| Arrangement | The original papers [incoming: O1-235] were copied into the mission books, so that a legible copy was available for the use of the committee. From 1820 to May 1824 and again from May 1825 to April 1843 the papers are numbered in the order in which they arrived at headquarters, each year numbering from May to April [being the committee year]. The papers are not necessarily entered in the books in strict numerical order, but are usually dealt with batch by batch [the ships arriving once every three months or so]. The numbers in the books correspond with the numbers, usually in red ink, on the letters. The system from 1838 to 1843 is in particularly bad disarray. The numbering system begins again 10 September 1861 [with number 65] and continues until 1880. From 1868 to 1880 the papers are entered in strict numerical order.
The mission books to December 1874 consist of gatherings bound into volumes. The copying clerks wrote gathering by gathering, so the that the handwriting and the individual items are split between gathering and even [M 13-14] between volumes.
The letters and journals from 1820 to those received May 1849 are copied out in full, while a note of receipt is made for the financial papers [as distinct from finance letters] and printed papers. From 1849 onwards the letters only are so copied. Annual letters from those for 1871-1872 onwards, are copied out in [or (if printed) pasted or sewn into] the backs of the volumes. These letters are a yearly account by missionaries of their activities and cover a period from August to July. |