>From National Archives Publication "Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815 - 1926, T316", 7 rolls Beatty, John; Marine, Navy, Vincennes, 1830, File #111 I copied the original at the Archives (9 pages) and decided to transcribe the following letter, (there is no further information about John's family, Pension was granted at $4.00 per month): U. S. Ship Vincennes At sea, May 29, 1830 To the Honorable The Secretary of the Navy and Commissioner of the Navy Pension Fund, Washington Annexed is the Surgeon's statement of the case of John Beaty, (Marine) an Invalid. John Beaty, (private, Marine) lost his left leg (in the Northern part of the China Sea, on the 30th December, 1829) below the calf or above the ankle, by getting his foot, (which came in contact with the underside of the gangway ladder) entangled in the end of the maintopmast studding = sail = down = haul lying on deck, when aiding to take the sail in; owing to the halyards slipping off the belaying pin, and out of the hands of the men in the act of lowering. The wind blowing very fresh at the time, and the ship's velocity very great, the sail went by the run into the sea, and was lost; (as well as the gear and boon) and his foot carried overboard. I therefore add my recommendation to that of the Surgeon that he may be allowed a full Pension. Very Respectfully, I am. W. B. Finch Commander Laurel Baty, L252