Research


Scope and Content Note

This series contains copies of decrees issued by the Chancellor authorizing the sale of land in mortgage foreclosure cases. The minute books were created by the Register, whose office was in Albany.

The copies of the decrees are on printed forms used when the defendant did not contest the complainant's bill of complaint. Each decree contains the following information: date and location of the session when the decree was issued; names of complainant, defendant, solicitors, and Master in Chancery who handled the case; the amount (principal and interest) of the mortgage and, if partially paid, the amount outstanding; and a detailed description of the land to be sold by the Master. Foreclosure decrees were issued by the Chancellor before 1840.