The New York Militia account book (129 pages) is a volume of financial and personnel records for a volunteer militia based in New York City between 1802 and 1814. The accounts were recorded by Abraham Varick. The first two pages provide an index of the members and their accounts. On pages 1-3 is an overview of "cash" (contributions for refreshments, room hire, cloth, drum sticks, etc.) and "contra" (expenses for militia needs). Pages 5-119 contain accounts for the members with a ledger entry labeled "entered" for subscription payments, and "contra" for payouts of cash or balances. During the War of 1812, the militia experienced an increase in membership. The accounts for this period (1812-1814) include additional accounts for subsistence rations (pages 87-119). Page 127 lists the company's funds.
For a list of militia members see additional descriptive data.
The New York Militia account book is comprised of financial records for a volunteer militia based in New York City. The book spans the years 1802 to 1814, though, since it contains legacy records from an "Old Account Book," the militia was likely established earlier than 1802. In the early 19th century, each state maintained compulsory and voluntary militias to protect against foreign attack and to uphold domestic order. The volunteer militias were often called "uniformed militias" since they purchased their own, often elaborate, uniforms. After the War of 1812, most local militias were replaced by the national United States Army.
For a list of militia members see additional descriptive data below.
