Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of ninety two volumes of bound depositions of resident aliens affirming their intentions to become naturalized U.S. citizens. Arranged in loose chronological order by the date on which they were received in the Department of State, the depositions include: name of alien and place of residence (later years sometimes list address); alien's signature or mark; and occasionally the country of origin and/or occupation of the resident alien. The format of the deposition varies, although printed forms were sometimes used. Depositions prior to 1850 are docketed on the verso with date of receipt and book and page number of the entry in Abstracts of Alien Depositions, 1825-1913 (series A1870). Depositions were apparently filed at the local level and transferred by the local official to the Office of the Secretary of State for registration and filing.

This series is not indexed. The earlier depositions are calendered in Kenneth Scott and Rosemary Conway, comps. New York Alien Residents, 1825-1848. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1978.