Rentkammer Workflow and Terminology

This is the typical Rentkammer workflow.

1. Main kinds of numbers

N. or Num: Cam:

The Kammer file number for the case.

Num: Pr: or N: pr.

The entry number assigned when that specific document was entered in the Kammer’s register of received or sent documents.

ad N: C. …​ anni …​

A cross-reference to another Kammer file. It means that the present document is to be associated with, compared with, or filed in relation to that earlier or related case.

2. Documents that received Num: Pr:

These were documents that physically arrived at the Kammer or were officially sent out from it.

Typical examples:

  • petitions from settlers

  • reports from the Amt Bückeburg

  • reports from officials, such as Oberförster Falckmann

  • official instructions sent from the Kammer to an Amt

These were entered in the Kammer’s register of documents, so they received a Pr: number.

3. Documents that do not have Num: Pr:

These are usually working papers inside the Kammer.

Examples:

  • Concept — the draft of a letter or decision

  • calculations of money owed

  • internal notes or summaries

  • copies placed in the file

These were never sent or received as separate documents, so they were not entered in the register and therefore have no Pr: number.

4. Meaning of the ad …​ notations

These are not the main file number of the present document. They are cross-references.

For example:

ad N: C. 62. anni 1817

Under Kammer no. 62 of the year 1817.

ad N: C. 168 & 101 anni 1818

Under Kammer nos. 168 and 101 of the year 1818.

These notes mean that the present paper is connected with those other Kammer files. They were usually added as filing or routing notes, often in a smaller or different hand.

5. How a typical case moved

Very simplified:

  1. Petition arrives → entered in register → gets Pr: number

  2. Kammer prepares a Concept (draft reply) → not registered

  3. Kammer sends an official instruction (Rescript) to the Amt → registered → Pr:

  4. Amt sends back a report (Bericht) → registered → Pr:

  5. Internal calculations or notes → not registered

  6. Clerks add cross-references such as ad N: C. …​ to connect the paper with related Kammer files

6. Meaning of the main terms

Concept

Draft of a letter or decision.

Rescript

The official written decision or instruction sent by the Kammer.

Bericht

A report sent back by an Amt or official.

So the main distinction is this:

  • N. / Num: Cam: = the Kammer file number of the present case

  • Num: Pr: = the register-entry number of the present document

  • ad N: C. …​ = references to other related Kammer files

Terminology Clarification

These terms often appear the case file documents. They can be false friends whose actual meaning differs from their apparent meaning. This table clarifies their actual meaning.

Term Misleadingly Looks like Actual meaning in the file

Concept (Conc.)

idea

office copy kept in the file

Rescript

something written

formal order from a superior authority

Protocol / Protocollo

procedure rules

the official written record or register

Ausweisung

expulsion / identification

allotment of land

Exp. / Ex. (Expedite)

issued / dispatched