Steamboat “Caroline” Account book, 1834-1836

Abstract

An account book for the American steamboat Caroline. The title page reads “Steam Boat Caroline belonging to Duncan McFarland, Port Robinson. 1st trip to Buffalo 22nd June 1834”. The book contains 164 pages and includes cash paid for expenses such as wood; lockage; food; Cooper; Blacksmith; fare for railroad; and repairs. Some of the pages are blank. Other pages contain accounts for individuals including Herman Wilcox; Charles Walton; James Ballentine; Louis Beat; Taylor Lee; Joshua Thumons; James P. Provoost; Pratt Gailor Co.; Bradley & Co.; William Hepburn; J.G. McCormick; T. Brundage; Bush & Shepherd; Daniel Moody; Henry Wysoon; Matheson [?] Mason; John Emery; Peter Burger; E.W. Stevenson; J.H. Lacy; S. Cary; N. Walker; William H. Berret; Gipson Grason; B. Sherwood; H. Bond; John Jones; Charles Clark; John B. Miller; William Duff; James Macklem; Theo. Brundidge; Dilly Coleman; James Martin; J.M. Jackson; David Graybill; Arden Weller; Jos. Quincy; Henry Bond; Jessie Lacey; James Keefer; George Rykirk & Co.; C. Brown; Edward Emery; Capt. James Balintine; Robert Goldie; John Huggan; Thomas Merritt; David Reid; John Donaldson; and William H. Merritt. The last two pages of the book contain copies of three letters written by Duncan McFarland. Two of the letters are dated at Port Robinson, June 16,1835. The first letter is addressed to Capt. Brundage and concerns fares for passengers and luggage, and coordinating payments with other Captains when necessary. The second letter is addressed to Captain Balintine and asks whether the person who handles the bar on the steamboat [K?] sets a good table for gentlemen and keeps good order about the bar, and allows no drunkenness on board the boat. The third letter is dated at Port Robinson, March 17, 1836, and reads “agreeable to a letter forwarded from [Sh? Dutcher] by Mr. H. Merritt for our advice we agree that it is best to submit the lawsuit pending between us the subscribers and the above company to arbitration[?].”