Brig of War Argus Pursers' record book, 1812-1813

Summary

Creator:

Ludlow, Robert C. and Denison, Henry, 1782-1822

Abstract:

This account book contains financial records pertaining to the daily activities of the pursers onboard the United States brig Argus during the War of 1812. The accounts reflect sailors' and officers' purchases of various items, crewmen's allowances, and other financial matters.

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Sponsor:

David P. Harris Collection

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, October 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

This account book (60 pages) contains financial records pertaining to the daily activities of the pursers onboard the United States brig Argus from March 7, 1812-May 8, 1813; additional records are dated January 8-February 7, year unknown. Most of the accounts are the pursers' records of transactions with the ship's sailors and officers, including its commander, Arthur Sinclair. The pursers sold goods such as articles of clothing, foodstuffs, whiskey, kettles, and handkerchiefs. Around 14 entries record final payments to discharged men, and the pursers made at least 2 payments after deaths (March 24, 1813, and April 2, 1813). The account book also records requisitions from navy sources and sailors' allowances.

The donor has collected, arranged, transcribed, and annotated each page of the account book and has written a well-researched collection description.

Biographical / Historical:

The brig Argus was built in Boston in the early 1800s and was launched in August 1803. From 1803-1806, the ship served in the Mediterranean, participating in several bombardments and other actions, and, in 1812, the Argus served under Commodore John Rodgers in the North Atlantic. The Argus was captured by the British ship Pelican in August 1813. The ship's War of 1812-era commanders included Arthur Sinclair and William Henry Allen; during this period, the ship's pursers included R. C. Ludlow and Henry Denison.

Acquisition Information:

Donated, David P. Harris, 2012. M-4960 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Related Materials

The following item is located in the Book Division: Inderwick, James, and Victor Hugo Paltsits. Cruise of the U.S. Brig Argus In 1813: Journal of Surgeon James Inderwick. [New York]: The New York Public Library, 1917.

Bibliography

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Volume 1. Reprint with Corrections, 1964. Washington, [D.C.]: United States Government Printing Office, [1959].

Dye, Ira. The Fatal Cruise of the Argus: Two Captains in the War of 1812. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1994.

This finding aid draws heavily on original research done by the collection's donor, David P. Harris.

The donor has collected, arranged, transcribed, and annotated each page of the account book and has written a well-researched collection description.

Subjects

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Formats:

Account books.

Names:

Argus (Brig)
United States. Navy--Pay, allowances, etc.

Places:

United States--History--War of 1812--Naval operations.