This volume of land papers from the “Colonial Manuscripts” in the New York State Archives comprises translations of three Dutch record books lettered GG, HH and II. The first series, which originally constituted Dutch record books GG and HH (referred to as HH, Part 2 in E.B. O’Callaghan’s Calendar) contains copies of patents and deeds for property in New Netherland. This series consists predominantly of land patents, through which the director-general and council of New Netherland allowed private individuals to take possession of land in freehold. However, book GG also contains “Indian deeds” which record the purchase of land from Native Americans for the West India Company and several patroons. Records in the series span the years 1630-1649, 1651, 1654-1661, and 1664. The second series, which originally constituted Dutch record book II (referred to as HH, Part 1 in E.B. O’Callaghan’s Calendar) contains deeds recorded by the provincial secretary from September 5, 1652 until October 15, 1653. During this period, the provincial secretary maintained a separate book of deeds, which he labeled “II.” Prior to and following this period, deeds were recorded in the register of the provincial secretary. Most of the deeds record the conveyance of real property on the island of Manhattan between private individuals.

Land Papers: Volumes GG, HH & II translation (published book images)