Finding Aid Search

Title

Ledgers of governors' actions and decisions

Series Number

A0622

Summary

These volumes provide a central record of appointments made and other actions taken by the governor. The volumes were compiled to provide the governor's staff with more organized access to this information. These records were kept pursuant to Laws of 1858, Chapter 64, which required the governor to record in books all applications made to him for appointments, pardons, commutations of sentences, or other gubernatorial actions, and to keep on file the original documentation relating to each application.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

Title

Executive clemency and pardon case files

Series Number

A0597

Summary

The case files in this series document the process of application for and granting of pardons or commutations of sentences by the Governor. Convicts and their families, friends, and attorneys applied to have sentences reduced or terminated and, for convicted felons, to have citizenship rights restored. The files may include letters and petitions to the Governor, copies of court documents, inmate data and conduct records, transcripts of testimony, Governor's commutation statement, and inmate's statement accepting terms of release.

Creator

• New York (State). Governor

Access Restrictions

Series is partially restricted. State Archives staff will review requests for specific records and disclose as permitted by New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and other applicable state and federal statutes.

Title

Blotters of governors' actions and decisions

Series Number

A0608

Summary

These blotters served as a preliminary record of the governor's actions and decisions. These records were kept pursuant to Laws of 1858, Chapter 64, which required the governor to record in books all applications made to him for appointments, pardons, commutations of sentences, or other gubernatorial actions, and to keep on file the original documentation relating to each application. The permanent record of these activities is found in Series A0607, Journals of Governor's Actions and Decisions.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

Title

Restoration of citizenship rights application case files

Series Number

A0585

Summary

Articles I and IV of the State Constitution authorize the governor to grant executive clemency to convicted criminals (Executive Law, Section 15-19). Among the types of clemency offered is restoration of citizenship rights, by which the governor restores civil rights lost as a result of a conviction (such as right to vote, or right to hold public office). This series served as a central file of documentation relating to applications to the governor for restoration of citizenship rights.

Access Restrictions

Certain records in this series may be exempt from disclosure. State Archives staff will review requests for specific documents and disclose pursuant to New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).

Title

Journals of governors' actions and decisions

Series Number

A0607

Summary

These volumes provide a chronological record tracking actions taken and decisions made by the governor. Pursuant to Laws of 1858, Chapter 64, the governor was required to record in these volumes all applications made to him for appointments, pardons, commutations of sentences, or other gubernatorial actions, and to keep on file the original documentation relating to each application.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.