Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of a single volume used by the clerk of the New York State Commission to Investigate Canal Affairs to record information regarding witnesses summoned to appear before the commission. For each witness, the volume lists place of residence (usually just city, or village and county), appearance date for which witness was summoned, date of actual appearance, date and means by which witness was summoned (subpoena, letter, telegraph, personal request, or voluntarily), and remarks (such as matter in which witness was summoned to testify, job title of witness, issues relating to contacting witness, and changes in appearance date).

The back of the same volume was used by the clerk to record receipts for funds disbursed to the commission by its treasurer. Disbursements are recorded for the payment of various expenses incurred by the commission in carrying out its business: messenger services, stationery, engineering services, salaries, stenography and phonography services, travel, telegraph services, witness fees, and miscellaneous services and expenses.