Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of printed mortgage forms, completed in manuscript, documenting financing for purchases of canal boats. There are also a very few bills of sale and satisfaction of mortgage papers. These forms were routinely filed with the Canal Department.

Forms typically show names of mortgagor and mortgagee, amount of debt, terms and conditions of the agreement, and description of the vessel (name of boat and brief description of accoutrements, such as furniture and tackle). The agreements are signed and witnesses and note the date of filing with the signature of the registrar.