Scope and Content Note
The series consists of card files apparently indexing material (primarily correspondence and field books) relating to construction of the Barge Canal. Although the exact source and purpose of the index is unknown, it clearly relates to contract numbers 42, 43, 50, 51, and 55, the majority of which seem to pertain to Oneida County. It may be part of a master card file arranged and kept by the Superintendent (later Department) of Public Works. Headings and subheadings under the various contracts are myriad, and pertain to canal surveys, structures, reports, excavations, estimates, claims, materials, and appropriations.
Alphabetical sections are also present that apparently refer to canal officials (e.g. division engineers and assistants), construction companies, attorneys, and citizens between whom letters were exchanged on a variety of subjects. These cards typically give date of correspondence, initials from/to, "sub-subject" of letter, and a classification number (part of which may refer to a pertinent contract number).
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