1838–1844 New York State Militia Documents — Samuel H. Cook, Musician & Drummer
Rare Antebellum New York Militia Archive — Seven Years of Documented Service
An exceptional original group of nineteenth-century New York State militia documents documenting the military service of Samuel H. Cook, who served as a Musician/Drummer in the New York State Militia.
The group is anchored by an original “REGIMENTAL WARRANT — STATE OF NEW-YORK”, dated August 15, 1838, appointing Cook as Drummer of a company in the 50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division of Infantry, New York State Militia. The warrant is completed in contemporary manuscript and signed by the commanding colonel.
Accompanying the warrant are original handwritten certifications confirming that Samuel H. Cook faithfully performed the duties of his office as a musician during successive periods of service, including 1838–1840, 1841–1842, and 1843–1844. One of the certifications is signed by William Casey, Captain.
Together, these documents provide an unusually detailed record of an individual citizen-soldier's participation in the antebellum New York militia, spanning approximately seven years. The designation of Cook as a musician/drummer is particularly interesting, as military musicians played an important role in nineteenth-century militia organization, providing cadence and battlefield/parade signals.
This is New York State Militia material from the 1830s and 1840s and is not Civil War material. It represents the period when state militia organizations remained an important component of American military life decades before the Civil War.
The documents retain their original folds and show considerable age, toning, foxing, staining, edge wear and fold weakness consistent with their approximately 185-year age. Despite the condition, the principal manuscript writing remains legible and the group presents a fascinating, intact record of antebellum military service.
A compelling addition to a collection of American military history, New York history, militia documents, manuscript archives, or early American ephemera.
Date: 1838–1844
Subject: Samuel H. Cook
Service: Musician / Drummer
Organization: 50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division, New York State Militia
Material: Original manuscript and partly printed documents
Condition: Fair to good antique condition, with significant age toning, foxing, folds, edge wear and localized paper weakness
Rare Antebellum New York Militia Archive — Seven Years of Documented Service
An exceptional original group of nineteenth-century New York State militia documents documenting the military service of Samuel H. Cook, who served as a Musician/Drummer in the New York State Militia.
The group is anchored by an original “REGIMENTAL WARRANT — STATE OF NEW-YORK”, dated August 15, 1838, appointing Cook as Drummer of a company in the 50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division of Infantry, New York State Militia. The warrant is completed in contemporary manuscript and signed by the commanding colonel.
Accompanying the warrant are original handwritten certifications confirming that Samuel H. Cook faithfully performed the duties of his office as a musician during successive periods of service, including 1838–1840, 1841–1842, and 1843–1844. One of the certifications is signed by William Casey, Captain.
Together, these documents provide an unusually detailed record of an individual citizen-soldier's participation in the antebellum New York militia, spanning approximately seven years. The designation of Cook as a musician/drummer is particularly interesting, as military musicians played an important role in nineteenth-century militia organization, providing cadence and battlefield/parade signals.
This is New York State Militia material from the 1830s and 1840s and is not Civil War material. It represents the period when state militia organizations remained an important component of American military life decades before the Civil War.
The documents retain their original folds and show considerable age, toning, foxing, staining, edge wear and fold weakness consistent with their approximately 185-year age. Despite the condition, the principal manuscript writing remains legible and the group presents a fascinating, intact record of antebellum military service.
A compelling addition to a collection of American military history, New York history, militia documents, manuscript archives, or early American ephemera.
Date: 1838–1844
Subject: Samuel H. Cook
Service: Musician / Drummer
Organization: 50th Regiment, 33rd Brigade, 1st Division, New York State Militia
Material: Original manuscript and partly printed documents
Condition: Fair to good antique condition, with significant age toning, foxing, folds, edge wear and localized paper weakness
