T EDITOR'S FOREWORD HE editor of these minutes faced a problem quite different from any confronting the editors of the earlier minutes, namely, a mass of material about ten times greater than either of the previous sets had involved. The preparation of printer's copy of about 28,500 manuscript pages was the first step to be undertaken. The manuscript transcribed many years ago and used by Professor Osgood in editing the minutes from 1675 to 1776 was available through Volume 54. An investigation of these transcripts, however, showed the same abundance of copyists' errors that had marked the earlier volumes. The preparation of copy by this method would have been, at best, a slow process. The possible use of the photostat in the interest of speed and accuracy was therefore taken up with several printing firms, who agreed that the photoprints could be used if doubtful words or phrases were elucidated in the margin. Through the courtesy of the Comptroller a photostat machine in the Bureau of Contract Supervision was made available for the work, whereby the necessity of taking the valuable record books from the Municipal Building was removed. As the work has advanced the wisdom of the decision in favor of the photostat process has never been questioned. A staff of assistants to aid the editor in reading and preparing the photoprints for the printer and in reading proof was necessary to hasten the work. Civil service lists were not available for work of such an exceptional character, but through the coöperation of the Municipal Civil Service Commission and many friends of the work, Professor Edgar Dawson of the Honorary Committee in particular, a staff of twenty-four assistants, most of them Hunter College students specializing in history, was secured. Their aid has become increasingly valuable as the work has progressed. The editor has used the eight-volume work of Professor Osgood as a model and has followed closely the editorial practices therein employed. Wherever in the manuscript the intention of the clerk is obvious but his execution faulty, a letter or word has been inserted in brackets to indicate an omission; likewise italicized letters or words indicate redundance. Wherever the meaning of the clerk is not clear, no interpretation is attempted, the editor being convinced that over-editing is to be avoided in a work of this character. In many places throughout the manuscript volumes marginal notes appear. In the majority of cases these were inserted by a later clerk. Some appear to have little value: others offer helpful explanations or suggestions. It has been the policy of the editor to retain them all, carrying them as foot notes. Figures within brackets are the numbers of the pages of the manuscript volume and are placed before the first word of the page so numbered. On the Publication Committee the Mayor included men of long acquaintance with old records. To these men the city owes much for the time and effort they have given so generously to the furtherance of this important work. The editor has gone to them frequently for advice; their counsel has been invaluable and their words of encouragement have been appreciated. Through the efforts of Dr. C. C. Williamson, Municipal Reference Librarian, and Secretary of the Mayor's Committees, the editor has carried on his work in the sympathetic atmosphere of the Municipal Reference Library. Dr. Williamson's zeal in promoting the publication of these records has continued unremittingly with every step in the progress of the work and has been sufficient to overcome every obstacle. To him the editor is most grateful for assistance and counsel. The editor's wife, Maude Gridley Peterson, has allowed her botanical studies to be set aside temporarily in the interests of the editor and the city. Accuracy bred of scientific research has availed in another field and has been unspeakably valuable. The editor also wishes to acknowledge the unfailing courtesy of City Clerk P. J. Scully and City Librarian Philip Baer. A. EVERETT PETERSON MANUSCRIPT MINUTES SUMMARIZED The Common Council Minutes from 1675 to 1776 are comprised in *The numbers given in this column represent the last folio of the volume The City of New York was occupied by a British military force from Governor George Clinton appointed James Duane Mayor on February 5 * Erroneously numbered 396 in original. |