| Arrangement | The original papers [incoming: O1-99] were copied into the mission books, so that a legible copy was available for the use of the committee. From 12 October 1861 the papers are numbered, the numbers in the mission book corresponding with the number, usually in red ink, on the letters. For 1861 and 1862 the system is not fully in use, but from 1868 onwards the papers are entered in the books in numerical order.
The mission books to December 1874 consist of gatherings bound into volumes. The copying clerks wrote gathering by gathering, so that the handwriting and individual items may be split between gatherings.
The letters and journals from 1845 to June 1848 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. |