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Images of cash books, daybooks, ledgers, journals, receipt book, vouchers, payroll requisitions, and related types of records kept by the Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia. more Information provided varies with type of record but generally documents revenue received and expenditures made by the Wardens in the course of carrying out their duties. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of lists of attorneys granted permission to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In order to practice at this level, attorneys were required to more have a sponsor. Information given includes names of attorney and sponsor, and date of admission. From 1903 on, either the county of residence or the place of admission of the attorney are also noted. At the end of the first volume (1742-1902) is a "List of attorneys of the Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania admitted at various times previous to the Revolution," which is noted as having been copied from "Sheriff's Deed Book B," and which shows the names of the attorneys, and their dates of admission. For related records, see link below. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of a record of appellate cases in the Supreme Court, Western District. Cases deal with issues under the Court's mandatory and discretionary jurisdiction. Cases falling more within the Court's mandatory jurisdiction dealt with capital punishment, questions of constitutionality, finance and revenue, elections, and others. Cases falling within the Court's discretionary jurisdiction included cases where two intermediate courts had opposing decisions or cases that posed open questions of law, among others. Entries for each case list: the plaintiff (appellant) and defendant (appellee); the names of the attorneys appearing for the parties; the county and the lower courts from which the appellate cases arose; a chronological listing of the documents filed and proceedings held in the case; and the Court's subsequent decision or orders. Justices delivering the opinions are often noted, and from 1795 to 1836, the name of the prothonotary recording the case is entered. During the period 1894-1919, many of the dockets contain statistical summaries concerning the number and types of cases processed, and from 1930 to 1965, penciled notations are found that refer to the published cases and opinions of the Supreme Court in the Pennsylvania State Reports. A reference number that indicates when the case was recorded as having been argued in the Court Minute Books appears from 1935 onwards. Docket sheets dating after 2000 were printed from an electronic database and may contain a report date postdating the docket date. Dockets postdating 2000 may also be found online through the Administrative Offices of the Pennsylvania Courts' website. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of dockets of appeals petitioned to the Supreme Court, Eastern District. Information given for each case includes the dates of returnable papers; arguments and opinions; more the decision rendered; the names of the plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and their respective attorneys; and the corresponding case number. For eighteenth and nineteenth century dockets, the date that an original writ was issued by the Supreme Court, and whether it was a summons, capias or writ of error, is also noted. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of appointments and commissions issued for civil officers. Information given is name of appointee, name of Governor or commission making the appointment, the position to more which appointed, date of appointment, and the term of the appointment. Microfilm covers the period through 1944. For names of applicants who applied for positions for the period 1775-1790 see "Guide to the Microfilm of the Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments, 1775-1790," by Roland M. Baumann. Related records will be found in the following series in Record Group 27, Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments: Appointment Book, 1777-1790 series 27.19; Appointments File, Military, 1775-1790 series 27.20; and Appointments File, Political, 1775-1790 series 27.21. For more related and duplicate records, see also, Commission Books, 1775-1842 series 26.46. See internal links below. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of gubernatorial appointments and commissions. Information usually provided is name of appointee, name of Governor or Commission making the appointment, the title of the position more to which applicant was appointed, the date of appointment, term of the appointment, Gubernatorial certificate signed by the Governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth, and Senate confirmation letter. Correspondence was generally sent on behalf of applicants and may sometimes provide more detailed information about an applicant. The microfilm covers the period through 1808. For names of applicants who applied for positions during the period 1775-1790 see "Guide to the Microfilm of the Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments, 1775-1790," by Roland M. Bauman. Related records are in the following series of Records Group 27, Records of Pennsylvania's Revolutionary Governments: Appointment Book, 1777-1790 series 27.19; Appointments File, Military, 1775-1790 series 27.20; and Appointments File, Political, 1775-1790 series 27.21. Also see, MG-001, Appointments and Commissions Collection. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of the earliest surviving records of the Commonwealth including William Penn's charter from King Charles II, the earliest frames of government for the province, the more deeds by which Pennsylvania lands were purchased from the American Indian tribes, copies of all of the state constitutions and Pennsylvania's copy of the federal constitution. less

Images of various documents filed with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, including petitions, transcripts, maps of streets and land tracts, copies of opinions, affidavits, wills, charges more of the court, and the Orphan's Court Rules for Northampton County in 1842. Of interest may be a writ of error from the United States Supreme Court authorized by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney in the 1860 case of The Pennsylvania Railroad Company v. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and papers concerning the case of Charles Fatman v. Armstrong County, Pennsylvania (1862). Also included is a series previously titled Reports, 1814-1885, which contains reports of Auditors, Examiners and Masters. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of primarily petitions for clemency addressed to the President of the Supreme Executive Council, the Governor, or the Board of Pardons and pardon proclamations issued more by the Governor, but also remissions of forfeitures, extracts of pardons and remissions, copies of death warrants, court transcripts, newspaper notices, and related trial records. Information found varies with each dossier and time period. While for some cases only the name of the person seeking clemency, a description of the nature of the offense, and the sentence or fine imposed is provided, others may give the persons occupation and particulars about his or her personal life and family. Information given in the pardon proclamations is the name of the person pardoned, the name of the court where convicted, a description of the crime, the name of the presiding judge, sentence imposed, name of the institution where incarcerated, the grounds upon which a pardon was sought, the names of those who supported the petition, and the date the pardon was granted. In a few instances, photographs of the prisoners are also present. Disclaimer: The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research. less

This collection contains unarranged, miscellaneous receipts and expenditure records generated by the committee while in session. Information generally provided is date of receipt or expenditure, amount more of expenditure, and reason for expenditure. less

This collection contains minute books, arranged chronologically by date of entry, containing a record of the daily activities of the committee, including a record of expenditures. more The first volume begins May 10, 1837 and ends February 21, 1838, while the second volume begins May 11, 1837 and ends January 25, 1838. Information provided is date of entry, names of those present, and description of the business transacted. less

This collection contains records beginning May 23, 1837 and ending February 22, 1838 similar in content to the Committee Minute Books (RG/005/C/4). It includes various notes, more resolutions, drafts, receipts, expenditure lists, and other documents from various members of the committee during the convention. less

Images of dockets that list subsequent actions taken and papers filed in a case after the initial entry in another docket. Information given includes names of more plaintiff and defendant; original court term; and nature of the actions. Disclaimer: Not all records in this series are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research. less

Images of certified returns for election of candidates to federal, state, and local offices. Information given is date of election, name of each candidate, the total more number of votes each polled, office to which elected, and signatures of county officers who certified the results. less

Images of death warrants signed by the Governor. Information given is condemned prisoners name, nature of the crime, location of trial, and execution date. In most more cases the name of the official charged with carrying out the sentence is also recorded, and occasionally clemency petitions and trial transcripts are found. Also present are lists of the names of convicted persons and correspondence acknowledging receipt of death warrants. Disclaimer: The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research. less

Images of dockets containing oaths, sworn before the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, affirming an alien's intention to become a more naturalized citizen, and renouncing all allegiance to any foreign government. Data provided by the Declarations of Intention in the bulk of the series, September 24, 1832-September 24, 1906, includes name, native country, age, former monarch and signature of the alien; date of appearance; whether the alien resided in the county or city of Philadelphia; and the signature of the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court. The entries appear as standardized printed forms, with blanks into which the information was handwritten. The first volume, July 18, 1819-August 11, 1832, differs from the others, both in types of entries as well as types of information presented. It is only here that separate oaths of Allegiance appear, mixed in amongst the Declarations. In this volume, a Declaration of Intention consisted of swearing one's intent to merely settle and reside in Pennsylvania while still owing allegiance to one's former monarch. It was the separate Oath of Allegiance that actually renounced all foreign allegiances and conveyed the intent to seek United States citizenship. Sometimes both a Declaration and an Oath appear, one after the other, for the same person. In other instances, only one or the other appears. In these latter cases, it would seem that the aliens either filed the missing statement with a different court, or perhaps never followed through with the whole procedure. Data provided by the Declarations of Intention in volume 1 includes name of alien, country of birth, age, monarch to which his allegiance was owed, date of immigration, at which port arrived, city or county of residence, intended place of settlement, and signature of the Prothonotary. Names and birthplaces of immigrating family members may also be shown. Data provided by the Oaths of Allegiance about persons declaring their intention to seek citizenship includes only name, native county and signature of alien; name and country of former monarch now being renounced; and names of the Superior Court or Nisi Prius Justice and Prothonotary before whom the person appeared. less

Images of a record of cases brought before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in the Middle District. Information provided about each case may include names of more parties; a brief description of the case; an explanation regarding its origin; by what means it reached the Supreme Court (by writ of error, certiorari or appeal); where the case was filed; and amounts of court costs incurred. After 1810, the final decision of the court is also noted. The dockets also contain entries giving the location of the court for various sessions, and the names of the justices who presided; as well as notations of adjournment motions, rules adopted concerning payment made to the Court, and other court actions. less

Images of a record of equity in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Docket entries were generally begun one or two terms before the case was actually more brought before the court. Entries provide such information as names of defendant, plaintiff, attorneys and witnesses involved and a listing of dates and types of documents filed or rules and judgments rendered. Some of these cases are indexed in RG/033/A/42- Ejectment Index, 1857-1874. less

On September 29, 1787 "An Act to Declare and Regulate Escheats" became law. According to it, the law established a process by which the Commonwealth would more incorporate the real and personal property of persons who died intestate or without heirs. For the execution of this, the Supreme Council commissioned an Escheator-General; specifically John Nicholson (also Comptroller-General), Clement Biddle, and William Irwin. A deputy was appointed for each county. Deputies mentioned include Thomas Sergeant (Bucks), Isaac Darlington (Chester), Robert Porter (Montgomery) and Collinson Reed (Berks). These officers held an inquisition and rendered a decision concerning the escheated property. Inquisitors were warranted by the county sheriff and testimony of witnesses was taken. If the escheators court found no claim or will the property was turned over to the state. Otherwise, claimants were to appear at the next session of the Supreme Court. This process was changed by act of Assembly on April 2, 1821 when the auditor general assumed duties of the escheator general and the Courts of Common Pleas replaced the Supreme Court. Images of documents included in this series are: Inquisition Returns, Warrants, Claims on Estates, Testimony, Jury Lists, Estate Inventories, and Certificates of Marriage. Also within this series are commissions for the deputy escheators and for the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth from the governor. For further information see records of the Department of the Auditor General and records from the Office of the Comptroller General. less

Images of records of Supreme Court cases in which the execution of the Court's judgment was carried out to enforce payment of debts. Information provided by more the dockets includes names of plaintiff, defendant, and their attorneys; suit and court costs; and the nature of the judgment and of the action of the court to recover costs. less

Images of executive correspondence of the governors of Pennsylvania maintained by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Subject matter is wide ranging and covers all aspects of more official gubernatorial activity. In addition to the loose documents, the correspondence covering 1861-1866 includes the Curtin Letterbooks, two volumes of gubernatorial correspondence, both incoming and outgoing, focusing on military matters. Correspondents include Simon Cameron, Edwin Stanton, and Abraham Lincoln. An unpublished descriptive inventory and index for the Curtin Letterbooks are available in the Pennsylvania State Archives Search Room. Disclaimer: The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research. less

Images of records of criminal cases heard and adjudged in Allegheny, Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, more Northumberland, Philadelphia, Washington, Westmoreland, and York Counties. Information provided includes dates of sessions; names of defendant, witnesses, judges, sheriff, grand jurors and petite jurors involved; nature of crime committed (ranging from misdemeanors to high treason, and including crimes related to Blacks); the verdict; and the sentence. The prosecution may have been either the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or the United States ("Republica"). less

This docket contains images of two separate sections, one being a record of rules, resolves and orders of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the other, more a record of divorce cases brought before that court. The section entitled "General Motions" (1750-1837) documents the administrative workings of the Supreme Court by listing decisions made concerning general procedures, as well as specific cases. Topics include dealing with writs of habeas corpus and certiorari; pleas by general issue; new trials in arrest of judgment; admission of attorneys; the exchange of pleas and responses; filing times for affidavits; acts of assembly pertaining to the court; the setting or court dates for the Supreme, Circuit and Nisi Prius Courts; and the deaths and appointments of Chief Justices, Associate Justices, Prothonotaries, Criers, Commissioners of Bail and Tipstaffs. Of particular interest is a libel case brought against Eleazer Oswald, publisher of "The Independent Gazetteer or the Chronicle of Freedom" (1782). The "Divorce Docket" (1800-1805) contains copies of original petitions for divorce, as well as of the Court's judgments. Information provided includes names of husband and wife; reason for filing the divorce petition (abandonment, adultery, cruelty, previous unended marriage, etc.); names of referees; and the nature of the final judgment. less

Images of a partial, external index to the 11 volume series RG/033/A/35- Declaration of Intention Dockets, 1819-1870, 1873-1875, 1881-1906. Volumes 2-10, and part of 11/12 of more that series are indexed by this book (volume 1 has an internal index of its own, while the entries in volume 11/12 after December 2, 1901 appear to be unindexed). Information provided for each name includes volume and page number references to where the individual's Declaration can be found. less

Images of an index to RG-033-A-75 - Naturalization Papers, 1794-1819, 1821-1868, filed with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in the Eastern District. Information provided by entries more in Volume 1 of the index (1794-1824) includes name of alien, date of admission as a citizen, and occasionally the filing date of the declaration of intention. Volume 2 (1842-1868) shows names of aliens and numbers of their petitions for naturalization, although all of these petitions were not necessarily accepted. less

Images of records relating to the construction of bridges, canals, river improvements, roads and turnpikes, public buildings and their grounds. Records cover the following date spans more for each category, bridge companies, 1790-1902, canal and navigation companies, 1792-1873, river improvement papers, 1790-1871, public buildings and grounds, 1790-1897, and road and turnpike records, 1790-1902. Among the earliest records is A General Statement of the Contracts for Opening and Improving Roads and Clearing River, 1797 and appropriation records for internal improvements funded by the Commonwealth, 1790-1814. Buildings documented by the records include Congress Hall (1790-1801), the Presidents House (1791-1802), and the State House (1790-1816). The microfilm covers the period through 1816. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of twelve volumes of indices containing the following information for each judgment: case title, court term when judgment was rendered, page number, and sometimes additional more information on the settlement. less

Images of bound and published records of the daily proceedings of the General Assembly under the title "The Legislative Record" that were published by the authority more of the legislature. These volumes were originally kept by the State Library and provide a detailed daily record of the business conducted in the House and Senate including motions made, bills and resolutions introduced, roll calls of votes taken, speeches delivered, and record of bills passed or sent to committees. Disclaimer: Not all records in this series are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of letter books and rough copies of executive correspondence sent either by the Governor or his Secretary. Information given is date of correspondence, name of more person to whom addressed, and the body of the text of the letter. less

Images of letter books of correspondence exchanged by Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia with a variety of correspondents including most prominently the Governors or members more of their staff. Information provided is date of correspondence, names of correspondents, and transcripts of the letters. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

A record of soldiers attached to the 1st Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Mexican War. Information appearing includes the soldiers names, commanders, companies, regiments, dates mustered in, more and dates discharged. Remarks regarding transfers, desertions, disabilities, and deaths are regularly recorded. Also found is a list of certificates payable to veterans or their families that provide names, ranks, companies, the amounts of the certificates and to whom the certificates were payable. Images are arranged alphabetically by surname of the soldier. This collection is part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs which is responsible for administering the Pennsylvania National Guard, and administers various programs of assistance to veterans. less

Born in 1840 in Salisbury, Somerset County, photographer, author and Civil War veteran William Henry Welfley would earn a reputation as "the county's historian." Serving 19 more terms as burgess of Somerset, the county seat, he carried on in this position even after growing deaf. As noted in his Meyersdale Republican newspaper obituary, the scrapbooks Welfley kept over the years were believed to be the most valuable volumes in his extensive library. Upon leaving his uptown Somerset apartment for the final time, he was said to have looked upon these books and quietly remarked, "Farewell old friends; I may never see you again." On the initial page of the first scrapbook contained within this collection, Welfley notes in January of 1895: "The writer of these lines in preserving the cuttings has been impressed with the belief that in years yet to come many of these cuttings will have a value of their own, and that there will be those who may be much pleased that they have been preserved." William H. Welfley passed away in 1920, just16 days shy of his 80th birthday. Holding ten of the notable historian's obituary scrapbooks within its Pennsylvania Room collections, the Meyersdale Public Library has digitized these scrapbooks in the hope today's historians will indeed be much pleased they have not only been preserved, but shared with as many researchers as possible. less

Images of the Index to Military Commission Books, 1800-1944 (series 26.65) for the period through 1861. The index gives the names of officers commissioned in both more voluntary and compulsory militia organizations for the period 1800-1849 and for officers commissioned under voluntary service only for the period 1849-1864. Information provided is name and rank of commissioned officer and the volume and page number in the militia books where the entry will be found. This collection is part of the Pennsylvania Department of State which was created in 1776. less

Images of military commissions issued for officers. Information given is name, county of residence, rank, date of taking rank, military unit, regiment, company, and date of more commission. Notations also reveal information concerning discharges, transfers, and deaths during service. This collection is part of the Pennsylvania Department of State which was created in 1776. less

Images of minutes of cases heard by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in the Lancaster District. Information provided includes names of plaintiff, defendant, attorneys and jurors more involved; date of court session; and an account of the proceedings. less

Images of record books containing minutes of the meetings of the Wardens of the Port of Philadelphia. Information provided is date and place of meeting, names more of those present, and a description of the business transacted. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of minutes of cases heard by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the Court of Nisi Prius in the Eastern District. Information provided includes: justices more present or absent; date of session with respective times of convention, recess, and adjournment; and details of cases submitted, cases discontinued, quashed appeals, judgments on non-pros entered; cases remanded to a lower court; judgments and opinions filed, cases argued, and cases continued from previous sessions. Details provided for each case include: names of the plaintiff(s), defendant(s), representing attorneys and jurors; charges and/or complaints against the defendant; justices who did not participate in the case; whether a dissenting or concurring opinion filed; party responsible for costs associated with the appeal; and whether the appeal was affirmed or reversed. Some entries are marked as to whether or not the case continues, or as to whether it was heard in the Supreme Court, or in Nisi Prius. Other items of interest, such as induction ceremonies, memorial services, admissions to the bar, and portrait presentations, are also noted. Minutes dating from 1952-1981 are from the Supreme Court, Eastern District only. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of minutes of cases heard by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in the Middle District. Information provided includes names of plaintiff, defendant, attorneys and jurors more involved; date of court session; and an account of the proceedings. less

Images of a record of persons petitioning the Supreme Court for naturalization. Although the declarations of intent date from as early as September 12, 1812, to more as late as November 2, 1867, and the dates of naturalization cover the period September 12, 1818, to November 27, 1856 and the majority of the listings are from 1830 to 1855. Entries list the name and nationality of the petitioner; the name of the voucher; the date of declaration; and the date naturalized. less

Images of two types of documents are contained in the file: petitions of naturalization and declarations of intention. The naturalization petitions generally contain the name, country more or city of origin, previous sovereign, and length of residence in the United States of the alien; the names of any vouchers; and the date and place where the person's declaration of intention was filed. As a rule, those declarations of intention that were submitted in Allegheny County give only the immigrant's name and country of origin, the name of the sovereign who was being renounced, and the date and place where the declaration was being made. Declarations made in other western counties, however, sometimes also record the birth date and birthplace of the petitioner. While most of the documents date from 1840-1856, there are a few petitions from 1831, 1862 and 1867. less

Images of pardons granted to persons convicted of crimes. Information generally provided is a brief case history, date of pardon, and the amount and date of more remission of any fine. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of records of indentures of apprenticeship to river pilots. Information provided is date of indenture, name of apprentice, name of pilot, term of indenture in more years and months, and conditions of the indenture agreement. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of record books of ships piloted. Information provided is date of entry, name of vessel, name of commander, name of pilot, from whence sailed, and more the number of persons on board. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Manifests of various ships which delivered goods to the port of Philadelphia. Entries include the names of the exporters, the importers, the quantity of goods shipped, more and their value. Images are unarranged. This collection is part of the Office of the Comptroller General which was created in 1782. less

A recognizance is an obligation of record, which a party enters into before some court of record or magistrate, with a condition to perform some particular more act. Failing to do so, the party (recognizor) is obliged to pay a specific sum to the court or to the other party involved in the case. The object of a recognizance is generally to secure the presence of a defendant to perform or suffer the judgment of the court. Images of recognizance papers filed include writs of error, writs returned to the court, writs for appearance, writs sur certiorari, writs for peace and good behavior, and writs for bail. Information provided includes name of plaintiff, name and residence of defendant, amount of recognizance, and duties required. Other documents are also found, such as distringas to nisi prius, exceptions to bail, orders of the court, and bonds. Of interest may be the final folder, which documents a United States Circuit Court (Third District) case, as well as one from within the Commonwealth involving a conspiracy charge. less

Information provided is name of pilot, place of residence, date bonded, and the name, occupation and place of residence of the person who stood as security more on behalf of the pilot. Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Registers of vessels arriving and clearing the port of Philadelphia. Information provided is date of arrival or clearance, name of vessel, from whence or to where more bound, name of owner or consignor, name of pilot on the inward leg, name of pilot on the outward leg, draught of water and signature of the captain. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Register of letters and petitions received by Senate committees. Information provided is date petition or correspondence was received, committee to which referred, and a brief description more of the subject of the petition or correspondence. Images are grouped by committee and arranged thereunder chronologically by date of entry. Indexed internally, alphabetically by subject. This collection is part of the General Assembly which holds the legislative power in Pennsylvania. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. less

Images of transcriptions of land property conveyances, originally taken in execution upon an estate or in a suit by virtue of a writ of fieri facias more and sold at public auction by writ of venditioni expinas. Information provided includes names of plaintiff, defendant, grantee, and the Sheriff involved; date of deed poll; property location, size, boundaries and names of neighbors; and date grant was received. less

General accounts of Deputy Quartermaster Frederick Foering and paymaster accounts of various companies, brigades, and regiments. Also present are documents relating to the paying of, or more exoneration from, fines by members of the Pennsylvania Militia and a copy of a General Order of 12 May 1812 providing for the recruiting of a militia. In most cases the materials are dated and give only the militiaman's name and military unit, though in some cases the county and township of residence and the names of commanding officers also appear. Images are arranged by military unit. This collection is part of the Office of the Auditor General which audits the fiscal affairs for the Commonwealth. less

General accounts and orders, receipts, pay vouchers, muster rolls, and payrolls for Pennsylvania militia on active duty during the War of 1812. Included are payrolls for more the defense of Erie, records of courts martial, and the property settlement under the Act of 29 March 1824. Although most documents provide only the names, ranks, and regiments of soldiers, in those instances where muster rolls are found information such as dates of enlistment, discharge, promotion, or death also appears. Images are grouped according to military detachment and arranged thereunder by military unit. An index of final settlements accompanies the file. This collection is part of the Office of the Auditor General which audits the fiscal affairs for the Commonwealth. less

A warrant of attorney is more specific than a letter or power of attorney, in that it is addressed to one or more attorneys authorizing them more to appear in any court or in some specified court on behalf of a client to confess judgment in an action of debt, and contains a stipulation not to bring any writ of error or file a bill in equity. The defendant confessing judgment may also enter this warrant without an attorney by filing it with the Prothonotary. The Warrant of Attorney Dockets contain images of records of those cases in which such a warrant was entered and judgment confessed. Information provided includes names of plaintiff, defendant, and warranted attorney(s); amount of debt; notations of other papers filed; and date of confession of judgment. Some dockets contain actual warrants. less

The petitions were originally made to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, requesting that he issue a writ of habeas corpus which would then allow more the petitioner to appear before the court to inquire into the legality of his confinement. Information provided by the petitions and their accompanying writs includes names of petitioner (detainee), reason for detention (including robbery, desertion, going AWOL, and not re-enlisting after being paid to do so), filing date, and action taken by the court. Other documents filed include manumissions, paper books, memoranda, processes, enlistment papers, and witness lists. Individuals named may include those in charge of jails and workhouses, military commanders of the Revolution, and a Vice Council of France. Most of the cases represented relate either to military affairs or slave holdings. Of special interest are documents from the state of Rhode Island. A related series (RG-033-A-119) Writs of Habeas Corpus for Black Slaves and Indentured Servants, 1784-1787. Many of the writs provide such information as name of slave, place of residence, name of master, type of crime, and sometimes particulars concerning the slave's familial relationships, occupation, and purchase. Disclaimer: Not all records in this collection are digitized. Please visit the PA State Archives to see the rest of the collection. The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research. less