Havana, Cuba, Shipping Ledger, 1820/1822

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Havana, Cuba, Shipping Ledger, Ms1988-116, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Miralla, Knight & Co. (Havana, Cuba)
Abstract:
This collection includes a ledger maintained by shipping merchant operating in Havana, Cuba (possibly the firm of Miralla, Knight & Co.), with transaction descriptions noting goods shipped, names of ships and shipmasters, dates, and prices.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Havana, Cuba, Shipping Ledger, Ms1988-116, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single ledger maintained by an unidentified shipping merchant operating in Havana, Cuba, during the early 19th century. Included are descriptions of transactions, with name of ship and shipmaster, goods shipped, destination, and date. The shipments were overwhelmingly bound for merchants in Boston, Massachusetts, and consisted largely of coffee and cigars ("segars") but also included candles, lard, sugar and other goods. The ledger entries suggest that the volume belonged to the firm of Miralla & Co., later operating as Miralla, Knight & Co. A later owner used the volume as a recipe book, pasting into it recipes clipped from newspapers. Many of these were later removed, causing damage to the ledger, but several remain.

Biographical / historical:

The entries in this ledger suggest that it was maintained by a firm operating under the name Miralla & Co., and later, Miralla, Knight & Co. An advertisement appearing in the Boston Daily Advertiser of February 14, 1817, reads in part: "Havana.--Samael Curson [Samuel Carson?] and George Knight, inform their friends and the public, that they have formed a Copartnership in trade, under the firm of Miralla & Co. for the purpose of transacting American Commission Business in Havana." No further record or mention of the firm could be found.

Acquisition information:
The Havana, Cuba, Shipping Ledger was purchased by Special Collections in 1988.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Havana, Cuba, Shipping Ledger commenced and was completed in September 2011.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Ledgers (account books)