Beginning in 1800, pensions for U.S. naval personnel were awarded on the basis of death or disability during active service. Under various acts of Congress, the number of pensions awarded between 1800 and 1851 grew from 22 in 1802 to 1,228 in 1851. Taking its cue from the ever- increasing number of applicants, this work presents information on some 3,000 seamen and sailors who were awarded pensions in accordance with the various acts of Congress and...