Mississippi Code Title 7. Executive Department § 7-11-3

The Secretary of State shall have custody of the records of the Surveyor General's Office turned over to this state by the United States, all field notes, plats and maps of surveys of lands belonging to the old office of Swamp Land Commissioner and all other papers, documents and records which were formerly kept in the land office. All such records now in the possession of any other officer shall be delivered to the Secretary of State. In the event the Secretary of State determines that due to age, condition or material that the preservation of records is not within the capabilities of his office to be maintained, the Secretary of State may transfer said documents to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for preservation. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall allow the Secretary of State access to said documents or a copy thereof, so as to enable the Secretary of State to fulfill the responsibilities of State Land Commissioner.