Research

Scope and Content Note

This fragmentary series contains bills of costs awarded to winning parties. Each bill contains a list of costs incurred by the plaintiff in the progress of civil action from the initial retaining fee and warrant of attorney to filing of the execution.

The entries vary depending on the type of case. The bill of the plaintiff's costs is totalled and signed by the clerk of the Supreme Court at Albany or by the Albany city recorder. Also found on the bill of costs is a bill of the defendant's costs. This is likewise certified and signed by the clerk or recorder. The title of the action and the total costs taxed are found on the dorso. Most of the bills are signed by Francis Bloodgood, clerk of the court at Albany. Court rules specified the costs to be allowed in actions in Supreme Court. Costs taxed in each case were included in the final judgment award.