Allegations, libels and sentence books

This series contains volumes recording libels, allegations and sentences. Some volumes also include letters, inventories, interrogatories, and after 1808, personal answers. The first two volumes only contain sentences. Some volumes are indexed.

Further research may call for a revision of the covering dates assigned to some volumes. After 1728 the documents are more clearly dated that on previous volumes. The sentences, libels and allegations are in Latin up to 1732, after which they are given in English. The same development occurs for the interrogatories in 1734.

Libels were made by the plaintiff the party instituting the suit to outline the facts giving legal justification for the cause. Their form varies according to the type of charge brought, but they usually include the names of the plaintiff and defendant, and details of the plaintiff's claims.

Allegations were the defendant's counter charge to the libel, usually outlining the facts to be denied, and requesting a term probatory, or a period of time in which to assemble evidence.

The sentence recorded the final outcome of the cause.

The volumes are arranged chronologically.