[CIVIL WAR]. List of Contrabands on board of the U. S. Steamer "Benton"...Oct. 1864. Manuscript log.

Manuscript list of 42 "contrabands" with first and last names, rates, ages, dates of appearance on board, dates of entry on ship books, pay, employment, and any remarks. Signed by Acting Assistant Paymaster C. G. Lounds.

Some of the names featured in this list also appear in a transcription of excerpts from the deck log of the USS Benton from 10-15 May 1864 (accessed at fortderussy.org, not included in this lot) while the ship participated in the Red River Campaign.

For example, Israel Murray, listed as an 18-year-old first appearing on the ship on 6 August 1862 in the document featured in this lot, is also mentioned in the 1864 deck log excerpts, with the designation "(contraband)" after his name, and a note that he was punished with "eight hours extra duty" with no reason given in an entry dated 14 March. He is later mentioned in an entry dated 19 March, with the designation "(negro)" after his name, for a punishment of "six hours extra duty on pumps." The next day's entry records that he was released from said extra duty.

Another name from the list featured here is Hiram Dixon, who is recorded as being 20 years old when he appears on board on 1 May 1862. He is also listed in the Benton's 1864 deck log in an entry dated 28 March, without a designation after his name but with the note that he was given "six hours extra duty for failing repeatedly to answer at muster of the watch."

Yet another name from the list featured here is Charles Vinegar, who is recorded as being 30 years old when he appears on board on 6 August 1862. He is also mentioned in the 1864 deck log in an entry dated 6 April with the designation "(Negro)" after his name and a note that he was "Confined in double irons on bread and water for disobedience of orders."

As a note of clarification, the 1864 deck log excerpts of the USS Benton are not included in this lot. They are merely referenced to provide evidence that individuals on the manuscript list featured here were actually on said ship, and in some cases listed as being "contraband" or "negro."

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Ephemeral Americana and Historical Documents

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Creased along folds, with very minor occasional spotting.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

[CIVIL WAR]. List of Contrabands on board of the U. S. Steamer "Benton"...Oct. 1864. Manuscript log.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup