Research

Scope and Content Note

The bulk of this correspondence relates to the State's observance of the 150th anniversary of the punitive expedition led by General John Sullivan and General James Clinton against the Iroquois tribes in 1779.

This correspondence was compiled by Peter Nelson, Secretary of the Advisory Committee on the Commemoration of the Sullivan Campaign, a Committee established by the legislature in 1928 (Chapter 520). The series also contains the correspondence of the Supervisor of Public Records, a position in the Division of Archives and History held by Peter Nelson prior to 1926 and after 1931.

The correspondence of the secretary of the advisory committee concerns: planning and conduct of observances of the Sullivan Clinton Campaign; design and placement of historical markers relating to the campaign; and compilation and distribution of publications about the campaign and its observances. The correspondence of the supervisor of public records consists mostly of replies to requests for information and publications concerning New York State and local history.