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The Red and Black Series
By Sean Darcy
Essay
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Record-keeping Systems: 1844-1872
The record-keeping systems for departmental correspondence recommended by the Bagot Commission were more or less adopted between 1844 and 1872. In this records system, incoming and outgoing correspondence were filed separately. Incoming correspondence was entered sequentially, by number, at the front of the register. The docket was given the same number. Another entry was made in the letter register, which was arranged alphabetically by correspondent and was in turn sub-divided by year. This portion of the register recorded the registration number (file number); the name of the correspondent; date sent; date received; action taken; and the 'subject of letter' -- a synopsis of its contents.
