Finding aid for the John S. McMillin papers
0003
USC Libraries Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu
2010
Title: John S. McMillin papers
Collection number: 0003
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.42 Linear feet
1 box
Date: 1855-1893, undated
Abstract: Letters, documents, testimony regarding Capt. John S. McMillin, his command of the Union steamer "Silver Wave" during the
Civil War, and his steam capstan patent.
creator:
McMillin, John S.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], John S. McMillin papers, Collection no. 0003, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of
Southern California
Conditions Governing Access
Advance notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Biographical note
John S. McMillin was the owner of a transport ship, the "Silver Wave" that was pressed into service on the Missisippi River
from 1861-1863. McMillin also invented a steam powered capstan during this period, which was patented in 1867.
Scope and Contents
Letters, documents, testimony regarding Capt. John S. McMillin, his command of the Union steamer "Silver Wave" during the
Civil War, and his steam capstan patent. A detailed inventory of each document is included in the box.
Acquisition
Donated by Mrs. Philip D. Terry, Jr.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
McMillin, John S. -- Archives
Silver Wave (Transport ship). -- Archives
Capstan--United States--History--19th century--Archival resources
Correspondence
Legal documents
Patents--United States--History--19th century--Archival resources
Sea control--History--19th century--Archival resources
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Archival resources
Box 1, Folder 1
Letters of reference and testimony in behalf of Captain John S. McMillin
1863
Scope and Content
Includes a letter from General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier General R. Allen (signed copy, dated July 25, 1863).
Box 1, Folder 2
War orders to the steamer Silver Wave, Capt. J.S. McMillin, commander
1862-1863
Physical Description:
32 items.
Scope and Content
Military orders to Captain McMillin aboard the SIlver Wave.
Box 1, Folder 3
Petitions for reimbursement for services by and repairs to the Silver Wave.
1862-1870
Scope and Content
Papers and letters relative to petition to Congress by McMillin for confirmation of award made to him in 1863 for extra-hazardous
service while mastering the Silver Wave on the Mississippi in the service of General Grant.
Box 1, Folder 4
U.S. Patent Office documents relative to J.S. McMillin's "Improvement in applying steam power to the capstan of steamboats..."
1866-1867
Box 1, Folder 5
Court decrees, briefs, injunction, etc. relative to infringements of steam capstan patent
1867-1881
Box 1, Folder 6
Correspondence re steam capstan patent
1876
Box 1, Folder 7
"SIlver Wave" memos and public announcements
1855, 1863, 1876
Box 1
Realia
1893, undated
Scope and Content
Hand painted fan; souvenir badge of the Grand Army of the Republic.
