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Selected Digital Historical Documents from the Collections of the New York State Library

Cover of the Red Book, showing a drawing of the State Capitol and the NYS sealSince 1995, the New York State Library (NYSL) has been scanning New York State government documents and providing free access to these digital versions through the State Library online catalog.  The State Library has expanded the types of materials being scanned to include historical materials. The items listed below have been scanned from paper copy volumes located in the New York State Library and are now freely available online as PDF documents. (Note: The links to digital documents below will open in a new window.)

Search Digital Collections - Type the title of the document in the search box, make sure Metadata Search is selected and then click on Search.


Adirondack Survey: In 1872, Verplanck Colvin was named to the newly created post of Superintendent of the Adirondack Survey and authorized by the Legislature to institute a survey of the Adirondacks. Colvin directed surveying parties throughout the Adirondacks.  He believed that the entire Adirondack region should be protected by the creation of a state forest preserve. His work lead to the creation of New York's Forest Preserve and the Adirondack Park. The annual reports from 1872 - 1898 that are being digitized include many maps, drawing and illustrations.  IN PROCESS.

Certified Copies of Ancient Field Notes and Maps, 1772-1796, 1797-1798:  This short volume published in 1903 contains certified copies of four original maps that were on file at the time in the office of the Secretary of State. These copies were certified by William Judson, State Engineer and Surveyor of New York. The text of the volume are copies of the original field notes from the surveyors of Macomb's Purchase, Totten and Crossfield's Purchase and the Old Military Tract.

Book cover from New York in the Revolution, showing a drawing of a soldier in uniform.
Cover from
"New York in the Revolution."

The New York State Library holds an extensive collection of material on the American Revolutionary War in print, microform, and online formats. This material consists of troop rosters and other details extracted from muster and pay rolls, Loyalist records, colonial New York State history documents, military bounty land records, diaries, orderly books, personal papers of participants and broadsides.  The New York State Library is also a depository for several record series compiled by New York State Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, including grave locations of Revolutionary soldiers and their immediate family members buried in New York State.

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from items/volumes in the New York State Library's collection.  As the State Library digitizes other Revolutionary War materials, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.  The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite.  Additional materials relating to the American Revolutionary War can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog or the Finding Aids to Special Collections.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

The Balloting Book and Other Documents Relating to Military Bounty Lands in the State of New York: This book contains copies of several acts relative to Revolutionary War bounty lands and the payment given to officers and soldiers for service in the War. An alphabetical listing of the names of soldiers and officers in each regiment is provided and includes the rank and company of the soldier, the township number, the lot number, the acreage, and date of patent. Dead and miscellaneous persons laying claim to land are also listed. The book also contains Lieutenant Michael Connolly's return of names from Continental Army muster rolls and an accompanying list of names from the return of Colonel John Lamb.  Another section of the book provides the number and names of townships in the military tract.  The final section lists the names and lots of Canadian and Nova-Scotia refugees.

Benedict Arnold at Saratoga: This pamphlet by Issac N. Arnold is a reprint from the United Service, September 1880 and is a "reply to John Austin Stevens, and new evidence of Mr. Bancroft's error."

The Border Warfare of New York During the Revolution; or, the Annals of Tryon County: Tryon County comprised the entire province west of the counties on the west bank of the Hudson. This volume by William W. Campbell was published in 1849. First edition of this book was published in 1831 under following title: Annals of Tryon County; or, the Border Warfare of New York, During the Revolution.

Diary and Orderly Book of Sergeant Jonathan Burton, of Wilton, N.H….: This volume compiled and edited by Issac W. Hammond is the diary and order book of Sergeant Jonathan Burton while he was in service in the Army on Winter Hill from December 10, 1775 – January 26, 1776. The volume also contains Lieutenant Jonathan Burton's diary and orderly book while he took part in the Canada expedition at Mount Independence from August 1, 1776 - November 29, 1776.

Dr. Auchmuty's Letter to Capt. Montresor: This broadside contains text of a letter written on April 19, 1775, by Reverend Samuel Auchmuty in New York to Captain John Montresor in Boston. The letter includes extracts from an earlier letter dated London March 4, 1775, concerning the unrest in the American colonies.

In Congress, October 4, 1777: This broadside contains abstracts of minutes from Congress including the text of some resolutions adopted on October 4, 1777 and October 6, 1777.  The topic of the abstracts relates to the appointments and responsibilities of the Commissionaires General of Purchases, their deputies, assistants and clerks.  This broadside was printed in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. in October 1777

In Provincial Congress, New York, September 1, 1775: The subject of the broadside is a resolution from the Provincial Congress dealing with inhabitants of the colony who assist and aid the "ministerial army and navy" and their punishment.  The resolution is signed by Robert Benson, Secretary of the Provincial Congress.  This broadside was printed in New York. 

In the House of Representatives, September 17, 1776: This broadside includes the text of a resolution that provides a process for developing and approving a constitution and form of government for the state of Massachusetts. The resolution was to be printed as "hand-bills" and sent to the selectmen of each town.  Note: Town meetings have played – and still play - an important role in Massachusetts government.  For more information on this topic, see the Massachusetts Citizen's Guide to Town Meetingsexternal link.

New York in the Revolution as Colony and State: This publication is a compilation of papers located in the NYS Comptroller's Department that was arranged and classified by James A. Roberts, Comptroller.  The papers included in the volume relate to the services performed by New York in the Revolutionary War, including muster and pay rolls of men serving in the Line, Levies, Militia, and Navy (Privateers).  A personal name index and indexes to "sundry persons", pensioners and applicants for pensions, and commanding officers are included in the volume.  This 2nd edition was published in 1898.

  1. Part 1 - pp. 1-96: The Line; the Levies (includes map of eastern New York counties and drawings of Governor George Clinton, Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort, Brigadier General James Clinton, Captain Alexander Hamilton, and Colonel Marinus Willet)
  2. Part 2 - pp. 97-267: The Militia (includes drawings of Major General Philip Schuyler, Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer, and Major General Richard Montgomery)
  3. Part 3 - pp. 268-534: Naval Service (Lists and Indexes)

New York in the Revolution as Colony and State: Supplement: This supplement is a compilation of papers located in the NYS Comptroller's Department related to the participation of New York State in the Revolutionary War.  Included in this supplement is information on aspects of the military and naval service during the War including Courts-Martial, deserters, pay, bounties, pensions, American prisoners of war, hospitals, Indians, fortifications, military roads, military stores, clothing, provisions, privateers, and ships.  The volume also includes information on the civil service during the War including the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive and executive bodies. This supplement was printed in 1901.

Revolutionary War Manuscripts in the New York State Library: This publication, edited by Stefan Bielinski, lists and describes the State Library's holdings relating to the American Revolution that were accessioned as of April 1, 1975.  Included are manuscripts and documents referring to the genesis of the revolutionary movement, the winning of independence on both the battlefields and on the home fronts, the establishment of New York State and the US, and the various reactions to each of these.

State of Massachusetts-Bay: in the House of Representatives, Feb. 5, 1777:  This broadside is a proclamation prohibiting the export of "rum, molasses, and sundry other articles" which are "all needed for the supply of the Army and the Inhabitants of this State."

Sullivan's Campaign in New York, 1779: The text of this pamphlet by Simon L. Adler was read before the Rochester Historical Society on January 14, 1898.

A Representation of Major John André, Adjutant General to the Kings Forces in North America, Going From the Vulture Sloop of War to the Shore of Havershaw [sic] Bay in Hudsons [sic] River the Night of the 23d. of September 1780, in a Boat Which Was Sent For Him [...]: This is a digital copy of an engraving of a drawing sketched by Major André in the morning on which he was to have been executed.  Major André's servant found the drawing the next day and gave it to Lieutenant Colonel Crosbie of the 22nd regiment. Crosbie had the engraving made from the original sometime between 1780 and 1788 in New York. The engraving is signed "J.A., scc." The State Library's copy bears the following inscription: "Admiral Sir Edmund Affleck Bart. with Colonel Crosbies compliments."

diagram showing platform frame construction, from one of the building codesThe NYS Library has digitized a variety of state building codes and standards originally published from the 1950s through the 1980s by various state agencies. Some related documents, including instruction booklets, proposed amendments, and rules and regulations, are also available online.

The New York State Library has a variety of state building codes and standards from the 1950s on, published by various state agencies. Several related documents, including instruction booklets, proposed amendments, and rules and regulations, are also available.

Building Codes

OCLC Title Date Issuing Authority Type
9133929 Code manual for the State building construction code (1951) 1951
1st edition
State Building Code Commission. General Building Construction (one- and two-family dwellings)
5639203 Code manual for the State building construction code (1959) 1959, February 2
3rd edition superseded 1954, June 1
State Building Code Commission General Building Construction
3918839 Code manual for the State Building Construction Code (1977) 1977, August 1
4th edition superseded 1959, February 2
State Building Code Commission General Building Construction
NY200026994 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings : including factory manufactured homes (1972) 1972, July Housing and Building Codes Bureau General Building Construction (one- and two-family dwellings)
2110202 Fire prevention code of the State of New York 1976
Public hearing draft
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Fire Code
2421247 State fire prevention code (1976) 1976 Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Codes Bureau
Fire Code
7109350 State fire prevention code (1978) 1978 edition Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Fire Code
32357427 State fire prevention code (1979) 1979, May 1 – Amended
1982, January 15 - Reprinted
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Codes Bureau
Fire Code
9422196 Draft of the new State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code: promulgated for public hearings 1983, January 1 State and Fire Prevention Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Fire Code
12975373 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code 1984, January 1 New York (State). State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council. Fire Code
4207087 State building construction code applicable to general building construction (1978) 1978, February 1 Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
General Building Construction
7971854 State building construction code applicable to general building construction (1979) 1979, November 30
9th edition??
State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
General Building Construction
80643020 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1953) 1953, December 15
1st edition
State Building Code Commission Generally Accepted Standards
220111567 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1959) 1959, December 1
6th edition
Bureau of State Building Codes. Generally Accepted Standards
45650925 Generally accepted standards applicable to state building construction code (1968) 1968, January 2
13th edition
State Building Code Council Generally Accepted Standards
806740 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1971) 1971, October 1
16th edition superseded 1970, October 1
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
6539710 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1973) 1973, January 1
17th edition superseding 1971, October 1
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
1835776 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1975) 1975, January 1
19th edition superseding 1974, March 13
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
3298858 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1976) 1976, May 10
20th edition superseded 1975, January 1
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
4207198 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1977) 1977, May 1
21st edition superseding 1976, May 10
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
6281159 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1978) 1978, June 26
22nd edition superseded 1977, May 1
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
7971933 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1980) 1980, October 15
24th edition superseded 1979, September 12
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Generally Accepted Standards
8402185 Generally accepted standards applicable to the State Building Construction Code (1981) 1981, November 30 (reprinted 1983, January 3)
25th edition superseding 1980, October 15
New York State Building Code Council Generally Accepted Standards
1407216 Standards, rules and regulations for factory manufactured homes 1973, January 1 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Manufactured Homes
900083 Generally accepted standards applicable to State code for construction and installation of mobile homes 1974, January 15 State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Mobile Homes
1407246 State code for construction and installation of mobile homes and standards, rules and regulations for mobile homes 1974, March 13
2nd edition superseded 1974, January 15
State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal Building Codes Bureau
Mobile Homes
50099588 Proposed State building construction code applicable to multiple dwellings 1953, April 6 State Building Code Commission Multiple Dwellings
32024740 State building construction code applicable to multiple dwellings (1953) 1953, December 15 State Building Code Commission Multiple Dwellings
22560193 State building construction code applicable to multiple dwellings (1958) 1958, March 31
Second edition???
State Building Code Commission Multiple Dwellings
3740258 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings (1951) 1951, November 1 State Building Code Commission One- and Two- Family Dwellings
34687956 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings (1954) 1954, February 15 State Building Code Commission One- and Two- Family Dwellings
34688090 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings (1958) 1958, March 31 State Building Code Commission One- and Two- Family Dwellings
477205126 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings (1964) 1964, December 1 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Building Codes Bureau
One- and Two- Family Dwellings
1682801 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings : including factory manufactured homes (1973) 1973, January 1 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Building Codes Bureau
One- and Two- Family Dwellings
9966982 State building construction code applicable to one- and two-family dwellings : including factory manufactured homes (1982) 1982, January 1 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Building Codes Bureau
One- and Two- Family Dwellings
36802199 State building construction code applicable to plumbing (Public hearing draft) 1957, August 1 State Building Code Commission
Department of Health
Plumbing
56081611 Plumbing standards of the State Building Construction Code (1958)
Minimum Requirements for Plumbing
recommended by
Department of Health, State of New York
1958, February 15 State Building Code Commission
Department of Health
Plumbing
34734293 Plumbing standards of the State Building Construction Code (1960) 1960, April 1
Second Printing superseded 1958, February 15
Division of Housing
Bureau of State Building Codes
Department of Health
Plumbing
1682895 State building construction code applicable to plumbing 1973, January 1
3rd edition
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Department of Health
Plumbing
9875032 State building construction code applicable to plumbing : (including factory manufactured homes) 1982, January 1
7th edition
State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Building Codes Bureau
Plumbing

Related Documents

OCLC Title Date Issuing Authority Type of Code
182913870 State building construction code : what it is, how to use it (1951) 1951
1st edition
State Building Code Commission Booklet
63615973 State building construction code : what it is, how to use it (1953) 1953, July
2nd edition superseded 1951
State Building Code Commission Booklet
1425614 List of conditions constituting violations of the multiple residence law promulgated by the State Building Code Council, pursuant to the provisions of Section 305a (Chapter 291 of the Laws of 1966) of the Multiple residence law 1967, March 1 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
List of conditions constituting violations of the multiple residence law
1124849 Proposed amendments to the State building construction code, applicable to general building construction for fire safety in high-rise buildings; (public hearing draft) 1974, October 16 Division of Housing and Community Renewal
State Building Code Council
Proposed Amendments
Fire Safety
High-rise Buildings
2110593 Proposed amendments to the State building construction code applicable to one-and two-family dwellings, multiple dwellings and general building construction for fire safety in buildings
(Public Hearing Draft)
1975, September 17 State Building Code Council
Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Proposed Amendments
Fire Safety
2755329 Six miscellaneous proposed amendments to the State building construction code applicable to one-and two-family dwellings, multiple dwellings and general building construction (Public Hearing Draft) 1976, September 15 State Building Code Council
Codes Bureau – Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Proposed Amendments
223994321 Rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State Building Code Commission : pursuant to the provisions of the Multiple Residence Law 1954, June 1 State Building Code Commission Rules and Regulations
28165544 The New York State building code : 1972 edition text compared to that of previous (1964) edition 1972 State Building Code Council
Housing and Building Codes Bureau
Text Comparison

For additional information about New York State, international, and other codes and standards, see the Building and Construction Codes reference page.

Cover of the published data from the 'Census of the New-York for 1835Article five of the first New York State Constitution of 1777 required that a census of its electors and inhabitants be taken "once in every seven years, after the taking of the said first census."  The census of electors taken in 1790, 1795, 1801, 1807, 1814 and 1821 provided a basis for the reapportionment of senate and assembly districts.  The second New York State Constitution, 1821, mandated that an enumeration of the inhabitants be taken in 1825 and at the end of every ten years thereafter.  The Census of 1925 was the last census taken by the State.  Amendments to the State Constitution approved by the voters in 1931 rescinded all sections of the Constitution which mandated that the state take a census every ten years for the purpose of apportionment. 

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from items/volumes in the New York State Library's collection.  (The volumes that have been digitized are statistical reports; schedules that list names are available on microfilm for use onsite.) The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite.  Additional materials relating to the New York State and Federal census can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Census of the State of New York: The titles listed below are the published statistical schedules compiled from the original returns under the direction of the Secretary of State which describe the population and economy of counties, cities and towns in New York State.  Instructions for the enumerations taking the census have also been digitized, as well as, several preliminary reports.

Census Year Title
1807 A General Account Of the Number Of Electors In the Several Counties Of This State
(excerpt from the Senate Journal, 31st session, 1808)
1814 Census Of Electors and Other Inhabitants Of This State, Taken and Sent To This Office, Pursuant To an Act, Entitled "An Act For Taking a Census Of Electors and Other Inhabitants Of This State," Passed April 15th, 1814
(excerpt from the Senate Journal, 38th session, 1815)
1821 Communication from the Secretary of State, transmitting the census of this state [1821].
(Reported to the Assembly, Friday, March 15, 1822)
1825 Census Of the State Of New York, 1825; a True and Accurate Enumeration Of the Inhabitants Residing In the Several Counties In This State, Together With Other Particulars Required By the Act, Entitled "An Act To Provide For Taking Future Enumerations Of the Inhabitants Of This State, and For Procuring Useful Statistical Tables," Passed April 8, 1825
1835 Census of the State of New York For 1835: Containing an Enumeration of the Inhabitants Of the State, With Other Statistical Information, In Pursuance Of Chapter Third Of the First Part Of the Revised Statutes, and Of the Act Amending the Same, Passed On the 16th March, 1835
1845 Census Of the State Of New York, For 1845: Containing an Enumeration Of the Inhabitants Of the State, With Other Statistical Information, In Pursuance Of Chapter Third Of the First Part Of the Revised Statutes, and Of the Act Amending the Same, Passed On the 7th day Of May, 1845
1855 Census of the state of New York, for 1855; taken in pursuance of article three of the constitution of the state, and of chapter sixty-four of the laws of 1855
Instructions For Taking the Census Of the State Of New York In the Year 1855; Issued By the Secretary of State, To the Officers Charged With the Duty Of taking It
1865 Census Of the State Of New York, For 1865. Taken In Pursuance Of Article Third Of the Constitution Of the State, and Of Chapter Sixty-four Of the Laws Of 1885
Preliminary Report On the Census Of the State Of New York, For the Year 1865
Statistics of population of the city and county of New York as shown by the state census of 1865, with the comparative results of this and previous enumerations and other statistics given by the state and federal census, from the earliest period
Instructions For Taking the Census Of the State Of New York, In the Year 1865; Issued By the Secretary Of State, To the Officers Charged With the Duty Of Taking It
1875 Census Of the State Of New York For 1875
Preliminary census report as to population of the State of New York
Instructions For Taking the Census Of the State Of New York: In the Year 1875, Together With the Laws Relating Thereto
1892 Exhibits Showing the Enumeration Of the State By Counties, Cities, Towns and Election Districts For the Year 1892
1905 Report Of the Enumeration Of the Inhabitants Of the State Of New York: June 1, 1905
1915 Report Of the Secretary Of State Of the Enumeration Of the Inhabitants, 1915: Transmitted To the Legislature January 17, 1916
1925 Enumeration Of Inhabitants, 1925: Report Presented To the Legislature, January 15, 1926
Population figures for the cities, incorporated villages, towns, and counties of New York State: according to the census of June 1, 1925
Supplementary report on the enumeration-tabulation of the inhabitants of the state as of June 1, 1925: with advance information tables for Cattaraugus and Richmond counties and some state census centennial tables and charts
Census Of 1925: Regulations and Instructions

New York State Census Records, 1790-1925: This publication, compiled in 1981 by New York State Library staff members Marilyn Douglas and Melinda Yates, contains an inventory of federal and state census manuscripts and microfilm holdings in repositories throughout New York State. A list of the questions asked on federal population schedules (1780-1980) is included on pages 43-46 and a list of the questions asked on state population schedules (1825-1925) is included on pages 48-49.

Report to Governor Alfred E. Smith on the investigation of the Department of State in relation to the State enumeration of 1925: The Cities Census Committee, Inc. filed a complaint on September 12, 1927 with Secretary of State Robert Moses "alleging irregularities in the conduct of the 1925 State enumeration" and charged Mrs. Florence E.S. Knapp "with the wasteful and illegal use of the funds appropriated by the Legislature for the census."  On October 6, 1927, Governor Alfred E. Smith appointed Randall J. Le Boeuf, Jr. a commissioner to examine and investigate the management and affairs of the Department of State, in relation to the 1925 enumeration of the inhabitants of NYS.  Commissioner Randall J. Le Boeuf, Jr. conducted an investigation and issued this report with his findings and recommendations on January 20, 1928.  In addition, he concluded that the either the State census should be abolished and the Constitution amended to permit the use of the Federal Census for purposes of reapportionment or the State should take a comprehensive decennial census midway between the Federal censuses.

The Game of Secession, or Sketches from the Rebellion a Civil War board game.
"The Game of Secession,
or Sketches of the Rebellion,"
a board game.

The New York State Library holds an extensive collection of material on the American Civil War in print, microform, and online formats. Civil War materials available at the State Library include regimental and military histories, personal narratives, military records, general references, bibliographies, annual reports of the New York State Adjutant-General (which include registers of New York regiments), rosters of Confederate and Union soldiers, the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, documents and reports of federal agencies, lists of pensioners and numerous primary documents, such as letters, diaries, citations, personal and family papers, broadsides, prints, music, maps and atlases. 

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from items/volumes in the New York State Library's collection.  As the State Library digitizes other Civil War materials, links to the digital copy will be added to this list. The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite. Some of the titles are also available in microform copy and are available for loan. Additional materials relating to the Civil War can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog and the Finding Aids to Special Collections.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via e-mail.

Ages of U. S. Volunteer Soldiery: This report, prepared by the Statistical Bureau of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, shows the number of men at each year of age in the volunteer organizations at the time of their muster into service of the United States during the Civil War.  The information is arranged in tables for states, territories or geographic groups.  Officers are tabulated as a distinct class and the branches of the military – infantry, cavalry and artillery – have been treated separately.

Army Relief Bazaar, Albany, in Aid of the United States Sanitary Commission: This is a certificate that was given to people who helped put on the Army Relief Bazaar held in Albany during February – March 1864. The line for the certificate holder's name is blank.  There are six pictures on the certificate: picture of George Washington; a cityscape of Albany, NY from across the Hudson River; picture of an unidentified military officer; an exterior of the building in which the bazaar was held; a picture of an American eagle hovering over the Constitution; and a picture of the interior of the building in which the bazaar was held.

Army Relief Bazaar: Grand Promenade Concert: A broadside publicizing a concert that was held as part of the Army Relief Bazaar in Albany in 1864.  The concert band was under the direction of Professor Charles Doring. The concert program is included on the broadside.

Army Relief Bazaar Regulations: A broadside listing the regulations of the Army Relief Bazaar that was held in Albany during February and March 1864 to aid the U.S. Sanitary Commission.

Cayuga in the Field: A Record of the 19th N.Y. Volunteers, All the Batteries of the 3d New York Artillery, and 75th New York Volunteers: This publication, by Henry Hall and James Hall, contains information on the organization, camp life, marches, battles and losses of the 19th New York Volunteers, the 3rd New York Artillery and the 75th New York Volunteers.

Circular: This circular was issued on May 29, 1861, by George P. Sharpe, chairman of the Kingston Sub-Committee of the Ulster Military Relief.  In the circular, Sharpe talks about the need for flannel drawers, shoes and India Rubber blankets for the soldiers in the 20th regiment.  He provides information on the cost of these items and explains where contributions can be made.

Civil War Map of Shiloh, Tennessee, 1862: An 1862 tactical map used by Brigadier General Daniel Ruggles (Confederate Army) at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee.

Corporal Granville Abbott's Hammock Knapsack: A broadside promoting Corporal Granville Abbott's invention, a hammock-knapsack.  Abbott received a US patent for his invention – US Patent No. 41,418, dated February 2, 1864.  He was enlisted in the Thirty-First Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry at the time.

Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg:  This three-volume set contains New York at Gettysburg by William F. Fox and includes regimental histories of the numerous New York State regiments that fought at Gettysburg.  The report also includes the dedication of the monuments erected in honor of the New York regiments at Gettysburg and the location, dimension, construction and cost of each of the New York monuments at Gettysburg.

The Game of Secession, or Sketches of the Rebellion: This full-color game board from 1862 includes images of Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and three military figures as well as images of battle sites and editorial cartoons related to the Civil War.

Army and Navy Swords:  This broadside is a notice of the closing date and time for subscriptions at the Metropolitan fair, New York, NY.

Mr. Jay's Address on Presenting the Colours Prepared By the Ladies of New York: The "Colours" were presented to the Second Coloured Regiment raised by the Union League Club on the regiment's departure for war.  This broadside includes the text of Col. William Silliman's reply.

New York in the War of the Rebellion, 1861 to 1865:  This six-volume set compiled by Frederick Phisterer provides detailed information on various aspects of New York State's role in the Civil War and is an important resource for conducting research into New York State regiments during the Civil War.  Each regimental history in this set includes information on when and where a regiment was recruited, the names of its officers, the battles in which the regiment participated, and the casualties suffered. More information about Phisterer's New York in the War of the Rebellion...

Onondaga's Part in the Civil War:  This volume, written by Mrs. Sarah Sumner Teall, was published as the Annual Volume of the Onondaga Historical Association for 1915.

Registers of New York Regiments in the War of the Rebellion: These registers are from the Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York.  The Annual Reports for 1893-1905 have supplementary volumes that contain the registers of New York regiments in the Civil War. The registers list the officers and enlisted men in each New York State volunteer regiment and battery during the Civil War and include a sketch of their service with the unit.

The United States Conscription Law or National Militia Act:  This volume was published by the James W. Fortune and provides text of the U.S. conscription law as approved March 20, 1863.

Who is Responsible for the War?; Who Accountable for its Horrors and Desolations?: This broadside has extracts from a speech given by Alexander H. Stephens (Vice-President of the Confederate States), delivered in the Secession Convention of Georgia on the 31st day of January 1861.

Wesley H. Shaw Letters, 1861-1865: This is a group of letters that Wesley H. Shaw sent to his family detailing his experiences of military services during the Civil War. He provides a vivid picture of camp life and routine activities such as drill and picket duty, as well as battles and skirmishes with Confederate troops. Shaw was a soldier from Otselic, Chenango County, New York who served in 35th New York Infantry, Co. H from 1861-1862.  Shaw reenlisted and served in the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery, Co. G, from 1864-1865.  He fought in the battles at Bull Run and Antietam.

Letters describing the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg: The New York State Library's Manuscripts and Special Collections Unit has many collections related to the Civil War. In July 2013, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of two major Civil War Battles, Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the Library digitized selected letters that contain some descriptions of the battles.

stack of booksSince 1818, the New York State Library (NYSL) has been a repository of official New York State publications.  The State Library's collection includes bibliographies, guides and indexes that can be used to identify relevant New York State documents and related sources. Listed below are publications that have been digitized from volumes in the New York State Library's collection.  As the State Library digitizes other bibliographies, guides or indexes, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.

The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite or for loan, depending upon condition.  Additional materials relating to New York State documents can be found by searching the Library's online catalog.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Annotated List and Indexes of Reports of New York State Governors' Committees and Task Forces, 1925-1985 / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, New York State Library, Cultural Education Center, [1986].

This bibliography was compiled by Robert Allan Carter, a State Library reference librarian, and lists the reports of governors' committees and task forces in chronological order from March 1925 through August 1985.  The bibliography includes indexes to the documents by keyword, subject and chairperson.

Annotated List and Indexes of the New York State Legislative Document Series, 1919-1976 / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, Legislative and Governmental Services, [1986]. 7 volume set.

This guide was compiled by Robert Allan Carter, a State Library reference librarian, and provides a list, by date, of the documents contained in the legislative document series for 1919-1976.  This guide also provides indexes to the documents by subject, keyword in title, name of chairperson, geographical names, etc.

The Annotated Lists and Indexes of the New York State Assembly and Senate Document Series, 1831-1918 / by Robert Allan Carter.  Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, Legislative and Governmental Services, 1992.  3 volume set.

This guide was compiled by Robert Allan Carter, a State Library reference librarian, and provides a list, by date, of the documents contained in the Assembly and Senate document series for 1831-1918.  This guide also provides indexes to Senate and Assembly documents by subject, keyword in titles, name of chairperson, geographical names, etc. 

Constitutional Developments in New York 1777-1958: A Bibliography of Conventions and Constitutions with Selected References for Constitutional Research / by Ernest Henry Breuer.  Albany: University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., 1958.

This volume was compiled by Ernest Henry Breuer who was the State Law Librarian of the New York State Library at the time. This is an excellent source of information on New York State's Constitutional Conventions and constitutional development in New York State.

Constitutional Developments in New York 1958-1967: A Temporary Supplement to Constitutional Developments in New York 1777-1958 / by Ernest Henry Breuer. Albany: University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, 1967.

This volume was compiled by Ernest Henry Breuer as a supplement to the bibliography he compiled in 1958 on constitutional development in New York State.

Guide to Sources of Information on Current Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Activities of the States / compiled by Susan Lawrence, Seth Edelman and Richard Freshour. Albany: Legislative Service, New York State Library, 1977. (New York State Library) Miscellaneous Publication No. 2.

This guide was prepared by NYSL staff in 1977 and lists sources of information that are useful in monitoring and answering specific questions on recent state government activities.  Part 1 of the guide cites general reference sources that could be used to find information on state activities.  Part 2 of the guide lists periodicals, bibliographies, indexes, loose-leaf services and organizations by subject – sources that cover state activities on a regular basis.

History of the Insanity Defense in New York State / by Robert Allan Carter.  Albany, N.Y. : Legislative and Governmental Services, New York State Library, [1982].

This publication was prepared by Robert Allan Carter, a NYSL staff member, in February 1982.  Included with this history is a glossary of terms; the NYS Insanity Defense Statute as of January 1982; material on legislative intent of section 30.05; excerpts from important court decisions in other jurisdictions; and a bibliography of relevant journal articles from 1960 – 1982.

Index of Economic Material in Documents of the States of the United States: New York, 1789-1904 / prepared for the Department of Economics and Sociology of the Carnegie Institution of Washington by Adelaide R. Hasse. Washington: Carnegie Institution of Washington: 1907.

This volume was prepared by Adelaide Hasse and is one of the most comprehensive single-volume records on NYS documents.  This useful guide lists and indexes materials contained in printed reports of NYS administrative officers, NYS legislative committees, special commissions, and governors' messages from 1789-1904.  The term "economic" was given a broad interpretation in the preparation of this index.  The index itself is an alphabetical arrangement of topics such as "Canals: Individual," "Commerce: Domestic Trade" and "Street Railways."

A Legal Definition of Death / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y. : Legislative and Governmental Services, New York State Library, [1982].

This volume was prepared by Robert Allan Carter, a New York State Library reference librarian. Carter researched and prepared this publication in July 1982 and it includes a definition of death in New York State, proposed definitions of death, prominent court decisions in other states and an annotated bibliography.

Legislative Intent in New York State: Materials, Cases and Annotated Bibliography / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y. : Legislative and Governmental Services, New York State Library, [1981].

This publication written by Robert Allan Carter, a New York State Library staff member, provides information on the legislative intent of statutes and constitutional amendments. Included is a history of legislative intent in New York State and sources of legislative intent.  The publication also includes an annotated bibliography and seven appendixes with additional cases citing legitimacy of legislative intent, memoranda, committee reports, opinions of administrative agencies, governor approval memoranda and messages, and debates and reports from Constitutional Conventions and cases showing rules of interpretation of statutes.

New York State Census Records, 1790-1925 / compiled by Marilyn Douglas and Melinda Yates. Albany: University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, 1981. New York State Library Bibliography Bulletin No. 88.

This publication, compiled in 1981 by New York State Library staff members Marilyn Douglas and Melinda Yates, contains an inventory of federal and state census manuscripts and microfilm holdings in repositories throughout New York State. A list of the questions asked on federal population schedules (1780-1980) is included on pages 43-46 and a list of the questions asked on state population schedules (1825-1925) is included on pages 48-49.

New York State Constitutional Convention of 1967, April 4-September 26, 1967: A Second Supplement to Constitutional Developments in New York 1777-1958 / by Ernest Henry Breuer. Albany: University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, 1970.

This volume was compiled by Ernest Henry Breuer as the second supplement to the bibliography he compiled in 1958 on constitutional development in New York State.  The purpose of this publication was to list all the official and unofficial material on the 1967 Constitutional Convention from April 3, 1967 to September 26, 1967 and some of the commentaries on the proceedings of the Convention and the failure of the people to adopt the proposed new Constitution.

New York State Documents: an Introductory Manual / written and compiled by Dorothy Butch.  Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, Cultural Education Center, 1987.  New York State Library Bibliography Bulletin No. 89.

This publication was written and compiled in 1987 by Dorothy Butch, a librarian at the New York State Library, and covers general information sources about NYS government, its various organizations, and legislative, executive and judicial publications.  The compiler identifies what official New York State publications are available, what they may be expected to contain and how they may be acquired and organized.  Because of the great number of works published by NYS government, the compiler was selective both in the agencies listed and publications described.

Nydocs: New York State Document Classification System: the Arrangement of New York State Documents In Libraries / Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, [1995].

Classification of the New York State Library's New York State Documents Collection was begun in 1976 as part of a general reorganization in preparation for the integration and transfer of previously separate collections to the Cultural Education Center.  Since 1977, all New York State documents have been assigned a classification number in this system. 

The Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York and the State Register: Their History and Use / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y.: Legislative and Governmental Services, New York State Library, [1984].

The administrative laws of New York State are compiled in the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR).  The NYCRR is a loose-leaf publication containing all rules and regulations adopted by state agencies, miscellaneous boards and authorities and the Judiciary.  Notices of rule making activity with text of proposed new or amended rules and their status in the adoption process appear in the State Register.  Robert Allan Carter, a librarian at the NYSL, provides an informative history and description of both the NYCRR and the State Register and includes sample pages from these publications.

Rent Control: Statutes, Documents, Decisions and Annotated Bibliography / by Robert Allan Carter. Albany, N.Y. : Legislative and Governmental Services, New York State Library, [1982]

Robert Allan Carter, a New York State Library staff member, prepared this publication in 1982.  This publication includes significant NYS rent control legislation from World War II – 1982, with statements of legislative intent; a list of NYS documents pertaining to rent control legislation since World War II; judicial opinions of NYS rent control statutes; judicial opinions of rent control statutes in other jurisdictions; and a bibliography.

Sources of Published and Unpublished Administrative Opinions in New York State / by Robert Allan Carter. Revised edition. Albany, N.Y. : University of the State of New York, State Education Dept., New York State Library, Legislative & Governmental Service, Cultural Education Center, [1994].

This publication by Robert Allan Carter, Senior Librarian at the New York State Library, is a revision of the first edition published in 1985. The revised edition includes all known sources of administrative opinions (through June 1994), including those that are not held by the New York State Library.

New York State seal, with the motto 'ExcelsiorRevised statutes, compilations, consolidations, or codes are synonyms for edited sets of current laws. These edited sets of current laws are generally comprehensive, arranged by subject and can be produced by official or commercial bodies.

The New York State Library has a complete collection of New York State Session Laws from the beginning of statehood to the present in print or microform copy.

Note: Some of the acts that appear in the State Session Laws are not included in the revised statutes or consolidations. For example, "a private act for the relief of a widow" would not be included in the revised statutes.

Listed below are New York State revised statutes/consolidations that have been digitized from volumes in the New York State Library's collection. As the State Library digitizes other law sets, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.

Laws of the State of New York, 1802: The Laws of the State of New York published in 1802 is a two-volume set that contains selected early statutes and is the first consolidation of local law (county, town, city and village law), banking laws, corporation (turnpikes and toll bridges) law, navigation law, etc.  This set is commonly known as the "Kent and Radcliff Revision"; James Kent and Jacob Radcliff were judges of the NYS Supreme Court at the time.

Laws of the State of New York, 1807: The text of the 1807 edition is almost the same as the 1802 version; some errors in text and binding were corrected in the 1807 edition.

Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, 1829: This three-volume set includes the statutes passed during 1827 and 1828, as well as former acts which had not been revised.  The Articles of Confederation, the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of New York State are included in volume one of this set.

Revised Statutes of the State of New York, 1882: This two-volume set, the seventh edition of revised statutes, was the first of two commercially published editions edited by Montgomery H. Throop.  Montgomery Throop was the grandson of Governor Enos T. Throop and a member of the New York State Statutory Revision Commission from 1870-1878. This set includes statutes in force passed from the year 1778 to the close of the Legislative session of 1881, together with statutes as altered by subsequent legislation.  Annotations, explanations and references to judicial decisions are also included.

Consolidated Laws of the State of New York, Official Edition of 1909: Compiled by the Board of Statutory Consolidation in 1909 and 1910.  Adolph J. Rodenbeck was chairman of the Board. Volumes include:

  • v.1 Agriculture law to education law;
  • v.2 Election law to insanity law;
  • v.3 Insurance law to partnership law;
  • v.4 Penal law to real property law;
  • v.5 Religious corporations law to village law;
  • v.6 Statutory record;
  • v.7 Index;
  • v.8 Education law;
  • v.9 Public service commissions law and railroad law.

The titles listed above are also available in print or microform at the NYSL for use onsite or for loan, depending upon condition and location code. Other materials relating to New York State laws can be found by searching the NYS library's online catalog. For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Title from an early map, with illustrations of two Native American men on either side.
Illustrated title from
"A Mappe of Colonel Römers Voyage
To ye 5 Indian Nations…"

The New York State Library holds a wealth of first hand descriptions of the Native American experience in New York. These resources span four centuries, beginning with the Dutch colony of New Netherland and continuing to the close of the American frontier in western New York and beyond. Original manuscripts and published accounts provide windows upon Native American life and serve as lenses through which cultural and historical interpretations can be made.

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from items/volumes in the New York State Library's collection. Additional titles can be found under the Native American Language and Culture Project.

The titles listed below are also available in print or microform copy at the NYSL for use onsite or for loan, depending upon condition, format and location code. Other materials relating to the Native Americans can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog and the Finding Aids to Special Collections.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Agreement for the Purchase of Indian Lands, 1697 October: This is an agreement for the purchase of land at Ramapo, Rockland County (New York) between Blandina Bayard and the following Native Americans: Zerickham, Mettissiena, Eghkenem, Onarkommagh, Kraghkon, Saeuwapigh Kim, and Nanawaron.

Contract of Sale of Land Along the Hudson River From the Mahican Indians to Kiliean Van Rensselaer, 6 August 1630: This is a copy of the land title that established the Colony of Rensselaerwyck within the province of New Netherland. The patroonship plan of colonization under the auspices of the West India Company allowed an investor, called a patroon, to negotiate with natives for a tract of land.  The lands in this contract comprised much of present day Albany and Rensselaer counties. Peter Minuit, Director General of New Netherland, signed this document along with others on the governing council.

Four Indian Kings: This broadside contains the text of the poem Four Indian Kings. The theme of the poem is the visit of four New York Indian chiefs to England in 1710.

Hearing Before the Joint Committee on Indian Affairs on Thursday, Jan. 4, 1945 at Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany, N.Y., 10 a.m.:  This hearing considers federal legislation concerning the criminal and civil jurisdiction of New York State courts over Indian Reservations in New York State. The legislation was intended to end confusion over the extent of federal and state jurisdiction over offenses committed on Indian property within New York State.

Letter, 1776 April 15: Volkert P. Douw wrote this letter to General Philip Schuyler about the issuance of clothing to deputies who were to meet with the Iroquois Six Nations. Douw explains that the deputies wore out their clothing on public business and requested replacement items. Douw stated that he provided the deputies with shoes, buckles and hats, and asks for Schuyler's permission to provide them with other clothing.  Douw wrote this letter at Albany, N.Y.

Letter to Jasper Parrish, 1829 May 4: This is a digital copy of a letter sent to Jasper Parrish from John Fox stating that he and the other Tuscarora chiefs insist upon an answer to a request they made in March of that year for help with an issue that involved their land.  John Fox wrote this letter at Tuscarora Village.

Letter to Spencer Phips, 1750 December 18: This is a digital copy of a letter that Governor George Clinton wrote to Governor Spencer Phips of Massachusetts proposing that all the colonial governors assemble in Albany for the purpose of meeting with the Six Nations of Indians to attempt to end the influence of the French on the Indians. The letter was written at Fort George in New York City.

Native American Culture Collection:  Many of the items that were microfilmed as part of the Native American Language and Culture Preservation Project have been digitized. The majority of the items are in English with some texts, grammars and glossaries, in whole or part, in indigenous languages such as Seneca, Mohawk, Onondaga, and Delaware.

Public Hearing had at Salamanca, New York Court Room, City Hall, August 4-5, 1943: This hearing was convened by the Joint Legislative Committee on Indian Affairs to gain information on the issues that arose over attempts by New York State to gain and maintain civil and criminal jurisdiction over the Seneca Nation's Allegany Reservation, which included the city of Salamanca.  The dispute arose over the authority of the Seneca Nation to cancel land leases in Salamanca for non payment. The leases had been authorized by Congress to establish villages within the Allegany Reservation.

Public Hearing had at Thomas Indian School, Cattaraugus Reservation, N.Y., Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1943:  This hearing was convened by the NYS Joint Legislative Committee on Indian Affairs to gain information on the operation of the Thomas Indian School and problems with its operation caused by the conflict between the federal and state governments over what legal authority has jurisdiction on the reservation and ultimate responsibility for regulating affairs of the school.

Receipt, 1825 June 8: This receipt is an acknowledgement from the Onondaga chiefs that they received $1,000 from Jasper Parrish on behalf "of the people of the State of New York."  The $1,000 is half of several annuities agreed upon in a treaty made by Philip Schuyler, John Cantine, David Brooks, and John Richardson. The receipt is signed by Onondaga Jacob, George Button, Cayuga Smith, Hard Hickory, and George Curly Eye.

A fragment of a 1783 letter which reads: The Six Nations answer to General Schuyler's speech, as translated by the Interpreter -- Niagara 8th Sept. 1783.
The Six Nations' reply to General Philip Schuyler.

Reply to Philip Schuyler, 1783 September 8: This document states that the Iroquois Six Nations, assembled at Niagara, desired peace with the Americans. The Six Nations council stated that they would contact their "younger brethern, the western and southern nations," to see if they too desired peace. The peace agreement was unanimously agreed upon "in the presence of Sir John Johnson" and included provisions for the return of prisoners taken by the Iroquois.

Report of the New York State Indian Commission to Investigate the Status of the American Indian Residing in the State of New York:  The findings of the New York State Indian Commission (1919-1922) are described in this report, commonly known as the Everett Report. The purpose of the Commission was to investigate the status of Indian welfare and land rights in NYS. Assemblyman Edward Everett was chairman of the Commission. The report was presented to the legislature on March 17, 1922, only to be rejected for filing. It wasn't until 1971 that the report was finally released. Lulu Stillman served as stenographer for Assemblyman Edward Everett and was credited for preserving the only remaining record of the report from which the 1971 transcript was made. As Everett's stenographer, Stillman retained copies of most of the material produced by or related to the commission. (Many of the original documents are either missing or unavailable.) The published report released in 1971 and Stillman's annotated draft have both been digitized.

Report of the New York State Joint Legislative Committee on Indian Affairs: The New York State Joint Legislative Committee on Indian Affairs was established by Senate resolution in 1943 "to make a comprehensive study of the rights and obligations of the several tribes of Indians residing upon Indian reservations within the state; to inquire into all treaties, and the nature and extent of the title to lands granted to Indians; and to inquire into all matters relevant to its investigation." (New York State Legislative Manual, 1943). Reports were made annually to the Legislature from 1944-1964. In addition, a supplemental report was made in 1959.

Report of the Special Committee to Investigate the Indian Problem of the State of New York: This report is commonly known as the Whipple Report, after the chairman of the Special Committee, J.S. Whipple. The Committee was charged to investigate and ascertain the following: the social, moral and industrial condition of the tribes; the amount of land cultivated; the tribal organizations and manner in which they allot land among their tribal members; the title to the lands on their reservations; the claims of the Ogden Land Company, and of other companies or individuals; all treaties made between the state and the Indians and all treaties between the United States and the Indians; and such other matters as would aid the Legislature in future action. The first section is a chronological survey of land deals in New York between the Indians and the whites from the time of discovery.  App. A lists the state laws relating to Indians; App. B reprints the treaties between the Iroquois and the US; App. C reprints relevant land grants; App. D reprints the treaties with the NYS; and App. E has miscellaneous papers including letters to Chairman Whipple, legal opinions on land, the amended constitution of the Seneca Nation (1968), and the copy of the deed of 1808 by which the Senecas gave the Tuscarora the land on which they were already living.

War Office. September 12, 1785: This is a report to Congress from Samuel Kirkland, the Secretary at War. It concerns the appointment of a "confidential person" to serve as a representative from Congress who would act as an intermediary between Congress and the Six Nations Indians.

Maps

A map showing Oneida Lake in the upper left-hand corner, with the boundary of the Oneida Reservation, to the south and west of the Lake, outlined in blue.
A map of the Oneida Reservation

Iroquois Cantons, in New York: This map indicates "sites of Indian Village and Jesuit missions, in the 17th and 18th centuries, in relation to modern towns. Based upon data furnished by Rev. William M. Beauchamp, of Baldwinsville, N.Y."   The digital copy was made from a xerographic copy of a map from volume 51 (1899) of Les relations des Jésuites.

A Map of the Country of the Five Nations Belonging to the Province of New York, and of the Lakes Near Which the Nations of Far Indians Live, With Part of Canada: The digital copy was made from a reproduction of a map accompanying Cadwallader Colden's History of the Five Nations of Canada, Which are Dependent on the Providence of New-York in America, published in London in 1747.

A Map of the Oneida Reservation: Including the Lands Leased To Peter Smith: This map was taken from Franklin B. Hough's Notices of Peter Penet and of His Operations Among the Oneida Indians.  It is a copy of an original map published circa 1795.

Map Showing Trails, Portages and Settlements from Albany to Niagara During the Superintendency of the Six Nations by Sir William Johnson: This map shows upstate New York during Sir William Johnson's tenure as "Sole Superintendent of the Affairs of the Six United Nations, their Allies and Dependents." Johnson held this position from 1755 until his death on July 11, 1774. This hand colored map was prepared by Louis Mitchell in 1913 to accompany the papers of Sir William Johnson published under the auspices of the New York State Historian.  There is an inset which is a sketch showing a trip by water from Oswego to Detroit.

A Mappe of Colonel Römers Voyage To ye 5 Indian Nations…: In 1697, Wolfgang William Romer, a military engineer, accompanied Lord Bellomont, the newly appointed governor, to New York to serve as chief engineer. In 1700, Romer explored the territories of the Iroquois Confederacy, who were allied with the British, and made a map of his journey among them. The digital copy is a copy of the photocopy of the original map that was drawn around 1700.

To His Excellency William Tryon Esqr., Captain General & Governor in Chief of the Province of New-York. This Map of the Country of the VI. Nations Proper, With Part of the Adjacent Colonies Is Humbly Inscribed by His Excellency's Most Obedient Humble Servant, Guy Johnson, 1771: This map was printed in The Documentary History of the New York by E. B. O'Callaghan, volume 4, page 661, and was copied from the original map drawn by Guy Johnson in 1771. Guy Johnson came to American in 1756 and was the Irish-born nephew, son-in-law and protégé of Sir William Johnson. He became a deputy to Sir William Johnson in his uncle's position as British Superintendent of Indian Affairs and succeeded him when William died in 1774.

Black-and-white photo of the NYS Capitol Building, 1967.
The NY Capitol in Albany, from the
Proceedings of the 1967 Constitutional Convention.

The Constitutional History of New York: This five-volume set by Charles Z. Lincoln, published in 1905, is a fundamental resource for NYS constitutional history from the beginning of the colonial period to 1905. Volume 1 includes the text of the first Constitution of New York (1777), the second Constitution of New York (1821), and the third Constitution of New York (1846). Volume 4 includes the text of the Constitution of the State of New York as revised in 1894 with the amendments of 1899, 1901 and 1905. Volume 5 includes a general index, index of persons and table of cases, as well as, tables of statutes held to be constitutional and unconstitutional. Charles Lincoln was a member of the New York Constitutional Convention of 1894 and chairman of the Statutory Revision Commission from 1895 -1900.

Documents from the 1821 Constitutional Convention

Documents from the 1846 Constitutional Convention

Documents from the 1915 Constitutional Convention

Constitutional Convention of 1938

New York State Constitutional Convention Committee. [Reports] 1938: The New York State Constitutional Convention Committee was established by Governor Lehman as "an unofficial committee, non-partisan and non-political in character and in motive, to undertake and direct the preparation and publication of accurate, thorough, and … impartial factual studies on the important phases of government, certain to be considered at the Constitutional Convention." The reports of the Constitutional Committee, commonly known as the Poletti Report, were prepared prior to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1938 and printed as a series of twelve volumes. These volumes were intended to serve as research and background information for the delegates of the Convention so that the delegates were prepared "to discharge their duties wisely, deliberately and without waste of time and money."

Volumes 1-5 are general reference volumes and were prepared by staff of the Law Revision Commission, the research staff of the NYS Commission on the Revision of the Tax Laws and others. Volumes 6-11 are the studies and reports of the six sub-committees of the Constitutional Convention Committee. The volumes are:

All online documents from the 1938 Constitutional Convention

Constitutional Convention of 1967

The New York State Constitutional Convention of 1967 was held in Albany from April 4 - September 26, 1967. The proposed Constitution was submitted to the voters on November 7, 1967 at a general election. All of the 1967 Convention's proposals were rejected by the people. The State Library has digitized the following official publications of the 1967 Convention:

All online documents from the 1967 Constitutional Convention

The 1967 Convention was the last State Constitutional Convention held in New York State to date. New Yorkers voted against calling a constitutional convention in 1977, in 1997 and in 2017.

Documents from the Temporary State Commission on Constitutional Revision (1994)

The Capitol building in Albany, NY, from page one of the Civil List and Constitutional History...
NYS Capitol, Albany, NY

The New York State Library has a robust collection of New York State government materials. Included in the collection are New York State agency and department reports, committee reports, laws and regulations (current and retrospective), treaties, public papers of former governors, statistical data, biographical sketches of state officers and legislators and more.

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from materials in the New York State Library's collection. As the State Library digitizes other materials relating to New York State government, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.

The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite. Additional materials relating to the New York State government can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog and the Finding Aids To Special Collections.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Biographical Sketches of the State Officers and Members of the Legislature of the State of New York: These publications were written by William D. Murphy and published in 1858, 1859, 1861 and 1863.  Biographical sketches of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and State Engineer & Surveyor appear first in each volume, followed by the biographical sketches of the members of the Senate in alphabetical order and biographical sketches of the members of the Assembly in alphabetical order. These books also include a list of the officers of the Senate, a list of the officers of the Assembly, a list of the Senate standing committees and their members, and a list of Assembly standing committees and their members. A small group of advertisements appear at the end of the first three volumes.

Civil List and Constitutional History of the Colony and State of New York: This volume by Edgar A. Werner was published in 1891 and includes lists of officers "connected with the public service of the State," a constitutional history of New York State, and the history of development of each department that was part of New York State government. The lists of officers "connected with public service of the State" includes a wide range of state and county elected and appointed officials such as representatives in colonial assemblies, members of the Senate and Assembly, port wardens, school commissioners, commissioners of fisheries, justices of the Supreme Court, associate judges of the colonial court, city mayors, and county sheriffs. Included in this volume is the text of the Constitution of New York (1846) as amended and in force as of 1/1/1891.  A useful feature of this volume is the Index of Names on pages 677-801. This index lists all names included in this volume along with the county or town of residence of each individual.

New York Red Book: The Red Book has been published since 1892 and presents pertinent facts concerning New York State, its political subdivisions and the officials who administer NYS affairs. It includes pictures and brief biographies of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, all members of both houses of the legislature, the Judges of the Court of Appeals and Court of Claims, and department heads and other officials in executive positions in various departments and divisions. It also includes lists of county officials and officers of recognized political parties.

We have digitized 1892 through 1923.

New York State Governors' Annual Message to the Legislature: This collection starts in 1683 with a message from colonial governor Thomas Dongan and ends with a message from New York's 53rd Governor, George E. Pataki in 1996. (Beginning in 1997, governors started giving a "State of the State" address instead.)

Public Papers of New York State Governors

Segment from an engraving showing the plan of Fort William Henry.
A section of the plan of Fort William Henry,
from "A Set of Plans and Forts in America."

The New York State Library has a wide variety of primary documents and published material on the history of Colonial New York. The collection includes muster rolls of colonial troops, accounts of explorers, land purchase agreements, correspondence of early settlers, orderly books, diaries, maps, records of Rensselaerwyck Manor, colonial laws, documents of New Netherland, histories of the French and Indian War, accounts of relations with Native Americans, and personal papers such as those of Sir William Johnson.

Listed below are publications that have been digitized from items in the New York State Library's collection.  As the State Library digitizes other materials related to New York State's Colonial Period, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.  The titles listed below are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite. Additional materials relating to the colonial period in New York State can be found by searching the NYSL online catalog and the Finding Aids to Special Collections.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Agreement for the Purchase of Indian Lands, 1697 October: This is an agreement for the purchase of land at Ramapo, Rockland County (New York) between Blandina Bayard and the following Native Americans: Zerickham, Mettissiena, Eghkenem, Onarkommagh, Kraghkon, Saeuwapigh Kim, and Nanawaron.

Annual Report of the State Historian: In 1895, Governor Morton appointed a state historian, whose duties were "to collect … edit, and prepare for publication all official records … and data, relative to the colonial wars, war of the revolution, war of 1812, Mexican war and war of the rebellion." The 1st Annual Report (1895), 2nd Annual Report (1896) and 3rd Annual Report (1897) were digitized from volumes in the State Library's collection. Volume 1 of the Colonial Muster Rolls for 1664-1760 can be found in Appendix H of the 2nd Annual Report. Volume II of the Colonial Muster Rolls for 1664-1760 can be found in Appendix M of the 3rd Annual Report. An index of names contained in the Colonial Muster Rolls can be found on pages 899-1130 of the 3rd Annual Report.

Champlain and the French in New York: A short publication by William G. Tyrrell on the history of Samuel De Champlain and the French in New York State.

Contract of Sale of Land Along the Hudson River From the Mahican Indians to Kiliean Van Rensselaer, 6 August 1630:  This document is a copy of an original parchment copy of the land title that established the Colony of Rensselaerwyck within the province of New Netherland.  It relates to the patroonship plan of colonization, under the auspices of the West India Company, that allowed an investor, called a patroon (lord of manor), to negotiate with natives for a tract upon which he was obligated to settle 50 colonists at his own expense. The patroon was granted complete jurisdictional rights and could hold the land in perpetual fief of inheritance with the right to dispose of colony by last will and testament. Kiliaen van Rensselaer became the first patroon of Rensselaerwyck. The lands in the conveyance comprised much of present Albany and Rensselaer counties of New York State. Peter Minuit, Director General of New Netherland, signed this document along with others on the governing council.  The original document is in Dutch; an English translation by A.J.F. van Laer with revisions by Charles Gehring is included with the original.

Conveyance, 1761, October 1: This document certifies the conveyance of title to a certain tract of land held by John Klein to John Jones. The tract of land was situated at the time in Albany County, New York, being north of the Mohawk River and between two creeks "called George Creek and Caicharon or Canida Creek." The land was granted to Klein and others by settlers patent in 1760.

Correspondence of Maria van Rensselaer, 1669-1689:  This volume was translated and edited by A.J.F. van Laer and published by University of the State of New York in 1935.  Maria van Rensselaer was the wife of Jeremias van Rensselaer.  After her husband's death, she carried on a regular correspondence with her husband's youngest brother, Richard van Rensselaer, in regard to the administration of Rensselaerwyck.  The volume also contains correspondence between Maria and her brother, Stephanus van Cortlandt, and other members of the Van Cortlandt family.

Letter to Spencer Phips, 1750 December 18: This is a digital copy of a letter that Governor George Clinton wrote to Governor Spencer Phips of Massachusetts proposing that all the colonial governors assemble in Albany for the purpose of meeting with the Six Nations of Indians to attempt to end the influence of the French on the Indians.  The letter was written at Fort George in New York City.

A Letter to the Freemen and Freeholders of the City of New-York: Relating to the Approaching Election of Their Representatives. Wherein the Several Papers That Have Lately Appeared on the Subject of Politicks, Are Briefly Considered: the Conduct of the Authors Exposed, and the Controversy Represented in its True Light: The pamphlet was signed "Feb. 10, 1752, A Lover of Liberty."  It was printed and sold by J. Parker at the New Printing Office Beaver-Street New York in 1752.  Bound with this pamphlet is a second pamphlet, "An Answer to a Pamphlet, Entitled, A Letter to the Freemen and Freeholders Of the City of New-York. Wherein Is Fully Shown, the True Causes Of the Defection Of the Six Nations Of Indians; With Some Historical Collections Never Yet Made Publick."  This second pamphlet is "By a Contemner [sic] of Licentiousness" and was also printed and sold by J. Parker in New York in 1752.

Orderly Books, 1759-1760, 1762: These are the orderly books of Captain Amos Hitchcock's Connecticut provincial companies during the French and Indian War. The orderly books are the companies' official record of all military orders, and include courts martial, disciplinary actions, and promotions.  The volumes also provide a record of troop movements in northern New York and Canada and encampments at Albany, Fort Edward, Lake George, Crown Point, and Fort Ontario.

Papers of Sir William Johnson:  In his official capacity as Indian agent or military officer, Sir William Johnson corresponded with people from all walks of life. His papers, covering the time period of 1738-1808, form an invaluable source of information on the political, military, social and agricultural history of the period. (As Johnson had died in 1774, the few papers we have for those years relate to matters with which his relatives were connected.) The 14 volume set that has been digitized is the most comprehensive source of printed transcripts from the original manuscripts.

  • Sir William Johnson and the Indians of New York: This booklet was published by the Office of State History, New York State Education Department, in 1967. The foreward notes that "There is a vast literature dealing with Indian and white relations, but little of it is readily and easily accessible to teachers, students, and general readers. To bring together the main points of this exciting and vivid history, Dr. Milton W. Hamilton has written this booklet on Sir William Johnson and the Indians. As trader, Indian agent, soldier, and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Johnson was a key figure in the Indian story. He is as important for his great work during the momentous events of the 18th century as for his ability to understand the Indians and to work well with them ... To tell this significant story of Johnson and the Indians, Dr. Hamilton drew extensively on the 13 volumes of the Sir William Johnson Papers."

Patent for the Manor of Rensselaerwyck: This is a copy of the original manuscript, from November 5, 1685.  This document confirmed the right of the former Dutch colony known as Rensselaerwyck to continue its existence under the suzerainty of the British Crown. The boundaries were clearly defined and included all of the lands originally granted to Rensselaerwyck in 1630 as a colony under the jurisdiction of New Netherland, with the exception of lands reserved for the settlement called Albany and special right away connecting said settlement on the Hudson River to the Mohawk River.  Many of the feudal rights and privileges of the Patroon were reconfirmed too, excepting the legislative and judicial powers held under Dutch authority. The document was signed and sealed by Thomas Dongan, Governor of the Colony of New York.

A Set of Plans and Forts in America, Reduced From Actual Survey: This volume was published in 1763 in London.  The author is John Rocque. The volume consists of 30 maps of forts in America, such as Fort William Henry and the Redoubts at Crown Point.  The volume also includes a "Map of the British Dominions in North America according to the Treaty of 1763."

Maps

A map of the English empire in America, c. 1685.
"A map of Ye English Empire in
Ye Continent of America," c. 1685.

Belgii Novi, Angliae Novae, et Partis Virginiae: Novissima Delineation: This map was prepared by Jan Jansson between 1660 and 1663 in Amsterdam.  The map was dedicated to Gualthero de Raet. 

A General Map of the Middle British Colonies in America: viz Virginia, Màriland, Dèlaware, Pensilvania, New-Jersey, New-York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island: of Aquanishuonîgy, the Country of the Confederate Indians; Comprehending Aquanishuonîgy Proper, Their Place of Residence, Ohio and Tïiuxsoxrúntie Their Deer-hunting Countries; Couxsaxráge and Skaniadarâde, Their Beaver-hunting Countries; of the Lakes Erie, Ontario and Champlain, and of Part of New-France: Wherein is Also Shewn the Antient and Present Seats of the Indian Nations: The map was prepared by Lewis Evans and engraved by James Turner. The map was published in Philadelphia on June 23, 1755, by Lewis Evans. The map is hand colored and includes text, tables of traveling distance, historical notes, and inset of "A sketch of the remaining parts of Ohio R. & c."

A Map of the Hardenbergh [sic] Patent: Shewing the Original Partition, That of Ebenezer Worster in 1749 of Part and the Subsequent One of the Residue in 1751 With the Adjoining Patents, Mostly From Actual Survey: This hand colored map was made in 1810 by John Kiersted.  In 1707, Major Johannes Hardenbergh, a merchant of Kingston, Ulster Co., purchased a large tract of land from the Indians.  The Hardenbergh Patent included all of the western part of Ulster County.  (This area is now known as Sullivan Co. and parts of Delaware and Ulster Counties.) On April 20, 1708, the patent was officially granted to Hardenbergh and his associates by Governor Edward Hyde Cornubury.  In 1749, the patent was divided into "Great Lots" apportioned by lot among the proprietors. These were further subdivided into tracts and divisions of various sizes.

[Map of the Land Patents in Greene County Circa 1735]: This hand colored map is believed to have been prepared sometime in the 1800s and shows drainage, locations of structures, and names of landowners.

A Map of the Manor Renselaerwick: This area was surveyed and laid down by a scale of 100 chains to an inch by Jno. R. Bleeker, surveyor.  This map is a copy made by David Vaugnam from the original that was held by Stephen Van Rennselaer.  It includes landforms, drainage, roads and farmstead locations.  The scale in D. Vaughan's copy was reduced to 200 chains to an inch.

A Map of the Patent Granted [?]th of April 1673 to Bart. Petersen Coejemans: As Claimed by Abm. Lott Esqr. In Behalf of the Heirs of the Said Barrent Petersen Coejemans: This hand colored map was drawn and printed by Simon Metcalfe around 1770. The map shows drainage, landmarks, and names of some landowners.

A Map of the Province of New York, Part of New England, With a Part of New France: the Whole Composed From Actual Surveys By a Scale of 16 mile [sic] to a [sic] Inch: This map was made in 1758 by Francis Pfister, an ensign in the 1st Battalion, Royal American, Regiment.

A Map of Ye English Empire in Ye Continent of America: viz. Virginia, Mary Land, Carolina, Pennsilvania, New York, New Iarsey, New England: This heavily illustrated map is by Robert Morden in 1685(?).

Nova Anglia, Novum Belgium, et Virginia:  This map was drawn by Jan Jansson and published in Amsterdam in 1636(?).  The map shows the eastern seaboard of North American including parts of New France, New England, New Netherland, and Virginia.

Novi Belgii, Quod Nunc Novi Jorck Vocatur, Novae q[ue] Angliae & Partis Virginiae: Accuratissima et Novissima Delineation: The map was prepared by John Ogilby and includes decorative cartouche and illustration.

Pas-Kaart Vande zee Kusten van Niew Nederland Anders Genaamt Niew York: Tusschen Renselaars Hoek en de Staaten Hoek:  This hand colored map was prepared by Claes Janszoon Vooght and printed in Amsterdam circa 1719.  The map covers the Hudson River as far as Albany, the New York region and the coast of Long Island, and New England as far as Nantucket Island.

Plan of the Town and Fort of Carillon at Ticonderoga: This map includes information on the attack made by the British Army commanded by Gen. Abercrombie, 8 July 1758. The engraving was made by Thomas Jefferys, geographer to the Prince of Wales, in London in 1758.

A Plott of Ye Situations of the Towns & Places on Ye Wester End of Long Island to Hempstead Rounds, Dated July 3, 1666: This map is commonly referred to as the "Hubbard Map." The original 1666 map made by W. Hubbard was destroyed in the 1911 Capital Fire. The digital reproduction was made from a negative blueprint. The digital reproduction includes inverted (i.e. positive polarity) image of the original negative blueprint. The towns of Brooklyn and Bushwick are missing from the map.

Renselaerswyck [sic]: map: This is a copy of the original manuscript map on vellum that was part of the Rensselaerwyck Manor Records. The map "represents the land along the Hudson River from Barren Island, just south of Coeymans to the Mouth of the Mohawk. The map is without date or makers name ... [but] is commonly ascribed to Gillis van Schendel and to the year 1630, but ... was probably executed in Holland shortly after July 20, 1632 from rough drafts and surveys of different parts of the colony ...." (From the Van Rensselaer Bowier Manuscripts (Albany, 1908), p. 33.)

Print of colonial Albany: on the right is a large brick house, and there are people on foot or horseback in the street.
Engraving of early Albany street scene.

The State Library strives to be comprehensive in its collection of histories relating to the counties, cities, towns and villages of New York State. County, city, town and village histories provide biographical information on early settlers, prominent citizens, and local war heroes and depict all periods and aspects of New York State history from colonial times to the present day. Selected county and town histories have been digitized, as well as statewide publications like French's Gazetteer.

Gazetteer of the State of New York…by J.H. French (1860): Also known as French's Gazetteer, this one-volume work contains information on the geography, geology, institutions and general history of New York State. It also contains a history and description of every county, city, town, village and locality in NYS and includes founding dates, leading institutions, early settlements, prominent citizens, etc.

Selected New York State Town and County Histories

Forty-one county and town histories selected from the State Library's collection have been digitized, including:

Note: Many New York State town and county histories have already been digitized by Familysearch.org in the Books section.

The New York State Museum can trace its beginning back to 1836 with the appointment of staff for the State's first official Geological and Natural History Survey. Since that point, Museum research scientists and staff have conducted "systematic investigations into the geology, biology, anthropology and history of New York" and produced a wealth of publications that detail the results of their work.  Many of these publications can be found in the collection of the New York State Library and some of these publications have been digitized by the NYSL as part of the Library's Digital Initiatives.

Listed below are publication series produced by the New York State Museum that have been have digitized by the New York State Library from volumes in the Library's collection.  As the State Library digitizes other Museum publications, links to the digital copy will be added to this list.

The titles listed below, as well as many other Museum publications, are also available in print copy at the NYSL for use onsite or for loan, depending upon condition. Print copies may also be available for sale from the NYS Museum.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at 518-474-5355 or via email.

Bulletin of the New York State Museum

Bulletin numbers 1-495 have been scanned and are available online.  Each Bulletin in this series has a distinctive title. You can search by the individual title or browse through the list of Museum Bulletins. Note: Some of the Bulletins contain oversized items, such as maps. Some of these oversized items have been scanned and are available online, but others have not yet been scanned.

List of Museum Bulletins with links to the digital documents.

Circular – New York State Museum

Biological Invasions in the Hudson River Basin: An Inventory and Historical Analysis.  By Edward L. Mills.  Circular No. 57 (1997).

Earthquakes in New York State.  By David H. Newland.  Circular No. 14 (1933).

The World of Coelophysis: A New York Dinosaur of 200 Million Years Ago. By Donald W. Fisher.  Circular No. 49 (1981).

Education Leaflet

The Aboriginal Occupation of New York. By Arthur C. Parker. Education Leaflet No. 1 (1948).

Biological Diversity: The Oldest Human Heritage. By Edward O. Wilson. Education Leaflet No. 34 (1999).

Handbook

This series began with Handbook Number 1 in 1927 and ends with Handbook 19 in 1942.  (Handbook 14 was reissued in 1997.) Some of the Handbooks have been digitized and are available online.

List of Museum Handbooks with links to the digital documents.

Memoir of the New York State Museum

Drawing of shells from Museum Memoir 5, Guelph Fauna.

This series began with Memoir 1 in 1889 and was suspended in 1923 with Memoir 16.  The series was renewed in 1968 with Memoir 17Memoir 1 – Memoir 24 and Memoir 26 have been digitized and are available online.

List of Museum Memoirs with links to the digital documents.

Natural History of New York

In 1836, the New York State Legislature passed an act to provide for a geological and natural history survey of New York State. Survey staff were charged "to make an accurate and complete geological survey of this state…and furnish a full and scientific description of its rocks, soils and minerals, and of its botanical and zoological productions."  The information collected was published in six sections: zoology, botany, mineralogy, geology, agriculture and paleontology. The Library digitized a set that includes hand-colored plates.

Agriculture of New York: This five-volume set by Ebenezer Emmons was published between 1846 and 1854. It includes an account of the classification, composition and distribution of the soils and rocks, as well as a view of the agricultural productions of NYS.

Chinquapin oak leaves and acorns, an illustration from A Flora of the State of New-York.

A Flora of the State of New-York: A two-volume set by John Torrey, published in 1843, was the largest single work of its kind published at the time. The color plates are listed after each volume.

Geology of New York: This is a four-part set. Part 1 is the geology of the first geological district by William W. Mather. Part 2 is the survey of the second geological district by Ebenezer Emmons. Part 3 is the survey of the third geological district by Lardner Vanuxem. Part 4 is the survey of the fourth geological district by James Hall.

Mineralogy of New-York: This volume by Lewis C. Beck was published in 1842 and gives detailed descriptions of minerals found in the state with information on their uses in the arts and agriculture.

Palaeontology of New-York: This monumental report on the paleontology of New York State was published by James Hall between 1847 and 1894. The set consists of 13 volumes which are numbered in eight parts. George B. Simpson assisted James Hall with volume 6, and John M. Clarke assisted James Hall with volumes 7 and 8.

Blanding's Box Tortoise, an illustration from Zoology of New-York.

Zoology of New York, or the New York Fauna: A five-volume set published from 1842 – 1844. This pioneering study by James E. De Kay addresses both recent and fossil mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks and crustaceans. The color plates in part 1 (Mammalia), part 2 (Birds) and part 5 (Mollusca and Crustacea) can be found at the end of those volumes. Part 1 also includes an historical introduction by Governor William H. Seward and a "note on penitentiaries" by the Hon. John L. O'Sullivan.

Last Updated: February 9, 2024