MsSC 166A

Barstow, James G., account books. 2 v.

Abstract: James G. Barstow served as master aboard sailing ships on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts before settling in Port Townsend, W.T. in 1888.

Biography: Captain J. G. Barstow (1826-1905) was born in Maine. At an early age he went to sea, sailing between U.S. Atlantic ports and Europe. He arrived in San Francisco in 1849, and as captain of the bark, Mary Melville, made his first trip to Puget Sound in 1859. In 1888 he settled in Port Townsend, Washington Territory, where he died in 1905.

Scope and content: The collection consists of two account books maintained by Barstow while master of several different ships. They are fragmentary accounts, but contain interesting detail concerning payment of officers and crews and Barstow’s accounts with his various employers.

Barstow’s copy of The Merchan’s & Shipmaster’s Manual and shipbuilder’s and sailmaker’s Assistant, in three volumes,” by I. B. Butts (Boston: 1866) is catalogued in the book collection.

Inclusive dates: 1861-1896 (bulk, 1874-1888)

Restrictions: None

Volume: 2 v.

Accession number: S1991.38.9

Box Folder Contents

1 1 Account book, 1861-1877. Fragmentary accounts for various ships:

Melrose, 1865; Alleganean, 1861; brig Frank Clark, 1867-1868; Norris,

1878. Fragmentary, but interesting detail, particularly crew wages.

1 2 Account book, 1874-1887. Complete accounts for ship Norris, 1874-

1887. Accounts are from both Atlantic and Pacific ports detailing various

expenses and payments to crew. Of particular interest are payments to

Chinese crew members at Port Townsend, W.T., 1884.

1 3 Miscellaneous, 1887-1896. Miscellaneous correspondence, receipts, and

records: final account for ship Norris, 1888; letter from nephew, John G.

Barstow declining offer to purchase ship, 1891; receipts from Puget Sound Co-operative Colony, 1892; treasurer’s receipts, 1894, 1896.