Research


Scope and Content Note

This series contains handwritten and typewritten transcriptions of enrolled decrees, the final determinations in equity cases involving a complainant and defendant. The decrees were issued by the Chancellor, the Circuit Judge in the 1st Circuit (1823-1829), the Vice-Chancellor in the 1st Circuit (1830-1847), or (after July 1, 1847) a Justice of the Supreme Court. Most of the enrolled decrees in this series were filed by the Register (before 1802), Assistant Register (starting 1802), and Clerk of the 1st Circuit in New York City (1823-1847).

A few decrees were issued in the Supreme Court, Equity Term, New York County, in cases that were commenced before the Court of Chancery was abolished effective July 1, 1847. Those decrees were filed by the New York County Clerk. The transcriptions also include a few case documents from other courts, including the Supreme Court of Judicature.

A transcribed case file typically includes the bill of complaint that originated a case; answer by the defendant; any amendments to the bill or the answer; affidavits; orders; bonds; and notices. Depending on the proceedings and complexity of a case, other transcribed documents may include a Master's report; depositions by witnesses, transcripts of testimony, and evidence submitted (e.g. wills, deeds, maps, or accounts); and other filed documents. A small number of procedural documents were not transcribed. The transcriber noted if any case documents were missing or damaged.

Most of the transcribed case files concern equity proceedings in the Court of Chancery and the Supreme Court, New York County. There are a few cases from other courts, including the Supreme Court of Judicature. Most cases concern disputes arising in New York City and in other counties in the 1st Circuit, but some cases involved parties residing in other parts of New York State or out-of-state. The most numerous case category is mortgage foreclosures. Less numerous case categories include matrimonial proceedings (divorce, separation, annulment), commercial disputes, wills, trusts, injunctions, and receiverships.