Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16266, Samuel Gamage, Mass. Navy.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass
Navy
Gamage, Samuel
[Gamage] Polly or Mary
NUMBER W 16266
Page 2

4273.
N. York
Polly Gamage, deceased,
widow of Samuel Gamage
who was a pensioner under the Act of 181
and who died on the 4 August, 1832
of Columbia in the State of N.Y.
who was a Lieut. in the  U.S. Navy
commanded by Captain May of the [blank]
commanded by [blank]
of the
U.S. Navy &c; line for [blank]
in
Increased from $180 per ann
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York
at the rate of 360 - Dollars
per annum
to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836. & End in March 1841
Certificate
of Pension issued the 8th
[illegible] 1845 and sent to her
10.13 a day 
Total amount, $1800.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
day of
10.B.
Recorded by [illegible]
Clerk,
Vol 1 Page 159
Ref to agent
Dec. 9. 1845
Pension increased
under acts July 7. '38
& June 7, 1832.
Letter to W. B. [illegible]
17 Dec 1845
see letters to 2d Comptroller 22d
Dec. 1845 & to Hon W. B.
Maclay H.R. Dec. 26. 1845
Let to T. Gamage 5 Mr 53
Same 13
J.E. Beekman Jany
16 1857
Page 3

32.403.
N. York
Samuel Gamage, deceased
of Columbia in the State of N. York
who was a Lieutenant in the [blank] commanded
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
by [blank]
in the Massachusetts
line for 2 years in [illegible] & artillery
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 60 Dollars
[blank] Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & End
4 August, 1832.-
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of
Dec. 1845 and sent to Hon W.B.
Maclay A.R.
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. ⎬
Recorded by W M Stewart
Clerk,
Book E.2 Vol. 4 Page 27.
Page 4

N. 60
Samuel Gamage,
Lieut
$20 per mo comes 28th March 1878 
[illegible] 4 April 1818
[illegible]
Spencer County of
Rept M S
[calculations not transcribed show a total of 103.50]
[Right side]
[illegible] 28th March 18
Columbia Miller clerk
Page 5

State of New York. Samuel Gamage of the City of Hudson
City of Hudson in the County of Columbia and State of New York
being duly sworn do depose and say that he acted as a volunteer in the
[illegible] of the Colonies of North America at the battle of Lexington when the
British Troops landed of Litchmore point then aged twenty five years
That he continued in said service as a Volunteer at different alarms and
battles until the year 1776 when the deponent received the Commission
of a Lieutenant in the Atrillery commanded by Thomas Crafts as Co
the
and this Regiment was raised in Boston this depont continued in this
service from year the regiment being raised only for this period soon after this
This Deponent receive a Commission from Congress as a first or [illegible] Lieutenant
in the Marines this was about the time of the expedition of Genl Sullivan to
Newport in Rhode Island This Regiment was stationed aboard the Dean
Frigate commanded by Samuel Nicholson and continued aboard of said
ship for about eighteen months performing several basin was in hand
when the The [illegible] Sandwich and Glencain were taken from the enemy this
deponent quit the service in the year 1779 in consequence of infirmities contracted in
the service, surrendering his Commission to the Navy bound at Boston, who honorably discharged him and [illegible] said Commission, this Deponent received his
his last pay at Philidelphia in the year 1781 or 1782 This Deponent further says
that there are no individuals residing within the neighborhood of his residence who were
acquainted with him during the period of our revolutionary War. This deponent also
States that he is aged and infirm and incumbered with the support of a large family
that he requires the aid and assistance of his Country for support this Deponent
certain about dates having no papers or documents to refer to & further this deponent saith not.
Sam Gamage
City of Hudson ss. On the twenty eighth day of March 1818 personally
Page 6

appeared before me the within named Samuel Samage to me personally known
and was duly Given to the above affidavit subscribed by him I further certify
that I am fully satisfied that the facts stated in the said affidavit are
Substantially true
Robt Jenkins
Mayor of Hudson
State of New York
County of Columbia
Clerk's office 
I do hereby certify that Robert Jenkins whose name
appears to the annexed certificate of affidavit is Mayor
of the City of Hudson as  Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas commonly called the Mayors Court
in the said City. Witness my name & the Seal of said County This 28th March 1818
Cornelius Miller Clk
[sideways on left side]
N. 60
Samuel Gamage
Lieut
$20 per mo comm
28th March 1818
June 4 April 1818
[illegible]
Spencer County
[illegible]
[numbers not transcribed]
Page 7

Samuel Gamage
Copy of Record
60
Sept 1818
Page 8

State of New York
Columbia County
On this twenty ninth day of August
personally appeared in open Court being a court of record
for said County Samuel Gamage now in his seventieth
year resident in said county who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in
the Revolutionary war as follows, To wit as Lieutenant of
marines attached to the Dean Frigate commanded by
Capt Samuel Nicholson for the term of eighteen months
or upwards according to the best of recollection (a more circumstantial account may be had by referring to his former declaration) that he resigned his commission by have
of the Navy Board by reason of ill health. That the date of
his original application was on or about the twenty sixth
of March 1818 and that the number of his certificate is sixty ┃
And I do solemly swear that I was a resident citizen
of the United States on the eighteenth day of March 1818
once that I have not since that time by gift sale or in
any manner whatever disposed of my property or any part
thereof 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 & Naval service of the United States
in the Revolutionary war passed on the eighteenth day of March 1818
and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property
or security contracts or debts due to me nor have I [illegible]
than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed and by 
me subscribed.
Names & ages of my family residing with m
Polly Gamage my wife aged 55 years
Sarah & Hannah Garage Twin Daughter aged 22 years
Julia & Harriet Gamage [twin daughters aged] 7 years
I have no occupation nor ability to pursue any owing to my advanced 
age infirmity & reduced circumstances have been wholly dependant
on my pension and the aid of friends for subsistence for some years.
Last my family being all female can contribute nothing towards my support
(Signed)
Samuel Gamage
Page 9

A Schedule of my household furniture it being all
the property I own of any description whatever, viz:
One Cherry Table-- worth $..50 ) 
Amount brot up $8..37½
one Sett Common Chairs - 1..75 
One Iron pot..75
One Candle Stand ..50
One [iron] Kittle ..25 ┃
One sett Cups & Samers - 1..25
One iron pan ..37 1/2
Dishes & plates- 1..50
Two tin pans 1..00
6 tumblers ..25
Sundry little Articles tin -..50
one sett Knives & forks- ..75
1 Stove & pipe . 6..00
one pair Brass Candle sticks ..75
2 Wash Tubs. ..75
3 [illegible] Barrels ..75
one [pair] Common [illegible] ..371/2
1 Axe - ..50
One [pair] Bellows ..25
1 Shovel ..50
One Scale & beam - 1..50
1 Saw - ..50
[subtotal] $20..25
1 Sett spoons 2..00
[total] $22..25
(Signer) Samuel Gamage
Sworn to and declared on this 29th day of August before
me John J. Miller first Judge of said Court
I Abraham B. Vanderpoel Clerk of the Court of the
County of Columbia do hereby certify that the foregoing
oath and the schedule thereunto annexed in
are truly copied from the record of said Court and
I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court
that the total amount in value of the property exhibited
in the foregoing schedule is twenty two dollars & twenty five 
[partially obscured by seal]
hiring a Court of [illegible], having power to fine & imprisonment of Jurisdiction [illegible]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
the said court this first day of September one thousand eight hundred & twenty
A. M. Vanderpal Clerk of the
Court of Com. Pleas for County
Page 10

County of Columbia
State of New York
On this 25th of July Eighteen hundred
Thirty eight personally appeared before me
William Gaul one of the Justices of the Justice
Court of the City of Hudson State of New York
Polly Gamage a resident of the City of Hudson
in the County of Columbia State of New York
aged Seventy one years who being first sworn according to the
Law doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made to 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 Samuel Gamage who was a
Lieutenant in the Navy (Marines) where
vouchers are now on file in the Pension Office
having been a Pensioner during his life time
[illegible] will more fully appear by reference
the files in the Pension office which is all the
Proof I can obtain respecting his service
He further declares that she
was married to the said Lieutenant Samuel
Gamage on the Twenty first of June
Seventeen
hundred and Ninety Two that her Husband
the aforesaid and Samuel Gamage died
on the 4th of August 1832 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but [illegible] took place [illegible] to the 1st of January
Seventeen hundred and Ninety four [illegible] at the
above stated and she still remains his widow
Sworn Before me this 25th
day of July 1838
Wm Paul 
Justice of the Justice Court
Mary Gamage
[illegible] Hudson
Page 11

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted 
with the within Named Mary or Polly Gamage
that she is a woman of truth & veracity & entitled
to credit & Belief & I further certify that through
Bodily infirmity, She is unable to appear in open
Court, & for that reason this affidavit is taken
out of Court & at her Sick Chamber
[illegible] Hudson July 25th 1838
Wm Paul Justice of Justices
of City of Hudson
County of Columbia State of New York
I William Miller Clerk of the County of
Columbia do hereby certify that William
Gaul Esquire before whom the above office
Court purports to have been taken was
the day of the date of the same a
Justice of the Justices Court of the City of
Hudson & further that I am well
acquainted with the hand writing of
the said Justice and verily believe that
signature to the said affidavit is
genuine. In witness whereof I have here
to set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said County this twenty sixth
of July Eighteen hundred & thirty eight.
On the fifth line from the bottom the word "affidavit" [illegible] on an [illegible] before signing and [illegible]
K. Miller
Clerk of Col. Co
Page 12

[illegible]
1 July  1888
Page 13

County of Columbia
State of New York
I Richard Sluyter Pastor
of the Reformed Dutch Church in the Town of
Claimack County of Columbia State of
New York do hereby certify that Samuel
Garnage was married to Polly Ellison
the 21st of June 1792 on the Twenty first of June Seventeen hundred and [illegible] 
what is a
True Transcrip from the Church Records now
in my possession. And that the said marriage
is expressed on the said Record in fair legible
figures as above stated
I Richard Sluyter above named depose & say
that I hold the office of Pastor of the Dutch
Reform Church in the Town County & State
aforesaid & that the above is a true extract
from the records of said Church above
[illegible] certified by me 
this 23d day
of June A.D. 1838
Richard Sluyter Pastor of the Dutch Reformed
Church in Clamack
Before me
Theo Miller Comm of Deeds for Col Cy N.Y.
Page 14

State of New York
Columbia County f
I William Miller
Clerk of the County of Columbia her do hereby
certify that Theodore Miller Esquire before
whom the within affidavit purports to
have been taken was on the day of the
date of the same a Commissioner of Deeds
in & for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and authorized
by the Laws of this State to administer oaths
& further that I am well acquainted with
the handwriting of the said Commissioner & verily believe the within name
to be his own proper hand writing &
signature. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said County this twenty
sixth day of July Eighteen hundred
& thirty eight
K Miller
Clerk of Columbia County
N. B.
Clerk of Columbia County
N. Y.
Page 15

The People of the State of New York
By the Grace of God Free & Independant
To all to whom these Presents shall
come or may concern send Greeting:
Know Ye, that at a Justices Court
held at the City of Hudson in the County
of Columbia before the undersigned
Richard Carrique and Richard
Gaul two of the Justices of "the
Justices Court of the City of Hudson"
said Justices Court being a Court of
Record on the twenty fifth day of Novber one thousand eight hundred and
forty five according to the Statute in
such case made & provided satisfactory
evidence was adduced before the said
Court to prove that Polly Gamage
widow of Samuel Gamage deceased
late a pensioner of the United States
departed this life on the thirtieth day
of July A D 1841 leaving her surviving
Amory Gamage a resident of New York City
Edward Gamage a resident of Charleston S.C.
Hannah Gamage a resident of Portsmouth Ohio
Harriet Gamage a resident of Ghent NY
Sarah Gamage a resident of Ghent NY
her only issue and heirs at law, all
of whom are now living & of lawful age
will that no letters of administration
have been granted upon the Estate of
said Polly Gamage deceased
Richard Carrique
Richard Gaul Justice
Page 16

Polly Gamage
decd
NY
Act 7 July 38
increase
12 mo Lt Marines
12 mo Lt Artillery
360 
Deduct what has been rec'd
To Amory Edward
Hannah Harriet & Sarah Gamage
only children
Page 17

State of New York
Columbia County
City of Hudson
fs.
I William H. W. Loop Clerk
of "the Justices Court of the
City of Hudson, "Do hereby
certify that Richard Currique
& Richard Gaul whose names
are subscribed to the Declaration
hereto annexed were at the time of
taking such declaration were Justices
of "the Justices Court of the City of 
Newson" in the County of
Columbia residing in the City 
of Hudson in the
said County commissioned and sworn &
duly authorized to take the same
and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such
Justices and verily believe that the
signatures to the annexed Certificate is
genuine -
In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto subscribed my hand and
affixed the Seal of
"the Justices Court
the City of Hudson"
this twenty fifth day of November
 AD 1845.
William H. W. Loop
Clerk
Pro Tem
Page 18

O. W. & N. Div.
W 16266
L. W. B.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
September 29, 1896.
Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning the military
record of Samuel Gamage, a soldier of the Revolutionary War,
you are advised that he made application for pension March 23,
1818, at which time he was residing in Hudson City, New York, and
68 years of age, and his pension was allowed for one year and six
months' actual service as a lieutenant in the Mass. troops, and
one year's service as a lieutenant of marines on the frigate "Dean"
Revolutionary War. While in the Mass. troops, a part of the time
he served under Col. Thomas Croft; while on the Frigate Dean, he
served under Capt. Samuel Nicholson, (place of enlistment not
stated).
His widow, Polly, made application and received a pension
for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Miss Mamie Gamage,
1025 Lanvale Street,
Baltimore, Md.
Page 19

Chatham Corner Columbia
County, N.Y.
Hon Mr Waldo
Son
Commission of Pension
my mother Mary Gamage Widow
of Samuel Gamage of the revolutionary Navy
Died on the 31st of July 1841 and was inscribed
on the Pension Roll at the time of her death.
Will you have the goodness to
inform me of her Pension from the 4th March
1841 to the 31 July 1841 the time of her death
has ever been drawn, since her Death and
if not how I must pursue to attain the
amount with the least possible expense
Sarah Gamage
one of the Heirs at Law
Page 20

Statement of Sarah Gamage & Harriet Gamage Shewing the date of the death of the widow and the name of the surviving children.
Dated 25th August 1845
Page 21

State of New York
Columbia County
Sir
On this twenty fifth day of
August A D 1845 personally
appeared before me the Subscriber a Commissioner of
Deeds for the City of Hudson in the County of
Columbia, Sarah Gamage & Harriet Gamage
of the Town of Ghent in the County of Columbia
who being duly sworn each one for herself doth 
depose & say that she is the daughter of Polly
Gamage deceased late widow of Samuel 
Gamage also deceased a pensioner of the United States; that the said Polly Gamage departed
this life on the thirtieth day of July A D 1841
at the City of Wilson in the County of Columbia
State of New York; and that there is now
surviving of the children of the said Samuel
Gamage the following to wit
Amery Gage a resident of New York City N. Y.
Edward Gamage a resident of Charleston
S. C.
Hannah Gamage a resident of Portsmouth Ohio
Sarah Gamage a resident of Ghent N.Y.
Harriet Gamage a resident of Ghent N.Y.
Theodore Miller
Comm of Deeds
Page 22

C. W. & N. Div.
W. 16266
L. W. E.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 10, 1896.
Madam: 
Replying to your request for information concerning the military
record of Samuel Gamage, a soldier of the Revolutionary War,
you are advised that he made application for pension March 23,
1818, at which time he was residing in Hudson City, N. Y., and 68
years of age, and his pension was allowed for one year and six
months' actual service as a lieutenant in the Mass. troops, and
one year's service as a lieutenant of marines on the frigate
"Dean", Revolutionary War. While in the Mass. troops, a part of
the time he served under Col. Thomas Croft, while on the frigate
"Dean" he served under Capt. Samuel Nicholson (place of enlistment not stated.
His widow, Polly, made application and received a pension
for the service of her husband as above set forth.  The soldier died August 4, 1832. Date of widow's death not given. Date
of marriage June 21, 1792.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs Elias P. Morton,
Webster, Mass.
Page 23

Baltimore{?} Sept 22nd 1896
Sir
The Pension Bureau Revolutionary Department.
Washington D.C.
Please inform what it would cost to[illegible] once official record of Samuel Gamage an officer in the Revolutionary War.  Who send me
Page 24

year and a half as Lieut of artillery under Capt. Gray and [illegible]Lieut Commanding [illegible] Paul Renne.  Later Mr. Gamage served one year as Lieut of [illegible] on board Frigate Deane under Capt Samuel Nichlas
Respectfully
Mamie Gamage
1023 - Lamale St.
Page 25

[Stamped]
OLD WAR & NAVY
AUG 5 1896
FILES
PENSION OFFICE
AUG 3 1896
U.S.
Page 26

Revolutionary Pension
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Will you kindly [illegible] me with pension record of Samuel Gamage of Cambridge Mass adding thereto the date of his marriage and date of death of his wife who survived him
and also received a pension For which [illegible] be greatly obliged.
Mrs. Elias P. Morten
Webster Mass
August 1st
1896
Page 27

[document is divided horizontally in thirds]
[left] [illegible] 29.96
one of 
Gamage
Md.
[middle] Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16266
Polly Gamage
Widow of
Samuel Gamage
Lieut Rev War
Act July 7th 38
Index: Vol. A, Page 264
[Arrangement of 1870]
Aug 10 '96
[illegible]
Mrs E. P.  MB
Sep.
Soldier pensi
to Miss Mann
Baltimore
Page 28

[left side] Conv Sept 19 Mrs Gamage
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 29

Hudson Sept 15th 1838
Dr Sir
Yours of the 24th [illegible] was received [?]
at my
Rendence during my [illegible]
to
to the sea shore, [illegible] will
[apologize?] for my
omision until the present.  
You state that Lieut
Samuel Gamage was admitted on the
Pension Roll or his own evidence it [illegible]
[illegible] that his claim was meritorious
as Mr
Calhoun the Sec of War considered it so
and you have recognized Mr Gamage as
the Widow of Lieut Garage by [illegible] her
the Pension of her Husband left as to the time
of his death, you state in a letter from
you signed J G. Edwards in 1820 those years
after the Calhoun granted Lieut Garage
his pension that his Schedule had been
examined and the Secretary of War had
directed your name (Let Gange)
to he continued in the Pension Roll
you state in your letter
Page 30

that Capt Samuel Dean had not
the command of the Frigate Dean while
the ship was in service and have not stated
that Capt Dean was in the service nor we have not any knowledge of such
a name except the name of the Ship but
the ship Dean was commanded by Capt
Samuel Nicholson and no other person.
If the Pension of Lieut Gamage
was allowed him for 1818 to 1832 at the
time of his death and the ballance paid his
Widow with the Sanction of the Secty of War
and confirmed as just by your [illegible] and agency
I cannot conceive why 
the widow is requested
to make out new proof of the service of her
Husband when it has already been omitted
and it is now out of her power except what
is on file in your office as Commissioner of Pensions
any statement you wish as to her widowhood will
be cheerfully complied with any thing further
is out of my power your [illegible] will
relive the desponding mind of Mrs Gamay
Respectfully yours
T. E. Beekman
J. L. Edward Esq
Meman
Yours
Beckman
Page 31

Saml. Gamage decd
NY
Act of June 32
[illegible]
12 mo L. Marines
12 St Artilly
360 - deduct
what was paid as 
due act of 1818
To amory Edward
Hannah Harriet
& Sarah Gamage
only children
Hon. W.B. Maclay
H.R.
Page 32

New York
Oct 9. 1845.
Sir: I beg leave to submit the claim of the Heirs
of Samuel Gamage dec'd
for difference of Pension
between Lieut of Artillery and the same rank
in the Marines under the act (I believe) of 1828, the
service having been rendered in the year 1776
& 1777. By referring to the original Declaration of Samuel Gamage, now on file in your office, when
his application for a Pension was presented under
another law and therefore gives additional Weight
to the facts that are therein affirmed, inasmuch as there
was no motive for error, it will be found that
he distinctly asserts, that he served one year as as Lieutena
of Artillery in Col. Crafts Regiment, before
he
entered the Marine service on board the Deane
Frigate.
An
application to the Secretary of
States Office in Boston, for direct evidence from
the Rolls for all the particular services of Lieut
Gamage, we found they were not only imperfect in 
the main, but that these particular records were
not in the Office.
The only satisfactory proof
which could be furnished from that quarter is 
the certificate of June 4th which I enclose.
This places the question of his appointment beyond
all controversy and the history of those times
Page 33

makes it equally certain that a military office
was not one of ease sinecure. It was a period
of all others, when the acceptance or conferment
of such position demanded not only the most
active duty, but the most fervent patriotism Common  reason, apart from all testimony forbids the
inference that a man could have been appointed
and
Commissioned as Lieut of Artillery in the
State of Massachussetts in the year 1776 and
that he performed no service as such.
I am fully convinced in my own mind, that the
positive proof of Lieut. G's service exists somewhere
in your office and my conclusions in this
respect, are not only founded upon the [illegible]
nature of the case but that are somewhat strengthen
and,
by the application of Agents at Washington
to conduct the claim, who for what I can
gather in this and other matters,
have some
extraordinary facilities for setting at the original Records
except to which is at present debarred
the public, who certainly are most concerned, in
order to avoid the glaring [illegible] and [illegible]
injustice. which is now practiced upon the peat
upon
builk of the Community and particularly upon those
who are least able to bear it
If I am not mistaken in this payment,
surely my constituent is as much entitled to the
Page 34

benefit of these Rolls or proofs on this application,
as if he were to undergo the ordeal of [eligible],
now so much in Vogue
I must therefore permit
myself to trust, that in a case, which presents to many strong and favorable points, which
logically, if not legally proves itself and which is
entitled from the character of the parties concerned
to every attention & respect, the most careful
investigation will be given to its [illegible] and a
strict scruting made among the Records, for the
official testimony, which it will much surprise
me to understand, is not within the walls of the
Pension Office
It has been suggested to me that a paper
in your Department
Known as "Alphabetical
List of Massachusetts Continental line for the
year
1776
might contain his name.
there is evidence in Boston that Capt Gray
to whose company Gamage was attached, in the year 1776,
had a company & of course
Lieutenants, but there is no roll nor can the
names of the officers be found owing to the
absence of the Musters
I deem it unnecessary to say more on this
subject, other than to remark that I should be obliged
by the earliest decision than you can afford 
Very Respectfully
W B Maclay
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Page 35

Conn Sept 10
Mrs. Gamage
[stamped] FREE
[Scanned sideways]
J L Edwards Esq
Commission of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 36

Sir
Hudson Sept 6. 1839
During the last year T E Beekman Esq. of Hudson
has been so obliging
as to interest himself in behalf of the widow of
Sam'l Gamage, and wrote to you upon the subject of her application for
a pension under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 In your answer
under date of Augt 24 '38 you reject her claim for want of necessary [illegible]
although the proof on file was deemed "satisfactory" by the Sect of War to
Establish the claim of her husband to a pension which he received until
his death.
You are no doubt aware of the difficulty of obtaining
positive evidence in such instances, after so long a lapse of time. Especially
when the Department itself is deficient in the Documents and Records
[illegible] (they are probably either burned or lost) which ought to be there to
Establish these facts. The urgency of the case of the aged, infirm
and destitute widow, and the orphans under her case, has induced me to
make all the search in my power, for proof which would satisfy you of the
justice of her claim, and in presenting to you & now, the "best which the
nature of the case will allow. " I beg the favour of you to look at it in as charitable and reasonable a light as possible, and trust that all circumstances
considered you will deem yourself justified in no longer withholding an
amount which she so much needs; and to which, as both daughter and
wife of Patriots of the Revolution, we put that she has an extra claim. Her
father's name is inscribed among those who fell in the defence of [illegible] Groton
You say in your letter that there is no evidence in the Departt. that
"a Capt of the name of Saml Dean," (meaning I presume Nicholson .) had
the command of the Frigate Dean, at any time while in service, or that the
ship was in service in 1777.  The Rolls of Col Crafts have been examined, and
Saml. Gamage it seems was appointed Lieut therein Novr 1776, but his name
is omitted in 1777. There is therefore no means of determining how long he was
in actual service as Lieut of Artillery
There is  direct proof that he
was [illegible] in that service as Lieut and if his resignation is not registered
Page 37

the fault surely must belong to the proper department therefore when the
public records are deficient in proof right not the oath of Mr Gamage with
regard to this time of service be deemed sufficient. Indeed it seems to me
that you in here furnished with all that the Executive requires in his instructions
is on the subject. July 17 '38 "Applicant must produce the best proof that the
nature of the case will allow."
[illegible] additional evidence that the Frigate Dean, Capt. Nicholson, was in service
from 1777 to 1779, I refer you to Cooper's Naval History of the Revolution, where you
will find it stated that she was in the U.S. Service during these years and
that in the services of the latter she took several prizes.  
On writing
to [illegible] Coroer for the sources of his information he says in reply "[illegible]
Navy Chronicle, may possibly aid you, but the little I have said of the Dean
was derived from other histories the documents of Congress, & the Journals
of the day. I have no means of telling you who were the marine officers
of the Dean. I have not been able myself to discover the fate of this ship. The
[illegible] however by two names having been called the Hague, after the first
year or two of his service of the Marine Corps it is my intention to write more
fully, and I have been referred to Capt Hardy of that corps for documents
that gentleman being said to possess the most numerous proofs of the that
were connected with that branch of the service, previous to reorganization of
the Nary in 1798. I think you would do well to apply to him.  He is a [doctor?]
of the Capt. Hardy referred to by Mr C.
[illegible] seemed to Mr [illegible]
if further proof [illegible] required by your department why it was not [illegible]
essary perhaps you can do me the favor to inform me when I can find
the Sept Herly referred to by Mr
It seems to me. Extract
of further proof were required by your department, why it was not 
mended during the life time of Mr Gamage, when it could have been
procured by himself, and his claim placed beyond a contingency. His
Widow is of course ignorant of the various sources to which he might have
referred [words missing]
of the testimony of my father's family will
have any right, they can assist the fact of having heard his repeated
narrative of incidents that occurred during his service on board the
Dean, and that in consequence of an acquaintance made with British
officers. captured  while he was attached to that [illegible]. he sailed in a
[illegible] for England [illegible] 1782, with a official pursuit, and letter of
recommendation  from the Council of Massachusetts and John Hancock
which documents are now in my possession
We have also a certificate signed by
[illegible]
Page 38

York, dated July 13, 1794, certifying that he Saml Gamage has held a
commission under the U.S. of America both in the sea and land service
Mr Gamage's application was presented at Washington by the
[illegible]  John C. [illegible] of the Hon. Ambrose Spencer, to whom my father was
personally well known, as incapable of making a false statement.
I trust, Sir, that the nature of the above statements will warrant
you in giving me a favorable reply, as speedily as you can make it convenient.
I am, very respectfully
Yr Hbl servant
A. Gamage
In the New York Pension Roll for 1833. pages 133. 146. I find the
names of Elijah Smith, Marie and Uriah Kingsler, Seaman of
the Frig Nague. Query are there not documents in the department,
concerning the Nague which may throw light upon this subject
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
of
Y
J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 39



Chatham [illegible]
Aug 53
[illegible] Waldo
Sir
I am well aware that my
Mother Mary Gamage received a pension
under the act of the 7th July 1838 which
was to have continued five years if she
had lived.  the five years would have
expired in 43, she died July 31st 1841
the last payment the received was
the 4 of March 1841, are we
not entitled to her pension from the
4th of March until her death; which
would be five months wanting four
days. I think we are judging from
similar cases where pensions have been
received
Yours
Respectfully
Sarah Gamage
Page 40

Polly Gamage
widow of Saml Gamage
18 months as Lieut Marines
New York City Roll
Act 7 July 1838
send [illegible]  to A Gamage Esq Hudson N. York
$180 per annum
Page 41

Let to Hon W. B. Maclay
Nov 19 1843
Page 42

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commisioner of pensions
Washington
[left side]
2 July 30
NY 
7 July 1838
[cancellation stamp]
Page 43

Capt J L Edwards
Sir
you were herewith receive
the papers of Mrs Mary or Polly Gamage
Widow of Lieut Samuel Gamay Late
a Pensioner of the [Navy?] and later in the
Marine [service?]
Mrs Gamage has drawn her
Husbands [illegible] up to the time of his
Death 4th of August 1832 and I presume
[illegible] ratification at that time for her attaining
his [average?] of Five months, that she was
the Widow of said Gamage, as it is now
my apential to confirm her claim to her Five
years [illegible]
[signature illegible]
Yours &
T. E. Beekman
Hudson [NY?} July 26th 1838
Page 44

James L. Edwards Esq
Washington
D.C.
Page 45

Hudson (Columbia County)
7th Nov 1836.
Sir,
At the request of Mrs Gamage of
this city. I beg to [submit?]  to your [illegible]
following [illegible]
1st- Her late husband Samuel
Gamage of this County, who died on the 4th
of Aug 1832 was a pensioner. He was a
Lieutenant of Mariner & served on
board the Frigate Dean.
Are his widow
or children entitled to a pension under the
act of Congress
of 1832 or 6, or any
other act on the subject of pensions?
2. Her father Joseph Gillis, during the
revolution, resided in Stonington
State of Connecticut & was drafted &
served six months. Subsequently he
resided in Groton in said State &
volunteered & was killed in defense of
Groton Fort.
His name is inscribed
in a monument [illegible] at said [place?]
His house & its contents were destroyed
by the enemy. Is she entitled to a
pension, or land
for service performed
by her father?
3. Are the children of officers of
Soldiers who were born during the
[illegible] or immediately subsequent.
Page 46

entitled by any act of Congress to a pension.
Should you be pleased to append
to this communication. I will thank you
to direct the same to Amory Gamage Esq
New York
Very respectfully
[illegible
E Gamage
James L. Edwards Esq.
Washington D.C.
Page 47

Sept 25
Cert
[cancellation stamp] HUDSON SEP 25
Mrs. Gamage
[Address scanned sideways]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 48

Hudson Septr 23. 1839
Sir,
I have had the honor of receiving yrs of the 10 inst
and tender you my acknowledgements for so prompt a reply.
At the time I wrote you I had not seen the Pension Law of 1832.
By a reference to it I find that one or more terms of service in either
or both, Land or Navy may make up the term of two years. Now, Sir,
under such a provise can you not consistently with the spirit of
the Law grant [illegible] Gamage the full amt which her husband rec
[illegible] 20 per month.
I think that on reflection, you will agree
with me in the opinion that admitting as you have the 18 months
service in the Navy and the fact of Lieut. Gamages name, being on the
roll of Col. Crafts Regt in '76 and omitted in 1777 that the fair inference
is that he resigned after about one years service in the army, and
entered immediately into the Navy; therefore, may we not fairly
and rightfully presume, that the land service amounted to at least
6 months, (one half the time Sworn to by Lieut. G) which would clearly
establish her claim, and entitle the Widow to a full pension
I am instructed by her to say to you, however that she leaves her claim
in your hands, to be disposed of as further consideration that convince
you is just and proper. The trusts that on reflection, you will grant
the full amt of her husbands pension, but should you conclude
otherwise she then accepts your proposition for 18 months service
Mrs Gamage hopes that the regulations of the office will permit
her to receive the amt due her immediately; and it will much
oblige her agent if it may be made payable at New York, in lieu of
Albany, as her residence is in that City.
I am very respectfully
yrs [illegible]
A. Gamage
J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 49

Certificate of John G. Palfrey
Sec'y of State, showing the 
Order of Council for Gamage's
Commission as Lieut of Artillery
Dated June 4, 1845.
Page 50

Supplementary
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
June 4 1845
hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books
and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of Samuel Gamage is borne
upon "a return of Officers in the Massachusetts
State train of Artillery in the regiment commanded by Col.
Thos. Crafts, for whom commissions are to be made out" as
2d Lieut under Capt Winthrop Gray, which return was submitted to the Council by the Col. Sept. 27, 1774, with a request that
that they might be commissioned, and thereupon "In Council,
Oct. 9th 1776." It was "Read and ordered that the within mentioned
officers be commissionated agreeable to their respective ranks."
This return not having been indexed, the name of said Gamage
was not found at the date of the certificate issued 30th May.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 51

House of Representatives
Decr 1, 1845
Sir:
I have the honor now to transmit to you a Certificate from a Court of Record in Hudson [illegible]
to your letter of the 19th [illegible].
If this form is not in accordance with the Rules of
the Department, I hope it may be found Convenient to transmit to me one in blank that
may be distinctly intelligible to those who have to
act in the premises. The parties have already
Complied to the best of their understanding
It has been suggested to me, that the service
of Samuel Gamage entitled him to the benefits
of the act of 1828, which I trust will be examined
before the certificate is prepared.
Your Letter
of the 19th [Feb?]  admits an increase in his favor
under the act of 1832, independent of the Widow rights
I will be obliged by your early attention to
this matter.
Yours Respectfully
WB Maclay
Hon J.L. Edmunds
Comm of Pensions
Page 52

Polly Gamage decd.
N. Y. 
Act
370
160
200
Page 53

New York
November 15. 1845
M Maclay begs to explain a remark in his letter
of today in relation to the claim of Gamage
When
he spoke of a balance having accrued in favor
of Samuel Gamage and invited the attention of the
Commissioner to that point, he did not mean that
any "balance" was unliquidated which had occurred
mulated-- but he wished the investigation the
made, with a view to ascertian if Samuel Gamage
in his own right, exclusive of those of the Widow was
not entitled to some increment which ought
to be in eluded in the Certificate to be issued to the
Heirs.
If Mr M. understands the nature of
the original declaration and the proofs of service, his
family are so entitled
If not, of course
the Certificate will be paid in accordance with the Law
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 54

House of Representatives.
Decr. 10. 1845
Sir:
I have had the honor to receive two Certificates
for you in the case of the Heirs of Gamage
and from the representation made to me as well
as the evidence adduced, I am at a loss to perceive
why the rights of Polly Gamage, have not
been established under the act of 1836, instead
of that of 1838 under which she has been classified as appears by the certificate in her case.
Believing that the increase should have been
awarded to her under the act of 1836, which I
understand would have greatly increased the arrears
partially admitted. I shall delay forwaring
the Certificate to the parties interested
until I shall
be favored with a reply to this and the proper plans can be made, which I trust, will occur at the earliest practicable moment
Yours Respy
W. B.  Maclay
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 55

J. E. Beekman
Hudson, N. York
Dec. 9 1856
Rel to the rights of the children of the widow of Saml. Gamage to bal of Rev. Pension.
Hon, A, McClellan
Secretary of the Interior
Washington
Respectfully referred to the [illegible] of Pensions
Moses Kelly
Dep. Int.
Dec 11/56
Rec'd 11 Dec '56
Page 56

Hudson N.Y. Dec 7th 1886
Hon R. McClellan
Dr Sir
I have this
day seen, in one of the Public papers,
an intimation, that you have determined
to grant to the Children of Revolutionary
Widow the Amount of their mother Pension
The children of the Widow Mary Gamage, who was the Widow of Samuel
Gamage of the Marines service, is highly stated
with the glorious things, as they are poor
and very needy and [illegible] you my
Dear Sir, although it will not affect me,
but it will cherish the heart of an old
Democrat, and officer of the War of 1812.
Your early information to me
will be duly appreciated, that I may
give these glad tidings to those intitled
Yours Respectfully
J. E. Beekman
Page 57

320
[total] 160

200
160
[total] 360
Page 58

New York
November 15. 1845
I have the honor to enclose you the document
required in your last communication, which will
Complete the forms in the case of the Heirs
of Polly Gamage
Before preparing the certificate for the arrearages due to the widow,
I hope you will refer back and ascertain
whether a balance has not accrued in
power of Samuel Gamage also
which ought to be added thereto
From the long lapse of time,
in which the interests of these parties
have suffered and from the nature of the large
sacrifices they made in the Revolutionary
struggle I trust all may be awarded
to the children that they are entitled to under the Law. Pray let me have the certificate
at your first convenience
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Very Respectfuly,
W R Maclay
Page 59

Payment to be made
at [blank]
by [blank]
Agent for paying Pension
in the Agency of [blank]
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book E.2. Vol. 4
Page 27 by
Clerk.
Page 60

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Samuel Gamage, deceased, who was a
Lieutenant, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $360 per ann.  on
4 March 1831 & [illegible] the 4 Augt 1832, the day of his death; which
will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Amory, Edward,
Hannah, Harriet and Sarah Gamage only surviving children of
Samuel Garage deceased, first having deducted the amount paid him
under the [illegible] of March 18. 1818, at $20 per month,
from the 4th
March, 1831, to the
day of his death.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 8th day of
Decr one thousand eight
hundred and forty-45
Payable at the City of
New York
Examined and 
Countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Secretary of War.
Page 61

Payment to be made
at [blank]
by [blank]
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of [blank]
Payable on the 4th March,
and 4th September in each
year.
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book D Vol. 1
Page 159 by
Clerk
Page 62

WAR DEPARTMENT
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838,
Polly Gamage, decd. who was the widow of Samuel Gamage
who was a Lieutenant
was entitled to a pension of $360 per ann. from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841
which will be paid when the production of the proper voucher to
Amy, Edward, Hannah, Harriet and Sarah Gamage, only surviving children
of Polly Gamage, decd: first having selected the [illegible], already
paid.  This pension is increased from $150 per annum
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 8th day of 
Dec one thousand
eight hundred and 45.
Payable at the City
Given at the War Office of the United
of New York
States, this -
8th day of
Dec
one thousand
Examined and
Countersigned.
Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 63

Certificate of John G. Palfrey
Secy of
State, showing that
the Rolls
for the year 1776
are deficient and supposed
to be at Washington
Dated July 2, 1845.
Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston
July 1. 1845
There
an no rolls showing service under
Capt. Gray in 1776, in this office. It is not positively
known where any rolls, not here, are to be found; but
it has been repeatedly stated by pension agents and
others, that many rolls of service in 1776, of which year
the records in this department are particularly
deficient, are at Washington
Very respectfully I have the
honor to be your own
John G Palfrey
Page 65

E.  Gamage, Nov.
1836
[written sideways] Notifn. sent Nov. 15. 1820 to Hon. James Strong House of Rep U. S.
New York 
Samuel Gamage,
Lieutenant,
In the army of the U. States
At $20 per mo: comd 28th March, 1818.
Cert: issued 4th April 1818 and
sent to the Hon J.C. Spencer
House of Rep U. States.
[illegible] to4th Sept. 1818. 55/28  mo. $103.50
Rev G. Claim,
Act 18th March, 1818
Dean Frigate, Commanded
by Saml Nicholson
1777 1 yr. 6 mo.
Continued
Page 66

[illegible] H. W. P. Maclay
427
Oct. 16.45.
New York (City
Polly Gamage
widow of
Samuel Gallage decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 4 August 1832
of Columbia in the State of N York
who was a Lieut. in the Marines
on board of the Frigate
called the Dean in the U.S. Navy
for 18 months [illegible] $360
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 180 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate
of Pension issued the 27 day of Sept 1839
& sent to A. Goomage, Esq.
Hudson N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $630.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 90.00
$720.00
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2.
Page 79