Research

Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
Legislation of 1862 (Chapter 417) allowed convicts in state prisons and penitentiaries to earn commutation of part of their sentence for good conduct or labor performed. Reports in the series provide name of convict; county where convicted; crime; date sentenced; term; prison; date received at prison; months and days earned (in volume three, this column is labeled "commutation"); name of agent and warden making report; date deduction ordered; date writ mailed (rare in Volume 1; consistently appears beginning in Volume 2); and date received in prison (Volume 3 only).
Title:
Reports of deductions of sentences by prison agents, wardens, and superintendents
Quantity:

2.5 cubic feet

3 volumes

Inclusive Dates:
1863-1883
Series Number:
A0601