As prescribed by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the executive officer of a territory was a Governor appointed by the President of the United States. With the three territorial judges, the Governor also served as the legislative branch or Council of Revision until a General Assembly was elected in 1812. The Secretary of the Territory, who was also appointed by the President held the recordkeeping responsibilities for the Territory. This included the recording of all legislative acts, executive business and correspondence with other territories. Since the Secretary became acting Governor when the the Governor left the Territory, it was also nesecary to record these absences as well as maintain lists of local officials. From the time Illinois was separated from the Indiana Territory in 1809 until it was admitted to statehood in 1818, the records generated by the Governor and Secretary were preserved by the Secretary of the Territory as public documents.
From the description of Executive register, 1809-1818. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 35641295
