Research

Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners for Settling the Boundaries between Rhode Island and Massachusetts


Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology.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:
Commissioners from New York, New Jersey, and Nova Scotia held hearings to settle a Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary dispute. Records of the commission's proceedings include: summaries of each party's argument; questions and testimony of surveyors, residents of the disputed areas, and other witnesses; and copies of documentary evidence produced by the parties, such as Indian treaties, acts of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and letters patent. The records were damaged in the 1911 State Capitol fire.
Creator:
Title:
Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners for Settling the Boundaries between Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Quantity:

0.3 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:
1741-1742
Series Number:
A1892

Arrangement

Chronological by date of meetings of commission.

Scope and Content Note

Commissioners from New York, New Jersey, and Nova Scotia held hearings to settle a Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary dispute.

Records of the commission's proceedings include: summaries of each party's argument; questions asked of and testimony given by surveyors, residents of the disputed areas, and other witnesses, usually concerning their knowledge of the area and the character of other witnesses; and copies of documentary evidence produced by the parties, such as Indian treaties, acts of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and letters patent. The commission concluded by upholding Rhode Island's right to expand its jurisdication eastward and by ordering that records of the proceedings be placed with the Secretary of New York. The records were damaged in the 1911 State Capitol fire.

Alternate Formats Available

Microform is available at the New York State Archives through interlibrary loan.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

Access Terms

Corporate Name(s):
Geographic Name(s):
Subject(s):
Genre(s):
Function(s):