The Contents of a Texas Tavern at the Outset of the Civil War

[Texas]: [Civil War]:

[Manuscript Document Listing Goods from a Tavern Stored in Brenham, Texas During the Early Portion of the Civil War].

Austin: January 28, 1862. [1]p., docketed on verso. Old folds, some toning, backed on linen. Very good. Item #13150

A fascinating document from early Confederate Texas memorializing the inventory of a Texas tavern or bar owned by W.R. Lount. The document, dated at the top November 22, 1861, is an invoice for goods stored at Baker & Lockett in Brenham, apparently for the safekeeping of the owner's inventory of spirits and related items, and then sold two months later. The list includes four barrels of "Old Bourbon Whiskey," a barrel of gin, a half barrel of "Santa Cruz Rum," a keg of "Jamaica Rum," a keg of "Old Port Wine," a cask of "French Brandy," plus thirty chairs, five tables, and assorted supplies.

The second half of the document records the sale of the inventory on january 28, 1862 to M.M. Young, also of Brenham, minus the safe and $25, which were to be retained by Lount. The total cost of the inventory in 1862 came to $1230. The document is interesting evidence of wartime economic conditions, indicating that Lount may have fallen on hard times quickly following the outbreak of the conflict and had to sell the contents of his business. Brenham is located about halfway between Austin and Houston and is best known now as the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Price: $550