U.S.S. Somerset descriptive and muster rolls, 1862-1864.

ArchivalResource

Somerset (Steamship). U.S.S. Somerset descriptive and muster rolls, 1862-1864.

U.S.S. Somerset descriptive and muster rolls, 1862-1864.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/746079282

Descriptive rolls of the seamen transferred from various Navy vessels to serve aboard the steamship Somerset, a ship used to blockade Southern ports during the Civil War. The descriptive lists include the date each man enlisted, his name, birthplace, age, general description and remarks about distinguishing features such as scars, tattoos, and injuries, the amount of time in service, occupation, years at sea, and other remarks. The men were transferred from the ships North Carolina, St. Lawrence, Sagamore, and San Jacinto. Of particular note are two documents, one a descriptive list of "contrabands" taken aboard the Somerset, and "Shipping Articles" which lists new recruits to serve aboard the Somerset, who were also described as contraband. Contraband was a term used to describe a new status for escaped slaves or those who came into the possession of Union forces. The descriptive list of contrabands includes mentions of scars from lashing. These documents were collected by Sherman W. Adams, who served as Acting Assistant Paymaster for the United States Navy.

17 items.

Connecticut Historical Society