A question about nobility confirmation records

[os2hugh]

Dear Genealodzy friends,

Does anyone here know what the process was for Polish nobility to be confirmed by the Imperial Russian government after the partition of 1795. What potential documents could be left around in the archives in Vilnius? (The area my noble ancestors came from) In the case of some of my noble families (Dowiat, Szymkiewicz, and Frackiewicz) they have numerous clans that those surnames are listed under. My question is how do I find out which (herb) or clan my ancestors belonged to.

Thank you for those who can help.

Sincerely,

Hugh