Series 525: Bills. 1800-1816; undated.
Mississippi Territory. Legislature (RG 5).

Series 525: Bills. 1800-1816; undated.
Mississippi Territory. Legislature (RG 5).

      Enrolled and engrossed bills introduced in the Territorial Legislature between the years 1800-1816. The enrolled bills were submitted as first drafts of acts by members of either house. Many enrolled bills show corrections, deletions, and proposed amendments. The engrossed bills, complete with amendments and corrections, were final copies drafted and approved by both houses before being sent to be signed into law by the Governor. The nature of the bills varies greatly, with the bills originating for public and private reasons. Frequently recurring topics include: the militia; tax collection; cotton inspection; regulation of slaves, the slave trade, emancipation, and the movement of free Negroes and mulattoes in the Territory; individual divorces; establishment of towns and counties; construction and maintenance of public roads, bridges, and buildings; duties and payment of various public officials; and crimes and punishments. The items are predominantly handwritten, but included are examples of printed acts.

See Also:
      Series 516: Acts.