Varick, Richard

Major General Schuyler's [Accoun]t Current with Capt[ain] Richard Varick. Albany, 30 November 1775 - 27 August 1776



Autograph manuscript signed (in the text), 34 pages (8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.; 210 x 165 mm), plus 1-page certification letter signed by Henry Brockholst Livingston, Albany, 27 August 1776 and 2 blank leaves, docketed "Capt. Varick's Account with General Schuyler, settled August 27, 1776"; formerly folded down the center of each leaf, several fold and other tears of which some are mended, some dampstains and light browning, gutter margin of first three leaves mended affecting a few numbers. Modern tan leather, gilt-stamped title on upper cover in a red half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped blue leather title label on spine.

Tomlinson Collection (purple stamp on last page "deposited by Mercantile Library Association" with the latter's release stamp)

An important financial record, written, in part, at the time of the American retreat from Canada.

General Schuyler (1733–1804) was appointed commander of the Northern Department in June 1775, but prostrated by gout, the field command was given to Richard Montgomery, and Schuyler directed the dispatch of supplies from Albany during the Canada invasion (August 1775–October 1776). Richard Varick (1753–1831) acted as secretary to the General in this period, later serving Benedict Arnold at West Point, and then General Washington, before becoming mayor of New York City.

This account book provides weekly records of cash payments for supplies including: "to Indians for a quarter of Venison" (30 November 1775), "to Wm. Finawder for 9 geese" (15 January 1776), "to Joseph La Bonte the Canada Post" (ditto), "to 500 Oysters at 2/6 sent to Saratoga" (26 April 1776), and "By Cash from Genl. Washington by Lt. Col. Gilman £120,000 for Public Service" (9 May 1776). The whole is completed by a letter certifying the settling of Capt. Varick's account with a balance of £40, 4 shillings and 9 pence 1 farthing "in New York currency due him."