New York Colony Secretary Laws Passed by the First Assembly
Statement on Language
Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.
Overview of the Records
Repository
- New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
- These are commonly known as "Dongan's Laws." The first chapter of the laws is the "Charter of Liberties and Privileges" which was passed by the assembly (first New York legislature) on October 17, 1683. Through these laws the English Colonial Governor, Colonel Thomas Dongan, a Catholic, extended freedom of religion and other important rights to the colony. This provision was included in substance in Section 38 of the Constitution of 1777.
Title
- Laws passed by the first Assembly
Quantity
- 0.3 cubic feet; 1 volume
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
- A3078
Creator
Administrative History
See the following work for more information on the "Charter of Liberties": David S. Lovejoy, "Equality and Empire: The New York Charter of Liberties, 1683,"
Scope and Content Note
These are commonly known as "Dongan's Laws." The first chapter of the laws is the "Charter of Liberties and Privileges" which was passed by the assembly (first New York legislature) on October 17, 1683. Through these laws the English colonial governor, Colonel Thomas Dongan, a Catholic, extended freedom of religion and other important rights to the colony. This provision was included in substance in Section 38 of the Constitution of 1777.
Alternate Formats Available
The text of these laws can be found in "The Colonial Laws of New York from the Year 1664 to the Revolution" (Albany: 1894), volume 1, pages 111-73.
Custodial History
This item (No. 5) was part of the Freedom Train exhibit that traveled the state from January 1949 to February 1950 (L. 1948, Ch. 659).
Access Restrictions
This volume must be used under supervision of an archivist.