Z 0889.000 Magruder (James Trueman) Journal

Ship's log and plantation account book of Captain James Trueman Magruder of Maryland and Mississippi. Captain Magruder owned and operated the merchant ship The Potowmac Chief, and the log gives accounts of voyages from Norfolk and Alexandria, Virginia, to Antigua; from ports in England to America and return; financial accounts of the crew members, and the various cargoes. Captain Magruder retired from the sea and cleared a plantation in Jefferson County in 1808. The plantation portion of the journal deals with farming operations at Mount Ararat Plantation near Church Hill for the period 1812–July 29, 1818. Included are daily accounts of winds, weather, and routine tasks being performed around the plantation, as well as notes of social activities, with entry for Sunday, April 23, 1815, "Dined at Greenville with General Jackson & Family."

A portion of this collection is available on microfilm. (MF Roll # 7145)