Guide to the Constitutional Convention of the State of New York Copybook, 1801 DAR.1937.31
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- Constitutional Convention of the State of New York Copybook
- Creator
- Thorpe, Francis Newton
- Collection Number
- DAR.1937.31
- Extent
- 0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1801
- Abstract
- This volume is a complete hand-copied version of the original proceeding of the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1801. The copybook was created by Francis Newton Thorpe, a historian of early American government, on July 25, 1888.
- Language
- English .
- Publisher
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Address
- University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
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History
The New York State Constitutional Convention began on October 13, 1801 in Albany, New York. At the core of the convention was discussion about the Council of Appointment, a body comprised of the governor and four senators who had the power to appointment all state, county, and municipal officials. The debate focused on the issue that both the governor and the senators of the Council claimed the right to nominate appointees. Traditionally, the governor would make appointments while the Council would approve them. However, despite the fact that the powers of the Council were intended only for voting on the governor's appointees, they too began to appoint candidates. The Constitutional Convention of 1801 settled the matter. It was decided that the number of state senators was to be fixed at 32, and the assembly would be given 100 members with the possibility of adding 50 more in the future. The right of nomination was also given to each member of the Council of Appointment in addition to the governor.
Scope and Content Notes
This volume is a handwritten copy executed by Francis Newton Thorpe, a historian of early American government, of the proceedings of the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1801. The copybook is dated July 25, 1888, and although the text comprises 58 pages, it is a direct copy of the original 42 page journal. The original journal was printed by John Barber, the printer to the Convention, in 1801.
The volume relates the discrepancy between the nominating powers of the governor and the Council of Appointment. Aaron Burr, DeWitt Clinton, James Clinton, Smith Thompson, Ezra L'Hommedieu, Daniel J. Tompkins, Vernon Henry, and William P. Van Ness were delegates in attendance. The copybook is in good condition, but much of Thorpe's handwriting is difficult to read.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.
Custodial History
This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University's Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.
Preferred Citation
Constitutional Convention of the State of New York Copybook, 1801, DAR.1937.31, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Previous Citation
Constitutional Convention of the State of New York Copybook, 1801, DAR.1937.31, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Matt Gorzalski in May 2008.
Copyright
No copyright restrictions.
Bibliography
- Jenkins, John Stilwell. History of Political Parties in the State of New-York. (Alden and Markham, Auburn NY, 1846.)
- The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York, The Convention of 1801.
Subjects
- New York (State). Constitutional Convention (1801)
- Burr, Aaron
- Clinton, DeWitt
- Clinton, James
- Henry, Vernon
- L'Hommedieu, Ezra
- Thompson, Smith
- Thorpe, Francis Newton
- Tompkins, Daniel J.
- Van Ness, William Peter
- New York (State) -- History -- 1775-1865
- New York (State) -- Politics and government -- 1775-1865
- Albany (N.Y.)
- Proceedings
- Politicians
- Delegates
- Constitutional conventions -- New York (State)