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Scope and Content Note

The minute books in this series are a chronological record of proceedings in the Court of Chancery, including cases initiated by complaint or by petition. The minutes contain summaries or full texts of motions, preliminary and final orders, and final decrees, as well as entries for other actions by the court.

The minutes are primarily a record of sessions of the Court of Chancery in New York City. The series includes transcriptions of Series J0059, Register's Minute Books for the period April 1789-June 1816, made pursuant to an 1813 law. The minute books also include occasional copies of minutes of other sessions in Albany, the originals of which are in Series J0059.

The date, location, and name of the Chancellor are given for each session of the court. The names of the parties and their solicitors, summaries of motions and documents read or submitted, and actions taken by the court are recorded. The minutes include the texts or summaries of Chancellor's orders, including preliminary orders and final determinations. The minutes also include admission of solicitors and counselors to practice in the court, adoption of court rules, and other court business not related to cases.