Minutes of Court of Commissioners appointed to examine the controversy between Connecticut and the Mohegan Indians
Series Number
A1889
Summary
The king appointed members of the councils of New York and New Jersey to investigate and settle a land dispute between Connecticut and the Mohegan Indians. The commission's minutes include: summaries of each party's arguments and the history of the dispute; copies of land sales by Indians to settlers, acts of the Connecticut General Assembly, testimony from previous inquiries; summary lists of documents produced as evidence; depositions and testimony by witnesses; and opinions of commissioners regarding outcome of the dispute.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.
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.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
This volume must be used under supervision of an archivist.
Marriage bonds executed by persons obtaining marriage licenses
Series Number
A1893
Summary
Each marriage bond provides name(s) of person(s) to whom the bond was issued; names and residence of persons to whom the marriage license was issued; date (both in monarch's years of reign and conventional); and name (signature) of witness to execution of the bond. These records only document the intention of individuals to be married and do not prove that marriages actually took place.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
Original records are closed to use because of extensive burn damage sustained in the New York State Capitol building fire of 1911. Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through inter-library loan.
This series consists of severely burned fragments of original drafts of letters patent issued by the governor of the province of New York in the name of the king of England. Prior to the New York State Capitol fire of 1911, the series most likely included six volumes of original drafts, arranged in chronological order, including indexes.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
Series is closed to research due to severe burn damage. Researchers should consult Series 12943, Letters Patent, 1664-2010.
Charter of the proprietary colony from Charles II to the Duke of York
Series Number
B1371
Summary
This series consists of the charter from Charles II, King of England, granting land to his brother James, Duke of York. The charter gave James the authority to send an armed force to compel the Dutch surrender of the New Netherland province to the English. It grants territory that now comprises most of Maine, part of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and part of Pennsylvania to James and specifies details of governanceand management.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
Restricted: Access by permission of state archivist under supervision of archives staff only. Published version is first use copy.
Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners for Settling the Boundaries between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Series Number
A1892
Summary
Commissioners from New York, New Jersey, and Nova Scotia held hearings to settle a Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary dispute. Records of the commission's proceedings include: summaries of each party's argument; questions and testimony of surveyors, residents of the disputed areas, and other witnesses; and copies of documentary evidence produced by the parties, such as Indian treaties, acts of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and letters patent. The records were damaged in the 1911 State Capitol fire.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.
The "Duke's Laws" are the first set of laws enacted in the colony of New York under English rule. This series consists of a manuscript copy of the "Duke's Laws" created by the office of the secretary of the Colony of New York for use as an official copy. The laws pertain to a wide variety of subjects such as criminal offenses, civil actions, probate, religion, servitude, law enforcement, and military service.
Creator
New York (Colony). Secretary
Access Restrictions
Digital and/or microfilm versions, as described below, should be consulted first. Original volume must be used under supervision of an archivist.
This series contains the provincial secretary's file copy of the New York City Charter; the original charter is located in New York City. Known as the Montgomerie Charter, the charter granted land and governmental authority to the city, organized the city government, and appointed city officials.