Resentment over the newly imposed federal draft spilled over into a riot targeted at Black people from July 13th to 16th, 1863. Rioters committed homicide and destroyed property. Subsequent to the events, victims filed claims with the Office of the Comptroller. John Zuille, a printer who was involved with the Underground Railroad, suffered $240.00 in damages. In addition to an inventory of his losses, he states that the mob arrived around midnight and that the family fled to the roof for safety. His daughter, Malvina, filed her own claim for $95.50 and was described as a “decent girl.” NYC Civil War Draft Riot Claims, NYC Municipal Archives
- Page 1: Handwritten claim document for Malvina Zuille including inventory and cost of damaged property.
- Page 2: Handwritten claim document for John Zuille including inventory and cost of damaged property.
Transcription note: The text below was transcribed using Handwriting OCR software and edited by staff from the NYC Department of Records & Information Services. Corrections and clarifications have been added in brackets.
Transcribed Text:
Page 1:
A
S. Eh dr
Malvina Elizabeth Zuille, residing 101 with[crossed out] No. 18th Street. Driven from my Residence by a mob armed with Clubs at Midnight on Tuesday July 14, took refuge on roof of house-mob pillaged various articles of Wearing apparel; among them-
1 double plaid Winter Shawl, Valued at 6.00
2 New Calico Dresses 6.00
1 Muslin Dress 2.50
1 Drab Cloak 8.00
20 Yards white Muslin, 30° 6.00
3 Silk Dresses 45.00
1 Purse 3.00
1 Swiss Muslin Waist 3.00
1 Pair Boots 3.00
Under Garments 13.00
Total $95.50
Decent girl
f.75. S.E.h [handwriting unclear]
Page 2:
John J. Zuille, Job Printer doing business 13 Laight St. (Residing 701 west 18th Street: assailed by a mob with Stones on Monday July 13, in the Street. Attacked by a mob at his residence at Midnight on Tuesday July 14th; the mob armed with clubs threatening to kill every male found; with wife and children made narrow escape to the roof of the house; mob pillaged and carried away among other things, the following articles of his property:
Valued at
2 Canton Flannel Shirts 4.00
4 White Cotton Shirts 8.00
6 Pair Drawers 7.00
3 ” Pantaloons, winter, 15.00
2 over Coats 27.00
2 Pair Blankets 9.00
1 ” Boots 5.00
3 White Table Cloths 6.00
2 Calico Quilts 6.00
10 Com. Towels 2.00
6 Muslin Sheets 12.10
2 Linen 11.50
4 Vests 12.00
3 Pair Summer Pants 9.00
Money 11.
$144.50
New York July 31, 1863.