Civil War Ledger of Lt. Francis J Steers, 1853 - 1862 | Historical Collections

By Lisa M. Novak

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Collection Overview

Title: Civil War Ledger of Lt. Francis J Steers, 1853 - 1862

Predominant Dates:1862

Extent: 1.0 Boxes

Date Acquired: 12/10/2014

Subjects: Blackwell, Lt. (U.S. Army), Mulligan, Lt. (U.S. Army), New York (N.Y.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865, Raymond, James, Lt. (U.S. Army), Shavrman, Nelson, Capt. (U.S. Army), Stewart, George, Lt. (U.S. Army), Stoutenborough, Edwin Lt. (U.S. Army), Vaughn, Capt. (U.S. Army)

Languages: English

Abstract

This ledger contains approximately 100 lined pages with columns for expense account entries. About half of the pages are blank. The book was initially used by an unidentified individual to record monthly expenses for supplies such as animal hides, utensils, and stationery, as well as monetary disbursements. The earliest entries date from April 1853 and were made in ink. Lt. Steers also used this as his personal expense ledger. The back of the book contains Steers' pencil-written notes from his court martial in the Spring of 1862.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Lt. Steers enlisted in the Army in New York City December 24th, 1861. He was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in Company C, 90th New York Infantry. He was a member of the McClellan Rifles, a regiment comprised of the British Volunteers. Steers was promoted to Captain April 9th, 1864 and mustered out December 10th, 1864. While serving with the 90th New York Volunteers, Steers saw action at Port Hudson and Donaldson, La., as well as at Cedar Creek, Va.

Steers' Court Martial was the result of unauthorized absence and a charge of dereliction of duty while stationed at Key West, Fla. The notes at the back of the ledger offer what may be a verbatim record of portions of Steers' trial. Among the notes are references to some of Steers' fellow officers including: Lt. Edwin Stoutenborough (Co. C, 1862 - 1866); Lt. Mulligan (died 16 Aug, 1862) Lt. Blackwell (Co. B); Capt. Vaughn (Co. C, 1862 - 1864, dismissed); Lt. James Raymond (Adj. Discharged 13 Apr, 1863); Capt. Nelson Shavrman (Co. G, 1862 - 1866); and Lt. George Stewart (Co. A, 1862 - 1863).

Accompanying the ledger is a two-sided, handwritten document that contains what is most likely the final statement composed by Steers and presumably read at his court martial. This statement was written using the information contained in the back of the ledger. Considering that Steers was later promoted to Captain in April 1864, it it likely that he was cleared of the charges.

Subject/Index Terms

Blackwell, Lt. (U.S. Army)
Mulligan, Lt. (U.S. Army)
New York (N.Y.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Raymond, James, Lt. (U.S. Army)
Shavrman, Nelson, Capt. (U.S. Army)
Stewart, George, Lt. (U.S. Army)
Stoutenborough, Edwin Lt. (U.S. Army)
Vaughn, Capt. (U.S. Army)

Administrative Information

Repository: Historical Collections

Acquisition Source: Cowan's Auctions

Acquisition Method: Auction House

Appraisal Information: Est. $600.00 - $800.00

Processing Information: Accession #: 019-2014

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[All]

Box 1

Item 1: Ledger of Lt. Francis J. Steers, 1853-1862

Also included: auction information and receipt

Item 2: Lt. Steers Final Words (handwritten sheet), 1862

Labeled: "Lieut. Steers' final words at his court martial written and probaby read to the court."

One sheet, handwritten (front and back), enclosed

Also included are photocopies in color and black and white, and typewritten transcript