New York State Provincial Congress Credentials of Delegates A0115

New York State Provincial Congress Credentials of Delegates

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

These statements verify the election of representatives to the first and second Provincial Congress. They provide the name of the delegate(s) elected; scheduled date, location, and purpose of congress to which elected; signature of town clerk or other official; and sometimes the date signed. These records are in fragile condition due to burn damage.

Creator:

New York (State). Provincial Congress

Title:

New York State Provincial Congress credentials of delegates

Quantity:

0.1 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1775

Series Number:

A0115

Scope and Content Note

These are mainly statements verifying the election of representatives to the first and second Provincial Congress. The statements, referred to as "credentials," are often in the form of resolutions copied from minutes of town meetings. Delegates presented their credentials when the Provincial Congress convened.

The credentials provide: name of delegate(s) elected; scheduled date and location of congress to which elected; purpose of the congress (sometimes); signature of town clerk or other person certifying the delegates' election; and date signed (sometimes).

A few records concern elections of town militia officers. These elections were held at the recommendation of the Provincial Congress.

Names of delegates who attended the Provincial Congresses are published in Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New York (Albany, 1842).

Alternate Formats Available

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through inter-library loan.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Rough alphabetical index to names and locations.

Custodial History

The records were at one time bound by the Secretary of State's office as Volume 24 of a series titled "Papers Laid Before the Provincial Congress." The records suffered severe burn damage in the State Capitol fire in 1911.