The Assembly districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards, forming a contiguous area, all within the same county.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 1, 1861; and adjourned on April 16.

On January 16, the Legislature elected Benjamin F. Bruce (R) as Canal Commissioner, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Commissioner-elect Samuel H. Barnes (R).

On February 5, the Legislature elected Ex-Supreme Court Justice Ira Harris (R) to succeed William H. Seward as U.S.

"[1] On February 19, Jay Gibbons (D) asked the Assembly to appoint a Select Committee to investigate allegations that he had "corruptly solicited a consideration for his official action in regard to a bill now pending before this House, to increase the salary of the assistant district attorney of the County of Albany."

"[5] Later on the same day, William H. Ferry (R) was elected president pro tempore of the State Senate "for the balance of the Session.