Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of one volume, the bulk of the content comprising personal and business cash book entries for Manhattan merchant Henry S. Leszynsky, 1867-1869 (pages 2-147). The volume also contains corporate minutes documenting the formation of the Bay Ridge Steamship Construction Company, 1883-1884 (pages 160-201). The Company was incorporated in March, 1883, to build and repair ships at a shipyard to be located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The remainder of the 721-page volume is blank; there is no apparent connection between the two sets of records.
Cash book entries record receipts and disbursements for Henry S. Leszynsky, 1867 April 6-1869 April 30 (pages 2-147). Personal and family expenses include petty cash for Henry S. and Amelia Leszynsky, housing and travel expenses, lessons and other items for their children, and donations to Jewish congregations and benevolent organizations. Entries also identify gifts, loans, and dealings with members of the extended family, such as Lesser Leszynsky of California and Mr. and Mrs. P. J. (Philip J. and Priscilla J.) Joachimsen of New York. Entries for business transactions provide the individual or firm name and the amount of the debit or credit, often promissory notes.
Minutes of the Bay Ridge Steamship Construction Company, 1883 March 15-1884 May 14 (pages 160-201), mention the selection of officers and board members, capitalization, the purchase and improvement of property in Bay Ridge, and receipt of payment towards construction of the yacht Speranza.