard yr brother Saml Thane

Dr. Upham