Top-numbering

Research Guide to top-numbering at Queensland State Archives.

Many government agencies used an annual single number system to record and arrange their incoming correspondence. Each incoming letter was assigned the next available running number from the register of general correspondence, and the number was written on the front page of the letter. Generally, the number consisted of the last two digits of the year, and the next number. If a subsequent letter about the same matter was received, this letter was similarly numbered and before it was filed the previous correspondence was placed under the top-numbered letter.